Characteristics of Adult Children of Abuse — Roy’s Story

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my own… I had the input volume up way too high, so I was unaware that I was saturating the mic. Dammit. I owe a debt of gratitude to Garr Reynolds for his site on effective presenting — PRESENTATION ZEN. http I can only hope that this presentation of mine reflects some of the insights I’ve learned from Garr. Please let me know what you feel about this viddie. Blue skies love Roy … roy blumenthal AACA ACA Al-Anon Adult Children of Abuse12-step twelve-step AA child-abuse alcoholism recovery …

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A Layman’s Computer: 12 Steps to An Efficient and Pleasant Computer

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Most of the articles for using computers are written for computer savvy individuals. However, this article is written for novice computer users. Just like any other ordinary computer user, I have gone through the frustration of slow-start up, loosing data, frequent starting and restarting, etc. I understand their pain and sympathize with them.

Over 5-6 years of using the same computer that still does great, I think I can give some suggestions for average computer users to use their computers efficiently and pleasantly.

The basic message here is to keep everything simple in your computer. In general, I found most of the commercial software highly problematic. Unless you absolutely need to have one, do research before you buy one. On the contrary, and pleasantly I found many free software much better behaved and less taxing to your computer memory. Most of the free programs can be downloaded from CNET download site (http://www.download.com/). Beware of sites that sale any freeware program.

To begin with, you want to buy a computer that could do all the jobs you want it do. Do not buy the most expensive computer available as it will be outdated within weeks. Five years ago, I bought a Sony PCV-RS530G that I still love using it. I have increased its memory to 2 GB and added an additional DVD writer. In addition, I have an external 250 GB hard-drive that I occasionally use to backup the computer.

Immediately after I bought the Sony computer, it took inordinately long time to start up and go through several routines before I could log-on. After taking advice from my computer savvy sons and reading several articles, I gradually came with following solutions that anyone could use to run his/her computer efficiently.

The first program I would down load would be CCleaner (Crape Cleaner, freeware from CNET download.com).

Using CCleaner, delete all the vendor installed programs that are not absolutely necessary to run the computer. Call the customer service of the vendor to make sure or check by Google search utility of any installed program. For example, I removed all the Sony’s media related programs (Click to DVD, DVgate, PictureGear, Sonic Stage, and VAIO Media Software).

Delete the trial-based or term-limited commercial programs installed by the vendor: Norton antivirus software, Quicken, etc.

To defend against viruses and spyware I use two free programs: Windows Defender and Threatfire. Both do great jobs of protecting the computer while being non-intrusive and run in the background.

For multimedia, I use Picasa, Windows Media Player, iTunes, DVD Shrink, and Deep Burner.

To play most of the media files without running too many media players, one can download “k-lite codecs” pack.

For utility, as described above, I use CCleaner. CCleaner is easy to use and very helpful in maintaining the computer’s sanity. Using CCleaner you could specify what programs start with the computer boot up. If a program is not necessary to start with the computer boot up, un-check it. CCleaner lets you delete junk files, delete old or unused registry files and any program safely. Routine use of CCleaner will keep your computer sane. I suggest using it once a week.

Another utility software I like is Belarc Advisor. Belarc will keep you abreast of hardware, software, and security status of the computer.

Instead of Microsoft Office, I use Open Office. Open Office is freeware and lets you save documents and files in Microsoft Office Format. Instead of Acrobat Reader, I use Foxit Reader

Instead of Windows Outlook, I use Mozilla Thunderbird. You can use any Web-browser. However, I like Mozilla Firefox. I avoid using Yahoo’s toolbar and Yahoo email, and instead I use Gmail. Using GMail one can download all email messages to your desktop based email program like Thunderbird.

Importantly, before you install or delete any program, backup your computer, set up system restore point, and then install the program. If you run into any problem after installing a program, you can always go back to the previous status of the computer.

Check de-fragmentation of the computer using Windows program at least once a month, and defragment if necessary.

Please note that all the programs I listed for download are freeware.

If you have any problems with any of these programs, drop me an e-mail to lbg977@yahoo.com and I may be able to help you.

