Different Keys of the Native American Style Flute

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Different Keys of the Native American Style Flute

Native American style flutes are made in many different keys. The key of the flute is the fundamental (lowest) note that the flute can play. So a Love flute in the key of A will have a fundamental note that is the same tone as the note A above the middle C on a piano. This particular A is calibrated to vibrate at a speed of 440 Hz. An Indian flute in a higher key than A - a C for example - will have a faster vibration rate and higher tone. A flute in a lower key - for example E - will have a lower rate of vibration and a lower tone. The flute in a higher key will have a shorter barrel length than a flute with a lower key. For example the flute in the key of A mentioned above will have a barrel length of approximately twelve and a half inches. A flute in the key of E below middle C - lower tone than A - will have a barrel length of around seventeen and a half inches. The barrel of the flute is the hollow chamber in which sound vibrations are generated. A Native American style flute has a second chamber called the slow air chamber. This adds additional length to the flute. So, the overall length of the flute is greater than the barrel length alone. For example an Ancient Territories Native American style flute in the key of A is twenty-one inches in length from one end to the other.

Love flutes in the keys of A above middle C through E below middle C are often called mid range flutes. Lower keyed flutes are called bass flutes when they are in the octave below C and double bass flutes when they are two octaves below. Higher keyed flutes are called treble flutes.

As you can imagine lower keyed Native American flutes will be somewhat more difficult to hold and play. Not only is a flute in a lower key bigger and heavier. But, the tone holes that the fingers must cover are further apart. Therefore a novice is advised to start with a comfortable sized flute such as an A or G rather than the longer and lower toned flutes such as F#, F and E.

The tonal quality of each individual note is unique. So also is the tonal quality of flutes in different keys. A flute in the key of A will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes A, C, D, E, G. A flute in the key of G will play a mode one pentatonic scale consisting of the notes G, A#, C, D, F. So, as you can see (and hear) flutes in different keys will play scales composed of different combinations of notes.

Some people experience each note as having a corresponding color. Or the different notes can be compared to different flavors of sound. Just as there are different flavors of ice cream there are different flavors of sound. The note G has a different tonal flavor than the note A. Higher sounding notes that vibrate at more rapid rates have/convey more energy. They are more stimulating. Lower notes are more relaxed and meditative. Perhaps you are familiar with the sound of the Penny Whistle used in much Irish dance music. The Penny Whistle is usually in the key of what is commonly called high D. High D is the second D above middle C on the piano. This instrument has a very penetrating and stimulating sound. The dance steps of Irish clog dancing reflect this intensity. They are rapid and energetic. The dancers whirl and stomp. Contrast this to the music of a waltz in the key E.

The sound of a Love flute in the key of F, E, Eb or D is more meditative in quality. Most of the prospective buyers who sample the sounds on my website are attracted to these lower keyed flutes.

The keys of different Native American style flutes are often assigned to different areas of the human body and their associated energy centers. These energy centers are called Chakras. There are seven charkas. The lowest is at the base of the spine and the highest is at the crown of the head. According to tradition the lowest chakra vibrates at the pitch of D. The second chakra in the lower abdominal region is E. the solar plexus chraka is F. The heart chraka is F#. The chakra in the neck or thyroid region is G. The forehead or eye center chakra is G# and the chakra at the crown of the head is A. It is thought that each of these centers vibrates in harmony with its particular musical note.

The key of F# is sometimes called the de facto key of the Native American style flute. It has achieved this status by usage. The majority of recorded Native American style flute music is done with an F# flute. Also, F# is a very popular flute key among amateur players. There seems to be no rational explanation for this. Perhaps it is because so much NA flute music is music of the heart. The only problem with an F# flute is that it is not a common musical key. So other musicians - guitarists, pianist etc - may have a difficult time playing with you. The keys of A, G and E are more common.

I suggest that you listen to sound samples or better yet play flutes of various keys to feel what key is best for you. You will know it when what you hear feels right to you.

Diastasis Recti Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

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Diastasis Recti Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Diastasis Recti is the separation that occurs between the left and right side of the abdominis muscle of the rectus. This muscle actually covers the belly area's front surface.

Causes:

-This problem is quite common in newborns. It is seen more often in premature babies and African American infants.

-Pregnant women could develop this condition because of the increased tension on abdominal walls. Added, the risk is higher if there are multiple births or in the case of many pregnancies.

-If women who are more than 12 week pregnant exercise, they stress their abdomens. This could worsen the situation.

-The abdominal trauma with diastasis could cause connective tissues to wear and tear away from abdominal walls and lead to ventral hernia.

Symptoms:

-The diastasis recti will look like a ridge that will run down from the middle of tummy area. This will stretch from the bottom of the breastbones to the belly button. This increases the strain on the muscles.

-In most of the infants, this condition can be easily noticed when he or she tries to sit. When this infant is relaxing, you can feel the edges of the muscles on the rectus.

-Women who have had multiple pregnancies could face this problem as their muscles would have been stretched a lot of times. The soft tissues and the extra skin in the front of abdominal walls might be the only symptom of this problem in the early pregnancies. In the later pregnancies, the uterus of the pregnant lady may be seen as bulging out from the abdominal walls. Even the unborn baby's full outline may be seen.

-Women may notice poor posture, back pain, problems with the pelvic floor, disturbances in their intestines like constipation, bloating etc.

-If the new born baby develops some kind of redness or gets pain in the abdomen, then it could be a symptom.

-Also, if the baby keeps vomiting without stopping, then it will be good to take him to the doctor immediately.

-Another symptom is if the baby keeps crying without reason.

Treatment:

When one visits the doctor, the doctor would be able to diagnose this by doing a physical exam.

-For pregnant ladies who face this condition, no treatment is required.

-For infants, the rectus abdominis muscles might continue. It could also disappear after some time. Surgery may be required if the baby develops a hernia, which can become trapped in the spaces between muscles.

-The diastasis recti that are related with pregnancy could even last long after the delivery. Exercises might be required for improving this condition. Some people might see an umbilical hernia as well. If there is pain, surgery could be required.

-If there are complications related to the hernia, then surgery may be the only option.

Whatever be the cause or the symptom, it is important to show it to the doctor and get treated immediately. In particular, this is imperative, when it involves a newborn baby who can't even express and explain his problems

Department of State Increasing Application Fee For K1 and K3 Visa Applications

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Department of State Increasing Application Fee For K1 and K3 Visa Applications

The following article discusses the recent announcement of fee increases for those seeking non-immigrant K visas for alien loved ones residing overseas.

American Immigration law is an extremely opaque area of jurisprudence as it is fundamentally driven by statute rather than the common law. Many of those who are seeking Immigration benefits are confused by the seemingly arbitrary rules and regulations. This attitude is often held by those who are dealing with the back end of the process at American Consulates overseas as the time differences as well as the Consulate's local rules can be confusing to those dealing with the Immigration process for the first time.

Recently, the Department of State announced that the current fees for K visa applications will be increased. To quote the Department of State directly, "The application fee for K visas for fianc(e)s of U.S. citizens will be $350."* In the past, the fee associated with Consular Processing of K visas was $131. Apparently, the surplus revenues generated by the increase in fees are to be used to streamline the overall visa process through use of additional resources and staff.

For the most part, the fee increase will only impact those with an alien fiance(e) and not those with an alien spouse. This is due to the fact that the United States National Visa Center recently announced that they will no longer process K3 visa applications if the underlying visa petition for an Immigrant Visa has already been adjudicated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The decision to "administratively close" K3 visa applications has, in this author's opinion, lead to a relative drop in the number of K3 visa applications adjudicated by American Embassies and Consulates abroad.

It should be noted that the initial fees associated with a K1 visa petition remain the same. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), under the authority of the United States Department of Homeland Security which is a separate agency from the US Department of State, charges $455 to process an I-129f petition for an alien fiance. At present, I-129f petitions for K3 visas are being processed by USCIS at no charge, but the petitioner must initially file an I-130 petition which requires the remittance of $355 in processing fees. In practical terms, relatively few, if any, K3 visa applications are currently being processed due to the National Visa Center's "administrative closure" policy regarding K-3 applications.

