Simply Put Together News

Optimism and Stroke?

2011-08-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

In a new research study at the University of Michigan, Eric Kim, a doctoral student, found that optimism was associated with a decrease in rate of stroke!

The researchers have postulated the biological links as well as links with positive self talk and the impact of positive thinking on positive behavior may be connected. In other words, if I have a positive belief system, I am more likely to act on it. Consider this, "everyone in my family has high blood pressure, I am sure I will be stuck with being on medication" vs. "I think if I watch what I eat and exercise regularly, I can compensate for those genes in my family." But all in all, Kim found a connection of optimism with reducing the rate of stroke by about 10%.

The good news here, is that optimism can be learned. It is a mindset that can be taught and practiced. Consider taking a look at your own mindset, your own outlook toward life, and consider working on increasing your positive outlook!

Check out tips and tools for positive thinking here.

Link to study here.

Aging and Memory

2011-04-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

In a study at Concordia University, memory of younger and older adults were compared. As expected, the younger participants performed better. But here is the twist. Testing found that older adults had trouble letting go of unimportant information.

In essence, older adults had difficulty leaving information behind after they no longer needed it. Scientists concluded that teaching adults how to use stress management and other strategies to help adults let go could "de-clutter" the mind and improve memory.

Here are some good habits to help you keep that brain doing what it should when it comes to memory!

1. Exercise

2. Practice relaxation therapy

3. Practice meditation

4. Try new things

5. Learn a new language

6. Work on letting go of grievances

7 Facts about your ZZZZzzzzzz's

2011-01-31T17:21:00.000-08:00

1. Did you know that when we are sleep walking we are NOT dreaming? Sleep walking is a sleep disorder that occurs in stage 4 of sleep. Sleep walking generally involves carrying out rudamentary daily activities like eating or taking a shower.

2. We sleep walk with our eyes open! Creepy! But safer, right?

3. Stage 5, known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is our dream stage and one in which our body is pretty much immobilized. This is a good thing, as we don't want to be wandering around when we are dreaming about flying!

4. A common sleep disorder is insomnia, the inability to either get to sleep or stay asleep.

5. A hot toddy. Did you know that alcohol can lead to fragmented sleep? So, it might help you get to sleep but can cause you to wake up throughout the night.

6. Sleep debt occurs when we have less sleep than our bodies need.

7. Sleep hygeine is the preferred method for treating insomnia.

Request my FREE Sleep Hygeine Tip Sheet here.

The Man Who Hated Christmas

2010-12-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Story
Inspiring Story Reveals True Meaning of Christmas

Check out the website, Web of Love for more inspiring stories!
The short Christmas story below was originally published in the December 14, 1982 issue of Woman’s Day magazine. This moving story inspired the creation of The White Envelope Project, a caring nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of givers, civic leaders, and philanthropists. May this inspiring story remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas and giving during the holidays and throughout the year.

Christmas Story: For the Man Who Hated Christmas
By Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it – overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma – the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was on the wrestling team at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids – all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came.

That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes, and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done, and that this was his gift from me.

Mike's smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year. And that same bright smile lit up succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition – one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The white envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children – ignoring their new toys – would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the small, white envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn’t end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree. And the next morning, I found it was magically joined by three more. Unbeknownst to the others, each of our three children had for the first time placed a white envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down that special envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

Feeling Blue? It Could Be SAD... I mean Seasonal Affective Disorder

2010-11-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

I have worked with many patients who suffer from SAD, seasonal affective disorder. This illness can disguise itself as the "winter blues." But it is much more than that. It certainly, at the very least, limits a person's ability to live freely in their world and at the most can be debilitating. As with other forms of Depression, SAD can lead to suicidal thoughts, so seeking treatment as soon as symptoms begin is important.

What is difficult with SAD is that it can sneak up on you, beginning with some "down" days that start to pile up. SAD is much more than a few days of the blues, though. It is an illness that traditionally begins in late fall. It leaves in the spring and is very treatable.

Here are the symptoms

Depression
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Loss of energy
Social withdrawal
Oversleeping
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating and processing information

Risks include

Being female
Living far from the equator
Family history of SAD

Treatments include

Light Therapy
Psychotherapy
Medications

If you want to learn more, please click here to read more about this illness from the Mayo Clinic and from NAMI(National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Finally, feel free to email me with any questions. Have a great holiday!

