Gold Light Studios Art School
Background: John Murdoch has devoted decades to the study and teaching of representational painting and drawing. He produces both portraiture, figurative and still life paintings with an otherworldly edge, often using hand-ground paints and gold leaf on wood panel or canvas.
Register online for portrait painting, oil painting, or atelier life drawing classes.
Restaurant Online Ordering Software System
Learn how to streamline online food orders and payment transactions with this free restaurant online ordering software system created by Restaurant Online Solutions.
This video tutorial will show you how to add menu items to an online menu.
Video: Adding Menu Items
Learn how to add menu items with the free restaurant online ordering system.
Supporting Networks for Older Americans
Disasters or emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Over the past two years alone, more than 130 Presidential Disaster Declarations have been declared in 45 states and territories. When a disaster strikes, older persons and persons with disabilities may experience public health and human service needs that threaten their well-being. In many cases, existing physical or mental impairments may worsen, and needed family and community-based supports may be disrupted by the emergency situation. Medical Alert helps create a prepared and safe home environment are the cornerstones for older Americans, who choose to live independent.
Create a Support Network
- If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster talk to family, friends and others who will be part of your personal support network.
- Write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network.
- Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster.
- Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Teach those who will help you how to use any lifesaving equipment, administer medicine in case of an emergency.
- Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your network.
Supplies and Documents
Medications and Medical Supplies
If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer.Make a list of prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare.If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen, and medical alert system.
Emergency Documents
Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kits such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank accounts information and tax records.Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available.Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices. Include operating information and instructions.Make sure that a friend or family member has copies of these documents.Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as your medical providers.If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.Keep these documents in a waterproof container for quick and easy access.
Whiplash, or better termed, cervical acceleration-deceleration disorder (CAD) is primarily an injury to the soft tissues of the neck – that is, the muscles, their tendon insertions, and the ligaments that hold the joints firmly together. Neck pain is a very common health problem that affects between 10–15% of the population and drives people to all types of healthcare providers. We have previously discussed the reasons why whiplash /CAD injuries occur, the examination process and the prognosis aspects but the argument continues as to what treatment methods work the best when managing patients with CAD.In the May 21, 2002 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, a group of medical doctors and PhD’s reported on neck pain treatment comparing traditional medical and physical therapy approaches verses spinal manipulation. In the study, they compared three common neck pain treatment approaches in a group of 183 patients with chronic neck pain (patients who had neck pain for more than 3 months). The 3 methods included traditional medical care which included medication utilization and rest, manual therapy (chiropractic adjustments) and physical therapy (active exercise training). After 7 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients who felt either totally resolved (cured) or much improved were 68.3% receiving manual therapy / chiropractic care, 50.8% receiving physical therapy, and 35.9% receiving medical care.The author, Jan Lucas Hoving, PhD reports that manual therapy / chiropractic was found to be more effective than the other 2 methods “…on almost all outcome measures,” not just a few! Further, although PT scored better than traditional medical care, “…most of the differences were not statistically significant,” meaning, not that much better. The authors appropriately reported that further study was needed to better understand the differences between methods.In 2008, the “Decade Task Force” reviewed 10 years of studies on the treatment of neck pain and found similar results and referenced many studies that indicated spinal manipulation for neck pain, headaches, whiplash, and other neck related conditions was one of the most effective methods and that patients with neck pain should be given the option of receiving manual therapy / chiropractic before other approaches as it was found to be less expensive, faster in obtaining satisfying results (shorter course of disability), and most effective in terms of long-term benefits. This comparison discussion is by no means meant to minimize the importance of medical and PT care.However, there appears to be a bias among patients with neck pain to seek medical care first when the studies clearly show chiropractic care is the preferred method. Hence, the purpose of this article is to educate the reader that their choice in treatment for neck pain should favor chiropractic care FIRST, not last. In fact, the sooner manipulation can be applied to the injured joints of the neck, typically the faster the results. For example, long term disability and chronic neck pain can occur from prolonged use of a cervical collar as the structures tighten and stiffen up from being immobile - unable to move because of the collar. Unless there is some unstable condition to the neck (fracture, grade 3 ligament tear, progressive neurological loss, etc.), studies support manipulation / early mobilization of the neck joints after injuries like whiplash verses wearing a cervical collar and rest.
Did You Know?
