Roasted Tomato Salad

I've done a number of these roasted tomato salads over the years, but this is the one I featured in Near & Far. I introduced it by saying, the next time you think of making a caprese salad, consider this instead. And I meant it. It's a bit of extra effort (not much), but the combination of both raw and roasted tomatoes is special. And the bright harissa oil brings an element of the unexpected. You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the harissa oil ahead of time. Keep the roasted tomatoes in a jar covered in oil, bring to room temperature, and drain before continuing with the recipe.

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Feathering the Empty Nest

Early this Spring, I became a follower of the live streaming of the Decorah Eagles on the UStream app. The camera is in Iowa aimed at the nest 80 feet in the air 24/7 where 2 “toddlers” and one un-hatched egg, live with Mom and Dad in their huge nest. They are a “good looking” family, although their nest is a mess probably because the parents are so busy finding food, sitting on the egg, guarding their home and feeding hungry birds day and night.

I was fascinated since I’m experiencing the Empty Nest phase of life myself. I began to see the actions of the eagle parents as a metaphor and wondered what they would do after their babies learn to fly. Unlike some humans, adult eagles are mated for life (up to 30 years) until one of them dies, so they are “committed” to each other with or without children.

I noticed as I watched that the couple hardly spent any time together, only a few minutes a day. Dad sits on a branch watching out for predators in the same tree as the nest when he isn’t hunting and delivering dinner. Mom fusses over the egg, covering it with hay and sticks, poking at it now and then when she isn’t feeding the kids and fixing up the nest. She also hunts and feeds her little ones when she gets a chance.

To further stretch the metaphor - I imagine the eagle mom worrying when the kids start to jump up on higher branches as they learn to fly in preparation to leave the nest. Is she wondering as we might - Where are they? Are they hungry? Who are they hanging out with? In my imagination the mom eagle is probably obsessing while dad may be relieved to have less stress without the duty of protecting his eaglets from predators, but he also experiences occasional worry.

Does this sound familiar to you? If you have children but aren’t yet an empty nester, do you wonder what it would be like to have a marriage without the responsibility of children? Will your marriage/relationship be better after your kids are launched? Research says that committed relationships improve in middle age with more enjoyment between partners once their children leave.

I have worked with many couples who are in the middle of raising teenagers, paying bills, building careers, caring for a home, and spread very thin with children’s activities. In their relationship, they struggle to communicate, find time to be supportive of one another or have a satisfying sexual relationship. Through their fatigue they could not visualize a future of closeness and intimacy without the daily stress of family life. They need help to visualize and plan for the good experiences ahead and see their stress as the enemy rather than their partner.

According to a long term 18 year study of women in middle age, (Gorchoff, S; Helson, John U of CA, 2008) relationships improved because of the quality of connection rather than simply having more time together. This was true in both first and second marriages.

Why and how do Empty Nest relationships improve?

Couples who were able to maintain their connection through the child rearing years will have a smoother transition into empty nest years. Those who focused solely on their children and careers will have to take some time to get to know their partner again. Many seek counseling to do that.

These are some of the positive factors that bring empty nest couples closer:

Attunement – Having shared and survived the highs and lows in life, couples learn their partner’s soft spots, habits, gifts and weaknesses. They are able to offer comfort, nurturing, forgiveness and joy. They sense when the other is hurting, afraid, happy or sad. They are more able to overlook annoying habits knowing that they both have many imperfections and that doesn’t have to change for love to continue. This is the result of a secure attachment.

Gratitude - One study about gratitude in marriages (Cameron Gordon, U of NC, 2011, “Have You Thanked Your Spouse Today? Felt and Expressed Gratitude among Married Couples,” November 2011, Personality and Individual Differences) found that “individuals who reported feeling higher levels of gratitude had spouses who were happier with their marriage.”

The amazing thing about this is that one person can make another feel good about the relationship just by thinking grateful thoughts.

The same is true in reverse. When we think critical thoughts, our partner can also feel that. Focusing on what you like about your partner creates an atmosphere of acceptance and love.

