September is suicide awareness month. Recent events in the news including the loss of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams to suicide has brought this issue to the forefront. The psychological pain that leads individuals to take their lives is unimaginable. Their deaths leave families and friends heartbroken. Surviving family members not only suffer the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but are also themselves at higher risk of suicide and emotional problems. Suicide is complex with emotional, psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors all playing a role in both increasing and moderating the risk for suicide. Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide. Mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, hopelessness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved ones, unemployment and vulnerability to self-harm are just a few examples of risk factors. High self-esteem, social connectedness, problem-solving skills, supportive family and friends are all examples of factors that buffer against suicide and suicidal behaviors. Suicide occurs across ethnic, economic, social and age boundaries. The statistics are grim. Every year, worldwide over 800,000 people die from suicide; this roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined. In 2011, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming 39,518 lives. Suicide rates among youth (ages 15-24) have increased more than 200% in the last fifty years. The suicide rate is also very high for the elderly (age 85+). The good news is that suicide is preventable. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems. Most suicidal people give definite warning signals of their suicidal intentions, but others are often unaware of the significances of these warnings or unsure what to do about them. Connectedness is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide.  Studies have shown that social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, that having strong human bonds can be protective against it. Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering them support and friendship may be a life-saving act. Connect and save a life. Ed4online supports awareness of mental illness and improved treatments to prevent suicide. Please visit our website at Ed4Online to learn more about courses that can help you work with those who suffer from mental illness, depression and those who are at risk for suicide. The course Suicide: What therapists need to know addresses issues about suicide and its prevention. Where to seek help: A community mental health agency A private therapist A school counselor or psychologist A family physician A suicide prevention/crisis intervention center A religious spiritual leader By calling 1-800-273-8255(TALK) for a referral 9-1-1 if it is an emergency SAVE THE DATE: World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, 2014 - One World Connected World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for all sectors of the community to join with the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote awareness and understanding about suicide. Efforts to prevent suicide have been celebrated on World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10th - each year since 2003. In 2014, the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is 'Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.' The theme reflects the fact that connections are important at several levels if we are to combat suicide.  Be part of the connectedness of World Suicide Prevention Day this year. On September 10th, join with others around the globe who are working towards the common goal of preventing suicide. Together, we can shine a spotlight on this major public health problem and ensure that it receives the policy attention that it warrants.         

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, or you are taking courses while in the workforce, there are steps you can take to make your learning experience more successful. 1. Take care of yourself. While in college or taking college courses, there is no one to stand over you and tell you what to do. Eating properly, getting enough rest, going to class, studying, turning in assignments -all of these are things you're going to have to do without a teacher to remind you. It is up to you to take control and take responsibility! 2. Research your professors. Take the time to find the best professors on campus or online and sign up for their classes. A good professor can turn a neutral subject area into something fun; a poor professor may turn you off on a subject area you might have loved. Talk to your advisor, other students or use your school's faculty review resources to locate faculty members of interest. 3. Participate.  Skipping class is the best way to fail. Missing even one or two classes can cause you to miss out on important lectures and content.  Attend each and every class and be an active participant. The same is true with online courses; don't let too much time go by before logging in and completing your next assignment. Participate in group discussion boards and contact your mentor with any questions you may have. 4. Focus. Focus on what you are doing this very moment. Students today have so many distractions; smart-phones and devices can constantly interrupt your learning process by alerting you to the fact that there is a new text message, email or Facebook post. Turn off all outside interruptions until your lesson or coursework is complete. Your grades will thank you for it! 5. Study.  It can be difficult to juggle classes, study time as well as extracurricular activities. That's why it's important to block out a few times a week to find a quiet place to study the material presented. Put those times on your calendar - it's an appointment with yourself! 6. Take a pre-exam. Before an exam, it's a good idea to construct a pre-test using questions from the study guide and take it a few times to familiarize yourself with the material.  Re-read lecture notes, watch power-points, study with another student.  Establish a study routine that works for you and stick with it! 7. Prioritize. Your college education is your number one priority right now and every single decision you make needs to feed back to that being your priority. That might mean prioritizing homework before play and leisure time. Or re-thinking that late night concert the evening before your 9:00 a.m. class. It also means logging in, each and every day, to your online course to do assignments, check for updates, etc. 8. Connect and get support. Get to know your professor or mentor. These visits can be done in person, email, IM or even Skype. You will have an opportunity to better understand the course material, and you will also begin establishing professional and academic resources for future use. Students should be familiar with the academic support center and the career services center, either on campus or online. 9. Don't declare your major right away. Students are often asked to declare a major early in their freshman year.  It's a much better idea to take a few courses in a field of interest and see if it's something you might like to do.  Conduct a "reality check" every semester to make sure that you are on the right track and still interested in your major. 10. Feed your passion. Each semester, take at least one course in a topic you are passionate about. You might learn a skill that you have always wanted to learn, or delve deeper into a topic that has always interested you. The satisfaction you'll feel from studying something that you enjoy will brighten your semester! Sources: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/08/17/top-10-secrets-of-college-success https://www.scholarshipexperts.com/resources/campus-life/how-to-be-a-successful-student-in-college#.VBDpRsJdXTo       