Among the many natural ways to treat infection, tea tree oil is one of the very best. Tea tree oil is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has a wide variety of uses with strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The aborigines in Australia used tea tree leaves to heal skin infections, wounds, and burns by crushing the leaves and holding them in place with a mud pack. Tea tree oil effectively treats a variety of conditions. If you choose to try tea tree oil, it is good practice to do a patch test on your skin first, as undiluted tea tree oil can irritate the skin. If the skin is sensitive, then it is necessary to dilute it. A good tea tree oil solution can be made by mixing 5 parts of tea tree oil with 95 parts of water.Please note: tea tree oil should never be taken internally, even in small amounts.
Here are just some of the many ways to effectively use tea tree oil:
Lastly, putting a few drops of tea tree oil in bathwater has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect. It will also soothe sore muscles and eliminate persistent body odor.
There are many causes of low back pain (LBP). Most of us can think of the time we bent over to lift a child, the heavy tongue of a trailer, a 5-gallon pail of water, or maybe simply sneezed too hard and threw out our back. These causes are common and most often associated with LBP. But, one unusual cause of LBP (not so unusual once you know about it) involves Vitamin D deficiency. Yes, you heard me – a VITAMIN DEFICIENCY!
One study reported on a 360 patient (90% women, 10% men) group being treated at spinal and internal medicine clinics over a 6-year time frame for LBP of 6 months or greater with no obvious cause. Doctors tested these patients for blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D), as well as calcium and alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme found in bone). Then, they administered Vitamin D supplements and the same tests were repeated. Their results are VERY INTERESTING! The findings showed 83% of the group studied (299 patients) had abnormally low levels of vitamin D before supplementation and after treatment of ONLY vitamin D, clinical improvement was seen in ALL the groups that had low vitamin D levels and in 95% of all 360 patients! THAT’S AMAZING!
They concluded “Vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to chronic low back pain,” and recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency and treatment with supplements which they say, “…should be mandatory...,” especially in areas that are “endemic” for vitamin D deficiency. They also conclude that bone softening diseases like osteomalacia may occur as a result of vitamin D deficiency, while many other studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with osteoporosis. Another question then arises, what geographic regions are most susceptible to low sunlight and hence, vitamin D deficiency?
One study showed that during the 8 months centered around summer in the US (March-October), for all locations from the southern tip of Texas to just south of Portland, OR, no difference was found in the vitamin D levels. But, in the winter months (November-February), a significant difference was seen where as latitude increased northward, the amount of vitamin D decreased “dramatically.” However, in lower latitudes (< 25 degrees), no difference was found between summer vs. winter months. What about sun block? Does using it reduce vitamin D absorption from the sun? The answer is, YES. On “The Peoples Pharmacy” website, it was reported that the typical dose of vitamin D of 400 IU “…is probably inadequate to overcome a deficiency.” They recommend 10-15 minutes of time in the sun without sunscreen a few times a week or a higher dose of vitamin D3 (“…closer to 2000 IU of vitamin D”).
There are many other benefits – not just in terms of LBP – from taking vitamin D that have good scientific support. In fact, a PubMed search for “benefits of vitamin D” resulted in 554 studies, some of which included conditions such as, HIV, heart conditions (many), chronic illness in the elderly, osteoporosis, cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast and others), kidney disease, autoimmune diseases (celiac disease, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, many others), types I & II diabetes, and more! You get the picture, I’m sure.
Did you know?
Did you know there is a food that will stop the production of the very important hormone you create during a high intensity workout? Researchers have found that the body will shut down the production of hemoglobin when sugar is consumed within 2 hours of exercise. If you want to maximize your workout results wait at least 2 hours. My best suggestion would be a whey protein shake. Be careful of many of the post recovery sports drinks since many are loaded with refined sugars such as high fructose corn syrup or fructose.
After working out your body will typically produce growth hormone and testosterone assuming you did not over-train. Refined sugars will inhibit the production of these very important fat burning hormones. It makes no sense to sabotage your workout with sugary drinks. What should you drink post workout?
A meal beyond 400 calories will raise insulin levels which also inhibits growth hormone and testosterone and also will encourage your body to store fat. Understanding how foods you eat effect hormones can be a source for huge breakthroughs in your fitness regime. The workout and exercise alone is not enough. For big changes to be made you must understand the importance of proper eating. Sooner or later you will be spinning your wheels in the gym…literally. It is the proper understanding of foods where the biggest gains are.
