Structural Racism: A Long Way to Go 

Posted on September 4, 2022 by msw blog

I love the op-ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

Re: “#TeachTruth: Don’t censor honest accounts of history” [Jan. 30, Opinion]:

A month ago, a young Black woman’s podcast nailed me to the wall. She asked the question, “Forget that you’re socially conscious, a BLM supporter, avowedly anti-racist; do you have any ongoing relationships with people of color?” Guilty. I got on the phone and asked a Black business associate to join me for coffee. When we got together, I told him what inspired the call. I was embarrassed and had no idea how he’d respond.

Our starter conversation had me confront that I’ve never been stopped by the police because neighbors considered me a threat. I have not been a decades-long, only Black professional in a neighborhood Rotary Club, an insurance agent, during which time I earned only one white client. I have a long way to go.

I’m guessing that state Reps. Jim Walsh and Brad Klippert are as socially and culturally segregated as I am, yet they offer legislation threatening to those they likely fear and about whom they know but a little. Educators don’t threaten we WASPs with anything except the insight that we all have long way to go to heal the ongoing structural racism that harms us all.

Richard Woltjer, Seattle

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Potluck

Posted on September 3, 2022 by msw blog

 Is it possible to take home the grand prize at a potluck? A couple years ago my answer would’ve been “absolutely”.  I’d imagine we were on a competitive cooking show as I strutted in with my foil covered platter, ready to see how my contribution would stack up against the rest of the party. who will get the most compliments. Who will go home with an untouched casserole? Find out on tonight’s episode of Potluck. I may have been a tad dramatic back then, but these days I’ve realized potlucks are all about the supporting roles rather than trying to be the star of the show… The true spirit of potlucks is collaboration –each attendee deserves a chance to shine…

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The Humming Breathe

Posted on September 3, 2022 by msw blog

When there’s an anxiety producing event looming -an important-an important presentation, dentist surgery, a first date – you can stat to calm your nerves the day before with this exercise…close your eyes and gently bring your lips together. Inhale though our nose. As you exhale (also through your noise), make a humming sound: “Mmmmm.” Let this hum last as long as it is comfortable. Then inhale and repeat. Don’t try control it too much. Just breathe in and hum out. If you try to extend the hum longer than is natural, you might tighten up. Play with the tone until you find the place where your “Mmmmm.” flow out in a comfortable, lowish pitch, audible but quiet enough that no one expect, say the person right next to you on the bus would hear it. The humming breathe has a way of losing your jaw, mouth lips, and tongue -area that tend to tense up when you’re nervous. Once you found your hum, repeat it whenever you start to feel anxiousness- whether you’re standing, sitting, or walking. Let it be easy and fun. Over the course of the day, the soothing effect will build, helping you become more and more relaxed for the big event

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Speak Up

Posted on September 3, 2022 by msw blog

It’s important to me that other young women are able to find their voices and use them sooner than I did.

hair

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something

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Medication Regimens

Posted on September 2, 2022 by msw blog

Pay careful attention to all medications…. medicationis often a critical component of a treatment plan, yet so many struggle to follow medication regimens. Research shows that over 50 percent of Americans do not take their medications as prescribed. Medication noncompliance, including skipping medication, taking the wrong dosage and taking medication at the wrong time, leads to thousands of adverse health events or deaths each month in the U.S. To complicate the situation, up to 20 percent of prescriptions are dispensed with errors. To make medication compliance easier:

• Always carry a full list of the patient’s medications with you.

• Make sure each doctor has a complete list of medications, including over-the-counter drugs. Don’t assume doctors know what other doctors have prescribed.

• When getting new medications, find out how and when the patient should take them. It is vital that all medications are taken as prescribed and all reactions are recorded and reported to the doctor.

• Speak to the pharmacist if medications look unfamiliar.

• Use pill organizers and create a system to remind yourself when it’s time for the patient to take medications.

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