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"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein

Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.

Unsettling but true, one of the most significant and devastating realities of sex crimes is how many go unreported. The most common reasons given by victims for not reporting these crimes are the beliefs that what has happened to them is a private or personal matter and the victim fears reprisal from his or her assailant. Let me repeat that- his or her assailant. Sexual assault happens to women and men, girls and boys. It does not discriminate.

What is rape? What is sexual assault?

The definitions of rape and sexual assault vary from state to state. There is no blanket definition that applies to all geographic locations, states, provinces or locales. Simply put, the definition is governed by the laws where you live;
so, here are some basic definitions of Rape and Sexual Assault:

RAPE is forced sexual intercourse, including both psychological coercion and physical force. Forced sexual intercourse means vaginal, anal or oral penetration by the offender(s). This category includes incidents where the penetration is from a foreign object such as a bottle. This definition includes attempted rapes, male and female victims, and heterosexual and homosexual rape.

SEXUAL ASSAULT includes a wide range of victimizations, distinct from rape or attempted rape. These crimes include completed or attempted attacks generally involving unwanted sexual contact between the victim and offender. Sexual assaults may or may not involve force and include such things as grabbing or fondling. Sexual assault also includes verbal threats.

These definitions are the same ones used by the US Department of Justice's annual National Crime Victimization Survey, the most comprehensive study of the incidence of rape.

Sexual Assault and Abuse are not race, gender nor age specific. It is not limited to a particular demographic- it happens to people in every category:

• One out of every six American women have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime- (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape). A total of 17.7 million women have been victims of these crimes.
  
  
• About three percent of American men —- a total of 2.78 million men—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
  
  
• About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12.
  
  
• Seven percent of girls in grades five to eight and twelve percent of girls in grades nine through twelve and said they had been sexually abused.
  
  
• Three percent of boys in grades five through eight and five percent of boys in grades nine through twelve said they had been sexually abused.
  
  
• 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims knew their attacker; 34.2% were family members and 58.7% acquaintances. Only seven percent of the perpetrators were strangers to the victim.

61% of rapes/sexual assaults are not reported to the police, so those rapists, of course, never serve a day in prison.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of Rape of Sexual Assault, don’t keep it a secret. Report it to the authorities. Get medical and psychological help. Contact a victim’s support and advocacy group. Seeking help is empowerment and will help you reclaim your life. Remember, you are not alone.

For more information and resources on sexual assault, rape and drug-facilitated sexual assault, please visit www.911rape.org or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at: 1.800.656.HOPE. Help is available 24/7. The call is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

Decide To End Sexual Violence… Now!

Our topics this month include Night Eating Syndrome, Aging Gracefully, Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion and Coffee Do’s and Don’ts. Join us once again for “The Comedy Minute” and “Of Note: Facts in Smooth Jazz”. Welcome Back…we’re glad you stopped by.

Eating Disorders: Night Eating Syndrome

Recently, a friend shared that she was having what she believed to be unusual sleep disturbances- uncontrolled “food fests” during the night, while she thought she had been in bed, soundly sleeping. Uncharacteristic of late-night cravings or the intermittent, cyclical, hormonal splurges, her concern grew as time and the duration of these nocturnal “festivities” went on.

Wanting to help, I began researching her symptoms. As neither she nor I had ever heard of such behavior, knowing what to do or where to go for help was clearly out of the question. If you’re thinking this sounds like a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior, you’re right. It’s rare… and it is real! If you know someone who may be silently suffering through this behavior, we hope this segment will provide some answers.

Sleep eating is a rare but medically documented disorder that some patients have been battling for several decades. It is estimated that 1.5 percent of the United States population may be habitually eating during the night and the “bill of fare” ranges peanut butter to cereal to frozen cheesecake.

Research has shown that true sufferers of this disorder participate in the behavior do so while in a partially awake mode. It has been determined that the patients are neither fully aware of what they are doing nor can they help themselves. Sleep eating is, in fact, another form of obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD) that has dealt devastating consequences. Simply put, the sufferer cannot control himself or herself or the behavior.

Most sleep eaters are female and the disease’s onset generally manifests itself during a critical stage of development for young women- the late teens or early twenties, with nightly occurrences which can last for years (and even decades). In some cases, there were apparent triggering events such as encephalitis, autoimmune hepatitis, narcolepsy, cessation of drug/alcohol abuse or smoking, or stress. Sleep apnea may also trigger these episodes but for many patients, there is no indicator as to why it happens.

A number of treatments have been tried, including dopamine agents, anticonvulsant medications, antidepressants and opiates. As an act of desperation, some sufferers have tried not sleeping, but you must remember that you’re dealing with sleep deprivation, which can make the situation worse.

For more information about Night Eating Syndrome, logon to: http://www.anred.com/nsred.html; http://www.something-fishy.org/whatarethey/other.php. There are protocols of treatment being identified that are proving to be beneficial. Talk to your health care provider or contact your local mental health clinic.



