Yes, Ron Paul, some veterans with PTSD go to the gun range for therapy

http://twitter.com/#!/RonPaul/status/298477312876355585

Not only is Ron Paul disgusting and shameful, he’s uninformed and wrong about post-traumatic stress disorder, too.

So are all of these other amateur psychiatrists who think they know something about PTSD:

How Gullible R ULoud noises &Guns R the best treatment 4 PTSDMake senseIn bizarro world

— Noreen (@NoreenR1) February 4, 2013

Two questions. Was Chris Kyle qualified to treat someone with PTSD? Isn’t Kyle’s treatment like bringing an alcoholic to a bar?

— Eric the Fish (@yafonda) February 4, 2013

I agree with Ron Paul..someone suffering from mental illness of some sort (even PTSD) doesn’t belong on a gun… fb.me/XlI9cHCe

— LisaMaret (@LisaMaret) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul is right. Highly unusual to bring PTSD patients to a gun range.

— Dan Gordon (@_RepDanGordon) February 4, 2013

“@ronpaul: Chris Kyle’s death…Treating PTSD at a firing range doesn’t make sense” my thoughts exactly!!!

— Molly McMom (@molly_mcmom) February 4, 2013

True, weapons & live rounds + mental illness seems like risky therapy. MT”@ronpaul: Treating PTSD at a firing range doesn’t make sense”

— jeff deeney (@jeff_deeney) February 4, 2013

Former U.S. Army Ranger Sean Parnell addressed this point during an appearance on Fox and Friends this morning:

A lot of people are asking why are you taking somebody that’s  struggling out to go shooting. Well shooting for guys like us in the military is a very, very familiar skill set. It’s like taking a basketball player out to shoot hoops, you know. And so, shooting with military veterans that are trying to re-adjust can be very healing, and Chris [Kyle] really used that well to his advantage to help people.

Many Twitter users, including a number of veterans, also set the record straight:

@ronpaul As a veteran with PTSD I can tell you that going to the range and shooting is one of the most therapeutic things you can do.

— Eric J Redmon #TGDN (@eredmon19) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul Mr.Paul as a veteran I have found activities like hunting and shooting sports to be therapeutic your comment insults veterans#PTSD

— Kevin T Hoffman (@GunUp0331) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul your opinion on chris kyles death only shows how disgusting of a person you are If you knew anything about ptsd youd understand

— Ryan Fallows (@lucifer508) February 4, 2013

Isn’t shooting 1 of the better aides for PTSD? MT@MelissaTweets MT @iowahawkblog: Grandpa’s talking to furniture again bit.ly/12nsK8J

— Elizabeth Aymond (@aymond) February 4, 2013

Unless Ron Paul’s been around soldiers with PTSD I don’t think he should be saying a damn word about what Chris Kyle was doing

— just another mo(@JustAnotherMo) February 4, 2013

@lion_of_gray Yes. As for the 2nd part of his tweet: treating PTSD at a shooting range falls under ‘exposure therapy’ – is.gd/pt9pqo

— Adam Baldwin (@adamsbaldwin) February 4, 2013

Dear DOCTOR @ronpaul: more on Exposure Therapy for PTSD, via the Dept of Veteran Affairs ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/p…

— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul This is a ridiculous statement.Firing range practice can certainly be therapeutic.

— Dave Nalle (@texliberty) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul You have lost all credibility with me.Taking a PTSD vet to the range is known to be good for them.Until you have served, zip it

— Jacob S. (@JacobS5672) February 4, 2013

https://twitter.com/MacMathghamhna/status/298514185145425920

Ron Paul’s comments abt Chris Kyle were not only insensitive & short-sided but incorrect. Exposure therapy is used frequently for PTSD.

— Catherine (@FitGrl) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul U obviously Don’t understand PTSD, & UR comments hurt our Heros. Outdoor Recreational Therapy helps a lot of our Veterans. #tcot

— Joe the Plumber (@RealJTP) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul actually it does makes perfect sense, exposure therapy is highly effective in treating PTSD ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/p…

— Amanda (@aweston21) February 4, 2013

Somebody tell @ronpaul treating PTSD through immersion/exposure therapy is medically proven and can give our heroes back their peace of mind

— Buck Sexton (@BuckSexton) February 4, 2013

Its a viable form therapy for combat related PTSD & you Sir are an ass! PRT @ronpaul Chris Kyle-he who lives by the sword dies by the sword.

— Fred Aubin (@FM_Aubin) February 4, 2013

@dustynuts17 Kyle Worked With Vets ptsd Shooting was used As Therapy/ Not The First Time4 Ron Paul To Open His Mouth&Disrespect R Military

— lovusa4 (@lovusa4) February 4, 2013

Part of overcomming PTSD is trigger exposures. VERY common for treatment options.