Enjoy your computing!

 

A Layman’s Computer: 12 Steps to An Efficient and Pleasant Computer

ADDICTION NEWS Comments Off

Most of the articles for using computers are written for computer savvy individuals. However, this article is written for novice computer users. Just like any other ordinary computer user, I have gone through the frustration of slow-start up, loosing data, frequent starting and restarting, etc. I understand their pain and sympathize with them.

Over 5-6 years of using the same computer that still does great, I think I can give some suggestions for average computer users to use their computers efficiently and pleasantly.

The basic message here is to keep everything simple in your computer. In general, I found most of the commercial software highly problematic. Unless you absolutely need to have one, do research before you buy one. On the contrary, and pleasantly I found many free software much better behaved and less taxing to your computer memory. Most of the free programs can be downloaded from CNET download site (http://www.download.com/). Beware of sites that sale any freeware program.

To begin with, you want to buy a computer that could do all the jobs you want it do. Do not buy the most expensive computer available as it will be outdated within weeks. Five years ago, I bought a Sony PCV-RS530G that I still love using it. I have increased its memory to 2 GB and added an additional DVD writer. In addition, I have an external 250 GB hard-drive that I occasionally use to backup the computer.

Immediately after I bought the Sony computer, it took inordinately long time to start up and go through several routines before I could log-on. After taking advice from my computer savvy sons and reading several articles, I gradually came with following solutions that anyone could use to run his/her computer efficiently.

The first program I would down load would be CCleaner (Crape Cleaner, freeware from CNET download.com).

Using CCleaner, delete all the vendor installed programs that are not absolutely necessary to run the computer. Call the customer service of the vendor to make sure or check by Google search utility of any installed program. For example, I removed all the Sony’s media related programs (Click to DVD, DVgate, PictureGear, Sonic Stage, and VAIO Media Software).

Delete the trial-based or term-limited commercial programs installed by the vendor: Norton antivirus software, Quicken, etc.

To defend against viruses and spyware I use two free programs: Windows Defender and Threatfire. Both do great jobs of protecting the computer while being non-intrusive and run in the background.

For multimedia, I use Picasa, Windows Media Player, iTunes, DVD Shrink, and Deep Burner.

To play most of the media files without running too many media players, one can download “k-lite codecs” pack.

For utility, as described above, I use CCleaner. CCleaner is easy to use and very helpful in maintaining the computer’s sanity. Using CCleaner you could specify what programs start with the computer boot up. If a program is not necessary to start with the computer boot up, un-check it. CCleaner lets you delete junk files, delete old or unused registry files and any program safely. Routine use of CCleaner will keep your computer sane. I suggest using it once a week.

Another utility software I like is Belarc Advisor. Belarc will keep you abreast of hardware, software, and security status of the computer.

Instead of Microsoft Office, I use Open Office. Open Office is freeware and lets you save documents and files in Microsoft Office Format. Instead of Acrobat Reader, I use Foxit Reader

Instead of Windows Outlook, I use Mozilla Thunderbird. You can use any Web-browser. However, I like Mozilla Firefox. I avoid using Yahoo’s toolbar and Yahoo email, and instead I use Gmail. Using GMail one can download all email messages to your desktop based email program like Thunderbird.

Importantly, before you install or delete any program, backup your computer, set up system restore point, and then install the program. If you run into any problem after installing a program, you can always go back to the previous status of the computer.

Check de-fragmentation of the computer using Windows program at least once a month, and defragment if necessary.

Please note that all the programs I listed for download are freeware.

If you have any problems with any of these programs, drop me an e-mail to lbg977@yahoo.com and I may be able to help you.

Enjoy your computing!

 

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Methadone – My opiate addiction history.wmv

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This video I talk about my own personal addiction to opiates (painkillers and heroin) and what led up to my enrolling in the methadone treatment program. I tried to be as breif as I could, but it’s hard to list an entire history of opiate use in a ten minute video. I apologize if I left out any important stuff.

