Winter Newsletter

Winter 2012/2013

The Newsletter for Consumers & Supporters Omhcc’s hOliday mental health Fair thursday, December 6th From 10-2

O k l a h o m a m e n ta l h e a lt h c o n s u m e r c o u n c i l

c o n s u m e r a l e rt

booths from Dept. of Mental health, hope community services, goodwill, sheriFF’s dept., american heart assOciatiOn, veteran’s administration, dbsa, cutting edge research, integris, paradigm research, ywca, valley hope, one church one child, cvs pharmacy did wellness checks, Latino Community Development Agency was available for Rapid HIV/Aids Testing & counseling, Red Rock bhs, sos, chance to change, dOOr prizes were prOvided by walgreen’s, bath & bOdy works, sonic, JasOn’s deli, d-dent, nso, Chesapeake Energy, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Jersey mike’s, crest FOOds

Rip hostess

Oops...End of the World Miscalculated By now everyone has heard about the end of times being predicted because the ancient Mayan calendar reportedly ends on December 21, 2012. Many movies have now been made that emphasizes a 2012 doomsday scenario. But the end of the Mayan calendar is actually much sooner than that. A major miscalculation has been made because everyone failed to subtract the time adjustments made by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar in 47 B.C and then again by Roman Pope Gregory XIII and astronomer Christopher Clavius in 1582. What did they do to adjust time and thereby effect the Mayan Calendar end time date?

Roman Emperor Julius Caesar introduced the Julian Calendar with an added Leap Year day every 4th year in 47 B.C. and Roman Pope Gregory XIII and astronomer Christopher Clavius introduced the Gregorian calendar which adjusted the Julian Leap Year by dropping 10 days in October of 1582. Leap Year has resulted in a miscalculation wherein the Mayan calendar’s December 21, 2012 end date actually ends this year, in 2011. I will now show you that it is entirely plausible that 2012 is actually 2011. The current year 2011 – 1582 (the year the Gregorian calendar was introduced) = 429 years have since passed.

429 / 4 = 107.25 days added since 1582. 1582 A.D. + 47 B.C. (the year Roman Emperor Julius Caesar introduced Leap Year) = 1629 years for the Julian Calendar. 1629 / 4 = 407.25 days added between 47 B.C. and 1582 A.D. – 10 days dropped with the introduction of the Gregorian calendar leaving 397.25 leap year days added. 107.25 days added by the Gregorian calendar + 407.25 days added with the Julian calendar – 10 days dropped = 504.5 days added by Leap Years. Approximately 504.5 days has to be dropped in order to realign with the Mayan calendar. December 21 is the 355th day of a 365 days Gregorian calendar year. 355 – number of days added with Leap Year or 504.5 = – 149.5 days or 149.5 days that still needs to be subtracted to realign with the Mayan calendar. 365 days of the year calendar – 149.50 = the 215.5th day of the year which is August 3. According to these calculations the Mayan calendar actually ended on August 3, 2011. But the warning by Army Specialist William Millay, to “Prepare for the end of the world” reported in the previous article titled “U.S. Army Alaska military police officer put in protective custody after warning mother of imminent threat – November 9/11″ was made public on November 1, 2011. If this is the case then the Gregorian calendar still needs to be adjusted to align the Mayan calendar with a November 2011 date. If November 9, 2011 is December 21, 2012 I miss calculated by 97.5 days. How many days were dropped in the transition from B.C. to A.D. time? Nobody knows how many days the Romans dropped in order to adjust time to account for the transition. It was not until 532 AD that the Roman Pope replaced Julian AUC (AUC stands for Ab Urbe Condita, meaning “from the foundation of Rome”) years with Julian A.D. years. As many as 90 days may have been simply dropped by the Romans (the Romans created both the Julian and Gregorian calendars) in order to forever change the time of year when Jesus Christ was born and bring all Christians under Roman authority.

Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council 3200 NW 48th St , Ste 102 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Tel: 405.604.6975 Toll Free: 1.888.424.1305 Fax: 405.605.8175 E-mail: www.omhcc.org

“We care, because we’ve been there” Editor Danita Gaut

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.

Need a way to pass the time during the winter months. Make a difference. Make a pillowcase or several and donate them to hospitals, nursing homes, catholic charities, homeless shelters. Be sure that your donation counts. Update our pillowcase counter by sending an email to millionpillocases@meredith.com The current number is at 455,343. And we’ll add your total to our tally. Happy sewing.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Who is Susan G. Komen? By Nancy G. Brinker As if it were yesterday, I can remember the phone call I received from Suzy one Tuesday afternoon. Her doctor had found a lump in her breast that was not a cyst. He recommended a biopsy. A biopsy is the surgical removal and microscopic examination of tissue to see if cancer cells are present. I decided to fly home to Peoria. When I got off the plane, my father was waiting there alone with an expression on his face I will never forget. He didn't have to say a word. At the age of 33, Suzy had breast cancer. What happened from this point on is still difficult for me to talk about because I am so much more knowledgeable on the subject today. If I had only known then what I know now. The truth of the matter is that growing up in the small town of Peoria, our family had been treated our whole lives by one doctor. Suzy trusted him with her cancer the same way she did with her measles. Mistake number one. None of us knew enough to inquire about seeking information from a major cancer center or from a group of physicians associated with one in Peoria. He was our doctor. Period. The most difficult concept to grasp about cancer, I think, is the fact that when it is first detected the patient usually feels just fine.

There is rarely any pain associated with breast cancer in its early stages. So when you are told you've got a life-threatening disease, and the treatment sounds more heinous than the thought of a little lump in the breast, it is understandable that a woman uneducated about cancer might opt for no treatment at all. Such was the case with Suzy. My sister was terrified, naturally, but adamant against having a mastectomy. Our family doctor called in a surgeon to review Suzy's case. It is important, if you are to learn from our mistakes, that I tell you a little bit about this surgeon. He was very handsome, very suave and seemed very self-confident. According to Suzy, this surgeon told Suzy he could cure her. Even the most respected cancer experts in the country (which he was certainly not) do not talk about recovery in terms of surviving cancer or remission. They refrain from using the word cure because cancer can recur. But that, of course, is exactly what Suzy wanted to hear, and who could blame her? Like many women, and for that matter men, too, Suzy was of the frame of mind that the doctor was always right. This surgeon suggested performing a subcutaneous mastectomy, a procedure in which the outside of the breast is left intact, but an incision is made and the breast tissue is removed. He would then do an implant ten days later. Suzy would be left with a small scar but no more cancer. She felt it was her best option. But before six months had gone by, our worst nightmare became a reality. Suzy found another lump. This time it was under her arm. Despite everyone's optimism her cancer had spread. Suzy went next to the Mayo Clinic, where we learned that her cancer had metastasized (spread) to her lung and under her arm. There was a tumor the size of a quarter in the upper part of her right lung and suspicious shadows elsewhere. The doctors at Mayo suggested Suzy have radiation therapy, which is a treatment using high-energy rays to damage (burn) cancer cells and stop them from growing. She did have the radiation but it was not successful in slowing her disease. The cancer was out of control, and there wasn't a thing we could do about it. Suzy decided to seek treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When she arrived, she was a Stage IV cancer patient. This means that the disease had spread to other organs in her body and was still growing. It was a very critical situation. But, for the first time, Suzy was part of a team: Her new doctor and his associates made Suzy a partner in every decision. They were completely and totally honest with her and all of us about her condition. Suzy was not only allowed to ask questions, she was encouraged to do so. Suzy's doctor's approach to the disease was an aggressive one.

Thus began the saga of intense chemotherapy. The problem with chemotherapy is that it doesn't know the difference between the good guys and the bad guys, so a lot of important healthy cells are killed in the process, including the cells of the stomach lining and hair roots. Chemotherapy is often accompanied by nausea, mouth sores, hair thinning, and sometimes total hair loss, depending on the type used. Suzy experienced all of that and more. Everyone given chemotherapy is warned that a side effect is hair loss, but nothing can prepare a woman for the shock and embarrassment of baldness. She bore up under the strain with all the dignity and grace she could manage, although I know she was devastated. She was able to find something to smile about with every turn of the road, and her infectious, warm concern was felt throughout the hospital. The one thing Suzy never found humor in, however, was the aesthetic conditions of the waiting rooms. The walls were empty, the chairs uncomfortable, and sometimes a patient would have to sit there waiting six or more hours for a scheduled appointment.