— Patrick(@Mnpoker) February 4, 2013

@ronpaul It doesn’t make sense to you because you’re a lifelong politician and have no idea what’s best for Vets with PTSD. #STFU

— Robb Bill (@Rbill) February 4, 2013

Bingo.

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/02/04/yes-ron-paul-some-veterans-with-ptsd-go-to-the-gun-range-for-therapy/

Exercises for Stress Reduction & Deep Relaxation – Part 3 of 4 – Stress Management

Using simple and effective techniques, these sessions will introduce you to the tools that can assist in eliminating sleep disorders and reducing stress and anxiety experienced at home and at work Part 3: This session will include: Stress Management — A 3-minutes breathing practice that you can do at anytime to help Let-Go of overanalyzing and associating yourself with thoughts. This tool can be used both before, during and after a stressful or traumatic experience to help diffuse its impact on the mind and body. Please note: The practices provided in this video are a complement to and not exclusive of any medically prescribed regimen you have. The opinions expressed in the video practical sessions are those of the instructor and are not necessarily endorsed by the University Health Network (UHN). Claims and research are not associated or directly supported by UHN. For more information please visit www.pubmed.gov for current peer reviewed research on Mindfulness and Meditation.

After Having Knee Surgery, This Girl Had The Most Hilarious Conversation With Her Mom

Going under the knife can be stressful for a lot of reasons.

In this day and age, though, one of those reasons happens to be the effects of anesthesia. Thanks to smartphones and digital cameras, some particularly embarrassing moments can be caught on film (and then shared on social media). In a cruel twist of fate, young people (those more likely to be embarrassed over such an event) happen to be more reactive to anesthesia. So, it’s a perfect storm of hilarity.

One Twitter user, Julia Sherman, was waking up from being put under for knee surgery…and the conversation she had with her mom is hilarious.

Balls were on her mind (and I’m rolling on the floor laughing):

And to think, this was Julia before the drugs took over.

At least she was a good sport and shared the video for Internet to enjoy. Thanks, Balls Girl!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/anesthesia-daughter-conversation/

21 Adorable Animal Smiles That’ll Have You Grinning, Too

Even on my worst day, if I see someone smiling or manage to crack a grin myself, I feel worlds better…

And there’s a reason for that! Smiling not only demonstrates happiness, it can also cause it. A grin can even reduce stress.

But you don’t need to be down in the dumps to feel overwhelming joy when you look at these smiley pets.

1. Look at those eyes!

View post on imgur.com

2. There’s nothing a tasty treat can’t fix.

Cutie just want food to be happy.

3. “Let’s be franddss!”

4. Say cheese!

5. He loves his teddy.

6. “Oh hai!”

7. “Just grin and bear it. We’ll get treats.”

8. Smiling can often be a learning process…

9. “Hey, ladies.”

10. “I definitely didn’t just fart.”

11. This little lamb is so grateful to be rescued.

12. Black cats are *sooo* scary…

13. Guys, it’s a pig in an actual blanket!

14. “Ohhh yeah, that’s the spot!”

15. Looks like someone’s happy to find a forever home.

16. Happiness is measured in tennis balls for this cutie.

17. “Oh, Dad, you’re so funny!”

18. So sly, much coy, very smile.

19. Crooked smiles (and crazy eyes) can still be cute.

20. “Never, ever stop.”

21. “Turn that frown upside down!”

I don’t know about you, but these cuties just made me feel like a new me! Share this with someone who might need to smile.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/animal-smiles/

What This Groom-To-Be Did For His Chronically Ill Fiance Will Melt Your Heart

Danny Rios has never questioned his girlfriend Nicole Carfagna’s willingness to tie the knot with him.

In fact, the 32-year-old from Smithtown, New York, had expressed her desire to throw an engagement party and surprise their guests with a sudden wedding. Still, for Carfagna, there was a lot of stress surrounding the idea of getting married. You see, she suffers with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that happens when the immune system attack its own tissues and organs. A flare-up can ruin any plans she has and stop her from doing much of anything. That’s why her incredibly thoughtful boyfriend decided to plan their entire wedding and surprise her with the news.

The couple had just gotten back from a trip to Disney World when they went out to eat and returned home for a quiet night — or so Carfagna thought. When they got there, however, they were greeted with their friends and family in the backyard, where a tent had been set up.

Inside the tent, Rios got down on one knee and proposed in front of their loved ones.