A true entrepreneur identifies a need or problem area and sets out to solve it. At one time or another we all may have had ideas of how we might make something better; a product or a process.  What is it that sets entrepreneurs apart?  Entrepreneurs are willing to take the leap to put their ideas into action. The entrepreneurial spirit encompasses many things, including; passion, positivity, ambition, adaptability, organization, leadership and the desire for continuous investment in oneself.   Passion Embracing the role of the entrepreneur requires commitment and dedication.  If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you may not be able to weather the highs and lows that come along with launching a new product or service.  If you find something you love enough to want to share it with others, that love will fuel your efforts and give you purpose. The bottom line? If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, chances are that you won’t succeed.   Positivity Having a positive approach and a belief that you will be successful are key. The most successful entrepreneurs are forward-looking. That, coupled with the belief that they will be successful in their endeavors is a powerful combination. Visualize your goals, the steps necessary to reach them and your ultimate success.   Ambition The definition of ambition is, "a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work." Quite honestly, you have to have tremendous drive and ambition in order to launch a new business. There will be long hours and plenty of emotional (and possibly financial) highs and lows.  If you are ambitious enough to ride out the storm, you have a true chance at success.     Adaptability The ability to adapt is one of the greatest strengths an entrepreneur can have. You may start out with a road map, but understanding that you might need to deviate from your course is necessary.  Along the entrepreneurial journey, you must be willing to learn and grow. Listen to your consumers, ask for advice, explore new avenues, and refine your plan as necessary.    Organization   Entrepreneurs must have the ability to manage time effectively.  There are many tasks to be done and it is important to develop systems and routines for just about every business activity.  Find a calendar system that works for you and your team, a filing system that is easy to maintain, etc. Organization can help you prioritize your time and effort.  The ability to distinguish between urgent tasks and less important tasks will help prevent burnout.     Leadership Good leaders know how to engage their employees and challenge them to do their best. It’s important to build a top notch business team. No one person can build a successful business alone. Pull together a business team that is as committed to your business as you are. The next important step? Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to a team member. It can be hard to let go of this control, but if you’ve assembled a team of quality employees, you have to step back and have faith that they will get the job done. Determine what jobs you want to remain hands-on with, and put the right people in place to handle the tasks you want to delegate to others.   Investment Always seek to learn. There are plenty of magazines, journals, websites, books and online courses that can provide the latest information on business, consumer service or marketing.  Clubs and business organizations allow you network with other professionals in your industry. Remember that education is an ongoing process. Top entrepreneurs never stop investing in themselves!    Ed4Online offers hundreds of courses designed to help you reach your goals.  From four-week instructor led courses, to more in-depth mentor supported career and professional development courses - we have just what you need!  Please check out our Career, Professional Development, Personal Enrichment and Behavioral Health course catalogs today!   Sources: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/190986 http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227776           

