Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Are You Boring Yourself To Death?

Are You Boring Yourself To Death?

Bored woman working with her laptop

“Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.” — Anonymous

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with routine — from Monday to Friday, my life revolves around work, family, and the daily tasks of life. Once the weekend rolls around, however, all bets are off — I head up north to camp, go to my cottage, hike, and anything else that has to do with the great outdoors. 
The word “adventure” means different things to different people. For some, they may picture traveling to the coast in order to learn how to surf; others may try their hand at geocaching in an unfamiliar environment. In essence, adventure is simply an exciting or unusual experience — something we all need.  Don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing life
Life is short — you also don’t know what’s around the next bend. As we grow and develop, our experiences shape who we are. Those who aren’t afraid to experience new things benefit in a number of ways — socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and even spiritually.
Fear tends to hold us back from seeking the things we want. We get into a routine, then it’s as if we’re wired to stay on that track. Why? Well, because it’s comfortable and “safe.” According to a number of studies, it’s been found that humans fear an unknown outcome, more than a known negative outcome. It’s as if routine allows us to have some form of control.
Exclusive: Alternative Therapies to Help You Conquer Your Fears
So many of us have adventurous bucket lists that we don’t dare to attempt. Take traveling, for example — whether people are afraid of flying or the potential dangers of a country, many do not even attempt to leave their hometown.
Adventure is about experiencing new and exciting things, opening your mind up to a whole new world of possibilities. When you reflect on your life so far, what are some of your best and most memorable experiences? Do you think of your mundane routine, or do you think of a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to truly live a little? 
Trying new things will greatly benefit your life 
It’s apparent that new experiences help shape who we are, but what does the research have to say? Is there any evidence to show that a life without any adventure is potentially dangerous? Interestingly, researchers have found that you can essentially bore yourself to death. 
It was found in a study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, that individuals who complain of continual boredom are actually more likely to die at a younger age, in comparison to those who seek a more exciting life. Amazingly, individuals who experience high levels of tedium were over 2.5 times more likely to die from a stroke or heart attack. 
It’s also important to note the magnitude of this study, as more than 7,500 individuals were followed over the course of 25 years. Those who reported a boring life were 40 percent more likely to die by the end of the study, in comparison to those who did not report a mundane, tedious lifestyle.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to hike a mountain to benefit from new experiences. A study, published in the journal Science, found that something as simple as listening to new music can enhance mental acuity. The whole point is to challenge your brain — encourage new neurons to fire and make new neural connections. 
When you place yourself in a new environment or push yourself to try new things, you gain perspective, strengthening your ability to learn and grow. Researchers suggest that if you are currently in what you consider a boring career, it’s critical that you push yourself to experience new things outside of work — learn a new skill, be spontaneous, and allow yourself to explore outside of your current comfort zone.
This is especially important when aiming to age well, as researchers have found that there are significant health benefits to trying new things. Our health is highly influenced by our emotions and views. In fact, research suggests that the optimal ratio of positive to negative emotion should be above 3:1 and under 11:1. Once this ratio is 1:1, that is when symptoms of depression and anxiety develop. 
When psychologists at Winston-Salem State University looked at 30,000 event memories and 500 diaries, they found that people who experience more retain greater positive emotions, minimizing negative ones. In turn, a more positive outlook benefits overall well-being.
So, if you have always wanted to see the Northern Lights, learn how to ski, or ride a horse, there’s no time like the present. As you experience new and exciting things, you’ll find that you’ll become more self-motivated to continue this rewarding lifestyle. Sharpen your mind and enhance your life through new experiences. Try something new each day, even if it seems irrelevant — your brain will thank you. 
—Krista Hillis

Job Postings at Monster

10 New "customer service" in Philadelphia, PA Jobs
Customer Service Representative
Raymour & Flanigan FurnitureNJ-Deptford-080965/17/2016
Customer Service – Consider a Career Change to Insurance Sales
Bankers LifeNJ-Gloucester Township-080305/17/2016
Mortgage Customer Service Job in South Jersey
Ajilon Professional StaffingNJ-Mount Laurel-080545/17/2016
Verizon Account Customer Service Representative
SOCIAL STANDARD, INCPA-PHILADELPHIA-191155/17/2016
Customer Service - Garden Center
Bell NurseryPA-Warrington-189765/17/2016
Customer Service / Office Services Clerk - Local Travel
RicohPA-Philadelphia-191035/17/2016
Customer Experience Representative AA2203-145-24
The Cambridge DonPA-Philadelphia5/17/2016
Call Center Representative
Jon S. Fisher, D.O.PA-Philadelphia-191515/17/2016
Apparel Customer Assistance Associate - NORRISTOWN, PA (Part Time)
Sears Hometown & OutletPA-NORRISTOWN-194015/17/2016
Customer Service Representative
TWO MEN AND A TRUCKPA-Glen Mills-193425/17/2016
View All "customer service" in Philadelphia, PA Jobs 

www.monster.com

Calling All Student Artists


Express Yourself in the AQE Art Contest
Please have your young artists create either a painting or a drawing that completes this sentence: A Quality Education is...

