A Long The Way.

February 14, 2008, 6:04 pm
Youth ‘Choking Game’ Can Be Deadly
Posted by Sarah Rubenstein
The Health Blog’s adolescent years faded into history long ago. Maybe that’s why we’d never heard of a game that teens today sometimes call Space Monkey, Airplaning, Space Cowboy or Flat Liner.

The names may sound funny, but the game is deadly serious. The nicknames refer to what is more accurately called the “choking game,” in which youngsters wrap everything from dog leashes to bungee cords around their necks to temporarily cut blood flow to their brains, as this AP story explains. The goal is a dreamy, floating-in-space sensation when blood rushes back to the brain.

In a first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an estimate of the death toll from the choking game that relied on reports in the media and on two Web sites. Death certificates, the researchers wrote, aren’t precise enough for the task. The researchers found 82 probable deaths among youths aged 6–19 years, from 1995 to 2007, due to the choking game. Seventy-one, or 87%, of the victims were male, and the average age was about 13 years. (Deaths ruled to be suicides or from auto-erotic asphyxiation were excluded.)

Through the CDC report, we came across a youth health-risk survey that lists nicknames for the game as well as danger signs for parents to watch for:

Suspicious mark on side of the neck sometimes hidden by wearing turtlenecks, scarves and up-turned collars.
Changes in personality, such as overly aggressive or agitated.
Straps, rope or belt lying around without any reason.
A flushed face or bloodshot eyes.
A thud in the bedroom or against a wall.
For more info and an online forum for discussion, see the Web site Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play.

Permalink | Trackback URL: http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/02/14/youth-choking-game-fad-can-be-deadly/trackback/
Save & Share: Share on Facebook | Del.icio.us | Digg this | Email This | Print
Read more: CDC, Public Health, Drugs
More related content

While staying or playing in California’s Monterey Bay area, how about taking a Whale Watching tour? Monterey Bay is situated near the mid-section of California’s coastline. The bay not only has a shallow shelf by the shore, it also has an enormous and deep submarine canyon.

These extremes in habitats permit a large variety of marine creatures to dwell there. By taking a whale watching tour, you may be able to see some of the marine life listed below which varies depending on the time of the year that you go.

Marine Life of Monterey Bay: Whales - There are Blue, Gray, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Beaked and Sperm Whales. Dolphins and Porpoises - There are the Common, Bottlenose, Pacific White-sided, Risso’s, Orca (Killer Whale) and Northern Right Whale Dolphins.

Also, the Dall’s and Harbor Porpoises. Pinnipeds - There are the Stellar and California Sea Lions. Also, the Northern Fur, Pacific Harbor and Northern Elephant Seals. Sea Otters - Southern Sea Otter Sea Turtles - Leatherback Sea Turtle Sea Birds - There are Pelicans, Loons, Terns, Black-footed Albatross and Gulls.

There are several tour companies operating in the bay. Besides price, check with each one to see what their particular whale watching tour offers. Ask what time or times of day they go out. Which type and size of vessel will you be on?

Does it have indoor and outdoor seating and heated cabins? Are there ample life jackets? Does it have a live or taped narrated tour? Will there be a marine biologist or naturalist on board to identify animals and answer questions? Can you bring snacks and beverages or are there some available on the boat?

Inquire about the length of the trip because tours can range anywhere from two to four hours. Find out about their cancellation policy. Will they cancel for poor weather conditions or under booked tours? To insure that your outing is a pleasant and comfortable trip it is important to do a little preparation.

Before your excursion, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets. This way you can book the day and time that you want and not have to worry about getting there and the trip being sold out.

Also be certain to arrive at least a half of an hour before departure so you will have enough time to check in. Since out on the ocean it can be breezy and chilly no matter what time of the year, be sure to put on warm garments in several layers.

It is recommended that you dress in long pants and wear flat closed-toed shoes with rubber soles. A wind and waterproof jacket or light raincoat, hat and gloves for the outermost layer is best should it start to rain.

