10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Con-Artist

March 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Manipulation is the name of the game when you’re in a relationship with a con-artist. A con-artist is what we now call someone who used to be called a confidence artist. Let’s look at 10 telling signs that you’re in a relationship with a con-artist.

10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Con-Artist

1. You have low self-esteem

A con artist often looks for an easy target. Someone who already has low self-esteem is an easy mark for them. They will use your low self-esteem to their advantage by telling you that they would love you more if ___. Do yourself a favor and leave this person immediately. True love is not conditional.

2. Your romance swept you off your feet at first

Because they needed your undying devotion to them in order to rip you off, your con artist was a great romancer at the beginning of your relationship. However, things have changed now and there has been very little romantic action lately.

3. Your gut instinct is trying to send you a signal

That ‘Hmm, that was weird’ gut feeling happens more often to you in your relationship with a con artist than it ever did otherwise. Pay attention to that feeling because it’s sending you a signal that something’s wrong.

4. They have borrowed money from you and repaid it

A story on Cosmopolitan.com shared by a woman who withheld her name reveals that a con artist will often make sure to gain your trust before breaking it. This anonymous woman eventually lost over $11,000 to her con artist boyfriend.

The first time he used her credit card, he repaid her quickly. By doing this, he was able to gain her trust to use it in the future.

5. The con-artist keeps you from seeing your friends and family

Someone rational who is removed form the relationship has the power to open your eyes to what is really happening with the con-artist’s behavior. As a result, the con-artist in your life will try to keep you from seeing these people who are a threat to their game. Do not let someone tell you who you can and cannot spend time with.

6. Your relationship is one-sided

You are probably giving more to your partner than you are receiving. This can be in the form of love, emotional support, gifts, money, or time. If your partner does not reciprocate as often as you’d like them to, it could be a sign that you’re in a relationship with a con-artist.

7. You lack control over your life

If your con-artist has done a good job, they will take power away from you. You do not control the money, vehicles or power in the relationship. If you have to ask permission to go anywhere or buy anything, it is a warning sign that you’re in a relationship with a con artist.

8. You are a giver by nature

The types of victims that con-artists look for are those in healing, nurturing, and socially responsible people. You want to help your fellow man and your con-artist is going to claim to need your help. They have targeted you based on your generous personality.

9. Conflicting stories don’t add up

Catching a con-artist in a lie means that they have to create another lie to cover their tracks. A con-artist is basically a narcissist and a sociopath; they only care about themselves and they do not feel sorry for their actions that hurt someone else.

In fact, a good con-artist is so good at avoiding feelings of guilt that they will often blame the victim for making them act this way. Author Tamar Frankel who wrote The Ponzi Scheme Puzzle: A History and Analysis of Con Artists and Victims says of con-artists: ‘They have an ego that can’t afford to be repentant, so they blame others. They blame the government, they blame the law, and they blame the victims. They also justify what they do as a protective measure’if they don’t cheat others, others will cheat them first.’

10. You have trouble remembering the last time you felt at peace

All of the drama created by living with a con artist can wreck havoc on your emotional state. You likely have been feeling feel fear, anger and sadness more often than you feel moments of joy. Your con artists likes keeping you in an unhappy emotional state because you can be more easily manipulated that way.

According to fraudaid.com, only about 7% of scam victims report the crime. If you believe that your con-artist has stolen from you, do not be afraid to contact police to report the crime. A police trail may be one of the only ways to prevent other people from falling victim to this person’s games.

17 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Eat Two Ripe Bananas Every Day For 30 Days

March 27, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Ripe bananas are easily one of the healthiest, nutrient-packed foods on the planet. Besides that, they contain one of the highest amounts of potassium among all foods.

If you eat two ripe bananas a day, you will get a tremendous dose of antioxidants and something called Tumor Necrosis Factor. That’s great news because it helps to fight against cancerous cells in the body. Indeed, the riper the banana, the higher the cancer-fighting antioxidant levels and nutrient density. So, what other benefits can you get from eating a couple of bananas each day? Let’s look at some of them below.

Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Two Ripe Bananas Every Day For 30 Days

1. Bananas fight depression. People with depression usually have low levels of serotonin in the brain. Containing a high level of tryptophan, which then converts into serotonin, bananas can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

2. You will have more energy. Bananas contain three natural sugars – fructose, glucose and sucrose. Furthermore, they give you a good dose of fiber. This powerhouse of nutrition provides an instant and sustained boost of energy. Indeed, just two bananas provide enough energy for a 90-minute workout!

3. Bananas will help with weight loss. At just 100 calories a serving, bananas are a good option for people trying to lose a few pounds. They also contain three grams of fiber, helping us feel more full and keep cravings at bay.

4. Bananas are great for your brain. Bananas release energy slowly, which helps the brain stay alert for a longer period of time. The high potassium levels keep us more alert and the magnesium helps the brain to focus.

5. They help to balance your hormones. Containing a high level of potassium and B6 vitamins, bananas are a good source of nutrients necessary for hormone production.

Surprising Benefits of Eating Ripe Bananas

6. They alleviate heartburn. The high potassium level of bananas helps reduce the stomach’s acidity, while the fiber helps aid digestion; both of which are essential to alleviating heartburn.

7. Bananas lower blood pressure. Research has shown that eating two bananas a day can lower blood pressure by 10%. For those with blood pressure issues, bananas contain low sodium and high potassium, making them a great dietary choice.

8. They keep your blood healthy. Because they contain healthy amounts of iron, bananas are great in keeping the blood healthy and lowing the risk of anemia. Containing high levels of B-6, bananas also aid with the production of white blood cells.

9. Bananas are great for your bones. The nutrients in bananas help build and sustain strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.

10. Bananas fight illness. Bananas contain a high level of antioxidants, providing cell protection against free radicals that cause illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and muscular and tissue degeneration.

11. They can aid in quitting smoking. While potentially a contentious claim, it needn’t be. That’s because bananas contain a potent mix of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Together, these nutrients are known to reduce nicotine withdrawal, which is crucial to kicking the habit.

12. Bananas treat stomach ulcers. While doctors in India have been proclaiming the benefits of bananas to treat peptic ulcers for generations, it wasn’t until recently that doctors in England discovered the same thing: bananas contain sitoindosides (sigh-toe-in-doe-sides), which prevents and heals ulcers.

Facts About Eating Ripe Bananas Most People Don’t Know

13. They can cure hangovers. By containing high levels of electrolytes, bananas are a good food choice for somebody that had one too many. They’re great for regulating electrolyte levels and getting the body back to a healthy state.

14. They alleviate constipation. Okay, so perhaps not the most pleasant thing to discuss, but we’re all adults here, right? That said, bananas are high in fiber, and fiber aids in the normalization of bowel movements. Not really a surprise, as we’ve already discussed bananas and their positive effect on digestion.

15. Bananas help prevent brain disorders. Rich in magnesium, bananas aid in the conversion of fatty acids into DHA, an important Omega-3. Scientists have discovered an important link between DHA deficiency and neurological disorders such as ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease. Containing a high level of B-vitamins, bananas also assist in preventing Parkinson’s disease.

16. Bananas enhance memory. Technically, this should have been filed under #4. But since so many people are worried about their memory it deserves its own number. Yes, bananas can help improve and sustain memory. That’s because of high levels of tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium.

17. Bananas keep your heart healthy. Not really a surprise here. That’s because the banana’s high levels of nutrients and vitamins. Increasing potassium intake and decreasing the intake of sodium is probably the most important thing someone can do to protect their heart. Of course, the banana is a high-potassium, low-sodium food. The fiber, vitamin C and B6 ingredients in the banana also promotes health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

7 Hand Exercises That Relieve Arthritis Pain

March 27, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.” – Mayo Clinic

Arthritis can be a very painful ailment, not to mention frustrating. In addition to persistent pain, those stricken with arthritis content with stiffness, swelling and decreased mobility.

One of the more prevalent types of the ailment is osteoarthritis, which causes the bones cartilage to deteriorate, causing more friction (and pain) when certain bones of the body are moved. This pain occurs because cartilage serves as a sort of “lubricant” between bones, and without it, bone grinds on bone.

While arthritis is without a medical “cure,” certain actions can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms of pain. One such action is to exercise the hands, one of the most common areas of arthritic pain.

