Research has shown that close to 3 million people in both Europe and the United States are addicted to opium, in the USA 2 million have prescribed opiate which they end up abusing. Opium has over the years been used to relieve pain as well as induce sleep, and due to these benefits, the number of people abusing the drug has grown. Different forms of treatment have come up to help deal with the addiction, one of the common therapies is Subutex treatment.
There are two common methods of treating opioid addicts, Suboxone and Subutex treatment. However, the most successful treatment is the Subutex treatment. Subutex is the brand name for buprenorphine; the treatment helps to reduce opiate cravings and symptoms by tricking the brain. However, when misused Subutex can be addictive thus requiring a well-known center to assist in the recovery journey. One such organization is the 2nd chance treatment center- the Gilbert AZ unit, this unit has adopted Subutex treatment for opioid addicts and the treatment has been proven to be a success.
Besides the success, the medication can be administered at home allowing patients to recover at the comfort of their homes, where one can work as well as interact with family members and friends.
Additionally, Subutex helps the patient deal with withdrawal symptoms. One of the challenges when it comes to quitting substance abuse is severe withdrawal symptoms, with this form of treatment the withdrawals are manageable making the entire process easier. Now maybe you are curious and want to know how the treatment works? Read on as we expound on how the procedure works as well as the difference between Subutex and Suboxone treatments.
Opioid and buprenorphine have a similar effect on brain receptors. However, opioid affects receptors in the brain by creating numbness to pain, reducing respiratory activity and euphoria. Subutex, on the other hand, attaches to the brains receptors but does not have these effects making it possible for a patient to deal with withdrawal and cravings, Subutex treatment works by tricking the brain and can last in the body for close to three days making the medication effective in a shorter period.
Symptoms that one can experience during the withdrawal process include; muscle cramping, depression, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, and other patients experience excess sweating. The severity of the symptoms vary and is determined by factors such as a patient's health background and length of the addiction.
Components in the medication, Suboxone is a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine while Subutex has buprenorphine.
Effectiveness of the treatment, research has shown that Subutex is 80% effective while Suboxone is 50% effective.
Allergic reactions, components in Suboxone tablets can cause allergic reactions thus not safe for all patients. Consequently before starting any form of medication, it is essential to analyse one's health background.
Need a Subutex Doctor in Gilbert, AZ?
Remember anyone can break free from addiction, but for the recovery journey to be a success it is essential for the body to respond positively to the change, Subutex works by reducing the urge making it possible for patients to resist the use of opium. It is also essential to have the right support system, seek counseling from qualified doctors, and a renowned rehabilitation center additionally have the will power to overcome the addiction, finally be positive and take one step at a time.


Whether it's the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail in New Mexico, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or some similarly-themed route, culinary trails allow you to sample regional flavors and meet the locals behind them. But, these trails can be overwhelming. After all, how much salsa can you eat in one day on the Salsa Trail in southern Arizona? Here are nine tips for getting the most out of your next food-centric (or booze-centric) adventure.
1. Map it. Themed trails usually require you to drive unfamiliar roads. Don't rely on a website or brochure map, both of which will likely only show the major streets. Before you go, familiarize yourself with the route, and always travel with a paper map just in case your GPS or navigation system fails.
2. Designate a driver. We're not just talking about someone who agrees not to sample the wine, beer, or spirits along the trail; that should be a given. Even if you plan to just spend the day comparing barbecue joints, single out someone who drives safely: No hasty u-turns or lane changes, and make sure they can take directions.
3. Be realistic. There just isn't enough time (or, in some cases, room in your stomach) to visit every establishment on a culinary trail in 24 hours. Decide which ones are a must, and plan accordingly. Also, take into account driving distances and tours.
4. Dress appropriately. Farm and vineyard tours may require you to be outside and to walk on uneven ground. Bring a jacket if it's cold and sunscreen if it's sunny, and wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. You'll also want to ditch strong perfume and aftershave, which can overwhelm your sense of smell and affect your ability to taste.
5. Budget the trip. Each meal you order costs money. Add to that the culinary souvenirs you buy along the way, tastings, and tours, and your trip can get very expensive, very quickly. Try to price out each element before you go, and set a budget. Then, stick to it.
6. Call ahead. Just because the website or trail brochure indicates a listed restaurant serves lunch and dinner doesn't mean it actually does. Or, that it's even open at all. Restaurants and shops go out of business; hours at farms and other seasonal establishments vary. A quick phone call before you go can save a lot of time and frustration.
7. Try something new. You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore new flavors on a culinary trail. That's half the fun. Challenge yourself to sip an unfamiliar style of beer, dip your chip into that fiery salsa (just have some milk on hand), or sample a side you've never tried, like fried pickles.
8. Start a conversation. Ask the waitress serving you about the town; talk to the bartender at the winery about the vineyard's history. You'll learn things about the community and the people who live there that you wouldn't if you focused exclusively on your traveling companions.
9. Take a break. You can only sip so many chardonnays or devour so many ice cream sundaes in rapid succession. Break up the day with other attractions. Tour a museum, shop for souvenirs, or hike through a local park or preserve (if only to work off some of those calories!). Visitors' centers can suggest activities if you're not sure what your options are.


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Q: How to set view for only one group, even if other group inherits from this group? I work with Odoo 8.
I have 2 classes: A and B, B inherits from A.
I want to have a view only for A group.
I can make a menu item for group A but then, it is visible for group B too.

A: Normally you can not block higher groups to visible base group's entity.
        <record model="res.groups" id="group_user_ept">
            <field name="name">User</field>
            <field name="users" eval="[(4, ref('base.user_root'))]"/>
            <field name="implied_ids" eval="[(4, ref('base.group_user'))]"/>
        </record>

        <record model="res.groups" id="group_manager_ept">
            <field name="name">Manager</field>
            <field name="users" eval="[(4, ref('base.user_root'))]"/>
            <field name="implied_ids" eval="[(4, ref('group_user_ept'))]"/>
        </record>

        <record model="res.groups" id="group_additional_ept">
            <field name="name">Additional Group</field>
            <field name="users" eval="[(4, ref('base.user_root'))]"/>
        </record>

Create one more group and set two groups together. And allow the new group to base user only not to the higher level group's users.

