 As a parent, you play a key role in your child’s ability to succeed in school. By promoting and celebrating academic achievement, you are helping your child form positive attitudes that will go a long way to help their future. We recognize that while most parents want to help their children do well in school, some feel unsure as to how they can help. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your child is getting the most out of their education. Get To Know Your Child’s TeachersJust before school starts, your child's school will host an open house. Attending this event will help both you and your child get to know their future teachers. Knowing your child’s educators is crucial to their success. Building a parent teacher relationship will facilitate your ability to ask questions in the future. At this first meeting, you will be able to discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses. By making the teacher aware, they will be able to pay specific attention to your child's needs. The teacher will be able to monitor progress as it relates to your concerns, and share the information at parent teacher conferences. Having a good relationship with your child’s teachers will also make scheduling meetings easier. If you feel the need to discuss your child's performance, you will already have a direct line of contact. By attending open houses and and parent teacher conferences, you will also be better equipped to stay informed on upcoming events. Often, at these events, flyers will be handed out to discuss PTA meetings, and general scholastic resources. Opening the line of discourse between parent and teacher will ensure that you stay in the know. Get InvolvedOn a similar note, make sure to be involved throughout the year as well. Students who have parents involved in their school are less likely to exhibit behavioral and academic problems in the classroom. Perhaps your child’s teacher would like some help in the classroom. This is an amazing opportunity for you. Not only do you get to learn teaching tactics directly from the source, you also get a front row seat to watching your child interact with the classroom and the information presented. If your child is experiencing any challenges, you will get a front row seat. You can then use that information to ask the teacher how to help your child perform. Foster a Positive Learning EnvironmentAnother way to get your child excited for success in school, is to create a positive school centric home life. By letting your child know that homework comes before play, you are preparing them for success in both school and beyond. Make sure that your home has a nice, comfortable, well lit environment so that your child can easily do their homework. Also, take the time to do homework with your child. Allow them to ask you questions, and give them serious answers. By taking your child’s homework expectations seriously, they will learn to do the same. Take Attendance SeriouslyIn addition to taking homework seriously, you, as a parent should take attendance seriously as well. If your child isn’t at school, They will have a much more difficult time learning the material and keeping up with the rest of the class. Helping your child get up on time and providing them with a balanced breakfast will give them the energy to focus throughout the day. When your child is able to focus on the material presented, they are much more likely to understand the day’s content, and by extension, earn higher letter grades. Teach Study SkillsIf you teach your child good study skills, they will thank you later. A student can study for hours on end, but if they aren't studying correctly, there is no hope of succeeding. As a parent who has been through the school system teach your child some tricks that helped your conquer your classes. This will enhance your child's ability to excel, and act as a bonding experience between the two of you. If you are unsure where to start, ask your child’s teacher for some study tips that might be beneficial. Ask QuestionsBy asking your child questions about their day at school, you are demonstrating that school is important. In essence, you are saying that school is a topic worth discussing. This will help in one of two ways: 1. You will be able to further encourage behaviors that lead to success, or 2. You will be able to see where your child is struggling, and figure out the best way to help them get back on track. Regardless, asking questions shows your child that you are interested in their day and want to watch them do well.
As a parent, the more involved you are with your child's schooling, the more control you will have over their continued academic success. If you have more questions on positive involvement in your child’s education contact Dr.Syras Derksen, today.