Maria

Everything You Want to Know about Vitamin C

2010-11-16T08:39:00.001-08:00

Vitamin C?

Hey, this is an important vitamin.

Want to know the benefits of C and all the fabuous food that are chock full of C?

Click here for Dr. Stanley's Vitamin C tips!

Great Food

2010-08-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have attended this program and it is fabulous! Great Hispanic home cooking, a welcoming environment, and just drop a donation in the box! Try it on your way to the movies or if you are stopping downtown to go to the library, etc. Have fun!

Maria

The Hispanic Ministry “ The Promised Land”

Will Host a Dinner Featuring an array of Hispanic dishes

Saturday, August 28, 2010

5:00 - ? p.m.

416 Alachua Street
Fernandina Beach, FL
(The Old Baptist Church Building)

We Will Have Food From

MEXICO El SALVADOR HONDURAS

PUERTO RICO URUGUAY

No charge for admission.

Though donations will be happily accepted,
All donations will go to fund the new building for the

Spanish Ministry.

“The Promised Land”

Readers share their Thoughts! June and July 2010

2010-07-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Reactions to Painting and other things I hate

Maria:

I so agree with you about viewing 'prep work' as a job all it's own. In fact, so much of life is just that: preparing for that big party, preparing for that exam, preparing for a job interview, or that great vacation! So, when you realize that the majority of your life is 'prep work', it is truly important to also try to see it as fun. I love your idea of making 'prep work' it's own job, but I prefer to make 'prep work' enjoyable. Put on music that you love, schedule a 'tea & dessert break', invite a friend to join you, even if only by speaker phone. If 90% of life is 'prep work', we should learn how to enjoy it.

Raven
Image & Lifestyle Consultant

Maria-

Never thought of it that way. Thanks for the great tip - again!

Beverly

Dear Maria,

I enjoy your newsletter-so many helpful hints..

Your ideas, thoughts and encouragement tells me that I can still grow and be the best person
that I was meant to be-by the Grace of God. I wish you continued success in your own life and all that you do to help others.

Take good care and may God Bless you always.

Sincerely,

Sandy

Reactions to CLEAR YOUR DESK!

This is an excellent strategy, one that I practice often. Years ago I was knee deep in paper and I was also interviewing a new candidate for a managerial position. She came in, and my desk was covered. I took my arm, gathered the entire mass of paper into a pile and dumped in the floor. I then said, okay, now let's talk. I hired her and she took the position. About a year later she told me that she took the job, because in that moment during the interview she knew I cared about what she had to say and only what she had to say. I was focused. IT WORKS!

Taryn Pyle

Oh how true it is!

Ira Walzer

This is one of those things that you just forget. Thanks for the reminder, Maria!

Josephine Q.

Regarding article on humming:

Whistling is good too! :)
Happy holiday!
Jan

It is a great tool, I never thought about that but yes, it is like Hindus with OM, thanks a lot.

ME

That is a great idea only problem is my most trying times are in the middle of the night when I wake up with how will I get this or that done. My husband may not appreciate the humming therapy!

SH

Try this! Humming in your head? Or singing in your head. Imagine the humming in your mind. Still works!

Maria

Hi Maria . . . you're ideas always make me smile! Thank you again!

RG

I so enjoyed your article and I find that the older I get the easier it becomes to do the right thing. After about 45 years of age, you don't care as much what other people think.
The only thing that bothered me about your article and it being the 4th of July is that this country is a Representative Republic not a democracy. It is democratic to the point of being able to vote for who you want to represent you in any government - city, county, state and federal, but that does not mean that they will vote or represent you on what a majority wants.
Case in point - Florida was able to vote on a referendum to reduce class sizes in schools which passed. In the process of voting for something a lot of people thought was necessary, it created havoc with our finances in Florida (property tax increases, etc.), because no one thought of what it would cost us. When I graduated in the 1960's, most of our classrooms had 35 to 40 students. The only differences between then and now, college entrance scores were higher and there was discipline. If you got in trouble in school, you also got in trouble at home.
Hope I didn't go on too long and I hope you have a great 4th of July in this great, beautiful, important Republic and especially our little piece of paradise!
"I pledge allegiance to America and to the Republic for which it stands. . . . ." Thanks, Nancy Jordan, Fernandina Beach

You know you really have some good helpful, practical hints and ideas. Thank you!

Anonymous

Read article here!

