Extra Credit post- herbs, botanical's and supps.

Lavender 

Back in the day lavender was said to help mental health illnesses and used as an antiseptic.Today lavender is used in candles, lotions and oils that are used for aroma therapy said to have calming effects and hep reduce stress. The lavender leaves can also be dried and used in teas. Lavender is said to help with hair loss, headaches and insomnia/restlessness. 

• Aroma therapy for usually safe for adults although applying lavender concentrates to the skin may cause a rash or irritation
• drinking or eating lavender concentrates can cause head aches, constipation and even changes in appetite. 
• eating lavender oil may be poisonous 
• breast growth may occur in young boys if topical s used 
• sedative medications mixed with lavender can increase drowsiness 

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm

#8 Final blog entry

FINALLY! Its over! Totally kidding, blogging was actually fun and wasn't to difficult to figure out. I enjoyed being able to be creative and choose my assignment each week. Another thing that I liked about this was that I could finish assignments on my phone because there was an app in Iphone for blogger.I think my favorite assignments would have to be the love language quiz and stress reduction techniques. The love language was fun because it helped you learn a little bit more about your self, and the stress reduction technique was also just as enjoyable because it gave you a chance to try a new way of relaxation. I like the idea of blogging for homework.Its fun and creative,but I don't think I'd become and everyday blogger just for the heck of it.


Well I hope you all enjoyed blogging as much as I did. GOOD LUCK with your future classes!!
-Ashley

#7 "kids off drugs"

Growing up my parents always told me drugs are bad and they would explain to me why they are bad. They always told me how kids would overdose or hallucinate and end up hurting themselves or someone else. As I got older my parents would continue to talk to me about drugs and show me pictures of what can happen to you if you choose to do drugs or drink and drive. Another thing they told me was "if you ever choose to do drugs or drink we will come pick you up no questions asked just call us for help". I think by them being realistic and understanding is what helped me make the right choices and that just because you say something's bad doesn't mean it's going to stop you from doing it, we all know kids are going to want to experiment and try things.
When I become a parent I will do the same things, educate my children by telling them how drugs can harm your body, your friends and even other people. I'll be realistic about the situation and know that they might chose to try drugs even if I tell them it's wrong and I will be there for them when they need help. I think this would be a tough situation as a parent you hope that your children will make the right choices but kids are influenced by their peers and wanting to fit in or be "cool". Another thing I will do is communicate with my children, be involved in there lives and know who there hanging out with. I don't know if there's a perfect/right way with trying to keep your children away from drugs, but I will do what my parents did because that's what worked for me and my brother.

#6 marriage expert

So for this assignment I interviewed my grandparents who have been happily married since may 10th 1969 and here is what they had to say.

•what were some challenges in your marriage?
"raising the children"- Grandma
"and finances"-Grandpa

•how they were resolved?
"well the kids grew up and moved out and we worked through the financial problems because that's all ya can do" - Grandpa

•Are there any new challenges?
"no,we tend to prefer each others company" -Grandma

•Any advice they have for a successful healthy marriage? Together they said: communicate! Have similar morals and goals.
"It helps if you like the person you marry"- Grandpa
"you have to have a sense of humor, it helps with the struggles"- Grandma

• What has helped them be successful? Communication
"well I just do what your grandmother tells me to do (as he's smiling) she's the boss" -Grandpa

#5 Stress reduction technique

The stress reduction technique I chose is deep breathing. Whenever I felt my self feeling anxious or stressed i decided I'd take a few moments to myself,close my eyes and take a few deep breathes and just reflect on the situation. The reason I really like this technique is because you can do it anywhere and you don't need lots of time although sometimes it is nice spending 20 minutes doing this exercise. My favorite time/way to do this technique would be right before bed at the end of the day. I like to lie down on the floor with candles lit so the room is calming. I close my eyes and take some slow deep breaths in relaxing my muscles as I start to relax I think about my day and what is bothering me and think about what I can do to fix it. After I tried this technique a few time I could feel my body being less tense as if weights were lifted off my shoulders. It helped me clear my mind soI could relax and think clearly. After trying this I felt happier and much more calm.I really find this technique to be helpful. I have continued using this technique because I found it so helpful.

#4- "you in 6 words"

stuck on a merry-go-round wanting off

http://www.smithmag.net/sixwords/story.php?did=348590

The reason I chose those 6 words/ that phrase is because lately it seems like I haven't been getting anywhere. I feel as if i'm going in circles. I'm trying so hard to succeed and my work isn't paying off I understand it all takes time but i'm just ready for some change and ready to see some results. Not only that a lot have things have been going wrong lately and its seems like when it rains it pours. I know I just have to keep my chin up and stay positive but its tough when it feels like your stuck going in circles. It was tough trying to come up with only 6 words to describe your life at the moment you'd think "oh 6 words is plenty " but when it comes down to it your either a word short or two words over your limit and that's the challenging part is being descriptive with only 6 words.

#3 "what is your love language"

So for assignment 3 I took the love language quiz and it told me my love language is"quality time". I've always been one to appreciate spending time with people I care about and love the one on one bonding with friends or family. It makes me happy for someone to take time out of there busy day to spend time with me. Everything seemed pretty spot on I tend to value what someone has to say when paying a compliment or being told how much they appreciate you, more than I do receiving gifts to show affection or gratitude. My lowest score for my love language was acts of service, which also seemed spot on. Although receiving gifts is nice I like to be the one to give the gifts and make people happy. This was an interesting yet fun assignment. It helps you learn a little bit more about yourself and shows you what makes you happy.