Health Update: Diet & ADHD
You are what you eat. This is not just a catchy saying – it is the absolute truth. Yet, most people ignore this “truth” and suffer from preventable diseases, aches and pains. Most seem to think it is easier to eat junk and take a pill later. There is always a miracle medicine to save you, isn’t there? The truth of the matter is… No, There Isn’t. It is abundantly clear and becoming clearer each and every day that taking medication is no substitute for eating right, exercising and practicing proper maintenance care.Clearly, having your teeth pulled and replacing them with dental implants is no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth and going to the dentist for routine check-ups. Eating fat, sugar and processed foods for 40 years and then thinking a drug or surgery is going to save you is even more foolish. Here is some research on what you and your children eat that you will find very interesting.Study #1: What You Eat and ADHD – A recent study found putting children with ADHD on a restrictive diet to eliminate possible, unknown food allergies decreased hyperactivity for 64 percent of kids. In the study, 41 kids completed the elimination diet and 32 saw decreased symptoms. Here’s a really important part: When certain foods thought to be “triggers” for each child were reintroduced, most of the children relapsed. The elimination diet, which lasted 5 weeks, consisted predominantly of rice, white meat and some vegetables.Study #2: Eating This Increases Depression Risk – According to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s health blog, “Consumption of trans fats can increase your risk of depression, according to new research. However, healthier fats may actually reduce your risk.” Participants in the study with the highest level of trans fat consumption had up to a 48% increase in the risk of depression.Study #3: Report Says Energy Drinks Unhealthy – According to a new report published in the Journal of Pediatrics, popular energy drinks may be harmful to children’s health. These risks are amplified if the child has diabetes, ADHD or a heart condition. The report also stated that 30-50% of children consume these drinks and they do not substantially increase performance or energy levels. Sales of products such as Red Bull, Full Throttle, Monster Energy and Rockstar are expected to reach about $9 billion in the U.S. this year, with children and young adults under 25 providing most of the revenue. Because these drinks are considered supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA.Among 50 kids given a “control” diet that was just a standard, healthy diet for children, significant changes were not noted. Due to the results, lead author of the study and a psychiatrist at the Nijmegen Medical Center, Jan Buitelaar, recommended the elimination diet become part of the standard of care for children with ADHD.
Here’s an important note about this study – Many doctors frown upon the elimination diet, not because of its results, but because it is “difficult.” Because it is perceived to be hard and many won’t do it, it is tossed aside for an easier approach. Of course, it is “easier” to take medications, but is the easiest approach usually the best?
Has Research Proven That Exercise Is Bad For Your Heart?
Exercise is good for you… right? Everyone knows eating right, exercising, reducing stress and routine maintenance check-ups are the key to living up to your genetic potential. Well, a new study just found a certain type of exercise seems to be bad for your heart.
Here’s the scoop: Not too long ago, researchers conducted a study on the heart health of a group of very fit older athletes -- men who had been part of a National or Olympic team in distance running or rowing, or runners who had completed at least 100 marathons. All of the men had trained and competed throughout their adult lives and continued to strenuously exercise. The results were not good. Half of these lifelong athletes showed evidence of heart muscle scarring. None of the younger athletes or the older non-athletes had fibrosis in their hearts. The affected men were the ones who had trained the longest and hardest.Now, a new study done on rats has reproduced similar findings. In this study, published in the journal, Circulation, Canadian and Spanish scientists prodded young, healthy male rats to run at an intense pace, day after day, for three months, which is the equivalent of about 10 years, in human terms. At the beginning of the study, the rats had perfectly normal hearts. At the end of the training period, heart scans showed that most of the rodents had developed diffuse scarring and some structural changes, similar to the changes seen in the human endurance athletes. A control group of rats did not develop the heart changes, but when the rats stopped running, their hearts returned to normal within 8 weeks.
What Does All This Mean For You?
According to Dr. Paul Thompson, the Chief of Cardiology at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, and an expert on sports cardiology, in terms of exercise, unless you are going to the extreme like the elite athletes in the study, probably not much. He was one of the peer reviewers for the British athlete study. He said, “How many people are going to join the 100 Marathon club or undertake a comparable amount of training? Not many. Too much exercise has not been a big problem in America. Most people just run to stay in shape, and for them, the evidence is quite strong that endurance exercise is good [for the heart].”