We've got the perfect course for you! Ed4Online’s personal enrichment courses are tailored to meet the needs of those seeking to fulfill a desire for life-long learning. Our new expanded range of courses features an exceptional variety of core subjects, allowing for enrichment of important personal and professional skills. Structured as four-week seminars and led by Ed4Online's expert instructors, each personal enrichment course focuses on a key topic that's applicable to both personal growth and professional development. Students are able to directly connect and interact with others taking the course, similar to a physical classroom, but with the convenience of being able to access the course from anywhere offering an Internet connection. Ed4Online's expanded catalog will offer courses in the following disciplines: Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Coaching, College Readiness, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship, Fitness and Health, Healthcare and Medical, Law and Legal, Marketing, Personal Development, Teaching and Education, Test Preparation, Vocational Skills and Writing and Publishing. Pursue lifelong learning through convenient and affordable online courses you can take anytime, anywhere. Experience the Ed4Online difference!  https://ed4online.com/personal-enrichment         

October is National Depression Awareness and National Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. Organizations and communities across the United States will use this time to educate the public about the various signs and symptoms of depression and domestic violence. For those who suffer, there is help. Depression Awareness According to the National Institute of Mental Health website at www.nimh.nih.gov, depression can strike anyone at any time and has no single cause. "Depression can be the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors". [1] The National Institute of Mental Health lists the following as common signs of depression: Loss of interest including withdrawal from friends and family Overeating or loss of appetite Oversleeping or insomnia Loss of energy and difficulty concentrating Low self-esteem Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts If you, or someone you know, are experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK to speak with an experienced counselor. As always, in case of emergency, always dial 911. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness The statistics are staggering: "On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year." [2] "1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime."[3] Domestic abuse, also known as "battering", is a pattern of abuse by one partner against the other for the purpose of exerting and maintaining power and control over the other person.  According to East Texas Crisis Center [4], common signs of domestic violence include the following behaviors being inflicted on a person: Destructive Criticism/Verbal Abuse Manipulation Abusing Authority Disrespect Jealousy and possessiveness Stalking or monitoring of behavior Abusing trust and breaking promises Emotional Withholding Minimizing, Denying & Blaming Economic Control Self-Destructive Behavior Isolation or restriction from friends and family Harassment Destruction of property Threats and intimidation Sexual and Physical Violence If you, or someone you know, is suffering from domestic abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). They offer support, resources and safety advice 24/7, 365 days a year. As always, in case of emergency, always dial 911. Ed4Online offers a multitude of Behavioral Health and Human Services courses in addition to our Career Courses in Counseling and Coaching. If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website at https://ed4online.com/.  Sources: [1] http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml [2] http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv_factsheet2012-a.pdf [3] http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/consequences.html [4] http://www.txmf.us/depression-and-domestic-violence-prevention-and-awareness         

