Attracting buyers is your business in any line of work that you promote. What kind of offers is your company advertising? Developing an offer requires more than pricing and advertising. Creating an effective offer entails enticement, creativity, and really selling your work. Perhaps you have created special offers in the past. Maybe you are currently advertising some now. Could you be in the process of generating some new offers for the future? In any circumstance, here are a few suggestions for testing the effectiveness of your company’s offers:

• Make your offer as clear as possible. It is important to demonstrate honesty and simplicity in your advertising. Always have others proof your ads and get a few other opinions. People interpret messages differently, and requesting the use of another pair of eyes allows you to reach more people in the long run.

• Does your offer have value? Take inventory and acknowledge whether or not your ad truly presents something of value. Are you offering something special? Is this service unavailable at other locations or companies? What about products? Is this really a deal?

• Are there any risks involved with your offers, products, or services? Know that by presenting guarantees to your clients, you are lowering the chance that the public will return or exchange your product. If you are really offering something of quality, the guarantee should merely support this.

• How credible is the offer you are advertising? If your pricing is unusually low or the benefits seem unbelievable, be sure an explain to the public the circumstances. Perhaps your facility is relocating or that you are having a seasonal clearance. Maybe the company is under new management. Regardless, your customers appreciate the rationale as to why an offer might seem incredulous.

• Are you instigating a quick response? Have you advertised the time sensitivity of the offer? We as consumers easily forget information or put off immediate action that may or may not be required. By mandating expiration dates you are more likely to get the magnitude of responses you desire.

Different businesses use all kinds of offers to their advantage. Note the following examples and see what might work for you. There may be a way for you to utilize such offer strategies in your own unique way.

Pricing

• Consider “two-for-the price-of-one” specials and “purchase one- get one for half price” deals. Try flat fees instead of hourly charges. Play with bulk discounts, referral discounts, new customer pricing, and free samples.

Bonuses

• Offer promotional products, like nice Athletic Bags or a plush car Blanket. Begin a frequent buyer program. Try giving away unannounced, random prizes. Any customer appreciates free deliveries, free catalogs, and free shipping.

Payment terms

• Some companies offer discounts for payments made in advance. Set up automatic monthly billing for clients. Try the “pay nothing until a certain date” type of promotion. In some cases, leasing options work better than does purchasing.

Guarantees

• Offer a satisfaction or your money back guarantee. Some businesses have included a “double your money back” promotion. Of course, warranties and free repair policies are other methods of guaranteeing your products and services.

Package deals

• Similar to the arrangements that travel companies make, package deals include a variety of products and services under the umbrella of one price. Bear in mind that your price should reflect a discount that is more valuable than the cost of the items sold separately. Any business can implement a package deal program: school systems for tuition, accountants for tax returns, insurance companies for multiple policies, and spa centers for healing treatments.

After you have composed your offers with regard to the content and the wording, read over them several times to measure the understandability. Again, have a proofreader, advertising executive, or another qualified person verify the ad’s meaning and clarity.

Gauge your prices. You may be second-guessing your pricing methods. Keep records and note what the best responses to your offers look like. By recording and studying your results, you can gauge what is most profitable for you and at what price you will have the greatest volume of sales.

When testing the success of your offers, do so experimentally. Rather than ask the public what they would respond to best, try several options and see what you observe. People have a variety of opinions that change due to circumstances. In addition, people don’t always mean what they say.

Finally, update your offers frequently. Don’t wait for an ad to completely flop before you make subtle changes to it. Get into the routine of altering your offers by making small changes and noting the differing responses that occur when you do so.

Be smart in your marketing. Attract customers through the promotion of offers that you advertise often. Develop them with creativity and the intention to entice, tantalize, and impress.

Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently CEO of Save on Promotional Products Inc. a Discount Online Promotional Products Company He can be contacted at 1-800-826-8706; email: rick@justpay10.com or go to our site: Athletic Bags

Shoulder pain conditions that limit movement are common, and are caused by problems with the shoulder joint and its surrounding structures. Your shoulder is more prone to injuries than other joints because of its wide range of movement and you need to know how to deal with the pain.

A few facts. About 13.7 million people went to the doctor’s office in 2003 for a shoulder problem, including 3.7 million visits for shoulder and upper arm sprains and strains. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.)