What Is Important For You?
One word: Moderation. Health really seems to be all about moderation. That goes for the foods you eat, the exercise you do and the stress you deal with. Not enough is not good, but too much can be just as bad. Sadly, most people think if something is good – more is better. There is an optimal level or range for everything. Above or below that level – for any length of time – leads to abnormal stress, strain and problems. When you are looking to get in shape and be healthy, you must first discover the proper definitions of in shape and health.
Simple Ways To Get Better Results From Any Weight Loss Program
Everyone wants to know the answer to this question: What’s the best way to lose weight? The problem with that age - old question is – there is no ONE correct answer because everyone’s body make-up, chemistry and genes are different. In other words, we all react differently to different types of food. We also react differently to different types of exercise. That’s why losing weight and keeping it off can be so difficult. It has also opened up the door for marketers to sell all kinds of junk that promises to get you skinny… just about overnight.Here’s the real truth about weight loss – and it’s something many people simply do not want to hear… To successfully lose weight, you must meticulously figure out what types of foods and exercise work with your body chemistry and type. Then, you must make a plan incorporating those foods and exercises... then… YOU MUST STICK TO THAT PLAN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There is no “quick fix” pill or wonder diets or miracle piece of workout equipment that will work.
That’s A Hard Pill For Most To SwallowBut, there is a way to get better results for ANY eating or exercise program you do.Here is how: Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research instructed obese adults who participated in the study to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a weight loss journal. While some were asked to maintain their weight loss journals six days a week, others updated it only once a week. The author of the study said those who maintained their journal regularly lost more weight compared to those who updated it only once a week. It is believed several reasons attributed to the success of the “journal” group.
Two very important reasons are: Accountability and the ability to really analyze what you are eating and doing physically. People are often surprised when they see in writing what they are doing. Perception is often very different from reality. So, if you want to increase the effect of any weight loss program you are on, try keeping a journal. But first, accept the fact that losing weight and staying in shape takes effort and time, and the results are a better looking and healthier you. Nothing is more important.
Poor academic achievement has caused school systems to add more classroom time, in many cases, at the expense of physical education.
However, new research shows this may be hurting students’ performances.
A physical activity program that incorporated academic skills was instituted at a public school in Charleston, South Carolina. Students in grades 1-6 were scheduled for daily physical education. State standardized reading test scores were collected for both the academic year of program initiation and the following year.
The results showed statistically significant higher test scores for those students in the group with the physical activity program versus those without it at other schools in the same district.
Health Update : Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome or, CTS, is one of the most common causes of pain, loss of work, and work related disability in the United States. It affects approximately 50 per 1000 persons in the general population and the average lifetime cost of CTS (including medical bills and lost work time) is estimated to be about $30,000 per each injured worker.In 2003, there were more than 3.8 million visits made to health care providers for CTS. The diagnosis of CTS is based on the patient’s complaints, the examination findings, and special testing such as electro-diagnostic tests (like Electromyography or EMG). The success or failure of treating CTS rests on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Often, patients with CTS will present after surgery complaining of the same symptoms they had prior to surgery, such as numbness and pain in the index, 3rd and 4th fingers, weak grip, sleep interruptions and so on, only to find that the median nerve is pinched higher up than the wrist, such as in the neck or elbow.Treatment failure, as well as an increased likelihood of developing CTS, may also result from the presence of other “risk factors.” These include (but are not limited to) advancing age (>50 years old), females > males, and the presence of diabetes and/or obesity, which often coincide. Other risk factors include pregnancy (due to hormonal shifts and fluid retention), certain occupations (highly repetitive), strong family history of CTS, specific medical conditions like hypothyroidism, autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, certain types of arthritis, kidney disease, trauma, anatomic predisposition of the wrist and hand (shape and size), infectious diseases, and substance abuse.
