7 Things People With Hidden Depression Do

                                           

People who feel depressed are usually easy enough to spot: they may be gloomy, sad, and listless. But what about those who have hidden depression? They may an be extrovert and good company! This is the problem with concealed depression as these sufferers are experts in disguising the real situation. How can we spot them, and how can we help? Here are 10 typical things that people with hidden depression do to help us understand that something is not quite right.

1. They may be outgoing and cheerful

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that depression was hard to spot when people had a cheerful disposition, especially if they were elderly. The research team had thought that the introverts would be the ones who would have difficulty in coming out about their depression but it seems that the opposite may be true. We should not take it for granted that a cheerful and sociable person may be immune from depression. We should be on the look out for some indicative signs and above all, we should always be empathic listeners.

2. They may hide their depression

There is some interesting research on the attitude that Europeans and Australians have towards depression. There is so much stigma attached to depression in Australia that many sufferers are determined not to reveal it at all. They may feel embarrassed or simply fear that they may lose their job – reflected in the number of sick days taken because of mental health problems. The figures show that Australians were taking off 14 days for a bout of depression compared to an average of 36 days for Europeans.

3. They may need healing or closure from some past trauma

Imagine the perfect hostess: she has great kids, a rewarding career and a stable marriage. It still may be that there is a painful episode in that person’s life which has never been properly healed. Psychologists have an acronym for this type of person which is the PHDP (Perfectly-Hidden-Depressed Person). The outward display of confidence and happiness is in sharp contrast to what is going on inside. The problem is often ignored, especially by the sufferer who may end up committing suicide. The tragedy is that nobody was ever able to spot the signs, or that the sufferer never had the courage to talk to someone. We should always listen carefully when a friend or loved one talks to us about exhaustion and anxiety.

4. They may have abnormal eating habits

Most experts now believe that there may be a strong link between eating disorders and depression. These are two separate illnesses; though one may lead to the other, or they may arise simultaneously. More and more men are suffering from eating disorders. There may be many causes such as media pressures, body image/exercise, and depression. If you notice that a loved one has appetite changes, try to talk to her/him about them and urge them to get treatment. Hidden depression may well be the trigger here.

5. They may be non-committal about their happiness

Very often, people with hidden depression display a lack of enthusiasm for things they used to love doing. If the person claims that they are certainly not depressed but they just don’t care anymore, this may well be a sign that something is amiss. If you read Eve Wood’s book, 10 Steps to Take Charge of Your Emotional Life, you will find more examples of how discovering self-empowerment can be the answer to coming to terms with depression and anxiety. There are also useful chapters on how counseling, medication, or alternative treatments are possible treatment options. Getting the person to talk about their problems is usually the first step in seeking treatment.

6. They may display irritation and anger

We usually associate depression with apathy, helplessness, melancholic thoughts and crying. But there are other symptoms of depression which often go undetected because they are simply dismissed as temporary outbursts. They are assumed to be just blips on a person’s radar and can be safely ignored – the truth is that angry outbursts and being irritable are often manifestations of depression. Many men choose this way of expressing their depression.

7. They may not be getting enough sleep

If your loved one is complaining about not getting enough sleep (or even oversleeping), it could be a warning sign that there is something wrong. These sleep problems may be just the outward sign of a deeper and more troubling cause which could be anxiety, lethargy or depression. Sleep problems and depression are very often closely connected. It is always worth probing gently to find out what the cause might be, if the person is prepared to open up.

Many cases of depression go undetected and untreated, often with tragic results. Between 10% to 15% of people with severe, untreated depression commit suicide. As we have seen above, people may hide it or fake it. Sometimes, they just keep it a dark secret which they never want to reveal. In addition, there are those who have a different public image from their own private and tormented selves. The challenge is to look out for possible signs and help the person to get treatment.

Written by Robert Locke

Robert Locke MBE is a health enthusiast specializing in relationships, life improvement, ADHD, parenting, mental health, and children's literature. He has also written Ziger the Tiger Stories for kids.

Agreeing to Disagree: Overcoming Communication Challenges in Relationships

                                        

Even in the strongest of relationships, there will be times when small irritations can cause mountains to grow out of molehills, so it’s important to keep striving for better communication.

As the essence of relationships, communication has a great impact on every aspect of life. Yet the channels of communication can sometimes become blocked, even among people who care deeply for each other. It’s often difficult to put our feelings into words or concentrate fully when our partner speaks. Unhelpful silences or verbal attacks can arise and drive us further apart.