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Step-by-step Guide to Medical Tourism

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Going overseas for surgical treatment can be overwhelming for anybody. After all, it’s not like going to a hospital down the road where you have been to before and know all the doctors and nurses. To be successful in your pursuit of low-cost high quality medical treatment, there is a step by step process that you must follow to gain confidence in your decision, get the right care and save money.

STEP 1: FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE TREND OF MEDICAL TOURISM

Find out why everybody is raving about it and why they are willing to travel half the world for it. Learn from the experience of others. Read news and articles on the subject. Check out the frequently asked questions that medical tourists have at https://www.healthbase.com/hb/pages/medical-tourism-faq.jsp.

STEP 2: RESEARCH ON THE MEDICAL PROCEDURE

Find out all you can about the medical procedure in question – problems it solves, follow-up care needed, physical therapy required, etc. This will help you clear 3 doubts: is the procedure right for your condition; are you the right candidate for the procedure; and should you go abroad for it.

STEP 3: FIND OUT IF MEDICAL TOURISM IS WHAT YOU WANT

Medical tourism is not always a good choice for non-emergency medical treatments. Sometimes transportation costs may outweigh the possible savings achievable by going abroad. In some cases, the time required for the surgery abroad may be too much for you to spare. Or, the surgery you need may not be available abroad with a reputable health care provider.

STEP 4: LEARN ABOUT MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS

Some countries have the reputation for top-quality cardiac surgery while others for world-class orthopedics and yet others for cosmetic procedures. So make your selection wisely. Sometimes distance can also play an important role in your decision-making, like in the case of small dental jobs. You should also prepare yourself for culture differences.

STEP 5: LEARN ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FACILITIES AND SURGEONS

When researching on any health care provider try to find answers to the following:

Does the hospital or clinic employ the latest equipments and technology? Do they have expertise in the medical procedure you are seeking? What accreditations and awards do they have? Are the surgeons qualified enough? Where did they receive their education and training?

Answering these questions will give you a fair idea of the standard of quality of the provider.

STEP 6: ARRANGE ALL YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS

You will need them at the time of pre-consultation with your overseas surgeon as well as when you go abroad for surgery. Depending upon the condition you are treating, medical records you may need are: X-Rays, X-Ray reports, MRI’s, health histories, photographs, immunization record, prescriptions, etc..

STEP 7: REQUEST AND COMPARE QUOTES

Costs of health care vary from country to country and provider to provider. So request for quotes and compare them. Your selection of a particular provider and country should be based not just on low cost but also on quality as well as distance.

STEP 8: CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE FOR COVERAGE

With the numerous benefits that medical tourism offers, today some insurance companies have medical tourism plans. So, if you are covered under an overseas medical treatment plan, your insurer might cover your medical tourism expenses in full or in part. So check with your health insurance company for coverage details.

STEP 9: ACQUIRE YOUR PASSPORT AND VISA

If you and/or your travel companion (if any) do not have a passport, you will need to acquire it. Check with the foreign country’s embassy if a visa is required for entry and apply for it accordingly.

STEP 10: PLAN YOUR ITINERARY

When planning your itinerary, allow ample time for recovery. Be prepared to stay longer/shorter than expected. If you have travel or tourism on mind, allow time for that as well.

STEP 11: BOOK TICKETS AND ROOMS

Book tickets for yourself and your companion. After your surgery, you can choose to relax at a resort or in a hotel or go traveling in the foreign country. So if possible, make arrangements beforehand.

STEP 12: APPLY FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN

Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Travel insurance gives medical tourists coverage for unforeseen problems, from a canceled flight to a serious illness.

STEP 13: APPLY FOR MEDICAL FINANCE LOAN

If you do not have enough money for your medical treatment overseas, you may consider applying for medical loan or dental loan. Loan processing companies provide patient payment plans for plastic surgery, dental procedures, bariatric procedures, dermatology treatments, hospital, etc.

STEP 14: PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR RECOVERY

In certain cases, you may need to prepare your home for recovery. For example, if you are seeking affordable hip resurfacing surgery abroad, you may want to rearrange furniture in your house in advance before you leave to aid during the recovery stages.