When his bride-to-be said yes, he shocked her further by letting her know he was ready to marry her that same night. Two hours later, they exchanged their vows, stress free!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/same-day-proposal-wedding/

Want A Dog But Spend Most Days Out? Here Are Breeds With Bad Separation Anxiety

It’s no secret that dogs bring us so much joy, and when we love them, we bring the same to our four legged buddies, too.

But we all have jobs and spend lots of time out of the house, which can be problematic for some breeds. Leaving your dog alone for hours at a time can be detrimental to both their physical and mental state and can even cause your pet to experience separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dogs is defined as fear or distress caused by separation from their owners for long periods of time. Some common symptoms include indoor urination or defecation, howling, barking, chewing and destroying things, or even trying to dig out of the home and escape. While these symptoms can also be a sign of improper house training, when accompanied by drooling or signs of stress such as heavy panting, it is more likely a clear indicator of separation anxiety.

So if you’re preparing to take on a new doggo while managing a 9 to 5, it’s important to know which dog breeds are most likely to experience separation anxiety.

1. Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers are known to be balls of endless energy and require a lot of physical activity. With that said, it should come as no surprise that with their high energy levels, they also require a lot of attention. When a terrier does not receive that attention, things can go awry. It’s also worth noting that for a tiny dog, terriers can do quite a large amount of damage around the house.

2. German Shorthaired Pointers

German Shorthaired Pointers may have been bred to serve as the perfect hunting companion, but out of the woods, these energetic dogs don’t fare so well with boredom. They can quickly become distressed when inactive for too long.

3. Dachshunds

While Dachshunds may require very little breathing room, making them the perfect pet for tiny apartments, they also suffer from separation anxiety. Prior to domestication, these wiener dogs were pack animals, so when they’re separated from their human pack, the anxiety begins.

4. Beagles

Beagles are more pack dogs that enjoy the company of others, so when left to their own devices, stress and anxiety can mount. Waiting for their owners to return can set beagles up for a rollercoaster of emotions.

5. Australian Shepherds

Australian shepherds are known for their work ethic and their ability to get down and dirty when the job requires it, but things aren’t always so perfect for these pets. Fighting off boredom can be a real challenge for these pups who are often in the ” go, go, go” mindset. These dogs may suffer anxiety when there’s an off day with nothing to do.

6. Border Collies

Border Collies are known for their intelligence and their high energy. But despite being able to keep themselves busy, their desire for constant exercise and mental stimulation is often unable to be met when their owners are away.

7. Bichon Frises

As a lap dog, Bichons aren’t too fond of being away from their human companions. Any sudden change in attention can cause these pups to have severe anxiety.

8. Vizslas

Another hunting dog, Vizslas are sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs” hinting at their closeness to their owners. These dogs practically stick with their owners and when left alone, the symptoms of separation anxiety come to a head.

9. German Shepherds

German Shepherds are raised to be working dogs and it’s easy to see why they’re such people pleasing pups. They can be found doing anything from herding sheep to acting as seeing-eye dogs. These roles imply loyalty and closeness, which can make them feel upset when they’re left alone.

10. Labrador Retrievers

This popular breed is often a go-to for American families looking to adopt a dog. They’re kind, funny, and will love their humans to pieces. That said, they don’t do so great on their own.

11. Cocker Spaniels

This is another hunting breed that follows the same trend as the others. With the ability to work so beautifully with their human counterparts, these doggos often feel lost and confused when they’re left to their own devices.

12. Havaneses

These Cuban imports are cute and adorable enough to make any family fall in love with them, but they’d better be there most of the day, because these pups go a little cuckoo by themselves.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the perfect companion dog, despite being naturally more anxious than most dog breeds. These little nuggets are known to bark incessantly when they’re left at home alone.

14. Toy Poodles

Toy poodles were practically bred for the purposes of companionship. Even if you’re not crazy enough to carry your pint-sized pooch in your handbag, chances are your tiny poodle is never too far behind. These little divas crave constant attention and when they don’t receive it, it can spell trouble for your home.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/dogs-with-separation-anxiety/

Everyone Loves A Good Pun, But Her Boyfriend May Have Taken Things A Little Too Far

Remember the old punch line, “Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?”

That’s really the only food pun I can think of off the top of my head, but there are infinite ‘punny’ possibilities when it comes to the grocery aisle. How do I know this? A man recently went out shopping with his girlfriend and took his camera out to film the experience. He then proceeded to torture her with the most cringe-worthy food puns, and it’s so, so funny. His girlfriend is both amused and annoyed by the whole thing.

“Bet you fish I’d stop!” he says. How could you tel!?

I loved the one about the pinto beans. Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/annoying-puns/