Common barriers to communication include: threatening or unpleasant behavior such as criticism and bossiness; only hearing what we want to hear; getting bored or distracted; and not expressing our point clearly. Fortunately, working on our communication skills helps us to break through this sort of impasse. So follow these tried and tested tips to stop you reaching for the expletives and reach an understanding instead.

No matter what else is going on, try to make time for your partner on a day-to-day basis. Good communication is about deepening your understanding of each other, not simply avoiding arguments. Easier said than done, of course, but making time to talk is worth the effort. All being well, these occasions will be enjoyable and bring great rewards, so make a dinner date, share a bath or go for a walk together and let the conversation flow.

Secondly, remember the importance of intimate, non-sexual contact. Hugs and kisses are the glue which holds a relationship together, and consider activities such as sport to reconnect non-verbally. Psychologists believe the vast majority of communication takes place without words through body language.

Do you believe you know everything there is to know about your partner? It may be worth checking this out by asking them questions to reveal more about themselves. To deepen the communication and understanding between you, try talking about the times when you feel happiest or your hopes and dreams for the future. Don’t assume that your partner feels the same way you do.

This could bring up relationship ‘hot spots’ – work, money, childcare – which can then be dealt with openly. Experts suggest setting up reciprocal arrangements in which you both agree to take on an equal number of tasks and chores.

If you find yourself slipping into an argument, there are many ways to keep the row healthy. Most importantly, own your emotions by using “I” statements. For example, rather than “You make me angry,” or “This is all your fault,” try saying, “I feel concerned/upset…”. This keeps things calmer and makes it easier to compromise, as your partner will not become so defensive. Then keep to the point rather than slipping into attack and counter-attack, or emotional withdrawal.

But talking this way is only possible if you are aware of your own feelings. For this, you must recognize them, be accepting of them, and able to express them. We each have our own way of dealing with conflicts – your style may be to avoid the issue, give in, or blame the other person. Being aware of your style and that of your partner will help you resolve the situation.

In the heat of the moment, try to stay calm and accentuate the positive. See the other’s point of view while showing respect, and then look for a compromise that you can both accept. Listen carefully, give empathy and positive responses, and overlook the insults. Respond to criticism as useful information, if at all possible! Remember, the objective is not to stop every argument but to stop the escalating bitterness.

If either partner gets beyond the point of being civil and rational, ask for a “time-out” to calm down. But be sure to agree on continuing the discussion when you have had time to think about it.

Bear in mind that one of the secrets of happy couples is learning to tolerate or accept the other person’s faults. So-called “perfect relationships” do not exist, therefore small faults need to be accepted. Couples counseling encourages reaching an acceptance of one another through compassion and empathy, so you both come to truly understand the other person and become able to share your own feelings in depth. Then you can see the underlying reasons for their criticism or silence, perhaps they are really feeling unloved, rejected or hurt.

Having awareness of these techniques and skills is only half the battle – you need to develop them through practice until they become second nature. It will be an effort to change long-standing habits, but improving communication in your relationship is worth doing, as poor communication is one of the top causes of unhappy relationships.

Written By Jane Collingwood

BREAKING:Buhari approves deployment of 4 Ambassadors

                             

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate deployment of four of the newly appointed Ambassadors-Designate.

The president announced the deployment in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr Femi Adesina on Friday in Abuja.

Adesina said Prof. Tijjani Bande, (Kebbi State) would now serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador/Representative to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

He said Itegboje Sunday Samson (Edo State) will serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador/Deputy Representative, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

“Kadiri Ayinla Audu, (Kwara State) is to proceed as Nigeria’s Ambassador/Representative to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Offices in Geneva while Bankole A. Adeoye, (Ogun State) is to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador/Representative to the Embassy of Nigeria/Permanent Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa.’’

The Senate last week confirmed 45 out of the 47 persons as non-career ambassadors following their nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari. It had earlier confirmed the nomination of 47 career ambassadors proposed by the executive.

4 Reasons Why Your Husband Doesn’t Want to Make Love

                                         

Before the rest of you women say something like, “I wish my husband would give me a break sometimes!”, think about how awful that must be. We’re told that men always want sex, and then we marry someone who doesn’t want to make love. Is there something wrong with me? Am I not attractive? Does he not love me? It’s really difficult. So let’s look at the four main culprits to a low male libido:

1. Physical Problems Can Make a Husband Not Want Sex

If he will, get him to talk to the doctor. Some medications can lower his sex drive. He could also have low testosterone. In other cases, their sex drive is lower because the husband has had impotence issues and he’s afraid to try again. Impotence, though, can be a signal that there is a circulatory problem, and often is a sign that heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease may be starting. So a doctor’s visit is definitely in order!

