This topic fascinates me. I think Finland's social services and education is superb. The weather's a bit too cold for my liking, however :lol:. But that's probably the only country where I might consider not homeschooling ;). Just maybe. This fabulous interview addresses this and many other questions. Here's an excerpt: "In some schools, in the areas around Helsinki, more than 30 percent of the pupils are immigrants. It seems that we have been doing good work, also with the immigrants, if we look at PISA results. Normally, if children come from a very different schooling system or society, they have one year in a smaller setting where they study Finnish and maybe some other subjects. We try to raise their level before they come to regular classrooms. We think also that learning one's mother tongue is very important, and that's why we try to teach the mother tongue for all immigrants as well. It's very challenging. I think in Helsinki, they are teaching 44 different mother tongues. The government pays for two-hour lessons each week for these pupils. We think it is very important to know your own tongue -- that you can write and read and think in it. Then it's easier also to learn other languages like Finnish or English, or other subjects."

Wow. I just realized that this thread was originally posted almost 2 years ago! :lol:

Dianne, I went for a thermogram several months ago and they highly recommended Emerita. I love it and haven't had any negative effects since starting it in November. Lately though, I have been a tiny bit neglectful. So, thank you for the reminder. :D Here is what they told me. Also a mixture of notes that I've gathered. Oftentimes, estrogen dominance is due to a lack of progesterone. Balancing out estrogen with progesterone is important. Progesterone is the brake pedal for estrogen. Consider progesterone cream if your thermogram shows that you have too much estrogen in your breast tissues. Not all progesterone creams are alike. Make sure to get one that is natural, organic, bio-identical and not synthetic. Emerita is a very good one. Ann Louise Gittleman also has one called ProgestaKey. I don't know much about it. Please keep in mind natural does not imply organic. Many of these creams have not only the main ingredients based on phytoestrogens, but also have the toxic xenohormones, parabens and mineral oil too. They are far from organic. So be aware and ask questions about your creams! Apply ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the progesterone cream directly to your breasts morning and evening. More progesterone is absorbed into breast tissues when it’s applied to them directly, and that’s ultimately where you want most of the progesterone to go. Do not apply it to other areas, even if the instructions tell you to do so. Progesterone receptors are only found in the breasts (and ovaries), so apply directly to the breasts to decrease vascularity. Repeated thermograms prove this is the only correct application method to reduce vascularity and risk. Or to explain this easier, if you cut your thumb and you apply Neosporin to your elbow how effective is that? Apply the cream directly to area that it is needed. It can reduce some signs of menopause when applied indirectly, but when you move it to the breasts you will see a greater decrease in menopause issues and more importantly you are reducing the vascularity in the breasts. For those who turn up their nose at progesterone creams, do know that that Prempro is very different from progesterone. The former is a synthetic, the latter natural. The effects on the body therefore are much different. Also, many women who took Prempro also took Premarin, which aggravated everything. Beware of synthetic progesterone (progestin), which won’t work the way natural or bio-identical progesterone does. Your body has difficulty breaking down the synthetic form, used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, so this altered form creates a potential for toxic effects. In fact, after progestin was added to HRT, women’s cancer risk increased! Many do not feel comfortable taking even bio-identical progesterone indefinitely. They may use it for, a year or two, and then find that it is no longer as helpful as it was initially. Progesterone creams can be helpful for a short period of time, but over time the progesterone may build up in the fat layers of the body and is continually released over time from these cells. So, it’s possible that it loses its efficacy over time. They also recommended the Dr. Lee books that Ellen recommended. I haven't yet gotten around to that. I have lots and lots of info on other ways of reducing estrogen levels. If you are interested, let me know and I will post them here. :)

For our upcoming trip to Europe, I need a bag that's anti-theft for the Metro in Paris and the Tube in London. I like this one, although it is quite pricey, I figure that I can use it for after the trip also. Not just for travel. My problem is that I love the Citron color. My favorite. My 2nd choice would be Tan, but I really, really prefer the Citron. One reviewer wrote that the Citron ran onto her clothes in the heat. Since we'll be there in the summer, as well as in very hot Israel ... I'm disappointed. I want a really nice bag at that price, and now I guess I need to settle for the tan? WWYD? My favorite bag here in the tropics is a Citron one and that one never runs. Have had no problems with it. Thank you. :)

I did not know this. Thanks for sharing this. I am so impressed by everything I see about the Finnish education system :thumbup:. I still need to read up on it more. I may even consider Math Mammoth, even though I never have before.

