jindiola, Author at Better Innovations

Surprising Pollutants in Your House

May 26, 2013 By jindiola

Surprising Pollutants in Your House

The Environmental Protection Agency’s sole mission is to help protect community members from suffering from outdoor pollution such as smog, ozone and other chemicals in the air. So whose responsibility is it to take care of the pollution that happens inside? Well, you are. And if you think that’s not a big deal. Think again. Indoor pollutants can actually have a much more negative impact. And while there are some indoor pollutants that are obvious such as secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon, there more dangerous, hidden and surprising pollutants in your house. And since the average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors, you might want to be a little more concerned about the air that you’re breathing a majority of the time.

Paint

Most homeowners buy a house and then immediately paint it. Of course, lead paint has been banned now in the U.S., but regular paint is also dangerous. New paints release volatile organic compounds that have a range of negative health effects on those who breathe it in. If you want to avoid the effects of paint, make sure you ventilate your home well with fans and cracked windows. Air purifiers can also help to remove noxious fumes from the home.

Carpet

While it may seem like a way to keep dirt from flying around, carpets are actually a huge culprit when it comes to harboring pollutants that irritate your lungs, allergies, and asthma. Carpet is the perfect host for dirt, dust mites, dirt, fungus, and peed dander. Not only that, but cheaper carpets that were made with chemicals such as formaldehyde may “off gas” filling the room with fumes that can irritate the sinuses, throat and could cause lung damage and cancer, according to the EPA’s recent study. In fact, carpets can be so noxious that the American Lung Association suggests going cold turkey when it comes to carpets. If you have kids and can’t imagine a play field without carpets, they do make some carpets with nontoxic materials, but even those carpets still foster dirt, dander, and dust.

Cleaning products

It may seem unintuitive. Cleaning products help to remove allergens from your home, but actually, some home cleaners are releasing polluting compounds into the air. You can control these emissions in some ways by mixing your cleansing agents properly. Don’t mix a chlorine-based cleanser with an acid-based cleanser, which will put off chlorine gas. Other cleansers you buy off the shelf can contain toxic solvents, antibiotic pesticides and other noxious chemicals. A better alternative to these products is a combination of vinegar and backing soda, which will clean just as well.

You’re breathing your indoor air much more often than outdoor air, and you’re the only one who has control over it. Surprising materials in your home could be causing you and your family health problems that you don’t even know about at this point. Make sure you keep your eye out for possible fumes that you can’t smell but that could be hurting you.

Writer Eva Martin has allergies and knows how miserable they make you feel. She helps keep them under control by using an Austin Air Purifier or Alen air cleaner

Hypo- or Hyperthyroidism: How to Tell the Difference

May 24, 2013 By jindiola

Hypo- or Hyperthyroidism: How to Tell the Difference

Most people know that thyroid disease is a possibility in their lives. Many, though, don’t understand that there are very distinct differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If you think that you may be exhibiting systems of a malfunctioning thyroid, here’s how to know whether it’s underactive or overactive:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that involves the under activity of the thyroid gland. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Increased sensitivity to cold

Do you laugh it off when you’re wearing a sweater when everyone else in the office is in short-sleeves? Do your friends call you a freeze baby? One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is sensitivity to cold. This means that you may feel cold when it is warm or that cold things feel abnormally cold to the touch.

Weight gain

Weight gain due to hypothyroidism is obvious. If you are gaining weight but there’s been no change in your diet, you may have an underactive thyroid. If the numbers on the scale are inching up steadily, take a good look at your lifestyle. If nothing has changed, you may want to request a blood test to check your thyroid function.

Dry skin

Is your skin abnormally dry? Most people experience dry skin in the winter when the weather is dry; it’s completely normal. If, however, your skin is dry no matter the season and no matter how much lotion you use, it could be a symptom of thyroid disorder.

Increased menstrual flow

Women’s menstrual flows can change as they age. If you’ve received a clean bill of health from your OB/GYN, don’t be surprised if your heavy flow causes your doctor to recommend a thyroid test.

Muscle cramps

If you’ve recently taken up exercise, muscle cramping may be normal. If you’ve not changed your exercise routine and are experiencing frequent cramping of the legs, hands, feet and arms, you may have a problem with your thyroid.

2.Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when your thyroid is overactive. The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Increased perspiration

Unlike hypothyroidism that causes an extreme sensitivity to cold, hyperthyroidism can cause increased perspiration. If you sweat when others normally wouldn’t or sweat more than what would be considered normal when performing physical activities, have your thyroid checked out.