By applying more than one groups you can prevent to other group
  members to visible it's own entity. Or you can also remove relation
  between the group then you don't need to manage this.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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LATEST MFT NEWSHome » Latest News » Land in Transition: The farmland owners
Land in Transition: The farmland owners
Farmland Access, Farmland Protection, land, Latest MFT News, people
Our Land in Transition series shines a light on the hundreds of thousands of acres of Maine farmland that will be changing hands within the next decade. The future of farming in Maine depends on what happens to that land.
We often share stories of the beginning farmers we work with, who are gaining access to farmland and keeping it in cultivation. Their energy and passion for growing food and building community is inspiring. But the story of new farmers putting down roots in Maine often starts with the previous farmland owners, who have the vision and patience to ensure that their land stays in farming and is accessible for the next generation. Older farmland owners' commitment to the land is equally inspiring, and they play an important role in making sure that Maine has the farmland needed to sustain itself and the region far into the future.
According to a recent report by American Farmland Trust, 60% of Maine farmers are 55 or older. These older farmers steward over 400,000 acres of Maine's precious farmland, and as they reach retirement age, that land will be changing hands. More often than not, there's not a successor within the family who is eager to take on the farm. The retiring farmland owner could simply sell their farm, and risk subdivision or development, or choose to protect their farm, continuing their legacy and increasing the chances of transferring the property to new farmers.
Farmland protection is not always the easiest route. Sometimes, an agricultural easement isn't the best fit for a particular property or family. When an easement is a good option, the process of protection (and when relevant, finding the right buyers for the farm) can require patience and dedication.
But despite the added process, farmland protection makes sense for a lot of retiring farmers and farmland owners. Many feel a strong sense of responsibility to the land that they've worked on and stewarded, and want to make sure that it will never "grow up to houses," as Lois Whitcomb, who recently protected her farm in Waldo, said. They want to honor the legacy of their family's farming history. If the family does have to make the tough decision to sell, protection is a way to ensure that their legacy lives on through future generations of farmers.
That's why Wendy Weeks decided to work with MFT to protect her family's farm in Windham:
"Our family farm is more than just fields and buildings. Our family's blood, sweat, and tears are in the land. My great-grandfather literally dug and blasted ledge by hand and created a set of buildings that have withstood the test of time. The lumber used to construct the buildings was cut by hand (from the back woods) and hauled out using work horses. Every detail of the house, barn and other buildings was intentionally constructed; including the gravity-fed reservoir which provided water for the farm without electricity.
My grandfather provided food for his family of 8 and was able to make a sustainable living. My father updated the farm, improved the fields, and continued the legacy begun by his grandfather. Over the years, many aunts, uncles, and cousins worked in the gardens, orchards, and fields. The farm represents what one man who has a vision and determination can do. It taught several generations of children the meaning of hard work."
"Unfortunately, my Dad passed away in October of 2013. He had suffered from colon and brain cancer and stopped actively farming in about 2005.
My sister and I both married out-of-state guys and had families of our own. Although we traveled home to Maine every summer to help work on the farm, neither of us was in a position to be able to move back to Maine full-time.
My sister and I attempted to sell the farm on our own. While we had much interest, none of the individuals we met could promise us it would always remain a farm. We were approached by 2 developers, but declined to converse with them because of the promise we had made to our Dad."
Wendy found MFT online, and listed the farm on Maine FarmLink. But the farm was also a good candidate for MFT's Buy/Protect/Sell program, and by working with MFT, Wendy was able to both protect her family's land and see it transfer to the energetic young farmers of Bumbleroot Organic Farm.
"It was a win-win for all involved: it allowed us to sell the farm in accordance with my father's wishes, the Bumbleroot farmers were able to afford the farm, and it kept a historic parcel of land in the town of Windham as rural property."
Farmland owners like Wendy Weeks, who care deeply about the land and are committed to the future of farming, are the reason that so many new farmers, like Bumbleroot, are able to put down roots here.
As the majority of farmland owners age and retire, and aspiring new farmers look for farms of their own, we hope to help transfer that land from one generation to the next, to ensure that it will continue to feed our communities and economy. The future of farming in Maine starts with the land — and with the owners of that land.
Join us next Thursday, July 14, for a Forever Farm Party at Bumbleroot Organic Farm's new farm (previously the Weeks Farm) to celebrate farmland protection in Windham. Our work to protect farmland and get new farmers on the land is made possible by our members. We hope you'll consider joining today!
Photography: Jenny Nelson
Story: Jenny Nelson and Ellen Sabina
bumbleroot organic farmFarm Storiesfarmland accessfarmland protectionLand in TransitionMaine Farmland Trust
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Skowhegan's Community of Protected Farms
Protecting farmland with agricultural conservation easements is a core part of our work at MFT.…
previous post: Harvest Shares aggregate product from more than 30 Maine farms and food producers
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Piracetam boosts acetylcholine function, a neurotransmitter responsible for memory consolidation. Consequently, it improves memory in people who suffer from age-related dementia, which is why it is commonly prescribed to Alzheimer's patients and people struggling with pre-dementia symptoms. When it comes to healthy adults, it is believed to improve focus and memory, enhancing the learning process altogether.
My intent here is not to promote illegal drugs or promote the abuse of prescription drugs. In fact, I have identified which drugs require a prescription. If you are a servicemember and you take a drug (such as Modafinil and Adderall) without a prescription, then you will fail a urinalysis test. Thus, you will most likely be discharged from the military.
Depending on where you live, some nootropics may not be sold over the counter, but they are usually available online. The law regarding nootropics can vary massively around the world, so be sure to do your homework before you purchase something for the first time. Be particularly cautious when importing smart drugs, because quality control and regulations abroad are not always as stringent as they are in the US. Do not put your health at risk if all you are trying to do is gain an edge in a competitive sport.
Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Studies have shown that certain herbs may improve memory and cognition, and they can be used to help fight the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These herbs are considered safe when taken in normal doses, but care should be taken as they may interfere with other medications.
The data from 2-back and 3-back tasks are more complex. Three studies examined performance in these more challenging tasks and found no effect of d-AMP on average performance (Mattay et al., 2000, 2003; Mintzer & Griffiths, 2007). However, in at least two of the studies, the overall null result reflected a mixture of reliably enhancing and impairing effects. Mattay et al. (2000) examined the performance of subjects with better and worse working memory capacity separately and found that subjects whose performance on placebo was low performed better on d-AMP, whereas subjects whose performance on placebo was high were unaffected by d-AMP on the 2-back and impaired on the 3-back tasks. Mattay et al. (2003) replicated this general pattern of data with subjects divided according to genotype. The specific gene of interest codes for the production of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine and norepinephrine. A common polymorphism determines the activity of the enzyme, with a substitution of methionine for valine at Codon 158 resulting in a less active form of COMT. The met allele is thus associated with less breakdown of dopamine and hence higher levels of synaptic dopamine than the val allele. Mattay et al. (2003) found that subjects who were homozygous for the val allele were able to perform the n-back faster with d-AMP; those homozygous for met were not helped by the drug and became significantly less accurate in the 3-back condition with d-AMP. In the case of the third study finding no overall effect, analyses of individual differences were not reported (Mintzer & Griffiths, 2007).
Sulbutiamine, mentioned earlier as a cholinergic smart drug, can also be classed a dopaminergic, although its mechanism is counterintuitive: by reducing the release of dopamine in the brain's prefrontal cortex, the density of dopamine receptors actually increase after continued Sulbutiamine exposure, through a compensatory mechanism. (This provides an interesting example of how dividing smart drugs into sensible "classes" is a matter of taste as well as science, especially since many of them create their discernable neural effects through still undefined mechanisms.)
Two additional studies used other spatial working memory tasks. Barch and Carter (2005) required subjects to maintain one of 18 locations on the perimeter of a circle in working memory and then report the name of the letter that appeared there in a similarly arranged circle of letters. d-AMP caused a speeding of responses but no change in accuracy. Fleming et al. (1995) referred to a spatial delay response task, with no further description or citation. They reported no effect of d-AMP in the task except in the zero-delay condition (which presumably places minimal demand on working memory).
When Giurgea coined the word nootropic (combining the Greek words for mind and bending) in the 1970s, he was focused on a drug he had synthesized called piracetam. Although it is approved in many countries, it isn't categorized as a prescription drug in the United States. That means it can be purchased online, along with a number of newer formulations in the same drug family (including aniracetam, phenylpiracetam, and oxiracetam). Some studies have shown beneficial effects, including one in the 1990s that indicated possible improvement in the hippocampal membranes in Alzheimer's patients. But long-term studies haven't yet borne out the hype.
The term "smart pills" refers to miniature electronic devices that are shaped and designed in the mold of pharmaceutical capsules but perform highly advanced functions such as sensing, imaging and drug delivery. They may include biosensors or image, pH or chemical sensors. Once they are swallowed, they travel along the gastrointestinal tract to capture information that is otherwise difficult to obtain, and then are easily eliminated from the system. Their classification as ingestible sensors makes them distinct from implantable or wearable sensors.
From the standpoint of absorption, the drinking of tobacco juice and the interaction of the infusion or concoction with the small intestine is a highly effective method of gastrointestinal nicotine administration. The epithelial area of the intestines is incomparably larger than the mucosa of the upper tract including the stomach, and the small intestine represents the area with the greatest capacity for absorption (Levine 1983:81-83). As practiced by most of the sixty-four tribes documented here, intoxicated states are achieved by drinking tobacco juice through the mouth and/or nose…The large intestine, although functionally little equipped for absorption, nevertheless absorbs nicotine that may have passed through the small intestine.
Amphetamine – systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that low-dose amphetamine improved cognitive functions (e.g., inhibitory control, episodic memory, working memory, and aspects of attention) in healthy people and in individuals with ADHD.[21][22][23][25] A 2014 systematic review noted that low doses of amphetamine also improved memory consolidation, in turn leading to improved recall of information in non-ADHD youth.[23] It also improves task saliency (motivation to perform a task) and performance on tedious tasks that required a high degree of effort.[22][24][25]


Perfectly sweet and lightly salted, this chip is made from organic sweet potatoes, crunchy whole grain corn, brown rice and chia seeds. These organic multigrain tortillas are also Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free and contain no trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors or preservatives.
Organic Ground Whole Corn, Organic Expeller Pressed Sunflower Oil and/or Organic Expeller Pressed Safflower Oil, Organic Sweet Potato, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Chia Seeds, Sea Salt.


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Who Is Claudia Harrison, The Crown's New Princess Anne?
Harrison takes over the role from Erin Doherty in season 5.
By Emma Dibdin
Fans of The Crown are, by now, getting used to the show's regular recasting schedule. After saying goodbye to Claire Foy, Matt Smith et al after seasons 1 and 2, the show will once again overhaul its cast entirely for the upcoming fifth season, with Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter and the rest of the actors handing over their roles to new players.
Most of the major re-castings have already been confirmed—Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce and Lesley Manville will replace Colman, Menzies and Bonham Carter respectively. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Debicki will take over from Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, and Dominic West will replace Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles. And recently, photographs from filming confirmed that the role of Princess Anne will be taken over by actress Claudia Harrison.
Claudia Harrison was photographed filming with Imelda Staunton for season 5 of The Crown.
The 45-year-old Harrison will replace Erin Doherty, who's played Anne for the past two seasons. She's been working in British TV for decades, and has appeared in various shows including the nuanced Channel 4 sci-fi drama Humans, and the beloved comedy series The IT Crowd.
Harrison's casting hasn't been officially announced, but was revealed recently when she was seen filming a scene alongside her on-screen mother, Staunton. The two actresses were photographed in costume on a boat.
Also pictured was the actor Theo Fraser Steele, who per People is believed to be playing Anne's second husband, Timothy Laurence. Last season hinted at the dissolution of Anne's marriage to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. The couple were divorced in 1992—a year that the Queen later dubbed an "annus horribilis" for the Royal Family. That's because on top of Anne's divorce, two other royal marriages collapsed that year: Charles and Diana's, and Prince Andrew's and Sarah Ferguson's. Since season 4 wrapped up in 1989, season 5 is bound to get to 1992.
Though Harrison hasn't yet spoken publicly about taking on the role of Anne, some of the show's other actors have discussed their experience so far. In a January interview with the BBC Radio 4 show Woman's Hour, Staunton acknowledged the "extra challenge" that comes with playing a more up-to-date version of Queen Elizabeth—in other words, playing the Queen that most Britons know today. "I think my sort of extra challenge, as if I needed it, is that I'm now doing the Queen that we're a little more familiar with," Staunton said. "With Claire Foy [in seasons 1 and 2], it was almost history and now I'm playing one that people could say 'she doesn't do that,' 'she's not like that,' and that's my personal bête noire."
Season 5 just began shooting last month, and won't premiere until 2022.
Emma Dibdin Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime.
More From The Crown
The Crown Casts Prince William
Queen Elizabeth's Life, in Photos
Jemima Khan Severs Ties with 'The Crown'
Five Books About Princess Diana
When Did Prince Charles and Princess Diana Meet?
Watch A Behind-The Scenes Clip From The Crown
The Crown Season 5 Will Cover 1991 Italy Trip
Kristen Stewart Watched Emma Corrin in The Crown
Tobias Menzies Honors Michael K Williams at Emmys
Josh O'Connor on Meghan & Harry Watching The Crown
What Playing Princess Anne Taught Erin Doherty
The Crown's Erin Doherty on Princess Anne
Princess Anne Is One of the Hardest Working Royals
Princess Anne Is Secretly a Sunglasses Influencer
Princess Anne and Meghan Markle's Baby News
See a New Photo of Archie Harrison