One of the best ways you can avoid injury is to keep physically fit, through a balanced program of aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening exercises for your whole body. There are a range of exercise programs available from local fitness centers, online services and even downloads for your MP3 or iPod players.

There are several conditions that generally cause pain and limit movement of your shoulder joint and you need to know what they are to effectively deal with your shoulder pain problem:

1. Rotator cuff disorders

Pain and Inflammation can be caused by general wear and tear that occurs with age, activities that require constant or repetitive shoulder motion (especially above shoulder level), heavy lifting, trauma, or poor posture. Serious injuries and untreated inflammation of the tendons can cause the rotator cuff to tear resulting in pain.

The pain associated with rotator cuff problems is normally felt at the front or on the outside of your shoulder, particularly when you raise your arm or lift something above your head. You may also notice the pain more when lying in bed. Severe injuries can cause weakness of the shoulder muscles, restricted shoulder movement and continuous pain.

2. Rotator cuff tears

It is usually the rotator cuff tendons (the thick bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones) that tear, but sometimes the tear occurs in the muscle. Severe injuries can cause several of the tendons and muscles to tear. There are special movement tests that your doctor can use to help determine which of the muscles or tendons has been torn.

3. Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder pain is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The pain is felt deep in the shoulder joint and may become worse at night due to inactivity.

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it sometimes develops following other shoulder injuries. Resting a painful, injured shoulder for too long can cause the shoulder muscles and connective structures to stiffen up, so when a shoulder injury occurs make an effort to keep it loose without putting to much strain on it.

Frozen shoulder can develop spontaneously, particularly if you have thyroid problems or diabetes seem to be at increased risk. Most people with frozen shoulder tend to improve within 2 years, with or without treatment. In the interim, however it can be quite painful.

4. Dislocated shoulder and shoulder instability

A dislocated shoulder is visibly deformed or out of place, and there may be swelling or bruising around the joint. Your shoulder movement will be severely restricted. Your Doctor can usually put the shoulder bone back into place using gentle maneuvers.

If you suffer a dislocation, keep in mind that the shoulder joint sometimes becomes unstable and susceptible to repeated dislocations. This causes pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Your shoulder may feel as if it is slipping out of place when you lift your arm over your head.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis causes progressive joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness. Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis will affect the shoulder joint.
Sometimes shoulder pain can be due to problems in your neck or a mixture of several different problems. A visit to your doctor is almost always necessary when it comes to a shoulder problem because in rare instances, shoulder pain may be caused by infection, problems with the nerves, or a tumor located somewhere else in your body.

As with any medical issue, a shoulder problem is generally diagnosed using a three-part process:

• Medical History – You tell your doctor about any injury or other condition that might be causing the pain.

• Physical Examination – Your doctor examines you by feeling for injury and to discover the limits of movement, location of pain, and extent of joint instability.

• Tests – Your doctor may order one or more of the tests for you listed below to make a specific diagnosis.

What tests are needed to determine the cause of your shoulder pain?

Your doctor will determine the cause of your pain based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Where the pain is felt, both at rest and when moving the shoulder, is a clue to the cause of the shoulder pain. Your doctor will also test your shoulder strength and the range of movement in your shoulder joint.

You may need an X-ray, or other scans, such as an ultrasound scan or MRI. Sometimes, an arthroscopy is needed. In this test, your doctor can look inside the shoulder joint using a small telescopic instrument that has a camera on the end. This is not as painful as it sounds.

How your shoulder pain will be treated

In addition to relieving pain, treatment is aimed at restoring mobility in your shoulder joint. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of your shoulder problem and the level of pain.

Pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used as an initial treatment for shoulder pain. Ibuprofen is the best and Aspirin should be avoided.

Another simple way of easing shoulder pain is by applying a cold pack to your shoulder for 10 minutes at a time three or four times a day. Cold packs will reduce inflammation, and are most helpful when applied for the first few days following a shoulder injury. After that, you can switch to using a heat pack; intermittent applications of heat can help relax the shoulder muscles.

A heat pad used at night when sleeping will keep the shoulder from stiffing up.
You should rest your shoulder for a couple of days after an injury, and if you have dislocated your shoulder, you may need to rest your arm in a sling or splint for several weeks after the joint has been manipulated back into place.

However, with most shoulder problems it isn’t a good idea to rest for too long. While you should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects, you should still move your shoulder to help make sure that you regain full use of the joint. By returning to your normal activities as soon as possible (within the limits of disability and pain), you can help prevent the shoulder joint from stiffening up.

Physiotherapy can help treat you shoulder pain.

Physiotherapy can help improve your shoulder strength and flexibility as well as relieve the pain associated with most shoulder problems. Physiotherapists use a variety of different therapies, including massage, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy and electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) — a therapy that uses mild electrical currents to treat pain.

Taping the shoulder joint can also help stabilize it and reduce pain during activities. Your doctor will refer you to a good Physiotherapist is he feels the extent of your injury warrants Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists can also teach you special rehabilitation exercises to stretch and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder. Exercises that improve your shoulder’s range of movement help reduce the pain and stiffness that occurs after a period of immobility. Range of motion exercises may be followed by resistance exercises and weight training to strengthen the muscles.

Steroid injections can be effective but proceed with caution.

Depending on the cause of your shoulder problem, corticosteroid injections may be given to relieve the pain in the short term. The corticosteroid, which is often mixed with a local anesthetic, reduces inflammation and allows you to move the shoulder more comfortably. Make sure you understand what is involved in this kind of treatment to include the long term effect on your body. The jury is still out on the impact of this type of treatment.

Surgery may be necessary to treat your shoulder problem.

Because most people improve with the above treatments, only about 10 per cent of people with shoulder problems will need to be treated with surgery. People with shoulder instability or rotator cuff problems that are not responding to less invasive treatments may benefit from an operation, and shoulder joint replacement may be considered for people with degenerative arthritis.

There are also some conditions that need to be treated initially with an operation, including some rotator cuff tears and dislocated shoulders that cannot be reduced (put back in) with simple manual maneuvers. Sometimes frozen shoulder is treated with what’s known as manipulation under anesthesia. In this therapy, your shoulder is gently moved while you are under a general anesthetic to help improve its range of motion and of course avoid the treatment pain.

So make sure you do not self-diagnosis your shoulder problem, see your doctor. Keep in mind that it isn’t a good idea to rest it for too long or it will stiffen up. Use Cold and Heat intermittingly to speed up the healing process. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects, but remember to move your shoulder to help make sure that you regain full use of the joint by returning to your normal activities as soon as possible and you will regain full use of your shoulder in a reasonable period of time.

But, if you are still experiencing pain, listen to it, it is a signal trying to tell you something is still wrong with your shoulder.

Do you know the best non-narcotic products for shoulder pain relief? Follow these links for shoulder pain relief…

Click on the following links for Shoulder Pain Relief:

Shoulder Pain Relief Information, and Products for shoulder pain.

The Centre for Pain Relief

Shoulder Pain Relief

Ray Attebery is President for The Centre for Pain Relief in New York City.

Raised Bed Gardening What do you mean by raised beds? A raised bed is a framed planting area which the soil exists above the surrounding ground level. The bed size is anything that enables you to work on without stepping directly onto the bed of soil itself. Why have raised bed gardens?There are many reasons people decide to make use of raised bed gardens. For example: raised bed gardening gives you much better soil conditions. Pests are far easier to control. If the raised bed is at least 2 feet or 60cm high then you will have a better back with far less bending to dig or harvest crops. And finally you will conserve water as more water reaches the plant roots meaning you use less. Every time you walk up and down a non raised bed garden you gradually compress the soil.

Eventually the earth becomes hard and compacted creating various problems for plant roots, drainage problems and of course future digging difficulties. How do I make a raised bed garden?You can make frames out of old railway sleepers for that chunky look or old floorboard planks. However it is better to use pressure treated timber. As this will last longer and there will be less danger of damage to the crops from using preserving treatments like creosote. Mark out where you would like to place these raised beds by using flour, sand or even lay out a hosepipe. Then knock in some short stakes of 12 inches or 30cms at each corner. Tie string between the stakes to work out your levels.

Then fix the frame to the stakes. Remove any vegetation by digging it out or by using sheets of old cardboard. The cardboard can be left in place for a few months and then removed or if it is thin enough it can be left there as it will eventually rot away. The frame can now be filled with soil up to the level edge of the frame.Try not to make the bed more than 4ft or just over a meter in width. Or if you do then you must have a plank of wood to stand on that is long enough to rest on the edges of the frame. You can have the length any with the only limitation being the length of the garden or plot. For low growing crops it is best to have the beds in a north south orientation as this way the plants will get maximum light exposure on both sides of the bed. Taller crops such as runner beans would be better in an east west configuration with ground level crops on the south side.Here is a project for you this weekend. The simple guide to creating a raised bed garden.