Suzy was horrified and so was I. She was more concerned with the treatment of the patients while my concern was the treatment of her disease. "Nan," she said, "as soon as I get better, let's do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research. I know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here. This isn't right." For about fifteen months, the Houston doctors were successful in slowing down Suzy's breast cancer. But then, for reasons known only to God, the disease started to rage inside her once again. Fully aware of her condition, but never willing to give up or talk about it, Suzy began a perilous and painful downhill battle. There was more surgery and more chemotherapy, but by now her body had built up a resistance to the drugs. Her cancer had gotten so out of control that it broke through the skin, resulting in grotesque sores all over her chest. She began to spend more time feeling awful and we spent more time feeling helpless. After my sister was released from M.D. Anderson, I tried to come home every other week for a visit. One particular Sunday afternoon on the way back to the airport, Suzy spoke to me again about doing something to help the sick women in the hospital. This practically tore my heart out because here she was, hardly able to manage a whisper, and she was worrying about other people. I never saw my sister alive again. After nine operations, three courses of chemotherapy and radiation, she had lost her three-year war. The months after Suzy's funeral were the saddest in my life. I spent a lot of time thinking about Suzy. There is no way to accurately describe the void her absence left in my life. I wanted to do something to let her know how special she would always be in my heart. I was haunted by our last conversation and lay awake sometimes all night wondering what I could do to help other women with breast cancer.

The Hokey Pokey Clinic– A place to turn yourself around Free Mammogram Locations Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Okla. State Dept. of Health 1000 NE 10th St. OKC, OK 73117 (405) 271-4072 ******************************** Community Health Centers Inc. (Mary Mahoney & Helping Hands, …) has a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation that provides free screening mammograms to women over the age of 40 who are uninsured; it is called Navigating Our Women (NOW). Those who need transportation assistance can also receive a $20 gas card. If someone is under the age of 40 and is at-risk because of family history, they can be referred by a provider and access the service.

Breast Cancer in Men Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall.

Like breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells of this breast tissue. Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for only about 1% of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010, about 1,970 new cases of breast cancer in men would be diagnosed and that breast cancer would cause approximately 390 deaths in men (in comparison, almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year). Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men. Most cases of male breast cancer are detected in men between the ages of 60 and 70, although the condition can develop in men of any age. A man's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 1/10 of 1%, or one in 1,000.

The next time you feel alone or afraid remember…

How you speak to yourself changes everything.

Generic Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Recalled The antidepressant Wellbutrin has helped millions of people. Until spring of 2007, there was no generic form of this medication.

Before a generic form was available, at over $10 a day, the cost of non-generic Wellbutrin made it generally inaccessible for those with insurance coverage. As a therapist I was more than a little relieved when the generic form of Wellbutrin, Bupropion, was released in the US. Unfortunately, early on many of us in the field noted that the generic did not seem to have the same affect

Medicinal Marijuana & Mental Health: Pros & Cons Cons: The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom stated in a July 15, 2011

article titled "Does Cannabis Interact with Antidepressants or Lithium?" and posted on its website: "It is not clear how often cannabis itself can cause depression, but research suglonger covering the name-brand medication and everyone I knew gests that this can happen. It is therefore recommended that if you are depressed, and you who was prescribed Wellbutrin was put on the generic form of the use cannabis regularly, you should try giving up and see if that helps. Tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat), dizziness, anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping and medication. Many continued to do better than without the confusion are all possible side effects of cannabis. These side effects can also be caused by medication, but too many who had been on the name brand certain antidepressants, so using cannabis at the same time can make them worse. Both TCAs [Tricyclic antidepressants] and cannabis can cause tachycardia and hypertension. You Wellbutrin reported a resurgence of various symptoms once they should not smoke cannabis if you take TCAs because of these risks to your heart. Either stop were switched to the generic form of the medication. Now, four using cannabis or ask your doctor for an SSRI antidepressant, which appears to be a safer choice." July 15, 2011 - National Health Service years later, Teva the manufacturer of the generic form of Pros: Jan. 2012 study "High on Life? Medical Marijuana Laws and Suicide, "Our results Wellbutrin has recalled the drug while acknowledging that it is suggest that the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with a 5 percent decrease in simply not the same. While this acknowledgement of what I have the total suicide rate, an 11 percent decrease in the suicide rate of 20- through 29-year-old witnessed as a clinician is gratifying on one level, I am concerned as males, and a 9 percent decrease in the suicide rate of 30- through 39 year-old-males. Estimates for female suicide rates are generally measured with less precision and are sensitive to to what will happen to the millions of people around the world functional form… The strong association between alcohol consumption and suicide related outcomes found by previous researchers... raises the possibility that medical marijuana laws who have experienced significant relief on the generic medication reduce the risk of suicide by decreasing alcohol consumption." - D. Mark Anderson, PhD, Bupropion. howyoufeel.net

By Erin Johnston, MSW, LCSW Joseph J. Sabia, PhD, Daniel I. Rees, PhD *Apr. 2006 study titled "Decreased Depression in Marijuana Users," published in Addictive Behaviors: "Those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana. Specifically, weekly users had less depressed mood, more positive affect, and fewer somatic complaints than nonusers. Daily users reported less depressed mood and more positive affect than non-users...

Our results add to the growing body of literature on depression and marijuana and are generally consistent with a number of studies that have failed to confirm a relationship between the Mental Health Awareness week activities 2012 two after controlling for relevant variables… The potential for medical conditions to contribute to spurious links between marijuana and greater depression requires further investigation." 10/7 Candlelight Vigil @ Hafer park in Edmond Thomas F. Denson, PhD 10/9 state capitol as the original. Not surprisingly, insurance companies were no

10/11 multi-faith prayer luncheon 10/12 ask the doctor **Hope to see you all there next year**

Oklahoma in Urgent Need of Foster Parents

Foster home care is a safe, temporary placement providing 24-hour-aday substitute care for children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services custody. Thousands of children each year are placed by the court, for various reasons, in the custody of OKDHS. The children range in age from birth to 18 years and are all races, cultures and religions. Many times the children are in sibling groups needing to be placed together. Some of the children are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged. A child may have suffered from physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse or severe neglect by a person who is responsible for the child. The child’s parents may have been arrested and put in jail. Whatever the circumstances, each child has a story.

Each child has many strengths and also many needs. They all need a safe, temporary place to live and tender loving care until they can return home or move to a permanent placement. Call for qualifications & requirements . New Foster Care & Adoption Families Recruiting Hotline: 1-866-612-2565

The World According to Mr. Rogers I believe it’s a fact of life that what we have is less important than what we have. The same holds true for families: It’s not how many people there are in a family that counts, but rather the feelings among the people who are there.

When you are born, you will share your birthday with 17 million people During your 10 years in school, you will have an average of 17 friends By the time you are 40 that number will have dropped down to 2 You will grow 950 km of hair You will laugh average of 18 times a day You will walk the equivalent of 3 times the circumference of the Earth You will eat 30 tons of food You will drink over 9000 cups of coffee You will have one opportunity in 10 of getting electrocuted In average, you will spend 10 years of your life in work 20 years sleeping 3 years sitting in the toilet 7 months waiting in traffic 2 months waiting on hold on your phone 12 years watching TV ...and 19 days looking for the remote.

This leaves you fifth one fifth of your life to actually live…

So what are you waiting for?

-The National Geographic ChannelThe Museum of Osteology America's ONLY Skeleton Museum!

10301 S. Sunnylane Rd., OKC, OK (405) 814-0006 info@museumofosteology.org Over 300 Skeletons on Display!

You Too Could Be President of the U.S. You must be at least 35 yrs of age before you take office, be born in the U.S. or one of its territories and have been a permanent resident for the last 14 years.

Veteran’s Day is November 11 Thank a Veteran everyday not just on Veteran’s Day

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, PRESS 1 to be connected with a mental health counselor. Our Veterans can also TEXT: 83-8255 to talk with a mental health counselor or go on-line to chat from the National Veterans Crisis line website. There are also 2 websites for veterans that have a lot of resources for veterans, family members, and friends.

