Better End of Life Decisions Come From Better Communication

Grief Counseling: End of Life Decisions

End of Life decisions are best made well before the final moments.  Health care professionals who are better equipped with knowledge in handling these situations can serve the entirety of their patients better.   The needs of the patient and suggestions of the caregiver should be an open mutual forum between each other and the suggestions of other family members.  Communication is the key.

The article, “Give patients end-of-life options”, by Joan M. Teno states

“The urban dictionary defines “cheech” as a verb used among physicians in training that refers to the act of ordering every conceivable radiological and laboratory test for a patient, often to diagnose a condition that once diagnosed is untreatable. Thirty years ago, the macabre joke during my three-month stint as an intern in the medical ICU was first cheech, then death.”

To read the entire article, please click here

To learn more about grief counseling, please click here
The Bereavement Counseling Training Program consists of core courses for working professionals.  Included in that are social workers, ministers, licensed funeral directors, licensed nurses and other health care professionals.  A certification from the Bereavement Counseling Training Program can help enhance a working professional’s already flourishing career.
The Bereavement Counseling Training Program works by completing the required courses.  After completing the required courses, one can become certified.
Thank you for your interest in the Bereavement Counseling Training Program.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

AIHCP

Why Did The Pope Choose "Francis"?

Christian Counseling: Saint Francis

Pope Francis has taken upon himself a new lineage of Pontifical names.  Why the name Francis?  Within Christian circles, Francis is a name that invokes thoughts of humilty and great holiness.  This is due to the fact that St. Francis of Assisi is considered one of the greatest saints within the Church.  He is also respected outside of the Catholic Church as a patron of animals and a paradigm of virtue.  It is of no wonder that this name was not chosen sooner.

Who was St. Francis?

St. Francis is a saint all Certified Christian Counselors should know.  He was a Thirteenth Century Brother who founded the Francsican Order.  His life was dedicated to the service of the poor and emulating Christ.  His life however is far from meditative and solitary but full of stories and adventures.  This great saint traveled to the Far East and dealt with great sultans and stood before past popes as he founded his brotherhood.  In addition to this, many stories circulate with how he dealt with and spoke with animals.  One such story involved a wolf who terrorized a small town and how St. Francis persuaded the wolf to leave the people alone.
Perhaps the most amazing story of St. Francis is the stigmata.  It is said that St. Francis received the wounds of Christ while in a state of deep meditation.  Very few saints possess the stigmata.  These and other astounding miracles all led to his almost immediate canonization only two years after St. Francis’ death.
Pope Francis as a religious of the Jesuit Order has always been concerned about the poor.  This is perhaps why he has always been attracted to the life of St. Francis and why he decided to choose this saint as a patron for his pontificate.
If you are interested in learning more about Christian Counseling courses, then please review the program.
Certified Christian Counselors can receive continuing education in Christian Counseling by taking the core courses.

Mark Moran, MA

Stressful Thoughts to Quit Thinking About

Quit Thinking About These Stressful Thoughts Today!

The article, “9 & 1/2 Things I’m Not Stressing Over Anymore”, by Kate Bratskeir

“As a GPS for the Soul editor — someone who reads, writes, Tweets and preaches about stress management all day — I have my own tools that work when stress rears its repugnant head. I know when it’s time to step away from the computer for a break. I’ve stored an arsenal of positive mantras if I’m ever in need of some uplifting perspective. All good. But this doesn’t mean I don’t stress.”

For the full article please check out this link.

lady pulling on her hair.
Don’t let stressful thoughts get to you.

How times have you allowed these stressful thoughts to create real anxiety and stress in your life?   How many other items can you add to this list?   Hopefully by reading this blog post you now can identify your unneeded stressors and start not thinking about them.
Looking for more stress management tips?   Try visiting our site for the latest ones.

ADHD Medication Adderall Abuse.

bottle of pills
ADHD Medication can do more harm than good if not used properly.

Information on ADHD Medication.

The article, “Neurologists Warn Against ADHD Drugs To Help Kids Study”, by Nancy Shute states

“Adderall and other ADHD medication are among the most prescribed drugs in America.
Quite a few of those pills don’t end up being used to treat ADHD, though. They’re used as “smart drugs” or “study drugs” by students who find the pills give them a mental edge.”

Click here for a full look at the article.

The best choice for ADHD Medication is to not use them unless you must.   Never put your child on mind altering drugs unless it is a last resort.   It is too commonplace these days for a doctor to quickly prescribe some drug to treat any childhood disorder.    They often forget that simple love, a healthy diet, and understanding can go a long way in treating ADHD.
For more on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Counseling, please visit our website.

