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Seasonal Depression and Light Therapy

At the beginning of the 1980’s in the United States Professor Rosenthal discovered the benefits of light therapy lamps.  At first they were used in cases of seasonal depression also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  Light therapy is today practised in a number of hospitals a number of pathologies, but mostly with trouble linked to the upset of the biological clock (circadian rhythm problems) like insomnia and generally trouble sleeping.

Light therapy reveals its effectiveness in numerous cases, and helps to quickly find energy when a lower morale lets us feel the changes in the seasons.

Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD.  The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow short and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change that affects a number of people.

In a number of cases it is Winter Blues which we all suffer from in one way or another, it is a simpler version of winter depression, and this in no way stops us from continuing with our daily lives.

In the cases of SAD people will suffer from a depressive state, tiredness and will have a tendancy to isolate themselves socially.  Also noticing a significant rise in their appetite with a tendancy to gain weight or even bulemia due to sweet foods, gloomy humour a tendancy of insomnia and an excessive need of sleep, loss of concentration and motivation with a loss of interest and a loss of out put.  The people suffering from seasonal depression do not automatically show symptoms, this is why it is important to contact a doctor for a check up.  The signs of this depression disappear with the arrival of beautiful days and sunlight.

Light therapy lamps : How does it work?

Light therapy consists of facing a light therapy lamp which transmits light to the eyes. The intensity of the light should be between 2500 and 10 000 lux (light units).  It is the retina via the neurotransmittors that inhibit the melatonin, a sleep hormone which is at the root of the problems linked to a loss of light.  This homone is normally secreted at night for us to sleep. The fact that this sleeping drug is naturally blocked during the day helps us to find out natural energy.

How to use the light therapy lamps

First you have to remember that light therapy lamps used as treatment in hospitals and at home respond in the same way as any normal medecine.  This is why you should verify that the lamps have an agreed EU license.

The origin of light therapy lamps are reserved for medical use (by a GP or at the hospital).  Today light therapy lamps may be used at home, at the office in response to normal usage.

The power will be the first factor in the choice of a lamp, of course the more powerful the lamp the more the use will be a greater comfort.

Each session should be done in the morning.  The user must place the lamp at eye height or just underneath the eyes.  It is not necessary to look at the lamp but it is important that the retina swims in the light coming from the light therapy.

The length of the session must be between 30 minutes and 2 hours (30 minutes at 10 000 lux or 2500 lux for 2 hours).

The effects on the morale can be felt quite quickly, from the first couple of days, but may take 10 days for others.

There are very little indications … Read the rest

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Murphy Bed Mounting Options

Some systems require that the unit be drilled into the floor of the room. These are generally systems that rely on spring mechanisms. Mounting a Murphy bed unit into the floor provides grounded stability and truly makes your Murphy bed a fixture in your home, but it is important to note the long-term effects of mounting on your floor. Most floor-mount systems call for a solid mounting surface, requiring any carpeting to be cut away which can permanently damage your floor. In addition to marking your floors, floor mount systems are difficult, if not impossible to move once installed.

The “False Floor” Option

There are several Murphy bed manufacturers that offer a “false floor” option, where the Murphy bed is attached to a specifically cut piece of plywood, which is then attached to the wall or baseboards. This option is ideal for those who have settled on a Murphy bed requiring floor mounting, but want to preserve the appearance of their flooring.

Wall Mounting

Mounting to the Wall

Systems that require the Murphy bed be mounted to the wall are most commonly used with piston mechanisms. Mounting to the wall provides a much less permanent fixture in your home, as wall mount systems can be easily moved and incur very little damage to the structure of your room. The most common way in which a Murphy bed is mounted to the wall is by locating three studs, and then attaching the back panel of the Murphy bed to those studs with the use of a drill. Utilizing studs in your wall creates a stable foundation for your Murphy bed. It also allows you to reposition your Murphy bed if need be later on.

Different Wall Types

When deciding on a wall mounted Murphy bed, take into consideration the wall you will be using. Is the wall made of sheet rock, concrete or bricks? While most manufacturers provide solutions for all types of walls, certain wall types will require additional installation steps. Deciding between floor mount and wall mount styles of Murphy beds, and how they best fit into your home is an important choice. Be sure to investigate all of your options early on in your decision making process, and when you have decided which style is right for you, you will be one step closer to enjoying your Murphy bed.

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Home Decorating

Utter the two words home decorating in a crowd or women and the place will go mad. These two words seem to breathe fire in women’s bellies. Most women love the idea of home decorating. When discussed in a crowd, there will likely be all sorts of ideas and tips passed around. For some strange reason the female population enjoy making changes, especially to their homes. The idea of getting rid of the old and bringing in the new gets women all excited.

Many people like change, women and men, boys and girls. Home decorating is a great way to make immediate changes in a person’s space. Even slight changes in home décor can make a space seem new and refreshed. Home decorating is an excellent way of taking a tired looking space and transforming it into a bright, happy atmosphere. It is a terrific way to bring people up when they are feeling down.

Home decorating can involve all kinds of different colors, fabrics, furniture, flooring and accessories. Some people spend thousands of dollars decorating their homes while other people use only imagination to make magnificent changes. Home decorating depends on the individual’s taste, their intentions and of course their finances. When people have plenty of money to use for home decorating, often they will hire a professional home decorator.

Hiring a professional home decorator is a great opportunity to have a home transformed into a trendy environment. Home decorators are in touch with the latest trends and styles in home decorating. With their talent and experience they are able to take a plain, boring room and transform it into a happening, exciting space to hang out in. With regards to home decorating, if a person desires something totally unimaginable, they might want to hire a professional home decorator.

Home decorating is very important to some people. In fact there are those who make changes in their home each and every season. Most people like to do a little home decorating at Christmas time but there are those who like to jazz up their home in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Using home decorating tips and ideas, people transform their homes to fit the each season.

When a homeowner is trying to sell their home, a bit of home decorating may increase their chances of success. People viewing a home are often attracted to the cosmetics of the space. Home decorating provides a homeowner the opportunity to give their home a face-lift before putting it on the real estate market. With a few slight changes to the furniture placing in a room, perhaps a calming color on the walls and a bouquet of flowers in a lovely vase on a table, a potential buyer might be won over. When a home is nicely decorated, there is evidence that the homeowner takes pride in their home and cares for it. This would certainly make a good impression on a potential buyer. Just a few little home decorating tricks may be responsible for selling the house.… Read the rest

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Star Wars Imperial Walker Loft Bed

This is a loft bed I made for my son that resembles a Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker. I searched the Internet and found scale models, cakes, legos, baby strollers and costumes resembling an AT-AT, but never found a bed that resembled an AT-AT. So I made one. It was made with materials available at any Home Depot or Lowe’s. This is a video/slideshow of some of the photos I took during the build process. Hopefully this will help someone who might consider building their own AT_AT. My son sure enjoys his! May the force be with you! Updated 7/26/2009: First I would like to say thanks for viewing the video and posting such wonderful comments. I had no idea it would generate this much interest. Many, many thanks indeed! I would also like to acknowledge John Williams and his orchestra for the powerful Star Wars theme music. Second, you have my sincere apology for including the galacticly-incorrect transformer bedding. This anomaly will be vanquished in Episode 2. For the record, I have also personally apologized to Lord Vader for giving him the wrong light saber. My son knew it was the wrong color, but I didnt think anyone would notice And for those viewers wanting to be adopted, regretfully I must say no. The household budget is maxed out. Do you realize how much it costs to feed a young, growing Sith Lord?! If you are still serious about wanting to be adopted, maybe you should talk to Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie. I hear they are expanding their brood. In response to some of

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