Here are 7 easy exercises that can help relieve arthritis pain:

1. Finger bending

Begin by holding the hand up straight (in a “handshake” position). While keeping other fingers straight, slowly bend the thumb towards the palm until it touches. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds and that slowly straighten the thumb to its original position. Repeat this process with each finger and then switch hands.

2. Make a fist

Start in the same position as the first exercise, with the hand in the “handshake” position (note: it is not necessary to extend the arm). Curl the hand slowly in a fist while keeping the thumb in the outside of the hand. This is a gentle exercise, so resist unnecessarily squeezing the hand. After one fist is formed, open the hand to the original position. Repeat this process 10 times with each hand.

3. The “O” exercise

Begin with the hand held straight up, as if giving someone a high-five. Spread apart the fingers and slowly curve them in until they touch. What results should look like an “o-like” shape or a claw. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds and then straighten. This exercise should be performed a few times a day on each hand, and works best when feelings of stiffness occur in the hands.

4. Thumb Stretching

Similar to exercises one and two, begin the thumb stretching exercise in a handshake position. The difference is that the thumb isn’t to be bent in. Instead, the goal is to touch the base of the pinky finger. It is not necessary to touch the base, obviously, but to stretch it as far as possible. When extended to capacity, hold the position for five seconds and release slowly. Repeat the exercise 10 times for each hand.

5. Finger Lifts

Position one hand flat, fingers spread on an even surface, such as a table. While holding each finger flat against the even surface, slowly life the thumb as high as possible and hold for five seconds. Lower the thumb and repeat the process for each finger until a good stretching sensation is felt. Switch hands.

6. Wrist Stretching

Start by holding one arm straight out, with the wrists loosened, palm inwards and hanging down; using the other hand, reach around and press the back of the loose hand towards the body. Continue applying this pressure until a stretching sensation if the wrist and arm is felt. Hold this position for about five seconds and then release. Repeat this process 10 times with the other hand.

7. Table Bending

Once again beginning in the handshake position, rest the side of the hand on a flat surface with the thumb pointing upwards. Continue to keep the thumb pointing as straight up as possible while gently folding the fingers inward, resulting in thumbs up pose. Hold this position for about five seconds and then straighten each finger, repeating the process ten times for each hand. Ensure that the exercise done properly by keeping the hand level, which best done the assistance of a table or another hard, flat surface.

An important thing to remember is that the point of each exercise is to help alleviate pain, not exacerbate it. Make sure that each movement is done with care, stopping the exercise if pain worsens.

New Sound Treatment Kills Cancer Without Chemo

March 26, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Is painless cancer treatment that eliminates the need for chemotherapy or radiation really possible? Scientists are at work on an exciting new treatment technology with the potential to do just that for those who are facing the scary diagnosis of cancer.

Believe it or not, this cancer treatment technology harnessed the power of sound waves. Associate Professor and Director of Music Technology at Skidmore College in New York, Anthony Holland, are the brains behind the research team that discovered that sound waves can kill cancer cells.

Anthony Holland is not the same musical genius as the composer and director featured as the subject of the film Mr. Holland’s Opus. However his impact on humanity by the use of his talents may be even greater.

This Leading Technology Kills Cancer Cells without Chemo or Radiation

This technology is leading the fight against cancer with a treatment that is non-invasive and non-toxic to the body. This new technology is unlike chemotherapy and radiation treatments that cause weakness and uncomfortable side effects for patients. The leading technology will allow patients to keep their health and hair as they recover.

In his TED talk about the cancer-fighting developments he discovered, Dr. Holland compares the shattering of cancer cells to the shattering of a crystal glass by hitting one sustained note.

When you strike a tuning fork, it vibrates with sound at 440 hertz. By holding another tuning fork near the one that is struck, you can induce a sympathetic vibration. Shattering crystal is done the same way, by matching the resonant vibration of the crystal until the vibration increases and the glass breaks.

Dr. Holland has discovered how to shatter cancer cells with sound waves by finding their exact harmonic frequency. Strangely enough, cancer cells and other microorganisms have a structure similar to that of liquid crystal. We are most familiar with liquid crystals in the form of LCD screens on our laptop computers and TV screens.