Weight loss

Most people are happy when they lose a few pounds; many of us need it. If, however, you have a healthy appetite and are losing weight despite a normal or high caloric intake, the loss could be due to hyperthyroidism.

Thinning skin

You’ve undoubtedly seen the skin of the elderly at one point or another. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and tears more easily. If you are young or middle-aged, your skin should still be thick and supple. An overactive thyroid can cause thinning of the skin, a propensity to bruise and easier tearing of the skin.

Lighter menstrual flow

If your menstrual flow decreases dramatically, don’t take it as a necessarily good sign. While most women welcome a lighter flow, it could point to hyperthyroidism. If your lighter flow is accompanied by a decrease in the frequency of your menstrual periods, ask for your thyroid function to be checked.

Muscle weakness

If you suddenly find it difficult to lift heavy objects or walk for several miles, you may have hyperthyroidism. The condition can cause muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs. If you aren’t able to perform the tasks that you once were, due to increasing muscle weakness, speak with your doctor.

When your thyroid is functioning properly, you feel well-rested, strong and lively. When your thyroid is underactive or overactive, you may find that your muscles, wakefulness and vitality are affected. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor about having your thyroid function tested.

Karen Alton is a writer for healthtestingcenters.com. If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms they can test your thyroid levels with a blood test to determine if the thyroid is functioning properly.

5 Things Social Workers Need to Understand About Hate Crimes

April 25, 2013 By jindiola

5 Things Social Workers Need to Understand About Hate Crimes

Though many people consider “hate crimes” to be relatively new phenomena thanks, in part, to tougher laws being enacted around the country, the truth is this: Hate crimes in America are as old as the country itself. Crimes have been committed against individuals and groups based on race, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation and cultural background for centuries. If social workers hope to help people dealing with hate crimes, a deeper understanding must be had. Here are five things that social workers need to understand about this brand of crime:

1.Diversity Education

One of the ways to prevent children from turning into perpetrators of hate crimes is to teach them about acceptance at an early age. Social workers can work in conjunction with teachers and families to ensure that young, elementary-aged children learn to respect each other’s differences, celebrating them rather than berating them. The NCPC has excellent lessons for children in grades one through five that center around diversity.

2.What Constitutes a Hate Crime?

Most of us are aware that a crime committed against a person because of their race or sexual orientation is considered a hate crime. But what else may constitute a hate crime? This information is important for every social worker to have. A victim of a hate crime is singled out because of perception. The perpetrator holds a certain perception about the proposed victim’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical handicap, mental disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibility, political affiliation or matriculation.

Hate crimes do not have to be violent. Examples of non-violent hate crimes include verbal abuse, telephone harassment, the painting of swastikas or other hate symbols, the use of racial slurs and cemetery desecration. A hate crime need not be violent to have a profound effect on the victim and friends and family of the victim.

3.Victim Responses

Just as with reactions to illness, death and other devastating events, people respond differently when they, or the ones they love, become victims of a hate crime. Victims of hate crimes typically report feelings of anger couples with feelings of betrayal. There can be an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, resentment, isolation and sadness. Victims of hate crimes may also have an aroused, even paranoid, sense of suspicion. Victims of hate crimes report drastic changes in lifestyle as a result of their attack, whether mental or physical. As a social worker, it’s important to sit back and listen to the victim, gaining an understanding of just what effect the crime has had in order to provide the best therapy.

4.The Right Not to Report

Much like a victim of rape has the choice whether or not to report the crime, regardless of the seeking of treatment, a victim of a hate crime is not required to file a report with law enforcement. Regardless of personal beliefs, social workers must support whichever choice the victim makes. In some cases, medical personnel may be required to report the attack, however, it is still the victim’s right to not pursue hate-crime related charges.

5.Victim Assistance

Social workers should seek out resources of assistance within their local communities for victims of hate crime. Having this information on hand and immediately available will make the therapeutic process less stressful for the victim. Beyond local resources, social workers should know about national programs such as Network of Victim Assistance, National Center for Victims of Crime and the American Civil Liberties Union.

For social workers, understanding hate crimes is an important facet of the profession. Along with understanding what constitutes a hate crime, social workers must understand their impact and the resources available for victims and their families. For more information on hate crimes, be sure to visit NOVA, an all-encompassing site for victim assistance.

Robert Neff is a writer who brings awareness to world events such as hate crimes. Social workers help victims of the crimes. If you are interested in a career as a social worker check out Case Western’s online MSW degree.

