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How we made a loser year end like a winner with trips to Hawaii and Alaska (Part one of three)

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Did you ever have a year that you just couldn’t wait to be DONE?  For me, that was 2016. Despite starting positively, 2016 soon became a record holder. First, our family and close circle of friends experienced the deaths of multiple loved ones.  That alone should be reason to kick the proverbial “ass” of 2016 out the door. But, wait there is more as this was a year in which our world saw chaos beyond measure.  Acts of terrorism, political campaigns that were so toxic it made many want to change citizenship and a “Mother Nature” that seemed to be angry with our world were more than most could handle!

That is when hubby and I said enough was enough! We needed to change the course of negativity that was entrapping us and end the year with some redeeming glimmer of positivity.  There seemed to be very little debate as how to make a loser year end like a winner.  We would simply need to pack our suitcases and GO!

So, we did.

First stop- Oahu

We have been to Hawaii and the island of Oahu before. On this trip I made sure we visited places that weren’t on our prior itineraries and go back to those that we really wanted to give a closer look. Our travels found us at the renowned courthouse and palace followed by Pearl Harbor – just in time for their 75th anniversary celebration. But first, time to eat!

Oahu is very cosmopolitan with much Asian culinary influence and an endless supply of amazing food.  I reveled in the various smells that abounded throughout downtown Waikiki. The fact that you could enjoy a leisurely or formal meal while watching the sunset just makes this place all the more special. Plus, the number of the people trying to snap a photo of the sunset, nearly all in unison, is hysterical.

Note: Don’t miss walking through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and dining in their beachside restaurant.

Watching the sunset from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Watching the sunset from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Surfing is to Hawaii as Skiing is to Colorado

The last times we were in Hawaii we were able to see some awesome surfing. THISimg_8858 time we timed it to be present for the Billabong Surfing tournament.  Sadly, the weather didn’t cooperate, but we did have the opportunity to see some fun surfing pre-event activities.

Don’t miss… One of my favorite places to visit on Oahu is this small artistian area as you drive towards the North/ West coast of the island. There you will find some of the most delicious coffee and candles at the Wailua Sugar Mill. And be sure to check out the candle sculpture.

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Historical Honolulu

The courthouse and Palace also were not to be missed.  If you go to the Honolulu Courthouse be sure to give yourself at least an hour or more. The history of Hawaii is fascinating and worth the time to visit these locations. The display that spotlights events during WWII is very thought provoking. (An excellent educational opportunity  here.)

And, of course don’t leave Oahu without spending at least a few hours at Pearl Harbor. It is a humbling experience and one that makes you realize the enormity of the acts of bravery from our military.

 

When a Jew loves Christmas

Santa and Mrs. Claus resting before Christmas
Santa and Mrs. Claus resting before Christmas

I love Christmas.  We didn’t celebrate Christmas in my home growing up and our family doesn’t even now. But, I do love how Christmas looks and sounds. The music, the decorations and a giant Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Honolulu Community Center.  Yes indeed, this Jew loves Christmas in Hawaii!

On a more poignant note, there were a series of Christmas trees in the display set up by local organizations from throughout the islands.  One that caught my heart was dedicated to organ donors and their recipients.  After taking considerable time to read many of the cards hanging from the tree (see below), I realized that I had nothing to complain about.  Yes, I had a tough year – but so did many other people.  Hawaii made me realize that #SocialGood and compassion triumph most everything else, thus helping heal the wounds of 2016, after all.

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 Next stop (and blog)… Kauai, the land of Old Hawaii (Part 2 of series)

  Last stop (and blog)… Hello Alaska! Seeing the Northern Lights (Part 3 of series, coming soon)

 

 

 

10 gifts that your child will remember long after the holiday is gone.

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Want to have a gift that will keep your child’s interest and make a lasting memory? Here are some ideas that can be used this year and for years to come.