Includes all military eras, Guard, Reserve, etc. Both allow veterans to connect with other veterans with similar experiences.

Make the Connection: http://maketheconnection.net Vets Prevail: https://www.vetsprevail.org Thanks to Juanita Celie w/ the VA for providing this info.

Healthy Holiday Eating tips that you can use everyday *Eat no more than a tablespoon portion of each item. *Eat no more than 5 items at each holiday party. *Drink plenty of water. Drink 8oz of water before you eat anything. *ROCK THE VOTE & BE HEARD* *Election Day is November the 7th *How to register to vote- You must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many other public locations. *Did you know that you can vote after a felony conviction in Oklahoma if all supervised release is completed.

The only way for the change you want in the world to take place is to vote for the people that you want to represent you.

Wars end...the battles don’t woundedwarriorproject.org

Important Information About Suicide Oklahoma ranks 13th in the nation for deaths by suicide. HeartLine answers the National Suicide

Contact the PSI Postpartum Depression Helpline @ 1.800.944.4773 You are not alone.

You are not to blame.

We are here to help. www.postpartum.net Oklahoma City Vet Center 1024 N.W. 47th St. Suite B Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (Located off of NW 47th & Western) 405.456.5184

Prevention Lifeline 24/7, 365 days a year.

Risk Factors: Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, Recent Loss, Societal/Peer Rejection, Depression Warning signs: Talking or joking about death, giving away prized possessions, significant changes in behavior, increased alcohol/drug use, withdrawing from friends/family, lack of interest in regular activities, discussing suicide plan, increased hostility and aggression. How can you help?

Contact a mental health care professional Call 911 for a wellness check Never leave someone at immediate risk alone Tell them about 1-800-273 TALK(8255)

Oklahoma Honor Flights Mission

Oklahoma Honor Flights transports Oklahoma veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice. Oklahoma’s World War II Vets waited 60 years for a memorial in their honor. We want you to help by making a tax-deductible donation to Oklahoma Honor Flights.

Would you like to be a part of the Oklahoma Honor Flights team?

Help identify our World War II veterans and urge them to submit an application. Flight travel expense of the veterans is covered by the generous donations of individuals and organizations who support the mission of Oklahoma Honor Flights.

Www.oklahomahonorflights.org (405)259-9000

Turkey the National Bird????

The idea that Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey as the national bird of the United States comes from a letter he wrote to his daughter. The main subject of the letter is a criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, which contradicted the ideals of the newly-founded American republic. Franklin remarked on the appearance of the Bald Eagle on the Society's crest: “Others object to the Bald Eagle, as looking too much like a Turkey. For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him. With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country… I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.” Franklin never publicly voiced opposition to the Bald Eagle as a national symbol.

Take a moment& send a card to this address & make a soldier’s day.

A recovering soldier, c/o walter reed army medical center 6900 Georgia avenue Nw Washington, dc 20307-5007

‘Tis the Season Back in 1850 or 1851, James Lord Pierpont was perhaps enjoying a little holiday cheer at the Simpson Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts, when Medford’s famous sleigh races to neighboring Malden Square inspired him to write a tune. The story goes that Pierpont picked out the song on the piano belonging to the owner of the boarding house attached to the tavern because he wanted something to play for Thanksgiving at his Sunday school class in Boston. The resulting song wasn’t just a hit with the kids; adults loved it so much that the lyrics to “One Horse Open Sleigh” were altered slightly and used for Christmas. The song was published in 1857, when Pierpont was working at a Unitarian Church in Savannah, Georgia. Another bit of trivia for you: Mr. Pierpont was the uncle of banker John Pierpont Morgan, better known as J.P. Morgan. Despite this, and despite the fact that his famous holiday composition should have made him a millionaire, Pierpont struggled to make ends meet. His son even renewed the copyright on “Jingle Bells” in 1880, 13 years before his father’s death, but it was never enforced enough to produce any real income. And I was just kidding about “The Thanksgiving Song,” of course. Though lyrics about turkey and Pilgrims aren’t as abundant as tunes for certain other holidays, they’re out there. Here are a couple: “Over the River and Through the Woods” They might as well crown Medford, Massachusetts the Thanksgiving capital of the United States, because the song “Over the River and Through the Woods” was born there too. Lydia Maria Child wrote the poem “A Boy’s Thanksgiving Day” about a trip to her grandfather’s house, which, yes, really does sit near the Mystic River in Medford, Massachusetts. It’s still there today, owned by Tufts University and used as a home for Tufts dignitaries (needless to say, Grandfather had a pretty nice house). The poem was later set to music and became the classic we know today. “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre” It doesn’t have much to do with Thanksgiving, except that the real-life events that inspired the song took place on Thanksgiving. After dumping some litter illegally on Turkey Day in 1967, Arlo Guthrie was arrested. When he later went to the induction center to find out about his draft status, Guthrie realized that he had been declared ineligible for the draft due to his lack of moral conduct. The song, which is 18+ minutes long, became a huge hit amongst war and draft protesters.

A Story Of Hope (405) 815-4216 120 N Robinson Ave Ste 125E, OKC Open M-F 9-5 All proceeds go to Feed the Children

Shout jump yell & Be kind be good You better not tell Tell Megan , Tell Susan, Tell Mom It’s time Christmas is here & Blessings are here Have a merry time.

-Anonymous

9 Holiday Characters from Around the World by Ethan Trex Most American four-year-olds can tell you all about beloved Christmas characters like Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. But in other countries, talking about Rudolph and his ilk might earn you little more than a blank stare. Here’s a look at some holiday characters who might not be familiar to Americans, but play a big role in celebrations around the world.

1. Zwarte Piet: The Dutch equivalent of Santa, Sinterklaas, rolls into town via steamship from his home in Spain, and he’s always got Zwarte Piet (“Black Pete”) in tow. Although for years Black Pete was depicted as Santa’s slave, since the 1950s he’s been toned down a bit and is now thought of as Santa’s mischievous helper—a scamp who will also put naughty children in a bag and take them back to Spain. Despite being recast as Santa’s friend or devoted, albeit non-slave, servant, Black Pete still incites quite a bit of controversy, as many Dutch people feel that a subservient character in blackface and an afro wig is more than a little racist.

2. Krampus: This terrifying horned monster is part of the Christmas tradition in Austria and other surrounding countries. If children are good, Saint Nicholas brings them toys. If they’re bad, though, they’ve got to face Krampus’ wrath. The clawed, hairy beast is said to punish naughty children by stealing their toys, smacking them with a birch rod, and even tying them in a sack and chucking them into a river. Getting a lump of coal in your stocking doesn’t seem like such a terrible fate in comparison, does it?

3. Belsnickel: In northwestern Germany and in some Pennsylvania Dutch communities, children get visits from the somewhat less intimidating Belsnickel instead of Krampus. Belsnickel, a man covered in head-to-toe fur, sneaks a sock or shoe full of candy into children’s rooms. Like Krampus, though, Belsnickel will put his foot down; if the children have been naughty, they’ll wake up to a shoe full of coal or switches.

4. Le Pere Fouettard: Le Pere Fouettard is another of Saint Nicholas’ enforcers, this time in Eastern France. This bearded, black-robed character carries either a whip or a rod, and while St. Nick hands out toys to the good children, Le Pere Fouettard is said to beat the naughty ones. Even though he may not be as visually terrifying as Krampus, some origin stories for Le Pere Fouettard are pretty grisly. He’s said to be the murderer of three boys who’s now stuck working for St. Nick to atone for his sins.

5. Gryla: Naughty children in Iceland have to fear being caught by Gryla, an ogress who lives in a mountain cave but comes out each year to plague bad kids during Christmas. During the 18th century, Gryla was such a terrifying figure—her mythology at the time included eating the bad children, not just scaring them—that a public decree banned the use of Gryla to strike terror in the hearts of the poorly behaved.

