Touch – Positively Beneficial

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo F. Buscaglia

One square inch of human skin contains 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hairs, 19 feet of blood vessels, and 19,000 sensory cells. The human skin is considered the largest organ in the body (about 16% of your body weight), and covers an area of 20 square feet. Your skin, or integument, has many different protective and metabolic functions that help keep your body stabilized.

Touch and Pressure

The technical description of touch can often minimize the emotive response associated with the act of touch. Our brains can sense whether touch is comforting or confrontational. However, it is technical descriptions that can help us see how many elements must work together to provide a proper sense of touch.

A sense of touch is derived from the skin, which is the body’s largest organ. While the skin contains hair follicles, blood vessels and sweat glands, it is the nerve endings that help us determine touch. Sensory Receptors are most acute in the fingertips making them a prime ‘touch screen’ for the brain. The brain captures a picture of the item touched and makes conclusions about the stimuli as to whether it is something that is hot or cold, sharp or dull, distasteful or pleasurable. Sensory receptors allow us to detect if an insect is crawling on our skin.

Our covering of skin is helpful in feeling for and locating objects through millions of sensory receptors that send information directly to the brain. To help you understand that impulse you might try grasping an item with thick gloves on. In this scenario your fingers have trouble detecting the pressure needed to fully grasp the item, so your grip on the item will be different than if your fingers had been in direct contact with the item.

The nerve endings for touch are most acute in the tongue, lips and especially your fingertips.

Pain Receptors

If a painful sensation has been introduced to the skin the sensory receptors are quick to inform the mind. Without this sensitivity we could hold our hands over an open flame and never realize the flesh was being singed. The sensation of pain can also cause you to withdraw from sharp objects or respond to a puncture or laceration of the skin. It may be interesting to note that the sensory receptors are not all located on the surface of the skin. Many of the sensory receptors are located below the skin and may respond in a slightly different way that their surface counterparts.

Cold and Heat

Nerve endings also allow you to detect the presence of extreme cold or heat. The detection of these elements can cause you to withdraw and seek protection from these elements.

The Human Touch

The British Heart Foundation has observed that the sense of touch through hugging seems to result in lower blood pressure, reduced heart rates and minimized stress responses. The Foundation further asserts, “Scientists are increasingly interested in the possibility that positive emotions can be good for your health. This study has reinforced research findings that support from a partner, in this case a hug from a loved one, can have beneficial effects on heart health.”

The sense of touch has both utilitarian purposes as well as wellness benefits that seem to operate independent of the actual sense of touch.

Conclusion

The body contains 6-10 pounds of skin, yet it is the sense of touch that is most often used to facilitate lasting connections between parents and children, husband and wife and the hugs associate with the closest of friends. The sense of touch while operating on two different levels relies on a very sophisticated relay system between the skin and a mind capable of reacting to the touch in an appropriate way.

It is impossible that evolution could have produced such an important and complex organ as the human skin. The many intricacies of its functions are evidence of a Creator. One writer remarked: “The skin is a miracle of evolutionary engineering: it waterproofs the body, blocks out and destroys harmful bacteria, regulates temperature, and continuously communicates with the brain” (McCutcheon, 1989, p. 113). Yes, the skin is a “miracle” all right—but not a miracle of evolution. And yes, the skin was “engineered”—but the engineer was God!

Perhaps the sense of touch looks designed because it is designed.

(1) Apologetics Press
(2) McCutcheon, Marc (1989), The Compass in Your Nose (Los Angeles, CA: Jeremy P. Tarcher).

Scott Langley is a staff writer for ObviousTruths.com. Discover truth using simple everyday logic. Learn the truth about evolution and intelligent design. Obvious Truths: obvioustruths.com/ obvioustruths.com/

Massage Therapy Schools in Oklahoma

If you are seeking an education in massage therapy, you will be happy to know that massage therapy schools in Oklahoma are conveniently located in vocational schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities all around the state. You will also find several specialized Oklahoma massage therapy schools that train specifically in this natural healing art.