  1. A calendar so that your child can mark off all the days you will be having a regular “date” with them.  Spending one on one time with your child is a gift that will be remembered.  Chronicle the dates by collecting photos or special treasures – such as menu from a restaurant or ticket to a movie. In addition. Most importantly – don’t break the date. “Pinky-Swear!” Your work can wait.

2. Paper bags and markers so they can decorate a special gift for someone else to help them learn that sharing is caring. Teach your child that the holiday is not the ONLY time to give more than you receive. So, make a weekly/ monthly time with your child to do good for others. Such as going to an area where the homeless may frequent and give out sandwiches and hygiene packets (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

dog-571125_12803.Take them to the dollar store for a special trip. But, don’t shop for them but for FIDO, as animals  matter, too. Teach your child the value of being kind to animals by visiting a shelter and dropping off toys and blankets for the animals that are there.  And, if you want to extend the lesson, consider signing up to foster a pet in your home through a reputable pet adoption agency. (PetFinders.com may be able to assist you here).

4. Make an invitation paper and pencil set. Let them have a party – but instead of gifts offer that the guests bring donations for a charitable cause.  There are many kids now who will opt for a “party with a cause” when it comes to holiday or birthday celebration.  Some ask for items to be donated to hospitals or other organizations, such as Toys for Tots.

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5. A Camera.  Create a memory book so that these magical moments are not forgotten.  And, if you want to be “So 2017” allow them to use a video camera on your phone, perhaps. (Note: there are some very reasonably priced apps that can edit both video and photos.)

pancake-767567_6406. Kid friendly kitchen gadgets for weekly family dinners – sans electronics.  Want to give your child a gift that will be memorable? TURN OFF YOUR PHONES and COMPUTERS.  Unplug.  COOK dinner in your home and serve dessert, too! Play board games after dinner. Invite a friend of your child to make it extra special.  When done.. make a plan a do it again!

7. All the things you need for backyard camping – including the telescope! Take learning outdoors and let your kids learn from experience that is “not forced”.

8. A library card. Why restrict reading, music and movie viewing to what you can afford from a store or online website, when there are thousands of FREE books, videos and music available at a L-I-B-R-A-R-Y!

9. Give them a grandparent hug. Time with grandparents, aunts/ uncles, cousins and other people who are important in the lives of your child can be the best of gifts! Remember the idea of making a memory with a video or camera. Including loved ones is a good idea, too!

10. A staycation.  Plan a weekend of fun and (often) cheap/free activities with your child.  Museums are an excellent place to spend time. Hikes and bike ride through your locale, too! And, for those quieter times, open up the arts and craft supplies you gave your child create fun cards and smiles.

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Reflections and Lessons: #NeverForget is the hashtag – but have we?

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I write this with a heart that is still so heavy with sadness for those who have lost their loved ones as a result of the terrorist acts on September 11th.  Yet, I wonder if others are thinking of today more as “football Sunday” vs. a day of remembrance?    Have we forgotten about how we all promised to “come together”, “help each other” and #NeverForget the lessons of September 11, 2001?

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photo credit: L. Sattler

I  hope not.

As the collateral damage still unfolds as those continue to die – even indirectly.  We forget that many brave people (and animals) risked their lives trying to help others.  Our First Responders worked tirelessly to help find survivors.  Many of those are suffering from Post -traumatic stress disorder and ill health – even 15 years later.

And, directly due to 9/11 we lost scores of brave men and women in combat.  Lives forever gone and families forever heartbroken.

Related read about increased risk of cancer among 9/11 First Responders and other impacts  (Huffington Post)

Also, as an oddity to many we have hit a juncture where there are now college aged people who have only a “faint memory” of the events  that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Their only recollection are the stories passed down to them from those who “remember when…” or memories of media images they saw when young.   Some are even saying that 9/11 is now more “historical” than “relevant” news.

 How can the events of September 11th be “historical” when for many it still feels like yesterday?

And ….