The difficult thing in treating CTS is when multiple factors exist – like a female over 50 with a highly repetitive job and who is also obese. Obviously, the “best” treatment here would include weight management, and possibly work station modifications, in addition to the in-office treatment approaches. Patient compliance or, following the doctor’s recommendations is VERY important such as wearing the wrist splint at night, doing the carpal tunnel stretch exercises, weight management / dietary recommendations, and so on. Therefore, successful treatment for CTS relies on a balance between the patient and provider communicating about ALL the treatment options – surgical and non-surgical so the patient can make an informed decision. Since each patient is unique, the treatment approach must be tailored to that individual and may require, as previously stated, a number of treatment strategies aimed at patient specific issues.Chiropractic is in a unique position for managing the CTS patient. This is because we look at the whole person, not just the wrist and, we offer the LEAST INVASIVE approach. Many times, there are issues in the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm in addition to the wrist/hand that MUST BE carefully assessed in order to obtain a successful, satisfying result for the patient. We also consider the many “risk factors” described above and can assess or coordinate services with other health care providers so the many conditions described previously can be properly evaluated. So, the question remains, what do chiropractors do when treating a patient with CTS? Treatment often includes “the usual” such as wrist splinting during sleep, work modifications, and anti-inflammatory approaches (ice cupping, herbal, etc.).
Unique to chiropractic are manipulation or adjustments (often to the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand), muscle tendon release techniques (possibly using tools to break up adhesions, scar tissue, and the like), exercise training for the involved areas including the hand/wrist, as well as dietary strategies for weight management, metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) and so on.
This particular Restaurant Online Ordering System encompasses many benefits such as Convenience, Ordering & Price Accuracy, Eliminates Hold Times, No Waiting on the Phone, No Pressure to call or feeling rushed when placing an order, and the system software dramatically improves the customer's overall experience. The Online Ordering System also gives consumers the ability to browse the Online Menu leisurely, increasing the probability of consumer adding to order. Approximately 70% of Americans have experienced online ordering for restaurants and say they will order online again. Any local restaurant will attract new customers, who search online for a specific restaurant or category of food in their area, for example, pizza delivery or Chinese food delivery. Fortunately, with this system software your restaurant Menu is available online and customers can order with the click of a button or image.
After implementing the Restaurant Online Ordering System Software, exposure is needed with different marketing strategies. Restaurant Online Solutions offers a voice over feature that customers, who call to order, can listen to while they are on hold. The professionally recorded message can include information about the new online ordering capabilities, special promotions, exact location, or events. Restaurant customers or patrons are the first to promote positive experiences about new technologies or capabilities by "word of mouth" through Facebook, Twitter, Open Table, Yelp, Google +1, Instant Message, or via email to friends and family. The Voice Over Feature is Optional & Not Required just Strongly Recommended and we offer this feature for only $150.00 with your Free Restaurant Online Ordering Application. This is a cost effective solution to making people aware of your new Online Ordering System.
Nowadays, when people want to gather information about anything it's just a click away when searching the web. Being online is the new trend due to the vast number of resources that it provides, people are turning to the internet for fast and easy access to any information. These days consumers expect everything instantaneously and for the information to be available at their fingertips. Even marketing ideas and strategies are evolving, such as, Google Places, Facebook, and Twitter. Considering the growing market for advertising on the internet, which reaches thousands of potential consumers, many that may not have been reached with other conventional marketing methods. Having the ability to display menus, special promotions, and ordering online offers much more variety and convenience to consumers and gives the restaurant owner a competitive edge over his or her competitors.
There are numerous reasons why Online Ordering Systems are extremely beneficial. Online systems can streamline the ordering process and promote the website. Online ordering cuts down on the time spent maintaining food inventory and will save time on man-power which can be used to perform more productive day to day operations of the restaurant, therefore maximizing staffs' time on relevant tasks while they're on the clock.
Demo Video: Restaurant Online Ordering Software
Teas, especially white and green teas, can help with the following: Stimulate mental clarity, reduce the risk of certain cancers, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, help prevent viral infections, help prevent bad breath, and help prevent tooth decay. Also, because the water used in tea is boiled, this makes tea safer to drink than tap water.
When we say to you, “…you have a cervical disk problem,” do you know what that means? I didn’t think so. As doctors, we talk about these things so often, we sometimes just assume you know what we’re talking about. So first, sorry about that! Now, let’s clear up the question, what is a cervical disk problem?
The term “cervical” means neck, just like the terms “thoracic” means mid-back and “lumbar” means low back. The term “disk” refers to the shock absorbing fibro-elastic cartilage that rests between each vertebra of the spine. Think of the disk as being similar to a jelly donut. The center of the disk is liquid-like (the nucleus), kind of like petroleum jelly, and the outer part (the annulus) is tough and strong and circles the nucleus center like the rings of an freshly cut oak tree stump. What makes the annulus/outer layer so strong is the type of tissue it’s made up of and, maybe most important, the opposing criss-cross pattern of each layer or ring of the annulus. Studies have shown that when the disk is pierced with a knife and then compressed, this criss-cross pattern of the annulus layers self-seals the cut, resulting in no leakage of the liquid center.
So, the question is, how can a disk rupture, herniate or “slip” if it’s so tough, strong, and self-sealing?
The answer: as the disk ages or when it’s injured, tears or “fissures” in the disk fibers occur creating rents or channels for the liquid part to work its way out towards the edge and eventually break through the outer most layer – hence, the term “herniated disk.” It’s similar to stepping on that jelly donut until the jelly leaks out to the point where you can see it.
Here’s the strange part. Research tells us that about 50% of people have bulging disks (not quite herniated through) and 20% of us have herniated disks (that have popped through) but have NO PAIN AT ALL! That makes it tough since an MRI or CT scan may show a herniated or bulging disk but how do we know that’s the disk that’s clinically important – the one that’s creating the pain? That’s why we treat patients and not their image (MRI, CT scan or x-ray).
Even though a disk may be bulging or herniated, we may not necessarily treat that particular disk if it’s not expressing itself clinically by creating a shooting pain down a specific area in a arm, usually below the elbow often into either the thumb or pinky side of the hand, with associated abnormal tests for strength and/or sensation. That’s why we check your reflexes, your strength, and sensation for each nerve. We’re checking to see if that herniated disk is “pinching” the nerve and if it is, we utilize manipulation, traction, PT modalities, and issue home traction units to try to “un-pinch” that nerve to avoid surgery.
Learn how to streamline all online food orders with this free restaurant online ordering software by Restaurant Online Solutions. The FREE Restaurant Online Ordering System is easy to integrate into any restaurants' system for carryout, dine-in or food delivery services.
The National Restaurant Association Survey showed that nearly 40% of people say they would like to receive emails from restaurants keeping them updated with special promotions and new items. The restaurant online ordering system can store a customer’s email address after an order is taken online. Keep local patrons updated about daily specials, coupons, and special events or promotions with enticing offers via email or SMS.
Having the capabilities to take online orders will clearly divide the competition. Being able to find a restaurant with a smart phone, laptop, or desktop is convenient, but what if a person can also submit an order with a simple click of a button or an image of what they want from an online menu? Find out the answer, and take the Restaurant Online Ordering System for free. No catch. No strings.
Sneak Peek : Free Restaurant Online Ordering Software
The same situation exists in children with any type of learning disability. The problem is not obvious. It is very real however, and can interfere with performance at school. That sometimes makes it hard to accept and understand. One of the biggest issues is that of executive functioning.
Essentially it is a set of mental processes which help children connect past experience with present action. These brain functions allow us to make plans, keep track of time, finish work, ask for help, wait our turn, engage in meaningful discussions and research information as needed. Without these capabilities, children are likely to be unable to interact appropriately in school and complete required schoolwork. Child development skills such as executive functioning can emerge over time and in varying degrees with some children.
Children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder typically present with executive functioning issues. Until recently, it was assumed that inattention was the key problem in children with ADHD. It is now believed that ADHD is actually an executive function disorder. While it is true that all children will struggle with these skills at some point or another, children with ADHD and ASD have chronic problems with executive functioning.
In order to help a child improve their executive functioning skills, it is important to understand the specific components and why they are necessary for good school performance. These components have overlapping characteristics because of multifunctional components. When all the skills are present, they work together to produce a desired outcome.
Here is a basic list of executive skills and their definitions:
Impulse Control – the ability to stop and think before acting
Flexibility – the ability to alter or revise strategies when circumstances change
Working Memory – the ability to retain information and use it to complete a task
Planning & Setting Priorities – the ability to determine what goal to focus on and what steps it will take to attain
Self-monitoring – the ability to assess your performance
Emotional Control – the ability to control feelings by focusing on goal
Task Initiation – the ability to start a task when necessary and not procrastinate
Organization – the ability to create and maintain methods of tracking materials and information
This group of skills works collectively to help your child interact appropriately, process information, and learn. When one or more is deficient, learning problems arise. If you read descriptions of children with ADHD and other learning disorders, they are often cited as lazy, forgetful, disorganized, unable to complete assignments, prone to outbursts and prone to impulsivity. They may not start homework or complete it, may be disruptive in class or may be combative with peers. They can be sensitive to criticism, unyielding and defensive. All these traits are associated with poor executive functioning.
