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Darrington Academy: Harms of Faking PC1 by Keith Allen

WHEN I had gone to PC1 back in May of last year, I had a really good time seeing my parents for the first time in ten months. I had discussed the issues about being adopted, how I felt I was looked at differently, how I thought about running away when I was home, and why I had let the people, who didn't truly care about me, run my life.

Before going through Parent/Child 1 (PC1), I had every intention in manipulating my parents into taking me home. I had also tried to show my parents that I had changed from when I entered the program. I had learned that my parents loved me enough to send me to Mexico to get the help that I needed. I knew they hoped that it would change my life around. While attending PC1, I had realized I had held back on the important issues I wanted to discuss with my parents because I was more afraid that they were going to leave me in the program longer. I learned a big lesson - no matter how hard I want to push and shove my parents away, they are going to find ways to love me. I learned that my parents will not abandon me because I was adopted or that I was different.

I went home a month after PC1. Our relationship was going well for about three months and after that it all went down hill. Everything I had learned at Casa By The Sea had gone to waste because I had started doing the things that got me in the program. I still had a lot of issues that bothered me.

Well, I was sent to Darrington Academy. Looking back on how I acted during my stay at home helps me realize that I am not going to make the same mistake again. My last PC1 experience helped me cope with a few things a little better. So when I go to my next PC1, I know what needs to be done. I can say that at my last PC1, I faked my way through it to impress my mom and to get home. I felt that faking my way through things and getting things handed to me could get me far in life. However, I learned a BIG lesson that it doesn't work that way. You have to work hard for things to get far. I also learned that things happen for a reason. Having to come back to the program means that I have some unfinished business to take care of. This time I will not be faking.

Darrington Academy

Parenting Troubled Teens - Help and tips for parents with troubled and struggling teens.

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Dogs Can Be a Handful by jon d

So you've decided to bring a new addition into your home in the form of a new dog. The next step is trying to determine what sort of dog will best fit your living situation.

There are many different types of dog breeds that each have their own needs and knowing a little about what specific needs for specific breeds are, will help you to insure that you bring the right breed of dog into your home.

Many a time, people rush to decide that a dog would be a great addition to their home when in actual fact, this may not be the case at all. Dogs have needs as do we as humans, and if you bring a dog into your home, but can not look after its basic needs then you are heading down the path to trouble.

One of the biggest reasons for overcrowding at animal shelters is due to the fact that unwanted dogs end up there. Maybe a family attains a dog, having not researched the breed of dog they now own, only to realize a month later, that things are not working out.

Dogs that are not wanted, end up either on the streets, or in the pound. When shelters become overcrowded, room needs to be made for new additions, and we all know what that means don?t we?

Below is a list of factors to keep in mind when choosing a dog for your home, and are all worthwhile points that you should consider:

- How big is your home: Depending on the size of your home, will depend on the size of dog you should get. For example, a big dog will not do very well in an apartment setting.

- Do you have time to look after a dog: Do you have the time that is necessary to properly care for a dog? If you work 8 hours a day, this may pose a problem especially if your dog is young.

- Funds: Dogs can be expensive; vet bills, food and general upkeep can ad up considerably.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you when and if you do decide to find it in your heart to bring a new member into the family. Remember the decision that you make effects the dog that you are potentially going to be adding to your family, so make sure you think it through before jumping in.

Visit our site for all your Dog Breeds info.

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Acid Reflux in Pregnancy. by Dr Phil Hariram

Acid reflux is a common condition in the West and there is a suggestion that it is increasing. Obesity is increasing in the West and since obesity can cause or worsen acid reflux, the increase in acid reflux is likely to be related to a combination of our diet, lifestyle and obesity. There is, however, a group that develops acid reflux as a part of life's natural process. Pregnant women develop GERD symptoms as a result of pregnancy.

It is estimated that as much as 80% of pregnant women have GERD symptoms and the symptoms vary from mild to very severe. It is rarely serious in this group and, of course, it is limited to the length of the pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting is common in the first trimester and is mainly due to the rising level of the female hormone, estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood stream. Acid reflux symptoms are more common in the third trimester.

In the third trimester, the uterus is large and has pushed up into the upper abdomen distorting the configuration of the organs in the abdomen. The stomach is pushed up against the diaphragm. This can affect the competence of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and cause acid reflux. It can also force part of the stomach up through the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is a hiatus hernia. A hiatus hernia can result in acid reflux.

In addition weight gain during pregnancy (especially in the apple shape) will settle around the waist. This weight will press on the abdomen and increase the intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure on the LES may force food up into the esophagus.

During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone levels need to be high to maintain the pregnancy. These two female hormones are produced by the ovaries until the placenta takes over. These hormones relax smooth muscles of the uterus and are necessary to allow the uterus to stretch to accommodate the developing pregnancy.

Unfortunately this muscle relaxation is not confined to the uterus. The muscles of the GI tract are affected. In the large bowel reduced strength of peristaltic contraction leads to slow transit time and likely constipation. In the esophagus it reduces the tone of the LES allowing reflux and slows down peristalsis along the esophagus. The food swallowed is cleared slower and the LES is lax. A double whammy.

Patients who have had GERD symptoms before falling pregnant tend to have severe GERD in pregnancy. Sometimes in pregnancy GERD can be so severe that hospitalisation is necessary. Also vomiting can be so severe that weight loss follows. In pregnancy regular weight gain is expected. Weight loss suggests a referral to a gastro-enterologist especially if the weight is below the pre-pregnancy benchmark.

Severe GERD can lead to mal-nutrition. This can be harmful to the mother and may put the foetus at risk at a time of vital development and growth.

Ginger is a good safe treatment of GERD in pregnancy and you only need a small amount. It can stimulate saliva production. Saliva is a natural antacid. Ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting and it is a carminative (relieve gas). Lifestyle change is important. If still smoking and drinking alcohol, then it is time to stop. Elevating the head of the bed is beneficial and lying on the left side is best because in this position the stomach is lower than the esophagus.

Avoid or reduce your intake of fats, coffee, tea, chocolate, certain citrus fruits, certain spices, tomatoes and garlic. When exercising, avoid bouncing up and down and exercises that involve bending forwards. Stick to exercises that keep you upright. Stretching exercises and power or brisk walking are unlikely to aggravate GERD symptoms.

Antacids are safe in pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta into the baby's circulation. However, antacids containing sodium (sodium bicarbonate) can cause fluid retention. Aluminium containing antacids can make constipation of pregnancy worse. Magnesium can slow down labour. These drugs are in Category A. The categories were laid down by the FDA in 1979 and are related to safety profile and potential harm to the foetus. Category A is safe in pregnancy.

The H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are in Category B except omeprazole which is in Category C. These drugs cross the placenta but trials results are not adequate to consider them safe during pregnancy. So far no trial has shown any harm to the foetus.

Dr. Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner who has spent 27 years treating acid reflux. http://www.acidrefluxguru.com

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