Grief Sometimes Leaves Little Time For Funeral and Post Death Planning

Planning Ahead Can Help One During Grieving Period After The Death Of A Loved One

We all like to pretend death will not happen to us or a loved one but it is inevitable.  By accepting this and enjoying the time we have, we can better be prepared for when that grieving period does come.  We can also be better prepared for all the financial and social stress that follows in the wake of a lost loved one.

NPR writes about this in the article, ‘From Grief Comes A Mission To Make Estate Planning Less Daunting”
Estate planning may seem like a pain, but imagine the mess you leave to those managing your affairs if you don’t draw up a will or get life insurance.
If you would like to read the entire article, then please click here

If you would like to learn more about grief counseling courses, then please click here
Our Bereavement Counseling Courses cover the basic concepts of grief but also expand into specialty areas of child, Christian and pet loss grief.  If interested in certification, one can take the bereavement counseling courses for certification by completing the four core courses.  After completion of those core courses, qualified professionals can become certified.

AIHCP

Prenatal Drug Abuse

Substance Abuse and Prenatal Damage

The American Association of Pediatrics recently did reviews on the effects of substance abuse on the fetus. Prenatal Drug Abuse is a serious issue.   Many children while still developing are subjected to drugs and illegal substances.   This leads to growth defects, developmental problems and sometimes death.   If you know someone who is pregnant and still using, speak out!   Even if it is cigarettes and alcohol.   You could be saving a young life.    Get out there and help education!

The article, “AAP Reviews Effects of Pre-Natal Substance Abuse On Fetus”, by Behnke M. of Healio states

“Prenatal substance abuse continues to be a problem and poses important health risks to the developing fetus, according to results of a technical report recently published in Pediatrics.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Do you think you could make a difference in an addict’s life?    Maybe you should look into becoming a substance abuse counselors?   By learning about substance abuse you can pass that knowledge along to others suffering from addiction.   Sometimes all someone needs is someone willing to listen.
If you are interested in learning more about substance abuse certifications, please click here

AIHCP

Better States of Mind With mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and Meditation Equal Healthier Life

Mindfulness and meditation play pivotal roles in our overall functioning.

The article, “Mindfulness Linked With Emotional Well Being and Improved Sleep, Study Finds”, “by Carolyn Gregoire states

“Adding to a growing body of research on the health benefits of mindfulness, a recent University of Utah study found that individuals with mindful personality traits exhibit more stable emotional patterns and report feeling more in control of their moods and behaviors.”

To read the entire article, please click here

If you are interested in learning more about meditation or in how to meditate, then please review our site and click here

AIHCP

Health Care Study: Autism and Pollution

nurse with clipboard
A health care study can help us understand the causes of illnesses and diseases.

Health Care Study Links Autism To Pollution

The article, “Study Links Autism With Prenatal Exposure To Traffic Pollution”, by Kathleen Miles states

“Babies exposed to air pollution in the womb are more likely to have autism than those whose mothers spend pregnancy in clean air, according to a new study.”

For the full article click here

If you would like to learn more about continuing health care education then you might want to look at some of the certification programs we offer.

Chronic Stress Causes Health Problems.

business man meditating
A business man dealing with his chronic stress.

Chronic Stress Can Be Bad For Our Health.

The article, “Stress Management: How Chronic Stress Affects Health”, source; Huffington Post

“According to the American Psychological Association’s recent Stress in America survey, the majority of Americans report experiencing higher stress levels than what they believe to be healthy. Equally troubling is the survey’s finding that there is a significant gap between what Americans want from the healthcare system in terms of stress management, and what they’re actually getting.”

For the full article please go here.

Chronic stress does have to rule our lives.   We can learn to live with less.   We can learn to identify our stress triggers.   We can learn to effectively deal with stress.
Do you enjoy studying stress management techniques?   Then you might be interested in viewing our webpage.

Stress Management Tips For Workplace Stress

kids with his thumb pointed down
Workplace stress got you down? Use these stress management tips to combat it.

Stress Management Tips for Dealing with Work

The article, “Stress Is a Women’s Issue: How to Build Resilience and Stay Afloat”, by meQuilibrium stat

“Stress is part of normal life in our culture and few, if any, escape its vice grip of tension, worry, and fatigue. But according to the APA’s “Stress in America” report, women now report higher levels of stress than men, along with the nagging sensation that they’re flat-out underappreciated at the office (not to mention underpaid). “

For the full article please go here.

Stress management tips for the workplace can be so simply once you learn them.   Just by being organized and knowing your role in the workplace you can reduce stress.  An even easier one is to actively schedule yourself time to relax and enjoy life.   Follow these tips and you will start to see a reduction in your stress levels.
If you want to study more about stress management then please follow this link.