humanity
Advocates, icons, influencers, and more. All about humanity.
Project Semicolon Founder Dies At 31
One person can truly make a difference. Amy Bleuel was proof of that. Someone who dealt with mental illness herself, Bleuel wanted to honor her father, who had died of suicide. She chose the semicolon, and what became a tattoo trend has since become a stark reminder that we all have stories that continue.
Christina St-JeanPublished 7 years ago in LongevityWorld Autism Day Sees Widespread Recognition
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental disorder that "affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. More than 3.5 million Americans currently live with ASD, and 1 in 68 children are born with a variation of it, so it’s likely you know, whether or not you’re aware of it, someone on the autism spectrum."
Christina St-JeanPublished 7 years ago in LongevityHonor the Warriors on World Bipolar Day
March 30 is the day upon which those individuals who cope with bouts of extreme depression and mania on a regular basis fight to raise awareness about their condition. On World Bipolar Day, the International Bipolar Foundation hopes that people are learning more about the disorder and how it affects those living with it as well as that individual's family and friends.
Christina St-JeanPublished 7 years ago in LongevitySelective Mutism or Shyness?
Selective mutism is a social anxiety disorder that causes a person normally capable of speech to be unable to speak in certain situations or around certain people. When it was first discovered in 1877, by German doctor, Kussmaul, it was called “Asphasia Voluntaria” and later in 1934 the name was changed to "elective mutism". In 1993, people thought the name gave the impression that people with the disorder were choosing not to speak so it was changed again in 1994 to selective mutism. Selective mutism affects mostly children but if not treated it can continue into adulthood. In most adults, it prevents them from leading normal social lives, getting jobs and makes doing everyday tasks such as grocery shopping difficult. Although it's unknown exactly how many people have it, the
How Parents Can Teach Happiness To Kids
When I learned about the "science of happiness" several years ago at an education conference, it changed my life as a teacher and a father. My understanding of both education and parenthood altered forever. I now feel that we should view childhood as the time when kids acquire and practice the habits that will carry them to happiness and success in school and life. Fortunately, the growing "science of happiness" gives us a road map to follow. Parents don't need to wait and hope that happiness will magically descend from the heavens. Rather, we can teach our kids how to make happiness a more likely outcome.
Mike FerryPublished 7 years ago in LongevityBreak Out Your Crazy Socks! It's World Down Syndrome Day
Those with the chromosomal condition known as Down Syndrome have often been referred to as "angels on Earth," and the hope is that World Down Syndrome Day will raise awareness about the condition and the people who work with those with Down Syndrome.
Christina St-JeanPublished 7 years ago in Longevity6 Ways To Improve Your ER Visit
Last year, I worked as an ER medical scribe and was present for over three thousand patient encounters. I was there for cases with people who had chronic conditions, people who felt ill for a couple days and brought themselves in, and other cases like heart attacks, gun shot wounds, strokes, and car accidents. While the patients were diverse, I noticed that it always helps to have the same things, and you can take steps to help yourself if you ever need an ER visit.
Ellie GuzmanPublished 7 years ago in LongevityHitting the Gym: A Test of Willpower
It’s a constant struggle. The motivation and perseverance needed to go work out after a long day at the office, school, etc. It’s become such a growing part of our society especially with the modern amenities, the number and size of these gyms increasing day by day. As I get older, it’s becoming more and more apart of my weekly routine as my daily opportunities for exercise and fitness are starting to decline due to sheer laziness or the busyness of my schedule.
Dear Buttercup
By and large, since I was sixteen, I’ve gone running at least once a week. I’ve never been a stellar runner—as anyone who has ever known me a hot second will tell you—but I’ve persevered on like the best of the penguins. There have been a few extended exceptions: two surgeries (on the relative minor side I would say), the time I broke my foot the day after I turned thirty, and a couple of lengthy Lupus flares. That last one . . . that is me these days. I haven’t been running in six months, and for the first time since 2009 I haven’t done a long run race (specifically, a half marathon). To take it even farther, I haven’t done an exercise class since last spring . . . yeah.
Annessa BabicPublished 7 years ago in LongevityA Quick Glimpse (in the Mirror)
Wow! I must admit that this has taken me much longer than I anticipated. I've been wondering how I should start my first post. Not sure if I should talk about one of my novels, some of my short stories, my poetry, or if I should just talk about myself (Who I am? What do I like? What's my sign? Blah, blah, blah). For the record, I am terrible with social media and especially blogging. Being the classic introvert that I am, I find it difficult to talk about myself, directly. I honestly don’t think people would believe me anyway.
Rekeaux NytePublished 7 years ago in LongevityThe Silent Victims
I'm not exactly sure what to write, but I think I will use the list of questions on Vocal as a guide until I get the hang of this. The first one is "What do you love in this world?" Well, I have four children, and I love them more than anything. We have definitely been through a lot of hard times to get where we are now, as we escaped from my abusive husband. A lot of people do not understand when you say you "escaped", because most people think it's as simple as just walking out the door and never going back, but there is so much more to it than that.
Juanell HopperPublished 7 years ago in LongevityGuilt, Blame, and Shame
Guilt, blame, and shame have only one genuine purpose and that is to lead us to better choices. They should not be used as weapons in the lives of other adults. We need to use these tools in positive ways, not negative ones. When we feel these emotions, they should spur us into evolution. Once these new modalities have been adopted, these three emotions are totally useless and must be abandoned. The only time they should be used again is if we are tempted to slide back into negative behavior. It is senseless to feel guilt over an activity we have long ago abandoned, beating ourselves up over it. The lesson has already been learned. The behavior has been changed. There is no reason to continue to feel guilty over a past that cannot be changed and from which we have learned to do better. We must abandon the guilt as we no longer have a use for it and allow ourselves to move out of the past and into the present.
Hyapatia LeePublished 7 years ago in Longevity