Join in on the History of Go-Karting

April 21, 2013 By jindiola

Join in on the History of Go-Karting

Go-karting began very simply with tracks and dedicated racing fans in towns all across the U.S. Initially, karting began as a fad, which most believed would blow over in several months, once kids moved onto the next big thing. Karting tracks often weren’t much more than a rutted path on the edge of town, where the kids gathered on the weekends to race; in other communities, the racetracks were paved. Because of the lack of an organization that would otherwise have established rules, some kart clubs died out after several years.

Beginning in the 1960s, some American go-karts had European engines installed in them, giving them more racing power. About 10 years later, Briggs & Stratton engines were installed in karats, adding to the horsepower. At about this time, karting took off, with sanctioning organizations establishing rules and racing levels.

You Are the Future of Go-Karting!

If you have just join go-karting, you’ve entered it during a period of steady growth. You can be as young as 5 years of age and, as long as you are in good health, with good reflexes, you can start learning how to go-kart. Don’t worry about being “too old” to race, as racers are either entering this field as new racers or have decided to stay in even as adults.

In addition to the continued popularity of karting across the life span, this racing venue is becoming safer every year as manufacturers have added new safety features. Karting is now beginning to achieve a national prominence, thanks to NASCAR and CART racing, as well as other racing sports.

Even those who have raced professionally are entering go-karting just so they can continue to satisfy their need for racing and speed. Looking for a good family activity? This is it. Everyone can fill some kind of role at the kart track, from the concession manager to the driving instructor.

Go-Karting as an Incentive

Parents, if your kids are looking for something to keep them busy, suggest that they learn how to go-kart. In addition to suggesting this fun sport to them, let them know that, as long as they do their homework and turn it in, or cooperate with you and their teachers, they can participate in karting races.

As you are looking for a good karting league, look for one that keeps safety for its racers top-of-mind. That is, you want your kids involved with a league that stresses safety equipment and safe driving practices over racing just for the sake of winning. The first few times you and your kids attend a race, all the rules will be strange and you might wonder about their purpose. Never fear; they are there for a good reason. A good, safety-oriented racing organization will have rule books for new members, as well as meetings where the trainers teach everyone, parents included, about the regulations. Go on and start checking out the go-karting clubs in your community.

Jeff Kane is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie and blogger writing on behalf of Gokart.org.

The Role of School Counselors in the IEP Process

March 30, 2013 By jindiola

The Role of School Counselors in the IEP Process

If your school-aged child has a disability, you will find yourself involved in the IEP process. An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a document, required by federal law, which will follow your child through his or her educational career. You will be involved in many meetings that are attended by various school personnel and professionals, all with the same goal in mind: the educational success of your child.

During IEP meetings, each person will have opinions to offer and information to share with regards to your child. Knowing each person’s role in these meetings will help you understand the process. One of the most important professionals in these meetings will be the school counselor. The following information will help you understand the school counselor’s role in the IEP process:

1.Assessments

The school counselor will deliver several assessments to your child throughout your child’s school career. The counselor may assess your child’s cognitive development, his or her physical development, emotional maturity and, in middle or high school, your child’s work values and post-school goals. The counselor will evaluate these assessments and report findings to you and the IEP team.

2.Assistive Technology

The school counselor will be able to provide opinions and recommendations regarding assistive technology for your child, based on results of any given assessments. Your child may require specialized materials, technological tools with which to complete assignments, mobility devices, or even the use of a personal aid. These assistive technologies, as well as provided accommodations, can help to ensure that your child is able to succeed in an inclusive environment.

3.Community Resources

Because your child doesn’t spend 24 hours, seven days a week in school, you may find that you need extra help at home. Whether you need financial assistance, tutoring for your child, or even professional counseling for the family, the school counselor can help you locate resources within the community that will be useful to you, your child and your family. You can expect the school counselor to act as a liaison between your family, school personnel and these community resources. He or she will foster collaboration and a sense of trust, making outside professionals more willing to assist your child as he or she works towards graduation.

4.Transition Planning

Students with IEPs must have transition goals included in their IEPs by the time they reach the age of 16. These transition goals outline your child’s goals for life after high school. These goals may include, but are not limited to, finding a job, attending college or living independently. The school counselor can help to ensure that your child’s goals are realistic in accordance with his or her abilities. Additionally, the school counselor can start exposing your child to life outside of school by way of campus visits, job training sites and mentorships.

The school counselor is one of the most important persons included on your child’s IEP team. From assessing your child to putting you in contact with important resources, the school counselor has a versatile role in your child’s education. For more information on the requirements for special education as dictated by IDEA 2002, be sure to visit IDEA.ed.gov.

Blogger Vince Gilbert writes about current issues in education. Interested in helping young people achieve their dreams? Wake Forest now offers an online degree in human services that can prepare you for a career as a school counselor.