Texting and Driving Don't Mix

Many drivers think it’s really not a big deal to use their cell phones and concentrate on driving. But with recent news of the potential train accident in California linked to a conductor texting while on the job brings multitasking under fire. Trying to eliminate distractions, the California Public Utility Commission created an emergency order banning the use of personal electric devices for anyone operating a train.

Have there been any new research related to mixing texting and driving?
• Study shows that 50,000 people say their riskiest behavior while texting is driving
• 42% of teens say they can text blindfolded and believe there is no problem doing this while driving

What are other concerns related to mixing these two activities?
• Research shows that people don’t achieve more when multitasking, they generally concentrate less on both activities
• Multitasking increases the chances of mistakes
• Multitasking slows down our response time which can be dangerous
• Our brains have difficulty moving from task to task and performance drops (example of counting and doing alphabet at the same time)

What are some options that have been proposed?
• There is a new technology that is pending which would actually prevent calls and text messaging reaching cell phones in a vehicle.
• Technology is pending to create a code that parents could activate or deactivate which would deactivate cell phones except for 911 emergency calls
• Now 6 state have made it against the law to text while driving

A Startling Rise in Suicidal Thoughts

What do the recent studies indicate? (August 2008 study presented at the American Psychological Association Convention in Boston)
• More than 50% of American college students have considered suicide in their life
• The rate of suicidal thoughts for college students is much higher than the 15.3% of Americans at large who have suicidal thoughts.

What other information within that shocking report?
• 26000 students at 70 schools were questioned in the survey and suicidal thoughts was as common as drug abuse.
• Students reported suicidal thoughts as a method of relieving emotional or physical pain (#1 reason)
• The second reason for suicidal thoughts was problems with romantic relationships
• The third was related to academics or problems in school

What are some suggestions if you believe someone is suicidal?
• Take all threats seriously. There is a myth that if people talk about it, they aren’t serious. Studies indicate that more than 75% of all completed suicides did say or do something prior to their death to let people know about their suicidal thoughts.
• Remember this is a cry for help. Be willing to tell someone, or take the person to the emergency room, or tell them you will go with them to therapy
• Don’t keep the secret. Make sure you do something to let others know such as calling the Call for Help number at 673-7373
Call a professional therapist and remember that depression is quite treatable and 75% of people

Women's Lifestyle Show is Almost Here!

Check out www.womenslifestyleshow.com for updates on the 2008 show!

You'll even find the 2008 seminar grid so you can start picking out your favorites to hear at the show.

We can't wait to see you there...

Seeking a New Job?

Perhaps you are seeking your first job, or your company is downsizing and you are looking for a secure position in another firm, or you just want to look for a new position. Tonight we will look at some tips you need to keep in mind as you look for that new job.

Have things changed for new graduates look for their first job?
There was a time you could control your references, but Career Builders says with social networking, things have changed
• Employers are checking places like Facebook and contacting people without your permission
• Employers are checking out your contacts and emailing them asking for information and the dirt on you
• There’s nothing unethical about this because your information is in the public domain
• Employers are looking for those interesting pictures and quotes you use on these social networking sites to discover the “real” you vs the one who shows up for interviews.

What are some common mistakes people make in their resumes?
• Not using keywords. In totals world, resumes in big companies are scanned for keywords that narrow down choices. Look for words that are used in the companies web pages or ads to assist your resume being seen
• Always proofread. Typos and grammatical errors are key factors for your resume landing in the trash. It says you don’t care about your work or you don’t care about the impression you are making
• Know your employer. Show why you are the perfect match for the job—and show how your talents fit into their needs.

Any other key tips for those creating their resumes?
• Visual appearances are important. This is an employers first impression so make that resume stand out with bulleted lists and plenty of white space and subheadings. Leave out the bright colors and distracting fonts if you want the job
• Lying can kill your chances. Everyone embellishes a little, but lying typically comes out in the long run and it will destroy your chance for the job or ever moving up in the company since you will have lost your credibility.

**tips Career Builders

Quitting your job with respect and honor

From a mental health perspective when is it “time” to leave a job?
• Chronic or persistent physiological symptoms (stomach aches, backaches, migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, etc)
• When you are chronically experiencing depression or anxiety at your job on a day to day basis
• If you feel like your self-esteem and self worth is being compromised and diminished in your work environment.