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Life Insurance Advisor
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Veterans & Military Guide to Insurance
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Press Release: 2018's Best Health Insurance Companies for Millennials
By Insure.com - Posted On: Dec. 4, 2018 PrintDownload
Dec. 4, 2018 (Foster City, CA) -- EmblemHealth was ranked the top health insurance company for millennials in a new survey conducted by Insure.com, which can be seen here: https://www.insure.com/best-health-insurance-companies/
Respondents to the survey with ages within the millennial group of 18 to 36 gave ratings based on the following health insurance factors:
Usefulness and ease-of-use of its website and mobile apps
Plan to renew current policy
Would recommend the insurer
Here are the top five overall for millennials:
Company rank
Website and mobile apps
Plan to renew
1. EmblemHealth
2. Horizon BCBS of NJ
3. Aetna
4. Humana
New York-based EmblemHealth ranked first in multiple categories (value for price, customer service, websites and mobile apps and customers who would recommend the company).
Companies that finished outside the top five took some of the tops spots in the rating factors. Blue Shield of California finished top for claims processing. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield got the highest marks for percentage of members who plan to renew their policies.
However, across the board, EmblemHealth and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey were at or near the top.
"All of the top five showed strong customer satisfaction numbers," says Les Masterson, managing editor of Insure.com. "Creating that kind of brand loyalty with millennials could help these insurance companies for years to come. Our survey showed that no health insurer has better brand strength with millennials than EmblemHealth and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey."
The Best Health Insurance Companies' top three when factoring in all ages groups were:
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
See the scores and rankings for all 15 health insurance companies in the general survey.
Insure.com's Best Insurance Company survey removes the guesswork from finding the best companies in the industry. Not only can you compare five of the most important factors when choosing your plan, but now you can sort companies by your priorities. That includes age or location. You can then immediately narrow choices to your own top three.
Insure.com commissioned Op4G to survey more than 3,100 insurance customers nationwide in December 2017. The survey collected customer ratings for 15 leading companies in the health category. Only current customers of the insurers on our lists were surveyed, and the survey was not open to the general public on the Insure.com website.
Health insurers were ranked according to a weighted 6-point measurement of the following factors: customer service, claims processing, value for price, website/apps and would recommend and would renew. Weighted measurements were derived from surveyed policyholders' historical rank of prioritization of these factors.
The A.M. Best ratings, discounts and coverage options noted in the survey do not affect the scores but are provided as a supplementary resource.
Insure.com makes these ratings freely available via this site. The views and opinions expressed by users do not reflect the views and opinions of Insure.com. Insure.com expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with the ratings.
About Insure.com
Insure.com provides a comprehensive array of information on auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance and life insurance. The site offers an extensive library of originally authored insurance articles and decision-making tools that are not available from any single source, including its health insurance advisor tool. For more information, please visit Insure.com.
Twitter: @InsureCom
Les Masterson
lmasterson@quinstreet.com
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Written by Helen Maskew
Review by Misty Urban
The writing of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur as if told by Monty Python. From his cell in Newgate Prison in 1469, Malory hires impoverished scribe Montmorency Pickle to help him edit the manuscript he's spent his fifteen years in jail writing. As Monty dives into the work, he finds himself ensnared by Malory's sly machinations along with a host of other amusing characters, including stationer Jack Worms, loyal knight Sir Anthony Tanner, and saucy harlot Plump Poll. While haggling with Sir Tom over sections of Le Morte and their parallels to contemporary life, and learning Malory's eventful history from loyal servant Pom, poor Monty gets caught up to his neck in the fomenting rebellion of the Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence against Yorkist King Edward IV.
Lewis delights in portraying her hero as an unrepentant rascal, and most of the scenes, over-salted with strong language, exist mainly to illustrate what a colorful character Sir Tom is. As background to Sir Tom's antics, the book offers lively detail about life in 15th-century London and the murky politics of the Wars of the Roses. The comedy ranges from the ribald to the absurd, as instanced in a frame narrative in which St. Peter grills Sir Tom before the gates of heaven with an account of just how many Deadly Sins he committed. Readers who don't mind lengthy stretches of dialogue, caricatured characters, tangled plots, or ubiquitous expletives will enjoy this exuberant and often entertaining account of how one of the most popular and enduring pieces of English literature came to be.
Austin & Macauley
Late Medieval (1338 to 1485)