Aging gracefully- Nature’s gift


By simply consuming the recommended 5 to 9 servings daily of fresh fruits and vegetables, you can glow as you grow into aging and help protect your good health into the “senior” years. Not living the healthiest of lifestyles by skipping meals, substituting more balanced, nutritious meals with “food on the go”? It’s never too late to turn the tide. Adopting this regiment will promote weight loss (and help maintain a healthy weight), protect the body’s immune system against communicable diseases, cancer, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, hypertension, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal disorders and many other debilitating diseases.

Introducing the subscribed amount of fresh fruits and veggies into your daily sustenance provides the body with both soluble and insoluble fiber, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Flavenoids (substances that consume potentially dangerous particles in the bloodstream known as free radicals- e.g. Quercetin) and Carotenoids (fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria which serve as antioxidants, and can be a source for vitamin A activity- e.g. Lutein and Lycopene), to name a few.

Studies also suggest the benefits derived include reduction of risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes, diverticulitis (pockets in the colon), duodenal ulcers, congestive heart failure (CHF), cognitive impairment in the elderly and macular degeneration.

So, the next time you see the sign that says: “Take Five”, add them to your shopping list, then into the shopping cart! Accept nature’s gift… and smile.


Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion


Popular methods of fighting the battle of aging less than gracefully are the procedures Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion. So, what are they?

Microdermabrasion is the process by which skin is exfoliated without the use of chemicals or lasers; rather, by utilizing crystals to finely resurface the superficial layers. A gentle vacuum removes the dead skin cells and the results are immediate and progressive. The objective of Microdermabrasion is to improve the appearance of scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, uneven skin tones, dull, lifeless and sun-damaged skin.

The Chemical Peel is a procedure that can restore sun-damaged, wrinkled, blemished, acne scarred or blotchy skin to its original youthful appearance. The results are purported to be normally a smoother, more even toned textured skin. Chemical peels are reported to produce skin that will look younger, tighter and "fresher" than before although it cannot remove all facial flaws. Deeper lines, wrinkles and other flaws may require additional treatments or techniques.

The chemicals normally used are Trichloracetic acid (TCA) for more superficial lines and blemishes or Phenol (a much deeper and more serious peel) for deeper wrinkles, flaws or discolorations. Be forewarned that the down time can be considerable so be prepared to take time off for recovery.

The quest for beauty and the fountain of youth can become akin to the “Bonfire of the Vanities”-ultimately taking its’ toll, when all one wanted to do was “feel better about the reflection in the mirror”. There’s a saying: “If Mother Nature doesn’t catch up with you, Father Time will!” There’s no way to stop the aging process without stopping the living process.

If skin rejuvenation is calling you name, do your homework. Seek out a licensed, board certified Cosmetic Surgeon and be prepared when you meet in consultation. Ask questions until you are satisfied and listen closely to the responses given. Ask to see his or her portfolio of “before” and “after” photos and patient testimonials. A reputable Cosmetic Surgeon will not be offended- as artistic practioners, they not only take pride in their work and the services which they provide, but look forward to partnering with you to give you the results you desire. Ask a friend who’s had skin rejuvenation. If they’re satisfied with the practioners and the results, they’ll be happy to share the wealth!

Remember: the bottom line is looking and feeling better about you. For more information and assistance with referrals, logon to: http://www.cosmeticsurgery.org

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
-Edith Wharton

The Coffee Break:

Half-Caf/Half Mocha latte with whip; Caramel Mochachinno; Double Espresso double whip latte—1st call coffee on the way to the office or meeting? You may need the java to get going but your morning fix can be sabotaging your diet or weight maintenance program. Here’s why:

Unless you REALLY love the unadulterated taste of Coffee black, the tendency is to add in “flavor enhancers” such as real cream, half-n-half, nondairy creamer, steamed milk, flavored syrups, foam and cocoa. While they may wake-up the coffee, these goodies can add on as much as 600 empty calories (or more), undermining the good intentions you began your day with to start it on a healthier note.

A regular cup of Java has no fat or calories- period. A few seconds at the condiments table or in the hands of the “coffee specialist” can give new meaning to “Hip-Sway”! Here’s the buzz:

Coffee mocha with fat-free milk has 264 calories and 11 grams of fat with whipped cream and 182 calories; two grams of fat without whipped cream. What’s the alternative? A few simple suggestions:

• Have a smaller size cup of coffee- opting for the eight or 12 ounces cup can save you up to 110 calories.
  
• Ask for fat-free milk instead of whole milk. This saves you about 80 calories and up to eight grams of fat.
  
• Use a sugar substitute instead of real sugar. One teaspoon of sugar is 15 calories.
  
• Nix the whipped cream, flavored syrup, chocolate or candy pieces. Save those for a special dessert!

Did You Ever Wonder Why…?

. . . we play April Fools' Day jokes on family, friends and coworkers every April 1? The custom is thought to have started in France during the 16th century but the British are credited with bringing it to the United States.

