Strengthen memory in examinations

Competitive examination such as UPSC demands some extraordinary preparation. Candidates, who enter in the ground of tough targeted examination, must use a few strategies to improve their memory of important topics or study areas. If we look at the literature or consult experts, we find numerous tested techniques for improving memory. These strategies have been established within psychology literature and offer a number of great ways to improve memory, enhance recall, and increase retention of information. Candidates appearing in UPSC must choose the best of them, which suits to them to improve memory for tough subject matter and groom themselves to crack UPSC examination.

The first and important tip is that candidate must focus his attention on the materials he is studying. Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order to memorize facts, he needs to actively attend to this information. Try to study in a place free of disturbance such as television, music, and other diversions.

The next tactic is to avoid cramming by establishing regular study sessions. Many experts in psychology have stated that studying materials over a number of session’s gives the time to adequately process the information. It has been established that students who study regularly remember the material far better that those did all of their studying in one marathon session.

The third effective guideline is to organize the information, which is to study.

It is better to group similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of notes and textbook readings to help group related concepts.

Another way to improve memory is to utilize mnemonic devices to remember information. Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall. A mnemonic is simply a way to remember information. For example, candidate can relate a term he needs to remember with a common item that he is very familiar with.

Candidate should elaborate and practice the study material. In order to recall information, candidate can encode what he is studying into long-term memory. One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative rehearsal. In this technique, candidate must read the definition of a key term, study the definition of that term, and then read a more detailed description of what that term means. After repeating this process a few times, he will be able to recall the information in a better way.

Next effectual way to memorize the matter is to relate new information to things, which is already known to candidate. It can be understood with example. When he is studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this information relates to things that he already knows. By establishing relationships between new ideas and previously existing memories, he can clearly increase the likelihood of recalling the recently learned information.

Memory and recall can be improved by visualizing the concepts. Candidate should pay attention to the photographs, charts, and other graphics in his textbooks. If he doesn’t have visual cues to help, try to create it in unique way. Draw charts or figures in the margins of notes or use highlighters or pens in different colors to group related ideas in written study materials.

In memorizing concepts and tough material, one of the successful ways is to teach new concepts to another person. If Reading materials is reproduced in front of another person, it will definitely improves memory.

It is important to pay extra attention to tough topics in study material. It has been noticed that information at the beginning or end of a chapter is easier to remember.  The position of information can have a great role in recall, which is known as the serial position effect. While recalling middle information can be difficult. It can be overcome by spending extra time rehearsing this information or try restructuring the information so it will be easier to remember. When candidate come across an especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.

At last, reschedule study routine from time to time. It has been observed that candidate studying for long hours at night may feel monotony and at some stage, he feels that study material is vast and he cannot memorize. This indicates that he needs to change his study time. If he is accustomed to studying in one specific location, try moving to a different spot to study. In this way, candidate can put maximum efforts and significantly improve long-term recall. Writer wishes all candidates for steep success in their career. 

Jewels of elderly people

Elderly age is the enjoyable stage of life ladder. After exhausting through hard work, grooming children and taking care of parents, this life illuminates a bright ray in the soul of humans.

 When people enter to elderly age group, they get numerous advice from experts that now the time has come to concentrate on the spiritual world, live a simple life, follow doctor’s instructions  and guide children. Such traditional concepts people already know and they normally follow. Still people in their old age become depressed, isolated from society and feel that their significance is now diminishing. These thoughts have dangerous consequences not only on their life but it has grave impact on global civilisation.

 It is reputable that old age is quite depressing for some folks. Adjusting to old is very tough due to numerous grounds. They are the community who retired from occupation, lost some friends and relatives. Their physical body condition declines as age grows, and lastly they have less avenues to engross in society. Above these, elderly groups have to adjust with negative stereotypes of old age. It was shown that the status level of people declines in old age.

It is well recognized that in order to retain humanity and build a healthy society, the role of elderly people is marvellous.

I have found some hidden jewels of aged people that they must know, appraise, and gleam to lead a blissful life while continuing to follow their traditional mores.

 1. Recapitulate their accomplishments of life and profession: These achievements will work as incentive and reinforce them enjoy their present status. Some people may experience that they have not accomplished their life objectives and they have none of the achievements. Achievements can be anything in life that delight people or that enhances self-respect. It may be the birth of a child, or a visit to a dream place. Recapping such wonderful experiences makes their life pleasurable.

