How the word 'you' helps us deal with negative experiences

Recent findings, published in the journal Science, provide new insight into the way a simple word - "you" - can help us understand negative experiences and extract meaning from them.

A new study finds extra meaning in the simplest of words.

The word "you" is one of the most commonly used in the English language. Its primary use is to address a specific person - for instance, "how are you?" - but it also has a broader meaning.

"You" can be used to talk about people in general; as an example: "You win some, you lose some." In this case, it is talking about the population at large rather than an individual. This is referred to as the generic-you.

Although the word is common, little study has been carried out to examine why we use the different types of the "you" and how its usage affects our psychology.

A group of researchers - led by Ariana Orvell of the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - designed a range of experiments to investigate the use of generic-you in more detail; they wanted to get a better understanding of when it is used and what it means for the user. The authors explain their assumptions:

"Here, we suggest that generic-you is a linguistic mechanism that people use to make meaning from human experience - to derive insights that extend beyond the self - and that it does so by expressing norms."

In the first three experiments, participants were asked "you" questions that were slightly differently worded in each case. The questions surrounded everyday items - for instance, people in the general condition were asked: "What should you do with hammers?" Those in the personal condition were asked: "What do you like to do with hammers?"

In this preliminary round of experiments, the team found that, in the general condition, people more often used the generic-you to discuss general norms than when they were talking about personal preferences. So the generic-you was more likely to make an appearance when asked: "When should you wear a shirt?" than when asked: "When do you like to wear shirts?"

Negative experiences and 'you'

Next, they asked participants to either write about a neutral life experience or a negative life event. They found that only 6 percent of the neutral group used the generic-you, but 56 percent of individuals in the negative group used the generic-you.

In a follow-up experiment, two groups of participants were asked to write about a personal negative experience. Additionally, one of the two groups was asked to write about what they could learn from this negative event.

The latter group, which wrote about lessons they could learn, were found to use the generic-you more frequently. The researchers believe that this is a tool used to distance themselves from the negative experience. By using the generic-you, they are speaking about themselves as a part of society at large.

In the final leg of the study, the researchers specifically asked participants to write about a negative experience using the generic-you or "I." The group using the generic-you reported feeling more psychological distance from those asked to use "I."

The researchers conclude that the generic-you "may constitute a central way that people derive meaning from their emotional experiences in daily life." They also believe that "[t]ogether, these findings demonstrate how language is structured to facilitate the process of making meaning from one's experiences."

No doubt, further research will continue to uncover the complexity and emotional importance of this simple, common word.

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Common skin rashes: Pictures, causes, and treatments

there are many different types of rash that affect the skin. Although they may often appear similar, rashes can have very different causes and require different forms of treatment.

While many rashes are nothing to be worried about, some can signal more serious conditions.

It is important to be able to identify common rashes, understand their causes, and know when to see a doctor about a rash. This article examines some of the most common rashes that can affect people.

Contents of this article:

1. Common skin rashes
2. Common causes
3. When to see a doctor

Common skin rashes

Acne

The most common type of skin rash is thought to be acne. Most people get acne at some point in their lives, and it is thought to affect 80 percent of 11 to 30-year-olds.

Acne usually develops during the teenage years, causing spots to appear across the face, back, and chest. However, some people also carry the condition over into adulthood - this happens to about 1 in 20 women and 1 in 100 men with acne.

Atopic dermatitis

Another common cause of rash is atopic dermatitis, a form of a condition called eczema.

Children with atopic dermatitis will usually display symptoms, such as dry and scaly patches on the scalp, forehead, and face during their first year of life. These scaly patches may also "bubble up" and weep fluid. Another unpleasant aspect of atopic dermatitis is a persistent and sometimes debilitating itching sensation.

Atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, usually develops in early childhood. In adults, itching can be severe and may damage the skin.

If symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear later in childhood, the rash may begin in the creases of the elbows or knees. It also sometimes appears on the:

• neck
• wrists
• ankles
• between the buttocks and legs

Later, the skin may appear bumpy, discolored, or leathery.

About 90 percent of all patients with atopic dermatitis first develop symptoms before the age of 5. Adult atopic dermatitis may cover much of the body and can be especially noticeable on the neck and face. Itching can be severe in cases of adult-onset atopic dermatitis and the damage to the skin may lead to infections.