Stuffed was just a 5-page chapter. Short, like the chapter word, but it made complete sense.
In this chapter of Present Over Perfect, Shauna talks about being stuffed, about hitting the place in her life where she was so physically tired, missing friends, and sleeping terribly. She recalls her greatest dream of simply just being left alone.
I feel like I'm driving a car 100 miles an hour with music blaring out of open windows. I screech into a parking lot, the car in park, sprint into 7-Eleven, and race to the back of the store. I throw my head back under the Slurpee machine, and I fill my mouth with red Slurpee, tons and tons, running down my face and neck. I just keep gulping and gulping, sticky red corn syrup-y sludge, more and more, until I stand up, smeared and dripping, and race back for the car, to the next thing, jamming the car into reverse, music at mind-numbing volume.
That's how I feel. And what I want is one strawberry. In total silence. No 100 miles an hour, no music, no fake red mess all over my face and neck. I want one real strawberry. And I don't know how to get from there to here. I am stuffed.
I read those two paragraphs a couple times. They struck a chord with me. Not because I feel like that today, but because I was there, I have been her, and I know those feelings all too well.
I also recently reflected on how far I have come during this past year. About a year ago I wrote, "Put Your Oxygen Mask on First." If you want to know the truth, when I wrote that post, during that time period (in fact up until almost very recently), I was stuffed and miserable, but yet in so many different ways than what Shauna describes.
A year ago I didn't fit into any of those categories, and today I don't either.
But I still felt stuffed and it all became very clear to me recently during this season of sea-change.
In the depths of it all, I realized I was drowning because I was trying to be a 24/7 at-home mom like I thought I needed to be.
For me, feeling stuffed was trying to play "perfect" mom when I already knew that while I was an amazing mom, "playing" one was all fake for me. I felt stuffed trying to cram all the right things for motherhood into my days where I wasn't really feeling them. Like, at all.
Shauna said she would stop, rest, sleep, and do nothing.
I couldn't be further from that.
I would, instead, do it all, but with meaning. I would stop pretending to enjoy, love, or be anything I am not. I would indulge where meaning existed. By the same token, I would stop telling myself that I only have meaning where I believe the outside-in thinks I have meaning.
A year ago (up until very recently), I, too, was stuffed to the max. I know I'll find myself stuffed throughout my life, but right now, right here, at 5 am today, Sunday, April 2, 2017, I don't feel it at all.
Question: Do you currently feel stuffed? If someone gave you a completely blank calendar and a bank account as full as you wanted, what would you do?
Read the beginning of the book through Running Laps (which is what I'll write about next time).
The time has finally come to (officially) begin our 2nd book club book, Present Over Perfect. The intro, Ship to Wreck was super short, but even in such few pages, I had to write to get us started.
Click HERE (or see the end of this post) to learn more about the book, virtual book club, and join us – it's free!
I won't lie, I began reading apprehensively. After the guilt that came from reading A Mother's Heart, I started wondering what sort of judgment and pressure I might feel diving into this second book.
Paragraph one calmed all those fears.
In an instant, I knew this book would be different. In fact, as soon as she also stated (on p. 19), "I'm not, by any means, at the end of this journey," I thought to myself, "These could be words directly from my mouth.
Given that Ship to Wreck was such a short chapter (I don't even think it was a chapter, but instead just a preface to set up the rest of the book), there was one main part I stayed fixated on.
The two sins at play here, I believe, are gluttony and pride – the desire to escape and the desire to prove, respectively. I want to taste and experience everything, and I want to be perceived as wildly competent. The opposite of gluttony is sobriety, in the widest sense, which is not my strong suit. And the opposite of pride, one might say, is vulnerability — essentially, saying this is who I am… not the sparkly image, not the smoke and mirrors, not the accomplishments or achievements. This is me, with all my limitations, with all my weaknesses.
I started thinking about my own two sins because, like her, pride tops the list, and like her, I always want to perceived as wildly competent.
My other sin at play is selfishness and greed, but perhaps not in the way that we typically think of the two words. I'm not selfish or greedy for money or material things. I am selfish and greedy for my time, my interests, my goals, and the me, me, me around everyday life.
My two sins have played off each other in very harsh ways my entire life.
In fact, so hard that several months ago it all sort of came to a head, and I found myself in a similar place to Shauna, staring up at a ceiling, exhausted.
My prayer is that this book will be a thousand invitations, springing up from every page, calling you to leave behind the heavy weight of comparison, competition, and exhaustion, and recraft a life marked by meaning, connection, and unconditional love.
I feel like reading this book is going to help me explore even more, and continue the path to change and acceptance while finding the courage to put pen to paper and write my own story.
Because the truth is that this journey is never going to end. Not for you, not for me, and that's okay.
Question: What are your two sins? I obviously don't expect you to share them here (though you can if you'd like), but think about it.
Read the beginning of the book through Sea-change (which is what I'll write about next time).
Do you know how hard it is for me to accept the idea that maybe present over perfect might actually be something worth trying? And do you also know how hard it was for me to walk away from A Mother's Heart?
It's true. A couple nights ago, I grabbed my copy of A Mother's Heart and shelved it in a bookcase up high where I would not have to look at or think about it again until it was on my own terms.
I left off at chapter 8, Do You Love Me, Ma? Shortly after (and also maybe all along), I began having this coming to Jesus on the book. It was doing nothing for my life, its current season, and healing journey. I wanted it to so badly. I tried desperately, picking it up when I thought it might give me the words, insight, and pick-me-up that I really needed. By all accounts, it should have been just that, but it wasn't.
You need to be able to identify with someone who you don't feel in competition with.
And there it was. These are the words I needed to hear not only for my entire life but also for the book. The words helped me understand the bottleneck for why I have struggled so much with this book. I was constantly feeling like an F- mother compared to the author, and I was constantly battling the absurd idea that because I rarely feel like I'm "enough" for Samarah, Isaiah, and Amiya, that somehow God was judging me – every single day, at every single moment.
Grace is mine. It is undeserved. It is not dependent upon what I do.
I got a nanny 5 days a week, gave up the book (that totally shunned the idea of having someone else "raise" my children), and started feeling better.
It's time to focus on simply making it through this season of life.
There are many things I am doing to help because, no, reading a book like Present Over Perfect is not going to solve everything, but I believe the sum of the pieces is always greater than the whole.
I heard Shauna Niequest speak at Women of Faith in October. I bought her book that weekend, and I always knew that it would be the next book I read for our Virtual Book Club. The book cover states, "Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living." Seems right for the season.
The book is broken down into six parts, so I will blog about the book in the same manner.
Read the beginning of the book through part 1.
Our first "meeting" (aka post I'll write) will be in a couple of weeks.
Because I so often need to hear the words, I'm sharing them with you today, too…..
You're doing a great job. The decisions you make are okay. Do what you need to do in this season to make everything work. And on the days when nothing works, that's okay, too. It's okay to find yourself in strugglesville. You won't be there forever.
Do You Love Me, Ma?
I finally finished Chapter 8, "Do You Love Me, Ma?
This was yet another chapter where I had to dig deep to figure out how to take her words, if at all.
Mothers, too, can grasp for their rights, but sometimes they find their capacity to love is dissipated by their firm resolve to protect those rights.
She's talking about the very thing I do each and every single day….love my children with everything I have, but perhaps too often under the condition that I still have rights — right to fair sleep, right to tend to my own needs, right to sit down and enjoy meals, right to engage with the things that make me happy outside of them, etc.
Jesus calls us to a way of dying that is less romantic. Each day we have numerous opportunities to live for others and not ourselves. We may serve others and die to self by being dedicated to seeing the good of others.
She discusses battling selfishness and not caving into all the "rights" we like to tell ourselves we have.
I struggled so much with her words, yet again, because all the things she describes with regards to mothers that we must change in order "to be a good mother" are things I am guilty of.
But here's the thing….I don't think I should have to feel guilty for these things (or is that just me making justifications?). I know that I have so much work to do on myself when it comes to being less selfish with the kids, and I know that I must work on dying to myself like Jesus teaches. But I can't, for the life of me, believe that it's an all or nothing approach.
I read this chapter as either I'm selfless (or work towards becoming it) and have zero desires and drive outside the babies **or** I am selfish and feel fulfilled, sometimes – many times, in places that have nothing to do with the babies.
Furthermore, if I am not allowed to ever be selfish, then as a mother with an autoimmune condition, I might not have the capability to be the mother I really desire to be because I won't have the energy and general well-being to be that person.
What is the balance of wanting to die to myself without actually feeling like I'm dying (or drowning) daily? This is a balance that unless you're a mommy spoonie (and/or have some pretty strong other life circumstances) you probably can't relate to very well. And when one can't relate (like I doubt the author of the book can), it seems crazy for me to attempt taking 100% of the advice given.
So…..Do You Love Me, Ma? Of course. Of course, I love Samarah, Isaiah, and Amiya with everything good my heart beats for. But no, I do not believe that it's under the condition where I must die to myself (for them and others) every single moment of every single day.
What do we learn about God's love through the life of Jesus Christ?
How would you describe the kind of love God wants us to show our children?
What are three ways you could show love in your family this week?
What personal characteristic (selfishness, anger, self-pity, impatience, etc.) most often keeps you from showing love to others?
p.s. There are only 5 chapters left, and then it will be time for a new Virtual Book Club book. I have decided on, "Present Over Perfect." Please consider joining this one because I feel like it's going to be a book we're going to love. Grab it now because my goal is to start it on or around my birthday (mid-February).


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What is Electoral Reform?
How Primaries Work
Why Sanders' Free Tuition Plan Is A Major Leap in the Right Direction
by Steve Hough in Campaigns Mar 7, 2016
As I previously argued that Bernie Sanders' proposal for a universal single payer health care plan needed work, his proposal for tuition-free college is also on the right track, but could benefit from some modifications. However, it is far from being "pure fantasy" as described in a recent editorial written by Jay Stooksberry on IVN.
Before listing the six points of his plan, his campaign website states, "As President, Bernie Sanders will fight to make sure that every American who studies hard in school can go to college regardless of how much money their parents make and without going deeply into debt."
Nowhere in the six points that follow does he specify what the qualifications will be to receive free tuition.
Make Tuition Free at Public Colleges
Bernie argues that because other countries do this, we should be able to do it too. I do not disagree, but he fails to spell out how students would qualify for free tuition. I would support it (along with other financial assistance) for students having a financial need and having demonstrated academic achievement. I would also stipulate that the assistance be dependent on choosing a career path where job opportunities exist.
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With the knowledge that such assistance would be available, I believe there would be greater incentive for those in less fortunate circumstances to aspire to a better future and motivate them to take primary education more seriously.
A synergy would exist between Bernie's tuition proposal and his proposal for single-payer health care.
Just as we cannot dismiss the potential benefits of a single-payer health care plan, based on evidence that other countries' plans may have specific problems, we should not blindly accept the notion that we should have free tuition simply because other countries have such plans.
However, a synergy would exist between this proposal and his proposal for single-payer health care. A portion of these benefits could be directed to training additional health care providers as needed to accommodate an expanded demand for services.
Additionally, it could also be argued that the right plan would offset the demand for more H-1B visas in targeted fields.
Stop Federal Government from Making a Profit on Student Loans
Given that government agencies differ in their opinion whether or not the government "profits" from federal student loans, why not just say the federal government shouldn't be in the business of student lending? If free tuition is available for qualified applicants, the government should let private institutions stand on their own when providing loans to others.
Cutting Interest Rates and Allowing Current Debtors to Refinance at Lower Rates
Even though the necessity of unsecured loans commanding higher interest rates is not disputed, mistakes of the past are no reason not to take corrective action. One does not demolish a house because the roof leaks. Additionally, many student loans are guaranteed by the government, thus eliminating lender risk.
Many student loans are guaranteed by the government, thus eliminating lender risk.
Student debt is crippling many who have not been able to find jobs in proportion with their level of education. Some of that can be blamed on the student's choice of major field of study, and some of it can be attributed to the economy in general.
While steps have been taken to adjust the monthly payments on some students' debt, I would suggest that we look beyond the politics and allow outstanding student loans to be refinanced at lower rates as well. That rate could be zero, if the government accepted the responsibility of collection as opposed to merely guaranteeing the loans.
In my opinion, the rate charged should be no higher than the government's cost to finance new debt.
Increase of Need-Based Scholarships and Work-Study for Low-Income Students
If free tuition (and other financial assistance) is based on financial need and academic achievement, not only would there be no need to increase spending on other programs, they could be eliminated entirely. Furthermore, there would be no need to worry about an often cited concern that rich kids who might be attending public universities could take advantage of it.
Tax on Wall Street Speculation
While the front-runner for the GOP has also demonized Wall Street speculators, I would suggest the best way to handle funding would be as part of an overall tax reform plan. Taxing short-term capital gains as ordinary income (at higher rates than both Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders propose), without exception, would be the simplest way to achieve the stated goal without adding bureaucratic overhead or penalizing the casual trader.
The type of funding proposals we now see are devised as a result of PAYGO and often do not represent the best solution. Just like funding for a single-payer health care plan, everything from educational assistance to bringing manufacturing jobs back home is interrelated and tied to tax policy.
Bernie Sanders is not proposing the same, tired "tax and spend" agenda. He is proposing that we put an end to the status quo. Although his proposals need work, he is on the right track, and I would gladly spend the next four years in a public debate about his ideas rather than more of the same.
No president can enact his or her policy proposals on their own, but we have enough experience to justify hope that a win by Bernie Sanders will translate into Sanders Democrats also winning congressional seats in the next mid-term election.
Check Out An Opposing View
Why Bernie's 'Free College' Plan Is Mostly Fantasy
Read More Articles by Steve Hough
Will This Critical Battleground State Open Its Presidential Primaries in 2020?
By Steve Hough
OPINION: Stand With Us for Open Primaries
- Dec 10, 2018
The Fight to Open Primary Elections in Florida Continues
- Oct 29, 2018
Florida Legislature, Partisan Appointees Prevent Equal Voting Rights for All
- Jul 18, 2018
Photo Credit: David Gilder / Shutterstock.com
Steve Hough
I became politically active after retiring six years ago. As a lifelong independent I promote open primaries. I became the director of Florida Fair and Open Primaries in March 2017.
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If you or your partner individually own a business. If you own a business, then you should strongly consider a prenup. Should you and your partner divorce in the future and you don't have a prenup, he or she may be able to successfully obtain a partial ownership of the business. That may affect the business's operations, your income, and even your ability to pass the business on to your heirs.
If your partner owns a business, a prenup is just as important. Debt is a common component of many businesses. If the business falters, your partner may have to take on considerable debt to keep it afloat. You'll want to protect yourself from that debt should you ever get divorced. A prenup is a great way to keep the business debt separate from your personal finances.
If you or your partner have substantial retirement assets. Saving for retirement is a big challenge for every married couple. It's possible that you and your spouse have each already saved a significant amount on your own. If you're married for the rest of your lives, then those assets can go towards your shared retirement together.
However, if you get divorced, you'll want to make sure that you protect the assets that you brought into the marriage. You'll need them to possibly fund a retirement on your own. A prenup can define how the retirement assets will be split should you and your partner decide to separate.
If you or your partner has children. Blending families can be a big challenge in some marriages. While you and your partner may want to combine all of your finances, it may also be important for you to protect the interests of your children from previous relationships. You may have educational accounts for those kids. Or you may wish to set aside money to leave to them after you pass away. A prenup can help divide the assets so your children aren't left out.


