Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - What You Need to Know

Fighting for our country is one of the most honorable things anyone can do. After being involved in warfare, travel, conditioning and a multitude of extraordinary experiences, soldiers go through so much by the end of their service. It can become strenuous to overlook the obstacles our veterans have overcome, and  upon their return, even day to day tasks can be trying.

Certain wars seem to have had more of an impact on the human brain than others. For example, a study was conducted on veterans of The Gulf War. In this study, it was found that high stress related experiences from a veteran's past greatly increased the chance of experiencing some sort of PTSD. In addition to PTSD, some veterans have experienced CFS (Chronic-Fatigue Syndrome) as a result of the warfare.

What exactly is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? "PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms may not appear for several months or even years later." PTSD is something that should be taken very seriously as it could potentially change a life forever.

In a study where veterans and non-veterans were tested for reactions to sounds of warfare and mental arithmetic, it was clear that the veterans responded differently. As the sound of the warfare audio was increased, the veterans showed higher blood pressure and a faster heartbeat. These responses are no coincidence. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be a serious problem in the health of our veterans.

You may know someone that is suffering from PTSD.

These are the symptoms:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollection of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares.

• Emotional numbness and avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma.

• Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angry.

Any of the above items may mean that an individual is dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. So if we know the symptoms, how do we help cope with and treat PTSD?

There is no right or wrong answer. Some experts think that exercise can work wonders for people dealing with PTSD. It is also important to regulate yourself through mindful breathing which can quickly calm you down. Connecting with others by volunteering to assist someone in need can also relieve an individual of PTSD symptoms. 

Make sure that if you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, you take into consideration the following guidelines. It can make a world of difference.

• Take time to relax

• Avoid alcohol and drugs

• Eat a healthy diet

• Get enough sleep

Also remember that it is very important not to force someone you know to talk about his or her PTSD. Keep in mind that is very difficult for people who have PTSD to talk about the negative experiences they have had. Let them lead and discuss it when they are ready, if ever.

For any veterans currently seeking disability claims, we recommend you follow this link to Hill & Ponton Disability Attorneys. There you will find that they have recovered $250 million for clients over 30 years. You can also check out their blog page for more articles on PTSD, disability claims, and more!

Sources:

paradigmmalibu.com

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/157/2/141.short

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01064817

https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/post-traumatic-stress-disorder.htm

13 years later...

13 Years. That is the amount of time the average American citizen goes to school. Kindergarten, plus grades 1 through 12. Surprisingly, only about 30% of American's go to college and get a 4-year degree. This number will only continue to rise as college degrees are becoming mandatory for high paying jobs.

Regardless of how long you went to school, there are definitely memories from that time period at some point. Whether it was Prom senior year, or eating lunch with your best friends, everybody has something to remember. 

The perfect place to keep all of the artifacts from all these long-lasting memories is inside of a Life Chest! Items that could be placed inside are diplomas, caps, tassels, varsity letters, and anything else you can think of!

Shop our collection of Life Chests, ON SALE NOW!

Source:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/apr/08/rick-santorum/70-americans-dont-have-college-degree-rick-santoru/

http://www.bradshawchristian.com/uploaded/academics/pictures/HighSchool/HS_students_at_lunch.JPG

Wedding Traditions, Lasting a Lifetime

From throwing the bouquet to making a toast, there are so many examples of wedding traditions that go back through history. Here we have details and explanations to some of the most popular ones. 

• In Jewish tradition, after the bride and groom are married, the groom will stomp on a glass and say "Mazel Tov," which means good luck. The glass shattering implies that the marriage will never break.

Another Jewish tradition is the chuppa, a canopy in which a Jewish couple stand under during their wedding ceremony. The chuppa signifies "The groom's home and the bride's new domain."

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." This is a rhyme that associates with what the bride should wear on her wedding day. While it may be superstitious, many brides aren't willing to take the chance. It is said that by wearing each one of these items, the bride can avoid "The Evil Eye." Something old could be a piece of jewelry worn by someone else in the bride's family history. Such as, a necklace worn by her grandmother. Something new could easily be your wedding dress! Something borrowed could be an accessory borrowed from a friend. For example, a bracelet. Something blue could be light blue shoes!

In Greek Orthodox Weddings, it is customary for the bride and the groom to be wearing a crown. The crowns are usually placed on their heads just after the rings are exchanged.The crowns are a visible reminder of the crowns that await us in heaven.

"Jumping the Broom," is a tradition demonstrated when couples literally jump over a broomstick after being pronounced husband and wife. This custom is significant in African-American weddings. It dates back to the 18th century in Ghana. "Brooms were waved over the heads of marrying couples to ward off spirits." Usually, the couple would jump over the broom at the end of the ceremony in order to show commitment.