When you watch TV on an LCD screen, electronic signals change the color and shape of the crystals. By sending electronic signals to cancer cells, Dr. Holland is able to get them to change their shape as well.

The technology is called Oscillating Pulsed Electric Fields (OPEF) and it is a way of delivering frequencies of sound waves to destroy cancer cells. So far, he has only demonstrated this technology in the laboratory with cells in petri dishes.

The discovery of this leading technology for killing cancer cells

When Dr. Holland first began using sound frequencies on cells, he controlled the signal by testing different frequencies and checking for cellular changes through the microscope.

He discovered that he needed two different frequencies at the same time. With a combination of a higher and a lower frequency at the 11th harmonic, the higher one is 11 times the frequency of the lower one. He realized that adding frequencies so that multiple waves were hitting the cancer cells would be like increasing the power of the signal.

After adding the 11th frequency to the test on cancer cells, he noticed a strange phenomenon. The cells appeared shattered, like a high note shattering a crystal glass. The outer wall of the cancer cell broke and the contents of the cell spilled out.

The effect of this leading technology on cancer cells

The research showed that pancreatic cancer cells shattered at between 100,000 and 300,000 hertz. Ovarian cancer cells and leukemia cells responded by shattering the same way. The frequencies resulted in the destruction of anywhere from 25% to 60% of cancer cells.

The treatment discovered by Dr. Holland is non-toxic to humans. Dr. Holland says that this research holds exciting promise for the treatment of cancer patients who fear the pain and sickness of the toxic drugs and radiation of cancer treatment.

A colleague of Dr. Holland’s, a renowned cancer researcher who spoke anonymously, said ‘If you had spent millions of dollars to develop a new cancer-killing drug, this would be a home run. Killing cancer without drugs or chemicals is incredible.’

Dr. Holland’s research relies heavily on an invention that can be used to deliver the frequencies in bursts of on/off/on/off cycles. The reason for this is that having the sound waves constantly on causes heat, which causes destruction of other living cells around the cancer cells. Because the signal toggles on and off, it generates no heat.

The on/off method of delivering the deadly sound frequencies to cancer cells is what Dr. Holland’s team is calling Plasma Emission Field Treatment (PEFT).

Other promising treatments for this technology

Dr. Holland was also able to use the sound wave treatment to kill other cells, for example, the harmful antibiotic-resistant bacteria staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to Gateway for Cancer Research, ‘The electronic signals not only rendered MRSA vulnerable to antibiotics but also slowed its growth.’

The treatment removes the antibiotic resistance of MRSA, which they can then kill with antibiotics. The hope for the future of Dr. Holland’s discovery is to conduct human studies to be to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment.

Stephen Hawking’s Beautiful Message For Anyone With Depression

March 26, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Stephen Hawking, well known for his work in theoretical physics, has one of the greatest minds of our time. He was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. As a young child, he wanted to study mathematics, but once he began college, he studied Natural Sciences. During his first year in Cambridge at the age of 21, Hawking began to have symptoms of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Doctors gave him two-and-a-half years to live.

Throughout his life, Hawking has taught, researched, and provided the world with beautiful messages. He once said that his expectations were reduced to zero when he was given the ALS diagnosis. Since then, every aspect of his life had been a bonus until his death in early 2018.

Stephen Hawking’s Beautiful Message For Anyone With Depression

One of the most brilliant minds did not allow these life challenges to stop him. He continued studying. Hawking has twelve honorary degrees. He has dedicated his life to finding answers about the universe, the Big Bang, creation and scientific theories. He cannot speak or move. While bound to a wheelchair, however, he has found ways to inspire the world, encouraging us to find the mysticism in the stars. Hawking says:

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. If you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.”

During a lecture in January at the Royal Institute in London, Hawking compared black holes to depression, making it clear that neither the black holes or depression are impossible to escape:

“The message of this lecture is that black holes ain’t as black as they are painted. They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought. Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up; there’s a way out.”

Stephen Hawking on Disability

When asked about his disabilities, he says: “The victim should have the right to end his life, if he wants. But I think it would be a great mistake. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.”