Maria, I totally agree with all three of these, but especially the stapler. When I worked I learned the hard way that paperclips just don't get the job done. They seem to attach things to themselves on their own, and those things are filed wrong and lost forever!! Staples are much more well behaved.

Nancy

My kids and I are having so much fun with Camp Curiosity. Thanks for creating such a fun program.

Elizabeth R

Your words have changed my life. I really am a different person. Joyce

I just wanted to tell you that your last article about the paper towels was really great. You are always coming up with these simple things that just make complete sense.

TZ

I love Anthony Wolf's books and have had the chance to attend a few of his trainings back in CT. The "Why do you have to get a Divorce and when can I get a hamster?" is also another great one.

Agnes

Another great idea! Thanks, Maria!

GE

Readers Share Their Thoughts!

2010-05-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Maria - What you do matters. Thanks for all you have done to help my life.

LB

I love your planner! I am hooked and feel so organized this year. Finally!

Carrie

Maria- You are so inspiring. Loved you latest article. Reaching out is so important and something I often forget. Once again, you remind me of what really matters.

Bob

Free Health Information Kits

2010-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Check out these wonderful FREE HEALTH INFORMATION KITS from the US Food and Drug Administration!

Your Weight and Sleep

2010-05-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Most of us want to lose a few pounds or so. And as of late, a connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain is catching researcher's eyes. Seems there is a connection, but if that connection is causation is still up for grabs. One physician seems to think, beyond a doubt, that sleep is at least one of the answers.

Michael Aziz, author of "The Perfect 10 Diet" (Sourcebooks, 2010), says, "Getting enough sleep is the cheapest and simplest advice I can give for losing weight."

We are still waiting to see how much all of this connects scientifically, but here is my suggestion. Why not try and get the recommended 7 - 8 hours of sleep in the meantime?

I think I am safe in saying, "It really can't hurt." Give it a try this week and watch your focus, concentration, mood and maybe, just maybe, even the scale, improve.

Maria Murphy: Workshop: Caring for the Caregiver this week

2009-12-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Council on Aging and Maria Murphy, MA, LCPC, LMHC prov. present
Holiday Stress Relief for Caregivers

Free Workshop
Thursday, December 3rd, 1:30-3:30 pm
Council on Aging, 1367 S. 18th St. Fernandina Beach, FL.
Across from Baptist Medical Center Nassau

Setting limits
Managing Stress
Creating time for you
Finding resources to improve your life

Free adult day care available with pre-registration. Space is limited.
Contact: Debra Dombkowski, 261-0701 ext.113 or Maria Murphy, 261-7022

World Health Organization is Addressing Women's Health, but what about American Women?

2009-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

The WHO is busy bringing to the attention of the world the issues in women's health. Most recently, WHO is highlighing the mortality rates of women in developing countries. Indeed, if women are seen as second class citizens, obtaining health care that can improve longevity and the quality of life are impacted. But this latest news begs a question.

What about those of us in what the WHO calls "rich" countries? Hey, we know who we are. We are residents of established democracies. Yes, we fight inequality as women, that is true. But, let's face it, in a democracy, the law is usually on our side.

There are women all around the world that have to fight for their spot at the physician's office. Yet, what are we women doing? How many times have we postponed mamograms, refused to call the doctor when suffering from the flu, or just ignored the warning signs our bodies are signaling to us?

Here is my challenge to those of us with the gift of freedom. Don't make the work of the WHO go unheeded. They fight every day for women's rights to have health care.

Make the WHO proud with these simple reminders:

Stop postponing your health care.
Keep wellness appointments.
Listen to your body.
Communicate with your doctor.
Ask questions.
Don't turn your back on your health.

Have a wonderful week and remember to take care of yourself.

News in Halloween Candy Dental Dilemmas

2009-11-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

Boy do I love Halloween candy. Dentists, however, have fought the candy frenzy known as Halloween forever. Can you blame them? With 40% of kids coming into the dentist with a cavity before kindergarten, you can't blame dentists for balking.

Here is an interesting article about a dentist office that pays kids for their candy. Not a bad idea. This year, my kids got a little short changed, between a lot of lights out in our community and Mommy dipping her fingers in for those fun size candy bars, we are not so heavy on excess.

But for those years when there is just too much candy, try the recommendations in this article!

And have a great week!

Maria

Maria Murphy Speaking at American Business Women's Association

2009-10-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

Maria will be speaking at the Amelia Island branch of the American Business Women's Association on Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm.

Maria will be speaking on setting boundaries in relationships.