 2. Unique Endowment: People lead their unique life through donating their ideas and experience to society that really needs it. It does not mean that they must donate huge money to charity organizations or work in NGOs. We are breathing in a technically advanced society and with the advent of internet technology, people have made revolutionary changes in their personal life as well as in professional settings. Elderly people can donate their esteemed esteem advice to candidates or persons who actually seek counselling for improvement. One such way is email donation.  By doing so, elderly people feel real satisfaction and they may develop self-confidence and desire to live in the cosmos.

 3. Breathe parallel with technical progression and engrossed in innovation: Though in old age, the body does not respond well to bear heavy load but enthusiasm to know about technology and synchronize with the newest trend will delight people. In this way, they can equally participate in dialogue with the younger generation. This will make their recognition in youth driven society. Such feelings lessen loneliness also which is the major problem during old age. In old age, people must be in touch with the latest news and share their views in the media, which is a wonderful gift of technological advancement. It will also enhance emotional fitness.

 4. Roll over from childhood: As childhood is an important phase of human life cycle, old age is also spirited for their survival on earth bed. People may never harbour feelings that remain till the end of life. These are the life ladders set by God/ nature and everyone is equipped with adeptness to make a sole contribution to the universe in these ladders. We must have to explore in our inner body those knacks and ready to release the energies for mankind.  As children grow and develop their mental and physical features. Likewise, elderly people may augment their psyche. It is just a matter of sensing those attributes.

In a nutshell, elderly groups are precious for the wealthy growth of the global populace. To retain good quality of life in greying age, many psychologists, such as Ferris and Branston advocated that social network, relationship, and good health are three prime factors. To gain social support, above techniques may prove beneficial.

Note: This article is based on thoughts and experience of the writer and the writer is not responsible for any disagreement.

 

Shouts of AIDS

This story is heart throbbing as well as inspirational for all humans.

This will really stir up to people.

I just entered to my uncle’s house located in satellite colony of city. In the courtyard of my uncle’s neighborhood, a woman was crying with deep sorrow.  I felt restless therefore I asked to my uncle why she was crying. Uncle said, my son, please ignore it. It is a daily affair. I could not continued conversation as my uncle was least interested in discussing about that woman. Till mid night, I heard her tear-jerking sound. I did not know when I slept. In next morning, I woke up at 6.00 AM. I again heard the cries of woman. At that time, I felt some one was brutally beating her. I was very upset. I decided to talk on this issue with uncle because it is inhuman and against law to torture a woman. When I again asked the uncle about that woman, he didn’t take it seriously then I told him that there are strict laws for domestic violence and my friend is well established lawyer.  Ultimately I convinced him to open that issue. He disclosed the truth which was not easily digestible. Woman, Leela, was bahu of that house and she was suffering from STD like disease. Instead of providing treatment, her in-laws kept her separately and charged that she had illegal relationship with the person of her village and she was suffering from AIDS through him. Her husband, Bholla, did not have any physical relationship with her due to her loose character. She was considered as a stigma for that family that’s why she was being punished daily for her act. My uncle further added that all the villagers knew that woman had good character and she was very kind and cooperative but it was their internal affair therefore nobody came forward to shield Leela. Even her maternal relatives left her to live in this hell. I was surprised how parents could react in this manner. But I was seeing the cruelty. I had decided to provide justice to woman.

 I consulted my lawyer friend. At first, he advised me that I should not interfere in this matter because it was family issue and colony members may react shrewdly if some outsiders interfere in their internal matter. But I told my friend that if she has AIDS then she must be treated and if she was not suffering from AIDS, she must be protected. These points can be put in front of powerful entity of village. Lawyer quickly understood the case and he agreed to help me in this matter.  He instructed me to keep an eye of what is happening in that house and observe her husband. I had visited Uncle’s house to spend my vacations. I thought it is the best way to help person in trouble. I started noticing minute movements of her husband and woman. Her husband usually walked around colony and sat on his father’s shop. It was his daily routine. Woman was daily beaten and she had to work for 14 hours a day to get one time meal. Her health was deteriorating day by day. Lawyer took inputs but he was helpless to do any thing because woman’s family said that her bad health was due to AIDS and we do not have enough money to get treatment from expensive hospital.

One day, the limit was crossed. Woman was taken out of the house and women of colony were teasing her for disease and demanding that such characterless woman must be expelled from the society. Woman was continuously requesting to take her to hospital as she did not have any illegal relation with anybody but no one was favoring her. After sometime colony president came and ordered her family to go to health center and give blood sample for AIDS. Her in-laws could not avoid it and they took her to health center for test. Her test result for AIDS was negative but her in-laws did not accept it and regularly exploiting her instead of giving treatment. After sometime, when woman was almost in dieing stage, a team of forest officers came to colony and enquired about her husband. Her in-laws asked what the matter is then they told to family that your son is daily engaged with a female in near forest and we came here to investigate the case. Her family dreaded but all members shield Bholla and justified that due to his wife’s loose character, her husband goes to forest for pray. This plea was unacceptable to forest team.