… there is another observation I have made and feel compelled to write about – one that hits me in the pit of my stomach.  We are making making of the same mistakes – again! We have not learned the lessons of our ancestors or even one generation ago.  We are in a place that may be all too familiar for those who experienced the Holocaust or Cold War.  Our educational curve is going downward  instead of upward when it comes to learning from the past about how minds can be “twisted” during times of economic and emotional turmoil.  Adolph Hitler banked on people wanting – needing – more and different. He placed blame on niche groups.  This scenario is happening again- NOW – like a Greek tragedy only with different people at the helm.

Related: A comparison of the Holocaust and 9/11   (ChicagoNow.com)

Sadly, many are forgetting.  We aren’t living up to the pledges and promises we made on the days, weeks and months following Sept 11th.  In social media “hashtag” terms  our ability to honor the fallen and learn from the past may seem like we will #NeverForget but in many ways the reality is we are leaning towards an #EpicFail, as too many are still suffering and we are not as cohesive a nation or world as we once had promised, had hoped.

In my humble opinion, we must honor all who lost their lives and those we still grieve as a result of September 11th by being POSITIVE agents of change. So please, make a difference so that our children and children’s children have half a chance to live a  life in the land of free  because we remember the brave.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: L. Sattler

Retro Bill – Teaching character, safety and acceptance to school children and organizations

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I first met Bill Russo, aka Retro Bill, at a movie premiere that spotlighted the impact family and school emotional abuse and bullying have on an entire town.  The movie, White Rabbit, seemed to truly resonate with Retro Bill on more than a professional level.  After reading and learning more about him, I realized that his background perhaps was similar to that of many, many people.  So, without further adieu I share you my interview with actor, spokesperson, speaker and now my friend, Retro Bill!

Q1:  Hi Bill – Been almost two years or so since we met via a mutual friend,  tell me are you native to California?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Boy Scouts, a Tree Fort, Cornfield Mazes, Little League Games and then many trips to the BIG CITY – Chicago! 
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Q2:  How would you describe your experience as a student?  What were your challenges? What did you enjoy about learning or school?
  In some respects, school was GREAT! In other respects…TRAMATIC. I seemed to get bullied a lot:  “You’re TOO nice! You’re a WIMP!  You’re too skinny! You have buck teeth! You have pimples that look like Volcanoes.” I did my best to let the put downs roll off my back (“Like Water on a Duck” my Grandma said).  I always had a soft spot in my heart for the other Boys and Girls being bullied, and I would talk to them (Cheer ’em up) and or just let them know “You’re Special Just the Way You Are” (very Billy Joel) and “You’ve got a Friend in Me” (very Toy Story).

 

Watch clips of Retro Bill

WATCH RETRO BILL MEDIA CLIPS

 

Q3: You are gaining quite a reputation for bringing educationally sound programs against bullying to schools and other organizations. Tell us more!

 

I have had the HONOR of being the International D.A.R.E. Program’s “Safety & Self-Esteem Buddy” for 20 years.  This PRIVILEGE has given me the chance to work with Police Officers throughout North America.  I have delivered my Motivational Good Character based/Anti-Bullying/Healthy Life Choices Presentations to Elementary, Middle and High School Students in all 50 States, and throughout all of the Provinces of Canada. Which has put me currently in a position of being one of the most in-demand.  Motivational Speakers for Youth (K-12th Grade) in North America.  And, my friend Leeza Gibbons has Publicly declared on national television that she feels, “Retro Bill is primed to be the 21st Century’s Mr. Rogers!” An HONOR to be sure!