Massage therapy schools that are nationally accredited are considered to provide the most complete, thorough, and respected massage therapy training. Accredited schools have been approved by state and/or national organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, an important factor in the kind of education you will receive.

Depending on the type of client you wish to attract, some massage styles may appeal to you more than others. You will be wise to consider which of the various forms of massage you would like to learn before enrolling in any massage therapy school. The different approaches to massage therapy are mainly the medical healing and rehabilitative properties of Western-style massage, compared to the Eastern styles that incorporate the mind, body, and spirit to facilitate the flow of energies and total body health.

There are several massage therapy schools in Oklahoma that focus exclusively on Western forms of healing massage, while others take the Eastern approach to massage therapy and emphasize total wellbeing. The integration of Eastern and Western forms of massage is a common curriculum in massage therapy schools, and they may offer the best choice for a comprehensive massage education.

Students will find that many accredited schools offer opportunities to earn specialized advanced certificates or degrees in various forms of massage therapy, such as Swedish massage, reflexology, pain management, Thai massage, shiatsu, and others. Additionally, most massage therapy schools in Oklahoma will extend such services as career counseling and planning, financial aid, and placement after graduation.

Once you graduate, you will be well-qualified for employment in health clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, doctor and chiropractic offices, wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics, athletic clubs, resorts, spas, elsewhere. The most rewarding aspect will be the gratitude you will receive from your clients when you begin this specialized career in natural health care.

As you start down the educational path toward a career in natural healing, take time to consider your personal and professional goals; you will have no trouble finding the right massage therapy school for you!

If you would like to know more about schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/massage_therapy_schools_oklahoma.html Massage Therapy Schools in Oklahoma or other states, we invite you to visit our website today. Submit a request for information, and you will soon have everything you need to begin a rewarding career in massage therapy.

If necessary, you may wish to widen your search for massage therapy schools to include other states, such as:

- Colorado Massage Therapy Schools

- Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Schools

- New Jersey Massage Therapy Schools

- Connecticut Massage Therapy Schools

- Arizona Massage Therapy Schools

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 – All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/oklahoma_massage_therapy_schools.html Oklahoma Massage Therapy Schools and other states, such as schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/california_massage_therapy_schools.html California Massage Therapy Schools.

Real Estate Online

If you are interested in a career in Real Estate, but cannot leave your present job to attend classes, why not study online? Through a distance learning course, you can get the Real Estate training you need in your spare time, at your own convenience.

Real Estate agents and brokers must be licensed to practice in the U.S., and each state has its own standards for licensure. Future realtors are required to complete several hours of training and pass a written test before they are qualified to sell homes, businesses and property. A college diploma, such as a Master of Business (MBA), can further the success of the Real Estate professional. Relevant studies would include courses in statistics, economics, finance, business administration, and law.

There are many distance learning schools that offer training in Real Estate sales, appraisals, brokerage, and contracts. Online training for real estate agents takes between 30 and 90 hours of Internet instruction. Training for a broker’s license takes longer and may require one to three years of practical sales experience, as well. The opportunity to learn Real Estate online is a good choice for working adults who cannot conform to a strict classroom schedule.

It takes a strong work ethic to succeed in the Real Estate business. It can be a challenging profession, with long hours and fierce competition. But, a career in Real Estate can also be very rewarding, with top agents earning $100,000 or more per year.

For more information about the field of Real Estate, feel free to research our site for more in-depth information and resources.

Copyright 2006 – All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with schoolsgalore.com/ SchoolsGalore.com. Find schoolsgalore.com/categories/4/real_estate_online_schools.html Real Estate Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

5 Myths About Graduate School – And the 5 Truths

There are myths in this world and then there are realities. Many people have preconceived notions about graduate school that may not necessarily be true. We have compiled some of the more common myths that prospective students have about attending graduate school, along with the truths or the realities. Hopefully, reading through them will alleviate some of the anxiety you feel about possibly attending graduate school.