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 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2029, the last of the Baby Boomer Generation will have reached age 65. This means that in a mere 11 years, 20% of the United States population will have reached the retirement age --and these statistic are only accounting for the U.S.! Let’s face it, our population is aging and we need to be ready for the challenges that are to come. As George R. R. Martin once said, “Knowledge is a weapon arm yourself well for battle.” The more we learn about potential mental health issues now, the better prepared we will be in the future. DepressionStatistics show that 20% of older adults and 37% of adults living in nursing homes suffer from depression. If that isn’t bad enough, in this age group the symptoms are often overlooked. You may be wondering how symptoms of such a serious disease could go unnoticed. Unfortunately they are often attributed to other events that will inevitably occur when a person reaches this age bracket i.e. loss of a loved ones and coping with bodily changes. If you are currently entering senescence, remember that you are not alone. In fact, you belong to a fairly large world demographic. One of the best things you can do to prevent depression is create bonds with those who are dealing with the same issues. Building a good support system will do wonders for your mental health and overall outlook on life. Keeping friends and family close will remind you of all the good in the world. One study said that at 20% older Americans have the highest suicide rate among any age group. Remember that suicide is never the answer. If you develop depression that leads to suicidal thoughts, please visit your doctor immediately. Additionally, you should try to find a hobby that brings you joy. Whether it’s painting, playing and instrument, or even writing blog articles, find your passion. When you become passionate about a specific endeavor, it can very quickly become an excellent reason to get up in the morning. Substance AbuseAfter looking at the statistics, it is apparent that our society is in great need of efficient treatments for older patients dealing with substance abuse. An estimated 17% of older adults misuse and abuse alcohol and medications. This estimate doesn’t even include the number of seniors who are at risk for this type of behavior. We here at Oakville encourage you to see your physician regularly. Only a licensed professional can tell you provide you with the help and treatment necessary to stay healthy, clear headed, and away from potentially harmful substances. Remember, as you get older, you will much likely need to be placed on various medications. Always take them as directed. Failure to do so can lead down a dark path that does not have a happy ending for you or your family. AnxietyAnxiety is another mental health problem that tends to be overlooked. Because this disorder can present itself with a multitude of different symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose. According to a study on mental health issues in the elderly, 9% of those age 95 and above, who do not experience dementia, have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Seniors should make themselves aware of these statistics so that they can try to prevent adding themselves to these ranks. Although anxiety can be difficult to prevent, there are a few methods that seniors can do to keep this disorder at bay. For example, seniors should keep their lives as stress free as possible. By eliminating stress, seniors will be more likely to stay relaxed and prevent anxiety from clouding their judgement. Alzheimer's Disease and DementiaThe last of these four disorders is by far the most difficult to deal with. Alzheimer's Disease currently affects 12 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to increase to more than 22 million people by 2025. The number of people dealing with this terrible disease is rapidly increasing and causing heartbreak to many families around the globe. If you are unaware Alzheimer's Disease is the disorder that causes dementia, otherwise known as the irreversible deterioration of intellectual ability. Although scientists have developed means of detecting it early, there is still no known cure for this disease. As a senior, you must visit your physician often! Early diagnosis of this disease is of the utmost importance. When detected early, your doctors can drastically slow the course of this disease, giving you more years to spend with the ones you love.
Guarding yourself against mental health disorders is vital to living a long, productive life.
 Death is an inevitable part of the human experience, but it is a topic that causes a lot of panic and trepidation. Since the beginning of time, people have thought, written, and spoken about their thoughts and fears surrounding death and the after life. If you are afraid of dying and the mystery of death, you are not alone. Over 20% of Americans are afraid of dying, and there are many people worldwide wrestling with their feelings of dread and helplessness regarding death. Some people are afraid that they will die without accomplishing all they set out to achieve in life. Other people are afraid of pain, lack of control, or eternal punishment. If you find yourself constantly thinking about and worrying about your death, it can start to negatively influence your ability to live your life well. Here are a few ways to help yourself overcome your fear of death so that you can enjoy your life: Practice Self-AwarenessWhen you begin to experience anxiety and fear surrounding death, practice self-awareness. Take some time to write down the specific concerns you have and the thoughts going through your head. When you are able to pinpoint exactly what is causing you distress, you will be better equipped to address the problem. Know what aspects of death are making you afraid so that you can challenge your worries and know how to communicate these fears with a therapist or people in your emotional support circle if necessary. Live Life to the FullestWhile death is inevitable and uncontrollable, you can help yourself overcome your fear of death by focusing on what you can control: your life. Make it a goal to try and celebrate and enjoy life every day. Spend time with the people that you care about. Try new things and seek out new experiences. Practice positive activities that will help you feel good about life. Chase your dreams. Sometimes when people fear death, they are actually afraid that they will die without having lived life the way they wanted. Take control of your life by doing everything in your power to make yourself feel like you have lived each day to the fullest. Accept that Death is NaturalWhile death can be a frightening concept to wrap your head around, take comfort in the fact that it is natural, and that ever other person in existence will eventually have to go through this experience, too. You are not alone. Recognize that you will go through the cycle of life just like everyone else, and while you do not get a say in your beginning or your end, you can take advantage of and seek to enjoy everything that comes in between. When you accept that death is natural, and you are grateful for having the opportunity to experience a full life, it will be easier for you to face the prospect of death with grace and peace of mind. Read About DeathIf your fear surrounding death is the fear of the unknown, know that you are in good company. Countless philosophers, religious leaders, and writers have spent considerable amounts of time thinking and writing about death. Take some time to read texts about death. You might find it comforting to know that people throughout time have asked the same questions and felt the same fears about death that you have. Read about how they handled their questions and fears, and see if you can learn anything that might help put you at ease. Share Your FearsFind someone who you knows cares about you, and talk to them about your fears and misgivings about death. A fresh perspective from a member of your emotional support system might help you challenge your worries about death, or at least provide you with some level of comfort. If needed, speak with a therapist about your concerns. A professional will be able to listen to your worries and give you coping strategies so that your fear does not become overwhelming. Take Care of YourselfIf you are worried about dying, make sure to avoid actions that put yourself at an increased risk of death. Quit smoking or other behaviors that have been shown to lead to an earlier death. Exercise regularly to help prevent obesity, heart attacks, and other health conditions that might shorten your life. Consider what simple actions, like wearing a seatbelt when you are in a vehicle or a helmet when you are on a motorcycle, you can take to help prolong your life. Take care of your body so that you play your role in helping yourself live as long as possible. Make PreparationsYou might be less fearful about death if you have a plan in place for after you die. Ensure that your family members will not have to worry about how to function when you are no longer with them. Decide on burial arrangements, organ donation, and any property or financial concerns before you pass away so that you and your family can have some peace of mind.
 Anxiety: A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a real or imagined impending threat. At some point in their life, most everyone experiences some form of anxiety. For some unlucky individuals, panic attacks are a common occurrence. When an attack arises, everything stops, and irrational feelings are heightened. Because there is no cure for anxiety, we must focus on treatment. If you can challenge your anxious feelings head on, you will be much more likely to lessen the impact of a full blown panic attack. In this article, we will be discussing several methods to take control of your emotions and make your anxiety more bearable. Understand What is HappeningThe first step to controlling your anxiety is understanding why your mind and body are acting in a particular way. Symptoms of a panic attack can present themselves in many forms, some of which include: nausea, inability to calm down, dizziness, and a racing heart. Your situation will vary. One thing these symptoms all have in common is that they are a response to stress. You see, when the body is stressed, it releases a particular set of hormones. These hormones then travel to all parts of the body and trigger a specific response. For example, when these hormones reach your brain, you are likely to have negative psychological implications. By keeping yourself informed, you will gain the ability to rationalize your symptoms. Instead of thinking, “ah, I’m so anxious, why does my stomach hurt, will this ever end” You will be able to realize the source of your pain is a simple stress hormone. This rational realization provides a light at the end of the tunnel. Distract YourselfAs you calmly sit and read this article, distracting yourself from your anxiety seems like an obvious way to prevent a panic attack. The problem is that, in the heat of the moment, we lack the ability to think clearly. My advice to you is to prepare yourself for the future. At this calm rational moment in time, decide what you will do. Creating a plan of action will help you to remain calm. Some people have a designated friend that they call, while others focus on counting. Whatever you decide will be fine as long as it keeps you from focusing on your problematic stress. Keep Stress in CheckSpeaking of stress, remember the importance of taking time for yourself. (And yes, that is easier said than done, but it’s worth it.) If more stress is placed on your body, more stress hormones will be released. Because of this, persistent stress can cause panic attacks to be more severe than usual. In fact, long term stress is the number one cause of involuntary anxiety attacks across the planet Whether you prefer to drink some calming tea, or take a short nap, managing stress well help you in more ways than one. By taking some time to relax, you will become more efficient at managing your stress as well as your anxiety. Remember That You are in ControlRepeat after me: “My anxiety does not own or define me.” If you are someone who has experienced severe anxiety attacks, you will have dark days. Constantly remind yourself that you have the power to control your life and situation. If you practice these technique, you will be able to significantly reduce the severity of your anxiety. This is not an overnight fix -- but practice makes perfect, and in the end you will see results. Anxiety attacks seem like they have a great deal of power over you; they can even make you feel fear when none is present. Do not attempt to rationalize this fear. You have control over your psychological and emotional happiness. Just BreatheBreathing is another tactic that seems obvious now, but will become much more difficult when you are in the midst of an anxiety attack. One of the trademark symptoms of an anxiety attack is a choking sensation that makes breathing quite difficult. One way of coping with this is to take some time each day to practice Mindfulness breathing exercises. If you haven’t heard of it, mindfulness is a great way to release stress and take some time for yourself. It’s a matter of closing your eyes, breathing, and letting go of your emotional baggage. If you are a people person, try locating a meditation group in your area. If you prefer to be in solitude, downloading an app is a great alternative that can allow you to complete the exercises on your own Moving ForwardAnxiety is a difficult disorder to endure, because the symptoms are so varied, it can sometimes be hard to diagnose. If you want to learn more about anxiety, its symptoms, and possible treatments, visit Dr. Syras Derksen online in order to continue reading and/or to book an appointment with one of our expert therapists.
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Dr. Syras DerksenPhone: (204) 201-0751
Fax: (204) 272-9855 200-701 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg, MB R3M 2L7 |