The winners will receive a $100 gift card and will have their artwork awarded to AQE’s honorees at the Champions of Education celebration in New York City! Winners will be honored at the event too.

The contest is open to all students in grades K-12. Each submission must be no larger than 11×17, two-dimensional (painting or drawing), and must include on the back the student’s name, age, and school along with the signed permission form.

Color and creativity are strongly encouraged!

The artwork must be sent to:
Alliance for Quality Education
94 Central Avenue
Albany, New York 12206

The deadline is Friday, June 30. Artworks will not be returned.

We are anxiously awaiting the imaginative pieces from your students!

Click here for a flyer.
Click here for a permission slip.
Check out last year’s winners and submissions.

Have a question? Contact Jasmine Gripper at 518-432-5315, ext 105 or at jasmine@aqeny.org.



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Job Postings

ABA Counselor, Acute Behavioral Health Residential, All Shifts  Bancroft NeuroHealth - Mullica Hill (NJ)
 
Business Development Specialist  HCR ManorCare - King Of Prussia (PA)
 
Home Health PT Needed in Wilmington  Pioneer Healthcare Services - Wilmington (DE)
 
RN / Hospice Director of Clinical Services  Cameron Craig Group - Trenton (NJ)
 
Home Health RN - Manayunk/Roxborough/Chestnut Hill  Supplemental Health Care - Philadelphia (PA)
 
Medical Billing Specialists  Firstpro - Philadelphia (PA)
 
Billing Specialist  Hunterdon Health Care System - Flemington (NJ)
 
Client Services Manager, Home Health  Bayada Home Health Care - Millville (NJ)
 
Program Director  Restorixhealth - Philadelphia (PA)
 
Accounts Receivable/Billing Specialist  Accounting Now - Trenton (NJ)
 
RN - Home Health Care-Full time  HCR Manor Care - Allentown (PA)
 
MANAGER PATIENT BILLING  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Philadelphia (PA)
 
Behavioral Health Consultant  Philadelphia Fight - Philadelphia (PA)
 
Program Assistant  Nhs Human Services - Fort Washington (PA)
 
Health Care QM Consultant  Aetna - Newark (DE)
 
Therapeutic Foster Care Program Specialist - E  NHS Human Services - Huntingdon (PA)
 
Billing/Posting Specialist  Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates, PC - Wheaton (MD)
 
www.kochdavis.com
 
Koch Davis
Recruiting Consultants
244 5th Ave New York, NY 10001
  

25 Reasons To Smile More


25 Reasons To Smile More

Smiling people
We all want to make the world a better place. There’s one simple act we all can do to make that happen. Smile more. Try it — you’ll like it.

Smiles are contagious
A nice smile not only lifts your spirits, but makes people witnessing your smile feel better, too. Smiling is paying it forward. Smile and the world really does smile with you. Convey kindness
Nothing conveys kindness like a warm smile. It’s a sign universally recognized by humans, and even a scared dog or cat can read that facial expression.
Confidence
A smile denotes confidence. Try it if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive.
Mood enhancer
Smiling improves your mood, and the moods of those around you.
Pain relief
Okay, maybe smiling isn’t your first reaction if you’re suffering from pain. If you can manage a smile, the endorphins released help ease discomfort.
Welcome
People know they are welcome when they receive a smile.
Gain trust
People who smile are regarded as more trustworthy than those who don’t.
Immune system booster
The act of smiling boosts your immune system. Smiling helps the body produce more white blood cells to fight infections. 
Improve your health
Smiling reduces stress, which is linked to various diseases. Lessen the odds of heart disease, diabetes, and other stress-related illnesses with a smile.
Lower blood pressure
The act of smiling helps lower your blood pressure. 
Lower heart rate
Smiling also lowers your heart rate.
More energy
A quick smile gives you a fast energy boost. 
Laws of attraction
Smiling people are generally thought of as more attractive, even if they don’t possess traditional good looks. Think about it — don’t you know a basically plain individual whose smile lights up their face and improves their appearance? Men especially find a smiling woman more attractive.
Make new friends
People who smile a lot are seen as more approachable. A happy face invites new friends and encourages shy people to make a move they otherwise wouldn’t consider. A smile is a signal you are willing to speak with someone.
New situations
Feel less awkward in new situations by maintaining a smile.
Appear younger
Smiling erases several years off the faces of older people. It’s the world’s least expensive anti-aging procedure.
Self-improvement
Take Yoko Ono’s advice: “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning, and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.” No wonder John Lennon adored her. 
Longevity
Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment had the longest recorded lifespan in human history, living 122 years. Her advice on longevity: “Always keep your smile. That’s how I explain my long life.”
Increase your productivity
Approach a task happy and smiling, and your productivity will improve.
Service with a smile
Wait staff, cab drivers and other workers who depend on tips receive more gratuities when they smile. Smiling and good service go hand in hand. The service provider appears happy doing the job. No one wants service from a grouch.
Convey success
Successful people smile more often. That’s a trait salesmen know well.
Look smart
People with genuine smiles appear more intelligent than those who seldom smile.
Appear competent
People who smile are considered more competent than non-smilers by their peers. 
Get a break
If you’ve done something you shouldn’t, a smile makes it more likely you’ll receive forgiveness. Kids are naturally adept at this. 
Social slip-ups
We’ve all done it. If you forget the name of someone you really should know, or forget an anniversary or other important date, admitting your embarrassment with a smile is the best way to own up to your social slip-up.
Smiling has so many upsides and virtually no downsides. If smiling doesn’t come naturally to you, work on it gradually. If you avoid smiling because of the condition of your teeth, speak to a dentist about dental health and cosmetic dentistry. If affordability is a factor, contact schools of dentistry. Many offer low-cost clinics where patients receive care from dental students under the supervision of faculty members. Since it is a learning process, it may take a little longer, but the end result is a healthier set of teeth. That’s something to smile about.  
—Jane Meggitt

5 Reasons To Try Reflexology For Better Health

5 Reasons To Try Reflexology For Better Health

I’m not one to go to the doctor often — I mean, if I have to, I will. Like that time I needed surgery for my sleep apnea. As I’ve grown older, I’ve focused not only on alternative medicine, but greater preventive measures.

I always say to my husband, we need to be proactive, not reactive. A friend of mine got me into reflexology, something I knew nothing about before my first encounter. Whether you’d like to address a pre-existing condition or simply promote positive health, you should definitely try this nonintrusive health therapy.
What is reflexology?  Reflexology is basically massage techniques that help address illness and reduce overall tension. How it differs from any typical massage is that reflexology focuses on various reflex points on the hands, feet and head. The theory is, these pressure points correspond to all other internal organs and systems.
In fact, since focusing more on reflexology and alternative methods, my husband no longer needs to use an inhaler for his asthma. He used to go through at least one inhaler a month; however, he hasn’t filled his prescription in over a year. Mind you, he did address suspected triggers as well. 
It’s important to note that reflexology does not cure conditions. It does, however, complement other treatments, helping individuals reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Sounds pretty good, right? There’s a reason why reflexology is growing in popularity across North America and Europe, and here’s how you can benefit.
Five reasons to try reflexology
If you think you would personally benefit from reflexology or you’re still researching its potential benefits, here are five reasons to try this form of therapy. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Reason #1: It has the history to back it up
Reflexology is an ancient practice, so it’s anything but new and trendy. This technique may date back as far as 2330 BC, based on a pictograph recorded in an Egyptian tomb. From Buddhists to Chinese emperors, internal medicine and the use of “foot methods” have been utilized for centuries.
In 1917 in the United States, William H. Fitzgerald, MD, also known as the father of reflexology, found that various pressure points relieved pain during minor surgeries. From there, detailed maps were created, describing these reflex points and their potential benefits. Today, we continue to utilize the benefits of reflexology, based on a range of clinical studies. 
Related: The Ancient Art of Reflexology and What You Can Do Yourself
Reason #2: Improves circulation
More often than not, poor circulation indicates other underlying health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. The longer you suffer from bad circulation, the more likely it is you’ll experience health complications. As hands and feet are massaged, for instance, reflexology can improve blood flow to vital organs.
As blood flow improves, various organs and systems receive greater concentrations of oxygen and nutrition-rich blood. In turn, this can help nourish tissues and enhance healing. Within one study, published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, it was found that self-foot reflexology significantly improved circulation among middle-aged women.
Reason #3: Boosts immune function
For those who are confined to a bed, for instance, reflexology not only helps stimulate blood flow, but also lymph fluid — helping the body naturally clean tissue and boost overall immunity. This will benefit anyone who is aiming to improve their health.
As you massage certain reflexology points, lymph fluid carries metabolic waste away from vital organs and muscles, resulting in improved function and lower overall blood pressure. Remember, prevention is ALWAYS better than cure — supporting your immune system allows you to naturally protect yourself. 
Reason #4: Relieves stress 
Reflexology is often used to address symptoms of depression and anxiety, helping individuals experience enhanced relaxation. The summary of one study, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, stated, “Reflexology reduced ‘state’ anxiety and cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals, consistent with stress-reduction. Considering the connection between stress/anxiety and well being, the effects of reflexology may have beneficial outcomes for patients.”
By relaxing the body through reflexology, you are then more capable of dealing with the stresses of daily life. Within one large review, it was reported that reflexology may create a relaxation effect — potentially lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and even decreasing pain levels. 
Reason #5: Increases energy
Chronic fatigue is a major issue throughout the Western world, but luckily, there are plenty of natural ways to combat this condition, including reflexology. The whole point of reflexology is to promote balance, and in turn, enhanced healing is experienced, along with optimal energy. It’s said that using this therapy can help target “blockages” that hinder the natural flow of energy.
Depending on your personal situation, you may need to stimulate varying points. For some, stimulating the thyroid reflexology point can help combat fatigue, whereas others address the kidneys. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are known to be the “root of life” — acting as a reservoir for your energy.
Become familiar with various reflexology points as a way to help improve anything from digestion to mood. Open your mind and don’t be shy to try more traditional healing techniques. Begin testing out this ancient healing “force” today — you might find it’s what you’ve needed all along.
—Krista Hillis