Now that you have an idea of how this problem manifests itself in your child, you can try some strategies to help your child improve. It all boils down to management. Good management yields productivity in the business world. The same is true when applied to your child. Understanding and patience is also necessary. It is easy to get exasperated when you don’t understand why your child doesn’t “get it”.
Keep in mind, many brilliant people have experienced these problems, such as, Albert Einstein, and that executive skill problems is not an indication of level of intelligence.
Health Alert: Healthy Brain, Healthy Life
Powerful memory requires a healthy brain and the right nutrition. The brain uses tremendous amounts of energy and is the most metabolically active organ in the body-- it never completely rests. As a result, it has one of the highest rates of free radical production. These free radicals begin to destroy the structure of the brain, its connections and the cells.Unless you replace those damaged parts with nutrients, brain function starts to fall off more and more over time. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids are replaced extremely rapidly. If you are deficient in this nutrient, your brain begins to change its structure very quickly and soon (only 2 weeks) loses its ability to properly function because one of its vital components is missing. Americans consume an average of 129 pounds of sugar a year; 57% of it comes from processed foods.For example, teenagers drink an equivalent of 54 teaspoons of sugar a day just from soda. Sugar consumption dramatically increases free radical generation in the brain. It produces cross-linking of the proteins in all cells which dramatically increases the damaging effect of these free radicals, making every cell in your body age much, much faster -- particularly brain cells. In some extreme cases, it can even result in permanent brain damage.
Lack of Vitamin B-1 in the diet causes memory failure and depression. Consumption of a lot of carbohydrates depletes Vitamin B-1. Vitamins C, D, E, K, A, B and carotenoids are all associated with brain function. Animal fat impairs the ability to learn and remember, but healthy fats, such as Omega-3, improve depression, memory retention and thinking.
This is because the brain uses an enormous amount of fatty acids for its membranes. Aspartame, MSG, pesticides, and herbicides in food; aluminum in deodorants; fluoride in the water; and mercury in vaccines may play a major role in brain toxicity and brain function decline. Excessive toxicity destroys brain cells.
This question has plagued all of us, including researchers for a long time. Could it be because we’re all inherently lazy and don’t exercise enough? Or maybe it’s because we have a job that’s too demanding on our back? To properly address this question, here are some interesting facts:
So, what are the common links as to why back pain is so common? One reason has to do with the biomechanics of the biped – that is, the two legged animal. When compared to the 4-legged species, the vertically loaded spine carries more weight in the low back, shows disk and joint deterioration and/or arthritis much sooner, and we overload the back more frequently because, well, we can! We have 2 free arms to lift and carry items that often weigh way too much for our back to be able to safely handle. We also lift and carry using poor technique. Another reason is anatomical as the blood supply to our disks is poor at best, and becomes virtually non-existent after age 30. That makes healing of disk tears or cracks nearly impossible. Risk factors for increased back injury include heavy manual lifting requirements, poor or low control of the work environment, and prior incidence of low back pain.
Other risk factors include psychosocial issues such as fear of injury, beliefs that pain means one should not work, beliefs that treatment or time will not help resolve a back episode, the inability to control the condition, high anxiety and/or depression levels, and more. Because there are so many reasons back problems exist, since the early 1990’s, it has been strongly encouraged that we as health care providers utilize a “biopsychosocial model” of managing those suffering with low back pain, which requires not only treatment but proper patient education putting to rest unnecessary fears about back pain.