He continues with an inspiring message about disabilities:

“If you are disabled, it is probably not your fault, but it is no good blaming the world or expecting it to take pity on you. One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in; if one is physically disabled, one cannot afford to be psychologically disabled as well. In my opinion, one should concentrate on activities in which one’s physical disability will not present a serious handicap. I am afraid that Olympic Games for the disabled do not appeal to me, but it is easy for me to say that because I never liked athletics anyway. On the other hand, science is a very good area for disabled people because it goes on mainly in the mind …

My disabilities have not been a significant handicap in my field, which is theoretical physics. Indeed, they have helped me in a way by shielding me from lecturing and administrative work that I would otherwise have been involved in. I have managed, however, only because of the large amount of help I have received from my wife, children, colleagues and students. I find that people in general are very ready to help, but you should encourage them to feel that their efforts to aid you are worthwhile by doing as well as you possibly can.”

Hawking and a Sense of Wonder

Stephen Hawking does not only encourage the scientific minds to pay attention, but inspires the rest of us to take notice that there is connection between the stars and each one of us. His disabilities have not stopped his curious mind and sense of wonder.

His daughter, Lucy, shared with the crowd at the lecture, “He has a very enviable wish to keep going and the ability to summon all his reserves, all his energy, all his mental focus and press them all into that goal of keeping going. But not just to keep going for the purposes of survival, but to transcend this by producing extraordinary work writing books, giving lectures, inspiring other people with neurodegenerative and other disabilities.”

5 Things You Need To Know About Being Friends With A Taurus

March 26, 2016 by Power of Positivity

If you know a Taurus personally, they likely have become one of your closest friends. The bull might be stubborn, but he also knows what true friendship means, and doesn’t leave your side unless you force him to.

The Taurus zodiac sign runs from April 21 to May 21, and a few key traits can describe people born under this sign.

We will go over them below and give you a little more information on what being friends with a Taurus entails.

Here are 5 things you need to know about being friends with a Taurus:

1. They’re loyal.

Bulls won’t just leave you because of a petty argument or silly misunderstanding. A Taurus prides himself on sticking around through the tough times, and being there for his friends no matter what. A Taurus makes you one of the best friends you’ll ever have because they will listen to your problems, give you a shoulder to cry on, and make you feel loved and cared for. You won’t ever have to wonder where you stand with a Taurus because they won’t leave your side.

2. A Taurus will accept you as you are.

Taurus won’t want you to change because they will love and adore you from the start. They accept people wholeheartedly, flaws and all. Being an Earth sign, Taurus have a knack for being grounded and stable and can easily adapt to and understand various people. Taurus might have their own hidden issues with themselves, but as far as other people go, they don’t try to change anyone. They make friends quite easily despite their more reserved personalities because people appreciate the sense of stability and safety that they exude.

3. He or she will make you feel protected and safe.

As we mentioned in the previous point, a Bull will always make you feel safe. He or she naturally has a protective demeanor and wants to keep all of his or her friends and family out of harm’s way. A Taurus will never make you feel vulnerable or uneasy, as their steady, loving nature guides them to watch out for everyone close to them. They are brave, strong souls, so they will take on your burdens for you and make sure you feel protected at all times.

4. A Taurus can be stubborn.

Taurus has many positive qualities, but their downside is that they can be incredibly headstrong and unable to budge in their opinions. They have their own outlook on life. But your opinion likely won’t change their mind. They enjoy doing things their way, and change is difficult for them. They also don’t like spontaneity and enjoy having things planned out in advance. Be patient with the Taurus in your life, as they take longer to get used to new situations and can seem stuck in their ways. However, they’re a creature of habit, so forming new thought processes and seeing things in a new light can take some time for them.

5. They have a strong spirit.

Above all else, the Bull doesn’t break easily. He or she stands high above negative influences, and his or her will can outlast any obstacle that tries to get in the way. They have an unbreakable spirit and can withstand any storm they encounter. A Taurus will never let you fall and will fight your battles alongside you. The Bull might be a bit misunderstood, but at the end of the day, their loving, courageous souls have the best intentions for their friends and family.

Taurus enjoys stability and routine and has a strong work ethic. They get along best with Earth and Water signs, and their sweet, generous nature will certainly win you over. Taurus make wonderful life-long friends, as they remain loyal until the end.

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10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Con-Artist