Habitat for Humanity
October 21-25 |
HERO hard at work! |
This trip has taught me that when I put my mind to something I can accomplish it. It has also inspired me to do more community service work. I never realized how much different one group of people can make. I was shocked how much we accomplished in a week. By the time we left the whole outside of the house was done. It was definitely an unforgetable trip!
~ HERO resident | |
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| HERO House CA Hike |  | |
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| Water on the Hike | |
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| More Hiking |  | |
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| Definition of a hero:
he·ro Pronunciation Key (hîro) n. pl. he·roes
1. In mythology and legend, a person, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed
with great courage and strength, celebrated for their bold exploits, and
favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
~Mahatma Gandhi | | |
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Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
~John Ruskin |
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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
~Helen Keller |
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The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
~Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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| Thursday, September 30, 2010 Volume 2, Issue 44
Our primary focus is our own recovery and rebuilding our own lives. We will lead by example and not interfere with another's recovery. |
Study Reveals Stress Hormone Impacts On Alcohol Recovery |
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that high levels of a stress hormone in recovering alcoholics could increase the risk of relapse.
The study showed that cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress, is found in high levels in chronic alcoholics, as well as those recovering from the condition. Researchers found that this could result in impaired memory, attention and decision-making functions, which could decrease the patient's ability to engage with treatment.
Chronic alcoholism is a disabling addictive disorder, characterised by compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol despite the negative effects it has on health, relationships and social standing. Alcohol damages almost every organ of the body including the brain where it causes memory loss and impairs decision-making and attention span.
Cortisol plays an important role in the regulation of emotion, learning, attention, energy utilization, and the immune system. The research showed that high levels of this hormone are present in alcoholic patients and continue to be elevated during withdrawal from alcohol and after long periods of abstinence.
Dr Abi Rose (lead author of the review), in the School of Psychology, Health and Society at the University of Liverpool, said: "Both drinking and withdrawal from alcohol can affect cortisol function in humans. Cortisol dysfunction, including the high levels of cortisol observed during alcohol withdrawal, may contribute to the high rates of relapse reported in alcohol dependence, even after many months of abstinence. Drugs targeting the effects of cortisol in the brain might reduce the chances of relapse and reduce the cognitive impairments that interfere with treatment."
The study is published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. The research is in collaboration with Kings College London, University of Bern, and the University of Kentucky.
Source: University of Liverpool |
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All stress isn't bad. Stress can initiate change, help us focus on the task at hand, and in some cases even save our lives. Yet, when stress builds up, it can result in the opposites- and cause us to spin our wheels, keep us from concentrating, and cause bodily injury and even loss of life.
The first tip in managing stress is to recognize your stressors. The next step is to put each of them in their place. The following stress management tips, based on some old and some new adages, can help you do just that!
Take a Deep Breath and Count to Ten
Taking a deep breath or two adds oxygen to your system, which almost instantly helps you relax. In addition, taking a moment to step back can help you maintain your composure, which in the long run, is what you need to work rationally through a stressful situation.
Start with "take a deep breath" and...
· Count to ten (or more or less as the situation warrants!)
· Stand up and stretch. Remember relaxation is the opposite of stress.
· Stand up and smile. Try it! You'll feel better!
· Take a short walk. If you're at work, take a bathroom break or get a glass of water. Do something that changes your focus. When you come back to the problem, chances are it won't seem nearly as insurmountable.
· In the book Gone With the Wind, Scarlett O'hara says, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." Good advice!
Source: StressManagementTips.com | |
Off-line Stress-busting Games |  If you're sitting all day at a computer, sometimes the best break is to get up and walk away. This is especially true when stress is caused by poor Internet Connections or system crashes. Here are a few games that are easy to keep on hand and excellent for helping you reduce your stress:
Got a deck of cards? Play a quick game of solitaire the old-fashioned way! Along with your deck, you might consider purchasing a book of Solitaire Games. Many books are specially published for Solitaire players and offer hundreds of games and game variations.
Rubik's Cube - Here's a tip: Anyone can match up one side of a Rubik's cube. Although trying to solve the whole puzzle can be stressful in itself, the few minutes it takes to match up the blocks on one side can help you quickly reduce your stress.
