The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior By Taking Responsibility For Themselves And Their Children
Many of our lifelong habits begin while we are young. For this reason, as directors of their homes, parents bear the responsibility of making sure that everyone in their families gets enough sleep each night . . . and we mean everyone!
It is so easy, with all of the responsibilities included in parenting, to be tempted to put the kids to bed and then stay up until the wee hours of the morning trying to get caught up on all the other areas of life. There are bills to pay, laundry that is piling up, friends to e-mail, and the kitchen to clean, all of which is admittedly easier to do when the kids are not around. So, while we may ensure that our teen goes to bed at a reasonable hour and our toddler gets a bath, story, and to bed by 8:00 p.m., we think we can do without. Unfortunately, this is not true.
For adults, 7.5 to 8 hours is the ideal amount of sleep experts believe is necessary to maintain our health, and as many of these hours as possible should be before midnight. (Watch: "Sleep Your Way to a Healthier Heart") Further, researchers are finding that sleep is so essential to our health that those who get enough sleep have a reduced risk of developing cancer and other diseases.
Interestingly, according to a study presented Tuesday at the annual American Academy of Sleep Medicine meeting, "nearly one in five Americans suffers from chronic 'excessive sleepiness,'" a common result of sleep deprivation. ("One in Five Americans 'Excessively Sleepy,' Study Finds") Obviously, sleep deprivation affects our performance at work and how we deal with the pressures of having a family. To be sure, it is impossible to be attentive, well-organized, compassionate parents when we are struggling just to stay awake!
As the director of your home, please make sure that you get eight hours of sleep nearly every night so that you can meet the challenges of each day. And don't for one second think that you getting your sleep is not as important as the dishes in the kitchen sink; it's more important. There will always be an endless list of things to do, but we will have a much easier time handling everything if we are well rested and ready to go!
Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children
A few days ago, we received a comment on an article we posted back in April, "Teens Who Commit Murder Don't Deserve A Second Chance." Our article focused on the case of Quantel Lotts who was convicted of first-degree murder at 14 for the stabbing death of his then 17-year-old stepbrother and is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Lotts came from an extremely abusive home with drug-addicted, negligent parents and believes that his punishment is too harsh: "'They locked me up and threw away the keys.' [. . .] 'They took away all hope for the future.'" ("Teens Locked Up For Life Without A Second Chance")
Lotts' case is one of many that prompt the question, "Should our society sentence juveniles, in particular those who came from bad homes, to life without parole?" To us, the only logical answer is, "If they commit murder, definitely." Yes, Lotts' parents contributed to his actions through their negligence and abuse, and they ought to be in prison for the way they treated him. Nevertheless, he still took away his stepbrother's life and must be held responsible for his crime. Our laws are meant not only to protect our society, but also to provide justice for victims and their loved ones, and there is no justice when we make excuses on a case by case basis for murderers who have taken away the life of another human being.
In light of this argument, the comment (which links to Feministing.com: "Sara Kruzan: Life Without Parole For Killing Her Pimp") asks how we would handle the case of Sara Kruzan, now 29, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole at 16 for killing "G.G.," the pimp who repeatedly raped her and forced her into prostitution when she was only 13 years old. Like Lotts, Sara came from an abusive home with a drug-addicted mother, and when she met G.G. at 11, she looked up to the 31-year-old as a "father figure." In just two short years, she went from making the Principal's Honor Roll to working the streets. Watch Sara tell her story in her own words:
To us, Sara's case is not really about whether or not our society should sentence juveniles who commit murder to life without parole; rather, it causes our society to examine the difference between murder and self-defense. Teens who commit murder deserve harsh sentences, but no one should be punished for acting in self-defense, even if these actions result in the perpetrator's death. (Note: Legally, self-defense is not premeditated or "vigilante justice.")
Did Sara murder G.G., or was she merely acting in self-defense? It is easy to imagine that after being raped and abused for three years, Sara felt trapped by G.G. and that she had no other way out. She was clearly without the monetary resources necessary to escape: As she said in her interview, "The girls would bring their money and give it to [G.G.]. [. . .] Everything was his." However, the judge called her actions "well thought-out" and claimed she "lacked moral scruples," ultimately sentencing her to life without parole. Without detailed facts of what actually transpired, we personally cannot support or condemn Sara's conviction or sentence.
What is tragic about both of these stories is that neither of these teens would have been in the position to commit murder if their parents had only done their jobs. It is incredible how destructive bad parents can be! Parents, please take responsibility for your children and treat them with the utmost respect: The quality of their futures depends on it.
Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children
As you may have read in our latest post, I was recently diagnosed with Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) and thus also Celiac Disease (CD). I was completely shocked! It wasn't until I met someone with CD in my late teens that I even knew the condition existed, and when I went to my dermatologist for help with an extremely itchy rash that I'd had on my hands and legs for the past several months, I had not a clue that it could be related to gluten intolerance.
Magna Sententia includes taking responsibility for your health, and CD, especially if left untreated, can damage your body in a myriad of ways: CD greatly increases your risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is also associated with Type I Diabetes, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Crohn's Disease, Osteoporosis, Anemia, Alopecia (hair loss), and Dental-Enamel Hypoplasia, just to name a few. Therefore, it is important for all people to be aware of CD ⁄ DH and make sure to get checked by a qualified health professional if they suspect they may be suffering from either of these disorders.
Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.
Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with Celiac Disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.
"Classic" symptoms of CD are: "abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both), steatorrhea (fatty stools), anemia, weight loss with large appetite or weight gain," fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
CD is diagnosed through antibody blood tests, and "the only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten-free diet."
Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a skin manifestation of Celiac Disease. The skin lesions of Dermatitis Herpetiformis are intensely itchy. They typically begin as groups of red bumps, often with tiny blisters on the surface of the bumps, and commonly arise on skin around the elbows, knees, buttocks, back of the neck, and scalp.
"Dermatitis Herpetiformis" is a descriptive name for the disease because "dermatitis" means inflammation of skin as manifested by redness and "herpetiformis" means similar to herpes which shows clusters of lesions. The disease is not related to herpes virus infection at all. An American dermatologist, Louis Duhring, first described the disease in 1884, and, in the past, it was called Duhring's Disease.
The diagnosis is made by skin biopsy and blood testing.
Avoidance of all gluten is important to control the disease and prevent skin lesions from forming and to prevent the possible development of lymphoma. In addition to avoiding dietary gluten, medications may be used to help treat Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Two common medications are Dapsone and Sulfapyridine, both sulfa-based drugs.
Interesting Facts About Celiac Disease & Dermatitis Herpetiformis
CD is an autoimmune disease, not a food (wheat) allergy. Food allergies do not result in the body attacking itself and can improve with time; CD causes the immune system to attack the small intestine and is for life.
Because the onset of CD requires the genetic predisposition, as well as an environmental stimulus ⁄ trigger (similar to the onset of schizophrenia), the onset of CD can occur at any age.
Although anyone can get CD, it is more common in people of Northern European decent.
It is speculated that CD is a result of humans going from a nomadic to an agrarian lifestyle and not being able to adequately evolve.
All people with DH have CD, but only roughly 20 percent of those with CD have DH.
Individuals with DH may or may not have classic symptoms of CD.
Researchers believe that gluten can't pass through skin, so in general people with CD only need to worry about ingesting gluten. However, DH may be aggravated by hair products, lotions, cosmetics, etc. that contain gluten.
Numbers of autistic children have improved on a gluten-free ⁄ casein-free diet. (Casein is the protein found in dairy products.)
Resources For Celiac Disease & Dermatitis Herpetiformis
If you have any tips for me or would like to clarify or correct what I have found in my research, please feel free to contact us or make a comment. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.
The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children
Yesterday, President Obama gave his controversial back-to-school speech. ("Obama Urges Students To Work Hard, Stay In School") The uproar over its possible content started with "a proposed lesson plan created by the Education Department to accompany the address":
An initial version of the plan recommended that students draft letters to themselves discussing "what they can do to help the president." The letters "would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals," the plan stated.
After pressure from conservatives, the White House distributed a revised version encouraging students to write letters about how they can "achieve their short-term and long-term education goals." [Education Secretary Arne] Duncan said Sunday that the passage was poorly worded.
Whether you believe the concerns over the speech were completely valid or political jockeying, the end result was an excellent, much-needed reinforcement of student responsibility. Please take the time to read or watch the address, and if you have children, have them do so as well. Here is an excerpt we found particularly spot on:
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That's the opportunity an education can provide.
Tonight at 8 p.m. E.T., President Obama is going to address Congress about his plans for health care reform. ("Obama's Speech A Health Care 'Game Changer'?") It is every American's duty to stay informed on these issues, as the decisions of today will affect every generation to come. Please listen to both sides of the aisle with a discerning ear, and use the facts (not rhetoric) to make up your own mind.
Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children
We finally know the cause of Michael Jackson's death: "According to court documents released Monday, Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran, the chief medical examiner-coroner for Los Angeles County, concluded Jackson died of an overdose of propofol," "a powerful anesthetic." ("Sleepless Night Preceded Jackson's Death") Even though Dr. Sathyavagiswaran's conclusion confirms what was commonly suspected, for countless fans and admirers, the finality of this news is quite sad.
The propofol, along with doses of Valium, "the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (known by its brand name, Ativan) and midazolam (known as Versed)" where all administered to Jackson by his personal physician, cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray, within his final 12 hours. In addition, it seems that Murray waited for a questionable period of time before calling 911 after he noticed Jackson had stopped breathing, and although no criminal charges have yet been filed, many speculate that Murray will soon be arrested for his role in Jackson's death.
Whether or not Murray's claims are true that "the singer even called [propofol] his 'milk' because of its milky appearance" and on the night of his death, "Jackson was repeatedly asking -- even demanding -- that Murray give him more propofol to help him sleep," Murray is still responsible for his actions: As the medical professional who took the Hippocratic Oath, he obviously knew the dangers of what he was doing and should face the consequences.
Nevertheless, it is truly Michael Jackson who is ultimately responsible for his own death. According to Magna Sententia, we all must take responsibility for our actions and our health. This doesn't mean that we're problem-free; rather, it means that when we do find ourselves engaging in unhealthy behavior, we take action and get the help we need to overcome our problems. No one is perfect, but there is hope for everyone who is willing to change.
Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