Q4: Where would you like to be with these programs in one year, 2, 5?
I have such a HUGE FAN BASE!  And I’ve been doing this so long, my FANS are ow at an age
where THEY’RE HAVING KIDS!  I am ready (and the demand is high) for more DVDS, 
a National Television Show (maybe as a Host dealing with issues Kids K-12th Grade are
dealing with…  Sort of a Dr. Drew for Kids!) I also see a SeriusXM Radio show in the
future that would play “Retro” (50’s, 60s, 70s and 80’s music) in between Interviews and
my providing Advice and Motivation.  It would be loads of fun to tie-in some of the music
with the advice… EXAMPLE: Let’s say I answer a call or email that asks, “Why does my
Mom ask SO MANY questions!?  Why won’t she let me go to a party that is unSupervised
by adults.  Does she not trust me!?”  My advice (pro-Mom of course) would then lead
to, “She LOVES You!” And, cue the Beatles “She Loves You!  Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”
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Q6:  How can we help?
Putting the word out!  Schedule RETRO BILL for assemblies at your schools!
Rural. Urban. Public. Private. Christian Schools. Catholic Schools. Jewish Synagogues
(for Children’s Studies), Charter Schools, Kindergarten through 12th Grade… I have 
Messages for ALL Ages!  And my Messages RESONATE and make a POSITIVE 
IMPACT! Additionally, I am primed and ready for a “Hollywood Agent” who can
help me capitalize on ALL that I’ve done and built! I have over 100 Letters of
Recommendation on my website from Teachers, Principals, Superintendents,
Government Dignitaries and News Agencies touting my appeal and connection
with my fan base. I’ve got two Award-Winning Children’s dvds already successfully
in the market place.  I have a media reel (viewable at my website) with Celebrities
and News Agencies across America singing “Retro Bill’s” praises! I just need
that “contact” that can put Retro Bill in mee
tings with Media Decision Makers!
I’ve spent 20 years of my Life doing the leg-work to build the Brand (including
over 37,000 Likes on Facebook). 
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Q7:  Must ask –  If you could design your “favorite kind of day” it would be….?
Waking up to sunshine.  Being able to get out of bed of my own ability.
A fresh cup of coffee. Tasty breakfast. Perfectly blown dry pompadour.
At least ONE Retro Bill Show in the day, connecting with Kids and hearing
from them that I “Made a Positive Difference!”  The day would end in casual
clothes, hair spray and gel washed out (ala, “hair down”), a walk on the beach
as the sun sets… A quiet dinner with friends. A quick soak in the jacuzzi
and fall asleep by a crackling fireplace while listening to easy listening
jazz and sufring the web via my laptop. AMEN.
Retro Bill and Louise at SPAGO Beverly Hills
Retro Bill and Louise
Q8:  Social media – Your favorite platform and why?
So far, one of my FAV Social Media platforms is Facebook (as I’ve got over 37,000
Likes and it’s kind of cool to be “Verified!”)  I didn’t even start my Facebook Fan Page
until a few years after Facebook had been on-line.  For a while I refused to have Facebook
or Twitter because I wanted my young Fans to know they didn’t need to be involved with
Social Media to be Cool or have their Own unique identity.  POPULAR and HIGH
DEMAND from my Fans (AND their Parents) finally inspired me to post a Twitter
and Facebook page. I also love Twitter (although I got my Twitter page up years
after Twitter had been around, and so, I’ve been behind the curve on Twitter as
far as Followers are concerned. Having said that, I LOVE TWITTER (as in a quick 
glance I can easily check what’s going on with the People, Places and Things I’m 
interested in…or FOLLOWING.  
Q9: What ELSE do you want yor audience to know?

It’s probably no surprise to many that (unfortunately) many States, Cities, Schools,
Law Enforcement Agencies, etc are hurting financially.  I mention this because
over the last year (in particular) I have daily received emails or calls from 
Law Enforcement Officers, Principals, PTA Presidents, Teachers, etc who say,
“RETRO BILL our Kids LOVE YOU!  YOU are their FAVORITE Speaker! UNfortunately
we don’t have ANY funds to bring you back this year to speak to our Kids.”
EVERY SINGLE call or email stating this breaks my heart : ( So, I would
ask your Audience to consider helping me find an Angel Investor, Corporate
Sponsors, and (as previously mentioned) Hollywood Representation to help
me keep “RETRO BILL out there making a Retro-riffic Positive Impact!”

