Beech Tree News Network

Random topics interest me. This week, my random topics are September holidays, anxiety and identity theft protection. As Sidney Poitier said, “So much of life, it seems to me, is determined by pure randomness” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/randomness).

First, although Labor Day has passed, September includes religious and other holidays (https://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar/September-2018), like the following:

•International Literacy Day – Saturday, 8th

•Grandparents Day – Sunday, 9th

•Constitution Day – Monday, 17th

•National Cheeseburger Day – Tuesday, 18th 

•International Day of Peace – Friday, 21st

•September Equinox/ Fall begins – Saturday, 22nd

•World Rhino Day – Saturday, 22nd

I received cards and hugs on Grandparents Day. The cards are on my refrigerator, and the memory of the hugs makes me smile. Also, I am thankful for our Constitution and for the level of peace that exists in our world. Then, September 22 is a seasonal marker, and I love fall: the colors and decorations are beautiful. 

The Women’s Health Reporter (August 2018, reprinted from Women’s Health Advisor) included the article “Recognize and Get Help for Anxiety.” The author explained that acute anxiety usually resolves within a few minutes, but chronic anxiety can last for days or years. A shocking statistic is that one in three women will experience chronic anxiety sometime in life, and the condition can affect every aspect of life. However, according to the WebMD website, treatment for anxiety is available as well as ways to control or lessen symptoms (https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/generalized-anxiety-disorder#3):

•Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.

•Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms.

•Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

•Seek counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.

•Practice stress management techniques like yoga or meditation.

However, seeking medical help for chronic anxiety is the best option (generalized anxiety disorder). It can be a serious problem.

The Bowling Green Daily News Wednesday Business section normally includes a column, “Dave Says,” by Dave Ramsey. I usually read his column. Last week (September 5, 1B), Ramsey said, “Everyone needs identity theft protection…. It’s like life insurance or car insurance, in that it’s something almost everyone needs. Things like that should just be part of your budget every month.” This sounds like good advice, and I’ve made a note to check on identity theft protection. After all, if Dave Ramsey says it’s worth the investment, then I tend to believe him.

These random topics – September holidays, anxiety and identity theft protection – interested me, and I learned from reading about each one. Writer and professor of biochemistry Isaac Asimov said, “Self-education is…the only kind of education there is” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/self-education). I’m not sure about that, but I do enjoy learning about random topics.