In most cases of younger men with decreased libido, though, it’s not a physical issue. It’s more likely an emotional/psychological one. Let’s start with these issues.

2. Stress/Emotional Problems Can Lower a Guy’s Sex Drive

In this economy, many men don’t feel like men anymore because they can’t provide for their families well. If this is the case, go out of your way to show your husband you do appreciate him and you do look up to him. But whatever you do, don’t baby him. If he’s feeling emasculated already, he doesn’t want you trying to make it better or fix it for him. Show him you think he’s capable. Be a listening ear, but don’t be his nurse.

In a similar way, we can undermine our husbands with the way we talk without realizing it. I know many good, Christian women who belittle their husbands in public quite a bit without apparently cluing in to what they’re doing. When you open up your mouth to say something about your husband to others, make sure it’s laudatory. Praise him in some way. If he’s telling a story and he’s getting it wrong, don’t correct him all the time. Let it go. And when you’re alone, make sure that you express gratitude as much as you express criticism. Even more. I have known men who have withdrawn sexually simply because they had ceased to feel like men in the relationship. The woman had taken over everything.

3. Lack of Friendship Can Quench Desire

Often when there is a problem in the marriage it shows up in the bedroom. But because the SYMPTOM is in the bedroom, we often think the SOLUTION is too. So we concentrate on solutions that have to do with sex–buying lingerie, playing risque games, getting toys, trying new things.

In reality, often the solution is found outside the bedroom. Sex embodies our spiritual, emotional, and relational selves. What I often suggest to women whose husband have a low sex drive that isn’t due to a physical problem or stress is that you work on your friendship. Spend more time together. Take a walk after dinner. Find a hobby you can enjoy together. Do something that he likes, even if you don’t (like watch hockey games) simply so you can be together.

Often couples get into a rut where they spend their lives doing errands and watching TV. That isn’t going to help your relationship. If you want to spice things up, don’t look at the bedroom. Look at the gym. Or the ice rink. Or the restaurant. Do stuff together. Cultivate a real relationship. Start talking again.

Often this helps you feel connected, and then, even if the sex doesn’t always follow, at least you feel more kindly towards each other.

4. Pornography Use Can Obliterate a Man’s Desire for His Wife

The main culprit of a low male sex drive, though, of course, is pornography. The more men are into pornography, the less they are into sex in real life. Porn trains the brain to be aroused by an image, and not a relationship, and is extremely destructive. Porn is not harmless; the effects of porn are really far-reaching. If your husband is into pornography, get help! Talk to a pastor. Talk to a mentor. It’s not okay to be a porn addict. It’s not harmless. It just isn’t.

Pornography and masturbation go hand in hand. If he is using porn, he’s also masturbating and thus getting rid of his sexual tension in another way. He’s also less likely to be able to get in the mood with a real, live person, like you. So if this is the issue, it must be addressed. I’ve written before on this topic, on how to recover from a pornography addiction. I think it will help. And I have lots more links to other posts on the subject here.

5. Maybe There is No Reason for His Low Sex Drive

Finally, for some men, there simply won’t be a reason that he doesn’t want to make love. You have a higher sex drive than he does. Maybe it’s even as if your husband has no sex drive and never wants to have sex! Think about it this way: in any given population, some men will be really short, and some really tall. Some will have really big hands, and some really small ones. We vary, and some people are on the extremes. By definition, 5% of men will have abnormally low sex drives without any apparent problem or cause. It’s just the way they are.

What do you do? Accept him, and more than ever, work on your friendship. Make sure there is goodwill between you, that you can laugh together, that you can do things together. The more you laugh, the more you’re able to talk, and you can share with him how you feel. Just because he has a low sex drive, for instance, doesn’t mean that he can’t make love. He can! And he can even increase his sex drive by making love more frequently (the use it or lose it phenomenon), and even by exercising and building muscle, which builds testosterone levels, too. If he lays off the beer, that can also help, because beer has a chemical that acts in the body in a similar way to estrogen.

But more than anything, you’ll just have to learn that this is the man you married. Get your peace in God, work in your friendship so you don’t feel emotionally rejected, and learn to love him anyway.