For more information, contact Maria Murphy at maria@simplyputtogether.com.

Maria Murphy presents "8 Ways to Stay Balanced and Get Organized....in 5 Minutes or Less!" at Women's Expo

2009-08-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Maria Murphy will have a booth and offer a speech on organization and balance at the Women's Expo on Amelia Island.

Featured speakers:
Ann Christensen-McGrath, CNM – Top Women’s Health Questions

Barbe Jordan, Certified Aesthetician – Personal Skin Care Specialist

Maria Murphy, Therapist and Educator (Simply Put Together) - 8 ways to get Balance and Organization in 5 minutes or less!

Elizabeth McCranie – Nutritional meals and menus for you and your family.

Plus:
A fashion show sponsored by Retail Therapy Consignment Shop

Representatives from Micah’s Place and TLC Pregnancy Center

Along with many other exhibitors with exciting information for you!

The Women's Expo will be held at The Journey Church of Amelia Islan(Sadler Road)on Saturday, August 29th from 10-12. Come see what the women of Amelia Island are doing to make the world a better place.

Vitamin D Makes a Difference!

2009-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article on the benefits of Vitamin D!

Click here to read!

Maria

All Dried Up: Preventing and Coping with Dehydration

2009-07-28T06:40:00.001-07:00

The National Institute of Health just put out a nice, simple article on dehydration. Check it out and look at the symptoms, what you can do to prevent it and how to cope if you get dehydrated!

Stay cool and keep your body wet this summer!

Get article here.

Maria

Self magazine shares 11 ways to get healthy

2009-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

According to Self magazine, 11 habits can change your weight forecast, including communing with nature for 20 minutes a day. Sounds good to me. Check out the article here for some solid health tips.

Opening Practice: Press Release

2009-07-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Contact: Mary Maguire/312-718-8554 memaguire@aol.com
Maria Murphy/ 904-261-7022 maria@simplyputtogether.com

DEPRESSION IN A DOWN ECONOMY: FERNANDINA BEACH PSYCHOTHERAPIST ADVISES PEOPLE TO GET HELP FAST
-- Maria Murphy Opens Emotional Wellness Clinic --

(FERNANDINA BEACH, FL) - July 8, 2009 -- There is no doubt that the economy has people worried. When it interferes with sleep; energy; appetite or concentration, it’s time to seek professional help – and fast.
“For anyone prone to depression, an economic setback can cause major emotional trouble and it can even endanger their physical health,” says local psychotherapist Maria Murphy. “Anxiety can also cause significant damage.”
When it comes to depression and anxiety, the statistics are staggering. According to the National Institute of Mental Health:

• More than 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and social phobias.
• Depression is the second most costly disorder in the country after cardiac disease.
• The cost of depression in the workplace is more than $100 billion.

Murphy is opening a new emotional wellness clinic in Fernandina Beach this month at 1303 Jasmine Ave, Suite 102 – B (Phone: 904.261.7022) and coordinating patient care with Dr. Patricia Leavy, a psychologist offering services to individuals, families and children. Areas of focus include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Resolving conflicts and improving relationships at home or on the job
• Grief counseling
• Improving parenting skills and family dynamics, including divorce and blended families.

Murphy says that even mild depression can cause relationships with family, friends and co-workers to suffer. Part of her counseling advice: stay optimistic.
“We should learn, we should live and we should laugh,” says Murphy.

About Maria Murphy
Maria Murphy creates opportunities for personal wellness. She is a psychotherapist and founder of Camp Curiosity, a division of Simply Put Together (www.simplyputtogether.com), a self-help website and publisher of an annual self-help planner of the same name.
Maria is a columnist for My Nassau Sun in Jacksonville, FL; Indy’s Child in Indianapolis and Cincinnati’s Parent. She produces and hosts the "Me Minute" for Army Wife Talk Radio and writes for parenting and women's websites, including buzzle.com and fabulouslyforty.com. Maria is mentor in the Fernandina Beach, FL school system and consults for the Tutor Mentor Connection, a national non-profit organization based in Chicago.

Charlie Patton of the Jacksonville Times Union interviews Maria!

2009-06-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

Click here to read the story.

Army Wife Talk Radio interview Maria about summer "me time"

2009-06-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Click here to listen to the interview!

NPR Interviews Maria about Camp Curiosity

2009-06-22T07:16:00.001-07:00

Catch Maria's interview with NPR. Click on the link here.