Some people who have atopic dermatitis in childhood may later grow out of it. However, it is common for people who have "grown out" of having atopic dermatitis to continue experiencing dry skin or eczema on their hands or eyelids. Their skin may be also easily irritated.

Hives

About 20 percent of people get hives, also known as urticarial, at some point in their lives. Hives appear as raised, itchy bumps that resemble large insect bites.

Hives can appear on any part of the body, and it is common for the affected areas to "move around" or disappear and reappear. Hives can last for a short period, but in chronic cases, hives may last for more than 6 weeks.

Infections

A bacterial infection of the dermis - the deep layer of the skin - can cause cellulitis, which is signaled by a hot, swollen, painful, red rash. People with cellulitis may also experience fever, chills, nausea, and shivering.

If the infection just affects hair follicles rather than entering the skin, this condition is known as folliculitis. Folliculitis appears as pimples surrounding individual hair follicles.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but can also affect children and older adults.

Psoriasis is an immune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. People usually develop psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 35. About 10-15 percent of people with psoriasis first develop symptoms before the age of 10. Rarely, it may also affect infants.

Keloids

A type of raised scar called a keloid can sometimes look like a rash. Doctors are not sure why some people's skin scars in this way.

Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a crusty, scaly growth that results from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, often from the sun or indoor tanning.

It often appears on areas of the body that has been exposed to sun or an indoor tanning bed, such as the face, scalp, ears, shoulders, neck, and back of the hands. The growths sometimes resemble wartsand are rough and sandpapery in texture.

Common causes

Having a family history of psoriasis, asthma, or hay fever may influence a person's risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

About 50 percent of people with severe atopic dermatitis also have asthma, and about 66 percent also have hay fever. Studies have also found an association between atopic dermatitis and living in a developed country with high levels of pollution.

Hives can be triggered by exposure to some foods - such as peanuts, eggs, nuts, and shellfish - and medicines, such as antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Hives can sometimes be caused by coming in contact with poison oak or ivy.

Other possible triggers of hives include:

• insect stings or bites
• blood transfusions
• bacterial and viral infections
• exposure to latex, pet dander, pollen, poison oak, or poison ivy

People with a weakened immune system, diabetes, swelling in the legs, circulation problems, skin infections, and people who inject illegal drugs are at increased risk of cellulitis.

Keloids can be caused by anything that causes a scar, such as cuts, burns, puncture wounds, piercings, tattoos, and severe acne. In the United States, keloids are more common in African-Americans and Hispanic Americans than white people.

About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member who also has the disease. Experts think that a combination of genes and being exposed to external factors, such as stress, skin injury, infection, and some medications may cause psoriasis.

When to see a doctor

There are several over-the-counter treatments available for acne. Anyone who has no success with these options may want to consult their doctor. There are some prescription-only treatments that may be effective.

A doctor that specializes in skin conditions should be consulted if over-the-counter medications are not working, or if a person suspects they have cellulitis

People with eczema should also see a doctor if the treatments they have been using are not working.

People who have had hives for more than 24 hours should see an allergist. This expert will perform a physical exam and may use skin tests or blood tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Antihistamines are usually effective at easing the symptoms of hives. However, if the cause of the hives can be identified, the best treatment is to avoid that trigger. Stopping eating foods that may cause the hives, or notifying a doctor if a medicine may be causing the hives, can help treat this rash.

People with cellulitis should contact their doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which are nearly always an effective treatment for cellulitis.

People with keloids should see their doctor if they are bothersome or causing significant social problems depending upon where they are.

If left untreated, actinic keratosis lesions can develop into skin cancer, although this is rare. A person who has these growths should always get them checked out by a doctor.

There are no tests to diagnose psoriasis, but a doctor who specializes in skin conditions can usually diagnose the condition based on a physical exam.

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How to use basal insulin: Benefits, types, and dosage

Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly.

People diagnosed with diabetes benefit from increasing their body's natural insulin levels by injecting insulin.