What are some of the “quitting signs”?
• Do I find it hard to get up in the morning
• Do I sit at work and daydream
• Do I look at job internet sites at work?
• Do I do the minimum work required?
• Do I start to get ready to leave work way before quitting time?
• Do I call in sick when I’m not sick
• Do I dread going to work?

What are some suggestions for a positive exit from your current job?
• Be professional and advise your supervisor you are leaving before you tell coworkers
• Give your employer ample notice so they can try to arrange a replacement (2-4 weeks)
• Write a professional letter of resignation. State you are leaving for other opportunities or interests
• Don’t badmouth your company. Try to leave on good terms—you never know when you may need a recommendation, or who may know your old boss at your new workplace.
• Finish your task list before you go. Provide a list of projects that are in progress and review what needs to be done, if time does not allow you to finish a long-term project.
• Leave things in order. Make sure you leave your desk neat and tidy and unless you bought it, don’t take it
• Offer to train your replacement if time allows
• Send professional emails concerning your leaving to colleagues and customers, and give them a new contact information.
• Leaving with respect and grace will never hurt you in the long run!

A Fun Little Quiz

Here’s a fun little challenge. We are unsure if this is statistically accurate, but whether it is or not, it is sure a fun little quiz.

If all of the eight desserts listed below were sitting in front of you,
which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one)! Pick your dessert, and then look to see what it says about you.

Here are your choices:
1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue Pie

4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll l down, so think carefully what your choice will be. OK... now that you've made your choice, this is what the researchers say about you...

SCROLL DOWN


1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up you whip out you saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and have many friends.

4 . VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like to do things for yourself and help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football,
basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but
you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control.You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh.You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.

Schools Out and Here's How To Survive

Some parents believe that June, July, and August are the longest months of the year. Kids are bored after just three days of freedom from school… teens want to be out doing something each and every night… and constantly someone is in the kitchen complaining there is nothing to do around here. So how can parents survive the hot, lazy days of summer and still maintain their sanity?

Here are some hints to keep your mental health intact:
1. Try to create some daily structure in your children's lives. Make a specific time for chores, television viewing, computer usage, and activities with friends. Sometimes it is helpful to have a family meeting and create a formal schedule for summer activities
2. Establish a time each day for reading. Join a summer reading program through the library, or set up a reward system for books read during the summer months. Each of us needs to keep our brain well exercised and skills quickly diminish when we don't keep our mind active.
3. Set a specific time each day to talk to your kids. Establish a consistent routine for discussion of the day's activities and plans for the following day. Use this time to explore feelings, and perhaps ask your child what was the “best part of their day.” Many parents have found it useful to ask their children what new thing they learned today in an effort to facilitate introspective thought.
4. Plan fun activities on a regular basis. Try summer camp, a weekly trip to the library or museum, or one of the unique summer programs that are available through Lakeview or the Park District.
5. If you have an teenager, check out classes that can be transferred as college credit. Look into volunteer opportunities, or a part time job. Some community agencies are looking for teens willing to help other teens. Call the Mental Health Association and ask about volunteering for the Teen Crisis Line, or call one of the local hospitals about volunteer opportunities.

How about some ideas related to keeping the family intact during the summer when everyone is usually going all different directions?
Put together a list of fun activities that can be shared as family nights. Activities could include movies, miniature golf, baseball games, indoor football, concerts, the zoo, or riverfront activities. The list is endless. A fun means of creating involvement is allowing each member of the family to have their own rotating week to be the planner of the family activity. Each week will not only be a surprise, but each member will feel they have a special place in the summer activities.

Any other tips for parents and ways to "survive the summer?"
~Don't forget to make time for yourself. Make time for taking a walk on the Rock Island Trail, read a book, take a summer class, or just relax in your back yard.
~ Make plans to “have a date” with your significant other. Make sure you don't lose connection with your partner during the hectic summer months.
~Make time to be with your friends
~Remember if you are not taking care of yourself, it is impossible to care for anyone else!