Page 10
HEALTH AND WELNESS
SUICIDE: EXCHANGING THE WHY FOR COMPASSION
With the recent deaths of fashion designer, Kate Spade, and renowned chef, author, socio-political storyteller, and travel nomad, Anthony Bourdain, the discussion of suicide has come back to the forefront of media topics. In a world that promises riches and fame will make you happy, we see that even the highest forms of success will not bring true peace and meaning in life. The untimely deaths of these two individuals bring a great deal of sadness because of the incredible void that they have left in their respective professional fields. It is also a reminder of the frailties of humanity and the despair that ensues when hope becomes diminished. The discussion of suicide is a much needed conversation that is often taboo because of the pain and shame that surrounds its victims and the trail
DON’ T GET LEFT OUT IN THE DARK
As summer thunderstorms roll through Georgia and hurricane season nears, it is a good time to think about what to prepare for a power outage. You do not have to be a“ prepper” to be smart about emergency preparedness!
Prepare a 3-day supply of food and water: In a widespread outage, like Hurricane Irma last year, it usually takes about 3 days to get everyone’ s power back on. It is your decision if you want to live off peanut butter sandwiches for 3 days or something a little more involved. Plan for 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day. Good options include granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, trail mix, and“ comfort items” like coffee and chocolate to keep morale high.
Make a plan for your perishable food: Perishable food held above 40 ° F must be discarded after 4 hours to avoid food poisoning. A refrigerator will only hold safe temperatures for about 4 hours, even if you never open the door, so make a plan to move items into coolers with ice packs. A half-full freezer can hold temperature for 24 hours, while a full freezer can hold temperature for 48 hours. The only reliable way to gauge these temperatures is with an appliance thermometer. of unanswered questions that it leaves behind for loved ones. Suicide can be silent and infectious. Sometimes the warning signs are visible and sometimes they are not. In many cases suicide can stem from severe depression that goes unresolved or other mental health issues.
Here are some of the warning signs that friends and family can lookout for: Isolation. Lack of zeal and the loss of interest in activities that used to be a source of joy. Self-harming behavior or recent trauma / crisis. Changes in appearance.
The burdens of life aren’ t meant to be carried alone. I could not discuss suicide without mentioning that there is also an enemy of the soul that seeks to destroy and usurp purpose and the will to live. As a community and society, let’ s be more compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of those around us. A phone call to simply check-in, paying someone a visit just because, or an act of kindness helps people to be reminded that
When you hear the forecast: Gather a few pots and pans, spatulas, paper products, and a can opener. Place lanterns, headlamps and spare batteries in the same area; these light sources free up your hands. Check what is in your refrigerator and freezer and formulate a plan. See what will fit in your coolers, what you need to eat first and what you want to freeze. Talk to your family about what to expect and to avoid someone eating meal components. Gather activities that do not require power, like books, puzzles, and games to pass the time.
When the power goes out: Campfires, grills and camp stoves produce poisonous gases, so never use these methods indoors. Remember food safety 101; wash your hands and your dishes frequently, separate meat and other foods to avoid cross contamination, cook foods all the way through( using a food thermometer) and minimize leftovers.
When the power comes back: Immediately take an inventory; if food has ice crystals, it can be refrozen. If it’ s thawed but never got above 40 ° F, you can cook and refreeze. If you do not have a thermometer, rely on the old adage“ when in doubt, throw it out!”
Then make a plan for next time, while the subject is fresh, so you can do even better next time. The Extension office has a great handout about what to keep and what to throw away. Find it here: www. fcs. uga. edu / docs /
For more information, contact the Extension office or visit our website at www. extension. uga. edu / county-offices / rockdale.
By MaryBeth Hornbeck, UGA Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Foodinmyfridgeafterpoweroutage. pdf
For more information, contact the Extension office or visit our website at www. extension. uga. edu / county-offices / rockdale. they are indeed loved and that their lives matter. Sometimes the strongest become the weakest. Leaning on the strength of others when the world appears to be falling apart can be healing in the midst of suffering. * This article is written as a means to educate and bring about awareness in regards to suicide. Every case and individual is unique and the information provided cannot take the place of seeking help through
Education: This time of year is when boys and girls, men and women are either beginning to embark on their educational journey or have completed the requirements to close a chapter in their quest for academic success. We are challenging ourselves, stretching our minds, meeting new acquaintances, making new friends, or maybe leaving family or longtime friends behind. Perhaps this is your first time leaving home and being on your own. A flood of emotions is to be expected, such as moments of fear, feeling alone, excitement, anxiousness, and perhaps questions or doubts about choices and timing.
On The other hand, you may not be beginning an adventure and leaving home as all of your peers are preparing to do. That’ s ok too. We don’ t have to go off to college to learn. Perhaps, your journey will continue in the community you grew up in. You can learn right where you are.
Know that these feelings, thoughts, and actions are usually considered normal.
JULY 2018
counseling or inpatient care under the supervision of a physician or a licensed professional. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide please go the nearest hospital and / or call The Georgia Crisis Line at 1-800-715-4225 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800- 273-8255.
By Renee Bryan M. Ed., M. A. LAPC
discover what’ s around the corner
Restaurant Space Available: 1,120- 5,395 Square Feet Retail / Office Space Available: 1,100- 5,400 Square Feet
Located at the intersection of Flat Shoals Road and Parker Road, one block west of Highway 138.
A casual stroll, a yummy bite, a beauty touch-up … it’ s all just around the corner.
Take a stroll through 70,000 sq. ft. of shops, restaurants and offices to discover just what you need. Ten uniquely-crafted buildings capture the charm of Conyers, Ga.
The Allergy & Asthma Center
Amici Beauty Nails Conyers Sandwich Shop Edward Jones
DIRECTORY
Essential Family Care
GalaxSea Cruises & Tours
Hair Motif / Merle Norman
contact us today Faye Phillips, CCIM, CPM ® • 770.922.2794 • faye @ cornermarketconyers. com
CornerMarketConyers. com
Randstad Regus
Signature Family Dentistry
State Farm – Rick Ramsey
IN SEARCH OF MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS; ACROSS 12 SECTORS AND BEYOND...
They are part of your growing experience. Using healthy coping tools will assist you in becoming all that you were designed to be. Change is healthy. Taking risks is a necessary part of life. Just remember, that there are healthy risks as well as unhealthy risks. Trust your instincts and stay in tune with who you are becoming. Maintain a healthy outlook, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Develop a stable support system. Stay true to your value system. Anything and anyone that wants to isolate you is trouble.
I like to think of education as an investment. In my studies, I found that the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I realized how much I did not know. For me, this is still true today. Don’ t be afraid to ask for help. We will never know it all, but we do our best. We are not competing; we are just working to achieve our goals and fulfill our dreams.
Make the best of your educational journey without letting the negative pressure from others affect the Godgiven gifts and talents within you. Only you can be the best you. Stay true to your hopes and dreams and don’ t let failures discourage you. Failures will come. They are a part of life. Just remember that failure is not who you are. I read that they are stepping stones to success.
Some may be feeling like they can’ t wait to get away from parents. You may be thinking you can finally live your life the way you want to. Spoiler alert! There will always be rules, duties, and responsibilities no matter where life takes you. But go and live your life. Just remember as someone once said,“ Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards …” You don’ t want to look back and wish“ I woulda, coulda, shoulda …” Make the best of the time given. We wish you well and pray God’ s best for you!
By Paula Christian- Stallworth
LPC, CADC II, CPCS, CCDP-D, CJSOC
The Listening Ear LLC- Counseling Center