Different types of insulin are available. They can be classed by:

• how quickly they work (onset time)
• how long their effects last (duration)
• when they peak (peak time)

Basal insulin is one type of insulin that is available, and it plays a vital role in managing diabetes.

Contents of this article:

1. What is basal insulin?
2. Types of basal insulin
3. Other types of insulin
4. Advantages and disadvantages
5. Dosage

What is basal insulin?

Insulin injections work to keep blood sugar levels stable in between meals and while sleeping.

Basal insulin is also known as background insulin. It helps to keep blood sugar levels stable during periods of fasting, such as between meals or during sleep.

During these times, the body keeps releasing sugar (also known as glucose) into the bloodstream. This gives energy to the body's cells.

Basal insulin helps to keep levels of this glucose in check. The insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection.

It keeps glucose levels constant throughout the day and night. In general, basal insulin remains in the system for 18-24 hours.

Types of basal insulin

There are two main types of basal insulin:

Long-acting insulin

This type of insulin may be recommended for several types of diabetes. It generally acts in the body for up to 24 hours, although some types can last longer than this.

Depending on the type of insulin used and patient needs, long-acting basal insulin should be injected either once or twice daily.

Long-acting insulin tends to have no peak activity and mimics the natural function of the pancreas. It allows for consistent delivery, keeping blood sugar levels steady throughout the day and night.

The three types of long-acting insulin are:

Glargine

• provides consistent activity from around 1 hour after injection
• works for up to 24 hours
• usually injected once daily

Long-acting basal insulin will regulate blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after injection.

Detemir

• provides consistent activity from within 1 hour after injection
• usually does not last the full 24 hours
• 1-2 shots required daily

Degludec

• provides consistent activity for more than 42 hours
• allows for a more flexible injection schedule

Intermediate-acting insulin

This is used in the same way as long-acting insulin, but generally needs to be injected twice daily. Intermediate-acting insulin is also known as "isophane" or "NPH" insulin.

It reaches the bloodstream within 2 to 4 hours of injection, and peaks 4 to 12 hours later. Levels start to reduce in the body after this.

Intermediate-acting insulin is often combined with short-acting or regular insulin. This can be done in various ratios as part of diabetes treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.

Other types of insulin

Basal insulin is just one type of insulin. The other types of insulin that can help manage symptoms of diabetes are:

Rapid-acting insulin

This begins to act within 15 minutes of administration and peaks at around 1 hour. Rapid-acting insulin may remain in the body for up to 4 hours. Types of rapid-acting insulin are:

• lispro
• glulisine
• aspart

Short-acting or regular insulin

Short-acting or regular insulin begins to take effect in 30 minutes. It peaks in approximately 2 to 4 hours. Types of regular insulin are:

• humulin R
• novolin R

Advantages and disadvantages

Basal insulin has no peak time, which means people with diabetes can enjoy more flexible meals.

Basal insulin has a number of benefits for those with diabetes, including:

• Easier blood sugar level management: levels remain more even, as it has no peak time.
• More flexible lifestyle: meal and injection timing can be varied, as it has no peak time.
• Less frequent injections: basal insulin only requires one to two injections per day.
• Lower risk of complications: if used soon after diagnosis, according some research.
• Less weight gain: research suggests basal insulin causes less weight gain than other insulin.
• Used as part of a basal-bolus regimen: with an extra shot of bolus insulin at meal times.

Basal insulin is central to many types of insulin therapy and offers many benefits. However, there are some disadvantages to using it, including:

• Hypoglycemia: a common side effect of any insulin. The risk of this is lowest with basal insulin.
• Night-time hypoglycemia: a possibility when using intermediate-acting insulin.
• Weight gain: there's the potential to gain weight, although less so with basal insulin than others.

Dosage

There are many factors to consider when deciding when and how often to use basal insulin. These include:

• lifestyle
• the body's insulin needs
• willingness to inject
• morning blood sugar levels

How basal insulin is used is based on an individual person's needs and the type of diabetes they have. It is always important to discuss these factors with a doctor and stick to the advice they provide.

Type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes tend to require much less insulin. However, this condition means they need to replace all of the body's insulin.

As such, people with type 1 diabetes should get their dose through an insulin pump or a basal-bolus regimen

Type 2 diabetes

Those with type 2 diabetes often require more insulin. This is because they are insulin resistant.

