Peace Movement Update: Mexico

June 2011 Colombia Peace Update | Fellowship of Reconciliation: "June was a remarkable month for Mexico’s emergent Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity, from the caravan that June 4-9 traversed cities in central and northern Mexico that have been devastated by the invasions, battles and abuses of soldiers, police, and organized crime, to the three-hour dialogue between government critics and victims of Mexico’s drug war with President Calderón and members of his cabinet.

The caravan concluded its journey in the border city of Ciudad Juárez, “the epicenter of pain,” poet Javier Sicilia called it, where hundreds of people lined the highway to greet these pilgrims of compassion in an emotional moment. Sicilia has become the central figure in the movement, after his son was murdered in Cuernavaca in late March and he called for public mobilizations against the government’s war.

Some 600 people gathered at the university in Juárez on June 10 to develop a citizens pact, which was organized through nine different sessions that lasted about four hours each. Versions of the sessions’ conclusions were read out under the scorching sun that afternoon, then edited by a smaller group. That evening in the Juárez plaza, hundreds of people lined up to sign the pact even before it was read aloud – the confidence level was that high"

Climate Change Update: Experts not sure climate-change plan heading in right direction

Experts not sure climate-change plan heading in right direction:The Quebec government has won plaudits from environmentalists for its ambitious climate-change plan announced this week. But economists are skeptical about how effective it will be.

Quebec has set aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and it plans to start a cap-and-trade system by 2013 that will allow companies to trade emission credits.

About 100 large industrial emitters will be given free pollution quotas and an overall emissions ceiling will be established. Additional permits would be auctioned off until the ceiling is reached and these credits, or derivatives on them, would be traded on the Montreal Carbon Exchange.

In taking action, the province describes itself as a “pioneer” in North America. But some aren’t so sure it’s the right move.

“I think we could be going way out on a limb on this,” said McGill University economist Chris Green. There’s always the possibility that an energy intensive manufacturing company could shift production to a location with no carbon regulation, he warns.

While stressing that he hasn’t studied Quebec’s proposal in detail, Green said the cap-and-trade system in effect in Europe has had a limited impact on emissions. Any success in reducing greenhouse gas so far was mostly because of other factors.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Experts+sure+climate+change+plan+heading+right+direction/5068517/story.html#ixzzBcYe7AwPp

"Carbon trading lost credibility in Europe because of over-permitting that caused the price to tumble to near zero before recovering some ground.

Green argued that under cap-and-trade, speculative traders could buy up permits and attempt to corner the market, driving up the cost of pollution permits for companies.

A carbon tax would be more transparent and offer fewer opportunities for gaming the system.

It’s true that a carbon tax by itself offers no guarantee that an emissions ceiling will be reached. But the advantage, besides establishing a clear price, is that revenues could be dedicated to developing new technologies that would cut greenhouse gas emissions.

While such revenues could also be raised from auctioning off carbon permits under cap-and-trade, the amounts available to government could be less.

Advocates of cap-and-trade point to the success it had in the U.S. in bringing down sulphur dioxide emissions that caused acid rain."

Climate Change Conference At Washington | TRCB News

Republicans are unsure about the climate change

A Climate Change Conference At Washington | TRCB News: "Last week, the global warming skeptics gathered in Washington for the annual conference about climate change at Heartland Institute. The legislation for climate change has been on back burner for the last three years. The Republican lawmakers now call themselves as skeptics and politically the tide of debate has turned in a favor for them.
According to some political experts, at the forefront of the focus of nation is currently the economy therefore the concerns over the issue of global warming might not carry much weight in elections of the year 2012. In GOP, if candidates want to differentiate themselves from their opponents then another place would be just the climate change.
As shown by the public opinion polls, the Republicans are unsure about the climate change and a trend is reflected among the voters towards skepticism. Also the midterms of the last year demonstrated that the climate change advocates such as Bob Inglis is no more popular within his party."

Climate Change Update: To Stay Competitive, Businesses Urged to Make Climate Resilience a Priority | Reuters

To Stay Competitive, Businesses Urged to Make Climate Resilience a Priority | Reuters: "The Charlotte, N.C.-based power company is in the third and final year of a $1 million effort with the nonprofit Nature Conservancy to slow saltwater intrusion in the Albemarle Peninsula, near the Outer Banks.

By creating oyster reefs and planting 20,000 different kinds of trees in the estuary, the research team aims to ward off rising sea levels and restore the ecosystem's peat-rich soils before the peninsula is submerged in a century.

