SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT:
Cover Story
HOLIDAY BAZAAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 10 am-4 pm — Food, Gifts, and Crafts made by our volunteers, teachers, and local artisans — Refreshments — Holiday Music — Adopt-a-Book and Used Book Sale (benefits Deborah’s Palm)
november highlights NEW FOR THIS MONTH: Job Search Support & Strategy Group Mind-Body Wellness Retreat Human Trafficking Awareness Event Culture Kitchen: Indian Cooking Love & Logic Parenting Classes Joy of Singing Workshops For further details, visit our website: deborahspalm.org 555 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto 650/473-0664
debor ah’s palm
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AWARENESS Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem, affecting over 2 million Americans. Without detection and treatment, atrial fibrillation can affect quality of life and cause stroke and heart failure Expert Stanford physician specialists will discuss the signs and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation and the options for evaluation and treatment, which may improve quality of life and decrease complications. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 9:30AM – 11:00AM Sheraton Palo Alto (Justine Room) 625 El Camino Real r Palo Alto, CA To RSVP, email: events@stanfordmed.org Please register, seating is limited.
Sleepless
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mones like adrenaline and cortisol to get you awake,” she said. Being pushed into a stimulated, forced-awake state is stressful to the body and the psyche. “Studies link prolonged sleep deprivation with increased risk for maternal depression. It decreases your ability to function well during the day; there are more accidents, difficulty with work and planning, and executive functions. That’s why we have maternity leave and paternity leave — because you’re neurologically not capable of performing” at regular levels during the months following birth, she said. Michaelson, who has two children of her own, recalled her own exhaustion during the day — “the feelings of powerlessness. You feel like you don’t know how you’re going to be able to get more sleep barring having other people take care of your children. The exhaustion on top of powerlessness can be quite overwhelming.” She recommends that parents (who are able) nap during the day, along with their baby — something she said some parents are reluctant to “give themselves permission” to do. Hiring help to assist with night feedings can also be a lifesaver but is beyond the means of many. Before a baby is 6 months of age, it is unrealistic to expect it to sleep through the night, but counselors such as Michaelson can step in with advice and techniques when families with older babies and toddlers are having a hard time adjusting to longer periods of “sleep-time” and “wake-time.” Regardless of how or when it’s accomplished, she said, people should make time to catch 40 winks, or at least a catnap. “You can make better decisions if you’re well-rested. It’s in everybody’s best interest to get as much rest as they can.” N Editorial Assistant Karla Kane can be emailed at kkane@paweekly.com.
About the Cover Illustration by Shannon Corey
25th Annual Palo Alto Weekly
MODERATED BY: Paul J. Wang, MD, FACC, FHRS Professor of Medicine Director, Stanford Arrhythmia Service For more information: www.stanfordhospital.org/afib-event
NE DEADLI E D EXTEND December 2nd Visit Palo Alto Online for details
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