What is Web 3.0? Web 3.0 is the next step in the evolution of the Internet and Web applications. Technology entrepreneur, Nova Spivack defines Web 3.0 as "connective intelligence; connecting data, concepts, applications and ultimately people". The website, HowStuffWorks.com offers the following suggestion: "Think of Web 1.0 as a library. You can use it as a source of information, but you can't contribute to or change the information in any way. Web 2.0 is more like a big group of friends and acquaintances. You can still use it to receive information, but you also contribute to the conversation and make it a richer experience." What about Web 3.0? Some experts believe the next generation of the Web will provide users with richer and more relevant browsing experiences; making searching the internet and sifting through the available myriad of information faster and easier. They envision the Web 3.0 browser will able to make multiple search tasks easier than ever. Examples given include a user typing in a complex multi-step request ("find the closest bowling alley and nearby pizza parlor") and the Web 3.0 browser establishing location, conducting the complex search of local establishments, including researching ratings and reviews, and then analyzing and organizing the results - making succinct recommendations on both the bowling alley as well as a where to get the best pizza pie in town.   Many of these same experts believe that with Web 3.0, the browser will also have the capability to remember user preferences and the types of information typically searched; and will offer results and information based on the history of the user’s past likes and dislikes. In essence, Web 3.0 will tailor the browsing experience to each and every individual. How great would it be if that is true? Searches tailored more to the individual; putting the best and most applicable information in front of the user. StatisticBrain.com reports that in 2013, the number of Google searches equaled 2,161,530,000,000. That equals approximately 5,922,000,000 searches per day! Edudemic recently shared the table below created by Dr. John Moravec that provides insight into the way technology impacts education and the community as a whole. On his website, Dr. Moravec states that "Technological change drives social change, and the impact of these changes is accelerating exponentially. Our schools, universities, and other knowledge-based institutions must leap ahead of this curve for all people to compete in highly globalized, knowledge- and innovation-based societies." While I, for one, am not the most tech savvy individual, I find the correlation between technology and individuals fascinating, particularly with regard to education. If we look at the evolution of technology and the impact it has had on education thus far; it stand to reason that the advances in Web 3.0 will only further enhance the use of technology in education as well as expanding education’s reach to many. Image from: http://www.edudemic.com/what-is-web-3-0-and-how-will-it-change-education/ Sources: http://www.novaspivack.com/about http://computer.howstuffworks.com/web-30.htm http://www.statisticbrain.com/google-searches/ http://www.edudemic.com/what-is-web-3-0-and-how-will-it-change-education/ http://john.moravec.us/about/         

Every student has unique abilities and a distinct learning style. We’ve talked in past blogs about why online education is such a good fit for busy adults, who may be trying to fit their learning in around family and work commitments. Special needs children can also benefit greatly from online education. According to the website, Learning Lift Off, "Special needs children often struggle in traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Whether they have autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, children with learning disabilities often need an education that suits their unique needs." A student with learning disabilities might need to spend more time on assignments, and review material many times before moving onto the next lesson. Children with ADD or ADHD may need to take frequent breaks to reduce anxiety as well as to work within their attention span.  And children with physical disabilities need the freedom to adjust their day based upon their physical limitations. The use of visual aids, hands-on projects, or videos allows students to choose the style of learning that works best for them. Even better - online teachers can customize their lessons to make sure every child learns with the tools that are best for them. In some cases, online education opens the possibility for providing alternative resources and courses for students when school districts might not be able to. Companies such as Presence Learning are assisting school districts by providing therapists and courses for students in areas where they might be understaffed.  Offering speech therapy online, said Vice President of Marketing Katie Povejsil, met a real need. "There were a lot of students who were not being served and were being underserved, especially with speech therapy," she said. Presence Learning provides speech therapists and online interactive activities for children with special needs so they can excel in school. Providing speech therapy in an alternative mode of delivery - online - allows schools to serve many students at one time. These are just a few of the many advantages of taking online classes. Students in online programs are often able to find a program that meets their specific needs; allowing them the opportunity to learn at their own pace while using methods geared towards their personal learning style. Sources: http://www.learningliftoff.com/online-education-can-help-special-needs-children/#.VE7dg_ldVwg http://presencelearning.com/ http://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2014/09/29/new-program-makes-online-education-work-special-needs-children         

Over the past 10 years, since the inception of Facebook, the standard measure of time has not changed. A day still encompasses 24 hours, 1,440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. What has changed, at least for the 58 million Americans who self-identify as having the "social habit," a phenomenon categorized by social media usage five or more times a day, is individual interaction with time. Because of our internet driven lives, our society is inundated with information.  Social sharing has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives; news that would have previously taken days to access is available in seconds. Countrywide uprisings have sprung because of this; numerous benefits accompany social sharing, in many different facets of our lives, but, like anything, moderation is key. 74 percent of all adult American internet users use social networking sites according to a Pew Study. 60 percent of all Facebook users sign in daily and 22 percent of those sign in five or more times a day. Almost 90 percent of Millennials have social accounts. Americans, on average, spend more time on social media than any other internet activity. Roughly 63 minutes a day are spent on social sites by Americans. More shockingly, if you take into account any form of digital media that number increases to 11 hours a day, per a report from Nielsen. All of the time spent sifting through our social profiles as well as the profiles of others does not come without consequence. Although no psychological diagnosis has been definitively established in terms of social media -depression, many examples of research linking internet use with depression are accessible. Social withdrawal and the absence of face-to-face interactions are cornerstones of social media related depression. A recent study from Michigan State University following 319 people documented the correlation between social consumption and elevated rates of anxiety and depression. - Noah Perkins, CMS, VA Home Loan Centers "http://vahomeloancenters.org/"                   

