Extra credit post: movie review

I chose the movie "Supersize Me" because I heard so many people talking about how unbelievable it was. By watching this movie I expected to learn about what happens when someone eats a lot of McDonalds and nothing else. I didn't think the results will be good. I was a bit shocked to learn that there are people who consume this "food" everyday, and McDonalds actually calls them "heavy users", like they are drug addicts or something. I was amazed, although not surprised, at the amount of weight gained and how much his health suffered. Watching this movie made me realize just how unhealthy fast "food" really is, and that one of the biggest reasons for Americas obesity problem and poor health was simply poor, uneducated choices. Before watching this movie I rarely ate fast food, after watching it I never eat fast food. I would recommend this movie to others because although extreme, it shows what is happening to so many Americans.      

Blog assignment #8

This is the first time I have ever done a blog, but I really enjoyed it. I don't always speak up when I'm in a group of people, but I feel very comfortable speaking my mind from the comfort of my desk at home. I also enjoyed reading post's from the other members of my group and getting their perspective on things. I've always thought it would be helpful to keep a journal, much like a blog but offline, yet I have never actually taken the time to do it. This assignment shows me another reason why blogging/journaling would be beneficial. Thanks to everyone who commented on my blogs, and thanks to everyone who blogged! I really learned a lot from this class!

Herbals, Botanicals, and Supps

I chose to research green tea. Green tea originated in china, and has become very popular in the U.S. Many variations of green tea exist, different regions and growing conditions produce significant differences between varieties.

Green tea can be used to increase mental alertness and thinking. It can also be used to treat stomach disorders, and in certain studies it has even been shown to prevent certain cancers!

Side effects of green tea can range from mild to serious, and include headache, nervousness, sleep problems, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, irregular heartbeat, tremor, heartburn, dizziness, ringing in the ears, convulsions, and confusion. Green tea seems to reduce the absorption of iron from food. Drinking very high doses of green tea can actually be fatal. The fatal dose of caffeine in green tea is estimated to be 10-14 grams (150-200 mg per kilogram). Serious toxicity can occur at lower doses.

So enjoy yet be careful not to overdo it!

Stress Reduction Technique

The stress reduction technique I have chosen is being positive. I have been using this technique for a few months. Before this I would find myself getting frustrated with things happening around me. It took me a while to realize that I have no control over most things. The only aspect I have control of is my reaction to life. I can choose to react in a negative way, get frustrated, and maybe even act out in an inappropriate manner, but this usually never yields positive results. When I choose to be positive, I remain calm. I try to look at the situation from every possible angle. When someone cuts me off instead of getting angry I think, well maybe I should allow more space in front of me, or perhaps that person who cut me off is unsure of where they are going. When I look at the situation from other perspectives I am able to realize that I have been in the other persons shoes before and I did not mean any harm either. At this point I enjoy dissecting problems and I can almost always find a silver lining to that grey cloud. This makes me feel good inside, and also allows me to teach others to be understanding instead of getting mad. Not only has this technique reduced stress, but it has also made me more humble. I believe that humility is key to living a happy healthy life. I plan to use this technique for the rest of my life!  

How to keep kids off drugs

I think this is a good topic. Uncontrolled drug use has caused many people to fall well short of their full potential. When you have kids, you obviously hope they will not fall into the life of dependence, but many people do. The problem with kids and drugs is that by the time they are exposed to drugs, it's almost too late to try and change their minds. I agree with some of the other blogs I've read which talked about a healthy relationship between the child and parents. I think as a parent, the most important thing you can teach your children is to think things through and make good decisions. I would assume most kids will try some type of drugs or alcohol, but what is the difference between those who have fun then don't really care about doing it again, and those who are instantly hooked?  I feel like a child who may be experiencing depression, or who does not feel like they fit in, is at a high risk for developing dependance. Children who are missing something, or who feel like they are missing something, are usually the first to become dependent. If I were a parent I would do things with my children to nurture their self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as teach them the importance of independence. I think out of all the different things in life people can become dependent on, shopping, gambling, drugs & alcohol, risky behavior, all of these people are trying to fill the same hole in their soul. Maybe these people have experienced tragedies such as divorce, a death in the family, or other traumatic events, but for some reason they choose a temporary fix, instead of a healthy long lasting resolution. To be a good parent I think it's important to be psychologically healthy, and pick a mate who is on the same page with you. So many children who go through divorces are affected by it throughout their entire lives, and quite often times end up on that same self destructive road they saw growing up. 

http://www.smithmag.net//story.php?did=349371

My 6 word memoir is: 

Ride faster, get better, move forward! 


I love riding dirt bikes. When I ride I feel one with my machine. Accelerating as fast as you can in the straight aways, and then leaning into the turns, trying to ride a clean fast line so the guy behind you can't get past. A good ride leaves my soul fully recharged. The more I ride the more my skills improve, and this allows me to ride faster and progress to more technical and difficult riding. This allows me to move forward as a rider. I feel like this is also a metaphor for life. When I really want something, I focus on that goal and begin planning my strategy to achieve it. Even if I have to do something that I may not be very good at, I just start trying and eventually I get it right, and I achieve my goal. This allows me to move forward as a person. Someone really smart once said,  "you never fail as long as you keep trying." I find that in my life I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I've never listened to anyone who told me I could not do something. I am the only obstacle in my path to success. I enjoyed this activity because when I read my memoir I'm reminded about riding motorcycles, which I love, but more importantly I'm reminded that I can achieve anything, all it takes is proper planning followed by unwavering action!