We couldn't forget about the maid of honor and best man! The best man is the 3rd most important person at a wedding, behind the bride and groom. This right hand man is someone really close to the groom. The best man is in charge of keeping track of the rings, preparing a speech for the reception, and assisting the groom on the wedding day. On the other hand, the maid of honor is the bride's go to girl. The maid of honor is there to assist the bride with anything she needs on the day of the wedding. They are also legal witnesses to the wedding itself.

The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding dates back to the time that arranged marriages were customary. The brides parents, who wanted their daughter to marry a man from a rich family, were afraid the groom would see their daughter before the wedding and call it off because of appearance. They would wait until the ceremony to present her to the groom. A wedding was more of a business deal than anything else during this time. Now, the bride and groom traditionally don't see each other before the wedding because it is good luck and a fun way to keep up those butterflies.

Hand-fasting is a wedding tradition that goes back to the 1960's. So, it is a fairly new tradition. The bride and the groom put their hands on top of each other's and recite their vows. Usually the bride and the groom maintain keen eye contact while describing their deep emotional thoughts about each other.

Have an upcoming wedding to go to? Looking for a gift? Look no further! The Life Chest Wedding Sale is going on NOW through Sunday! SHOP NOW

Sources:

1. www.weddingphotography.com.ph

2. www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/jumping-broom-short-history

3. www.theweddingyentas.com

4. www.weddingideasmag.com/something-old-something-new-traditions/

5. www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/476806/jewish/The-Bridal-Canopy-Chuppah.htm

6. www.themodernjewishwedding.com

7. www.orthodoxweddingcrowns.com/crownhistory.php

8. www.apracticalwedding.com/2013/08/sample-handfasting-ceremony/

Breathtaking Church Wedding Locations, In Michigan!

This week, our intern Kurt Karas was inspired by The Life Chest Wedding Week Sale. Over 50% off select chests! He explored some of the elegant local chapels in southeastern Michigan. 

First, Kurt visited St. Mary's Queen of Creation Church, located at 50931 Maria St, New Baltimore, MI. This church is said to be filled with friendly people and has a great atmosphere. He was inspired by the elegant displays of stained glass and gorgeous monuments. This would be a perfect place for any couple looking to get married! For more information on the church and upcoming events, visit their Facebook page here. The church was founded in 1876 and has been around ever since!

Kurt continued on to visit the Christ Lutheran Church just up the road. It is located at 50750 Walpole St, in New Baltimore, MI. He was amazed by the delicate design of the building, the narrow stained glass windows and triangle design are very unique. A perfect example of a Life Chest Moment! To view their Facebook page, click here. This church offers services at 8 and 10 AM on Sundays during the summer. Youth activities are also available!

Saving the best for last, Kurt went to visit the Immaculate Conception Church. Their Facebook page has everything you need to know about the church. In addition to being a church, it is also a Pre - 8th grade school! It is located at 9764 Dixie Hwy, Ira Township, MI. This beautiful church has an amazing garden and decor to surround it. If you were ever looking for a place to get married, this would be it. Here are a few photos that Kurt took during his visit:

They also had a banquet room, perfect for any occasion, especially a wedding.

Simply Amazing! To shop our Wedding Week Sale click HERE

I Now Pronounce You

Planning for a wedding can be stressful. So much revolves around making that special day so perfect. After all, it is claimed to be the most memorable day of your life. However, sometimes people get caught up in the situation, causing them to forget an abundance of details. The Life Chest offers a perfect solution to that dilemma! SAVE HUNDREDS on select chests now!

By storing all of your most cherished memories inside an elegant chest, keepsakes will last forever! These elaborate, delicately crafted chests will make your jaw drop. From The Aristocrat to The Glamour, our chests offer a heirloom quality residence for your most valuable treasures. 

Thank You to All of the Contest Entries!

We would like to thank all of the participants in our contest for the Detroit Tigers tickets! Hopefully your Father's Day was a great one! Congratulations to Courtney Cook whose story was randomly selected to win the contest!

Below are our favorite contest entries:

#1.  Courtney Cook

• My dad has been there for me through everything. My senior year was hard on me because one of my best friends passed away and he was my rock behind it all. I found out at a Friday night football game and he was the one who hugged me while I had tears in my eyes in front of everyone.

#2. Ben Berry 

• For the past 30 years, my dad and I have golfed every summer. Not all the time, not even every month, but it happens whenever we get together. It's a time when nothing else is discussed, any feuds set aside, and the only thing that matters is he and I and the golf. It's a renewal of our relationship.