K visa applicants are not the only applicants who will be impacted by increased fees. Other non-immigrant visa categories are slated to have a fee increase. To learn more about the recently announced fee increases please see: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

*http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/pd_pr_05212010_visa.html

Demand for High-End Health Care on the Rise in China

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Demand for High-End Health Care on the Rise in China

"The original health care system cannot meet the demands of the wealthy market. This is an opportunity for investment, especially as the government is now encouraging and promoting the development of high-end health care" - Ministry of Health Medical Services Regulatory Secretary Chen John Jiu, July 2012

China is home to the 4th largest number of millionaires in the world and Beijing is home to the greatest number of wealthy people in China, including 179,000 millionaires and 10,500 people considered super-rich. Those with higher incomes, thanks to a rich diet, urban living, and less reliance on manual labor or exercise, often suffer from a higher incidence of chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease, respiratory illness, diabetes and stress. These people are increasingly concerned about their health and finding access to health care services that meets their needs.

INVESTMENT & IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE
On June 3 2012 Research Institute Fortune issued a white paper titled "China Wealth Health" stating that although wealthy Chinese are paying more attention to their health about 68% of them are suffering from sub-health conditions. The paper concludes that there are over 30 million individuals of high net worth and emerging wealth in need of improved medical services.

Director of the Chinese Doctor Association, Yin Dakui says, "Most people want to be able to enjoy better medical services. Chinese and foreign capital investors are coming together to meet the needs of the population with a higher standard of medical care."

To help meet this demand, in November 2012 the international company WA Optimum Health Care established their new specialty health care facility in Beijings Fragrant Mountain National Park. Their Chairman, Dr Shu Li, Harvard PhD comments "The location, architecture, quality of medical care and standard of service were all designed with the needs of patients in mind. Privacy, discretion and excellent follow-up care are crucial. Of course the most important factor is the level of personal medical attention given to each patient, which is why we have invested in bringing the best doctors from within China and around the world here."

With a flagship center already operating in Shanghai for over 2 years, the international management and medical teams of WA Optimum Health Care are very familiar with the realities of meeting the demands of the market as well as navigating the regulations and licensing issues that have historically challenged other international health care providers that have tried to enter Chinese market. WA Optimum Health Care Vice Chairman Derek Muhs said, "With the implementation of recent health care reforms in China, we are pleased to be one of the first foreign companies providing a gold standard of health care services in this market. The growth opportunities over the next 5 years in the health care sector in China are very exciting."

The WA Center in Beijing is a multi-discipline medical center of excellence specializing in the treatment and prevention of serious chronic conditions such as infertility, diabetes, liver disease, joint degeneration, chronic pain and sexual dysfunction, among others. There is also an advanced cosmetic medicine department that offers rejuvenation and cosmetic improvements performed by leading cosmetic surgeons from Switzerland, USA, South Korea and China.

At the WA Beijing private opening event Mr Wang, President of the "China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association" presented WA with a plaque endorsing them as a "China Clinical Research Center for Functional Anti-Aging Regenerative Medicine".

Countless Chinese people go abroad annually for health care services, especially for anti-aging and cosmetic treatments, cancer screening, to give birth and to get treatment for chronic diseases. But with the governments health reform and support for private health care facilities, more and more Chinese are opting to stay home, where they can now have an international standard of health care in their own language and essential follow-up maintenance program with their personal doctor.

According to a September 2012 report by McKinsey & Company, Chinas health care spending is projected to grow from $357 billion in 2011 to $1 trillion in 2020. China remains one of the worlds most attractive markets, and is by far the fastest growing of all the large emerging markets.

Mr Muhs, quoted earlier, disclosed "We are looking closely at some exciting new opportunities for expansion and acquisition in the health care sector in China. With our 3-5 year IPO on the horizon this will be a very strategic expansion so as not to compromise the medical service that the market is demanding, and that we envision is the future of a new standard of health care in China."

Definition Mind Science

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Definition Mind Science

Cognitive science is most simply defined as the scientific study either of mind or of intelligence. It is an interdisciplinary study drawing from relevant fields including psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, linguistics, anthropology, computer science, and biology. The term cognitive science was coined by Christopher Longuet-Higgins in his 1973 commentary on the Lighthill report, which concerned the then-current state of Artificial Intelligence research. In the same decade, the journal Cognitive Science and the Cognitive Science Society began.

Approaches

There are several approaches to the study of cognitive science. These approaches may be classified broadly as symbolic, connectionist, and dynamic systems.

* Symbolic - holds that cognition can be explained using operations on symbols, by means of explicit computational theories and models of mental (but not brain) processes analogous to the workings of a digital computer.
* Connectionist (subsymbolic) - holds that cognition can only be modeled and explained by using artificial neural networks on the level of physical brain properties.

* Hybrid systems - holds that cognition is best modeled using both connectionist and symbolic models, and possibly other computational techniques (see Sun and Bookman 1994).

* Dynamic Systems - holds that cognition can be explained by means of a continuous dynamical system in which all the elements are interrelated, like the Watt Governor.

Behavioral experiments
In order to have a description of what constitutes intelligent behavior, one must study behavior itself. This type of research is closely tied to that in cognitive psychology and psychophysics. By measuring behavioral responses to different stimuli, one can understand something about how those stimuli are processed.

Reaction time. The time between the presentation of a stimulus and an appropriate response can indicate differences between two cognitive processes, and can indicate some things about their nature. For example, if in a search task the reaction times vary proportionally with the number of elements, then it is evident that this cognitive process of searching involves serial instead of parallel processing.

Psychophysical responses. Psychophysical experiments are an old psychological technique, which has been adopted by cognitive psychology. They typically involve making judgments of some physical property, e.g. the loudness of a sound. Correlation of subjective scales between individuals can show cognitive or sensory biases as compared to actual physical measurements.

Eye tracking. This methodology is used to study a variety of cognitive processes, most notably visual perception and language processing. The fixation point of the eyes is linked to an individual's focus of attention. Thus, by monitoring eye movements, we can study what information is being processed at a given time. Eye tracking allows us to study cognitive processes on extremely short time scales. Eye movements reflect online decision making during a task, and they provide us with some insight into the ways in which those decisions may be processed.

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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Dealing With Diurnal Enuresis

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Dealing With Diurnal Enuresis

Diurnal enuresis is a type of incontinence that affects young children during their waking hours. The condition cannot be diagnosed unless the child is over five years old and is younger than sixteen. Diurnal enuresis is a very distressing condition for both the child and the parents.

There can be several reasons why a child develops diurnal enuresis. The first thing that needs to be medically established is whether the child has contracted a urinary infection. This involves the child providing a urine sample for testing. The doctor will also discuss family history, including toilet-training; bowel habits; and the regularity and nature of urinary stream.

As well as a urine infection, diurnal enuresis can also be caused by a brain hormone, known as antidiuretic hormone, not working properly. The presence of this hormone determines how much water can be held in the body. If the child has too little of this hormone being released into their body, their bladder may not be able to cope with the level of urine being stored.

Other things to consider if your child has developed diurnal enuresis is whether they have an overactive bladder - this is more common in girls and it can be a sign of infection. Quite often young children can become so caught up in an activity that they don't want to stop to go to the toilet. They then leave it too late and this can result in their bladder overflowing before they make it to the toilet.

Discovering with your doctor what it is causing your child's diurnal enuresis and working out how to help you and your child cope in this situation is crucial. It may be that a medical treatment isn't necessary and many children do grow out of the condition. But whatever the treatment your child needs you. There is an estimated 75% chance of a child with diurnal enuresis having a parent or sibling who has previously had the same condition. If it also happened to you, share the information with your child so that they know they are not the only one.

There are many things you can do to help your child with diurnal enuresis. The most important thing is reassurance. Tell your child, and remind them often, that it isn't their fault. Never allow their siblings to tease them. Recognise the warning signs: the child may start fidgeting or holding themselves in the perineal area. Encourage the child to go to the toilet and never punish them if they have an 'accident'.

It is important to know that whatever is causing your child to have diurnal enuresis, it is not the child's fault. The child isn't being lazy or naughty - it is a condition that they have no control over. While emotional stress does not cause diurnal enuresis, a result of having diurnal enuresis can lead to the child having emotional stress and losing self-esteem. Avoid this happening to your child.

Copyright (c) Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Day Care Benefits Look At The Positives

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Day Care Benefits Look At The Positives

You've heard all the nasty rumors about day care. Too many kids and too few caregivers. Lots of sneezing and wheezing. That little guy whos always grabbing your childs toy. Everyones got a story. But you have to get back to work and you have no choice. Whats a good parent to do?

Lets ...You've heard all the nasty rumors about day care. Too many kids and too few caregivers. Lots of sneezing and wheezing. That little guy whos always grabbing your childs toy. Everyones got a story. But you have to get back to work and you have no choice. Whats a good parent to do?