6. Ded Moroz: Ded Moroz (“Grandfather Frost”) is the Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, but he acts just a bit differently from the St. Nick Americans are used to. Ded Moroz carries a magical staff everywhere, and instead of sneaking down chimneys to deposit gifts before disappearing into the night, he actually shows up at New Year parties to give kids their gifts. Ded Moroz had a tough time in the Soviet Union. Between the Russian Revolution and 1937, he didn’t come at all due to a ban on Christmas-like New Year’s traditions. When Joseph Stalin came into power, he ordered that Ded Moroz wear a blue coat so that no one would confuse him with the Western Santa Claus.

7. La Befana: Children in Italy don’t have to worry about Santa, but they definitely want to remain on the good side of Befana. On January 6th each year, Italian kids wake up with the hope that Befana, a shawl-wearing old lady who rides a broomstick, will have come down their chimneys to leave a sock full of candy rather than a lump of coal.

8. Olentzero: In Basque communities, Olentzero comes to town on Christmas Eve to deliver children’s holiday gifts. Although Olentzero—an overweight man who wears a beret, smokes a pipe, and dresses like a Basque farmer—is now a beloved character who comes bearing gifts, he used to have some violent enforcer-type aspects to his personality; children heard that if they didn’t go to sleep, Olentzero would hurl a sickle down the chimney. The message was clear: go to sleep or Olentzero will come cut your throat.

9. Tio de Nadal: Tio de Nadal is a Catalan character that’s also known as “Caga tio,” or “pooping log.” Starting with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, Catalan families host a tio, which is a small hollow log propped up on two legs with a smiling face painted on one end. Each night the family gives the log a few morsels of food to “eat” and a blanket so it will “stay warm” throughout the evening. On Christmas or Christmas Eve, the family then orders the hollow log to “defecate” small gifts. Family members sing songs and hit the log with sticks in order to speed its “digestion,” and the log gradually drops candies, nuts, and dried fruits that the family shares. When a head of garlic or an onion falls out of the log, all of the treats are finished for the year.

Get Your Car Ready For Winter by AOL Autos Staff We really hate to break it to you, but winter weather is right around the corner. The crisp mornings of mid-November are a stark reminder of what will soon become months of winter-driving uncertainty. Preparing your vehicle for colder weather is the best way to avoid a slippery situation in the snow. Here's how to get your car ready: Exterior surfaces are particularly vulnerable to winter's charming qualities, such as snow, ice and road salt. It's ideal if you can use the fair fall days leading up to the frigid months to thoroughly wash your vehicle. To start, undertake a complete do-it-yourself detailing of your car. Be sure to include a car wax that coats the body panels before the first snowfall -- specifically, before temperatures drop below 55F. This preventative measure will shield paint surfaces from snowy bombardments, and it will also make snow and ice easier to brush off. On the inside, remove any garbage before vacuuming the seats and floor. After vacuuming, additional attention with an upholstery cleaner will have your cockpit looking spick-and-span and more welcoming for passengers. To rid your car of that stale, climate-controlled atmosphere that the colder weather brings, try an air -freshener -- even a man's car shouldn't smell like a gym locker. Finally, it's also a great idea to swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats. Cold weather is a vehicle's electrical system enemy -- especially the vehicle's battery. Combine this with the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems, and a car battery really has to be ready to meet the brutal winter challenge. A simple battery test means running your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that the headlights get brighter once you start the engine, more elaborate battery tests might be needed. Metering voltage with a voltmeter or measuring electrolyte levels for an unsealed, low-maintenance battery are two examples of such tests. If your tests show the voltage lower than 12.4V or if electrolyte-specific gravity resides below 1.225, a recharge or replacement of the battery is likely required. A well-insulated cabin offers much needed shelter from frigid winter winds, so ensuring your heating system is functioning properly should be a top priority. Run your heating system to ensure its operation before the actual time of need - trust us, you do not want to be trapped in a cold car in the months to come. Also check the window defroster system by testing the defroster strips in the windshield and rear windshield using a voltmeter. Another major electricity consumer is the vehicle's lighting, which will be running longer due to the much shorter days. Make sure your headlights, taillights, back up lights, and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check during a dark day or at night. Check the coolant system. To determine whether or not your vehicle is operating with a proper coolant level, it sometimes only requires a small visual check at a marked level indicator on a semitransparent overflow reservoir. For North America, a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze coolant is typically recommended for year-round driving (check your car's owners manual for specifics or go by the indications on the antifreeze). After checking the coolant, proceed to examine coolant hoses for leaks or wear -- visually inspect all the connections and use clean rags or paper towels to ensure there are no leaks. Make sure you also search for leaks around other reservoirs in the engine compartment, such as your brakes and oil. The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate a change to a thinner viscosity engine oil to more efficiently lubricate moving parts in colder conditions. Since this is not the standard for all vehicles, check your vehicle's owner manual for fluid requirements. Darkness and blizzard-like snowfalls, coupled with shorter periods of sunlight, dramatically reduce a motorist's vision during the winter. A working set of windshield wipers and an ample supply of winter washer fluid are the best ways to optimize limited visibility. Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield -- if you replace your wiper arms, also make sure that they don't lift from your windshield at higher speeds (some larger, Teflon wipers tend to lift with higher winds). Similar to the theme of tires, windshield wiper varieties are predominately featured for all-season use. While a high-quality windshield wiper is the way to go, wiper performance can be affected by snow and ice buildup along the wiper springs. For optimal winter visibility investing in special winter wipers equipped with protective shields that protect the wipers' mechanism is an excellent idea. Summer washer fluid must be replaced heading into the colder months since it is not made for the colder temperatures and may become frozen and useless. When buying winter washer fluid, look for a brand with a deicer agent. While it may be a given, it's still extremely important to mention the basics in winter car equipment: You will need a snowbrush and an ice scrapper. Remember, a soft-bristled snowbrush is less likely to damage your paint and plastic scrappers won't scratch your windshield and windows as easily as metal ones.

Other tools suited for unpredictable winter conditions include a collapsible shovel, a well-stocked emergency kit and a set of jumper cables. For mountain regions, add a set of tire chains to your trunk as it may be the only way you'll be able to drive. As well, in case your vehicle becomes immobilized in deep snow you can either buy of set of traction pads or use some scrap pieces of carpet to help you escape those arctic traps -- but make sure you read the instructions carefully prior to using the traction pads as they often have spiked bottoms and can be quite dangerous. When taking a long trip (a common practice during the holiday season) include items such as a blanket, a flashlight, candles and a lighter, flares, and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid in case of unplanned circumstances or roadside stops. Understandably, this winter gear might represent a burden for trunk space, but your preparation may be a relief for you later on. Because all-season tires are an economical and practical choice for many motorists it took recent tire technology advancements to recapture consumer interest for winter tires. And even then, some drivers swear by all-seasons even though their winter performances are scarcely up to par with that of the winter treads. The reality is that winter tires are the way to go. If you opt for winter tires, store your summer tires in opaque plastic bags. To reduce moisture from damaging the rubber, press as much air out of the bags as possible or use a vacuum to suck out the air before sealing the bags with tape. For storage, find a place that maintains a cool, but stable temperature, such as a basement or heated garage. Whichever tire you choose to use this coming winter, make sure you conduct regular visual checks on the tires tread surface, and monitor the tire pressure on a monthly basis as well. Remember, every 10 degree drop equals 1 PSI lost in your tires' pressure and that means loss of traction and control on your part.

My name is Happy Sparkly-Toes what’s yours?

Holiday Activity Tips 

Walk around your building during breaks at work.

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Window shop at the mall.

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Hand wash your car instead of going thru the car wash. Save money too.

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Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

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Play a game of tag, Frisbee or hide n seek with kids

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Plan a cleaning day for the whole family every week. Like Saturday afternoons.

Crank up the music and clean away.

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Plan a family trip to the library. Get some workout dvd’s while your there.

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Remember the roller rink? Revisit those memories.

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Drink plenty of water instead of soda.

Load up the stroller or dogs and go for a walk. Go to the zoo. That’s a nice workout.

Park farther away from the entrance for a longer walk.

12 proposed U.S. States that didn’t make the cut by M. Asher Cantrell The road to 50 states was littered with wannabes who couldn’t wait to declare themselves—but never quite got to full statehood. Here are 12 states that could have been.

1. Franklin: After the Revolutionary War, it became common for states to gift their westernmost lands to the newly-founded (but broke) American government to repackage and sell to westbound pioneers. A conspiracy in North Carolina led to its western lands being sold to high-ranking members of the state government instead, then ceded to the U.S. Government under an agreement that ensured that those officials got a portion of the profits. After the plan was discovered, a new government was elected and the deal was nullified, but the damage was already done. As a result of the shady land deals, counties in what’s now eastern Tennessee proposed the State of Franklin, distancing themselves from North Carolina.

Unfortunately, Franklin was a mere two votes shy of the 2/3 majority vote needed to become the 14th state. Franklin’s government collapsed shortly after and returned to North Carolina’s ownership.

2. Jefferson: Four regions have been proposed as the State of Jefferson. The first was west of Kansas Territory in 1859. Mining communities in the Rocky Mountains came together and requested the formation of their own potential state, called Jefferson. The Kansas government agreed, setting its proposed borders east of Jefferson’s. Citizens of Jefferson could not agree on a constitution, however, so it became Jefferson Territory (later Colorado Territory) instead. The second and third were both located in Texas. As part of its admittance into the United States, Texas could agree to split itself into as many as four states. In 1870, southeastern Texas, from the San Antonio River onward, was proposed as Jefferson, with other region-states to follow. The idea was never taken very seriously. Later, in 1915, Jefferson plans re-emerged, but in western Texas instead. Only six state senators approved of the idea, and it, too, failed. The fourth, a mix of counties from northern California and southern Oregon, was proposed in 1941. Supporters in the area marched with guns, passing out flyers proclaiming secession. Their movement was overshadowed by the attacks on Pearl Harbor and mostly faded away. Some, however, still propose an expanded Jefferson even today.

3. Superior: As one of the only non-island U.S. states with two distinct landmasses, it makes sense that citizens of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan would consider splitting off from the “glove” part of the state. It has been proposed on a number of occasions, usually with the proposed state being called “Superior” (for Lake Superior), though other names such as Sylvania (preferred by Thomas Jefferson) and Ontonagon have also been mentioned. In fact, the idea has been brought forth as recently as this year. In April, murmurs of upper peninsula secession bubbled up once again after debates over Michigan tax laws.

4. Delmarva: Similar to the Michigan Upper Peninsula statehood efforts, Delmarva’s attempts at self-government are persistent. Delmarva is the small peninsula off the east coast of Maryland that is split between three states: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Hence, Delmarva. The entirety of Delaware is located on the peninsula, but only portions belong to Maryland and Virginia. Most proposals call for Maryland and Virginia to cede their lands, Delaware to absorb them, and for the new state to be dubbed Delmarva (though some alternate plans call for the name to remain Delaware). Some others want Delaware to remain an independent state and cede only a few counties to Delmarva, and others still insist that Maryland’s eastern shore also be included. No formal attempts have ever been made, but considering the odd borders currently present on the peninsula, a single government does sort of make sense.

5. Absaroka: In 1939, portions of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota attempted to secede and form their own state called Absaroka, named after the Absaroka Range of the Rocky Mountains. While they never actually came to Congress to propose statehood, they did make Absaroka license plates and even held a 1939 Miss Absaroka beauty pageant. Sheridan, Wyoming street commissioner A. R. Swickard was the leading force behind the movement. He declared himself governor of Absaroka and began hearing grievances from the local populace. With the start of World War II, however, the populace lost interest in the idea and it eventually disappeared altogether.

6. Scott: You may be surprised to discover that there was a lost state as recently as 1986. In fact, it existed for 125 years, but you wouldn’t have found it on any U.S. maps. The Free and Independent State of Scott was founded during the Civil War when Scott County, Tennessee opted to secede from its parent state after Tennessee joined the Confederate States of America. Citizens of Scott, who weren’t plantation holders or slave owners, had no interest in joining the CSA and so remained a Union state. Tennessee ignored the proclamation and did nothing to stop them, so the tiny State of Scott was mostly forgotten about until its 125th anniversary, when it finally formally requested re-admittance to Tennessee. The state even held a celebration welcoming Scott back, although it had never officially recognized it in the first place.

7. Transylvania: Everyone knows about the 13 colonies, but few know that there was an unofficial 14th. Dubbed Transylvania (over 100 years before Bram Stoker made that name scary), the land was made up of modern-day western and southeastern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. Purchased from Cherokee Indians by the Transylvania Company, the hope was that the British would recognize the land and allow the Transylvania Company’s owner, Richard Henderson, to rule it as an autonomous territory, like William Penn and Pennsylvania. Unfortunately for them, the plan unraveled when it was discovered that the purchase was illegal under British law and that the lands had already been claimed by Virginia and North Carolina. For less than a year, the land existed as an extralegal colony. Shortly before the formation of the U.S., Virginia declared the Transylvania Purchase void and officially re-claimed the lands.

8. Deseret: Named after a Book of Mormon word meaning “honeybee,” Deseret was a region in the southwestern United States claimed by Mormons who sought to govern themselves. Their proposed state took all of modern day Utah and parts of several other states. Their statehood request was denied by Congress in 1849 and they were given the much smaller Utah Territory instead. The laws and regulations drafted by Deseret were quickly re-enacted under Utah Territory’s government. However, a shadow government of Mormon elders were hopeful to one day resurrect the Deseret idea. They secretly met after each legislative session for the next twenty years and rewrote the day’s new laws under the “State of Deseret” name.

9. Westsylvania: Franklin wasn’t the only region with a bid to become the 14th state. In 1776, the failed colony of Vandalia (modern day West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and eastern Kentucky) tried to reform itself the State of Westsylvania. Unlike Franklin, however, Westsylvania’s bid never even went up for a vote. Congress ignored the petition and when the lands were taken up by the surrounding states, former Westsylvanians bristled and threatened to secede anyway. Shortly afterward, Pennsylvania (which then owned most of the former Westsylvania lands) passed a law declaring talk of secession and the Westsylvania movement to be treasonous and punishable by execution. As a result, the dream of Westsylvania quickly died.

10. Nickajack: Much like the Free and Independent State of Scott, many in the South during the Civil War, namely those who weren’t rich enough to own large tracts of land or slaves, were unhappy with the idea of seceding. One such region where this sentiment was widely held was the mountainous lands found in eastern Tennessee and northern Alabama, which attempted to merge together and form the state of Nickajack. Instead of simply declaring themselves a new state like Scott, however, non-secessionist politicians attempted to break apart legally. While Tennessee struggled with its decision on joining the Confederacy, northern Alabama lawmakers were left attempting to block secession in their state, if not actively seceding themselves. Unfortunately, the rules of the secession convention stated that delegates and their votes were determined by total population of their jurisdiction. Since slaves counted toward the total population, the southern and central regional delegates far outnumbered those of the north. Therefore, the slave owners were allowed to vote on behalf of their own slaves and the secession passed. A short time later, Tennesseans voted in favor of the Confederacy as well. Leaving the CSA was considered too dangerous for Nickajack, and the idea was dropped.

11. Sequoyah: Not unlike the Mormon Church’s idea for its own state, Native Americans also sought to create a part of the U.S. that had their interests in mind. So it was that in 1905, the State of Sequoyah (named after the same Sequoyah who invented the Cherokee written language) was conceptualized. Based out of Indian Territory (present day eastern Oklahoma), a tract of land where Native Americans had been relocated by the U.S. Government, the state design would have counties for all of the major tribes and allow their system of tribal government to continue unabated. When presented with their constitution and plans for statehood, Congress was hesitant due to a desire to keep the number of states between the eastern and western U.S. balanced. In the end, President Teddy Roosevelt decided that Sequoyah should be merged with the existing Oklahoma statehood proposal, creating the state as we know it today.

12. Lincoln: There have been multiple attempts to create a State of Lincoln. The first has an origin similar to one of the many Jeffersons. As mentioned before, a clause in Texas’s admission to the U.S. allowed it to be split into multiple entities. One of these proposed spinoffs, the State of Lincoln, would have taken up anything south and west of the Colorado River. Just like the state of Jefferson that would have been found in East Texas, the idea never came to fruition. The second Lincoln would have been found far from Texas. After the crafting of the Washington, Idaho, and Montana Territories in 1864, it was briefly unclear if what is now known as the Idaho Panhandle would become a part of Idaho or Montana. In the meantime, the Panhandle led a petition to become a state called Lincoln. When this failed, the idea was re-proposed in the early 1900s and included Eastern Washington, thus splitting the existing state in two. Again, the idea failed, but it has perpetually recurred since that time. The most recent proposition for the idea was made in 2005.

Community Health Centers Inc. has a program for those who do not have vision insurance to see Dr. Thomas Wolf, Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Eyeglasses, if needed, are free. For more information call 769-3301. Carole Brown, Coordinator of the Parent Resource Center Metro Career Academy 1901 Springlake Dr., OKC, OK 73111 carole.brown@metrotech.edu or www.metrotech.edu

Have You Been Through the Key Leadership Academy Yet? This free leadership empowerment training has taught individuals how to develop self determination, leadership, civic and the ways to improve services for those living with psychiatric disorders. The Key Leadership Academy has helped many individuals across the state to reach out and advocate for themselves and others. One participant has began the process of having a Mental Health Court in their region. Another is now a member of a Board of Directors. Others have joined to have the right to hold a fundraiser, different ways to teach their community, including advocating for mental health issues and ways to reduce the stigma that is associated with mental illness. OMHCC has successfully trained over 104 participants in the last year thus far. OMHCC will continue the efforts to have a statewide consumer voice. If anyone wishes to have OMHCC to hold a free training in your community please contact Shae Leggett by e-mail at shaeleggett.omhcc@coxinet.net or by phone at 405.604.6975 or toll free 1.888.424.1305. Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council is dedicated to promote recovery & wellness through the development of a statewide consumer network that works to provide advocacy, education, and stigma education efforts at the I individual, community, organizational, and state level.

We are here to help individuals that do not have the means or ways to take that first step into a new life. Everyone sometime or another needs help whether it be for yourself, a loved one, a neighbor or a friend. OMHCC is here to help!

Project Red State by Darla Sheldon Photography exhibit by local artist Ashley Griffith opens people eyes to the face of HIV/AIDS with Project Red State. To help raise awareness about Oklahomans living with HIV/AIDS, The Project Red State has a display titled “Putting a Face on HIV/AIDS” at the A.K.A. Gallery, 3001 Paseo, in Oklahoma City. The project’s goal, through the use of portrait photography and personal stories, is to provoke thought and dialogue in an effort to instill a deeper understanding of those affected by HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma. “My goal is to photograph 1000 Oklahomans who are HIV/AIDS positive. Help me to achieve this goal by getting the word out to anyone that you know who is positive. This project will only work if I have models.” Griffith said. Expected completion date is December 2013 in time for World AIDS Day, but in an effort to get more participants and raise awareness. Participants are asked to come by the gallery on Saturdays from 12– 3pm, to get involved. Griffith added, “I understand that many people may not or can not reveal their positive status due to work or family etc., but I wanted those people to be able to tell their story and I think that those photos of the back of someone’s head will make the piece even more powerful to the viewer.” “I think that a lot of Oklahomans still see HIV/AIDS as a gay man’s disease. The truth is for a while now the growing rates of infection are in young women and straight men.” To make an appointment to participate in Project Red State call Ashley at 405.606.2522 or for more details visit facebook.com/ Unusual Uses for Dryer Sheets By Belle Goode Wash Dishes: To loosen baked-on food from dishes, simply place a dryer sheet onto the dish, fill with cold water, and let it soak over night. The fabric softener in the dryer sheet will break down the food particles, making the dish much easier to clean in the morning.

Mosquito Repellent: Just stick a dryer sheet in each pocket or tie it to a belt loop. My family grew up camping, and using dryer sheets is a lot more cost effective than any bug spray or citronella candle. Plus, they have a pleasant scent.

Soap Scum Buster: Clean glass shower doors by scrubbing them with damp dryer sheets.

Clean Shoes: Scrub dirt from the leather portion of shoes.

Duster: It will come as no surprise to find out you can use the anti-static properties of dryer sheets to dust things that you hope to keep dust-free, at least for a little while!

Dryer sheets can be used this way on computer monitors, television screens, and even venetian blinds.

Sewing Tool: Though it might not seem related, it's the same anti-static quality at work when you sew: run a sheet over your thread, and it won't tangle so easily!

Air Freshener: They're great for freshening things from linen closet shelves to tennis shoes to books that have become a bit musty.

Keep Out Rodents: They can even help keep mice out of the house! Use them to block up holes, the little creatures wont want to chew through the smelly material.

Air Freshener Again: Put them inside of your vacuum cleaner, once you're done vacuuming, the air will smell as good as your clothes normally do.

Glass Cleaner: Use them to clean and polish the glass lens of your eye glasses.

Price Remover: Removing the prices on items from thrift stores or garage sales.

Thank you to Wayne Mcguire, PH.d. for all your many years of dedicated service to the Oklahoma mental health consumers.

The public hears our voices

One in every 34 adults is in jail, on probation or parole in America.

U.S. is the Number One Jailer in the World by Rick Cohen Some social indicators make you shudder.

According to Think Progress, there are lots of Americans in jail, or on probation or parole -– one in 34 adults, as tabulated by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. That’s an amazing statistic.

That’s one out of 50 adults on probation or parole and one out of 107 incarcerated.

It means that the U.S. is “the number one jailer in the world, with a rate of incarceration that far eclipses that in every other major developed nation.” And that is after three years of declines in the number of people in jail or prison, including a decrease of 1.3 percent in 2011 (PDF). Realize that these statistics don’t include juvenile detention numbers. Although the rates declined between 2010 and 2011, the trends over the past decade are alarming for this country. The number of people in federal prisons increased 3.9 percent, but the number in privately operated federal prisons increased 9.9 percent (the number in privately operated state facilities increased 2.2 percent). While the overall prison population dropped between 2010 and 2011, the number of prisoners under military jurisdiction increased 3.5 percent. These statistics mean that there will be a pipeline of needs for organizations such as HOPE for Prisoners in Las Vegas and the Lateral Foundation in Warren, Ohio, which work on helping former prisoners integrate back into society. But the U.S. has to figure out how it has come to lead the world in incarceration and reduce the demand for prisoner reentry programs.—Rick Cohen

A state trooper had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, but wasn’t getting any. Then he discovered the problem. A 12 yr. old boy was standing up the road with a hand printed sign that read “Speed Trap Ahead” The officer also found the boy’s friend down the road with a sign that read “TIPS” and a bucket full of money. And we used to only sell lemonade and baked goods when we were little.

U.S. Mental Healthcare System Failing Patients, Advocates Say by Alana Horowitz On Feb. 9, 1844, the governor of Missouri ate breakfast, went to his office and locked the door. Then he shot himself with a rifle. Thomas Reynolds’ death rattled the state and inspired a conversation about mental illness that led to the founding of its first public mental hospital. 168 years later, Missouri's mental health system is in crisis. “The place is something out of the 1920s,” Missouri State Rep. Jeanne Kirkton said of Fulton State Hospital, the state's first. “Have you ever seen ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’? It’s that, but worse.” A report by the Missouri Mental Health Department found that Fulton “is inordinately expensive to operate and is an extremely dangerous environment for both patients and staff.” For the state’s severely mentally ill, Fulton is one of a dwindling number of options. According to an April 2012 Missouri Hospital Association report, there are only 637 licensed psychiatrists in the state. Budget cuts have forced both public and private hospitals to reduce the number of psychiatric beds they provide, while community-based mental health services have lost $17.2 million in the past 3 years alone. Missouri is not an outlier. The National Alliance on Mental Illness in 2009 gave America's mental health system a D rating. When state budgets across the country have needed trimming in recent years, mental health services have often been among the first to go. “It is not a glamorous issue,” said Sandy Pasch, a state representative from Wisconsin. “Mental health is often one of the first things to cut ... it’s not one of the heavily lobbied groups." In the past three years, $4.35 billion for services has been cut from state budgets across the country, according to a report by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute. While states are slashing funding for treatment, private care is getting harder to obtain. Mental health advocates say that the number of providers nationwide has decreased in recent years. The ones that do practice often don’t take insurance or are all booked up. “Even if you have a benefits program that should offer you mental health and substance abuse services, it’s often difficult to find a provider who will even take you just to get in the door for an assessment,” said Sarah Steverman, the director of state policy for Mental Health America, the nation's largest non-profit mental health advocacy group. “We don’t have enough providers, and the providers that we do have don’t necessarily have to service the population that's most in need because there’s plenty of demand.” Amelio D’Onofrio is a New York City-based psychologist who teaches at Fordham University. He said he requires patients to pay out of pocket for treatment. “Not everyone can afford that -- it limits the clientele to a certain socioeconomic status,” he said. “The reimbursement rates [from insurance companies] to mental health providers are not on par with making a living. These become difficult choices. I want to practice, but I’m going to do it in a way that I can practice the way I want to practice, not be limited with the paperwork that insurance companies require.” Jackie Malasky, a young professional working in Washington, D.C., said she used to see a therapist, but the out-of-pocket costs stopped her. “It just got to the point where it was too expensive,” she said. “I want to get back into therapy but it’s hard to find somebody you vibe with and it’s really expensive.” Even if providers do take insurance, insurance companies may not cover every service. “It is much cheaper for insurance companies to pay for medication than ongoing psychotherapy, and their lobbies and the money spent on advertisements have slowly infused our cultural thinking about this,” said Lloyd Sederer, the author of The Family Guide to Mental Health Care and an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health who also serves as an adviser to HuffPost's Healthy Living section.

But Susan Pisano, a spokeswoman for America’s Health Insurance Plans, the trade group that represents the health insurance industry, said that insurance companies aim to cover the services that fit patients best, no matter the cost.

“Health plans provide coverage for very expensive things every day of the week,” she said. “The decisions have to do with what the science tells us is working best.” Furthermore, “if the typical recommendation doesn’t apply, then there’s a way for the physician to ask for an exception.” But there are signs that many people are slipping through the cracks. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 40 percent of adults with serious mental illnesses reported not getting treatment at all in 2009. One of those adults is Marsha Roach’s 30-year-old son Peter, who is autistic and also suffers from substance abuse issues. Roach said that her son received extensive support in middle school and high school. Once he graduated, everything changed. “It's really a nightmare,” she said. "It just blows my mind with what I’ve had to go through. We've been very unsuccessful in everything we’ve tried.” Peter Roach lives in Branford, Conn., with his mother and grandmother and hasn’t worked or taken classes since high school. His mother, who has a full-time job, has tried for years to get him into supportive housing, but hasn't had any luck. “A big part of the reason is because he has family. They keep putting him at the back of the list because there are people who don’t,” Marsha Roach said. “What’s going to happen when I die? Who’s going to take care of him?” Roach has worked with counselors from BH Care, a nearby non-profit behavioral health care provider. She says that one counselor told her “if you can’t deal with him, drop him off at a [homeless] shelter.” Mike Fitzpatrick, the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said that there is a total lack of a support system for caregivers. “Ultimately it's families and caregivers who are taking care of and providing support to the people that they love, and too often they’re going it alone.” Fitzpatrick said that when caregivers are worried about loved ones, especially those who are resistant to getting help, calling the police is often the most accessible option. Samantha Bernstein of Stamford, Conn., has twice called 911 on her son Max, who has pediatric bipolar disorder.

“He would have tantrums that lasted over an hour, I mean throwing himself on the floor,” she said. “He once had a tantrum that was so major that he slipped and hit his head and needed stitches.” She said that both times she called, the response team was extremely helpful. However, Max’s issues continued. “He was hospitalized eight times between the ages of 5 and 7,” she said. Bernstein enrolled her son in Hampshire Country School, a therapeutic boarding school for boys in Rindge, N.H. She said that Max, now 10, no longer has violent outbursts and is off medication. Thanks to the school, he has plenty of adult supervision and constant support. Hampshire's sticker price? $49,000 per year, according to its website. That amount is not something most families can afford, given that the median income in U.S. households is only $52,762. But while mental health treatment often comes at a great cost to both patients and governments, studies suggest it’s more expensive for the nation to avoid dealing with mental illness than it is to treat it properly. A 2008 study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that serious mental illness costs the U.S. economy $193.2 billion dollars per year in lost earnings. That amount doesn't account for other associated costs, like the cost of incarcerations. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 56 percent of state prisoners and 45 percent of federal prisoners have symptoms or a recent history of mental health issues. People with mental illness "are by and large invisible people to many state legislators, so they’re the easier cuts to make without having a big backlash,” said Kirkton, the Missouri lawmaker. “It’s most unfortunate because when you look down into the numbers of how much it really costs state and local governments, when you think about all the impacts of mental illness on employment, hospital care, public safety, it's not a pennywise decision.”

English is a Crazy Language by Busy Teacher.org There is no EGG in EGGPLANT nor HAM in HAMBURGER; neither APPLE nor PINE in PINEAPPLE. ENGLISH MUFFINS weren’t invented in ENGLAND. QUICKSAND can work SLOWLY, BOXING RINGS are SQUARE, and a GUINEA PIG is neither from GUINEA nor is it a PIG. And why is it that WRITERS WRITE but FINGERS don’t FING, GROCERS don’t GROCE and HAMMERS don’t HAM? Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make AMENDS but not one AMEND? If TEACHERS TAUGHT, why don’t PREACHERS PRAUGHT? If a VEGETARIAN eats VEGETABLES, what does a HUMITARIAN eat?

In what other language do people RECITE at a PLAY and PLAY at a RECITAL? We Ship BY TRUCK but SEND CARGO BY SHIP. We have NOSES that RUN and FEET that SMELL. We PARK in a DRIVEWAY and DRIVE in a PARKWAY. And how can a SLIM CHANCE and a FAT CHANCE be the same, while a WISE MAN and a WISE GUY are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your HOUSE can BURNUP as it BURNS DOWN, in which you FILL IN a form by FILLING IT OUT, and in which an ALARM goes OFF by going ON. And, in closing, if Father is POP, how come Mother’s not MOP?

From “4 UR Mental Health” Newsletter by Chato B. Smith Book Selection of the Season: Minority of Mind By Ben Boone

Acronyms and Initials All Spelled Out by Jason English For the past few weeks, every time I saw an acronym or initials, I took a picture. You know the brands, authors, and pieces of legislation, but do you know what all those letters stand for?

-BMW: BMW means Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to “Bavarian Motor Works.”

- L.L. Bean: The company was founded by Leon Leonwood Bean.

-CVS: CVS originally stood for Consumer Value Stores. Over time the name became simply CVS. -A&W: The A and W of A&W are (Roy) Allen and (Frank) Wright.

-M&M’s: M&M™s stands for Mars & Murrie, the last names of the candy founders.

-3M: 3M is a shorter, snazzier way to say Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing.

- TCBY: You probably know TCBY means The Country’s Best Yogurt - Kmart: Kresge is the K in Kmart, for founder Sebastian S. Kresge.

- DSW Shoes: DSW is short for Designer Shoe Warehouse -JCPenney: James Cash Penney.

-CBS: Columbia Broadcasting System.

- TASER: stands for Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle.

-Smart Car: smart car is short for Swatch Mercedes Art (car).

- ZIP Code: ZIP = Zone Improvement Plan. Smokey The Bear has his own ZIP Code (20252 for fan mail).

- USA PATRIOT Act: That’s the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism” Act to you.

- Hunter S. Thompson: Hunter Stockton Thompson.

-J.R.R. Tolkien: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

- Michael J. Fox: Michael J. Fox’s middle name is Andrew.

- NECCO: New England Confectionery COmpany.

-F.A.O. Schwarz: Frederick August Otto Schwarz founded the toy company with his brothers.

-DHL: (Adrian) Dalsey, (Larry) Hillblom and (Robert) Lynn.

-Chuck E. Cheese’s: Chuck E. Cheese’s middle name is Entertainment.

- ALF: Gordon Shumway’s nickname is an acronym for Alien Life Form.

Why English Is Hard To Learn We’ll begin with box; the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox is oxen, not oxes, One fowl is a goose, and two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose is never called meese.

You may find a lone mouse or a house full of mice; But the plural of house is houses, not hice.

The plural of man is always men, But the plural of pan is never pen.