#3. Barbara Kracht

• My father died in March 1988. He was a very hard working man who would do anything for his children. My love for the Tigers comes from him. We would listen together. I remember a picnic and he had brought a radio so we could listen to the game. I must have been about 10 or 11. The Tigers scored 3 home runs back to back. His enthusiasm was contagious. My dad taught me so much, but his love of the Tigers and Lions live on in me. By the way that game would have been the late 50s or early sixties.

#4. Tiffiny Shipp

• My father, Rogers Shipp Jr was a wonderful Dad. He served in the US Army and taught me about honor and integrity. He always showed strength and self control. I always honor him by holding these values close to my heart. RIP Dad I love and miss you so much.

#5. Branden Taylor

• Growing up in the Detroit area in the 70's, my dad took me to my first Tiger game at Tiger Stadium. Prior to this, I had no interest in baseball, I knew nothing about the game. My Dad talked me through everything that was going on. I took an instant liking to Alan Trammell, and he remains my favorite player of all time. We left our seats and went behind home plate where my dad proceeded to tell me what each pitch was. I was hooked for life! That was almost 40 years ago and my love for baseball has only grown! I am forever grateful to my dad for introducing me to such a beautiful game that has become such a large part of my life!

#6. Jamie Rock

• My Daddy played ball in the Army, he had a .410 batting average. He tried out for the Milwaukee Braves..but with 2 children and a wife, he took another job offer with AC Champion spark plug..ball players back then earned very little.

My Life Chest: Zen Blossom

I put my favorite book Moment in Peking both in Chinese and in English in my Life Chest. Moment in Peking is a novel originally written in English by Chinese author Lin Yutang. It covers lots of historical events from 1900 to 1938. I am very interested in the history of that period, and I can find everything I want to know from this novel, this is why I love this novel. Today I put them in my Zen Blossom Life Chest with other classic books.

In Memory -- A Detroit Hockey Legend

Gordie Howe's legacy will live on forever. Not only in Detroit, but all across the world. Gordie Howe is known as one of, if not the most legendary hockey player of all time. He was known for his infamous "Hat Trick." Although, this hat trick did not consist of 3 goals. It was equivalent to getting into a fight, getting an assist, AND scoring a goal. 

Gordie Howe passed away today at the age of 88. Even though this is a sad day for people all around the world, it is also a day to remember how great of a man he really was. A day to celebrate 88 years of astonishing accomplishments. 

In his NHL career, Howe finished with 801 goals and 1049 assists. Not to mention the 500 goals that were scored in leagues below the NHL. 

Not many people can say they had the opportunity to play a professional sport with their son. However, Gordie Howe did. Howe played hockey with his two sons, Mark and Marty, in 1973. Gordie is a unanimous hall of fame player. He is without question one of the most talented individuals to ever play the game. 

Gordie has left an embedded footprint on the game of hockey, the city of Detroit, and sports fans across the world. Rest in peace, Mr. Hockey.

Sources:

lbkmetroleader.com

www.pinterest.com

The Legendary Glen Campbell : A Journey with Alzheimers

Glen Campbell is one of the biggest country music stars of all time. Glen, an actor, a performer, and an all around entertainer, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and this video shows the ups and downs of the new journey both him and his family are taking to combat and live with the disease.

Glen Campbell is famous for hits such as "Gentle on My Mind," and "Rhinestone Cowboy." After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011, Glen and his family decided to go on tour one more time. He maintained his positive, cheerful attitude throughout the entire tour.

Click here to learn more about The Life Chest and Alzheimer's.

Lindsay Bradford & Her Legacy Life Chest

Lindsay Bradford is not ordinary by any means, she is an amazing woman with a heart of gold. Nothing has ever gotten in the way of Lindsay, the wife of Navy serviceman Jordan Bradford, she knew she would impact the world in a positive way from a young age. She has helped military spouses gain valuable experience in their careers, and her ability to demonstrate real world help to military spouses is exponential.

Lindsay received her Life Chest and we want to share her kind words with you!

"Came home after three weeks not he road to finally see this beauty up close and ultra personal!! Look at how BEAUTIFUL this The Life Chest is. It is HUGE!! There are so many fun and personal goodies in it (including a mug - and we all know how obsessed with collecting mugs I am)!! So blessed and thankful for this. Stunning. Thank you Donna!! ‪#‎msoy16‬‪#‎navysoy16‬ ‪#‎navyspouse‬ ‪#‎navywife‬ ‪#‎navylife‬ ‪#‎milspouse‬ ‪#‎blessed‬"