Actility and HERE Technologies announced a partnership today that will improve the location capabilities of IoT solutions by pinpointing the position of assets accurately, seamlessly and continuously in both indoor and outdoor environments. Combining Actility's LoRaWAN connectivity management platform and HERE positioning capabilities, this integration will give Actility customers more cost-effective, energy efficient and sustainable solutions for asset management in logistics and supply chain applications across industries.
The combined solution can locate any asset, such as a tool or piece of equipment, with minimal energy consumption and low cost of ownership, bringing plant-to-store goods tracking or industrial supply chain transparency to life.
Actility is a global leader in LoRaWAN connectivity solutions. LoRaWAN is a low-power wireless protocol for wide area networks that allows devices to communicate with IoT applications over long-range wireless connections and with an extended battery life. Actility powers more than 50 service providers in over 30 countries and enables managed enterprise networks for dedicated vertical IoT solutions. As a result, Actility can enable multi-country geolocation solutions using its LoRaWAN roaming hub and Abeeway, its subsidiary that makes low-power, long-life trackers.
Through its partnership with HERE, Actility brings a complete low-power location solution to the market that combines GPS, A-GPS and Wi-Fi positioning. HERE venue mapping and "fingerprinting" (information about the current set of Wi-Fi signals and signal strengths available to a mobile device at a given moment) capabilities significantly improve indoor positioning precision, with an accuracy of five to seven meters.
Actility connects the industrial internet of things. Our LoRaWAN connectivity platform, tools, and fast-growing ecosystem enable our customers to create IoT solutions that transform business, industries and processes. The ThingPark LPWA platform connects sensors gathering data to cloud applications on any scale, from global or national networks to secure on-campus enterprise solutions, managing devices, data flows and monetization. Our value-added applications and business services enable roaming, device software update, geolocation and smart grid. Actility is at the heart of a thriving customer ecosystem, connecting solutions partners, supporting developers and device makers preparing their LPWA product for market, and providing an e-commerce Marketplace offering global distribution to solution providers. Actility co-founded the LoRa Alliance and continues to pioneer LPWA networking technology.