Heather Quinley, Duke's director of energy and environmental policy, said the project marked the start of the utility's efforts to develop climate preparation plans for the areas it serves.

It has also made the utility one of a growing, but still small, number of companies trying to address adaptation, as global warming shifts agricultural patterns and alters coastlines.

Duke has about 4 million electricity customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana."

STROKE Guide to Survivor and Caregiver

In 2006, I had my 1^st mild stroke. Doctor advised me to slow down, but I didn’t. I was a “workaholic”. I juggle schedule of writing, teaching, assisting in the direction, organizing special events, performing and producing stage plays while maintaining a small home that doubles as a working studio with daily rehearsals from mid- afternoon to late night. The production work was my family. I forgot that a lady should marry and have children. Probably because my 13 adopted cats and kittens as well as teaching kids and the whole complexities of the artistic work fill the need. I’m an artist and an active teacher and promoter of values-formation to the next generation. I love my work. I enjoy the artistic exploration, dressing up, mingling with my co-artists, late night rehearsals, deadlines, pressures, and the most challenging of all is to find the money to keep the production going even the ticket sales are just “break even”. This has been my life for more than a decade. I don’t care if I sleep well or nourish my body. I’m always busy. Everything was not for mere “art sake” but for the “mission” to teach values on environment, arts and culture through my second love, the theater! My happiest moment is when the audience are there and we on stage with my co-actors are ready..... music fades in...… lights on...… curtain opens.... and the script comes to life...... live! on stage! After the play presentation, we make our final vow with the audience applause… We are all happy… We made our part, we celebrate for the success of the production and finally take a good sleep at home… Tomorrow is another working day to start the next production again with same deadlines, tight budget, sleepless nights, insurmountable pressures both in my personal love life and professional life… again and again and again… and again… … And so the 2^nd stroke hit me, really hard, in 2007, half of my body was paralyzed. I was forced to stop working. No one dared to take my responsibility in the theater. Everything ended like a glimpse in the wind.

My body was forced to stop working but my mind did not, and this is the hardest part of it all! I need to do something! I cannot stay in bed forever & be dependent. I decided to use the silence and space to heal myself. Everyday I make it a point to pray and observe the day. Then at night, I wrote in a journal what I’ve learned to heal myself, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I did this daily until I was ready to attend the Mass in the nearby Church.

After one month, to protect my kidney, I resorted to natural healing of eating the food I need to be healed. I eat daily, 1 big fresh pineapple, 2 bananas & 2 heated tomatoes. I did not eat rice but replaced it w/ oatmeal instead. I eat tofu and lots of green leafy vegetables for lunch. At night, I drink hot chocolate w/ non-fat milk to calm my nerves and put me to deep sleep. When I already gain some strength, I prolonged my prayer with yoga exercises until I got used to it and the whole day will pass without depression because the meditative prayer enlightens my mind and detoxify my emotions.

The whole experience made me realized my fault that I exhausted myself too much and God doesn’t like it. He wanted something else for me.

When finally I can stand, literally, by my feet (in 3 inches heels!), sponsors came in and my Journals on Holistic Wellness that was aptly entitled “Innovative Mind & Body” was scheduled on tour to offices, malls and events for a project called Wellness Series on Tour. Thereafter, my career on wellness to achieve peace started. I made new friends, encountered new emotions, healed my traumas and finally learned how to really fall in-love unconditionally…

Alright then so much for the introduction, you may check more on me in my other site: www.innovativemindandbody.blogspot.com for the books and journals. In the meantime, let me share with you the research of medical experts on why stroke survivors sometimes have mood swings, how to understand them and how they need to be understood, because you simply decided to care for them. Why? Because, maybe, you still love them…

Life after Stroke:

Guide to Survivor and Caregiver

Source: http://www.strokekyin.org/LifeAfterStroke.htm

After a stroke, both the stroke survivor and the family often are apprehensive about being on their own at home. Among the common concerns are fears:

· That a stroke might happen again

· That the stroke survivor may be unable to accept the disabilities

· That the survivor might be placed in a nursing home

· That the caregiver may not be prepared to face the responsibility of caring for the stroke survivor

· That friends and family will abandon them

What happens to a Stroke Survivor?

Side effects:

Memory Loss

Some changes in behavior, such as memory loss, can be so subtle the family may not notice them at first. A stroke survivor may be anxious and cautious, needing a reminder to finish a sentence or know what to do next. Some stroke survivors have difficulty with numbers and calculating. Their family will need to learn to keep things in the same place, do things in the same sequence, tell the stroke survivor in advance what is going to happen and possibly take over some responsibilities. Read detailed information about Vascular Dementia, one form of memory loss after stroke. Review new research on possible treatments.

Behavior

The confused or cautious stroke survivor needs an ordered environment. The stroke survivor with poor judgment must be guided when making important decisions. The apathetic stroke survivor, on the other hand, should not live in a world so quiet and simple that there is little to react to. The caregiver needs to be aware of the reasons for the stroke survivor's behavior, without overlooking the fact that he or she may also be depressed.


Depression

Depression is nearly universal among people who have had a stroke. It can be overwhelming, affecting the spirit and confidence of everyone involved. A depressed person may refuse or neglect to take medications, may not be motivated to perform exercises which will improve mobility or may be irritable with others.

The stroke survivor's depression may dampen the family's enthusiasm for helping with recovery or drive away others who want to help. This deprives the stroke survivor of the social contacts which could help dispel depression, and creates a vicious cycle.

It is possible that as time goes by and a stroke survivor's deficits improve, the depression may lift by itself. Family can help by trying to stimulate interest in other people, encouraging leisure activities and providing opportunities to participate in spiritual activities. If necessary, chronic depression can be treated with individual counseling, group therapy or antidepressant drugs.


Emotional Labiality
Sudden laughing or crying for no apparent reason and difficulty controlling emotional responses, known as emotional labiality, affects many stroke survivors. There may be no happiness or sadness involved, and the emotional display will end as quickly as it started.


Neglect

Some stroke survivors neglect the side of their world corresponding to the side of their brain which was injured by the stroke. Those with left-sided neglect do not perceive what is on their left side. For example, the stroke survivor with left-sided neglect may ignore the left side of the face when washing or not eat food on the left side of the plate. If the stroke survivor's head is moved to the left, neglected objects may become apparent. If the plate is turned around, he or she will finish eating the meal.

Communication Problems

If a stroke causes damage to the language center in the brain, there will be language difficulties. Some stroke survivors are unable to understand or speak at all. Others do not make sense when they speak. Some can no longer read or write. Many have difficulty pronouncing words. Communication problems are among the most frightening after-effects of stroke for both the survivor and the family, often requiring professional help.


Daily Task Difficulties

Stroke survivors will find that completing simple tasks around the house which they took for granted before the stroke are now extremely difficult or impossible. Many adaptive devices and techniques have been designed especially for stroke survivors to help them retain their independence and function safely and easily. The home usually can be modified so that narrow doorways, stairs and bathtubs do not interfere with the stroke survivor's ability to care for personal needs.

Helpful bathroom devices include grab bars, a raised toilet seat, a tub bench, a hand-held shower head, no-slip pads, and a long-handled brush, a washing mitt with pockets for soap, soap-on-a-rope, an electric toothbrush and an electric razor.

There are many small electric appliances and kitchen modifications which also make it possible for the stroke survivor to participate in meal preparation.

Dressing and Grooming

Dressing oneself is a basic form of independence. The added value of being neatly and attractively dressed enhances a stroke survivor's self-image. There are many ways to eliminate the difficulties in getting dressed. Stroke survivors should avoid tight-fitting sleeves, armholes, pant legs and waistlines; as well as clothes which must be put on over the head. Clothes should fasten in front. Velcro fasteners should replace buttons, zippers and shoe laces. Devices which can aid in dressing and grooming include a mirror which hangs around the neck, a long-handled shoe horn and a device to help pull on stockings.


Diet, Nutrition and Eating

A low-salt, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help prevent a recurrent stroke. People with high blood pressure should limit the amount of salt they eat. Those with high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries should avoid foods containing high levels of saturated fats (i.e., animal fats). People with diabetes need to follow their doctor's advice on diet. These diet controls can enhance the benefits of the drugs which may have been prescribed for control of a specific condition.

Weight control is also important. Inactive people can easily become overweight from eating more than a sedentary lifestyle requires. Obesity can also make it difficult for someone with a stroke-related disability to move around and exercise.

Some stroke survivors may have a reduced appetite. Ill-fitting dentures or a reduced sense of taste or smell can make food unappealing. The stroke survivor who lives alone might even skip meals because of the effort involved in buying groceries and preparing food. Soft foods and foods with stronger flavors may tempt stroke survivors who are not eating enough. Nutrition programs, such as Meals on Wheels, or hot lunches offered through community centers have been established to serve the elderly and the chronically ill.

Special utensils can help people with physically-impaired arms and hands at the table. These include flatware with built-up handles which are easier to grasp, rocker knives for cutting food with one hand and attachable rings which keep food from being pushed off the plate accidentally.

Stroke survivors who have trouble swallowing need to be observed while eating so that they do not choke on their food. The same is true of those with memory loss who may forget to chew or to swallow. Tougher foods should be cut into small pieces.

Skin Care

Decubitus ulcers (sometimes called bed sores) can be a serious problem for stroke survivors who spend a good deal of time in bed or who use a wheelchair. The sores usually appear on the elbows, buttocks or heels.

To prevent bed sores, caregivers should make sure the stroke survivor does not sit or lie in the same position for long periods of time. Pillows should be used to support the impaired arm or leg. The feet can hang over the end of the mattress so that the heels don't rest on the sheet, or pillows can be put under the knees to prop them so that the soles of the feet rest flat on the bed. Sometimes, a piece of sheepskin placed under the elbows, buttocks or heels can be helpful. Special mattresses or cushions reduce pressure and help prevent decubitus ulcers.


Pain

A stroke survivor may suffer pain for many reasons. The weight of a paralyzed arm can cause pain in the shoulder. Improperly-fitted braces, slings or special shoes can cause discomfort. Often the source of pain can be traced to nerve damage, bed sores or an immobilized joint. Lying or sitting in one position too long causes the body and joints to stiffen and ache.


Sexuality

The quality of a couple's sexual relationship following a stroke differs from couple to couple. Most couples do find that their sexual relationship has changed, but not all find this to be a problem. The closeness that a couple shares before a stroke is the best indicator of how their relationship will evolve after the stroke. It is important to remember that sexual satisfaction, both giving and receiving, can be accomplished in many ways. Whatever is comfortable and acceptable between partners is normal sexual activity.

For further readings, you may check this out:

What is Stroke?

A stroke occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. The symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause. There are two forms of stroke: ischemic - blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic - bleeding into or around the brain.

Is there any treatment?

Generally there are three treatment stages for stroke: prevention, therapy immediately after the stroke, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Therapies to prevent a first or recurrent stroke are based on treating an individual's underlying risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. Acute stroke therapies try to stop a stroke while it is happening by quickly dissolving the blood clot causing an ischemic stroke or by stopping the bleeding of a hemorrhagic stroke. Post-stroke rehabilitation helps individuals overcome disabilities that result from stroke damage. Medication or drug therapy is the most common treatment for stroke. The most popular classes of drugs used to prevent or treat stroke are antithrombotics (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) and thrombolytics.

What is the prognosis?

Although stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. A common disability that results from stroke is complete paralysis on one side of the body, called hemiplegia. A related disability that is not as debilitating as paralysis is one-sided weakness or hemiparesis. Stroke may cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. Stroke survivors often have problems understanding or forming speech. A stroke can lead to emotional problems. Stroke patients may have difficulty controlling their emotions or may express inappropriate emotions. Many stroke patients experience depression. Stroke survivors may also have numbness or strange sensations. The pain is often worse in the hands and feet and is made worse by movement and temperature changes, especially cold temperatures.

Recurrent stroke is frequent; about 25 percent of people who recover from their first stroke will have another stroke within 5 years (if unhealthy lifestyle remains unchecked - ZJJ).

How to Recover from a Stroke

1. Participate in a stroke rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation programs are geared toward helping the stroke patient relearn skills lost due to the stroke. Programs include physical, speech, and occupational therapies so that patients can relearn any necessary movement or communication skills. Many of these programs begin at the hospital and then are continued in another care facility. Getting involved in rehabilitation as early as possible makes a big difference in recovery.

2. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A nutritious diet will help the body regain strength and promote healing. As you recover, you may find it hard to have the energy to cook regularly. Try to plan your meals ahead to make sure you are eating a nutritious diet. Eat the largest meal early in the day to help maintain energy. If you find you are not hungry enough to eat three normal size meals, try making six small meals daily. Ask friends and family to cook healthy meals for you that you can freeze them and eat at your convenience. You can also find programs that bring meals to seniors such as senior centers and "Meals on Wheels."Some stroke survivors will find eating a challenge if they have chewing or swallowing problems or problems holding utensils. For chewing and swallowing problems, you can try cutting food into smaller pieces before eating. Foods can also be blended into a smooth pudding to avoid choking. Special utensils and dishes developed for stroke survivors that feature larger handles, Velcro straps, or plate guards can make eating easier during recovery.

3. Obey the doctor's orders. Take all the prescribed medications and participate fully in the rehabilitation. 4 Set recovery goals. Work with your caregiver early during your recovery and develop a list of goals. The goals can be small or large. A half-smile is just as important as walking a few steps. Goals should include both skill recovery and activities desired after recovery, such as a trip to California. Prioritize the goals. Whenever a goal on the list is achieved, celebrate that victory. Celebrate both small and large victories. The list can be a great motivating tool.

4. Get all the necessary tools to assist your recovery. Besides rehabilitation, you want to make sure you have all that you need for daily activities. Have bathrooms and bedrooms converted to allow for wheelchair access and hand rails. Accept assistance from family, friends, or a cleaning service to keep your home clean and help do laundry. Follow the doctor's orders and use the cane or walker when you are too tired to walk on your own.

5. Accept help when you need assistance. Recovering from a stroke is a difficult emotional and physical journey. You may sometimes feel depressed or frustrated. Always talk to someone when you feel upset or discouraged. Consult a professional if you or your loved one shows signs of clinical depression.

6. Be determined to recover. Recovering lost skills after a stroke will be challenging and may take a while. Even if you must adjust to a permanent impairment, you can still live a full and satisfying life connected to loved ones and friends. Be determined to recover and do the things you enjoy.

7. Keep in touch with family and friends. Lean on the ones you love during this challenging time. They will help you stay determined and positive during recovery. They can lend a hand when you need assistance. Most of them will be happy to help you in any way possible.

8. Keep a positive attitude. Being hopeful and positive will make recovery from a stroke faster and easier. A positive attitude can lessen frustration and make coping with pain endurable. A positive attitude can also make the difference between a full or partial recovery.

Read more: How to Recover From a Stroke | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2337727_recover-from-stroke.html#ixzzBcZACzXt9

General Diet Recommendations for Stroke Survivors:

To maintain circulatory and heart health after a stroke, certain foods are better than others. The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have many benefits for a person who has had a stroke. Not only are they high in fiber, but they also are packed with nutrients that are important for heart health. Five servings daily is the recommended minimum, and the National Stroke Association reports that citrus fruits and broccoli are among the most important stroke-preventing fruits and vegetables. Whole grains are also high on the list due to their fiber content and fortification with vitamins and minerals.

Important Vitamins and Minerals

While nutrition as a whole is important, a few key nutrients are beneficial for prevention of recurrent strokes. These include folic acid, calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, and potassium. Increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables and fortified foods in the post-stroke diet can help. However, the National Stroke Association reports that many people do not get enough folic acid or B vitamins from their diet alone. Increasing certain foods such as lentils, fortified cereals, fish and bananas can help; however, some people may also benefit from taking extra supplements.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has long been considered a heart-healthy eating plan, and can also benefit a person who has had a stroke. The journal "Stroke" reports that in some cases, a Mediterranean diet can reduce a person's stroke risk by as much as 60 percent. This diet tends to include healthy oils, such as olive oil and fish, and fewer foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated animal fats. Richly colored fruits and vegetables are high on the list, such as carrots, grapes and blueberries. Other important parts of the Mediterranean diet are fish, balsamic vinegar and canola oil.

Food Consistency

Sometimes after a stroke, the survivor requires a different food consistency. Many people have more difficulty chewing or swallowing after having a stroke. They may require thicker liquids, softer food and ground up meats. In addition, the Cleveland Clinic reports that some people, even those who can swallow, may benefit from diet consistency changes simply to improve their appetite. They suggest moist foods, as well as adequate liquids. In some cases, eating smaller snacks throughout the day may be easier for a person after a stroke.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/299460-what-food-can-you-eat-after-stroke/#ixzzBcZB4dTMs

Additional Tips:

It's hard enough for a stroke survivor to eat without additional distraction. To help him concentrate on the basic tasks required for eating, follow these simple guidelines:

1) Turn off the TV and reduce background noise.

2) Minimize unnecessary chatter. Don't ask a lot of questions or try to keep a conversation going. If he has a hard time remembering to chew or swallow, you can use simple verbal cues to remind him: "Chew that bite." "Now swallow."

3) Keep place settings simple. Use solid-colored plates and bowls. If you use a placemat, choose a contrasting solid color.

4) Set out only the plates, bowls, and utensils that you'll need for a particular meal.

5) Keep the table free of clutter.

http://www.caring.com/articles/stroke-and-eating