Privacy and Intimacy – It may take a little while to adjust to being alone with each other more frequently but it is something most couples have longed for and with practice it is a welcomed change. With time and privacy, frequent intimate conversations, gestures like holding hands, slow dancing, eye contact, and lingering hugs and kisses are more likely to occur spontaneously.

The nature of a middle age sexual relationship may change but attraction and romance are still there. Intimate touch becomes more about loving contact without the pressure of performance. Staying active, playful and healthy can help couples to continue a passionate and satisfying sex life for years to come.

Laughter – Having shared history and a sense of humor makes life more enjoyable. Private jokes, time with peers, sharing adventures, new activities and for some the joy of grandchildren, are all bonding experiences.

Reduced Stress – Downsizing or moving from the “big house”, retirement or the freedom of beginning a new career gradually make life simpler and expand choices. Without the expense of children there are fewer financial responsibilities. Those who planned for retirement years will have fewer financial problems.

Things that may negatively impact the Empty Nest relationship

Addiction – Dependence on alcohol or other substances can begin or worsen in middle age and beyond often due to significant life changes, creating serious problems for the individual and family. Signs of addiction among seniors can be mistaken for signs of aging, making substance use problems among this population often difficult to detect. They also may be more likely to receive multiple prescriptions from doctors that may increase the risk of misuse.

Depression and anxiety often accompany addiction. There are many programs and facilities that specialize in treating addiction and co-occurring disorders in seniors, that are specifically designed to fit their needs. Seniors and their partners, as many people, are ashamed to admit they have an alcohol or drug problem and are often reluctant to seek treatment. Their adult children may also want to avoid such a sensitive subject with their parents. The good news is that treatment may give the couple many happy years they did not expect to have. It is never too late to seek help.

Adult children who are not thriving – When addiction, mental illness, relationship problems, or financial issues occur in their grown children, it is a heavy burden for some empty nesters. In some cases it may require helping grandchildren as well. It is important to seek help for yourself early on to be effective in your approach and to preserve your health, relationship and finances. Some parents do not know how to set boundaries with their adult children and spend their later years supporting and enabling their adult children, contributing to their own decline. They will most likely need counseling to learn more effective ways to interact. [I strongly recommend the book “I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better” by Gary and Joy Lundberg.]

Health issues – Caring for each other can be a positive or a negative factor depending on the length of time, seriousness of the illness and its’ impact on your ability to enjoy life. Caretakers need a support system of friends or professionals to prevent long term consequences of neglecting their own well being.

Aging or ailing parents – With today’s longevity it is possible to have parents in their 90’s and beyond. Making decisions and caring for parents may strain a relationship. Couples who have a strong attachment will be better at facing problems together and sharing the responsibility of their parents’ needs.

Adjustment to retirement is usually a temporary challenge. Some individuals may want to begin new careers while their partner is winding down. Roles may reverse with household responsibilities and earning. Again, if the connection is strong and secure couples can work through the change by compromising and being conscious of each other’s needs.

If you are in a committed relationship, ready or not, you will eventually be face to face with your partner. The outcome will depend on how much you prepared. If you want to have a great relationship in the future you will need to start now.

• Children become independent and responsible over time. If you hover over them you may be neglecting your marriage/relationship. It is possible to be a very good parent and have a great relationship. Part of parenting is teaching your children about healthy relationships by the example you provide.
• Tend to your relationship by carving out private time, affection, talking about your future together, having fun, and saving for retirement.
• Seek help for your relationship early on if problems arise. Your children are much better off if your relationship is healthy now and in the future.
• Remember that your life as a couple matters too.

Sadly, some couples may not be able to stay together and choose to separate or divorce once children are gone due to domestic abuse, mental health issues, infidelity or ongoing conflicts. That is a difficult and painful choice to make but is sometimes best for all concerned. With help and time people do recover and can turn the loss into a positive life changing experience.