text:
About Association
PERSPECTIVE/VIEWPOINT
Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Psychiatry
R Srinivasa Murthy
Project ENRICH, Mental Health Advisor, The Association for the Mentally Challenged, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Date of Decision 08-Dec-2021
Date of Acceptance 12-Dec-2021
Prof. R Srinivasa Murthy
Project ENRICH, Mental Health Advisor, The Association for the Mentally Challenged, Bangalore - 560 025, Karnataka
DOI: 10.4103/wsp.wsp_53_21
The COVID-19 pandemic of the last 2 years has changed everything about life. There is wide recognition that following the pandemic, the world will be a different place than it was. The social factors have come to the forefront with regard to the vulnerabilities to infection, severity of illness, access to medical care, hospitalization, intensive care unit care, mortality, post-COVID complications, and work and social lives. The pandemic has held a mirror to the social situations of countries and communities. It also provides opportunities for the application of principles and practices of social psychiatry to build resilience of individuals, families, and communities.
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, prevention, social determinants, social interventions
Murthy R S. Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Psychiatry. World Soc Psychiatry 2021;3:131-6
Murthy R S. Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Psychiatry. World Soc Psychiatry [serial online] 2021 [cited 2023 Feb 1];3:131-6. Available from: https://www.worldsocpsychiatry.org/text.asp?2021/3/3/131/333419
"Health crisis has become a social one (crisis)."[1]
"Apply a whole of society approach to promote, protect and care for mental health."[2]
The social dimension of the COVID-19 pandemic was considered about 12 months back.[3] In the last 1 year, the experiences of the countries, rich and poor, developed and developing have provided fresh opportunity to understand the social dimensions of the pandemic. This article examines the new data on prevalence of mental disorders during the pandemic period, the responses of the governments, and people to the wide range of issues such as mask wearing, physical distancing, vaccination, health-care programs in general, mental health interventions in particular, and the lessons for social psychiatry. In a way, the availability of social factors across all of the above aspects provides an opportunity, similar to the work of Emile Durkheim in 1897 on suicide, to rejuvenate social psychiatry.[4] Professionals have voiced the pandemic as an opportunity to redesign mental health care.[5]
Social psychiatry during the last 100 years has seen many ups and downs. The large-scale epidemiological studies of the early part of the 20th century emphasized the role of social factors in the prevalence of mental disorders. In the middle of the 20th century, the heyday of social psychiatry, there was recognition of the importance of social institutions such as family, community, and social cohesion beyond the individual-level characteristics and actions. However, social psychiatry, so apparently promising in the optimistic context of postwar America in the 1950s and 1960s, saw its influence and status decline within American psychiatry in the late 1960s and 1970s.[6]
However, in the last two decades, there is a revival of the understanding of social factors and mental health.
The most recent review of mental health, the Lancet-WPA Future of Psychiatry, summarizes the challenges as follows:
"A large body of evidence shows the importance of social determinants for mental disorders. Societal factors such as social inequality, crime, poverty, poor housing, adverse upbringing conditions, poor education, unemployment, and social isolation are related to increased rates of mental disorders. The relevance of some social determinants varies across the world. Examples are substantial urbanisation in low-and middle-income countries; increasing social isolation in high-income countries; the changing flow of refugees in some regions; and different levels of economic instability, civil unrest, and inequality between rich and poor people. Most of these social determinants influence physical health problems too, but they can be seen as particularly relevant to psychiatry."[7]
Further, the group recognizes psychiatry in the first quarter of the 21st century to be at the cusp of major changes, as follows:
"Increased emphasis on social interventions and engagement with societal expectations might be an important area for psychiatry's development. This could encompass advocacy for the rights of individuals living with mental illnesses, political involvement concerning the social risk factors for mental illness, and, on a smaller scale, work with families and local social networks and communities. Psychiatrists should therefore possess communication skills and knowledge of the social sciences as well as the basic biological sciences."[7]
During this month, October 2021, as part of the World Mental Health Day 2021 (World Federation for Mental Health-Mental Health in an Inequal World),[8] there have been many important initiatives. Important of these are, the launch of the Countdown 2030 by Global Mental Health Group[9] and the release of the World Mental Health Atlas, 2021, by the World Health Organization (Mental Health for All-Let us Make it a Reality).[10] The October 2021, State of the World's Children 2021 focuses on mental health[11] (we must change the way we view mental health). In the 270-page report, children and young people could feel the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health and well-being for many years to come. It focuses on risks and protective factors at critical moments in life and attempts to shed light on the social factors that shape mental health and well-being. The report recognizes that the pandemic is the "tip of the iceberg" after years of neglecting child mental health.
The launch of the "Mentally Healthy Nation" by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is another important event.[12] The goal of the APA initiative is significant for the scope of the activity to reach the general public [Table 1].
Table 1: American Psychiatric Association Mentally Healthy Nation
COVID-19 and Social Determinants
The most recent study aimed to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders globally in 2020.[13] The study reported nearly 30% increase in both the disorders. Further, increases in the prevalence of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders during 2020 were both associated with increasing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection rates and decreasing human mobility. We estimated that countries hit hardest by the pandemic during 2020 had the greatest increases in prevalence of these disorders. There was greater increase in disorder prevalence among females than among males. Other groups adversely affected are the elder age group and the young people. They should consider public health messaging about the mental health impacts of COVID-19, how individuals can best manage their mental health, and well-defined pathways to assessment and service access. Authors conclude, "no action is not an option" and mitigation strategies should promote mental well-being and target determinants of poor mental health exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as interventions to treat those who develop a mental disorder.
In another longitudinal study of a nationally representative group of U. S. adults aged 18 years and older surveyed in March 2020 and April 2021, the "COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-being," the prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms persisted from 27.8% in 2020 to 32.8% in 2021. Importantly, the central drivers of depressive symptoms were low household income, not being married, and experiencing multiple stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds ratio of elevated depressive symptoms for low-income relative to high-income persons increased from 2.3 in 2020 to 7.0 in 2021. The odds ratio of elevated depressive symptoms associated with 4 or more stressors relative to 1 stressor or less increased from 1.9 in 2020 to 5.4 in 2021. Mental health gaps grew between populations with different assets and stressor experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.[14]
There is growing evidence of racial and ethnic minority groups being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. In a recent cross-sectional analysis, American Indian or Alaska Native, Latino, Black, and Asian or Pacific Islander persons were more likely than White persons to have a COVID-19-associated hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or inhospital death during the 1st year of the US COVID-19 pandemic. Authors call for equitable access to COVID-19 preventive measures, including vaccination to minimize the gap in racial and ethnic disparities of severe COVID-19.[15]
The association of "stresses" as a risk factor for mental health has come in a number of reports. A study on health-care workers (HCWs) from nine eastern Mediterranean regional countries, working with the pandemic, found that 57.5% had depression, 42.0% had stress, and 59.1% had anxiety.[16] Considering the severity, 19.2%, 16.1%, and 26.6% of patients had severe-to-extremely severe depression, stress, and anxiety, respectively. Depression, stress, anxiety, and distress scores were significantly associated with participants' residency, having children, preexisting psychiatric illness, and being isolated for COVID-19. In addition, females, those working in a teaching hospital, and specialists had significantly higher depression and stress scores. Married status, current smoking, diabetes mellitus, having a friend who died with COVID-19, and high COVID-19 worry scores were significantly associated with higher distress scores. These findings emphasize the importance of social determinants of mental health. Authors urge for immediate implementation of "special interventions to promote mental well-being among HCWs responding to COVID-19".
A recent review of "Screening and Interventions for Social Risk Factors" by the US Preventive Services Task Force,[17] noted that of the interventions studied, 73 addressed multiple social risk domains. The most frequently addressed domains were food insecurity, financial strain, and housing instability. Authors concluded that there is need for more randomized clinical trials that report health outcomes from social risk screening and interventions.
In a recent paper,[18] the complex interaction of factors such as religiosity and lower socioeconomic status (SES) was brought out. In this study using three databases, authors examined the relationship between nationalities and religiosity and the psychological burden of poverty. They report an interesting finding of psychological burden of lower SES, being greater in developed nations than in developing ones. That evidence suggests that economic development is no cure for the psychological burden of lower SES. National religiosity is particularly low in developed nations and can account for the greater burden of lower SES in developed nations. Drawing on three different data sets covering 92 nations, the study shows that low levels of national religiosity can account for the greater burden of lower SES in developed nations. This finding suggests that, as national religiosity continues to decline, lower SES will become increasingly harmful for psychological well-being. There is an interesting observation in the paper: "the challenge will be to find alternatives to national religiosity to curb these harmful effects. Such alternatives will not be easily found because national religiosity exerts particularly powerful effects."
It is significant that on October 14–15, the APA[19] focused on social determinants of mental health. Some of key observations have direct relevance to social psychiatry [Table 2].
Table 2: Social determinants of Mental Health
Common Themes
About a year back, Srinivasa Murthy and Gupta[3] had pointed to the need for "social vaccine" as follows: (i) success of mastering the pandemic will depend not only on the social action but also on the public health and medical interventions as well; (ii) there is a need to build social cohesion through every means available so that the response is harmonized and maximized; (iii) professionals such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and psychiatric nurses should work together, as well as work with other disciplines (especially from the domain of public health, community medicine, and epidemiology) and with groups such as community leaders and religious leaders to maximize the interventions; (iv) there is need to understand the "local" strengths and needs and utilize them to maximum extent; and (v) there is greater recognition and need for the professionals to continuously study the "social dimensions" of mental health and develop medical, public health, and social interventions to mitigate the effects of disasters/pandemics.
The following are some of the common themes emerging from the country's experiences of the pandemic of the last 12 months, relevant to social psychiatry.
Community resilience is central to "master" the pandemic. Countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan were better prepared because of their past experiences with the epidemics. They had systems ready to respond (systems of screening, contact tracing, isolation, etc.) to the current pandemic as well as the populations were cooperative to the public health measures. In the postpandemic period, there will be greater focus on community resilience.[20],[21]
The biggest universal observation of the pandemic, in countries rich and poor, is the vulnerabilities of population groups such as elderly, poor, homeless, people with comorbidities, and marginalized groups. There is need to address these inequities to prevent their greater vulnerabilities to infection, severe disease, and deaths.
The response to the pandemic is not simply a health-care issue. There is need for actions at the level of individuals (masking, physical distancing, handwashing, and accepting vaccination), families (minimize violence at home and mental health of children), and communities (trust, cohesion, and mutual support).[20],[21]
Professional leadership is to bring the scientific knowledge to each and everyone in the community and to policymakers so that response is based on science rather than ideology.
Interestingly, spirituality is an important community resource to master the stress and recovery and to make sense of the challenges to living.
Finally, research should be an important part of both understanding the impact of the pandemic as well as the interventions. The pandemic is a challenge to humanity, but it can also be an opportunity to the society to examine and correct societal factors that increase vulnerabilities.
In 1897, Emile Durkheim, based on the church records, brought a new understanding to the problem of suicide,[4] and for this reason, he is considered the father of modern sociology. The current pandemic offers all of us a unique opportunity to understand mental health against the background of social determinants and utilize social interventions to address the harmful effects of the pandemic [Table 3].
Table 3: Lessons of the pandemic for social psychiatry
It is good to look at the bigger picture. There is growing recognition among public health professionals and mental health professionals about the often pointlessness of measuring of morbidity, intervening to address the devastations of mass scale stresses like conflict situation,[22],[23] and the current pandemic. There have been some serious professional attempts to address the issue of prevention of conflicts. The American Public Health Association, in its position paper,[24] addressed the role of public health practitioners, academics, and advocates in response to war and armed conflict. The position paper "provides the scientific basis and justification for an acknowledgment that war has been among the most important public health problems of the last 100 years, and there is little evidence its importance is waning. We who have committed our careers to promoting public health need to change our framework to encompass war as 1 of the most significant threats to the health of people in every demographic group and in every country. Practitioners, educators, and other workers in public health can play powerful roles in preventing war itself, as well as mitigating the public health consequences of war. The public health consequences of war are massive and leave few if any areas of public health practice untouched. Thus, war is one of the greatest obstacles to realizing APHA's vision of "a healthy global society" (emphasis added).
The above paper recognizes that public health practitioners, academics, and advocates have an essential role to play in preventing war and this position applies to the current pandemic. The position paper calls on public health professionals and international and domestic organizations to (i) recognize the prevention of war as a local, national, and global public health priority; (ii) educate public health professionals, policymakers, and the public about the anticipated consequences of war and advocate for alternative resolutions to conflict; (iii) encourage and support research and advocacy relating to the structural causes of conflict, trends in risk to civilians from state and nonstate actors, assessment of impacts anticipated from wars that have not yet started, comprehensive monitoring and surveillance of public health impacts in conflict zones, factors in successful settlement, the rapid rebuilding of health systems infrastructure as part of postconflict reconstruction, and identifying ways to prevent war and to mitigate its health consequences; (iv) foster dialog on the issue of war and build partnerships with international public health stakeholders; and (v) improve the competency of the global public health workforce to prevent and mitigate the impacts of war.
These observations apply to the many social determinants of mental health reviewed in this article (emphasis added).
Reviewing the limited progress,Wiist et al.[23] make an important observation applicable to mental health professionals, "public health has been more focused on the effects of war than working towards the prevention of the fundamental causes of war….public health practitioners and academics have an obligation to take a lead role in the prevention of war by addressing the fundamental causes in society that lead to war."
As a psychiatrist, working with populations affected by disasters, since 1984, and people living in conflict situations, the predominant feeling I carry with me is one of extreme helplessness. In disasters and conflicts, we confront disintegration of individuals, families, and communities with limited scope for interventions. The interventions are most often inadequate and the populations continue to suffer in silence for decades at many levels. The most recent example is that of Afghanistan. My feelings are in line with that of Gall,[25] a reporter who has worked in Afghanistan, "Over twelve years, I lost friends and acquaintances in suicide bombings and shootings, and saw other close to me savagely maimed. I do not pretend to be objective in this war. I am on the side of the victims. The human suffering has been far too great, and we have a duty to ponder for the reasons for such a calamity."
As social psychiatrists, with our recognition that mental health of individuals is largely social in origin, we are eminently placed to contribute to the future mental health of humanity by focusing on social issues and societal-level interventions. There is growing recognition of the challenges of the pandemic and the opportunities[5],[26] to rethink mental health of the community.
BBC News. 'Health Crisis Has Become a Social One (crisis). BBC News; 05 May, 2020.
United Nations. Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health. New York: United Nations; 2020.
Srinivasa Murthy R, Gupta N. Social vaccine for the ongoing COVID19 pandemic! Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2020;36:S107-11.
Durkheim E. Suicide. London: Routledge; 1951.
Dandona R, Sagar R. COVID-19 offers an opportunity to reform mental health in India. Lancet Psychiatry 2021;8:9-11.
Blazer GD, Kinghorn W. Positive social psychiatry. In: Jeste DV, Palmer BW, editors. Positive Psychiatry – A Clinical Handbook. Washington: APA Press; 2015. p. 71-90.
Bhugra D, Tasman A, Pathare S, Priebe S, Smith S, Torous J, et al. The WPA-lancet psychiatry commission on the future of psychiatry. Lancet Psychiatry 2017;4:775-818.
World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2021. World Federation of Mental Health, Virginia, 2021.
Countdown Global Mental Health 2030: Using Data to Inform Action. United for Global Mental Health, Harvard, 2021.
World Health Organisation. Mental Health1 Atlas, 2021. Geneva: WHO; 2021.
United Nations Children's Emergency Fund. The State of the World's Children, 2021, On My Mind: Promoting, Protecting and Caring. New York: UNICEF; 2021.
American Psychiatric Association (APA). Mentally Healthy Nation. Washington: APA; 2021.
COVID-19 Mental Disorders Collaborators. Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet 2021;398:1700-12.
Ettman CK, Cohen GH, Abdalla SM, Sampson L, Trinquart L, Castrucci BC, et al. Persistent depressive symptoms during COVID-19: A national, population-representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adults. Lancet Reg Health Am 2021;100091. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2021. 100091
Acosta AM, Garg S, Pham H, Whitaker M, Anglin O, O'Halloran A, et al. Racial and ethnic disparities in rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalization, Intensive Care Unit admission, and in-hospital death in the United States from March 2020 to February 2021. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4:e2130479.
Ghaleb Y, Lami F, Al Nsour M, Rashak HA, Samy S, Khader YS, et al. Mental health impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A multi-country study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021;1-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdab321.
Eder M, Henninger M, Durbin S, Iacocca MO, Martin A, Gottlieb LM, et al. Screening and interventions for social risk factors: Technical Brief to Support the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2021;326:1416-28.
Berkessel JB, Gebauer JE, Joshanloo M, Bleidorn W, Rentfrow PJ, Potter J, et al. National religiosity eases the psychological burden of poverty. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021;118:e2103913118.
American Psychiatric Association (APA). Plenary Speakers at APA's Fall Conference Focus on Social Determinants of Mental Health, October 14-15, 2021. APA; 2021.
National Academy of Medicine*(NASEM). Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative 2012. Washington: National Academies Press; 2021.
National Academy of Medicine*(NASEM). Enhancing Community Resilience through Social Capital and Connectedness: Stronger Together! Washington: National Academies Press; 2021.
Horgan J. The End of War, McSweeny's Books. San Francisco: McSweeney's; 2011.
Wiist WH, Barker K, Arya N, Rohde J, Donohoe M, White S, et al. The role of public health in the prevention of war: Rationale and competencies. Am J Public Health 2014;104:e34-47.
American Public Health Association The Role of Public Health Practitioners, Academics and Advocates in Relation to Conflict and War; 2009. Available from: http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1391. [Last accessed on 2021 Nov 14].
Gall C. In The Wrong Enemy-America in Afghanistan, 2001-2014. New York: Penguin; 2014.
Srinivasa Murthy R. COVID-19 pandemic and emotional health: Social psychiatry perspective. Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2020;36:S24-42.
[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3]
Murthy R S
social interventions
COVID-19 and Soc...
© World Social Psychiatry | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow


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Amber Anderson as Lady Diana Mitford in Peaky Blinders
The aristocratic Lady Diana Mitford was the youngest daughter of the 2nd Lord Redesdale, and as such, she was part of one of the most privileged families in England at the turn of the 20th century. In 1914, she married her second cousin, Thomas Tom Mitford, and together they moved to Northumberland House in Mayfair, where they lived with their five children and their three servants until 1920 when Diana left Tom to run off with Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. Amber Anderson as Lady Diana Mitford in Peaky Blinders
Who was Lady Diana?
Who is Amber Anderson?
How Did They Get These Roles?
How Do They Compare to Their Real Life Counterparts?
Quick Facts about the Real Diana & The Peaky Blinders Cast
Is Peaky Blinders true story?
Who told Mosley Peaky Blinders?
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Lady Diana Mosley was an English aristocrat. Her marriage to Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists, made her notorious for being a supporter of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime during World War II. After 1945, she campaigned for her husband's release from prison and protested against his subsequent deportation order. She also collaborated with Benito Mussolini on a book about fascism.
An American actress, singer and songwriter, Amber Anderson is best known for playing Alison DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars. In 2011, she played a supporting role in Amigo, which earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actress. In 2016, she was cast as Lady Diana Mitford (nee Cavendish) on BBC2's historical drama series Peaky Blinders. The show explores law enforcement and gang life during post-World War I Birmingham.
It's not uncommon for movies and TV shows to cast famous people, but there are several examples of actors who have played real-life people on screen and then gone on to portray their own role. That's exactly what happened when actress Amber Anderson landed a role as an aristocrat in her favorite TV show, Peaky Blinders. At first, she was offered a part as Downton Abbey. They sent me an email, I read it and thought it was kind of funny that they were like: 'We want you to play Lady [Diana] Mitford in one episode.' I said yes; then later I googled her! I had no idea who she was at all until then!
See also Introducing Luke David Blumm: The Young Actor Making Waves in Hollywood
In both looks and personality, Amber nails her character! In real life, Lady Diana was known for having a fiery temper, just like Amber's character does on set. Lady Diana also had an extreme love of animals and ran her own animal sanctuary for years. The show has accurately portrayed these characteristics of her personality. Amber really brought to life all of the other traits that we saw from Diana including beauty, elegance, sophistication, and poshness. She will without a doubt be one of our favorites on season 4. All it takes is one episode with her to fall head over heels! As she enters Tommy's world things will definitely get interesting… You'll have to watch to find out more!
The real-life family was actually known for more than just their eccentricity—they were also influential Hitler supporters. They also attempted a failed assassination plot against him and wrote letters to each other about wanting to kill him. In series one, episode two, Thomas Shelby sees a portrait of Diana's brother Oswald and says,
We could use someone like him on our side now. The character of Oswald Mosley was based on his real-life counterpart. The show's creator Stephen Knight told The Guardian that while he did not want to make them into villains or fascists, he wanted to represent how they were perceived by others: I hope they are seen not just as mad eccentrics but people who were dangerous and sinister because of their politics.
See also Yellowstone's guest stars: the best and worst of the season
Peaky Blinders is based on real events, but it's certainly not a documentary. Set against Birmingham's gangland scene after World War I, it follows Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy), leader of gang The Peaky Blinders. The series has received critical acclaim and been nominated for three BAFTAs—winning one for Best Drama Series. It's soon to get a second season so there's no better time to catch up with what happened before and keep up with what's happening next. To do that, we have to take a look at who all these characters are based on in real life…
At first glance, it may seem that women are given a harder time than men in 1920s Birmingham. But things aren't quite so straightforward. When Billy Kimber challenges Thomas Shelby to a game of billiards, he congratulates him on his victory over his uncle by saying: You are now a mark of great respect among my people and you have more enemies than ever before. Kimberly has been dreaming of destroying Tommy since day one and is ecstatic about finally getting his chance – yet it's Shelby who actually ends up biting off more than he can chew when Billy suddenly ups his game by conscripting Tommy's wife, Grace, into an ambush plot. This guy just can't catch a break… and no wonder!
See also 5 Reasons Why Jamie Reagan Is The Best Cop On TV
Laura McKee Goes from Playing Captain Swing to Peaky Blinders
Jack Nelson Is Peaky Blinders' Newest Addition