Slinky - Just bouncing a slinky back and forth from hand to hand puts your focus on the toy and takes it away from your problem. So bounce your slinky, take a few deep breaths, and relax!
Punch balls - Okay, they're not a game, but they can be a great stress reliever and they're sure a better choice than hitting a wall or kicking the side of your desk when stress sets in! You can find cheap punch balls in toy departments, novelty stores, and most dollar stores.
Darts - Whether you're hitting a target or targeting a photo, the physical motion of throwing the darts in itself will help reduce your stress. Dart balls stick to a Velcro board. They won't hurt you or your neighbor - if you miss!
Crossword Puzzle Books -Many crossword puzzle books also include word-find games, mazes, and other pencil puzzles. Buy some that have puzzles that range from easy to hard and tackle them according to your mood and your stress level!
Source: StressManagementTips.com |
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Not getting help.
Find out all the resources that are available to help you with test anxiety and test preparation. If you are experiencing severe anxiety, speak with a counselor or academic advisor at your school. See your instructor or go to the learning skills center for help. Seek out other students and form a study group. Find a tutor.
Not being prepared.
Do your homework and go to class prepared. Start studying from the first day of class. If you keep up with the homework and reading assignments, you will be surprised at how much of the material you know when you start studying for the test!
Not going to class.
Some students feel overwhelmed and stop going to class. Don't make this mistake! Speak with your instructor when you start to feel this way. If you go to every class, preview your chapters, review your notes, and study the material in small chunks each day, you will reduce your test anxiety and be prepared.
Cramming.
Don't do it! Do review your material the night before the test, but don't attempt to learn new information. Squeezing several weeks of studying into one night will increase your anxiety. Start preparing at the very first class.
Not practicing.
Practice taking sample tests. Check with your instructor to see if he or she has a file of old tests to review. Athletes, actors, and musicians rehearse for hours. Work with other students and time yourself when taking a sample test. This will increase your comfort level when answering different kinds of test questions such as essay, multiple choice, and completion.
A negative attitude.
The attitude you bring to a test has a lot to do with your performance. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations. Practice saying to yourself: "I am well prepared and will do well on this test." Approach tests with a positive attitude and focus on doing your best! |
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Attitude Is Everything |  Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!" He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant.
The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.
I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations.
You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."
I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers.
While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body. I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices:
I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared.
I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything." "Yes," I replied.
The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled,"Bullets!"
Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
Attitude, after all, is everything.
By Francie Baltazar-Schwartz
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Now is where you are. Now is where to focus your efforts and attention.
Now you can act and get results. Now you can make a difference and have an influence.
It makes no sense to concern yourself now with your shortcomings in the past. Now is when you can do what you were previously unable or unwilling to do.
There is time to live your life and that time is now. There is time to experience joy, love and fulfillment, and that time is now.
There is nothing you need before you can act, because you are already here and now. There is much that you can do, so do it now.
Make complete, effective use of this moment. And know the power of claiming full confidence in now.
~Ralph Marston |
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Imagine two of your favorite desserts combined for one sweet treat. Now make it a reality with this delicious dessert that's the perfect way to finish off your favorite meal. It's also the perfect solution for your leftover rice.
Ingredients
3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for garnish
3 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp. orange zest
1 (15 oz.) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cooked short-grain rice
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
6 sheets fresh phyllo pastry sheets or thawed phyllo pastry sheets
3/8 cup unsalted butter, melted
Methods/steps
Blend 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange zest and ricotta in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the rice and pine nuts. Set the ricotta mixture aside.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly butter a 9 in. glass pie dish. Lay 1 phyllo sheet over the bottom and up the sides of the dish, allowing the phyllo to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo with the melted butter. Top with a second sheet of phyllo dough, laying it in the opposite direction as the first phyllo sheet. Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo sheets, alternating after each layer and buttering each sheet.
Spoon the ricotta mixture into the dish. Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the top of the filling to enclose it completely.
Brush completely with melted butter.
Bake the pie until the phyllo is golden brown and the filling is set, about 35 minutes.
