Hypnotherapy has long been the subject of any number of rumors, myths and untruths. There is something very mysterious about hypnosis and perhaps that’s what leads many to make up their own truths about what they think it is. Some would even say this is a ‘mesmerizing’ topic. However it is now time to explore the myths and tall tales and lay some of the rumors to rest once and for all.

• Hypnosis is just a method of helping you achieve a deeply relaxed state of mind. You are not going to be ‘put to sleep’ and you are always going to remain aware of what is going on around you. Your subconscious will be a protective guide during any type of hypnotherapy experience.

Myth #2: Acting the Fool
Almost everyone has seen (or heard) the rumors of people who are hypnotized at a party or dinner theater and then proceed to act in a very stupid manner. You probably know some of these tales already. A woman is hypnotized and strips off all of her clothing. A well-educated man suddenly begins to flap his arms and crow like a rooster.

It is tempting to believe those ‘comedy theater’ routines but no one is going to act out of character simply as a result of hypnotherapy.

Myth #3: All Secrets Will Be Revealed
Many people have developed an irrational fear of hypnotherapy due to the fact that they have been told all of their personal secrets will be revealed a t the ‘drop of a hat’.

• The people that do say ‘embarrassing’ things while hypnotized are not being forced or tricked into doing so. They are willing participants and generally are not telling any of those truly ‘hidden secrets’.

Myth #4: Hypnosis is a Dangerous Activity
One of the top myths surrounding hypnotherapy is that this therapeutic technique is actually a very dangerous practice. Skeptics and uninformed individuals have long sought to discredit the practice of hypnotherapy based on their own doubts and fears.

• Hypnotherapy is very safe and you will not be coerced into saying or doing something that is totally out of character-unless you really want to.

• You can always awaken on your own. Each individual can refuse to be hypnotized. No one is going to become a puppet during a hypnotherapy session.

Myth #5: Once Hypnotized-Always Hypnotized
Again the myth is far superior to the actual truth. While hypnotic suggestions can help some individuals eliminate bad habits or even help others embrace ‘self-confidence and a positive attitude, being hypnotized will not transform anyone into a ‘trance controlled zombie’.

• Hypnosis produces a natural, relaxed feeling that some people can achieve without any outside assistance.

• No one can be hypnotized unless they are willing.

• You remain conscious even though you may appear to be deep within a hypnotic state.

• Those suggestions that may be told to you under hypnosis will only work if your subconscious is in agreement.

• Even the best hypnotic suggestions are ‘time-limited’. There is no way for a person to remain under hypnosis forever.

So if you are curious, have no fear. If you want to give it a try be sure to visit a certified therapist or try one of the many hypnosis CDs available.

5 Myths about Hypnotherapy is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Many medical offices have heard of the available electronic health record software that is available today. And while the ability to accurately record, store, retrieve and monitor patient data is what draws initial interest from most practitioners and office managers, there are a number of additional features and functions that greatly enhance record efficiency, patient services and even some billing options.

While these offices are extremely interested in the software’s potential, these same providers have questions about which programs are right for their office and also about the practical value they might have; such as their user friendliness, etc. And these are all valid concerns and good questions. Perhaps they don’t even know where to begin to look for the right software for their needs. So, what does the doctor’s office do in this situation?

There are plenty of resources online for the best EHR software. In addition, a multitude of sites offer great demos free of charge, and some program introduction offers. You can find a qualified EHR vendor online, and they will be able to answer your questions, as well as direct you to the record software that will benefit you most. This is an excellent new option for medical offices, and you definitely shouldn’t let your questions or concerns prevent you from seeking out the software, just as you wouldn’t want your patients’ questions to prevent them from coming in to see you.

Excellent Online Resource for EHR Software and Demos is a post from: Cup of Snarky

There is certainly a strong link between the body’s responses and the mind’s decisions. For the philosophers who have been trying to articulate the mind and body problem for centuries, the nuances of argument can indeed break down in the face of other psychic breakthroughs. The introduction of biofeedback into contemporary medicine has done wonders for changing the way entire cultures look at the relationship between body and mind. Here, it becomes clear that the way people think can change their reality. Electronic impulses register the rate that the heart can be slowed as the subject goes into a meditative state. This is an exciting realm of possibilities.