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Home Show Anita Rani confirmed as second new presenter of Woman's Hour
Anita Rani confirmed as second new presenter of Woman's Hour
Anita has been confirmed as co-host (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Anita Rani has been confirmed as the second new presenter of Woman's Hour.
The Countryfile host will join the long-running Radio 4 show this Friday to co-present with Emma Barnett, who joined Woman's Hour earlier this month.
The 43-year-old will host on Fridays and Saturdays, while Emma, 35, will present the main show.
Anita said: 'I've long been a fan of Woman's Hour and admired the presenters who have hosted the show previously, so I cannot wait to become part of it myself as second presenter, alongside the brilliant Emma Barnett.
'I am really looking forward to getting to know the listeners and discussing issues that matter to them the most. Woman's Hour has always given a voice to people who may not be heard elsewhere and I want to continue that important tradition. What an honour and what a way to kick off the weekend.'
She also tweeted the news, writing: 'What an honour to be joining @bbcwomanshour Cannot wait to get behind the mic to talk about all the things you want me to. All aboard the mothership.'
Anita will host on Fridays and Saturdays (Picture: BBC)
Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4, says: 'I want Radio 4 to continue to seek ways to better reflect and be relevant to the audience across the UK, and Woman's Hour has a special role in this when it comes to subjects and stories that matter to women.
'I am delighted Anita Rani is joining the programme. She brings a wealth of broadcasting experience as well as a perspective and insight that will be valuable when exploring the issues facing women today. With Emma Barnett and Anita presenting, Woman's Hour couldn't be in better hands.'
After honing her radio chops aged just 14 with her own radio show on Bradford's Sunrise Radio, Anita joined the BBC Asian Network in 2005 to present the Weekend Breakfast Show, and often presents on BBC Radio 2.
Over on television, she is best known as one of the lead presenters on Countryfile, and has fronted documentaries including Bollywood: The World's Biggest Film Industry; My Family, Partition And Me: India 1947 and War On Plastic alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Emma Barnett became the main presenter this month: PA)
Anita also competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she came fifth with partner Gleb Savchenko, just missing out on the final.
Emma Barnett took over Woman's Hour this month after the departure of the show's two hosts, Dame Jenni Murray and Jane Garvey.
Dame Jenni had presented the show for 33 years when she announced she was leaving in July 2020, with Jane, who had hosted for 13 years, confirming her intention to quit two months later.
Emma's first week at the helm was hit with controversy after guest Kelechi Okafor pulled out of the show after claiming Emma had been 'talking s***' about her to producers, not realising her mic was on.
More: BBC
Kelechi said that the experience was 'degrading and vile'.
Emma later responded, claiming she had been discussing alleged anti-Semitic comments made by Kelechi, and how this would affect their discussion about Harvey Weinstein, who is Jewish.
Woman's Hour airs on Radio 4 from 10am Monday to Friday, and from 4pm on Saturday.
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When you contact us to schedule a program, we may suggest one of our program sites based upon the age of your group and the length of your requested program experience. Please do not hesitate to make suggestions to help ensure your program experience meets your needs. We are always open to consider alternative options. Please contact us to make your program reservation: 616.393.9453 or odc@outdoordiscovery.org.
If you are forwarded to a voice mail system, please leave a detailed message. A staff person will return your call as soon as possible.
The programs described below are examples of our most popular program themes, however educators are encouraged to work with staff to customize their program including activities, demonstrations, and key concepts which pertain to the Michigan Department of Education's teaching standards.
Students will learn about the water cycle, soil permeability, watersheds, and how pollution can affect river ecosystems and people. For the outdoor portion of their program they will explore the floodplain and river in search of macroinvertebrates using sampling equipment.
One of the largest groups of fresh-water dunes in the world can be found along Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. On this guided hike students will learn about the geology, natural history, and forces of nature that have created this unique environment. They will also learn about special adaptations that animals and plants have that allow them to live in this sometimes harsh environment.
Exploring both plant and animal life and the living versus non-living elements of a place facilitates the student's understanding of each habitat or ecosystem that is visited. Tools such as magnifying lenses, microscopes, and sampling nets may be used to take a closer look at what makes a place special. When scheduling a program, educators will have the option to choose the program theme of habitats (typically Pre-K to 3rd grade) or ecosystems (typically 4th grade and up).
Pre-K to first grade students often have a hard time catching organisms in a wetland or pond. Our staff supplement the experience by having organisms already caught placed in shallow pools with aquatic organisms for closer investigation.
Life on earth exists thanks to the interconnected nature of living and non-living things. Students will explore food chains, food webs and discuss biotic and abiotic factors of living systems. Outdoor exploration of habitats and ecosystems will help them see the connections among all living things. Games may be used to reinforce concepts depending on the length of the program.
Using the Center's live raptors, students will learn about the role of organisms in the natural world including predator and prey interactions, trophic levels, bird biology and the characteristics of birds versus other animal groups. Depending on the length of time for the program, between one and five live birds may be used for the program. Artifacts such as wings, talons, feathers and skulls are often incorporated into bird of prey programs to provide a hands-on element.
If conducted at the Outdoor Discovery Center, a visit to the DeWitt Birds of Prey Center may be included.
While taking a hike with one of our naturalists, students will learn about the parts of a plant, how they function with the plant, and learn more about specific plant species. Depending on the season, groups may use a journal sheet to record their observations.
This program can take place , at your school or in a natural area near your school. Teachers are welcome to focus this investigation on trees and have students collect leaves during the program.
To gain an appreciation for nature, young children need to be exposed to the wonderful world around them using all of their senses. In these programs we will show and talk about many of the live animals that can be found in Michigan. There will time both for indoor exploration of the nature center and time with live animals in the classroom.
This archery program is designed for physical education, social science, and science classes and intended to instruct target archery to 4th through 12th grades. It is suggested that the program take place over 3 days so students have multiple interactions with the instructor and multiple opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills.
The bow used for this program is a Genesis (compound) bow which allows students of various ages, abilities and strengths to be successful. To see if this program will work for you and your students, contact Tom Funk at 616.393.9453.
A major adaptation of many plants is their ability to produce seeds. The next challenge is how to disperse them! Students will learn a number of methods of plant seed dispersal through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and by seeing real-life examples during a guided hike.
Students will learn about photosynthesis, the parts of a plant, plant life cycles and parts of a flower as they investigate spring wildflowers. Seasonal cycles of plants will also be discussed as they take a hike in search of spring wildflowers.
Explore a natural area in winter on Ojibwa-style snowshoes. The group will experience an ancient technology while investigating winter ecosystems. They will learn basic winter ecology and how plants and animals survive winter. Concepts such as habitat preferences, adaptations, predator and prey relationships and weather may be included.
Our snowshoes are designed to best fit students that are 2nd grade and up. Younger students may have a hard time both walking in and keeping the snowshoes on their feet.
Note: A 4 inch minimum snow depth is required in order to use snowshoes. In the absence of snow, the group will still be able to cover the core concepts of the program while hiking.
Using a watershed model called an Enviroscape or a Stormwater Floodplain Simulation model, this program includes learning about the water cycle, run-off, soil permeability, and human impacts on the environment. Use of either model is best suited for one class at a time. The outdoor portion of this program includes investigating aquatic habitats and has students learning about how water moves over land. Additional concepts may include a soil analysis and observations of erosion.
This program can easily take place at your school in a classroom, multipurpose room or gymnasium and is best suited for early elementary-aged students.
Using our collection of live reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds, this program gives students the opportunity to learn about various habitat requirements, adaptations and the life history information for a number of animals. Hands-on time is a necessity for this program since it helps students gain a better understanding of the animals. A part of this program may be spent inside in order to make the sharing of live animals easier for the group and presenter. Depending on the length of the program, between three and eight live animals may be used for this program. Shells, furs, bones, skulls and other artifacts are often used to help with the hands-on learning process.
For this program we discuss the daily life of a French voyageur during the 1700's. Using a set of clothes and tools, we will select one student from a group to become a voyageur as we discuss typical items that a man carried during his travels. Students will also learn about animal hides and their value including the target animal for the voyageurs, North American beaver. As time allows, the group will participate in a throwing hawk demonstration and simulated voyageur paddle. This program can be paired with the Native American Lifeways program.
Using artifacts, language, traditional houses, games, hunting tools, and common life skills, our educators will share some of the basic life activities of Michigan's Native American people (People of the Three Fires) before and after contact with Europeans. Programs on-site at the Outdoor Discovery Center will include a tour in the recreated Neshnabe summer village while programs at your facility may include an authentic traditional house and activities using an assortment of artifacts. Winter programs may include the use of Ojibwa-style snowshoes. Depending on the time allowed for a program, activities during the visit may include: plant resources walk, atlatl throwing, hand-drill fire making, three-sisters gardening, playing double-ball, and an exploration of animal skins.
This program can be paired with the French Voyageurs of the Great Lakes Region program.
Learn how the pioneers fed, clothed, and sheltered themselves with a visit to the Pioneer Cabin at DeGraaf Nature Center. Students will participate in pioneer chores such as carding wool, sawing wood, grinding corn, and cooking over a fire. There is also an exploratory component to the program where students handle artifacts and discuss daily life.