Transfer the pan to a rack and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over the pie and serve. |
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California Corner | |
College Students and Sleep Deprivation
from Tricia Thibodeau
Program Director, California
With all the studying, partying and classes, sleep deprivation and college students go hand in hand. Most people need six to eight hours of sleep each night to function properly. However, studies find approximately 20 percent of college students suffer from sleeping disorders, including insomnia. College students who suffer from sleep disorders can experience irritability, anxiety and even weight gain.
Common Reasons for College Sleep Deprivation
It is typical for college students to experience altered sleeping patterns when they leave home for the dorms. Their sleep may be affected by unusual schedules, which fluctuate to accommodate classes, social activities or work.
Students may also find themselves staying up late at night to study and cram for exams. Excessive partying can also be a reason for sleep deprivation, as alcohol can disturb sleeping patterns. Many students also report that they are unable to fall asleep because they are worried about finding a job and securing their futures beyond college.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on College Students
Students who are losing sleep for any reason may be needlessly harming their bodies. According to the Covenant Sleep Center, students who do not get enough shut-eye can face long-term consequences beyond grogginess. Seizure, stroke and heart attacks are also possible consequences of sleep deprivation.
In the short term, sleep deprivation can lead to irritability and exhaustion. A body without proper rest will not operate at its optimum performance. For that reason, many who suffer from sleep deprivation increase their food intake. This may be one reason why some college students pack on the dreaded "freshman 15," a weight-gain phenomenon common among new college students.
Drugs and Sleep Deprivation
Students resort to different measures to combat drowsiness from sleep deprivation. The usual suspects are stimulant drinks such as coffee, sodas or energy drinks. Ingesting these drinks can worsen the problem for sleep-deprived students: Drinking caffeinated beverages before bed can cause sleep deprivation.
Recently, in order to gain an edge against sleep deprivation, college students have been turning to prescription drugs intended to treat Attention Deficit Disorder. These drugs, including Ritalin and Adderall, can have serious health consequences and should not be taken without a doctor's consent.
Side effects of these drugs include irregular sleeping cycles and irregular heartbeat. Some people have even died from taking these medications.
Students will often turn to alcohol to relax after stressful classes or to prepare for bedtime. While alcohol may make you feel drowsy, drinking it can reduce your quality of sleep.
Drinking before bed can increase the number of times you wake up during the night. This prevents your body from getting enough deep sleep, which the body needs in order to function properly. An ongoing lack of deep sleep can lead to daytime fatigue.
Other drugs that college students may take that can affect sleep include:
*certain anti-depressants
*diet pills
*illegal drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamines
*nicotine
*oral contraceptives containing hormones
*steroids.
Solutions for Sleep Deprivation
The number one recommendation from doctors and sleep specialists for those concerned about sleep deprivation in college is to exercise. Exercise can help establish healthy sleeping patterns and will make it easier to fall asleep at the end of the day.
It is important to note, however, that you should not exercise right before bedtime, as exercise stimulates the body and will make falling asleep more difficult for a while. Experts recommend exercising at least three hours before bedtime.
Naps can be helpful, but only if planned properly. Experts suggest napping only once a day in the early afternoon and for no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Taking long naps can affect your ability to fall asleep at bedtime.
Additionally, experts recommend setting aside at least a few days per week for a full night's sleep. While it is recommended that people sleep and wake the same time every day in order to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, some experts recommend trying to get more sleep at least a couple of times a week. Even if you can't get eight hours every night, getting eight hours one or two days each week will help prevent long-term health issues.
Resources
Arkansas Traveler [Fayetteville] (2006, September 13). U. Arkansas Health Center Offers Sleep Advice.
Daily Toreador [Lubbock] (2005, September 28). Sleep Deprivation a Problem for Many College Students.
Marquette Tribune [Milwaukee] (2006, December 20). Non-Prescription Drug Use at Finals Can be Dangerous.
WebMD (2005). Sleep Deprivation. Retrieved December 28, 2006 from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/105/107676.htm. |
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Celebration
This past Tuesday, members of HERO House community joined House Manager Jeffrey Sullivan as he celebrated 3 years of sobriety. The celebration was held at The Jefferson Center, a transitional living facility in Atlanta. Jeff, an alum of The Jefferson Center, was excited to bring together members of his current network to his previous home. It was a great meeting and celebration full of gratitude and hope.