Simple Ways To Get Better Result From Any Weight Loss Program
Everyone wants to know the answer to this question: What’s the best way to lose weight? The problem with that age-old question is – there is no ONE correct answer because everyone’s body make-up, chemistry and genes are different. In other words, we all react differently to different types of food. We also react differently to different types of exercise. That’s why losing weight and keeping it off can be so difficult. It has also opened up the door for marketers to sell all kinds of junk that promises to get you skinny… just about overnight.Here’s the real truth about weight loss – and it’s something many people simply do not want to hear…
To successfully lose weight, you must meticulously figure out what types of foods and exercise work with your body chemistry and type. Then, you must make a plan incorporating those foods and exercises... then… YOU MUST STICK TO THAT PLAN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. There is no “quick fix” pill or wonder diets or miracle piece of workout equipment that will work.
That’s A Hard Pill For Most To Swallow
But, there is a way to get better results for ANY eating or exercise program you do. Here is how: Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research instructed obese adults who participated in the study to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a weight loss journal. While some were asked to maintain their weight loss journals six days a week, others updated it only once a week. The author of the study said those who maintained their journal regularly lost more weight compared to those who updated it only once a week. It is believed several reasons attributed to the success of the “journal” group.Two very important reasons are: accountability and the ability to really analyze what you are eating and doing physically. People are often surprised when they see in writing what they are doing. Perception is often very different from reality. So, if you want to increase the effect of any weight loss program you are on, try keeping a journal. But first, accept the fact that losing weight and staying in shape takes effort and time, and the results are a better looking and healthier you. Nothing is more important.
Local Online Search & SMB
Local search has become one of the most affordable and important ways for small businesses to be found by their customers. In a recent ComScore study, they found that 42% of local searchers wanted to find a business within 6-15 miles of their home or place of work. Searchers are looking for more relevance than ever before. With statistics like this, it’s more imperative you are giving those local users every opportunity to find your business.
The reality is that there are many factors that can contribute to a successful local, online presence. In today’s market, it takes being available at different times and in varied formats to reach the right audience. One of the main ways prospects can find you is through a local business listing. With prime placement right at the top of the search results page, these listings give a previously unheard of visibility to small and local businesses.
So what can you do reach that coveted prime placement?
Submit your listing
Seems pretty simple, right? Well, it’s a crucial step. Just submitting and verifying your listing can sometimes be enough in less competitive markets. Google takes the verified information as the most trusted, so make sure your listing is claimed.
Have only one, optimized listing for your business
When you submit your information to Google, you could have the option to choose existing business information, if it exists for your company. You don’t want to have competing listings out there, so always claim the existing information and optimize it- so there is only one active listing. I have seen claiming another listing significantly help a business rank better.
Choose correct categories for your business
Google provides different industry options for you to choose from. These are one of the main factors that determine which searches your listing could show for. Make sure these accurately describe your products and services.
Put your industry and target area in the title of your listing
This information helps Google, but it also improves your visibility for those keywords. Be sure to use a local phone number in your listing- Using a local number lets both the user and the search engine know that you are in fact located where you say you are.
Create a description that’s informative
This descriptive area provides you the chance to give the most information about your company. Use your keywords and provide the details that would be valuable for your customer base.
Reviews are important. Positive reviews are a huge factor on whether or not someone will choose you business over another. Not only that, but the presence of reviews (both negative and positive) can increase the ranking of your listing. In some industries, I have seen listings perform better by simply having more reviews than their competitors.
Here is the Golden Grail List of Directories to maximize your business ranking locally:
Google.com/places
Local.Yahoo.com
Bing Local
Yelp.comYellowPages.comMerchantCircle.comBusiness.Intuit.comCitysearch.comSuperpages.comLocal.comInsiderPages.comDexKnows.comYellowBook.comHotFrog.comYellowBot.comMagicYellow.comUSCity.netMojoPages.comYellowUSA.comManta.com
Keep your listing up to date
Updating the information tells the search engines that it’s relevant. It can be as simple as updating a coupon, or other details. Make sure your listing is 100% complete. Don’t underestimate the value of having a completed listing. Google is all about the user experience, and a complete listing shows that your business is providing the most information.Submit your info to other directories as well. Google actually pulls your business info from other sites, so it would behoove you to have accurate, standard information about your business from as many sources as possible.This is just the beginning for your online visibility. The first steps to getting great rankings for your local listing. While there is no guarantee that following these steps will increase your rankings, an optimized listing almost always outperforms an un-optimized one. So, take the time, and see what you can accomplish. Do you have any other tips for local listings?
A Business Plan To Generate $10K Monthly Online Income Financial freedom is a dream for many, but with careful planning, dedication, and ...