Myth: Graduate school is hard to get accepted into.

Truth: There are many different graduate schools that have many different minimum criteria for accepting to applicants. Some programs do not require GMAT or GRE tests to be taken at all. They may base acceptance on work experience and undergraduate GPA, other degrees earned, etc.

Myth: Graduate school is not convenient for me and won’t fit in to my hectic schedule.

Truth: Now that graduate programs are being offered online, it is very simple for students to be more flexible with their class schedule and time. Online MBA courses and programs allow students to sign-on at times that are convenient for them and work at their own pace toward earning their degree. With online programs, graduate students may never have to step foot inside of a classroom.

Myth: Graduate school costs too much money.

Truth: There are many different graduate schools to choose from and pricing varies from institution to institution. Some graduate programs are more cost effective than others. Just like any major purchase, you must do some comparison-shopping before you make your final purchase.

Myth: Going to graduate school doesn’t have any real-world benefits or advantages.

Truth: Graduate school revolves around teaching students applications that can be applied to real-world situations. This is done in the form of group projects and case studies. Most professors that teach graduate level classes bring real-world experience and examples to the classroom. The fact that there is an increase in demand for MBA graduates by employers also shows that there really is a benefit to you having a MBA degree in the real world.

Myth: MBA degrees are luxuries, not necessities.

Truth: As the business world becomes more and more global, competition for new jobs and promotions tend to be awarded to those with MBA degrees. MBA graduates have a competitive advantage over those who do not have a degree because a degree signifies to a potential employer that the degree-holder has the knowledge and skills to perform at a level of mastery or management level.

Review more industry related articles by Kristie Lorette at

Using a Time Travel Notebook

History is a subject that can be overwhelming to teach. Where to start? How much to teach? Sometimes it’s hard to get a handle on things.

We developed a Time Travel Notebook, to help us keep track of what w have studied and what we still need to cover. Using an ordinary spiral bound notebook and some organization you can help your child get a “big picture” view of historical events.

Start by picking a time in history that your child is interested in, or let your child pick a time. In the middle of your notebook write the date or time in history that you have chosen. Now research this period by studying the major events. For example, my son loves WWII. We started his notebook with Pearl Harbor. We studied Pearl Harbor, the events leading up to the attack and what happened immediately afterwards. Now, to continue our studies, we start with Pearl Harbor and move either forward or backward through time hitting major events. When we come to an event that interests us we study it in greater detail. Every major event is chronicled in our notebook. It may take one page and one day or several pages and span many weeks depending on the children’s level of interest in the particular subject.

Using this technique has allowed my children to have a better idea of when major events in history occurred. It is also a great way to open dialogue with your children. It’s really fun when they start studying events you have lived through. It also gives them a great opportunity to learn to respect what their Grandparents may have lived through. My son has had great conversations with his Great-Grandfather about serving in Italy during WWII. It gives them a common interest and also gives Grandpa a boost. His fourteen year old Great-Grandson wants to spend time with him.

History doesn’t have to be boring. Make a Time Travel Notebook and see what adventures your children embark on.

Find more homeschooling tips at hslit-collections.com hslit-collections.com

Packaging – Alufoil And Microwaves

In this article we’re going to discuss a form of packaging that was once thought to be unsafe for microwaves. We’re talking about alufoil.

One of the biggest problems with microwave ovens is that there are only certain things that you can put in them. Not included in those things are metal and aluminium foil. So packaged products that contain either of these substances can’t be used in microwave ovens. Also, if you wrap up your leftovers in aluminium foil you can forget about just popping them into a microwave until you’ve taken the food out of the foil and put it in something that was microwave safe. At least until now.

Recent tests show conclusively that the myth of alufoil not being microwave safe is just that, a myth. Conclusive evidence that aluminium foil packaging can be used safely in microwave ovens was established by a study from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV in Freising, Germany.