Written by Sheila Wray Gregoire

Sheila Wray Gregoire has been married for 25 years and happily married for 20! She loves traveling around North America with her hubby in their RV, giving her signature "Girl Talk" about sex and marriage. And she's written 8 books. About sex and marriage.

The 10 Most Common Household Toxins To Avoid While Pregnant

                             

When we get pregnant, we're routinely told to skip alcohol so our kids aren't born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and to stop smoking to reduce the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

But give up nail polish? Nix air freshener? Forego plastic water bottles? The chemicals in these everyday products can be just as toxic to our developing babies as cigarettes or booze, research from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows. That's because the chemicals a pregnant woman is exposed to get into her blood stream and can pass right through the placenta to the developing fetus. Such fetal exposure to toxins during critical stages of development can cause permanent and irreversible brain and organ damage, not just at birth but even decades later.

EWG's research identified 232 industrial compounds and pollutants babies could be born with. Some of these are so prevalent in our soil or water they can be almost impossible to avoid. But others—especially those found in items as common as shampoo and house paint—are easier to sidestep, once you know what to look for. Here are 10 you can easily protect yourself and your baby from.

1         Lead: Exposure to this powerful neurotoxic metal can cause permanent brain damage, nervous system disorders, behavior and learning difficulties, and hyperactivity. It can also slow down a child's growth, both in utero and after birth

How does exposure occur? Moms might drink tap water contaminated with lead that's leached out of old or poorly maintained water pipes, which is what happened in Flint, Michigan. We might inhale lead-tainted dust from old and chipping paint. We could accidentally be working in contaminated garden soil if the garden is near a building that was painted before 1978, which is when lead in paint was banned. Some lipsticks even derive their color from pigments that contain lead.

How to Avoid Lead: Check the Consumer Confidence Report issued by your water utility to make sure your tap water is lead-free. If it's not, contact your local elected officials and demand immediate repairs to the water system. Meanwhile, filter lead and other contaminants out of drinking water using this guide to picking the right filter.

If your home was built before 1978, use a DIY test kit to do a preliminary check on the paint inside and out; results will tell you if you need to call in a certified lead-abatement specialist. If you're renovating an older home that could generate lead-tainted dust, again use a specialist to do the work and vacate the residence while renovations are underway. Finally, wear cosmetics that are made from organic ingredients and tinted with all-natural fruit pigments, like the products from these 10 lipstick brands.

2  Mercury: This neurotoxin impedes brain and nervous system development.  Most mercury we're exposed to is emitted as air pollution when power plants burn coal. The mercury falls into oceans and fresh water lakes, rivers and streams, then concentrates in large, predatory fish like tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Mercury is also found in compact fluorescent light bulbs and older thermometers, though the largest exposure by far comes from eating mercury-tainted seafood.

How to Avoid Mercury: The Mayo Clinic recommends eating seafood that's low in mercury but still high in the omega-3 fatty acids pregnant women should consume, like shrimp, pollock, tilapia, cod, anchovies, sardines, and trout. Switch out CFL bulbs to more energy efficient LEDs, and use a digital thermometer rather than one filled with mercury.

3  PCBs: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenols, probable human carcinogens that also threaten human neurological, reproductive and immune systems. They're so persistent in the environment that, though they've been banned since 1976, they still show up in people and animals that live thousands of miles away from places where PCBs were produced and used.

PCBs get into a pregnant woman's system primarily through food. Beef cattle, for example, might graze on grass grown in PCB-contaminated soil; both beef and farmed fish could be fed contaminated animal feed. Researchers in Washington State found high levels of PCBs in the packaging of foods like cheese and cracker snack packs, macaroni and cheese, and taco shells, among others. PCBs, which are in colorings and inks, have also been found in some house paints, newspapers, and magazines.

How to Avoid PCBs: PCBs concentrate in fat, so eat less red meat and fatty fish and trim the fat from food as much as possible, and choose fresh-caught fish over farmed. Opt for fresh organic fruits, vegetables and grains rather than processed foods in cardboard packages and online newspaper subscriptions. Use non-toxic paints and primers.

4.Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is an environmental pollutant that can be found in a wide variety of household products, including carpeting, cabinets and furniture made from pressed wood, couches and other furniture, and fabric softeners. It may also be used as a preservative in cosmetics, shampoo, and nail polish. Most formaldehyde exposure occurs by breathing indoor air contaminated when the formaldehyde "off-gasses" from the product it is in, though formaldehyde is also a by-product of cigarette smoking and unvented, fuel burning appliances like gas stoves and space heaters. Formaldehyde is known to have toxic effects on the immune system. Laboratory animals exposed to low doses of formaldehyde while they were pregnant resulted in low birth weight offspring whose lungs had limited ability to fight off inflammation.