Lets concentrate on the positive. There are plenty of benefits to sending your child to day care. If you consider some of these benefits, it will help you come to terms with your own decision, whether you have a choice or not. Once you understand, youll feel youre helping your child grow into a well rounded, happy child instead of feeling guilty about sticking him in day care.

Babies need interaction with other children. It's never too early to start engaging your son in activities with other children, whether his own age, toddlers or older children. Learning to interact with other kids prepares your son for his first real school experience. Day care is a gentler environment, there are less rules and more flexibility than strict teachers may impose in school.

Children benefit from day care by learning self-control, how to get along with others, and how to share. They begin to learn all about friendship. Without day care, your daughter only knows you; you are her whole world. How scary would it be to get into school at age four or five and find out that Mom isnt there with her? Children benefit from day care by expanding their world to include people other than their parents.

Separation anxiety will be lessened (or not an issue at all) when your child enters school if shes been in day care. Shes already used to being away from you for some time during the day. Shes learned how to make new friends and can be content without your undivided attention. The transition from home to school is far less difficult for those whove experienced day care.

In addition to learning socialization skills, your son may also have the opportunity to learn some of the basics such as the alphabet and numbers, and hes always increasing his vocabulary. This pre-preschool learning environment gives your child an understanding of what will be expected of him once he enters kindergarten. He learns to sit and listen, and is able to accept the information that will be thrust upon him in school. He learns the value of teamwork and to respect the opinions and emotions of others. Entering school for the first time is challenging for all children, but those who have been in day care benefit by already having exposure to a classroom-like environment.

Once your daughter enters school, day care can help with homework. Some day care facilities even offer after-school extracurricular activities like scout meetings, dance class, martial arts and on-site gymnastics instruction. Once she is in school her horizons begin to broaden.

As you can see, there are many benefits to placing your child in a licensed, qualified day care situation. And remember that even though your child is away from you for a portion of his day, it is really the parents that make the most difference in his life.

When he gets home from day care after spending a long day away from you, he will be bursting to tell you all about his day. Ask him questions about his friends, his teachers, his subjects. He will share his day with you no matter what his age is, and getting him to vividly describe his day is exciting to a child especially if you show interest. Of course youre interested, arent you? After all, this child, a mini version of yourself, is taking on the world one day at a time, and the choices and desires he has will be a direct reflection of you. Make the most of that opportunity while you can children are only children once.

Dance Studio Marketing Flyers Are A Good Start But The Internet Will Make You Fly

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Dance Studio Marketing Flyers Are A Good Start But The Internet Will Make You Fly

Dance studios, like all other businesses, are constantly in need of new customers to succeed. Regardless of the loyalty level of your initial customer base, they will eventually move on from your studio, and if you have no new clients coming in your studio will gradually become empty.
There are numerous varieties of dance schools. They range from studios which specialize in introducing dance to young children to professional studios which concentrate on presenting polished dance productions. Dance studio marketing can be quite similar for all these types of schools. Basic techniques form a sufficient base for all of them and then each can be customized as required.

The tried and true method of word of mouth is one of the best ways to drum up new business. One satisfied customer tells and interested party about your studio, and they might become involved, too. Actively encouraging participant to spread the word is important, though, as the topic of dance studios might not come up in typical conversation. Of course, current dancers don't need to become professionals in dance studio marketing, but getting your dancers to make that extra effort to tell family and friends about productions of recital can definitely spark interest in your studio.

Old fashioned print marketing is another way to find new business. Someone running a children's dance school might put up flyers at an after-school center. For a studio doing productions, local colleges or health clubs can be fruitful recruiting grounds. Putting a small blurb in a local paper can also help, although this might not be as effective as it once was since more people are turning to electronic means for their news.

Fortunately, it is possible to put those electronic means to use for dance marketing as well. This does not mean filming a television commercial-that would be prohibitively expensive for all but the most successful studios-but the internet is freely available, and people use online searches to find all manner of things. By marketing a dance studio online, it is possible to reach a wider customer base than a few flyers would.

Not only can a website reach a much wider consumer base than simple flyers, a website can easily include color pictures of your studio's work. Also, it is possible to post short clips from recitals and performances. Your website will also have infinitely more space that a little box in the newspaper ever could. Make it easy to see everything your studio can offer, including schedules, teaching credentials, and much more.

Dance studio marketing techniques like word of mouth remain timeless, but online ways of marketing a dance studio can increase its reach. Nowadays, with people living in fragmented communities where even their neighbors are strangers to them, being able to go online and find out about local studios can replace the old way of finding such resources--spreading the word about hobbies and interests. Thus an online presence for the dance studio can be helpful both for potential customers and studios themselves.

There are many types of dance studios, from teaching studios intended to introduce children to dancing to professional studios that put on various productions throughout the year. Variations on the same type of dance studio marketing will work for most of them, albeit with some customization. Electronic media is also an option for dance marketing. This does not have to include costly television commercials which only the most successful studios can afford. The internet can reach a large audience since so many people use online search. Using the internet for marketing a dance studio online has the potential for much greater success than mailing out flyers would.

Customer Service Training How to Handle Escalated Calls

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Customer Service Training  How to Handle Escalated Calls

Handling an Escalated call is one of the most challenging situations in Customer Care and is one that most people wish they would never have to deal with. However, it is important both to the Company and to the Customer that the escalated call is handled well, and that the issue is resolved. Here we offer tried and tested tips for handling any escalated call.
By definition, handling an escalated call is probably going to be challenging! A call becomes escalated for one of two reasons. One reason is that the issue is complex and the first Customer Care representative does not have the knowledge or experience to handle this problem. The second situation is where the first call went horribly out of control, and the Customer is now either demanding a more senior person, or is so out of control that the first Customer Care representative can no longer handle the call. This second scenario is our area of concern.

Control your Assumptions
Let us look at the first call, before we begin to approach the second. Your Customer Care Agent might tell you that this is a really bad Customer, and much stronger words! It is very easy to get caught up in this thought, this Customer is one of THOSE types! Dont let yourself do this, it is one of the first fatal mistakes in taking an escalated call.
Assume that this Customer is a normal human being, who has a problem, and is misbehaving. Most people really dont WANT to misbehave they even resent the fact that they HAVE to, and they feel that your poor service is forcing them in to this bad behaviour. This is a much more healthy assumption for handling an escalated call. It will help take you into to a more PROBLEM SOLVING ZONE, and well away from the destructive defensive zone.
Equally, in 90 per cent of situations it is actually true! Your first Customer Service agent SHOULD have handled the call without it getting out of control. In some cases the Customer didnt actually have a problem at all. They became irate at the way the first call was handled. Assuming that you have person who WANTS to be calm, will help you handle them correctly, and will open the door to a more positive call.

Gather the Evidence
When your Customer Care representative comes to you with a problem call, get all the information very clearly. Encourage your Team Member to relate the issue like evidence in a police report, calmly and objectively. Separate the people from the problem. Get an understanding of the problem, the impact on the Customer of this problem and what was offered already to this Customer.
Get an understanding of the mood and attitude of the Customer at the beginning of the first call and at the end of the call. In getting this you can get an idea of how much damage was done during the first call.

Think of your Goals
Now think carefully about your GOALS when you take the call. You will have two sets of goals, your Problem goals and your People goals. Ask yourself, when you finish your call, what do you want to have achieved on the Problem side? Write this down precisely, not vaguely. Equally, on the People side, what mood or emotional state will the Customer have to be in to agree to your settlement of the problem? How do you want them to feel about you, the Company, the solution to the problem and about the way we handle our problems? Write this down too.
Now you have clarity on where you want the call to end. The call will not begin there. The call will be like a journey, where you will guide yourself, the Customer and the interaction to this positive outcome.

Show Concern as you Begin the Call
Prepare yourself mentally to take the escalated call. You want to sound like a confident and strong person, one capable of sorting this problem out. However, you also want to sound like someone who is interested in the Customer and his or her concerns.
Begin the call by giving a good introduction, using your title and your FULL name. Also send a positive message in your introduction, such as I am anxious to help, or I am sure I can sort this out.
Dont tell the caller what the problem is just give a title to the issue so that they know you have been briefed. Then let the Customer talk.

Let the Customer Tell the Story
Again, dont assume the Customer is in the same bad mood as they were earlier, they could well have calmed completely in between the 2 calls. Let him tell the story, and show empathy as he talks. Wait till you have got the issue from their side, and then REPEAT it back. Give them a summary of your understanding of the issue. This will reassure the Customer that someone at last grasps the problem, and they will calm further.