When the case was severe then colony president requested them to leave Bholla. Forest team returned. After a day or two, when team of doctors came for regular check up for colony members, one female was showing symptoms of HIV. She was immediately taken to hospital for test and that was positive. All members were feared to know this. My uncle’s neighboring woman Leela slowly spoke to nurse that her husband has illegal relations with that lady. Please check up my husband and do test for HIV. Here I was again surprised that a woman being tortured by her husband was begging for his wellbeing. When her husband’s blood sample was tested, it was positive. All colony members were stunned and ashamed for their behavior towards women. Now the scenario was changed. Every member was caring for Leela. She was treated and became healthy but her husband was on bed. May be he was punished for his cruel act. Leela tried her best to save her husband through providing treatment in big hospital. She sold all her ornaments, asked for aid from NGO but she had lost her husband as it is deadly disease. I regularly took update from my uncle about Leela. She suffered a lot in her life. After her husband’ death, one NGO offered her a job of social worker which she accepted and till now she is serving to AIDS people.

Writer’s perception: I came to know the fact that we all have duty to prevent AIDS through generating awareness among people about its consequences. One important thing is that male must not hesitate for medical check up and they should not blame females if they have disease. Illegal relations are established very easily and these relations are just for temporary enjoyment but person may have to pay for it by loosing his/her life. 

Important Note:  This story is penned by Ragini Sinha and hold copy right. Using part or full content is prohibited and infringement of copy right law. Any resemblance is just a coincidence. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement.

Generalized Anxiety disorder: a hallmark of many behavior disorders

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience worry or anxiety and a number of physical and psychological symptoms. The disorder is frequently difficult to diagnose because of the variety of presentations and the common occurrence of psychiatric conditions.

Anxiety is a root of many behavior disorders. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses. The principle specific signs of anxiety disorder are intense, observable anxiety and /or fears. Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the case in point of anxiety disorder In this disorder, the anxiety may be persistent and uncomfortably high of most of the time, or it may come as a sudden attack that lasts from a few hours to several days. An anxiety attack makes people thoroughly miserable, force them to the border of panic and upset their health. Often people think that they have a serious medical disorder, for the symptoms often include palpitation, fatigue, blurred vision, sweating, dizziness, headache and so on. There is a sense of foreboding and apprehension mixed with the physical symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is chronic and always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. The source of the worry is hard to pinpoint.

Symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder are as under:

Persistent worrying or obsession about small or large concerns that's out of proportion to the impact of the event

Inability to set aside or let go of a worry

Inability to relax, restlessness, and feeling keyed up or on edge

Difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"

Worrying about excessively worrying

Distress about making decisions for fear of making the wrong decision

Carrying every option in a situation all the way out to its possible negative conclusion

Difficulty handling uncertainty or indecisiveness

Physical signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue

Irritability

Muscle tension or muscle aches

Trembling, feeling twitchy

Being easily startled

Trouble sleeping

Sweating

Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome

Headaches

Persons with Generalized anxiety disorder seem unable to calm down, and they may startle more easily than other people. Often, they have trouble falling or staying asleep. GAD doesn’t characteristically avoid certain situations as a result of their disorder. When impairment associated with GAD is mild, people with the disorder may be able to function in social settings or on the job. If severe, however, GAD can be very debilitating, making it difficult to carry out even the most ordinary daily activities.

Tests for generalized anxiety disorder:

To help diagnose generalized anxiety disorder, doctors may thoroughly do a physical exam to look for signs that anxiety might be linked to an underlying medical condition. Doctor also order blood or urine tests or other tests, if a medical condition is suspected

And ask detailed questions about symptoms and medical history.

He/ she use psychological questionnaires to help determine a diagnosis.

Treatment options:

There are two main treatments for generalized anxiety disorder that include:

Psychotherapy: psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce anxiety symptoms of patients. It can be an effective treatment for genera, lized anxiety disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

Medications: Several types of medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder such as Antidepressants, Buspirone (An anti-anxiety medication), Benzodiazepines.

It is observed that the disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age. It can be distinguished from normal anxiety because in GAD, there is avoidance of common social situations for fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated and repeated, random panic attacks or persistent worry/anticipation of another panic attack and feelings. They perform uncontrollable, repetitive actions, such as washing their hands repeatedly or checking things over and over whereas in normal anxiety, people suffer sadness or difficulty sleeping immediately following a traumatic event. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder may respond to psychological or pharmacological therapies or a combination of both approaches.

Do not panic when panic attacks occur

Panic disorder can be successfully treated. It happened due to sudden attacks of terror, usually accompanied by a throbbing heart, sweatiness, weakness, faintness, or dizziness. During these attacks, people with panic disorder may flush or feel chilled; their hands may tingle or feel numb; and they may experience nausea, chest pain, or smothering sensations. Panic attacks usually produce a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom, or a fear of losing control.

 

A fear of one’s own unexplained physical symptoms are also a symptom of panic disorder. People having panic attacks sometimes believe they are having heart attacks, losing their minds, or on the verge of death. They can’t predict when or where an attack will occur, and between episodes many worry intensely and dread the next attack.

 

Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack usually peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer. Panic disorder affects about 6 million American adults and is twice as common in women as men. Panic attacks often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, but not everyone who experiences panic attacks will develop panic disorder. Many people have just one attack and never have another. The tendency to develop panic attacks appears to be inherited.

 

People who have full-blown, repeated panic attacks can become very disabled by their condition and should seek treatment before they start to avoid places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. For example, if a panic attack happened in an elevator, someone with panic disorder may develop a fear of elevators that could affect the choice of a job or an apartment, and restrict where that person can seek medical attention or enjoy entertainment.

 

Some people’s lives become so restricted that they avoid normal activities, such as grocery shopping or driving. About one-third become housebound or are able to confront a feared situation only when accompanied by a spouse or other trusted person. 2 When the condition progresses this far, it is called agoraphobia, or fear of open spaces.

 

Early treatment can often prevent agoraphobia, but people with panic disorder may sometimes go from doctor to doctor for years and visit the emergency room repeatedly before someone correctly diagnoses their condition. This is unfortunate, because panic disorder is one of the most treatable of all the anxiety disorders, responding in most cases to certain kinds of medication or certain kinds of cognitive psychotherapy, which help change thinking patterns that lead to fear and anxiety.

 

Panic disorder is often accompanied by other serious problems, such as depression, drug abuse, or alcoholism. These conditions need to be treated separately. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Most people with depression can be effectively treated with antidepressant medications, certain types of psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. During a panic attack, most likely heart will pound and patient may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. His hands may tingle or feel numb, and he might feel flushed or chilled. He may have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom or loss of control.

 

Patient may think that he has an anxiety disorder. A physician can determine whether the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, another medical condition, or both. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, the next step is usually seeing a mental health professional. The practitioners who are most helpful with anxiety disorders are those who have training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or behavioral therapy, and who are open to using medication if it is needed. Medication should be taken regularly. Patient must talk to the doctor who prescribed medication before he stops taking it. If he is having trouble with side effects, consult doctor.

 

Many people with panic attack join a self-help or support group and share their problems and achievements with others. Internet chat rooms can also be useful in this regard, but any advice received over the Internet should be used with caution, as Internet associates have usually never seen each other and false identities are common. Talking with a trusted friend or member of the clergy can also provide support, but it is not a substitute for care from a mental health professional.

 

Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with panic attack. Calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise may have a calming effect. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, they should be avoided. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medications. The family members can assist in the recovery of a patient. Family members should observe the patient and give report to doctor for improvement in his health.

 

Important tips to choose best therapist for Mental Disorder patients

It is necessary to know basic points before choosing a therapist. Many clients with mental problems have a big question that is how to choose an appropriate therapist for their treatment. They are looking for a therapist, but they don't have any idea which one is best for them. There are set guidelines, which must be followed when client wants treatment for mental ailment.

At first, client must contact a local hospital and ask if they have a mental health referral service. The best way to find a qualified mental health professional is getting a referral from a physician or health care professional that has experience working with a counselor or therapist is often the best way. Many counselors and therapists also offer free initial consultations. Client may take consultation from these counselors. It's important to converse to the therapist first and assure that client is comfortable talking to him or her. After reviewing the basic information (costs, location, professional qualifications), it is very necessary to confirm that therapist is friendly and responsive and client can freely discuss his inner feeling to alleviate his/her mental problems. Therapists have significantly different personalities and working styles. These factors had a major impact on how individual clients related and responded to each individual therapist.