How to Avoid Formaldehyde: Read labels carefully and choose formaldehyde-free personal care products. Choose nail polish free of formaldehyde and four other toxic chemicals; start with one of these 24 brands. Go to nail salons that are well ventilated and use non-toxic products; polish your own nails outdoors or in a room where a fan is on. Air out carpeting and cabinets before they're installed, and keep your home well ventilated during and after installation. Buy solid wood cabinets rather than pressed wood or particle board, and furniture made from solid wood rather than laminate. Skip aerosol air fresheners, plug-in fragrance dispensers, and atomized perfume, especially if it includes formaldehyde in its ingredients. Avoid chemical hair straightening and smoothing products, especially the Brazilian Blowout treatment, which contains high levels of formaldehyde.

5  Phthalates: Phthalates are chemical compounds that help soften plastic. They're what make it easy to apply nail polish, make body lotion spreadable, and prevent hair spray from getting stiff. We might unknowingly eat them when we use coated time-release pharmaceuticals. They also help serve as sort of a delivery mechanism for synthetic fragrances. Commercial air fresheners, perfume, household cleaning products, detergents and personal care products all rely on phthalates to convey their smells.

Fetal exposure in male lab animals—which could be a mirror of what human men experience—has been linked to infertility, decreased sperm count, undescended testes, and malformations of the penis and urethra.  Phthalates are also suspected of reducing a woman's chances of getting pregnant. Research reported on by the National Institutes of Health found links between prenatal exposure to phthalates and ADHD in kids years later. Fetuses exposed to phthalates in utero may also be born prematurely, below normal birth weight and more susceptible to becoming obese.

How to Avoid Phthalates: Read labels! Skip air fresheners made with synthetic fragrances, including fragrance air sprays, hanging car air fresheners, plug-in air fresheners, and cleaning cloths with fragrances embedded in them. Buy phthalate-free cosmetics, shampoo, and lotions. Use fewer personal care products overall, since our "body burden" of chemicals increases the more different concoctions we slather on our skin. Don't microwave food in plastic containers, as the phthalates in the plastic could migrate into the food. Replace vinyl shower curtains and raincoats with washable cotton curtains or rubberized raincoats, since vinyl also contains phthalates to keep it flexible.

6  Flame Retardants: PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are industrial chemicals used to retard flame in consumer electronic plastics, furniture, and mattresses.  They can get into the air, water and soil when they're manufactured and used. They don't dissolve easily in water, but rather stick to the bottom of rivers or lakes, where they can concentrate in fish. They can also get into house dust. PBDEs interfere with the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism, growth and brain development, which is why PBDEs may affect children's cognitive abilities and behavior. They may also contribute to thyroid disease in adults.

How to avoid PBDEs: PBDEs may be used in upholstery and foam. If you have old furniture that is exposing cushion or stuffing material, replace it or cover it to reduce the build-up of PBDE dust in your home.  You can find PBDE-free furniture. Choose electronics made with alternatives to PBDEs and other flame retardants. This Greenpeace Guide to Green Gadgets can help.

7  Toluene: Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. A good solvent, you'll find it in paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes. It's also added to gasoline along with benzene and xylene to improve octane ratings. Toluene is commonly found in outdoor air where there is a lot of traffic. Because it easily evaporates, it can become a major source of air pollution inside your home if it's in the paint or nail polish you use.

High levels of toluene exposure during pregnancy may retard mental development and growth in children. It can also affect kidney and liver function, reduce immunity to certain diseases and later take a toll on one's reproductive system. One very dangerous activity is to expose yourself to a large amount of toluene in a short time by deliberately inhaling/sniffing paint or glue.

How to Avoid Toluene: Buy finger nail polish that is toluene-free as well as formaldehyde-free.  Don't refinish furniture, banisters or cupboards while pregnant. Avoid painting, and only use water-based paints that can be cleaned off with running water, not paint thinner. When you fill up your car with gas, set the nozzle to automatic and walk away to avoid breathing in gasoline fumes. The pump will automatically turn off when the tank is full.

8  PFOA or PFOS: Both these chemicals are perfluorinated organic compounds, chemicals that are specially formulated to make materials stain and stick resistant. They're used in pizza boxes, fast-food containers, stain resistant clothing, carpeting and furniture, microwave popcorn bags, and on non-stick cooking pots and pans.

Pregnant women exposed to perfluorinated organic compounds may give birth to lower birth weight babies.  Research is ongoing to track additional impacts these chemicals might have on the fetus. At the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers found that women with elevated levels of these chemicals in their own blood gave birth to infants with reduced birth weight and head circumference, conditions that can lead to potentially serious medical problems later in life. Other human studies have linked exposure to difficulty conceiving, lower sperm quality and elevated cholesterol levels.

How to Avoid PFOA or PFOA: Avoid stain-resistant furniture, and don't spray stain protection chemicals on carpeting or furniture. Rather than stain-resistant clothing, wear clothing you can easily launder, and use a napkin when you eat to catch drips.  Definitely don't leave non-stick cookware on the stove unattended and don't use it on high temperatures on in a hot oven, either. Discard if it deteriorates, or better yet, replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel or seasoned cast iron.

9  Asbestos: Asbestos consists of six different fibrous minerals, all of which can cause cancer. Because it resists fire, asbestos may be found in almost every part of a home, including roofing shingles, vinyl flooring, duct, pipe and attic insulation, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, automotive products like disc brake pads and drum brake linings, and even clothing. When these items get old and begin to flake, asbestos fibers become airborne, making them easy to inhale. Asbestos can also contaminate drinking water, since it occurs in some parts of the U.S. in rock and soil. Some vermiculate used in pre-mixed garden and potting soils may also contain low levels of asbestos. The U.S. Surgeon General has stated there is no known safe level of exposure to any form asbestos.

How to Avoid Asbestos: Review the same water quality report you consulted for lead contamination to check for asbestos in your drinking water.  The Safe Drinking Water Act requires water suppliers to remove asbestos to concentrations below 1 MFL. If your report shows anything higher, get in touch with your city or county council representative and ask for an investigation. Install a water filter, perhaps one that traps both lead and asbestos.

If your home was built before 1980, various construction components could be contaminated. Hire a certified asbestos professional to sample suspected asbestos products. They can determine whether those items need to be removed or can be contained in place. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, the U.S. EPA says assume the material may be contaminated but don't disturb it unless it is cracking and flaking. Then, again, use a certified professional to clean it up. Rather than use vermiculite to enhance your potting soil, try peat, sawdust, perlite, or bark.

10  BPA: Bisphenol A is a petrochemical used to make hard polycarbonate plastic for water jugs and bottles, baby bottles, tableware like plates and cups, and food storage containers. The compound is embedded in thermal cash register receipts. It is also a key building block in the epoxy resin that lines food and beverage cans to prevent corrosion and bacterial contamination. The problem is that, as functional as it is, BPA is highly unstable and can leach into food or liquids the packaging touches.

That's a problem because Bisphenol A disrupts the body's endocrine system, even at low doses. Fetal exposure to BPA is linked to developmental and reproductive harm, including earlier onset of puberty, increased susceptibility to breast and prostate cancer, and changes in gender specific behavior caused by altered brain development. The chemical is also linked to miscarriages and infertility, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, and toddler behavior problems.

How to Avoid BPA: Replace plastic water bottles, even those labeled BPA-free, with stainless steel, glass, or aluminum. Skip canned food and drinks; choose fresh or frozen foods and juice, soda, water and beer in glass bottles. Make your own sodas using a carbon dioxide canister or an appliance like Soda Stream. Don't heat food in plastic storage containers, or put hot food in plastic; use glass bowls and jars instead. Soak and cook dried beans instead of buying canned.

You can't tell if a receipt has BPA in it, so err on the side of caution and leave the receipt behind if you don't really think you'll need it or have the receipt emailed to you. At the grocery store, have the cashier drop the receipt in a bag. Never put a receipt in your mouth.

Written By Diane Maceachern

Texas storms leave nearly 200,000 people without power

                     

Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in parts of Texas overnight left nearly 200,000 residents without power as of early Wednesday morning.

Much of the power failures centered around the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, according to the Oncor Electric Delivery utility company, which put the total number of statewide outages at 197,221 as of 4:46 AM local time.

The weather damaged houses, blew over trees and caused multiple car accidents across Texas.

There was significant damage reported in the Dalton Ranch Community in Rockwall, Texas, where multiple homes were damaged and five houses were reportedly destroyed, according to ABC affiliate WFAA.