Those who practice meditation understand the benefits, and those who have studied it can probably see the link with biofeedback rather easily. It’s also very true that biofeedback is really just confirming what practitioners of meditation have known for centuries. The universe is a thought, and the way people think about the universe can in fact change their reality in enormous ways. Beginning with the possibilities of controlling the body’s responses, one can start to look into how meditation can also control the mind’s responses to reality. There is a remarkable potential within, and the limits of this potential are endless.

Biofeedback and Meditation is a post from: Cup of Snarky

This guest post written by Terrell Farce.

Most people know that wearing sunscreen in a necessity in the sunshine, however, they do not know how to correctly apply sunscreen. Sunscreen that is not applied correctly can make sunscreen lose its powerful ability to protect skin from UV Radiation. This article will teach you how to correctly apply sunscreen so that you can stay safe this summer.

First, realize that it takes time for sunscreen to kick into action. Since it can take up to 30 minutes for sunscreen to work, you should apply sunscreen to your body about 30 minutes before going outside. Be sure to get all areas of your body covered that will be exposed to the sun.

In general, be liberal with the amount of sunscreen you apply to your body. All too often, people skimp on applying sunscreen lotion and thus make it lose its protecting effect on the body. Just like you ensure the safety of your home with a home alarm system, be sure you ensure your skin’s safety with adequate sunscreen protection. Home security alarms protect your home from harm, and sunscreen applied correctly protects your body from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Last, be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. If you are swimming, be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Also, do not forget to apply sunscreen to your face.

With these tips, you will be protected from the sun rays and enjoy life without sunburn!

Applying Sunscreen Correctly: Tips for Staying Safe This Summer is a post from: Cup of Snarky

It can be hard to spot someone who abuses prescription drugs ; mainly because the prescription drug being abused does not necessarily need to be taken on a daily basis. The pattern of abuse may be occasional or habitual. Most prescription abusers don’t even recognize that they are addicted or abusing their prescriptions because of the fact that it’s a prescription drug; a drug prescribed by their doctor. They feel if the drug is prescribed by a doctor, then that gives them a perfect reason to use the drug as often as they see fit and usually more than what is necessary. This makes it extremely difficult for them to recognize that they may be in need of drug rehab . The most commonly abused prescription drugs are Ambien, Hydrocodone, Vicodin and Xanax.

Ambien addiction is the most difficult to recognize, the abuse is kept private between the user and the pill, mostly because Ambien, a sedative hypnotic, is not considered a shadowy drug that can be resold on the streets, and because it is a mild sleeping pill, which is not normally addictive. But, an addiction to Ambien can develop after an extended period of use. Hydrocondone, which is a narcotic, is highly addictive and the use needs to be closely monitored by a doctor. It is estimated that Hydrocodone is the most abused prescription drug in the United States. In the last ten years, emergency rooms visits have soared 500% due to hydrocodone abuse. Its effectiveness in eliminating pain is exactly why this prescription drug is addictive and abused.

Vicodin, which is Hydrocodone mixed with non-narcotic ingredients, is another of the most commonly abused prescription pain medications and it’s one of the most widely prescribed medications. Vicodin is a derivation of opium, which is used to manufacture heroin. People with an addiction to Vicodin become deeply depressed and their attention, judgment and thinking become impaired. Vicodin addiction by an individual truly feels physical pain, but it’s psychologically in nature. The more the Vicodin is taken, the more tolerance the body develops, leading to taking more amounts of Vicodin. Most Vicodin addicts are completely aware of their addiction, or are too embarrassed to do anything about it, mainly because they are pillars of the community, or upright citizens who’ve never dealt with an addiction before, or they don’t want their public image tarnished.

Xanax is a prescribed tranquilizer that depresses the nervous system. This prescription drug is a preferred drug to sell on the streets and is being abused by young people who want to get high. Since they are too young to buy alcohol, young people will instead take Xanax, which has the same effects as alcohol. But, what’s even more alarming is they are mixing Xanax with other substances from cocaine to alcohol. These teenagers and young 20-somethings mostly get Xanax from their parents medicine cabinets.

Prescription Drug Abuse is a post from: Cup of Snarky