If it gets hot later on, you can always remove a layer. For additional weather protection, remember to bring your sunscreen lotion, lip balm, seasick medication and sunglasses. You may also wish to bring a camera, video camera or binoculars for extra enjoyment.

While there is no guarantee that you will see any whales, the captain and crew with all their experience and knowledge, will do their best to find them.

Should your boat be lucky enough to locate a whale, please realize that you are not allowed to attempt to touch it or any other animal. This is for the animal’s safety as well as yours. Whether or not you see a whale, you surely will view some of the wonderful marine life that makes their home in the bay or just visits at certain seasons of the year.

So make plans for an unforgettable day out at sea and have a whale of a time!

Resource Box: Author James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com

The best way to defend yourself is to avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations to begin with. When out and about town or even in their own home, a person needs to be aware of what is going on around them and who is around them. Keep your eyes open, look ahead, and look behind you. Recognize a possible threat before it is close enough to bring you and others you care about, physical harm.

Shopping malls, for example, are huge gathering places. Whether its social one on one, shopping or checking out the scenery, it’s easy to forget what’s around you, especially if children are involved. Start defending yourself when you arrive at a shopping mall, before you ever exit your vehicle. You should park in a well-light area.

Always park as close to the front of the building before you unlock and get out of your vehicle; determine the safest route to the building. Be certain to have all of your belongings gathered together and be ready to exit the vehicle as soon as you unlock the door. Keep your keys in your hand, space the keys between your fingers so that if attacked, you can use this as a defense weapon. Identify possible threats as you walk and attempt to avoid when walking near them.

The same rules apply when leaving a shopping mall. You must be aware of those standing around outside. Take note of people that may be watching you or individuals near your vehicle. Your instincts are powerful tools so don’t ignore them.

If you feel there may be a possible threat, go back inside and ask a security guard to escort you to your car. Have your keys ready to open your vehicle. Once inside, immediately lock all doors. If you have an electronic key, use it only when you are standing next to the door. If it unlocks more than just the driver’s door, avoid using it all together and open your car door the old fashioned way.

You’ll find that unlocking a car door with a key is in some ways a lot faster and easier than fiddling with keypads too. Keep car doors locked at all times while driving. Today’s newer vehicles often come standard with automatic door locks that engage when a vehicle reaches a certain speed. However, in low speed areas such as a mall or parking lot, door locks may not work at these speeds. So as a precaution manually lock your doors in low speed areas.

You must be aware of all your surroundings at all times. Being aware of possible threats can help you avoid them and keep you and your loved ones safe. The information in this article comes from personal experience.

Resource Box: Writer: James Dodson, Email: datasan6@gmail.com

Attention:
Are you interested in joining a unique group of people who are interested not only in the world around them but an opportunity to generate income that is very different then the rest. It involves participation from the top down.

Bob and Jayne Guzzetti have solved every single problem associated with building a home-based business and they have incorporated their own company. The two top reasons for the phenomenal success of those who have joined in quite simple.

1. Bob and Jayne, along with their trained staff. actually do majority of the work for all of the members! This means you only need a few hours a month to succeed.
2. Bob and Jayne and other memebrs of your team regualrly contribute “their” money to “your” business. This means you can afford to stay within your budget, no matter how limited, and still succeed.

Join us now at my Blogroll up to the right: drjims google group.

In a perfect world, Valentine’s Day would come complete with a rose-scented bath, expensive wine, succulent sweets, and enough time off of work to thoroughly enjoy it all with that special someone. But let’s face it; you’ll be lucky to leave the office early enough to prepare the normal evening meal let alone anything special. Since running past the supermarket for a bouquet of faded flowers seems a bit cheesy and overdone, what can you do to show your significant other that you care on Valentine’s Day without calling in sick?

Although calling in sick is a good option, it is not always feasible. There are just times when you must buckle down and get the job done, even if it is Valentine’s Day. Here are a few sweet and simple things that you can do to show your sweetie that you care on this special day for lovers:

*If you start early, you can shower your special someone with small gifts all day. This will make him/her feel like they are constantly on your mind even while you are at work. A simple card at breakfast, a phone call or email in the morning, and a flower delivery in the afternoon will do the trick. And the best part? It won’t take a lot of time to shower your lover with small gifts all day long.

