Month: December 2023
Courage ~ A Poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
COURAGE.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
CARELESSLY over the plain away,
Where by the boldest man no path
Cut before thee thou canst discern,
Make for thyself a path!
Silence, loved one, my heart!
Cracking, let it not break!
Breaking, break not with thee!
5 Reasons to Floss Twice a Day
Flushing your teeth, commonly known as flossing, is an essential part of oral hygiene.
Here are five reasons to floss your teeth twice a day:
- Removal of Plaque and Food Particles: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that are trapped between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. This helps to prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to tartar, a hardened form of plaque that can be more difficult to remove.
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Regular flossing helps to prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases start with the buildup of plaque, and without proper dental care, they can lead to sore, bleeding gums, and eventually more severe issues like tooth loss.
- Reduction of Bad Breath: Flossing helps to remove trapped food particles and plaque that contribute to bad breath. By maintaining a regular flossing routine, you can keep your mouth fresh and reduce the incidence of bad breath.
- Prevention of Tooth Decay: By removing plaque, flossing helps to prevent tooth decay. Plaque harbors bacteria that produce acids after eating sugar, leading to cavities. Flossing removes these bacteria and the food particles they feed on.
- Contribution to Overall Health: Good oral hygiene, including regular flossing, is linked to better overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Flossing is a simple way to help maintain not just your oral health, but your overall health as well.
Incorporating flossing into your daily routine, both morning and night, is a small habit that can have a significant impact on your oral and general health.
Source: ChatGPT
Today’s Joke: Joe Quit His Job
Joe: “I quit my job at the muffler factory.”
Pete: “Why did you quit?”
Joe: “It was too exhaustive.”
Thinking Out Loud:
Learning to Appreciate. A look at appreciative inquiry. Excerpts are taken from, Appreciative Inquiry Handbook (2003) by David Cooperrider, Diana Whitney, and Jacqueline Stravros.
Appreciate (v.) To value.; To recognize the best in people of the world around us.; affirm past and present strengths, successes, and potentials, to perceive those things that give life, Health., vitality, excellence. Inquire: To explore and discover. To ask questions. To be open to seeing new potential and possibilities. p.1
Note: How often do we appreciate others or ourselves? How often do we reflect on our journey and affirm the strength we had to overcome difficult times and challenges? We are culturally trained to be critical, to find fault with others and ourselves. When we choose to change our focus and inquire by asking different questions we discover different answers. Try asking questions that draw out data describing the best in those around you. It’s something to think about. In future posts I’ll describe the kinds of questions you can ask. Today, look at the people near you with an openness to seeing positive attributes they have that may be hidden or overlooked and let them know you appreciate them.
It’s Time to Exercise Your Brain – Take the Anagram Challenge
Today’s mind sharpening anagram is a two or three word phrase. Can you unscramble the anagram to discover the two or three word phrase? It’s time to exercise your brain! Hint: It’s three words.
Today’s Anagram:
Here’s A Sure Way to Improve – Check Out Today’s Quote
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
Epictetus
Sweethearts- A Poem by Dame Mary Gilmore
Sweethearts
Dame Mary Gilmore
IT’S gettin’ bits o’ posies,
’N’ feelin’ mighty good;
A-thrillin’ ’cause she loves you,
An’ wond’rin’ why she should;
An’ stoppin’ sort o’ sudden,
Because you’re full o’ thought;
An’ quick with res’less feelin’s
That make life seem too short!
It’s feelin’ ’s if she’d loved you
Before the world was made;
As if she still would love you,
When all our debts are paid;
As if there’s nothin’ mattered,
As if the world was good,
As if the Lord was lookin’,
An’ sort o’ understood.
It’s feelin’ kind an’ gentle
To everything that’s weak,
And doin’ jus’ sich actions
As nearly seem to speak;
Sich actions women reckon
Are certain to occur
When he’s in love with some one,
And that some one is—her.
Foods That Contribute to Depression & Foods that Fight Depression
I asked ChatGPT to list foods that contribute to depression and to list foods that fight depression. Here’s how ChatGPT responded:
Diet can play a significant role in mental health, including the management of depression. While no single food can cure depression, some foods have been linked to worsening or improving symptoms. It’s always important to consider individual dietary needs and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Here’s a general overview:
Foods That May Contribute to Depression:
- High Sugar Foods: Consuming a lot of sugars can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, potentially impacting mood and energy levels.
- Processed and Refined Foods: These often contain additives and preservatives that might affect brain health.
- Trans Fats and High Fat Dairy Products: Some studies suggest that diets high in trans fats and low in unsaturated fats can be harmful to mental health.
- Alcohol: While not a food, alcohol is a depressant and can exacerbate depression symptoms.
- Caffeine: In some individuals, excessive caffeine can lead to increased anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns, potentially worsening depression symptoms.
Depression-Fighting Foods:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, and in flaxseeds and walnuts, omega-3s are linked to improved brain health.
- Whole Grains: Rich in fiber and important nutrients, whole grains help stabilize blood sugar levels and mood.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens are high in folate, which has been linked to mood regulation.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are good sources of zinc and magnesium, which can help boost mood.
- Berries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, berries can help reduce inflammation associated with depression.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in fiber and protein, helping to stabilize blood sugar and mood.
It’s important to remember that while diet is important, it’s just one aspect of managing depression. A holistic approach including therapy, medication (if needed), regular exercise, and social support is often the most effective. For a plant-based diet like yours, focusing on nutrient-rich plant foods, especially those high in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, would be beneficial.