Here is Retro Bill’s “About Me” – How clever is this introduction! To meet and greet this amazing edu-tainer in person and even better to bring him to your organization – click here! 

 

 is revolutionizing children’s edutainment  and motivational speaking for the restaurant  lodging  and airline  industries!  Retro Billhas put fun into safety, self-esteem and character counts education for  Kindergarten through 12th graders for the past 13 years, and he is also highly in-demand for his  customer service/hospitality presentations for working adults.  Retro Bill is on the road 300 days a year and is seen live by over 1 MILLION  American and  Canadian fans annually!

 

 

In closing, it would be my hope that Retro Bill gets to fulfill his dreams all while helping to keep your kids safe, organizations and  school educated and continue to sprinkle #SocialGood wherever he goes!

Thanks my friend!

 

A photo tour of Fallingwater

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Not too far from Pittsburgh or the West Virginia border in a little town called Mill Run, Pennsylvania sits one of the most unique architectural treasures in the United States – Fallingwater.  This one – of – a  kind  home was built in 1935 by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufman family as their second home.

During a recent family reunion we all trekked to see Fallingwater – up close and personal.  It is off the beaten path – but no too far off.  The walk is fairly easy and well worth it, even during damp and rainy weather – as we saw it.

Be prepared when visiting Fallingwater.  No backpacks or large purses allowed. Photos are ONLY allowed outside unless you book the photojournalist tour. (Sadly, I missed that memo.)  However, I didn’t feel too cheated as the exterior of the home presents like a photo bonanza.

1- You are met by many signs reminding you of where you are. This is a historical site and was donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to be opened as a museum in 1963.  (The Kaufman family should receive major kudos for this!) 

 

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2. Walking to and from the home is a lovely hike. The trail is paved. Bring bug spray – just say’in.

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3. The waters flow beneath the home – yes I said BENEATH the home.  Windows of varying types can be opened to allow for natural air flow.  In the living room you can literally open a window and “fish” for dinner!  The rock formations are integrated in to the building of the home.  Walls are actually rock formations.  The furniture is largely “built in” and all has the classic Frank Llyod Wright signature.  

4.When you first see the home you notice there are three levels.  What you don’t see is that there is a separate guest residence in the back. This home was estimated to have cost in 1930’s economic times $25,000 ,but ,after the total project was completed in 1941 it racked up a final cost of $155,000!  On a positive note, many people who were unemployed due to the aftermath of the great depression and other economic downturns were given work. 

 

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5. When the formal tour is completed you are offered the opportunity to walk about the property on the hiking trails. 

 

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6. Using my i-phone 6 I snapped a set of photos from a different vantage point. I used different filters. Not sure which is my favorite,

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7. And, just when you think you have seen all the little treasures at Fallingwater you spot a bird nest nestled between the rocks of the home. 

 

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Want to learn more about Fallingwater or schedule a tour? Tickets and more info are available at this link:  Fallingwater.org

I will leave you with a last look at the stream that brings Fallingwater to life!

 

These Sign Language Lessons are FREE

Published on by LouiseSattler

This year – start your BACK to SCHOOL planning with FREE Sign Language Programming from SIGNING FAMILIES!

Am I kidding? Free lesson plans??

This year I have decided to offer via my educational platform – SIGNING FAMILIES –  a FREE series of beginner sign language classes. These classes will be “subscription only” but FREE to all who register.

The intended audiences are as follows:

  • Preschool teachers
  • Classroom teachers
  • Home Educators
  • Special Needs Support Staff (such as behavioral specialists)

Nv16eMsdgxb9eEi9JDGuLq2gpx3wQsShaWjMV3qpJ84What to expect:

Each lesson starts with target vocabulary by age.  Preschoolers will get simple words to learn while older students will be instructed to more enriched vocabulary, the alphabet, numbers and grammatical concepts.