The results of this study show that consumer fears of putting an aluminium foil packaged product in the microwave are totally without any basis in fact. As a matter of fact, evidence shows that alufoil packs are more rigid which makes it more useful for duel use heating in both conventional ovens and in microwaves. Also, the use of alufoil enhances the appearance of the food in the microwave when heating it up. For example, when heating something like lasagne in a microwave using alufoil, a brown crust actually appeared on the surface of the lasagne, something that isn’t supposed to happen in microwave ovens unless they have a duel microwave and convection setting.

The test itself was conducted on behalf of the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) with support by the United States Aluminium Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA) and concluded that, and I quote their finding, “Microwave heating of food packaged in aluminium foil trays or in plastic containers with aluminium foil or aluminium laminated lids is perfectly viable.”

In the test, no hazardous results or damage to microwave ovens were found in more than 200 portions of various foods that were heated in aluminium foil containers or packs that contained aluminium foil. The author of the study, Thomas Pfeiffer, said “The Fraunhofer Institute conducted the heating procedures with the microwave ovens set at maximum power and there was not a single case of damage to the microwave ovens or danger to the users.”

The study did find that when heating foods in aluminium foil packages or packs with aluminium file, the heating times of the various foods did differ slightly. In most cases the heating times were longer than when heating using what are considered microwaveable safe materials.

However, the study also showed that heating uniformity appeared to be better for the foods heated in aluminium foil packaging, meaning that the food had fewer “cold” spots than when using other materials.

While this study is encouraging, it is also very new. It is not suggested that you test your microwave with aluminium foil just yet until an official statement from microwave manufacturers is released.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to packaging.selection-guide.com/ Packaging
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T-STEM Initiative a Boost for Texas Schools Students

The T-STEM initiative was launched in December 2005 by the Governor Perry’s office in partnership with the Texas schools, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, National Instruments, and the Communities Foundation of Texas.

The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (T-STEM) initiative is a $71 million dollar project to better prepare Texas schools students for success in college and the workplace. With the undeniable forward movement towards a global technology-based economy, secondary Texas schools are placing more emphasis on science and mathematics.

Though many Texas schools already are doing an excellent job in these educational areas, the most common reason many Texas schools are graded academically unacceptable by the state is poor science performance. The second most common reason is poor mathematics performance.

In 2005, only 72 percent of the students passed the mathematics portion and only 71 percent passed the science portion of the state’s required exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) exam. The passing rate among the Texas schools major ethnic groups was significantly lower. Only 54 percent of African-American students passed the math portion and only 55 percent passed the science portion. Hispanics did slightly better with 61 percent passing the math and 57 percent the science.

The hopes are that the new T-STEM project will improve current Texas schools student performance in both areas by providing innovative science and mathematics instruction, as well as innovative demonstration sites.

T-STEM will establish 35 small schools or academies, located in high need areas across the state of Texas. These Texas schools will focus on science, mathematics, engineering and technology instruction. From five to six STEM demonstration centers will be developed to transform current teaching methods for the Texas schools educators, as well as train and prepare teachers for these specialized Texas schools. Additionally, the project will establish a statewide network to promote a broad dissemination of practices throughout the Texas schools.

Each new T-STEM Texas schools will include grades 6-12 or will be a high school academy that works with feeder middle schools. Each grade will have about 100 Texas schools students. The focus will be to create personalized, engaging and relevant learning environments.

The enrolled Texas schools students will be required to take four years of mathematics and science with participation in related extra-curricular activities. An internship or project in areas related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics also will be required.

Educators in these Texas schools will be required to work with institutions of higher education to foster partnerships, dual credit classes, and teacher training opportunities.

Funding for the Texas schools T-STEM initiative is $30 million from the state of Texas, $20 million each from the Gates and Dell Foundations, $1 million from National Instruments, and $10 million from the Communities Foundation of Texas, which include leading businesses, foundations and individuals who underscore the significance of these academic areas to the future of our global economy.

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