*If you work within close proximity of each other, you may want to schedule a special lunch rather than wait for the evening to celebrate. Once home, the rigors of the day are bound to catch up with you leaving you feeling tired, stressed, and not in the mood to put forth the extra effort to celebrate. You may also have children that will be home in the evening. This makes it difficult to enjoy time alone as a couple.

*Never underestimate the power of a small note tucked away into a briefcase or work folder. Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most especially if they are unexpected.

*Plan to meet right after work for a romantic evening out on the town. This will allow you to spend the evening out, but still be home in plenty of time to go to bed for work the next morning. To keep the date from feeling impromptu or casual, hire a car and driver for the night.

*Give a rain check. Give your significant other a coupon to be used on your next day off together. List on the coupon possible things that you could do to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Have them check off the things they would like to do and cash it in on a day that you can both share.

However you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to do something special for the person you love even if you have to work all day. Remember; it’s the thought that counts and even a small effort will be appreciate.

RESOURCE BOX: Author:
Click here for coffee and coffee products for less. The best brands.
CoffeeForLess.com

Actually we do not have a mind. However, it is what we call the functioning of the brain.

The mind is an incredible tool that can be used to achieve anything. However, no one is given a user’s manual at birth, therefore, most people do not know how to use this wonderful tool correctly.

Think of an iceberg. You know, an iceberg is a huge mass of ice. Only 10% of it is above the surface of the ocean. The remaining 90% is below the surface. So there is the small part of the iceberg above the water level, the larger part of the iceberg is below the water level, and the vast ocean itself carrying the whole iceberg.

The conscious mind is the tip of the iceberg. It is where you consciously interact with your surroundings. It is what first processes the perceptions. It is the center of mind which actually analyses cause and effect relationships, is logical, which actually “thinks”, processes abstract knowledge like mathematics, etc. It is also what is called “intellect”.

The best use of the conscious mind is analyzing your life, circumstances, make educated and conscious choices about what you want to achieve as and end result (your goals) and how to behave during the journey (your values) etc.

However, the conscious mind is limited in capacity. It is known that it can only process 5-9 pieces of information at a time. However, your environment and your own body are enormously complex. To be able to survive, you must be able to react to any serious threat or opportunity in a split second. This requires a different kind of mind.

Your subconscious mind handles such complex things. It is responsible for all the automated body functions, reflexes, habits, beliefs, and emotions. It is what makes your body get ready to fight or flee in a dangerous situation. It is also what makes you fall in love. Over 90% of all your actions are based on your habits, beliefs, and emotions, so it controls your lives to a large extent.

Since it is responsible for automation, it also operates automatically. However, you can program your subconscious mind consciously, so that you can develop new habits, and new beliefs.

The subconscious does not have reasoning and judgment capabilities. It depends on conscious mind for that. It only responds to repetition, imagination and emotional intensity. That means, whatever you think repeatedly, and with emotional intensity, it will automate.

However, since it does not have any reasoning capacity, it does not understand negative commands. For example, if you are worried about money, say, you fear you won’t be able to pay the rent this month, it takes the mental image of you not being able to pay the rent, and emotional intensity of the worry, and makes sure you take actions connected with not being able to pay the rent, automatically.

Therefore, it is important that, when you feel any negative feeling, become aware of the fact that you’re focusing on something you don’t want. As soon as you’re aware of that, change your focus to what you want instead. For example, see yourself being able to pay for your needs easily, and then have money for some luxuries, and investments, and feeling thankful and proud of that.

You will soon discover two things: First, it is impossible to focus on what you want and feel negative. Second, because activating your subconscious mind in a positive way, it will work on millions more thoughts, ideas and data, constantly, and even better than your conscious mind does.