S Dorn has been a keen gardener for 30 years and is the owner of http://www.shops-flower.com for your wedding flowers.

We are bombarded with more messages than we can even comprehend in the period of a single day. Consider television commercials, magazine and newspaper ads, radio broadcasting, billboards, mail, email, spam, faxes, telephone calls, telemarketers, and door to door salespeople. We have grown accustomed to the overwhelming amount of information presented to us, and often we are able to easily tune out the majority of messages we are exposed to. If you are a business owner, and are in the process of developing an effective ad, how can you expect to be noticed? Catching the attention of your future customers requires some thoughtful planning and creativity on your part. Are you delivering your messages in a unique way?

• E-blasts are a way to impress the public via the Internet. When you work with a savvy visual artist who is talented in design, the digital graphics can really wow recipients. Send out e-blasts to an on-line mailing list regularly. Differentiate your ads with specials, important news, or upcoming events. Always, of course, keep your logo and/ or letterhead consistently the same so that your customers are familiarized with your company and look forward to your regular e-blasts. Include pictures and images that captivate your audience.

• Media releases do grab people’s attention. These work especially well when faxed or mailed. The more professional you create a media release, the more seriously others will take it. Remember that the use of type fonts can change the flavor of any document for better or worse. Use font settings to your advantage.

• Consider sending out event invitations for special functions. For open houses, banquets, holiday gatherings, awards presentations, benefits, and other events, give your invitees a memorable notice. Hire a calligrapher to add a personal touch. Send a promotional item of a thematic nature along with the invitation.

• Take advantage of networking opportunities. Use the charm and personality that attract others to you to also introduce your work and products or services. In introductions, meetings, appointments, errands, and conferences, mention what it is that you actually do and have business cards on hand to give out.

• Bring creativity into your communication with other businesses. Let uniqueness and energy emanate from your dealings with others. You can give away promotional gifts to surprise others. In addition, mere words can really strike others as well. For example, an educational tutoring center in one city mailed a special package to all who signed up on their web site or in their office to learn more about this company’s services. Enclosed with the packet of standard informational reading materials was a small sealed box of tea imprinted with a note that read, “Success is Brewing.”

• Make your sales pitch stand out. Use UPS or Federal Express when mailing promotional materials. Also stamp your packaging with a message about the time sensitivity of the contents. Choose a size or shape that is different than the standard envelopes. Consider tubes, odd shaped boxes, and bright colors.

• Distinguish your sales letter from others’ sales letters. Avoid your message being tossed out with the junk mail or shoved in a drawer by making a distinct approach. Mail a special promotional gift item with your direct mail pieces. This has been proven in studies to seriously increase response rates. When clients receive a special treat enclosed with your offer, they will most likely want to learn more about your business.

• Send follow up letters frequently and include something special along with them. Experts say that it takes several attempts on your part to really reach a would-be client. Remember, that circumstances change for people, and they often forget about your offer the first time or two. Speed up this process by spicing up your follow up letters. Offer promotional items, discounts, and other memorabilia to increase the probability of your materials being noticed. The Republican Party makes an effort of mailing commemorative snapshots of President George W. Bush along with the First Lady when requesting donations. It is truly amazing how this tactic inspires followers of this party to continue to donate money and to watch carefully for packages from the Republic Party to arrive. Political parties are wise to the follow up process and use their letters and snapshots for the benefit of their organizations.

With the amount of advertising messages we receive in a given day calling for our attention, marketing must get creative in order to really make us notice. Strategize by making your messages as unique and visually appealing as possible. Promotions professionals can assist you in taking your advertising up a notch.

Author: Rick Sheldon has 18 years experience in the Promotional Products Industry and is currently CEO of Save on Promotional Products Inc. a Discount Online Promotional Products Company He can be contacted at 1-800-826-8706; email: rick@justpay10.com or go to our site: Promotional Items

No credit check loans may seem like a dream come true for those with bad credit. However, no credit check loans are quite different than one may think. A no credit check loan is not a loan you can get to buy a car or a house.