Very well said. I'm surprised that some take it every night. I'm particularly surprised that children are given it on a regular basis. I can handle up to 12 mg at night. Less than 3 mg does absolutely nothing for me. I have recently tried taking 3 mg or so if I wake up in the middle of the night. No problems for me. Again, if anyone has suggestions as to what to give our dc (ages almost 13 and 11) for our long transatlantic flight, please do share. I want something that's safe, but also very effective. They absolutely must get some sleep on this flight. The next day will be crazy and so sleep is essential. Dd has a terrible track record of not sleeping on flights. Ds is not much better, either. Melatonin - 3 mg - Time Release? Dramamine ??? - not my favorite, but tried in the past Valerian - capsules are too big - at least the ones we have Hyland's Calms Forte (as previous poster suggested)? Thank you. :)

I seldom have problems with even very high doses of melatonin. I don't take it very often, however. I was considering giving a low dose to our dc before a very long overnight (transatlantic) flight that we'll be taking in a few months. Now, I'm not so sure. In the past, I've given them Dramamine. But I don't like that very much. They really do need something for the flight. I am not one to give them stuff on a regular basis. I don't believe that children should rely on sleep supplements, unless if absolutely necessary ... My dc do not sleep well on flights. Perhaps I should give them valerian instead? Will that be effective? :confused: Thank you.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree: Brilliant and very well said. :)

Huffington Post and I also alternate with BBC World News

The following books are said to be very good: From Fatigued to Fantastic by Jacob Teitelbaum Living Well with Hypothyroidism by Mary Shomon The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss by Mary Shomon The Ultra Thyroid Solution by Dr, Mark Hyman I have lots and lots of notes, but cannot really share them right now, since they're so unorganized and all-over-the-place. I don't know when I'll have time to get them organized. Agreeing with Peela to do your research. Search here on these boards for previous threads. If your scroll down this page, you'll see related threads. :)

Hard to explain. I allow for treats and am flexible. Both dc know that I'm very flexible on weekends, maybe too flexible. They're allowed one candy a week. Ice cream on about 2 weekend nights. Stuff like that. If we have company, flexible then also. When she does overeat at times or when she makes poor choices, I remind her to ask herself if she's really and truly hungry. I tell her that I do the same. She sees me doing all this. She seems me fall down and get up again. I am by no means perfect. We've all been very undisciplined lately - Easter is too tempting. We're crazy about Easter chocolates ... we all know this is temporary. So no, I do not monitor every single thing that goes into her mouth. But I do remind her, at times, that we all need to be careful and cautious. This is a constant struggle. I need to get that Omnivore kids book. We need to study that during school. Cow's milk is one of THE absolute worst things for overall health - cow's milk, refined sugar, and HFCS. We've also stopped using cow's milk, except for when I need it for baking. No soy either. We're sticking to almond milk. The kids don't like it much. Tough luck :lol:. Here's what I've read and been told about (in my college years more than 20 years ago): If one has to choose, full-fat dairy is more slimming. To make dairy low-fat or skim, fat and protein are removed and carbs and sugars are added. This makes dairy less satiating and more likely to trigger fat-promoting blood sugar imbalances. Removing fat also slashes dairy levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which your body needs in order to burn fat.

No.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

We're watching it as a family - my parents, ourselves, and our kids. Loving it. Absolutely, I would take my teens to see it.

Peela, you are so incredibly sweet and kind. :grouphug: Thank YOU for writing to him and how very nice of him to reply. Also I'm happy to hear that he's quite informed about the climate here. So many people don't even know where our tiny island is ;). I'm going to look into both his books. I'd love to get them very soon, but am trying very, very hard to save $, because of our upcoming very expensive trip in a few months. I'm putting both his books as top priority on my wish list. Don't know when I'll get them, but I will get them. Thanks again. Peela, you're always so helpful and thoughtful. :grouphug:

Stacia, this is on my wish list. :)

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree: I got my master's degree at Columbia (another Ivy League) and my parents are most certainly not Tiger parents. Having gone to a state university (undegrad) and an Ivy League school (grad), I see very little difference between the quality of education in either place. Ivy League just carries more weight, impresses people more, and costs a whole heck of a lot more $$$.

I just started a fluffy and easy read, by one of my favorite fluffy and easy authors - Maeve Binchy :D - Minding Frankie I love how paperbacks come out much quicker internationally. :) With the dc, we've just started: A Nest for Celeste - so sweet and the illustrations are simply gorgeous The London Eye Mystery

How do you feel now? Better, I hope. :grouphug: Thank you so much, Peela. :) Did he or anyone reply? I would love to know. This whole topic fascinates me. The link didn't work. Hence why I'm asking.

Thanks, Rosie. :) I seriously need to find the time to read up more on Ayurveda. I wish I had kept my Deepak Chopra book from more than 15 years ago. At the time, I didn't pay much attention to it. Read it, but did not follow through.