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Hand-Eye Coordination Training

As a coach, I strongly believe that all athletes should strive to improve their hand-eye coordination. Unfortunately, very few take the time to challenge their coordination with new or different drills. It is much more common for athletes to seek improvements in other physical qualities such as strength and power. As I’ve said before, we currently live in what could be described as the strength and conditioning era. Never before has so much time been directed towards improving an athlete’s strength, power, and endurance.

Yet, while it’s certainly useful to become stronger and more enduring, a more coordinated athlete can better apply these physical attributes. An athlete who lacks coordination will always be limited. With that in mind, it only makes sense to actively work to improve hand-eye coordination. Don’t just take my word for it though. In the videos that follow, you will see three world class athletes who make a point to challenge and enhance their hand-eye coordination.

Hand-Eye Coordination Drills

First, you will see world champion Vasyl Lomachenko show off his juggling skills with three tennis balls. As you can see, you don’t need anything fancy to improve hand-eye coordination.

Next, you will see fellow world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux perform a tracking drill where he must move and quickly catch a ball that is tossed by his trainer. Once again, no fancy equipment is needed to challenge this world class athlete.

Lastly, you’ll see an old video of former world champion Anderson Silva. Once again, nothing but a ball is required to perform this challenging and effective drill.

Beyond Sports Practice

Whenever I discuss hand-eye coordination drills, my inbox typically fills with questions related to actual sport practice. For example, I’m often asked why an athlete wouldn’t just spend more time practicing his sport as opposed to performing hand-eye coordination drills.

The answer to that question is quite simple however. There’s only so much time that you can spend practicing or performing a sport before you run yourself into the ground. Boxing offers a prime example. There’s only so many rounds that you can spar before your body begins breaking down.

Therefore, rather than simply practicing the sport, we can supplement our training with some brief hand-eye coordination drills. Such drills are not physically taxing, thus can be practiced regularly without interfering with your primary training.

Final Thoughts

Those who are familiar with this blog have likely seen me discuss hand-eye coordination training before. My goal with this brief entry is to simply highlight a few examples from athletes other than myself. It should also serve as a reminder that you don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to improve.

Lastly, I’m certainly not suggesting that hand-eye coordination drills should take precedence over your sport training/practice. It is feasible though that you make time to perform these drills along with your primary work. If you regularly commit to a few minutes of practice each day, you’ll be surprised at the improvements that begin to accumulate over time.

Related Entries:

• Hand-Eye Coordination Drills
• Hand-Eye Coordination + Fatigue

+++++

“If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.” – Joseph Campbell

The post Hand-Eye Coordination Training appeared first on RossTraining.com.

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Bipolar Diagnosis May Take Up to 6 Years

Bipolar Diagnosis May Take Up to 6 Years

Researcher calls delay a 'lost opportunity' for treatment

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, July 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- People with bipolar disorder may face a long wait from when their symptoms start to the time they get a proper diagnosis.

In fact, a new study reports the average delay is six years.

That lost time can result in greater frequency and severity of episodes of the psychiatric condition, the researchers said.

"While some patients, particularly those who present with psychosis, probably do receive timely treatment, the diagnosis of the early phase of bipolar disorder can be difficult," study leader Matthew Large, a professor psychiatry at the University of New South Wales, Australia, said in a school news release.

"This is because mental health clinicians are sometimes unable to distinguish the depressed phase of bipolar disorder from other types of depression," he added.

The new research reviewed the results of 27 past studies. Those studies included more than 9,400 patients.

Many patients had distressing and disruptive symptoms for many years before they received proper treatment, the researchers noted.

The delay in diagnosis and treatment was often longer for young patients because symptoms such as moodiness can sometimes be mistaken by parents and doctors as just part of being a teen, the study authors said.

"The diagnosis of bipolar disorder can also be missed because it relies on a detailed life history and corroborative information from careers and family, information that takes time and care to gather," Large explained.

He recommended that doctors look more closely at a patient's history of mood symptoms, especially distinct changes in mood and mood swings caused by outside events, such as overseas travel or treatment with antidepressants. He also suggested a closer look at mood symptoms in people who have a family history of the disorder.