The commonly accepted origin of April Fool's Day involves changes in the calendar. At one time, the New Year celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582, King Charles IX adopted the Gregorian calendar and accepted the beginning of the new year as January 1. Those who refused to acknowledge the new date or simply forgot received foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties. The butt of such a prank was known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish." No foolin’!

…when a woman spurns a gentleman, she is said to be "giving him the cold shoulder?" In the early 19th century, when Sir Walter Scott first recorded the phrase, it was customary for a hostess to serve hot meat to visitors who were welcome and cold meat to those who were not. Since the cold meat given to the unwanted guest was usually a shoulder of mutton, the hostess was said to be "giving him the cold shoulder."

"...When we long for life without...difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." -- Peter Marshall

Of Note: Facts in Smooth Jazz:

"The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night, or something said long ago” – Louis Armstrong

The Comedy Minute

To those of you to young to fully appreciate this period of time, ask your parents or grand parents about it. And to those of you that are as old as the hills, read and enjoy!

Back Down Memory Lane…

Stroll with me.... close your eyes.... and go back...before the Internet... before bombings, AIDS, Herpes, before semiautomatics and crack...before SEGA or Super Nintendo ... way back!

I'm talking about sitting on the curb, sitting on the stoop... about hide-and-go-seek; Simon says and red-light-green-light. About lunch boxes with a thermos ... chocolate milk, going home for lunch, penny candy from the store, hopscotch, butterscotch, skates with keys, jacks and Cracker Jacks, hula hoops and sunflower seeds, cherry wax lips and licorice wax mustaches; Mary Jane's, saddle shoes and Coke bottles with the names of cities on the bottom.

Remember when it took five minutes for the TV to warm up. When nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids arrived home from school.

When nobody owned a purebred dog. When a quarter was a decent allowance. When you'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny.

When your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces. When all of your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done everyday and wore high heels.

Remember running through the sprinkler, circle pins, bobby pins, Mickey Mouse Club, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Kookla, Fran and Ollie, Spin and Marty...Dick Clark's American Bandstand ... all in black and white and your Mom made you turn it off when a storm came.

When around the corner seemed far away, and going downtown seemed like going somewhere. Climbing trees, making forts, backyard shows, lemonade stands, cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, staring at clouds, jumping on the bed, pillow fights, ribbon candy, angel hair on the Christmas tree, Jackie Gleason, white gloves, walking to the movie theater, running till you were out of breath, laughing so hard that your stomach hurt...remember that?

Not stepping on a crack or you'd break your mother's back ... paper-chains at Christmas, silhouettes of Lincoln and Washington, the smells of school, of paste and Evening in Paris.

What about the girl who dotted her i's with hearts? (that was before that stupid smiley face)! The Stroll, popcorn balls and sock hops?

Remember when there were just two types of sneakers for girls and boys- Keds and PF Flyers, and the only time you wore them at school was for gym. And the girls had those ugly gym uniforms.

When you got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking -- all for free -- every time! And, you didn't pay for air either, and you got trading stamps to boot!

When laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box. When it was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents.

When the worst thing you could do at school was flunk a test or chew gum. And the prom was in the gym or the lunchroom and you danced to a real orchestra. When they threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed -- and did!

When being sent to the principal's office was nothing, compared to the fate that awaited the student at home.

Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was so much greater than the threat.

Remember when a '57 Chevy was everyone's dream car -- used to cruise, peel out, lay rubber, scratch off or watch the submarine races?

When people went steady; and girls wore a class ring with an inch of wrapped Band-Aids, dental floss, or yarn coated with pastel-frost nail polish so it would fit their finger.

When no one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the car and house doors were never locked!

Remember lying on your back on the grass with your friends and saying things like: "That cloud looks like a..." And playing baseball with no adults needed to enforce the rules of the game.

Remember when stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals, because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger.

And, with all our progress, don't you just wish, that just once you could slip back in time, and savor the slower pace...and share it with the children of today?

So share this with someone who can still remember Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Dowdy and The Peanut Gallery, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, The Shadow Knows, Nellie Belle, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Trigger and Buttermilk...

As well as the sound of a real mower on Saturday morning, and summers filled with bike rides, baseball games, bowling, visits to the pool ... and eating Lik’em- Aid powder from the palm of your hand. There, didn't that feel good? Just to lean back and say: "Yeah...I remember......."

Pass this on to those who might remember, and to those who can see what might be missing.

“When circumstances seem to coincide in inexplicable ways, the universe is reaching out to help you.” -Mary Manin Morrissey

Disclaimer: The information presented here are suggestions to help improve the well being of the reader and SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR EVALUATION AND/OR TREATMENT BY YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. It is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis nor is it any claim made as to therapeutic efficacy, as this can vary from person to person. It is based on published scientific studies, personal experience and/or traditional usage. Always read and heed the warnings given on any preparations that are ingested or whose usage is contraindicated while taking prescribed medications. When in doubt… leave it out!







©2006 Smooth Notes and News