If I speak of a foot, and you show me two feet, And I give you a book, would you a pair be a beek?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are called teeth, Why shouldn’t two booths be called beeth?

If the singular’s this and the plural is these, Should the plural of kiss be ever called keese?

We speak of a brother and also of brethren, But though we say mother, we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his, and him; But imagine the feminine...she, shis, and shim!

-Anonymous

11 Historical Geniuses & their Possible Mental Disorders by Kathy Benjamin 1. Abraham Lincoln – Depression? The Great Emancipator managed to lead the country through one of its more trying times, despite suffering from severe depression most of his life. According to one Lincoln biographer, letters left by the president’s friends referred to him as “the most depressed person they’ve ever seen.” On at least one occasion, he was so overcome with “melancholy” that he collapsed. Both his mother and numerous members of his father’s family exhibited similar symptoms of severe depression, indicating he was probably biologically susceptible to the illness.

2. Ludwig von Beethoven – Bipolar Disorder? When the composer died of liver failure in 1827, he had been self-medicating his many health problems with alcohol for decades. Sadly, much of what he may have suffered from probably could have been managed with today’s medications, including a serious case of bipolar disorder. Beethoven’s fits of mania were well known in his circle of friends, and when he was on a high he could compose numerous works at once. It was during his down periods that many of his most celebrated works were written. Sadly, that was also when he contemplated suicide, as he told his brothers in letters throughout his life. During the early part of 1813 he went through such a depressive period that he stopped caring about his appearance, and would fly into rages during dinner parties. He also stopped composing almost completely during that time.

3. Edvard Munch – Panic Attacks? The world’s most famous panic attack occurred in Olso during January 1892. Munch recorded the episode in his diary: “One evening I was walking along a path, the city was on one side and the fjord below. I felt tired and ill. I stopped and looked out over the fjord—the sun was setting, and the clouds turning blood red. I sensed a scream passing through nature.” This experience affected the artist so deeply he returned to the moment again and again, eventually making two paintings, two pastels, and a lithograph based on his experience, as well as penning a poem derived from the diary entry. While it isn’t known if Munch had any more panic attacks, mental illness did run in his family; at the time of his episode, his bipolar sister was in an asylum.

4. Michelangelo – Autism? You might have wondered in the past just how someone could paint something as huge as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

According to a paper published in the Journal of Medical Biography in 2004, Michelangelo’s single-minded routine may have been due to the disorder.

According to descriptions by his contemporaries, the painter was “preoccupied with his own reality.” Most of the male members of his family are recorded to have exhibited similar symptoms. Michelangelo also seems to have had difficulty forming relationships with people; he had few friends and didn’t even attend his brother’s funeral. All of this, combined with his obvious genius in math and art, led the researchers to believe that today Michelangelo would be considered high functioning on the autism spectrum.

5. Charles Dickens – Depression? By his early 30s, Dickens was the most famous author in the world. He was wealthy and seemed to have it all. But after an unbelievably difficult childhood, which saw the author working in a boot factory and living on his own when his father was thrown in prison, Dickens would start falling into depressions with the start of each new novel. The first one to cause him problems was one of his lesser-known works, The Chimes, in 1844.

After that, Dickens’ friends wrote that he became down every time he set to work on a new project, but that his mood would gradually lift until he was in a kind of mania by the time he finished. His depression worsened with age, and he eventually separated from his wife – the mother of his ten children – to live with an 18-year-old actress. After he was involved in a train crash four years before his death, in which he was uninjured but was forced to assist dying passengers before help came, his depression seems to have finally staunched his creativity, and his previously prolific output virtually ceased.

6. Charles Darwin – Agoraphobia? Scholars still debate just exactly what problems Darwin suffered from, but whatever they were, they were serious.

Despite his famed five year voyage on the Beagle (and the publication it led to) making his career, Darwin was virtually incapacitated the entire time. While he concentrated on his physical symptoms as the cause of all his suffering, the constant trembling, nausea, hysterical crying, and visual hallucinations (among other things) seem to have been mostly caused by a severe case of agoraphobia that kept him virtually bedridden from the time he turned thirty.

Darwin’s fear of people meant he would even avoid conversations with his own children, writing, “I am forced to live… very quietly and am able to see scarcely anybody and cannot even talk long with my nearest relations.” In at least one letter he mentions feeling like committing suicide due to the publication of On the Origin of Species, the controversy over which caused him much distress. He may have also suffered from OCD and/or hypochondria, as he kept meticulous records of every new or recurring symptom.

7. Winston Churchill – Bipolar Disorder? Like Lincoln, Churchill was a great leader dealing not only with international strife but his own mental struggles at the same time. In his 30s, he complained to his friends that he was hounded by the “black dog of depression.” He sat in the Houses of Parliament and contemplated suicide. Churchill told his doctor that he had to be careful where he stood in a train station: “I don’t like standing near the edge of a platform when an express train is passing through,” he told his doctor. “I like to stand right back and if possible get a pillar between me and the train. I don’t like to stand by the side of a ship and look down into the water. A second’s action would end everything. A few drops of desperation.” The black dog would follow him the rest of his life. When in his mild manic phases he was personable, but his moods could change quickly. During periods of high mania he would stay up all night writing, eventually producing 43 books on top of attending to his political duties.

8. Vaslav Nijinsky – Schizophrenia? While not well-known today, in the early 1900s, Nijinsky was a household name. Considered the greatest male dancer of his era, he was famous for his intense performances, gigantic leaps, and ability to dance on his toes (en pointe), something uncommon among male dancers at the time. When he took to choreographing ballets, his modern take on the dance led to a riot. By the time Nijinsky was 26, the symptoms of his disease were affecting his work. He spent the rest of his life in and out of mental hospitals, often going weeks at a time without saying a word.

9. Kurt Gödel – Persecutory Delusions? Gödel was a brilliant logician and mathematician, as well as a contemporary and great friend of Albert Einstein.

Einstein’s super-intelligence might have made him seem a little odd to the average person, but he doesn’t seem to have suffered from any actual mental illnesses. Gödel, on the other hand, thought that someone was out to poison him. He was so sure of this delusion, especially later in life, that he would only eat food that his wife had cooked, and usually made her taste it first, just to be sure. When his wife was hospitalized for six months, Gödel simply stopped eating and starved to death.

10. Leo Tolstoy – Depression? Tolstoy did not suffer from obvious signs of depression until middle age, but when it hit him, it hit hard. He went through serious personality changes, questioning virtually everything in his life. At times he debated giving away all of his possessions, becoming celibate, and the nature of his religious beliefs (or lack thereof). At one point he was determined to give up writing altogether, saying, “art is not only useless but even harmful.” Tolstoy is a perfect example of someone who seemingly has everything brought low by this disease: despite coming from a wealthy family, being celebrated as an author, and being father to 13 children, eventually his demons drove him to seriously consider suicide. He wrote in one letter, “The possibility of killing himself has been given to man, and therefore he may kill himself.” Eventually Tolstoy pulled himself out of this hole by becoming what we would now consider a born-again Christian.

11. Isaac Newton – Everything? One of the greatest scientists of all time is also the hardest genius to diagnose, but historians agree he had a lot going on.

Newton suffered from huge ups and downs in his moods, indicating bipolar disorder, combined with psychotic tendencies. His inability to connect with people could place him on the autism spectrum. He also had a tendency to write letters filled with mad delusions, which some medical historians feel strongly indicates schizophrenia. Whether he suffered from one or a combination of these serious illnesses, they did not stop him from inventing calculus, explaining gravity, and building telescopes, among his other great scientific achievements.

Happy New Year!!!!!

Nicoma Park UMC Thrift Store Wednesday 9-3 & Saturday 9-1 .25 cent sale (All clothes) Jeans $1 Everything is always unbelievably low priced for such great quality Corner of NE 19th St. & Westminster in Nicoma Park All proceeds go to help those in need.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services is offering a training on how to prevent bullying. They are looking for individuals to take the training and spread the word out in their communities.

Peacemaker or Troublemaker: Bullying Prevention.

Gayle R. Jones trainer4change@sbcglobal.net (405) 210-9614

The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done, we can see it, understand it, learn from it, and change. So that every new moment is spent not in regret, guilt, fear or anger but in wisdom, understanding & love

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