A long delay in diagnosis and treatment is "a lost opportunity because the severity and frequency of episodes can be reduced with medication and other interventions," Large said.

The study was published July 25 in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry .

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Induced Labor Won't Raise Kids' Autism Risk: Study

Induced Labor Won't Raise Kids' Autism Risk: Study

Large study should allay fears that procedure might play a role, researchers say

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, July 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Inducing labor won't raise a pregnant woman's risk of having a child with autism, a new study suggests.

"These findings should provide reassurance to women who are about to give birth, that having their labor induced will not increase their child's risk of developing autism spectrum disorders," said senior researcher Dr. Brian Bateman. He's an anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

One 2013 study had suggested a possible link between autism and induced labor using medication, such as oxytocin, the researchers noted.

Labor induction is sometimes recommended when a woman's labor stalls and her health or the health of her baby are endangered. Since the 2013 study, many pregnant women may have had fears about being induced. So, Bateman's team of American and Swedish researchers, led by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, decided to investigate the issue.

They used a database on all live births in Sweden from 1992 through 2005, and looked at child outcomes for more than 1 million births through 2013, to identify any children diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric condition.

They also identified all the children's brothers, sisters and cousins on their mother's side of the family. The health of the children's mothers was also taken into account.

Labor induction was performed in 11 percent of the deliveries. These births often involved complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The researchers noted that 23 percent of the induced pregnancies were late deliveries (after 40 weeks of pregnancy).

Nearly 2 percent of the babies in the study were later diagnosed with autism during the follow-up period.

When just looking at unrelated children, the researchers did find a link between induced labor and a greater risk for an autism spectrum disorder. This association disappeared, however, once they also considered the women's other children who were not born from an induced labor.

"When we used close relatives, such as siblings or cousins, as the comparison group, we found no association between labor induction and autism risk," said study author Anna Sara Oberg, a research fellow in the department of epidemiology at the Harvard Chan School.

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How To Make Classic Eggplant Parmesan — Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn

5 Sweet Snacks to Eat Right Now — Snacks with a Purpose

Are you team salty snack or sweet snack? I fall squarely on the latter. Sweet snacks are always my craving between meals, after meals, and at midnight. There are some obvious favorites (looking at you, dark chocolate bar) but here are five sweet snacks you should try next time your sweet tooth strikes.

1. Apple Slices with Almond Butter and Chocolate Sprinkles

Crackers smeared with cream cheese and topped with sprinkles is one of my crunchy snacks. This sweeter version is perfect for a late-afternoon pick-me-up. Slice the apples thinly across the core to make rounds. Almond butter is a classic for pairing with apples, but any nut butter will work here too.

2. Nutella and Dried Mango

Maybe this combination sounds strange, but chocolate-dipped mango is a super-satisfying sweet-tooth snack. Instead of melting chocolate, dipping your own dried mango slices, and then waiting for the chocolate to set, take the easy way out and enjoy a little Nutella with dried mango for dipping.

3. Kettle Corn

Popcorn is the serious snacker's BFF, but you might forget that making your own kettle corn at home is fast and easy — and you probably have all the ingredients on hand already.

Get the Recipe: How To Make Kettle Corn at Home

4. Instant Strawberry Cake

Aw, mug cakes — you continue to dazzle us with your tastiness and ease. This strawberry shortcake is both. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an equally filling and flavorful sweet snack.

Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake in a Mug

5. Date Smoothie

Dates are super sweet on their own and great for eating out of hand when your sweet tooth strikes, but pairing them with a frozen banana and some spices will make their snack power last even longer.

Get the Recipe: Banana-Date Smoothie

What is your favorite sweet treat for snacking?

New Snack Ideas for When the Munchies Strike

New snack ideas for when the munchies strike is a series where we show you how to satisfy all your snack cravings — salty, sweet, crunchy, and spicy. We encourage you to embrace snack time and calm your cravings with these fresh ideas and out-of-the-box combos.

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