I don't understand how it could be snake oil :confused:. He's just saying to not stress about the number of hours we sleep. Or at least I think he is. He's not trying to sell anything. It's just a different perspective. :iagree: For me, personally, rather than getting all stressed about how little sleep I got or getting all sleep-obsessed, I always do better when I just get up and start moving, rather than stay in bed and try to fall asleep again. I love being up before sunrise. My dad is the same way. He often says that he has no recollection in his adult life of waking up after sunrise. He's super-healthy and I have never, ever seen him be depressed. His solution for all of life's stresses: prayer, walking, swimming in the ocean, and he eats very healthy. He's almost 81. Now, of course, this is not the cure-all for everyone. But I just thought to share. I wish I could be as disciplined and good as he is. I don't always succeed. I just try. Keep falling down and have to keep getting up again ... I don't think this article is really about sleep deprivation. Maybe I'm wrong and need to go and re-read it :confused: :lol:. I think it's more about not being sleep-obsessed and not stressing about how little sleep we got, etc. Just listening to our own bodies - going to bed when we're tired and getting up naturally without an alarm clock. This is what I do for the most part. I hardly ever use an alarm clock. :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: This post is gold. Love your wisdom on this. This is basically what dh's aunt told me on a recent vacation. Dh and I would be wide awake at all hours. Rather than stressing about how little sleep we were getting and getting ourselves all worked up about it, we just went with the flow, popped a DVD into the laptop, and had a blast :D. No sense in getting all down about it. By 6 AM, while the dc were sleeping, we headed to a coffee place and had such a sweet time.

Many years ago, my naturopath friends told me that vitligo is often due to lack of good proteins. These sites may be of help: http://www.greathomeremedies.com/vitiligo.html http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-home-remedies/ http://beatpsoriasis.com/vitiligo.htm

yes, we might be a bit behind, but we really enjoyed this. We love all sorts of moves - documentaries, romance, comedy, but we especially love a good thriller type - Bourne Identity type movies. I think Sean Penn is a superb actor. This movie was so good that I'm tempted to get some books on this subject. Too many books, too little time. Anyone else seen this? I know that movies, like books, are so subjective and a matter of personal taste. Just thought to share in case anyone's looking for a good movie. :)

No, we're not Christians. We do believe in God and we also do believe in and love Christ, equally to all the Manifestations of God. We believe that all religions are one, God is one, and mankind is one. If there is one God, there's one religion - the religion of God - that just comes at different times.

someone here sent me a PM asking about tips for panic/anxiety attacks. I thought it best to post here, to possibly benefit others, but also to hopefully get input from others as well. :) SYMPTOMS OF PANIC ATTACK: • Rapid heart rate • Shortness of breath • Sweating • Trembling • Tightness in throat • Dizziness • Nausea Panic attacks can feel scary – like you’re having a heart attack – but they won’t kill you. In fact, most panic attacks pass within 5-10 minutes and rarely last longer than 20-30 minutes. Remember that even though it feels terrible, you will be OK. :grouphug: If you experience them frequently – several times a month or regularly over longer periods – then you have what’s called a “panic disorder”. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches you to switch to healthier thought patterns. One of the best ways to control a panic attack: Control your breathing. When you feel yourself beginning to panic, focus on making each breath slow and deep. Put your hand on your belly, and as you inhale, focus on your belly rising; as you exhale, feel it relax and fall. Anchor your mind – by counting each breath slowly from one to 10, and then back down from 10 to one. Do this until the attack passes. Say to yourself: “I can make it through this” and try not to let yourself get caught up in negative thought patterns. Another essential part of detoxifying your emotions is learning how to remain calm and let a greater force take over. By breathing slowly and deeply, you are able to let go, release tension throughout your body, and even lower your heart rate. Regular exercise can decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise – running, speed walking – have shown great success. 40 to 60 minutes a day of yoga, martial arts or tai chi can really help. Certain foods tend to provoke panic, while others can palliate or prevent it. Avoid: Caffeine MSG Aspartame Diets high in sugars and simple carbs – white bread, pasta Eat More Of: Complex carbs – brown rice, lentils, fresh vegetables Protein GABA - GABA is a fabulous supplement - take it sublingually and allow it to dissolve under your tongue Green Tea - but probably get decaf B Vitamins Valerian is a very nice supplement that helps with sleep issues. Smells really bad, however. ;) The Bach Flower Remedies :thumbup: represent a form of psychotherapy in a bottle, a noninvasive modality to address negative emotional states like: • Anxiety • Depression • Impatience Bach Rescue Remedy is, in fact, used in many emergency rooms to help alleviate trauma. A Welsh homeopath, Dr. Edward Bach recognized in the 1920s that, if herbs have healing powers, so must flowers. Over many years, he experimented with numerous flowers and trees to create a total of 38 plant-based Bach Flower Remedies. While deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can all help you let go of whatever negative feelings and stress you hold within you, someone wrote that she found the following words so helpful that she reads them every day: • To let go doesn’t mean to stop caring; it means I can’t do it for someone else. • To let go is not to cut myself off; it’s realization that I can’t control another. • To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. • To let go is not to deny but to accept. • To let go is to fear less and love more. Cream of Tartar is a source of natural potassium and highly alkalizing. 1/2 teaspoon can be used in emergencies to neutralize any acid reactions such as allergic responses, panting, shortness of breath, and anxiety attacks.