 

 

For all students discussions about Deafness is encouraged. Resources are offered.

How to present the material, videos, downloadable photos and images and creative ideas to practice – all are part of the lesson plans.

Lastly, an opportunity to exchange ideas by asking questions will be a feature!

How to access the program?

Simply subscribe to the EDUCATORS LESSON PLAN/ SIGNING FAMILIES NEWSLETTER here:  CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO FREE LESSON PLANS FOR TEACHING SIGN LANGUAGE

Once you subscribe the access codes to the lessons, as they become available, will be emailed to you.

There is no “hidden agenda” to this offer. Simply to educate more people about sign language.

I have seen so many positive outcomes when people know sign language – even the basics.  If you like the idea, but don’t want or need lesson plans for sign language instruction – please consider sharing this information.  Who knows?! – An educator may happen upon your post and love the idea!

Questions? Please use this contact form to ask any questions! 

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Thank you for your response. ✨

I will not sell my list of subscribers to any company. Your info is kept private!

 

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Dear Media, his name is PRESIDENT Obama –

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Dear Media,

I have started (and stopped) this letter to you a number of times. It is a note to remind some (many) of you that the person who holds the highest office in the United States is a PRESIDENT.  Currently, that means that our 44th President is President Obama, not MR. Obama or even Barak Obama.

Why am I such a “stickler” for such formalities?  You see, it is hard enough to be an educator and parent these days. We spend a lot of time in our classrooms and homes discussing issues of respect and the value of being positive in a world that often makes it difficult.  Therefore, in my humble opinion, when we refer to our President as “Mr.” we are showing a sense of disrespect. Kids see and learn from adults, especially by means of the media. And, when there is a demonstration among adults to not show respect then our kids may not either.  I believe that President Obama (and every person who holds the office of President) has earned the right to this “official title” and our respect.  We owe it to our youth who look to us to model positive decorum.

What happens when a President leaves office?  Is he/she still entitled to be called, President?  Well, there are those who believe this person can maintain the title with “former” before it.  Others believe differently.  Robert Hickey from the Protocol School of Washington, wrote the following on the matter  in reference to former President Clinton and even addressed the question on how to address him if his wife is elected President and he becomes known as perhaps – “First Gentleman”?

“While it is common practice in the media and elsewhere to address and identify former presidents as ‘President (Name),’ this is a mistake,” said Hickey. “Serving as President of the United States does not grant one the personal rank of ‘President’ for life. The office of President is a one-person-at-a-time role that a specific individual holds and then hands off to the next person.”

If you go to his article you will find that several people asked many other specific questions and there were even a few who disagreed with his rationale.

I, for one, needed a bit more convincing as I always thought that former state and national officials were able to keep their titles. So, I continued my quest for knowledge by checking out an entry via Emily Post! This is what she had to say on the subject:

When addressing a former President of the United States in a formal setting, the correct form is “Mr. LastName.” (“President LastName” or “Mr. President” are terms reserved for the current head of state.) This is true for other ex-officials, as well.

When talking about the person to a third party, on the other hand, it’s appropriate to say, “former President LastName.” This holds for introductions, as well: A current state governor is introduced as “Governor Tom Smith,” while you’d introduce an ex-governor as “former Governor Jim Bell.”

Related: The list of former Presidents of the United States from the Library of Congres

In closing, “Dear Media”… please remember the Commander of Chief has a name while in office, and it starts with PRESIDENT ___________.

Thank you!

~Louise Sattler

Vector illustration - one man in the crowd with the opinion

The Language of Laughter – An Interview with the film’s director, Reilly Dowd

Published on by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

This is Part 2 of a blog I recently penned about a heartwarming and enlightening film that spotlights the Syrian refugee crisis and those who are attempting to bring humor and humanity to the refugee camps – The Language of Laughter.  Read the prior blog here.