Offer your Solution Positively
Then, and only then, will you offer your solution the problem. The Customer will now listen to you, and will be much more likely to work with you to achieve a good solution for both parties.
At the end of your solution DONT LEAVE A GAP, always ask a closed question to try to get the callers agreement. If you leave a gap, they will open the issue again, always close it down.

These few tips and techniques will really help with any escalated call. But, as these are high level call handling skills, the real secret is to keep practicing!

Cultivating A Healing Presence In Counseling

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Cultivating A Healing Presence In Counseling

An introduction for therapists, counselors, paraprofessionals, clergy, 12-step sponsors, or anyone in a helping role.

In a keynote address, Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, made the statement that the common ground in the disciplines of medicine, psychology, and spirituality is healing, and that the healing relationship stands at the center of all healing.

The prevailing conceptualization of mental health and sobriety identifies them as having biopsychosocial, behavioral and spiritual dimensions, and posits that without addressing all of these dimensions, long-term success is far less likely. These two ideas lead to the conclusion that successful treatment requires deep inner healing to take place in the life of the client. Therapists and counselors offer a professional service, setting, and relationship for much of that healing to take place.

I offer the position that the presence the helper brings to the relationship is a major factor in the quality of the healing available to her/his client, and that there are general principles and specific methods to enhance -- in the moment and over time -- the quality of that presence.

This is not a primer on a school of therapy, and I offer no preferences to any particular strategy or technique for conducting therapy. In fact, any good therapist of any school of thought probably has developed their capacity to bring more of their awareness and goodwill to bear in the counseling encounter.

Presence defined: Presence and therapeutic presence, for the purposes of this talk, are best considered from three different perspectives:

From the perspective the individual who is present, the basic definition would be to be peacefully, receptively open to, aware and conscious of the internal environment (senses, thoughts, feelings) and immediate external environment (perceptions) in the present moment, with a minimum of distraction (through attraction or repulsion) of any particular element in awareness.

In addition to this definition, for the individual who is present in a relationship encounter, the definition would become to be fully engaged in a relationship encounter in full awareness of its real-time context, with a minimum of internal distraction by concepts; i.e. judgments of, objectification of or identification with the other; thoughts of past or future; other contexts, people or things; fantasy scenarios, strong emotions, sensations or perceptions.

From the perspective of experiencing someone who has a therapeutic presence, the definition would be someone who spontaneously fosters a felt-sense/feeling-tone of safety, connectedness, acceptance, goodwill, nonjudgment, healing, and compassion that is congruent with their nonverbal communication. This sense seems to surround the space around him/her, creating an atmosphere of serenity. It precedes and authenticates their behavior and speech.

There are several ways to develop ones capacity to cultivate presence: as a by-product of personal growth and healing; regular absorption, artistic expression, human encounter (e.g. art, music, sports, counseling, sponsoring, or ministry), communing with nature; or regular prayer, contemplative or meditative practices. Pursuing more than one of these endeavors tends to have an overall synergistic affect on presence cultivation.

Notably, all of these practices are also strong candidates as therapeutic activities for ones physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It is a well-known fact that self-care on the part of the mental health professional not only enhances her/his personal life, but increases their mental, emotional, and energetic availability to provide a therapeutic for their clients.

Actively practicing and applying techniques common to some of the aforementioned activities can help optimize the therapists presence, both offline and during sessions: quieted mind, with relaxed & alert awareness of kinesthetic sensations, and the perceptual field, remaining focused on and open to every aspect of the client in the moment (physical body, behavior, verbal and nonverbal communications). I like to call this listening with your whole self.

Achieving and maintaining this kind of receptivity and openness, especially in the context of professional work, is challenging at first. It usually requires practice and years of experience to develop into a meaningful part of a therapists toolbox, but this is usually because practicing therapeutic presence is generally not taught. I am putting forth the argument that, not only can it be taught; it is a skill that can be taught and practiced simply and very effectively to drastically shorten the time it takes to develop into a powerful therapeutic tool.

Before we get into the technique Im going to teach you, there are some important principles I want to share with you upon which to base presence cultivation for therapeutic purposes:

1. Be in an attitude of total acceptance of the client and the clients present condition, including their beliefs, perspectives, attitudes, and perceptions. Acceptance of how the client experiences self and the world doesnt mean agreement with it. It simply means a total lack of inner resistance. This is the basic medium of the therapeutic encounter.

2. Be confident in and conscious of your clients and your own essential and potential (i.e. spiritual) wholeness. It is enormously helpful not to approach clients with an attitude or belief that they themselves are broken, but that one or more aspects of their experiential and/or behavioral manifestation are out of synch with their essential nature. By focusing our attention on their pristine essence, we entrain our own consciousness to ours, and provide a wordless, energetic bridge from the clients experiential self to his/her pure potential.

3. Have faith and develop confidence in the fact that your client has all of the internal and external resources with which to heal and resolve their problems: they just arent aware of them or how to access them. It is your job to help her/him get out of his/her own way in order to do so.

4. Understand that presence is always a work in progress. Perfection is not required, because perfection requires critical judgment, and critical judgment is counterproductive to cultivating presence. Like meditation, once you learn an effective method, then regular practice, deliberate self-awareness and redirecting the attention back to focus will gradually improve your ability to restore, maintain, and deepen an inner state of being present.

While this list may seem long & a lot to think about when Im thinking and talking with my client, these 4 principles are more like the background scenery to the main subject of a photo or painting, or the orchestral accompaniment to the duet of the encounter. We put the most work into bringing these beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives outside the session, and just remind ourselves just before the session or whenever we notice having slipped out of being present.

The experience of being present is unmistakable. It is as nourishing to the practitioner as it is to the client. It carries a clear and palpable sense of sacredness, and seems to sanctify the space the encounter occupies. When you are in the zone youll feel/ recognize it, but you can be unconscious of slipping out of it because of mental or emotional distraction.

If you are experiencing your client as an object rather than the subject of your attention, if you are mentally or emotionally judging or reacting, if you are actively thinking about theories and therapeutic techniques, or if you are engaging an inner dialogue in short, if you are focused on anything other than your attention on your sensory input and your client in the here and now, you are not fully present in that moment.

Continuous, 100% presence is not possible, and this is part of why self-judgment is so unhelpful in its ongoing cultivation. Just relax, and gently return your awareness to I and Thou, Here and Now.

There is another side to being present. For clinicians, it is important to be on the ball with observing & assessing the client(s), observing & analyzing content & process, maintaining a theoretical perspective, remembering the treatment plan, developing new strategies & executing counseling techniques and interventions. It may seem as though attention to the quality of your awareness in the moment could interfere with this, or vice versa. On the contrary, cultivation of this capacity for presence seems to greatly enhance clinical thinking. It appears as though the filters to those areas of the unconscious which hold all of our knowledge and wisdom are removed when we are truly present.

It is nevertheless a challenge for a journeyman psychotherapist to develop this, and switching back and forth during a session is normal and acceptable. With continuing practice, both presence and our clinical expertise come more naturally and intuitively, and we can fall back on consciously accessing either or both as we need to.

One way I have found that helps me to keep the healing presence of my humanity and spirituality in the room while Im acting/processing as a therapist is to mentally place my sense of being present --empathy, kindness, compassion, acknowledgement of my clients pure essence and confidence in their ability to heal-- into my physical heart while my brain does the clinical work. I work to maintain a background awareness of my sensations, perception of the immediate environment, and especially my clients nonverbal communication. With practice, this is not as challenging as it sounds. In fact, in my opinion, it actually enhances the quality of my clinical intuition. If you realized how much thinking about other things you do during the course of a session and still keep track of whats going on, youd understand your mind is easily capable of this. Its just a matter of practice.

Here is a brief exercise together: 1. to sensitize you to the activities in your mind and emotions which cloud your full presence most of the time; and 2. to introduce /remind you of the glimpses of experience itself & offer one of the many means of cultivating it on your own and in sessions.)

This exercise, a form of meditation or mind-clearing, methodically develops the capacity for presence. Practicing it will provide an intimate familiarity with being present, as well develop and reinforce ones ability to quickly become present in the context of a relationship.

The exercise is a circuitous progression of centering ones attention on experience in the moment. Each shift of attention, from perception through being, adds a dimension of experience in the here and now. The mind becomes absorbed in the present moment, along with the inner space and immediate environment, until all merge into undifferentiated being. This last step may take time to experience even for fleeting moments, and it is advisable not to judge at all whether, for how long, or how often the mind achieves that state. The critical mind is the opposite of the present mind.

Also, the heart tends to activate when we are present, you may notice warm sensations in the middle of the chest: this is a welcome development, but is not sought out in this practice. Simply practice becoming and being present, and all will fall into place.

Position: seated on a chair with feet planted; on the floor or a meditation bench with legs crossed Indian-style, half-lotus, full-lotus; or on the floor with legs together, calves folded under thighs and sitting on heels. (Lying down if no other position is feasible; however, this is not an optimal position for this practice)

Posture: Back straight and relaxed (not ramrod); belly relaxed (not held in); shoulders upright and comfortable (not shrugged, slumped nor pulled back as if at military position of attention); head facing straight forward; eyes (whether open or closed) directed to a softly gazing at a point on the floor about three feet in front of you. (Note: do not direct your eyes upward to your third eye, as this induces a type of trance that does not promote being present)

Breathing: the breath is through the nostrils, soft, slow (12-16 full breaths per minute), and low into the, relaxed, expanding and contracting belly. The chest and shoulders should be relaxed and relatively still throughout the breathing. If the chest is visibly moving in and out, and/or the shoulders up and down, correct this by perceiving yourself inhaling down to your navel, crotch, and buttocks. Another way to correct chest-breathing is to first lie down on you back and notice how your belly naturally expands and contracts rather than your chest and shoulders when you breathe. The next step is to sit with your back at a 45-degree incline and breathe into the belly. Then reproduce this kind of breathing while sitting upright and standing. Once you get the hang of the sensation and mechanics of diaphragmatic (belly) breathing, remind yourself to breathe that way several times a day.

Mental focusing technique: This technique is a simple and powerful way to practicing bringing your attention to the present moment. It can be used as a meditation in its own right, but can also be applied to the therapeutic setting to help you refocus and bear witness in the therapeutic relationship.

Beginning Start with the diaphragmatic breathing, focusing your attention on the process and sensation of the breathing; the subtle movement in your abdomen; the sensation of the airflow through your nostrils; the sensation the breathing causes throughout your body.
After about a minute, you will start shifting your full attention to each of these experiences, about a minute each, one after the next. Whenever you notice your awareness wondering outside or only on a portion of the intended focus, gently redirect it. If you are paying close attention to your awareness, youll most likely need to refocus your mind many times in just one minute. Keep the breathing steady.

1. Perception - Rest your awareness on the entire range of your visual field and auditory input; try not to single anything out just consciously receive all the visual and auditory input coming into your eyes and ears. Whenever you find yourself focusing only on one or the other, gently expand your awareness to encompass both. To help you stay focused, you can mentally repeat the word perception as a periodic reminder of what you are doing.

2. Sensation Shift your awareness to focusing on the sensations within your entire body; try not to single out any area(s) of the body or type(s) of sensation(s) out: see if you can feel and notice everything your nervous system is communicating to your brain from the rest of your body. Notice how the sensations shift as you inhale or exhale. Whenever you notice attention drifting, gently refocus to sensation.

3. Awareness Shift your awareness to focusing on BOTH perception and sensation while you continue the gentle, slow belly breathing. Try to take it all in at once, encompassing every perception and sensation with your mind, singling nothing out. Be gentle with this, however. Just allow your attention to expand as far as it will to receive all of the input from your body and your environment. Whenever you notice yourself focusing on just one or the other (breathing, perception, or sensation), gently expand your awareness as far out as you can to embrace it all again.

4. Being This is the most challenging step. Shift your awareness beyond your individual self as the locus of awareness so that you no longer differentiate yourself from the sensory and perceptual input or their source, and no longer differentiate them from each other. Every point in your immediate environment, as well as the totality of the space you occupy and the boundaries of your perception are now your primary frame of reference. Whenever you notice yourself spacing out, return your attention to your immediate environment.

Return to step 1 and cycle through again until complete. This exercise can generate a great deal of mental power and chi energy in and around the body, regardless of how well or poorly executed you may think your session was. Therefore, it is always important to ground yourself to close the session, regardless of where you end in the sequence.

Grounding It is important to ground yourself after even just a few minutes of this exercise. To do so, plant your fleet on the ground while standing or sitting in a chair with your hands clasped in your lap or flat on the sides of your thighs. Focus your attention on the sensations in your feet and the feeling of ground or floor beneath them. When you stand, stretch and bend your legs. Drink some water afterwards.

You may want to limit yourself to a 4-minute period of this exercise at first, and gradually work your way up to 10 minutes. Any more than 20 or 30 minute a day is not really necessary. Some find the 4th step too challenging and prefer to only cycle through steps 1-3, and this works just fine.

Other activities to promote presence:
Psychophysical and psychospiritual practices that cultivate presence: i.e. exercise, hatha yoga, tai chi, some sports, breathing and relaxation exercises, visualization, massage, the focusing technique; the various forms of prayer, sitting/standing/walking meditation, chanting; and inner work which reduces neurosis and its manifestations in mental activity, emotions, interpersonal communication, and behavior.

Its important to remember that simple presence, while powerfully therapeutic, is neither a replacement for nor a type of psychotherapy. It should be considered a base for the therapeutic encounter from which any therapeutic intervention can be greatly facilitated.

By tending our presence as an important aspect of our inner development, we directly cultivate an atmosphere of healing in all of our relationships.

From a spiritual point of view, presence can be considered bringing forth the pure spirit we were created as to bear witness in every encounter, thereby inviting the spirit of the other in communion, which in turn is an invitation to the Spirit we were created from to be present.

Below are some reading references to learn more about and/or practice the cultivation of a healing therapeutic presence.

Clinical Literature:
The Therapeutic Self: Developing Resonance--Key to Effective Relationships - John G. Watkins

The Art & Practice of Compassion & Empathy (Margot Lasher, Ph.D.)

How to Meditate (Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D.)

The Relaxation Response (Herbert Benson, M.D.)

The Book of Meditation: The Complete Guide to Modern Meditation (Patricia Carrington, Ph.D.)

Eastern References:
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind (Suzuki Roshi)

Peace is Every Step (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Tao Te Ching (translation by Stephen Mitchell)

Meditation in Action, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Ordinary Magic: Everyday Life as Spiritual Path (John Welwood, Ed.) (Collection of articles on aspects of presence -excellent resource)

Christian Authors:
The Interior Castle (Saint Theresa of Avila)

Learning to Dance Inside: Getting to the Heart of Meditation (George Fowler)

Thomas Merton

Meister Eckhart

Jewish References:
I and Thou (Martin Buber)

Meditation and the Bible (Rabbi Aryeh Ben Kaplan)

Sufi (Islamic mysticism) References:
Living Presence (Kabir Edmund Helminski)

(Article adapted from the authors December, 1997 November 2000 articles and presentations to mental health professionals and graduate interns at Prince William County Community Services Board - "Cultivating Presence in Substance Abuse Therapy"; and a periodic seminar provided to Prince William County Substance Abuse Unit Detention Center detainees: Sought through Prayer and Meditation: A Simple Meditation Technique for Cultivating Sobriety)

Creative Non-Floral Centerpieces for Charity Auction Fundraisers

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Creative Non-Floral Centerpieces for Charity Auction Fundraisers

Many of the benefit auctions I work use a floral centerpiece on the table. I certainly enjoy the freshness they bring to a table, but I've also seen some creative non-floral centerpieces at my auction fundraisers.

Most often an organization will opt for a non-floral centerpiece due to cost. As attractive as they are, flowers can be expensive. Flowers are a "nice to have," not a "need to have," so they can be quickly cut from a budget. But you still want to have an attractive table arrangement.

Many non-floral centerpieces can also be made or assembled by kids. This is useful if you are running a school auction or a non-profit which benefits children.

At the "Night at the Museum" benefit auction each table had a creative centerpiece showcasing a different museum around the United States. A popular table hosted the National Baseball Hall of Fame museum.

Often times, a benefit auction will opt for a cornucopia when they go with non-floral centerpieces. What I am calling cornucopia is the tablescapes that are created with a collection of items and those might not be consistent across all the tables.

If you have volunteers managing the centerpieces, each member might be assigned a table and have a list of supply options that can be sourced from a personal collection or home. The centerpieces will help execute the theme, but each is going to be different. It will be easier for volunteers to pull items from their homes, like blue bottles and shells, to coordinate tables. The tables won't be exact matches, but the cost of a professional florist is eliminated and the theme can still be carried out.

A star example of cornucopia

Last fall, my team and I worked an event in southern Virginia which was one of the most attractive events I've ever attended. It wasn't a large audience the crowd only numbered around 225 but the decor and atmosphere was exquisite! It was one of the more magical auctions I've attended.

The theme was Treasures of the Deep. All-things-of-underwater-intrigue could be found here. The dark, mysterious, quiet of the ocean seemed to come alive in this auction fundraiser.

One of the elements that made this event so eye catching was the centerpieces. I couldn't help but admire how creative the florist had been to create such elegant focal points for the tables.

Every centerpiece was different. Some were more traditional centerpieces, whereas other tables had collections of items one might imagine to be found on a sunken ship, like unusually shaped and dark-colored bottles. Collections of shells, starfish, and stones were scattered about the table.

For those tables with a "living" element, the predominant vegetation looked like sea grasses. Other centerpieces consisted of arrangements of unusual plants that were reminiscent of an underwater garden.

Creative And Practical Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

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Creative And Practical Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

A centerpiece is the crowning glory of any table decoration. Choosing a centerpiece is vital: it has to go along with your color scheme and wedding theme. The right one can add a bit of drama to the reception that can make your wedding day a truly memorable one. A one-of-a-kind wedding centerpiece doesnt have to be expensive. Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and imagination to come up with the perfect one for you, even if youre on a tight budget. Since youve already got loads of things on the tables, it is best to go for only one or two things that will surely stand out and which does not obstruct the view for your guests.

Edible Centerpiece Ideas Instead of a huge multi-tiered cake, use individual mini-cakes at the center of each table. This will make your tables look festive and provide dessert to the guests at the same time. Cupcakes look just as nice. Decorate them in your wedding colors and watch your everybody's mouth water at the sight of your scrumptious centerpiece. Look out for fruits in season. They usually come in cheap when bought in bulk. Arrange fruits in a clear glass bowl and add flower petals or candles to enhance the fruit combinations.Guests will surely love the freshness of it! Candies bring an unmatched sweetness to the table.

Lollipop trees or custom-made chocolate bars with your names and the wedding date on them can double as favors for guests to take home. Romantic Centerpieces Floral centerpieces and a traditional wedding reception always go hand in hand. They are timeless and beautiful, and add a definite romantic feeling to the place. Fresh cut flowers are always available at the flower wholesaler or market. You dont have to be an expert florist, either. For example, simply place six white roses on a small vase. Fresh flowers dont have to be fancy to be absolutely beautiful. Small, attractive potted plants and flowers may be used too.

Make sure your guests know that theyre free to grab one at the end of the wedding. Candles can brighten up a wedding table and even make the overall feel of your special day. Several pillar candles of varying heights can be arranged at the center of each table. Miniature candles also look very romantic. Float them in a large bowl filled with water, and add a few rose petals or tiny flowers of your choice. Just remember to use candles that match your color scheme. If you want a more personal feel, you can use picture frames with a beautiful portrait of the two of you.

Place it at the center of the table surrounded by an arrangement of your favorite flowers. Theme or Seasonal Centerpiece It is important that your centerpieces follow the theme of your wedding. For instance, if your reception is at the beach, you could use seashells as the focal point of your tables. Place them in mini silver buckets and tie a ribbon around each. Seasonal weddings offer a wide variety of centerpieces. For a Christmas wedding, homemade gingerbread houses, pine cones and berries are a fun way to dress up the tables.

Create A Center of Influence

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Create A Center of Influence

Let's begin with a short quiz. One question. No pressure.

1. What is the best type of advertising?

When asked this question many people answer "the kind that works!" While no one can disagree with that, I submit that the BEST type of advertising is the one that is most overlooked.

I'm talking about word of mouth advertising.

While targeted email, banner ads, billboard ads, and even television ads all have their place, nothing compares to the power of word of mouth advertising. Here's why.

When one person tells another person about your product or service, the very fact that they are speaking about you constitutes an endorsement. While people might not trust advertising (in fact, they don't) they do trust people.

If Jane feels strongly enough about what you do to tell Jim, Jim will take notice even if Jane gets the facts wrong. When Jane tells 15 or 20 Jims, she has become a center of influence.

How can we develop a powerful word of mouth advertising campaign in our businesses? By recognizing, developing and rewarding those people who can become a 'center of influence' in our lives.
It's done in three steps. Let's look at each step.
1. Recognition
In order to become a true *center* of influence, a person needs to be in regular contact with the type of people who can benefit from what you do. This begs a critical question. Do you know what your ideal prospect looks like? Once you know, do this.
List the type of clients that you would like to have more of. List what makes them an ideal client for you (they need what you do, they are open to change, etc.)
Find common characteristics. Do these super clients go to the symphony, play golf, visit certain web sites, participate in online forums? As much as you can, be where they are.
Get to know them on their turf. Let them see you at events they attend. Volunteer to help their favorite charity. Make yourself visible. Before people will buy and recommend us, they need to get to know and TRUST us.
2. Development

This is NOT manipulation, but education. Have you ever had someone you know buy what you sell from a competitor because they just didn't know YOU sold it? We are not at the top of people's minds. They have kids, mortgages, college to pay for, as well as work pressures, just like you do.

We need to position ourselves at the top of their minds by being in constant contact. We have so many tools at our disposal for this purpose. Here are three to start with.
Send them an email once a month to announce something new in your business.
Phone them to say hello and announce your next big event. Ask them how they are first, and keep notes so you have a point of contact for the next call.
A personal note works very well for developing this type of relationship. Have you written a new article or been in the newspaper. Write a brief note and send it along. Notes take time, which shows that you value this relationship.
3. Reward

No, I am NOT talking about money here. This relationship that goes much deeper than that. What I am saying is that, while you are getting to know them better and educating them about what you do, take the time to LISTEN to their needs.

When you can meet one of their needs, do it immediately. This person is important to your business. Don't TELL them, SHOW them how important they are. If this relationship does not include reciprocity, it will degenerate into a 'what's in it for me' situation that will not stand the test of time.

Please understand that these relationships must be open and honest in order to work. People like to help other people, especially those they know and trust.

Develop that trust relationship with people who are well positioned to help you. You must earn their referrals. When you do, your marketing will become supercharged with what is clearly the best form of advertising ... positive word of mouth.

Cost Of Lasik Surgery - Researching Lasik Costs Online

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Cost Of Lasik Surgery - Researching Lasik Costs Online

As you've probably noticed, the popularity of the Lasik procedure has skyrocketed in recent years. It's a great way to improve your vision without using bulky glasses or high-maintenance contacts. So how much does Lasik cost? You may think it's straightforward, but the pricing system of the Lasik procedure can be a little convoluted. Sometimes people can feel confused and aren't sure what is reasonable to pay for the procedure.

Generally, the cost of laser vision correction will range from approximately two to five thousand dollars total to have both eyes surgically repaired. Many firms try to slice the price down in advertisements and other mediums by giving the per eye price or offering a rate that doesn't include incidental costs, like post operation care or the associated medicated drops and other materials used for care once the surgery is complete.

In attempting to research the cost of surgical procedures over the internet, here are some suggestions for discovering the lowest local cost of lasik surgery. Something to remember is that the fees advertised online may be out of date depending on the company you're researching. Frequently, firms who list costs of lasik online neglect updating their fees routinely, which means that fees might have gone up or down since they were posted. Phone or e-mail the clinic or hospital to confirm fees if possible.

If you live in a metropolitan area and are looking for a doctor you, should consider widening your search to outside of your general area. Expanding your search in the Baltimore, MD area, for example, to Bethesda, MD will result in a considerable rate difference when looking for an eye doctor for a Lasik procedure. Spreading your search to a 50-mile radius may be in your favor so do your research.

As you investigate the costs of Lasik procedures by doing an online search or checking advertisements, it is important to determine the type of lasers and procedures used by the Lasik center. Many clinics offer lower prices, but they use older types of lasers that could be less accurate than modern equipment. It is best to spend the time to do the extra research to find clinics that offer the most advanced procedures at the lowest prices.

Ultimately, the decision to have Lasik can often be affected by the cost of lasik surgery in your area, and many people who wouldn't have the surgery decide to do so because they found lower cost procedures at clinics near them online. Be sure to research your prices carefully and make sure you know the risks before committing to having Lasik.

Cortes - A Tesoro Metal Detector Review

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Cortes - A Tesoro Metal Detector Review

This Tesoro metal detector review is going to a look at the Cortes. The Cortes probably best represents the Tesoro line of products in general. It is their top of the line coin detecting metal detector making it a perfect candidate for this Tesoro metal detector review. This is not an underwater metal detector review although the Cortes can be used at some depths.

Features of the Cortes - An in Depth Tesoro Metal Detector Review

The thing that jumps out right away when you get you hands on the Cortes is the control box and battery holder configuration. The batteries are down underneath the arm bracket to increase the size of the control box. This allows the Cortes to take advantage of a twelve volt system that can handle the high demands of the ID circuitry. In addition to this, because the of this the Cortes can use a two and quarter inch speaker meaning it will be much easier to hear if you have or have not hit a target. This means that you will not miss hits out in the field because of unheard or low volume beeps.

The Cortes also has and industry leading two by sixteen character LCD display. This is the information center on the detector with the top displaying a broad indication on the possible targets. It breaks it down into one of five different types. In addition to that if the target is over driving the circuits that will be displayed on the LCD as well.

While this information is great, the important part of the Tesoro metal detector review is that it truly is accurate. When you detect something of a different type, this bar will pick it up. The second part of the Cortes is that it can not only detect the type of target but the depth as well. The Cortes uses the phase shift of the target to determine the type and compares this with the amplitude to determine the depth.

In a normal metal detector if you had two different metal coins at different depth it would show them being in the same spot, but because of how accurate the Cortes is it can separate out the two and show the one as deeper because of the difference in the phase. This is a unique feature to the Cortes and something you should really consider as important in this Tesoro metal detector review.

There are a host of other features that add to the ability of the Tesoro Cortes's ability to detect various metals at various depths. From a handy on screen metal type display to the different beep tones for metals the Cortes really does have many features. In addition it comes with a lifetime warranty and only weighs three pounds. This makes this Tesoro metal detector review a positive one from my perspective.

Cooper River Bridge Run Review

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Cooper River Bridge Run Review

On a cool Saturday morning, 50,000 of my closest friends and I shivered together, awaiting the start of the annual Cooper River Bridge Run. Started in 1978, the Cooper River Bridge Run has grown from a few hundred runners to one of the 10 biggest races in America. I have run this race several times, both while in college in Charleston over a decade ago as well as the past few years. The following is a review of this race and perhaps a few tips for those considering running it in the future.

The temperature is usually in the 40's at start time, give or take 10 degrees. It will be chilly while standing around but, actually, perfect weather for running. The starting corrals are on Coleman Blvd. in Mt Pleasant. They extend for at least half a mile from the start line. It has taken me as many as 20 minutes to get to the starting line once the gun goes off. Today, I was 2 minutes from the start.

First tip: If you want to run this race for time, get as close to the starting line as possible. Somehow, without fail, walkers get into the first few corrals which should only be sub-hour runners. This inevitably causes lots of traffic to weave through and will cost you time. Sub 49 minute runners can submit proof of time and get preferred corral placement. If you're not worried about your time, then just relax and enjoy the party. Also, get to the starting area in plenty of time to get in your corral or else you may have trouble getting into it in time to start.

As the clock counts down, the corrals swell forward in anticipation. Once the gun sounds, everyone starts walking toward the start. As you pass over the timing mat, you are free to run, however, you probably won't be able to for a hundred yards or so, because of traffic. Your first mile will be slow unless you are at the front.

Second tip: If you like a 6 mile long party, this is the place for you. If you have a fear of crowds, not so much. The first time you run this race, you might think that the crowd will thin out as you go along. It doesn't thin as much as speed up. There will be runners within arms-length of you in all directions at all times for the entire race. It's not so bad as long as you don't fall down. If your shoes comes untied, as mine did this year, I advise you to get to the side quickly and deal with it. If you stop in the center of the road, you will probably get trampled. Again, not trying to scare you, just letting you know. This is a BIG race.

Making your way out of Mt Pleasant, the Ravenel Bridge comes into view. It is a strikingly beautiful bridge and much smoother and easier to run than its' predecessors. There is only one hill in this bridge, the others had two. Once you hit the approach to the bridge, you'll need to use some caution as a lot of folks start to walk when they hit the hill. Making your way up the bridge ramp, you will start to feel the breeze from the ocean and the Cooper River. It will be welcome as you will be warmed up by now. Moving through the first bridge support, take a moment to look up and around you. This bridge really is a beautiful piece of engineering. The view out over Charleston Harbor isn't too bad either.

About this time, you'll crest the hill and the after-burners can kick in for the next 2 miles, which are all downhill. If you need to make up time, this is the place to do it. Enjoy the breeze and view while you can, this is worth the price of admission. Soon, you will make your way down the ramp to Meeting Street where a water station awaits. You will immediately notice that the breeze is gone, blocked by the buildings. The last couple of miles takes you down Meeting Street toward the Visitor's Center, then hangs a right over to King Street. You will pass Marion Square, the post-race gathering spot, but there is more running to do before you get there. Keep going, down King Street toward Charleston Place before taking a left back over to Meeting Street. As you come back on to Meeting, you will see the finish line about 500 yards up the road. Sprint. Congratulations, you got over it!

The post-race area is an experience unto itself. It's crammed full of spectators, runners, vendors and just about everyone in Charleston. It's even more crowded than the race itself, if that's possible. Water and fruit stations are everywhere. This is a very well-run and well-supported race. It's amazing that so many people can be involved in the race and things still maintain a appearance of organization.

In years past, packet pickup has been a nightmare. The Gaillard Auditorium is a decent-sized venue, but when so many people rush it at once, it quickly becomes unmanageable. This year, they had a tent set up outside to get your number and then you proceeded to get your other items. This seemed to work much better than in years past. You also have the option of having your packet mailed to you in advance for a nominal fee. Personally, I like getting in the crowds at the Expo.

It's a great race and the perfect excuse to spend a weekend in Charleston. For those that are considering registering for next year, here is my advice: Register early, book your rooms early, have your packets mailed or get to pickup early on Friday, be prepared for a 6 mile long party with CLOSE friends, and most importantly, relax and have fun.

Considering Bioptic Glasses for Low Vision

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Considering Bioptic Glasses for Low Vision

People with macular degeneration know first hand that one of the consequences of this eye condition is a loss of central vision. Central vision is used for important daily tasks such as reading, working at the computer and driving. Although there are a few promising treatments for wet advanced macular degeneration, anyone experiencing advanced vision loss wants to maximize the vision they still possess. Specialized low vision products, such as bioptic glasses for low vision, can enable those living with low vision to perform daily tasks independently and maintain self-sufficiency.

In order to understand how bioptic glasses for low vision work, a brief explanation of age-related macular degeneration and its associated low vision is needed. The macula is found in the central part of the retina in the eye. When it becomes weakened through a thinning of the macular cells, damaged by the cells wasting away, or when the macula becomes unclear due to excessive blood vessel growth causing bursting and leaking beneath the macula, age-related macular degeneration is often the result. The center of the macula becomes damaged, and vision in the center of the eye lessens and eventually can become entirely lost. Central vision helps us perform the detail-oriented tasks of daily life. Activities such as reading, sewing, knitting and driving become much more difficult and eventually impossible with this vision loss. Peripheral vision remains unaltered by age-related macular degeneration, however. The end of this condition is the ability to see the outline of something, but not details in the center of the object.

Bioptic glasses for low vision due to age-related macular degeneration and other conditions work at bit like bifocals. A bifocal has two different prescriptions within the eyeglass lens. You can adjust to near or far vision depending on if you are looking through the top or the bottom of the eye glass lens. Bioptic glasses for low vision work in a similar manner, but instead of using a magnified eye glass prescription in the eye glass lens, tiny telescopes are used instead. These low vision products improve low vision by allowing the wearer to have access to intense magnification whenever he or she needs it. The wearer will also be able to use a regular prescription for the area of the eye glass lens that is not devoted to the telescope, namely the peripheral vision, so that all areas of the visual field will be improved.

Bioptic glasses for low vision can be a powerful solution to counteract symptoms of age-related macular degeneration. A physician specializing in the treatment of low vision conditions is best able to evaluate how effective these devices could be for a patient's specific needs. In some cases, bioptic glasses are ideal low vision products to provide better central vision, making it easier to maintain independence and participate fully in enjoyable daily activities.

Conducting Pre-employment Background Screens When Opening a Daycare

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Conducting Pre-employment Background Screens When Opening a Daycare

When choosing to open a daycare center, it is essential to conduct pre-employment background screen. There are two main reasons for performing this step. The first reason is to verify that the person applying for a position within your child care center is who they claim to be. The second reason is to research any criminal history that may pose an issue to the children and staff of your daycare facility. Many pre-employment background checks are also used to determine if an individual has used recreational drugs by way of a standard drug test. Pre-employment background screens are essential to any business when looking to avoid legal challenges.

When someone applies to your new daycare business, it is imperative to have a pre-employment background screen contract available. This form should inform the potential employee that they are providing you with the permission to conduct an investigation on them. If the screening includes a drug panel, they must also have an area in which they can have the option to consent to this as well. Many companies choose to make consent necessary for employment consideration. Being that you are opening a child care service center, this is something you should definitely consider. You cannot afford to endanger the safety of the children that you will be responsible for.

When conducting pre-employment background screens, it is imperative that you find a dependable outside company to work with that will provide these services to you at a good rate. Many of these companies offer discounts to new businesses, and businesses that deal with children - such as a daycare. It is important to inquire about any special rates and/or discounts when researching various companies that provide background check services. You should also contact the insurance provider of your daycare center to determine if you can receive discounts on your insurance costs due to the fact that you require pre-employment background screening.

When conducting a pre-employment background screens, it is important to understand that there is certain information that you are not permitted, by law, to use in determining an individual to be worthy of employment for a daycare center. An example would be a disability. Other examples of items that should not be used in determining employment at your new child care center include previous debts, low credit scores, and medical conditions. However, if any of these items pose a significant danger to the overall health of the daycare establishment, you may use these things as determining factor. An example would be a severely contagious disease.

When conducting pre-employment background checks for potential employees in a new daycare business, it is important to understand that the results may take up to two weeks to return. Many companies may respond in as little as three days. However, these services will be relatively more expensive. It is important for you to place the returned screening in a file designed to track documents on that particular person in your daycare center.

If you are opening a daycare center, it is essential to ensure that you conduct pre-employment background screens on all employees. This should even include employees that do not directly deal with the children, such as janitors. It is important to ensure that your center has the highest rated safety in order to succeed.

Concerta Benefits and Side Effects

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Concerta Benefits and Side Effects

A number of ADHD medications are hitting the market, joining the old Ritalin standby. Concerta, in its relatively short existence, has already grabbed a sizeable portion of the ADHD medication market share.

Although Concerta offers a number of advantages over the older ADHD medications, it also has several side effects that people with Attention Deficit and parents of Attention Deficit children should be aware of before administering this medication.

Concerta medication for ADHD and ADD is a once-daily treatment and, when introduced, was the first time-release formula. A modified version of Adderall, Adderall XR, followed with a time-released delivery system.

The Concerta capsule has an outer coat of medication that dissolves quickly and then two small compartments of medication inside that release gradually.

The time-released system of the Concerta capsule provides up to 12-hour coverage and provides more even coverage for ADHD symptoms but there are a few drawbacks with the capsule form.

_ If not taken early in the morning, manufacturers recommend skipping the dose for that day since the stimulants will affect normal sleep patterns.
_ Some people find that, even with early morning dosing, Concerta significantly disrupts normal sleep patterns.
_ Because of the tablet's non-deformable shell, the Concerta pill cannot be cut to decrease the dosage. This aspect causes trouble for people with Attention Deficit still working to find the best dosage levels or for those who wish to give their child a lower dose for half-days at school. Increasing or decreasing by any amount requires a new prescription.
_ Parents cannot crush the tablet and mix with food for children who have difficulty swallowing pills since crushing the Concerta medication will also destroy the release mechanism.
_ The Concerta shell does not completely digested and remnants of the Concerta tablet can often be seen in stools. Although most peoples digestive systems can typically pass a wide variety of very interesting articles and does not typically pose a serious health hazard, Concerta is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal narrowing and digestive problems.

Concerta Side Effects:
Concerta side effects seem less pronounced than Ritalin and Dexedrine side effects. Although Concerta side effects are less pronounced than the older medications side effects, the Concerta medication for ADD and ADHD still pose negative side effects, as do other ADHD medications.

Concerta Side Effects include:
_ abdominal pain
_ aggravation, nervousness, hostility, sadness
_ drug dependence
_ dizziness
_ headache
_ tics
_ insomnia and prolonged sleepiness
_ loss of appetite
_ increased coughing, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection
_ vomiting
_ allergic reaction
_ increased blood pressure
_ psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations).

Concerta should not be used by people with marked anxiety or agitation, glaucoma, or tics or during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

The stimulant methylphenidate, also used in Ritalin, is the active ingredient in the Concerta medication for ADHD and ADD. The medical community has not yet determined the long-term effects of having methylphenidate in the bloodstream for prolonged hours every day for numbers of years.

In stating the potential for abuse and dependence on this drug, the Concerta manufacturer also instructs people to inform their doctor if their child has ever used or been dependent on alcohol or drugs, or if the child is now using or dependent on alcohol or drugs.

Concerta, along with all other ADHD medications currently on the market, is not recommended for children under the age of six since its safety and effectiveness has not been determined. Despite ADHD drug manufacturer's own labels warning against prescribing these powerful drugs to young children, doctors increasingly prescribe ADD medications to children under the manufacturer recommended age.

Parents should carefully consider the health effects of placing small children on medications for ADD and ADHD, even if the child's health care provider prescribes an medication for ADHD or ADD.

The Concerta medication is about 70 percent effective in decreasing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, which is about the same level of effectiveness to Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera.

Although the prevailing ADHD medications have about the same level of effectiveness on the general population, children and adults react differently to the different formulations. Ritalin might produce severe side effects while Concerta side effects might be minimal. Adderall side effects could present themselves differently than Strattera side effects.
People using ADHD medications know that these little pills are never the cure-all answer. Attention Deficit requires a multifaceted approach which requires many different tactics and combination of tactics. What works is highly individual, depending on individual needs.

Many people with Attention Deficit Disorder and parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder find great Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD success from diet supplementation - especially with amino acids and essential fatty acids - a shift in parenting tactics, modifying the home and school environment, biofeedback, neuro-linguistic programming, stress relief measures and exercise.

The greatest successes are found by being bold and trying a combination of many measures.

Colorado, Nation Face Dangerous Flu Season

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Colorado, Nation Face Dangerous Flu Season

Health officials are warning people to take precautions as Colorado and the country face a particularly bad flu season.
ER Specialists Urgency Center is ready to help treat all flu symptoms from minor to severe and still has a supply of flu vaccine left.

As of Jan. 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 32 states have experienced high flu activity. Colorado is among nine other states experiencing moderate activity.

While moderate by CDC standards, it is widespread in Colorado as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports that 2,366 people have been hospitalized since Oct. 1. In contrast, state health officials reported 3,340 flu-related hospitalizations during the prior flu season that ran from Oct. 2, 2016, through May 27, 2017. Media outlets are reporting that three times as many flu victims as normal have been hospitalized this flu season.

Health officials attribute many hospitalizations to a type of Influenza A called H3N2, which can mutate during the vaccine production process and make vaccines less effective. They still urge people to consider getting a flu vaccination as its still the best prevention strategy available. It also is not too late to get a vaccination, said Dr. Julie Marmon, owner and partner of ER Specialists Urgency Center.

No doubt about it, the flu is nasty this year, she said. The vaccine coverage isnt great, the season started early and IV fluid bas are backordered because of the hurricane damage in Puerto Rico.

The good news? If you have a flu shot it is likely that your symptoms will be less severe. It is not too late to get a flu shot. A lot of places are out, but we have the quadrivalent vaccine for anyone 4 years and older.

The Colorado Springs urgent care center offers walk-in flu shots with no appointment necessary. The urgent care center can also treat all flu symptoms from minor to severe.

The ER Specialists Urgency Center is located at 4194 Royal Pine Drive, Suite 100, in Colorado Springs, 80920. The center is a fully equipped emergency room offering emergency room treatment at urgent care rates. It offers urgent care in Colorado Springs for anything from cuts and sprains to chest pain, breathing problems and head injuries. Its medical staff is board-certified, specially trained and certified in emergency medicine.

We are dedicated to fast, friendly, low-cost and efficient medical care, Dr. Marmon said.

For more information on ER Specialists Urgency Care, visit their website at https://erspecialistsuc.com or call 719-522-2727.

CONTACT:
Dr. Julie Marmon
Company: ER Specialists Urgency Care
Address: 4194 Royal Pine Drive, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Tel: 719.522.2727
Website: https://erspecialistsuc.com