Author: Cascia Talbert

Cascia Talbert is a Catholic mother of five special needs kids. In 2018 she published the book, "Taking Care of Your Family's Health and Well-Being, Saints to Turn to and the Catholic Faith," available anywhere books are sold. She is also a professional flutist and an Avon Independent Sales Representative. You can learn more about Cascia on the following websites, cjsfunandgames.com and avoncrystallake.com. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, children and Baby, the playful black kitty.

Trichotillomania Treatment

Cascia Talbert
hair pulling disorder

Trichotillomania Treatment People with trichotillomania pull their hair out compulsively, often one strand at a time. They can also bite or chew their own hair and pick at their skin. They may also use camouflage techniques to hide their hair loss. Treatment options include medications and behavior therapy. Medications such as olanzapine and N-acetylcysteine have been shown to be effective. Behavioral therapies include habit reversal training and comprehensive behavior model (ComB) intervention. Medications There are some medications used to treat trichotillomania, although research on this is limited. These drugs may…

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How to Get Your Cat Comfortable With Nail Cutting

Cascia Talbert
cat nail cutting

How to Get Your Cat Comfortable With Nail Cutting Trimming a cat’s nails requires patience, confidence, and training. Here are some tips to help you get started: Start by massaging a paw pad and pressing on the nail gently to extend it. Remember to keep the nail clippers away from the pink part of the nail, called the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Cutting into this area will cause pain and bleeding. Getting Started To make nail clipping less stressful for both of you, introduce your cat to…

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Catholic Saints

Cascia Talbert
Catholic Saints

Catholic Saints Catholic Saints are ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives of heroic virtue. They influenced the church and world around them through their prayer, sacrifices, and service. Most Catholics and many non-Catholics have one or more saints they admire or seek to emulate. Here are a few of the more popular ones: Saint Therese of Lisieux, patron saint of those with chronic illnesses; St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo; and St. Catherine of Siena. St. Michael As a general rule, Catholic saints were not ordinary people. They were martyrs, kings…

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What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cascia Talbert
Cognitive behavioral therapy

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It involves identifying and challenging distortions like overgeneralization, catastrophizing and rumination. It also involves practicing behavioral strategies that promote healthy responses. Developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT posits that emotional conditions are caused by how people interpret situations rather than the events themselves. The treatment requires both the therapist and patient to be collaborative, committed and communicative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the way people think. It…

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What Are the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Cascia Talbert
autism spectrum disorder

There is no cure for autism, but treatment programs can improve the outlook for children. These programs focus on teaching basic skills in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities. People with ASD often have trouble with social communication and interaction, or have restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. Behavioral therapy can help control challenging behavior, such as tantrums or aggression. Causes The cause of autism is not known, but it has been linked to changes in certain genes. These genes affect how brain nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with…

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Cat Health Care

Cascia Talbert
Cat Care Secrets

Cat Health Care Cats need routine health care for a long and healthy life. This includes preventive veterinary checkups; vaccinations to stimulate the immune system against infectious disease; and good nutrition. In their natural setting, cats, as true carnivores, would not consume the high levels of carbohydrates found in many dry cat foods. 1. Feeding A cat’s diet is a key component to her health. Many veterinarians now strongly recommend canned food over dry kibble. This is because canned food is more nutritious and has a lower chance of being…

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How to Help a Child With Special Needs

Cascia Talbert
When To Seek Professional Help for a Child’s Mental Health

How to Help a Child With Special Needs Every child needs love and encouragement, but kids with disabilities need those things even more. Sometimes, their behavior issues can stem from basic needs such as hunger, sleeplessness, or discomfort. Parents of children with disabilities also have to deal with raised eyebrows and judgmental glances. They need superior communication skills and confidence to advocate for their child. Know Your Child’s Unique Needs Children learn at different rates and in a variety of ways. Some children have physical or intellectual disabilities, while others…

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cascia Talbert

Autism Spectrum Disorder People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have social communication problems and repetitive behaviors. They also may have anxiety or depression. Many children with autism show signs in early childhood. They might seem normal for a while, then lose language and social skills they had at a younger age. Health care providers use screening tools to check for autism. They also can diagnose it based on guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Symptoms Children with autism experience social, communication and behavioral challenges. They…

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Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

Cascia Talbert

Warning Signs of Teen Suicide Whether your teen is having trouble in school, dealing with a breakup or struggling with peer pressure, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Teens who are thinking about suicide often give their loved ones and trusted friends signs they are struggling. As a parent, teacher or friend, it’s your job to pick up on these warning signs and get help. 1. Changes in personality or behavior If your teen or young adult suddenly shows impulsive, unusual behavior, this may be indicative of…

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Trichotillomania Treatment

Cascia Talbert

Trichotillomania Treatment Trichotillomania is a behavioral disorder in which someone compulsively pulls their hair out. It affects people of all ages and genders. Treatment for trichotillomania is similar to other mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Habit Reversal Training, and Medication are common treatment options. Other types of psychotherapy, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may also be used in conjunction with these behavioral interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for…

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