Numerous researches suggest that psychotherapy is an important way to treat many mental disorders. There are many qualified therapists but being qualified does not, necessarily to be fit for every mental patient. It is very difficult task to choose the right therapist who can understand, find out root causes of mental disorder and provide solutions. Choice is based on client's own needs and characteristics. It has been revealed in many medical reports that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important factor in producing a positive therapy experience. Client must have to develop a therapeutic association with therapist in order to get good therapeutic treatment. First of all, they have to feel comfortable and secure so that confidence may be established. These factors are the basis from which a therapeutic relationship is built.

It is important for everyone to know basic points before choosing a therapist. These guidelines are mentioned below.

-It is necessary to judge that whether gender of my therapist matter. Clients have to make self-decision that with whom; he may be comfortable talking about personal issues. A male or a female therapist will release tension or other mental conditions.

-Secondly, client must have to make sure that it is necessary that he can share common values and beliefs with his therapist.

-Client must collect information from relevant sources that whether the therapist appears culturally competent. A culturally competent therapist understands client in relation to his individual culture, values and experiences. This does not mean that the therapist must share client's cultural environment. A qualified mental health professional or therapist is able to recognize, understand, and value his client's particular life issues or challenges.

-The important factor in deciding therapist for mental treatment is that the client must not always look for therapist who is licensed, certified or registered. Licensure, certification or registration is not a guarantee of competence. If the therapist has at least one of these credentials, he or she has probably passed some sort of comprehensive examination and has met certain educational requirements and supervised clinical experience. This would authenticate that this person has, at least, the knowledge necessary to be an effective therapist. It is probably wise to avoid a therapist or counselor who is practicing independently and who does not have at least licensure, certification or registration.

-Client must gather information about therapist's working experience in related medical field. Most research shows a strong relationship between good treatment outcomes and the therapist's years of experience.

-Another factor is theoretical orientation of therapist. A therapist's theoretical orientation will decide his or her approach to, and techniques used in, treatment. It represents the therapist's basic original belief system about the cause and treatment of human mental problems. Several studies have shown panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy is also effective in treating panic disorder. If therapist uses a psychodynamic approach, the focus of treatment is to help client become aware of his unconscious conflicts and fantasies, and to help client to identify the defense mechanisms that are influencing the continuation of symptoms.

Above-mentioned guidelines are initial steps in finding a therapist with whom client can build a strong therapeutic association. There are other considerations will, likely, play a key part in client's selection. For example, the therapist's fees, location and availability will also influence in making decision for therapist.

This information is just for knowledge.

Generate awareness for lethal Hepatitis G virus

It is a blood born disease. Hepatitis G virus) is a recently described flavivirus which frequently leads to chronic viremia in humans. Although GBV-C is related with acute posttransfusion hepatitis, it is not clear if the virus is pathogenic for humans.

Scientists are still exploring dreaded Hepatitis G virus. The Hepatitis G virus was discovered somewhat in recent times. It is called hepatitis GB virus.

When people are affected with this virus, it does not show any symptoms and does not cause serious liver complications. Acute HGV infection has usually been mild and brief. Sometimes HGV can cause severe liver damage resulting in liver failure.

The method of detecting HGV is a DNA test. There is no precise treatment for any form of acute hepatitis. Patients should be recommended for bed rest, avoid alcohol, and have a balanced diet.

Studies indicated that Hepatitis G impedes with the progression of HIV. Mostly people are infected with this virus by blood transfusion. People with hepatitis A, B, or C can be co infected with hepatitis G. Since at the present, there is no vaccination available for hepatitis G. Patients with haemophilia and kidney disease are at risk of hepatitis G. An infected mother can transmit the virus to her newborn infant. Sexual transmission also is one of the possibilities.

 Risk factors: 

-Transfusion and organ transplant recipient 

- Injection drug users 

- Hemodialysis patients 

- Men who have sex with men 

Statistical reports revealed that HGV has been reported in adults and children throughout the world and is found in about 1.5% of blood donors in the United States.

Infection has been reported in 10% to 20% of adults with chronic HBV or HCV infection, indicating that co-infection is a common occurrence

 It has been observed that patients with hepatitis G may continue to carry the virus in their blood for many years. People must take precaution to avoid this disease. They should not share needles, syringes, or other equipment. Everyone must be careful. Do not transfuse contaminated blood. These are the ways by which we can lead normal life.

 Important note: Above article is created on the basis of environmental inputs. Topic elaboration and ideas are expressions of the writer. Any resemblance is just a coincidence. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement.