Sunday, December 6, 2009

Winter Coffee Variations on a Theme

Didn't splurge for the Irish coffee like Jameson's. Bought Canadian.
Make one mug strong hot coffee and add:

1/2 to 1 Jigger of Whiskey
1 Jigger Bailey's Irish Cream
1/2 to 1 Jigger Kahlua

Rich, sweet but warming on cold winter night.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Victory Junction Camp for Children with Illness

Never heard of it? Watch this video and learn how a young race car driver wanted to make a difference, and even though he was killed, his parents went on to see it through. It's all about the love and passion to have compassion. A camp where sick kids can go, for free, in a medically safe environement, and have fun for a few days.

Grab a tissue it's a poignant story.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4527308

May 08, 2006

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

by SirGan/General

Rate this article: [ 24 voters ]
COMMENT ARTICLE JOIN DISCUSSION WRITE ARTICLE WRITE ABOUT POTS


Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a complex condition caused by orthostatic intolerance, which means intolerance to change from the supine position to an upright position.
This change in position causes an abnormally high increase in heart rate, often accompanied by a sharp fall in blood pressure. The orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a disabling state described since 1940. Patients are often unable to hold jobs or attend schools. POTS is common, affecting an undisclosed number of patients mostly in the age range of 12 to 50 years and mostly female (approximately 80%).

Symptoms of POTS


The most common symptoms of this condition are:

* Increased heart rate - This is definitely the main sign of POTS. The heart rate when changing from the supine to upright position can vary for more than 30 beats per minute or lead to a heart rate greater than 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of stand-up position. POTS often generates a temporary rise in blood pressure immediately upon standing due to the rapid acceleration of the heart rate. Tachycardia is the body’s defense mechanism against the lack of sufficient venous blood returned to the heart.

* Frequent urination - Frequent urination is a common symptom of POTS. This problem is sometimes misdiagnosed as diabetes insipidus, which is a disease caused by the reduced production of a pituitary hormone called vasopressin.

* Reactive hypoglycemia - Reactive hypoglycemia is a common problem for POTS patients. It is a term used for abnormal lowering of the blood sugar levels. Although the complete mechanism still isn't clear, it is believed that it happens as a result of a complex series of neural and hormonal interactions. Researchers have come to understand that this lowering of blood sugar levels is not the only cause of symptoms, because patients’ bodies are also producing excessive amounts of adrenaline and other stress hormones.

* fatigue,
* nausea,
* shortness of breath
* dizziness,
* blurry vision and eye pain,
* tingling in the legs,
* sweating,
* numbness in palms and soles,
* difficulties with sleeping,
* heat and fatigue,
* headache,
* low grade fevers, mild chills, and general flu like symptoms,
* syncope


Possible causes of POTS


Not many people know that, even though the upright posture is a fundamental human activity, it requires several rapid and effective circulatory and neurological compensations in order to maintain blood pressure and consciousness.
Almost immediately after assuming the upright posture, gravity causes a redistribution of about 500 ml of blood to the lower extremities. One half of this amount is redistributed within seconds after standing up and up to 25% of the total blood volume may be involved in the process. This causes a decrease in venous return to heart and stroke volume may fall by 40%. In a normal subject, orthostatic stabilization after standing up is achieved in 1 min or less.
Anyway, our understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition remains incomplete. While the etiology of POTS is still unclear, it probably represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with similar clinical characteristics.

Heart problems

It is logical to assume that, because the heart is the central blood pump, a weak or irregular heart can cause orthostatic hypotension. The conditions that can affect the heart in such manner are:

* arrhythmia,
* heart failure, and
* pregnancy

These are the examples where the heart may not be up to the task of providing an adequate blood pressure. Since the heart is not pumping the blood strong enough, the pressure drops significantly.

Hypovolemia


The other possible causes not associated with the heart are anemia, dehydration or dialysis which are causing the the blood volume in the bloodstream to become insufficient. The condition is called Hypovolemia.

Blood vessels conditions


The blood vessels may also be the problem. Their role isn't just passive conduction of the blood. The blood vessels in the body also can squeeze to raise the blood pressure, and if this action is prevented for some reason, the blood pressure may fall. The most common reason behind the loss of this function of the blood vessels are different medications. Numerous medications affect blood vessels including most of the medications used for blood pressure, and many of the medications used in psychiatry and for heart pain. Heat, such as a hot shower or from a fever can also dilate blood vessels and cause orthostasis.

Nervous system problems


The nervous system normally senses and responds to regulate blood pressure. There are several neurological mechanisms of controlling blood pressure which affect heart pumping, blood vessels, kidneys etc. If something is wrong with this control system, the blood pressure may fluctuate.

Ear vestibular problems


It is proven that vestibular disorders may interact with blood pressure and heart rate control. The vestibular system is a source of information about uprightness and the whole system is localized in inner ear.

Medications


Medication related pressure drop could be caused by high doses of blood pressure or depression medications.

Drugs that can cause or worsen orthostatic intolerance:

* A-Receptor blockers
* Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors
* B-Blockers
* Bromocriptine
* Calcium channel blockers
* Diuretics
* Ethanol
* Ganglionic blocking agents
* Hydralazine
* Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
* Nitrates
* Opiates
* Phenothiazines
* Sildenafil citrate (Viagra)
* Tricyclic antidepressants

Primary adrenal insufficiency


Persons with primary adrenal insufficiency usually have symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency and low blood pressure. Their skin may be dark, serum potassium high, and there may be associated hypothyroidism, diabetes and vitiligo.
POTS can be caused by genetically inherited neurotransmitter disorders, including disorders of catecholamine production and release, such as Norepinephrine-Transporter Deficiency.

Grades of orthostatic intolerance


Most researchers classify the syndrome as primary or secondary.
The primary form is not associated with other disease states, while the secondary form occurs in conjunction with a known disease or disorder. The most frequently encountered form of POTS is referred to as the partial dysautonomic form. These patients appear to have a mild form of peripheral autonomic neuropathy in which the peripheral vasculature cannot initiate or maintain vascular resistance in the face of gravitational stress.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, this syndrome can be divided into grades:

Grade 0
Normal orthostatic tolerance
Grade I
Orthostatic symptoms are infrequent or occur only under conditions of increased orthostatic stress. Patient is able to stand less then 15 minutes on most occasions. Subject typically has unrestricted activities of daily living.
Grade II
Orthostatic symptoms are frequent, developing at least once a week. Orthostatic symptoms commonly develop with orthostatic stress. Subject is able to stand less than 5 minutes on most occasions.
Some limitation in activities of daily living is typical.
Grade III
Orthostatic symptoms develop on most occasions and are regularly unmasked by orthostatic stresses. Subject is able to stand less than 1 minute on most occasions. Patient is seriously incapacitated, being in bed or wheelchair. Syncope is common if patient attempts to stand. Symptoms may vary with time and state of hydration as well as other circumstances. Orthostatic stresses include prolonged standing, meals, exertion, and head stress.

Diagnosis and management


The most critical aspect of evaluation is the patient’s history. The patient needs to elicit the information about the onset of symptoms: were they sudden or gradual and what makes the symptoms worse or better should be the most important questions. A careful physical exam is also crucial.
POTS is correctly diagnosed on the basis of the heart rate increase and heart waveform signature revealed by electrocardiogram, not on the basis of a drop in blood pressure, as is the case with orthostatic hypotension and neuro-mediated hypotension.

Treatment of POTS


Treating patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is often very difficult.

Non-drug treatment


This treatment proved to be very effective and carries a low-risk from complications. Adding lots of extra salt to the diet can increase both blood volume and blood pressure by increasing the fluid retention. Expanding blood volume is a precise mechanism. A high salt diet should only be tried under the recommendation and supervision of a doctor. There are some special salt tablets on the market but pouring lots of ordinary table salt in the food works better for most people.
Patients with POTS should definitely avoid garlic and nitrates in food since they lower the blood pressure. Regular exercise on a daily basis is the most important aspect of any good treatment. Most people don’t know this but during the exercises, muscles produce a natural vasoconstriction hormone norepinephrine. A good muscle tone, especially in the legs, helps limit abnormal blood vessel dilation and blood pooling.
Meditation may help some patients reduce stress, feel more rested and alert, and often has a mild analgesic effect, reducing the perception of bodily aches and pains. It works as a natural pain reliever.
Having two strong cups of coffee in the morning have also shown to be very beneficial.

Medications


Medical treatments for POTS do exist but they are rarely curative and are often incompletely palliative. The most commonly used medications are:

* Beta blockers
* Florinef
* Midodrine

Author's biography SirGan is doing his specialization in neurosurgery at Portugal. He is interested in expertise for radiosurgery, as well as treatment of brain tumors, and currently he is studying interventional radiology.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Cats & Young Deer in Yard



Great Pictures of my growing boy, Stewart in sunbeam. 15 weeks! And some adolescent fawns in the yard at 2pm. Last month their mom was with them..not sure what happened to her. :( Usually deer stay with the doe for first year and these fawns look about 5 or 6 months to my untrained eye.



Sunday, August 30, 2009

Tuesday: The Music of Scott Joplin
1pm EST www.Blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace

Fabulous Ragtime pianist.


Photobucket The King of Ragtime. I've rediscovered his music and fell in love with this CD. Tune in for music that makes you wish you could play this on the piano. Pure Americana music that's often forgotten in today's modern society.

Listen live or from the archive at your convenience.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sophiasplace

Sunday, August 23, 2009


Been remiss with show updates. Lots going on. Not doing a show this week..back on Sept.1, 2009

You can listen to last weeks mix up of different kinds of music here, and go thru the archives.

Take time to smell the flowers, and enjoy nature.

www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace

Monday, August 3, 2009

Dean Martin Music
Photobucket


Tuesday 1pm EST! Tomorrow. I've never done an all Dino song but love his music. So mix up a lunchtime Martini or some coffee and enjoy, Live or from the archives at YOUR convenience.30 minutes or so. No talking between songs, either. Click on the link below for BlogTalkRadio to hear the tunes at 1pm or later in the archive.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sophiasplace

Friday, July 10, 2009

Tuesday's Music Show 1pm EST

NEXT SHOW: Tuesday July 14th. New Orleans style music and other stuff. Will open with Jolie Fille and Sheik of Araby (sneak peak off Cincinnati Lagniappe's upcoming CD) and then some other tunes, maybe old stuff from 30's or 40's. Depending on my mood du jour. As always, 30 minutes of tunes, with little to no talking in between songs. Click on the link below for live show or archives of past shows you may have missed.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sophiasplace

Lagniappe's John Mooter in photo, courtesy of yours truly.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Imitation Chocolate Eclair Dessert

CHOCOLATE ECLAIR CAKE
FILLING:
2 pkgs. French vanilla (instant) pudding, smaller size
3 1/2 c. cold milk
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 box graham crackers (don't crush)
TOPPING:
2 tbsp. soft butter
2 sqs. unsweetened chocolate
3 tbsp. milk
2 tbsp. Karo light corn syrup
1 1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

Grease 9 x 13 inch (I use a smaller 8x11 inch glass pan as it makes the layers thicker and looks prettier ) pan with butter (I also do not grease the pan, not necessary!) Line with graham crackers. Mix pudding and milk for 3 minutes. Add Cool Whip. Fold in. Pour 1/2 of the mixture over crackers. Add another layer of crackers. Add remaining filling. Add another layer of crackers. Mix butter and melted chocolate together. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well and frost. Refrigerate several hours.