Last week, we shared a blog on the correlation between social consumption and elevated rates of anxiety and depression.  A silver lining does exist in terms of social media over-usage for a specific segment of the population however; military veterans. As reported by IAVA, 22 veterans commit suicide daily on average.  Veteran suicides are exceeding 8,000 a year. Called an "epidemic" for post-9/11 service-members, a correlation seems to exist between these figures and the rate of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Per the Department of Veterans Affairs, 30 percent of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed by the VA as suffering from PTSD. Surveys carried out by The Washington Post as well as by the Walter Reed Army Institute put the number at closer to 60 percent. PTSD is rampant among this group of veterans because intense trauma, such as military combat, is among the disorder’s most common causes. Characterized by suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, PTSD is linked between unemployment, suicide, and substance abuse. A corollary between veteran PTSD and rates of unemployment, homelessness and suicide, has not been conclusively established, although Post Traumatic Stress Disorder seems like an obvious factor. With an estimated 50 percent of veteran PTSD sufferers going untreated, and treatment success rates at only 40 percent, the disorder has often been called "the silent killer." Often, those closest to the individual suffering from PTSD are unaware that they are in distress. Veterans with PTSD frequently leave a virtual trail of breadcrumbs, leading social media followers to conclude for themselves that the individual is suffering from the disorder. Social withdrawal is an indicator of the presence of the disorder. Social isolation can potentially be determined via spikes in social media activity between 11 P.M. and 5. A.M. Research has demonstrated that individuals more active on these sites late night have greater incidences of depressive episodes. Social media posting language can also function as an indicator for the presence of PTSD.  Anchor words such as "depression," "death," "pain," "life," and "suicide" can be construed as an indicator for the disorder. Similarly, a high volume of pictures demonstrating reckless behavior and an over consumption of drugs and alcohol should be viewed as a warning sign. Suicidal behavior witnessed on social sites should not be ignored. Facebook has protocols in place for the observance of this type of behavior. After content is reported by a user, a team at Facebook will verify the authenticity of the material. This will then prompt a message to the original message that states "someone on Facebook is worried about you." The user is then presented with an option to speak directly with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  The knowledge that someone is concerned about you can go a long way. Rates of suicide are too high among the veteran population, the status quo must be challenged; the first step is accurately identifying who has PTSD and ensuring that they receive the services they need. -Noah Perkins, CMS, VA Home Loan Centers "http://vahomeloancenters.org/"                   

As careers become more specialized and the business world grows more complex, the demand for individuals with industry approved credentials will continue to grow. Obtaining industry recognized certifications is one of the best ways for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional and personal growth. Companies value professionals who proactively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expertise. Earning certification not only positions you as a leader in your industry - it’s an investment in yourself and your long-term career. Certification can help by: Increasing your earning potential Providing opportunity for career advancement Helping you reach short and long term career goals Connecting you with peers in your industry As an online curriculum and content provider to colleges and universities, Ed4Online knows the importance of students being able to sit for and pass any National Exam that may be available in their career field. We are always researching and updating our content to ensure our programs offer all enrollees the ability to fulfill the training required to sit for and pass certification examinations whenever possible.  Please watch our video "Are Classes Mapped to National Certifications?" and visit https://ed4online.com/ to learn more!   Sources: http://www.grc-certifications.com/2014/04/02/is-there-value-in-getting-professional-certifications/