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"No" is an intimidating thing to hear and say. Here are a few tips on how to say "No" and some tools to recognize manipulations.

"There is only one thing a person needs to be happy," this old Army drill sergeant pushed his cap further up his leathered head and continued, "respect for who they are."

A few survival strategies on getting your kiddos up and ready for a new school year. Included in this article are tips on the uses of dog tongues, water spritzers, and lamination!

It’s the season to stock up on sunblock, bug spray and bottles of water instead of scarves, mittens and hot chocolate. Take a moment to refresh your memory on how to handle summertime dangers.

Remember when most businesses were locally owned and operated? The introduction of big-box stores and the Internet has completely changed how people do business –most notedly, that personal touch has vanished. Not so with Union.

Every July 11 is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. If you are feeling lonely or know of someone who is, there are a few things you can do. Check out this blog for some quick ideas and motivation.

An excerpt from The Interview of Three: "I didn’t actually mean to say that out loud. Note to self, when interviewing a dead man, don’t interrupt them too often. With a deep breath, Hale cleared his throat and continued."

PTSD. The acronym is mentioned in almost every action movie and certainly in any documentary covering a war. PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, first came into use shortly after the return of veterans of the Vietnam War and was officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. However, it has grown from a war zone label to anyone who experiences a highly traumatic event, including sexual violence, physical assault, accidents, and any such catastrophic and life-changing experiences. So, what are the symptoms of this mental health condition?

It can take one month to several years before symptoms appear after a traumatic event. The debilitating effects wreak havoc in any social or work situations and relationships. Here are a few things to look for:

Avoidance

1.     Avoidance of talking about the event
2.     Avoidance of the place where the incident occurred

Intrusive Memories

1.     Reliving the event (flashbacks)
2.     Nightmares
3.     Distress over thoughts of the event

Self-Deprecation

1.     Negative thoughts and emotions about yourself and others
2.     Hopelessness
3.     Lack of memory recall about the event
4.     Inability to maintain close relationships
5.     Abandonment of previous activities once enjoyed
6.     Feelings of apathy and emotional numbness

Change in Reactions

1.     Easily startled or frightened
2.     Apprehensive
3.     Difficulty sleeping
4.     Lack of concentration
5.     Irritable, angry, and easily provoked to violence
6.     Self-destructive behavior: over drinking, participating in dangerous activities
7.     Feelings of guilt or shame

Note: Children will manifest slightly differently and may act out the event in play or have recurring nightmares.

Seeking Help

Warning signs will vary with PTSD and depending on life’s situations, may worsen with stresses. Knowing when to seek help is essential and should not be delayed. The sooner after a traumatic event a person can receive support, the better, as this will lessen the chance of that person turning to unhealthy coping methods like alcohol or drugs.

Sufferers from PTSD have many options: 1. Reach out to loved ones. 2. Contact your minister or someone of your faith 3. Make an appointment with your physician. 4. If you or a loved one is suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Sources:

1.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
2.      http://www.healmyptsd.com/education/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-statistics

Contributed by Angelica Mecham

All road trips need three things: a cold drink, a great destination, and a captivating audiobook. With the advent of wireless devices, everyone can listen to the same book or their own. Check out the list below to inspire your road adventure reading list.

Flags Flow Fearlessly Fast. Try saying that a few times quickly! After your lingua workout, learn a bit more about our American flag and how to display and take care of it.