A basal insulin program is usually recommended for these people once oral medications are no longer sufficient. This is based on the individual's weight, hormone levels, and diet.

If symptoms cannot be controlled with this method then a basal-bolus regimen may be put in place instead. As basal insulin needs vary from person to person, it is important to stick to the treatment plan outlined by the doctor.

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It's wrong to cheat on a partner, even if he does it all the time.... Readers say cheating is a wrong thing to do, no matter how terrible your partner has been.

There can be no debate about the negative effects of cheating in relationships.

Cheating on a partner or spouse is a terrible thing to do, especially if that partner is one who makes himself available all the time, who says and does all the right things, who is always there for you and never neglects his responsibilities as a lover.

No one would argue with the above, certainly.

But what happens if a partner does the direct opposite of the things listed above?

playCheating is painful especially if you have given everything you have into the relationship or marriage (Image of Love)

Does it become right to cheat on a partner who does not do what is expected of him/her in a relationship?

Is someone justified for cheating on a partner who cheats repeatedly and without remorse?

How about if it’s a case of total neglect - both sexually and emotionally - does a partner become free of blame when he or she cheats under this circumstance?

The answer, according to AWSOMEGIST readers, is NO.

Readers voted in a recent opinion poll to say that no matter what a partner does or refuses to do, cheating is wrong and unacceptable

.

However, 26.8% believe that if a partner has been denied of love, care and attention by a partner, he or she should be allowed to cheat in peace.

Another 17.9% believe that cheating should be permitted for a partner who has been denied se*xual contact for “for too long” while a meagre 8.5% say that if one of the partners has been caught cheating, the other should be allowed to cheat in retaliation so as to balance everything out.

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5 ways to prevent paranoia from wrecking your relationship Your girl is not sleeping with her boss. Take a chill pill.

Get rid of skepticism and undue worry about your partner

 (Gurls)

Paranoia is what you get when you experience a kind of anxiety or fear, usually to the point of delusion and irrationality.

Paranoia raises your suspicions, fears and worries that your partner is not doing right by you, even when there is absolutely nothing that points to such wrongdoing.

In a relationship where one or both partners allow paranoia, it won't be long before arguments, fights, allegation and counter-allegations become the norm; and in soon enough the relationship will become another wreck in the relationship scrapheap.

Below we list five ways to prevent paranoia from destroying your beautiful relationship.

1. Be trusting

Regardless of how bad you were played in your past relationships, you cannot afford to get into a new relationship without trust.

It is better to be alone than get into a romantic affair and close one’s self away from trusting.

2. Learn patience

Things are not always as they seem, and without patience, you’d do things you’re not supposed to do based on suspicions that might not be true.

playBe calm in all matters. Hear your partner out before reaching conclusions (CNN)

It is advisable in a relationship to be as patient as possible, hearing your partner’s side of the story at all times before jumping to conclusions or reacting.

3. Let your guard down

In an age where cheating and infidelity seems so rampant, it is understandable if you want to be on the lookout for any slightest sign of wrongdoing in your partner, especially if you have once been cheated on.

However, being so guarded will only get you so uptight that you won’t even enjoy the relationship. You need to realise that your partner is not out to do you dirty, except if you see signs of such wrongdoings.

playYou can't afford to come into a new relationship with the distrust learnt from past relationships (Pinterest)

Till then, let your guard down slightly, and enjoy the relationship.

4. Let your partner be

Stories exist of boyfriends who can’t put their minds at rest when their girlfriends are out at parties or other occasions, so they call non-stop in the name of ‘checking on you,’ whereas they only want to be sure that the girl is not cheating on them with someone else.

It won’t be long before these calls become uncomfortable for the other partner who will start feeling monitored, and might develop feelings of resentment.

And resentment is not a good feeling in relationships, is it?

playLearn to let your partner have some fun without calling them suspiciously every ten minutes (Know Your Meme)

5. Don’t fret over social media activities

That cute girl that just followed your guy is not sleeping with him.

And because your girl commented ‘LOL’ on a couple of pictures of the same guy does not mean she wants to get down with him.

Calm down.

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