Community Health Fair


Pennsylvania House Of Representatives
Stay Informed Photos Visit My Website Contact Me

 
 
Community health fair May 19
I am inviting you to my community health fair, which will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at Yeadon Presbyterian Church, 541 Holly Road in Yeadon.
My community health fair is a perfect opportunity for residents of the 164th Legislative District to receive free screenings– and get lots of health questions answered -- by making just one visit.
Medicare and the Affordable Care Act experts will be on hand to answer questions about the federal health care programs.
The health fair will also include:
• Free health screenings
• Information on health wellness from providers, state and county agencies, and nonprofits
• Door prizes and giveaways

For more information about the health fair, please call Maureen McGrory at 610-259-7016 or email mmcgrory@pahouse.net.
 
 
 


Rep. Margo Davidson
D-164th District
Delaware County
website




 

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus
 

Job Postings - Jobs at Accountemps, Penn Medicine, Healthfitness and more

Below are some opportunities that we thought you might be interested in. Each position links to the full job details and application instructions. We can modify the job search by updating the skills and location criteria here: www.kochdavis.com
CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST  Temple University Health System - Philadelphia (PA)
Account Liaison- Home Health and Hospice Servicing Hockessin, Newark Middletown and Bear Counties  HCR ManorCare - Wilmington (DE)
Registered Nurse (Travel) - Medical/Surgical (Allentown,PA)  TravelMax - Allentown (PA)
Immediate Philadelphia Home Health RN  Supplemental Health Care - Philadelphia (PA)
Behavior Specialist Consultant-Licensed  NHS Human Services - Colmar (PA)
Behavioral Health Workers-Adolescents  Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health - West Chester (PA)
Medical Assistant, Women's Health, Days w/ Occ Evening (CMA, RMA, CNA, MOA, PCT)  Abington Hospital - Jefferson Health - Abington (PA)
Medical Biller/Collections Spec.  Accountemps - New Castle (DE)
Preregistration Specialist  Penn Medicine - Philadelphia (PA)
Health Fitness Specialist (Temporary)  Healthfitness - Fort Washington (PA)
Account Liaison- Home Health and Hospice Servicing Hockessin, Newark Middletown and Bear Counties  HCR Manor Care - Wilmington (DE)
Advanced Medical Support Assistant  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Coatesville (PA)
Verification Specialist  McKesson - Moorestown (NJ)
Clinical Liaison  Miracle Workers Saber Healthcare - West Grove (PA)
CNA / HHA, Home Health / Visits, Kent County, $250 Bonus  Bayada Home Health Care - Newark (DE)
Medical Billing Assistant  AccuStaff - Queensbury (NY)
Manager of Medicaid Billing and Collections  Rush University Medical Center - Chicago (IL)
Koch Davis
Recruiting Consultants
244 5th Ave New York, NY 10001