STEP 15: PACK YOUR BAGS AND TAKE THE TRIP

Ensure that you have packed comfortable clothing. Bring some local currency, travelers checks, and one or two major credit cards. Keep important contact information handy. Bring all the required medical records. Remember to carry all your medical reports as well as any medicines in your carry-on luggage. Finally, take your well-planned medical trip and return home happy and healthy!

The above step by step medical tourism guide will help you with most aspects of medical tourism. To make your medical travel easy you may want to use a medical tourism provider to help you with all the logistics of medical tourism. Medical tourism providers like Healthbase (http://www.healthbase.com) connect you with the hospital of your choice while providing many other related valuable services.

You can learn more about the growing trend of medical tourism, international healthcare facilities and surgeons, and the details of the medical tourism process by logging on to http://www.healthbase.com. Healthbase.com is a medical tourism facilitator committed to providing low-cost high quality medical travel services to the global medical consumer.

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Do you know where can I find alcoholism treatment centers in Forest Grove, Pennsylvania?

ALCOHOLISM ADDICTION 2 Comments »

My stepmother is asking for my help to find an alcoholism treatment center where she can admit her daughter. Sabina, my stepsister has been addicted to alcohol ever since our dad died. Though we weren’t very close, I still want her back to her normal state for she’s still my sister. Please help me.

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What ALL Are Your Options for Drug Addiction Treatment?

DRUG ADDICTION REHAB 2 Comments »

I have a VERY close family member who is a drug addict. I myself DO NOT enable him in ANY way! Not 5 dollars, not a ride here or anything at all. But I DO have several family members who DO enable him!!! It is so frustrating that they are still enabling his addiction. My question is What all options do we have for treatment for him. He has been to 3 rehabs. I wondered if it could be treated medically???

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What are the products of alcoholic fermentation?

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What are the products of alcoholic fermentation?
Please and thank you!

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Myths and Facts About Methamphetamine Abuse and Treatment

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Methamphetamine is similar to that of amphetamine drugs, most commonly known as ‘chalk’ and ‘meth’. These drugs rapidly mix up with bloodstream by smoking, injecting, snorted, absorbed through patch when abused. Powerful effects on central nervous system are observed with this drug abuse and sometimes the abuser can even die in minutes.

Myths and Facts
As methamphetamine is popular among teens, its dangerous effects to health are discussed at every medical and health conferences. There are many myths prevailing about this drug and the right information about this drug abuse is not known to many of us. The following are few myths and facts about this drug.

Myth: No treatment is available for methamphetamine dependence.
Fact: Methamphetamine drug dependence can be treated using different ways of treatment and can also be done at home. The abuser of methamphetamine faces specific problems, so they need a systemized treatment program to overcome the dependence and health complications.

Myth: Average life for drug abuser is 5 years.
Fact: With the overdose of the drug, many organs can be damaged and result in multiple organ failure. Earlier there is no such data available for determining the average life of abuser is between the commencement of methamphetamine abuse and death of abuser due to this drug. Recently, many research studies were conducted and the officials came to conclusion about the average life of drug abuser as 7 years.

Myth: Methamphetamine abuse results in holes to brain.
Fact: The abuse of this drug leads to changes in the functioning of brain but doesn’t really make any holes in the brain. In the scanning report of brain of any abuser shows as though there are holes in the brain. The holes shown for depict areas of low activity or no activities in MRI scan are misunderstood as holes in the brain.

Myth: No need to treat the drug abuser specially.
Fact: The abuser should be treated with special care at the time of treatment and till he gets fully cured from the abuse. Stopping the drug abuse can lead to many effects like depression for at least one month. Some one should be there to support them and to help them to overcome the withdrawal symptoms.

The above information helps you in knowing the actual facts about methamphetamine drug abuse. This can help you in taking the preventive measures for controlling the drug abuse and educating the children about the dangerous effects of drug abuse. Knowing the actual facts is important in preventing and overcoming from the drug abuse.

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Have you ever heard of Crystal Meth Anonymous?

DRUG ADDICTION REHAB 3 Comments »

Have you ever heard of the fellowship Crystal Meth Anonymous? If you have where? Have you ever been to one of the meetings? Did you like it? Do you support Meth Addicts that are seeking recovery?

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