No credit check loans have to main features. They are for small amounts, usually under 1,000 dollars, and they are for a short period of time, usually two weeks.

No credit check loans are often called payday loans or check advance loans. They are meant to be used in an emergency and not as extra money. These loans are a secured loan that is secured with a check in the amount of the loan plus fees.

Fees for no credit check loans are usually much higher then typical loans because they are not going to be carried for a long time. An example of how much these loans can cost is for a 500 dollar loan the typical rate of interest would cost a borrower 75 dollars.

This large amount is charged because people often default on this type of loan and due to the fact that credit is not checked.

The amount of the loan is small. It is usually figured depending upon a persons average paycheck. The pay back time is also usually figured on a persons average pay date. For example, if a person makes 200 dollars every two weeks then they would likely qualify for a 200 dollars loan due on their next pay day.

No credit check loans are quite popular. Many people find they need an advance on their paycheck and these loans are perfect for that reason. However, it is also easy to get into debt due to these loans. People can end up in a bad circle of obtaining payday loans one right after another in order to be able to pay back the debts and pay their regular bills.

It is very important to only use no credit check loans for emergencies and only when the borrower knows they will be able to pay them back. A bad no credit check loan could mean a large problem. The lender will attempt to cash the check the borrower wrote and this will cause bounced check fees and additional fees for the lender.

No credit check loans can be a lifesaver if a borrower uses them in the manner they were meant to be used. They can cause further credit and financial problems, though, if they are not used properly.

It is up to the borrower to ensure they have no alternative. They have to be positive they can pay back the loan when it comes due. Proper use is essential to avoid future issues.

No credit check loans are something that are meant to be a temporary solution to financial problems. They are simply an advance of money, not extra money. They have to be paid back in a short period of time and they have to be used smartly. When using no credit check loans a person has to be responsible.

James Copper is a Finance Director at Any-Loans.co.uk who offer no credit check loans and home owner loans.

Different Types Of Attorneys

Business Lawyers

This might seem self-explanatory, but yes, one type of lawyer is a business lawyer. These attorneys generally work for companies whether small or large, sole-proprietorship or corporation. However, there are two different types of business lawyers that you can choose from. While some may offer both types of services, it is imperative to know who you’re hiring beforehand.

Business Litigators

These lawyers are the ones you hire if you find yourself in a tight spot. For instance, if you are
being sued, a business litigator is the attorney for you. You won’t need this type of lawyer all of the
time (hopefully!) but they are certainly worth their fee when you do need them.

Transactional Lawyers

If all you want is someone who can draft a contract and keep your corporation afloat, a transactional
lawyer is the right lawyer for you. They take care of things that are normally considered “business” related and keep your documents and records in order. Plus, if you are looking to incorporate, these are the guys for you.

Go For a Firm

Oftentimes, law firms offer both business litigation and transactional law out of the same offices. By
going with a firm, you have all of your business needs taken care of and on file whenever you need them.

Environmental Lawyers

Perhaps your company deals with technological products that can potentially produce a lot of waste. As your business grows, you may find environmental activists coming after you to shape up your waste problem. An environmental lawyer can help you and your company to be nice to nature before people start noticing your less than environmentally friendly ways. By implementing recycling programs and waste management programs, your environmental lawyer will help your business save face and potentially a lot of money in damages claims.

Intellectual Property Lawyers

Whenever you have to get a trademark, copyright or patent, an intellectual property lawyer is the one to call. These legal processes all deal with ownership and the subsequent rights involved with ownership. Intellectual property has become a whole lot more complicated in recent years due to the rise of the internet and digital information. Don’t rely on your own limited knowledge. Hire an intellectual property lawyer to sidestep potential landmines.

Labor and Employment Lawyers

Getting sued because of discrimination is no fun. That’s why an employment attorney is a viable asset to your business should you have employees. They will consult you on how to ensure all of your documents are legal and not offensive. They will also tell you how you must treat your employees and how to set up things such as pension plans, retirement funds and discrimination awareness meetings. A labor lawyer is a bit different, but they are useful too if you have a large company. They do things like set up unions and act as the middleman during bargaining between the employer and the employee.

Now, you may never need all of these types of lawyers. In fact, you most assuredly will not. However, it’s always a good idea to know what it is you have to choose from before you find yourself in a sticky
situation.

Dave Beasley works from home as a copywriter.
Go here to visit one of his sites which contains articles about how to Find A Good Attorney and other legal advice.
http://www.findagoodattorney.net

Links are the powerhouse of the internet which is why everyone is trying to increase their link popularity. It is well known that the search engines treat a link as almost a vote, a vote that the site you are linking to is good enough to deserve the link! This means that the more links you have then the more popular the search engines think your site is and the better it will be ranked for certain terms.

So you may think the best way to get more traffic is to increase your link popularity and you will magically jump up the search engines…. well not quite. You see there are a few more factors, like what does the link say? If someone links to your site with the word ‘Dog training’ as the link, then they are saying that your site is a good dog training site. Now if you have a lot of dog related links to your site then that will increase the link popularity of your site for those terms, but won’t help you with any searches for cats!

Another factor is the quality of the sites that link to yours, after all, if a one day old, one page site links to you then that does not mean you are a good site. If a PR 8 10,000 page site that has been around forever links to you that is definitely going to count and increase your link popularity. Another thing to watch for is sites that have been banned or de-indexed by Google or other search engines, if you have a link from one of those sites then you are guilty by association and it may adversely affect your rankings.

So now you know what you need to watch for when you increase link popularity for your site, lets now move onto the methods to get those links!

Method one – articles
Everyone knows that article marketing works to get traffic to your site, but think about it for a second, each article you submit has a link to your site on it… what a fantastic way to increase link popularity! The best part is that the big article directories are usually high PR, high traffic sites that the search engines love, so the link is a really effective link. This is by far my favourite way to increase link popularity.

Method two – ask
If you don’t ask, you don’t get… how many times have you heard that one? Well it is true with links! If you want to increase link popularity then you have to actively go out and seek sites that are on the same topic as yours and try and get them to link to you. Linking is a two way process, so don’t expect to get a link to your site without returning the favour.

The best way I have found to get someone to link to you, and to link in the way you want, is to email them. Tell them the url of the page where you have already put their link (gesture of good faith) tell them why you like their site and then give them the code they would need to link to your site and ask them to put it on their site. The sneaky thing about this is that you can make the code link to your site with the keyword of your choice! Whereas if they did a straight link they would probably just use the site name. This means you can increase link popularity for certain keywords.

Method three – forums
Forums are a fantastic medium for advertising (in your signature, not directly!) but that also means they can increase your link popularity by displaying a link to your site. Just include a link to your site in your signature with the appropriate anchor text and when that thread is indexed by the search engine then it will index the link as well. Another great point about forums is that the content is constantly updated, so the search engines love them and they are constantly being indexed.

There you have three devastatingly effective methods to increase link popularity – the next step is up to you and is the hardest of all, taking action with your new found knowledge…

Find out what everyone else is trying to hide from you! Find out the true steps it takes to make your fortune online with your FREE copy of the ‘Easy Success Blueprint’ ~Click here now to get your free report~

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It’s been found that depression after heart bypass surgery is not all that uncommon. In fact, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise to many people. I know that medical technology is advanced and that bypass surgery is proven to work effectively for thousands of people, but that’s not the point. The point is that the patient having this procedure performed is never going to be the same again and they are aware of that fact. It’s depressing to feel like “less of a man”, “less of a woman” or just plain old.

My father went through quadruple heart bypass surgery back when he was in his early fifties and never completely recovered. Much of it was his own fault though because he never could break his two pack a day smoking habit and passed away two months before his 65th birthday. Dad became very depressed after his heart bypass surgery and I can understand now how difficult it must have been on him.

Many men, like my father was, are strong, outgoing, work outdoors types that are “hands on” in just about everything they do. Dad was always the first one to get his hands dirty if there was something that needed to be done and I think he felt that that part of his life was behind him now that he’d had his bypass surgery. He was wrong, of course, but, as I stated before, I understand, not necessarily agree.

It’s extremely important that those who’ve had heart bypass surgery get back “in the saddle” as soon as possible. They must be allowed a reasonable amount of recovery time of course, but they cannot be allowed to stay off their feet for long. It would be very easy for them to fall into a deep depression if they have too much idle time. They need to have structured activities every day that slowly, but gradually rebuild their confidence, dexterity and self esteem. Only then can this person again become that same person that they used to be, give or take a few dietary restrictions.

It’s not only the surgery, but the complete change of lifestyle that can seem completely overwhelming to a heart bypass patient. All of the sudden everything that they’ve been doing their entire life is changed and they must learn to live differently at an age where most of us are pretty set in our ways.

Thank goodness for the modern technology that has given people with heart problems a second chance at life. They should be thanking God just for the opportunity of having those extra years. Just keep in mind that depression, especially after a serious operation such as heart bypass surgery, can become a serious condition if not monitored and treated accordingly. In other words, please be “patient” with the “patient.”

Joe Stevens is a disabled veteran that writes articles about topics that affect him. Read more helpful articles like this one at http://www.ArticlesAboutDepression.org or Heart bypass Surgery And Depression

Importantly and correctly, our nation stands up to defend less powerful people and this is to be admired. However, public demeaning attacks of our most powerful women are gaining strength and need exposure. Jealousy and differing political postures alone would not generate this level of irrational and daily frenzied hatred directed at Laura Bush, Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. Have we slipped back to the fifties when little ladies need to stay in their place? I always try to look for the positive motive when I observe negative behavior. What is there to be gained by the insidious lean on Hillary, Nancy, Rosie, Condoleezza, Barbara Boxer, and really, all women, to be quiet? This wave of paranoia is not from only media big mouths but from a strong societal base.

In a study by Harvard Professor of Public Policy David King, King found that Independents and Democratic voters are more willing to cross party lines. “Compared with the otherwise-identical male Republican, the female candidate was imputed to be far more trustworthy, far more likely to share one’s own concerns, and far more likely to garner one’s vote. The female candidate’s advantage in terms of likely support is ten percent among Independent and Democratic voters.

In competitive elections, holding everything else constant, a ten-point swing from Independents and Democrats is something Republican Party leaders should savor.” However something stands in the way of Republican women’s success at the polls. King found, “Republican respondents – of both genders – judge their own female candidates more harshly, however. Among Republicans, the female candidate is thought to be a weaker leader, while Independents and Democrats hold the reverse view…

Compared with the otherwise-identical male Republican, strong Republicans are significantly less likely to support the female candidate. This is true of men and women Republican voters, and it survives multivariate tests controlling for age, income and race.” (http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~dking/bulletin.pdf)

Support for women politicians falls off sharply with the Republican base. A common denominator of the Republican base is a tendency toward the religious right. Perhaps the attack of sexist remarks has something to do with adhering to religious instructions, now thousands of years old. Written by men and reflecting attitudes of their ancient societies, all major religious works clearly define a woman’s place. In most cases, religion requires the woman to be subservient to her man. Following the teachings of spirituality and kindness raises men and women from base animal behavior origins to a higher level and saves our society from barbaric instincts. The words of years passed are essential to study yet, these early words must be analyzed in the context of the time period that they were written. Scholars can take the important lessons from great literary works and learn from the sum of people’s experiences. However, literal and blind following of another’s words has the potential to repeat the horrors of Jim Jones, suicide bombers or Hitler.

Imagine if your doctor blindly followed the medical books of three hundred years ago. Some of the information is timeless and universal and some of it could destroy you. As a psychotherapist, if I followed the original psychological treatment plan, the best I could offer your depression is to strap you into a tub of water and perhaps, a useless lobotomy. We must think as individuals in our current times to avoid disastrous group-think that requires one to disengage from personal truth and reason. An absolute truth of yesterday is replaced by a completely new absolute truth of today more quickly than most people can adjust to the change.

One constant is that the struggle of all humans to be free of dominance by others has never been successfully suppressed. Once there were emperors, kings and royals who selected life and death for the rest. Their law was self serving and required armies of enforcers. As a democratic nation we posture ourselves as giving equal power to every vote. But our votes actually elect powerful representatives who then make all the real decisions for us. This archaic system was useful when the population was illiterate but modern Americans are kept strangely dependent. Democracy, freedom and science continue to evolve, but must religion also shift?

Now, we have women who have volunteered, been elected to school board, worked their way up politically while serving a billion cups of coffee to others. The media shout these women down with personal attacks aimed at hurting their little girl feelings and making them go away. Is the motive not political at all, but an urgent and even righteous attempt to obediently follow narrowly defined roles for women from religious books and religious teachers of most faiths? Do some religious leaders need to maintain the status quo of ancient teachings for their corporations and big business product sales to survive? Or can religions grow and expand incorporating human history, the body of science and new roles for men and women. Religion need not fear loosening the rigidity of dogma because religion has always and may always trump science with the ultimate question, “What was the origin of the first speck?” Even science replies, “God.”

The shaming name calling endured by assertive women who step away from religious definitions of themselves reveals the obvious double standard held for powerful, aggressive men who are complemented for the very same traits. Many deeply religious people find difficulty accepting new roles for men and women that defy a lifetime of religious practice. How can we question which words we make as our law and then choose thoughtfully without prejudice? Is there room in God’s eyes for a non-subservient woman who seeks to right wrongs in a lawful, sane manner? Will our most strict religious leaders adjust their sermons to allow women to be respected as leaders in worship, legal or political arenas that were once reserved for men?

Do we as women take action to save our children from needless death from war, lack of health care or skyrocketing drug costs? Do we care when an African baby dies from hunger and thirst? Do we watch our men, tired from work, pay taxes that are squandered? Or do we sit passively and quietly with our hands folded in our laps like we did in the classroom, such good little girls? A beautiful speech by First Lady Laura Bush addresses the struggle of women in third world countries and her commitment to help. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/03/20050308-5.html)

Will the religious right expand the role of righteous women to include service to our country in a full political press? Can men unshackle their definition of women and still love them, even as leaders? Are sexist slurs simply a reflection of fearing God? Is there a place for the religious right female outside the home? The women who have made it to the top positions in our society could not be where they are today if they were easily intimidated or stopped by negativity thrown at them. Have these women bypassed the religious requirements by expanding their definition of home to include our nation and planet? How wonderful could Earth be if female leaders cleaned up the mess?

Dr. Molly Barrow holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of the new book, “Matchlines: A Revolutionary New Way of Looking at Relationships and Making the Right Choices in Love,” ISBN 159507158X. She is an authority on relationship and psychological topics, a member of the American Psychological Association and a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Molly has appeared as an expert in the film, My Suicide, documentaries Ready to Explode and KTLA Impact, NBC news, PBS In Focus, WBZT talk radio and in O Magazine, Psychology Today, Newsday, The Nest, MSN.com, Yahoo, Match.com, N Magazine, Women’s Health and Women’s World. Take the new relationship compatibility test by psychology expert Dr. Molly Barrow. Please visit:
http://www.DrMollyBarrow.com/ Love and healthy relationship advice for pre-marital, marriage, dating and business relationships.

The FBI indicates 3.7% rise in violent crimes throughout the USA during the first six months of 2006 in their ‘Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report’ (www.fbi.gov/publications.htm). This data, categorized by city’s of 100,000 and over in population, can be a valuable tool to law enforcement agency partners in their prevention of violent crime, murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, property crime, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson.

The FBI’s investigations delve into every aspect of citizen health care including, but not limited to, false billings, psychiatric and acute care, supply company products, durable medical equipment, pharmacies and laboratories, internet and black market drug sales, etc. Health Care Fraud can potentially cause unnecessary illness or death as a result of fake prescriptions/tests and create substantial losses to Medicare, Medicaid and health care insurers.

The FBI’s ‘Financial Crimes Section,’ in partnership with 200+ Governmental Agencies, Task Forces, private industries and the SEC, investigates 24/7 to uncover falsification of Corporate asset information, money laundering, deceptive accounting entries, bogus hedge and inside trades, self-dealing tax violations, etc. From October 2001 through 2006 the Corporate Fraud Task force has pursued and “obtained 2,962 indictments/information’s, 2,569 convictions and restitution totaling over $14.9 billion related to Corporate and Securities Fraud.”

Even while we sleep, FBI Agents and task forces within departments too numerous to name here are working to fulfill their commitment to solve and resolve crimes which impact the lives of USA citizens and the financial well being of the nation.

Law enforcement agencies attributing to this thorough ‘Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report’ issued by Robert S. Mueller III, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, are listed below:

Advisory: Criminal Justice Information Systems Committee, International Association of Chiefs of Police; Criminal Justice Information Services Committee, National Sheriffs’ Association; Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Policy Board

Betty Jo Sheley, http://www.showlinehomesecurity.com Owner Security Products website for Home and Personal Protection. Author participated in Mayoral Conflict Resolution Institute, Community Think Tank Studies. Advise Author of article reprint including my link.