My ex-Mother-in-Law gave this to me. I detest instant pudding but this is good for a cool summer dessert. Make sure to make it night before so the graham crackers soften. Or at least 8 hours in advance. Use 2% milk or richer. 1% or skim is not as good.

Also do NOT substitute vanilla instant pudding for FRENCH Vanilla. I usually hate French vanilla but it gives the oomph in this one. Granted, I never make a dessert with pre-made stuff but this is an exception to me. Yes you can taste chemicals in it but it's a great dessert for summer. Just KEEP COLD. Do not put on outside table in heat!

I also make my own semi-sweet icing with Hershey's cocoa, not a fan of chocolate squares but this is the original deal she gave me. The recipe is in my head but not on paper. If you don't want to make frosting, you can use canned DARK Chocolate Frosting but to me, it's too sweet. Making a semi -sweet, almost bitter sweet frosting is an excellent compliment to the sweet filling.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Music Show Tuesday 1pm

Hello, been remiss in my blog updates and shows. But more music coming up.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace/2009/07/07/Midday-with-Sophia

Date / Time: 7/7/2009 1:00 PMCategory: EntertainmentCall-in Number: (347) 843-476

Willie Nelson with Wynton Marsalis, Ella, & Others Blues/Jazz Sophia's Place 20 Minutes UNTIL SHOW Category: Entertainment Call-in Number to listen if you can't get BTR player to work.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Margarita Recipe

Home Made Margarita Recipe

You will need Tequila (we always used SILVER Label Hose Cuervo for mildness)

A good brand of Triple Sec

Base:

1 cup limeade (in frozen foods)
3 cups Sweet and Sour Base (Good brand, used to be Mr. T's)
1/2 Egg White (If afraid leave out but we always used it)

For Drinks

1 cup base mix (shake before measuring)

1/2 cup orange juice, fresh or the NOT from concentrate variety

3 jiggers Tequila

1 jigger Triple Sec

1 cup crushed ice

Put in blender. Pour in glasses rubbed with a lime and dipped in Kosher or Margarita salt.

Enjoy and stay home or have designated driver if you go out and about.

This may seem like quite the investment but I have never found anybody that did not like this recipe. But remember, it's only as good as the ingredients.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

April 21st show Postponed a week due to technical issues. Sorry.

Midday with Sophia


Old Jazz and Big Band, 30 minute Jukebox. King Oliver, Louis Armstrong and others, couple songs by Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, too.

Tuesday April 28th, 1pm EST.



www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace

Friday, March 20, 2009

Photobucket

Monday night Talk: Guys and Dolls both Welcome!

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 3/23/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Entertainment

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Remember when talk radio was just about normal folks having conversation? About big things, and little things? Before political talk took over the airwaves? That's what we are trying to bring back. Might have odd news or dumb criminal story to open up the show. Hopefully my sidekick, Lavinia can join me and if you'd like to call us, just let us know in the chat room FIRST, so that I look at the switchboard for your area code. We tend to get side tracked easily but we'd love to hear from you. Oh, and if I take calls it will be one at a time...like land talk radio does. This tends to keep the sound better, too.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace


Sometimes it's an all music show, sometimes it's talk. Lately with Lavinia, it's been talk. :)

Upcoming Episodes

3/30/2009 10:00 PM - Monday night Squawktalk

4/6/2009 10:00 PM - Monday night Squawktalk

4/13/2009 10:00 PM - Monday night Squawktalk

Monday, March 16, 2009

Monday Night with Sophia and Lavinia

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 3/16/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Entertainment

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Man gets TV Bill 450 years after his death! The washing machine is said to be the biggest liberator of women? We can't make this up folks. This and other offbeat stuff tonight at 10pm ESDT. Put up your feet, grab a beverage and chat in the guest room with us. If you'd like to call in, please, just tell us first in the chat room and type your area code.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Half Past 10 pm Monday night Squawktalk with Sophia and Lavinia

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 3/9/2009 10:30 PM

Category: Entertainment

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

**For some reason, I could NOT BOOK this show at TEN PM so it's half past the hour. 10:30pm EST!!!!DST bug, I dunno. Weird. :-) Topic to be announced.

Upcoming Episodes

3/16/2009 10:00 PM - Squawktalk Take Two Topic TBA

3/23/2009 10:00 PM - Monday night Squawktalk

3/30/2009 10:00 PM - Monday night Squawktalk

Monday, February 23, 2009


Music for 'Fat Tuesday' on MONDAY Night

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 2/23/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Music

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Ok, the show is actually Monday (Fat Monday?) I will be playing some new tunes (FINALLY) with more of a bluesy, funky influence, from a Mardi Gras CD. I would do this on Tuesday but will be out hearing my own great local NOLA band playing! Probably my last music show for Monday Night time. Will go to earlier time for music and bi-weekly. Thanks for putting up with the bipolar show theme changes, so to speak! :)


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Photobucket Featuring some Hot Creole Jazz this Monday Night

Upcoming Episodes

Jazz Music from George Lewis and his Ragtime Band: Hot Creole Jazz

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 2/2/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Music

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Time to play some more of George's great stuff. Featuring most of his songs this Monday night. Will play a great New Orleans version of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"...they start off slow and kick it up towards the end....Will close the show with this classic NOLA tune. From his 1953 CD George Lewis and his Ragtime Band - Hot Creole Jazz

Upcoming Episodes


Friday, January 23, 2009

Coming Monday night, Jan 26th 10pm

Mardi Gras Music continues

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 1/26/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Music

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Please stop by for the fastest 30 minutes in radio. Will not take calls (sorry to my buddy last week!) as I am trying not to talk myself except to tell song titles. I will organize some music and mix it up with some Creole Music of George Lewis--will open with his "When the Saints", some brass bands, and well, a gumbo of bands.

Upcoming Episodes

2/2/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place

2/9/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place

2/16/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place

Sunday, January 18, 2009



Upcoming Episodes
Jazz & Swing, NOLA Based Tunes

Sophia's Place
Date / Time: 1/19/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Music
Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

Photobucket Some uptempo dance tunes based on swing and old jazz songs. Will have a couple of songs by Glenn Miller to kick off the show. So many messages on the energetic Mardi Gras show from last Saturday, will probably feature a few of those songs again. :-) And some different ones. More songs, less talk. That sounds like an old FM station's promo years ago. I can promise you no commercial breaks, or traffic and weather reports, during my show, lol. How's that?

Upcoming Episodes

1/26/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place
2/2/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place
2/9/2009 10:00 PM - Sophia's Place

Monday, January 12, 2009

Some songs from Andy Razaf and others tonight 10pm EST.

Listen tonight for some songs by Lyricist Andy Razaf...and then some Louis Armstrong to round out the show.

Check out songs from Saturday nights show (even if I did make a couple of technical goofs! Ha)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace

Friday, January 9, 2009

Old Jazz Music of Andy Razaf and others

Sophia's Place

Date / Time: 1/12/2009 10:00 PM

Category: Music

Call-in Number: (347) 843-4766

30 minute jukebox featuring some music written by Andy Razaf and others. Performed by Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and various classic early Jazz musicians. Will play Razaf's(what did I do to be so) "Black and Blue"--one of the first songs about living as a black man in a white man's world, "Honeysuckle Rose", and "Ain't Misbehavin" and more.

So, please, stop in Monday night. Only 30 minutes

Monday, January 5, 2009

BTR has new look! Observational show tonight and tunes.

Hope you can find me in Chat at 10pm.

IF not at www.blogtalkradio.com/Sophiasplace

try www.blogtalkradio.com and click on ON AIR shows and when you see my show listed, should have chat listed.

Aren't upgrades FUN !!!

~~~~~Sophia