(NAPSI)—We all love art—music, painting, literature, theater, dance. All these things bring us joy and enrich our lives. But art also plays a very important role in healing. Art therapy is becoming an increasingly effective way to treat trauma, especially among our country’s wounded warriors. Music, writing and visual art therapy programs at military care facilities are proving beneficial in producing calming effects for those suffering from brain injuries, post-traumatic stress syndrome and other conditions.
According to the Defense Department, nearly 350,000 U.S. military personnel have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries since 2001. Though modern military equipment and body armor have reduced mortality rates, roadside bombs and other explosive devices have inflicted injuries that have our service members struggling to function once they get home.
Studies have shown that creating art can decrease stress hormones, which can relax and lessen anxiety. Service members often deal with a complex set of feelings and emotions because of what they have experienced in combat, and that makes it difficult to relate to friends and family members. The invisible wounds can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and identity crises that might cause them to retreat and engage in isolating behaviors. Creating art to express feelings and help them externalize what they might have repressed for a long time can help service members resume a normal existence. Continue reading
(NAPSI)—While many people are familiar with the phrase “strength is in numbers,” not everyone realizes the important role community and social interactions play in achieving exercise goals and balanced nutrition.
“Group exercise and nutrition planning offer a variety of benefits you might miss out on if you choose to go it alone,” explained Dr. John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, Herbalife, “A consistent schedule, exposure to a social and fun environment, and accountability for participation are just some of the benefits.”
A support system and social activity group can be good for you in several ways:
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you stay on track.
You can have people encourage you if you start to self-sabotage your nutrition plan or diet. Continue reading
Elaine Maiellaro
Ron Maiellaro
The Florida FAIRtax Educational Association is an all volunteer, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to teaching people about the only REAL federal tax reform program, the FAIRtax which would replace the federal income tax with a consumption tax. Mark Gupton has been the Managing Director of FFTEA for more than a decade and has decided to retire from FFTEA effective July 1 of this year. The Board of Directors of FFTEA has decided to transform the role of Managing Director into the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. At their recent annual Board meeting in Ocala, the members of the Board elected Ron Maiellaro of Ocala as President, Dr. Karen Walby of Clearwater as Treasurer and Elaine Maiellaro of Ocala as Secretary. As of this writing, the position of Vice President is open. Ron & Elaine Maiellaro have been volunteers with FFTEA for eight years and are dedicated to informing as many Floridians as possible of the great value of the FAIRtax for our country. They are both humbled and excited to lead this valuable organization toward the final goal of eliminating the federal income tax and the IRS and implementing the FAIRtax across the United States.
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