 

Ouch my aching back!

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Have you ever reached for an object and then exclaimed “Oh No!” because your back immediately went in to spasm?

Have you ever sneezed and then spent the rest of your day trying to get relief from the intense pain that one little “ahh-choo” caused you? 

Have you ever gardened, indulged in some home repair task, picked up a baby, or flinched and had what seemed like an ordinary action result in incapacitating pain? The kind where you crawl in to a chair or can’t seem to do the simplest of activities.

If you said YES to one or more of the above – welcome to the club!

The OMG – I have back pain club!

FAQs

There are some interesting facts associated with back pain. A few may even surprise you.

  •  Back pain is a major reason why people miss work
  •  Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide
  •  Over 50 BILLION dollars are spent on remedies (including medications) to alleviate back pain
  • Experts estimate that 8 out of 10 adults will experience back pain some time in their lifetime.
  • Back pain is a major reason for people to seek a doctor appointment

Related: Time Magazine even compiled their own informational list. 

I have spent the better part of 30 years combatting on- off – on and off again back pain.  Mine, most likely, was the result of years doing gymnastics. I spent a good part of my youth flying through the air and trying to “stick a landing”.  Only one problem. I was not a good gymnast! My “training” consisted of access to rudimentary equipment and a lot of hand springs on the lawn.

So, in my 20’s I started to experience occasional back pain. I am no doctor (despite what my Mom wished), but, I do know that I have tried a lot of traditional and non-traditional remedies to alleviate my back pain.

Not every person has the same symptoms.
Dull aches are common. So, can be acute pain and discomfort due to sciatica involvement.  

I did some research on the most common and popular treatments for helping back pain suffers (acute and chronic).  Below I compiled a list of sources that  I found to be of interest and with educational value.  Remember that each person reading this blog has a different set of circumstances when it comes to their own health.  So first and foremost, you need to check to be sure that your back pain is indeed your back and not because of some other condition.

Do your due diligence with your own research. Consider the resource links below a starting point for an education about back issues.

WebMD: A lot of user – friendly information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and even quizzes.  This medical website is a  perennial favorite for all kinds of health related information.

Mayo Clinic: Rumor on the street has it that this medical center “knows their stuff” when it comes to orthopedics, including ailments of the spine. Their information is very useful and I found it often encouraging.

Related 6 symptoms you should never ignore.

Chiropractors are very often called upon to help prevent and ameliorate back pain. I have used chiropractics and they were a great source of comfort when I was pregnant. Highly recommend reading up more about this type of therapy.

Physical Therapy  (who are now being educated at the doctoral level) can provide immense back pain relief.  I am in the midst of PT right now – and must say Kathy Fox,  my therapist, is an angel.  I am NOT an easy patient.  But she has given me many techniques to use and they have been very effective.

One strategy is SIMPLE.  When I twist and turn myself in a way that creates a spasm in my lower back I just remember to follow the SIMPLE  guidelines to get me “untwisted”. 

 STRETCH (ask a medical / therapeutic professional for an appropriate set of stretches that will aid your condition) – ICE – MEDICATIONS (when prescribed) – PT – LAY DOWN – EASE YOUR MIND (I have recently been doing guided imagery.  Helps even my ADHD to focus on pain control techniques.)

Last but not least on my list … Acupuncture. I must admit I was leery of being subjected to Eastern medicine techniques. Guess what? It works! Or at least did for me!  If you  live in Los Angeles and are in search of an A+ acupuncturist be sure to look up  Jean Morris.  

 Related: reasons why acupuncture helps many back pain patients.

I sympathize with any one who has suffered chronic pain. If you are experiencing mental health issues due to pain, perhaps depression, please seek professional help.  No one should go through agony alone. Sending healing vibes to those in pain – back or otherwise.

~ Louise

BACK PAIN RESOURCES: Connect here