Upcoming Events in Atlanta
*Street Meals
Sunday, October 3, 2010
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The HERO House in partnership with Kashi Atlanta in their Street Meals program for several months now. Street Meals helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in Atlanta. Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers who are committed to seva - selfless service - as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people about the joy of community service is a part of our commitment.
The first Sunday of every month The HERO House residents and staff make and distribute over 250 sack lunches to Atlanta's homeless. The HERO House wanted to create a service opportunity for our residents as we believe that being of service is a major component in bringing about lasting recovery. When discussing how to bring this project to fruition we turned to Kashi Atlanta for support.
We at The HERO House look forward to being part of the change we wish to see in the world!
*Fright Fest at 6 Flags Over Georgia
Saturday, October 9, 2010
2 pm- 10 pm
Guests will find tricks and treats around every corner as Six Flags Over Georgia transforms into the ultimate Halloween playground during Fright Fest! Your sure to have a ghoulish good time with hair raising shows, killer rides and even more spookier attractions.
*Sober Sunday at the Atlanta Zoo Pavilion
Sunday, October 20, 2010
2 pm- 7 pm BBQ and fixin's, live music, door prizes, crafts and more (and all at the zoo!) Join in the celebration of fellowship found in the rooms of recovery. Sponsored by Hope Homes.
*Habitat For Humanity A Journey that Can Change a Life Forever...
October 21-25
Collegiate Challenge is Habitat for Humanity's year-round alternative break program that provides opportunities for students from youth groups, high schools and colleges to spend a week of their school break building a house in partnership with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States.
A Collegiate Challenge trip may be the best school break trip you will ever have. Not only do you help people in need - it's also fun!
The HERO House recognizes the power of a truly alternative break, giving students the opportunity to not only have a great time on an affordable trip, but to do so while making a difference. Participants will enjoy being able to clearly see the impact their hearts and hands can have on a Habitat for Humanity house and its host community in just one week.
We look forward to taking our residents on this service trip. While in Augusta, not only will we work with Habitat, we will explore the culture and history of this enduring city. We will set aside the time for 12-Step Meetings in the Central Savannah River Area. We look forward to our HEROes becoming heroes for the week in Augusta!
*HERO House Halloween Havoc
Saturday, October 30
8:00 pm
Monster MoviesCreepy Cookie Decorating
Dreadful Dancing
Chilling Costumes
Crazy Candy
FINGER Food
Fantastic Fun
*Street MealsSunday, November 7, 2010
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The HERO House in partnership with Kashi Atlanta in their Street Meals program for several months now. Street Meals helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in Atlanta. Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers who are committed to seva - selfless service - as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people about the joy of community service is a part of our commitment.
The first Sunday of every month The HERO House residents and staff make and distribute over 250 sack lunches to Atlanta's homeless. The HERO House wanted to create a service opportunity for our residents as we believe that being of service is a major component in bringing about lasting recovery. When discussing how to bring this project to fruition we turned to Kashi Atlanta for support.
We at The HERO House look forward to being part of the change we wish to see in the world!
*PurpleStride Atlanta
Saturday, November 13, 2010
· Fundraising walk with music and breakfast
· Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, GA
You can make a difference! Have a great time while creating awareness and raising funds to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. For more information and to register, visit www.purplestride.org
*The HERO House Celebrates Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 18, 2010
6:00 pm
The community of The HERO House will gather and celebrate what we have to be thankful for in our lives and enjoy a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings!
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"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway."
~Mary Kay Ash |
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About The HERO House
The HERO House is a recovery residence for college students in early sobriety. We serve men and women in separate residences, based upon Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support, grounded in the 12-Step process. The HERO House is a community of students in recovery, sharing life experiences and helping each other achieve long term, quality sobriety and a manner of living that will make them outstanding contributors to our society.
Additionally, at the Higher Education Recovery Option, we work with students to return to school and to find the tools necessary to be successful while sober, on a college campus. We tell residents at intake that our program is typically a one-year program; however, we recognize some residents will finish early and some will need additional time. To successfully complete our program, residents need to complete a 12-Step Program, successfully complete one full-time semester of college, and to advance through all four of our levels of competency at The HERO House. |
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