Analyzing by conscious mind is good, but it has limits. You can never make a 100% perfect plan that is totally guaranteed to work. You can never predict with total certainty what you will face along the road as you go. It is good to have a basic plan, but be ready to set your intention to your subconscious mind, and solve the problems as you go along. If you can see one single step ahead only, that’s good enough. Take that step; you’ll see one more step ahead.

Trust your subconscious mind. It is much more capable to adapt and react to any changes on the instant they happen than your conscious mind.

You’ll know when your subconscious mind gives you solutions to problems you could not consciously think about, by a perfect feeling of 100% YES! It will feel right, and it will make sense.

The third part of mind, which in the iceberg analogy, is represented by the vast ocean itself, is the Universal Mind. While you are connected to the Universal Mind by your subconscious mind, it is not totally a part of “your mind”. Rather, this is a mind connecting all the people and all the living things.

What you activate in your subconscious mind not only gathers all the information within you and supplies you with perfect ideas and solutions; it also signals the Universal Mind to attract people, events and things according to this image. This Universal mind activates all lucky coincidences, and not so lucky ones if you are focusing on what you don’t want.

If you ever thought about a long lost friend and he called, or if something you worried so much about happened, this is exactly why it happened. You attracted it.

So to attract more pleasant things in your life, focus on what you’re thankful for, and what you want, and let your subconscious mind and the Universal Mind to work in favor of you.
Resource Box: Author:James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com
My Link: Meet the Purple Cowboys who have a complete home busness for under $10 bucks.

NewWebDirectory.com

Sudoku is the addicting new puzzle craze that is sweeping the globe. Walk along the streets of most major cities worldwide and you’ll be hard-pressed not to see at least a single person bent over sudoku puzzles. Sudoku puzzles, which are also popularly known as the Number Place have been around for a while. They are for all ages. This is the type of learning puzzle that has advanced Japanese students for many years. This type of brain exercise is excellent for all ages. For the learning years it sharpens the brain power. As one gets older it helps to off set memory and other brain functioning problems.

Sudoku is played on a 9 x 9 grid, made up of nine 3 x 3 sub-grids. The goal of Sudoku is to fill in all the squares with the correct numbers. Sudoku is a simple looking game and yet is very challenging. This is a very low-cost hobby that definitely bestows a good work out for the brain.

When you first encounter the Sudoku puzzle, try not to think about mathematics. There are lots of schools of thought on the best way to solve your sudoku puzzle but I like to start with the obvious. Analysis is the final approach to solving a Sudoku puzzle.

Clearly, logic is not the only factor at work in Sudoku puzzles. Number puzzles very much like sudoku puzzles have already been in existence and have found publication in many newspapers for over a century now. From the information I have been able to gather it appears the sudoku game has its origins in the 1700s by a Swiss mathematician named Leonhard Euler.

Sudoku puzzles, also referred to as Number Place in the United States, are said to be deceptively simple, since a player can start the game quite easily only to find himself later on getting stuck in the middle of the game with no clear puzzle solution in sight. However, if we look at the game of Sudoku puzzles more closely, we can actually identify some basic reference to concepts that are of purely mathematical nature. While Sudoku puzzles appear to continue boggling the minds of many puzzle addicts, it is interesting to note how the puzzles can be solved with relative ease by many computer programs.

If you start playing Sudoku puzzles you will learn pretty quickly why it is considered one of the most addictive puzzle games in history. Howard Garns, a 74-year-old retired architect and freelance puzzle constructor, was considered the designer of the modern Sudoku puzzles. During the revival of what was originally the number place puzzle in Japan, publishers abbreviated the phrase “suuji wa dokushin ni kariru” which literally meant “the digit must remain single”, and came up with the more poplar name, Sudoku Puzzles.

A new ‘Free Sudoku Host’ website has been created which permits you to just pop in YOUR Sudoku puzzle, and then send it ANYWHERE you want thru the net.

Sudoku, you can learn it in 10 seconds, and yet the logic needed to solve Sudoku is fun, mind-boggling and relaxing–all at once. So try out a little Sudoku today.

Resource Box: Author: James Dodson Email: datasan6@gmail.com
My Link: