Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 July 2000 — Page 26

FRIDAY, JULY 14,2000 ■ PAGE C8

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| Parenting Tips

Adolescent anxiety or something more serious? It may be bipolar disorder (NAPSA) — Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24. More youth die by suicide than from all natural causes combined. Many brain disorders that increase suicide risk begin in adolescence, including depression, bipolar and anxiety disorders. Among these illnesses, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) or overlooked in children and teens. Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is usually characterized by mania (excessive mood elation, inflated selfesteem. rapid speech and accelerated thinking) and depressive mood swings that vary in severity and may cycle oraltertihie tepidly 6f ^lowj^. "Id dWfdrtlri iirfdteertS.'"'' ‘" how^veH' bipoW disortfer rrtay present behavior differently and may display an overlapping set of symptoms similar to ADHD. Symptoms include irritable moods punctuated with explosive outbursts that may occur several times within a day. Furthermore, unlike the more predictable patterns of adult bipolar disorder, children may experience manic-depressive cycles far more rapidly with few periods of wellness. “The good news is that we can improve the quality of life for those who suffer from bipolar disorder if we diagnose and treat this illness early,” said Martha Hellander, executive director of the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. Studies show that bipolar disorder is highly responsive to medication, including mood stabilizers such as lithium. Lithium is an effective first-line treatment therapy and is the only drug approved by the FDA for the long-term prevention of bipolar disorder. Lithium is also the only drug proven to have an anti-suicidal effect and may reduce suicide risk in bipolar patients by 77 percent. While lithium is not indicated for use in children under 12. psychiatrists, lacking therapeutic options, have adapted adult treatment strategies for pediatric and adolescent populations safely. If you think that you or a lov ed one may have symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek medical care immediately. Visit the foundation ’.v Web site at www.bpkids.org

Know Dm Waning SigM For Bipolar Disorder hi Yoatb 1. Hdk of sukide at a young ago 2. Difficulty taping or oxcosta taping 3. Excessive talkativeness, rapid speed), rmrlnn tltntinltfa rocmg inougnTj 4. Frequent mood changes (both up and down), and/or chronic rntabAty #. mertose in rscy wnovioc 6 Exoggoratal nIms of obifity and ©

Take control of your personal finances (NAPSA)—This may come as no surprise, but three out of four Americans hate financial planning. Many of us like to dream about things such as buying a new home, traveling to an exotic place, sending our kids to a great college, or retiring early. Unfortunately, the reality of financing those dreams often prevents many of us from

living them out.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Randy Schuldt, a financial professional with a new Web site called IHateFinancialPlanning.com (www.ihatefinancial planning.com). With some patience, planning and discipline, you can achieve some if not all of your dreams, and at the same time, feel better about yourself and your money. The key is to start now. And the best place to start is with a financial plan, which can help you get your arms around financial issues like credit card debt, insurance needs and retirement savings. To help you get started on the road to less worry and greater financial freedom, Schuldt offers the following tips: Set realistic goals: Want to retire a millionaire? Odds are good that if you create a financial plan today' reduce your debt and begin saving regularly, you may be able to live more comfortably, with less worry and maybe even retire as a millionaire. The first step is to set some realistic goals about how you would like to live now and in the future. Next, begin learning about how to manage your money better, and develop a financial plan that will help you achieve your goals, even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Track your daily spending: It’s never the big things that surprise people about their spending. It’s the little stuff, like the $2.50 you spend on a cup of “designer” coffee each morning, the $8 for lunch, or the 50 cents for a mid-

afternoon cola.

If you really want to get a handle on your finances, start writing down every expense in a small notebook, even the 50cents you just spent on a candy bar. After several months, yovrill see the’hard truth about how ypu spend your mone That’s good; it will help you identify^jvhere tq^ut back free upttwtiejryiow criOldlhVest.' r • / ^ . Create an emergency fund: Rainy days happen in everyone’s life.. The real problems begin when you’re caught off guard. Commit today to save enough money equal to at least three months of living expenses to cover unexpected events, such as being laid off from your job, car repairs, weather damage to your home, etc.

Advanced planning may keep you from worrying about your financial future. It’s not too late to start.

Pay off debts, especially credit cards: The average American carries a $7,000 credit card balance. Yikes! If that card carries an annual percentage rate of 15.9 percent, and a person makes a monthly payment of $100, it will take 58 months to pay off. That equates to about $1,736 paid in

interest.

On the other hand, if a person pays $200 per month, that

plan: Many companies offer a retirement program, such as a 401(k) plan, which may involve a match from youp employer. If you’re not participating in your company’s retirement program, that’s like throwing money away, either money you’d pay to the government in taxes or matching money from your employer. Make sure you’re at least saving a portion of your paycheck (ideally at least 10

bjjt^ill be paid off in two years, which equals $676 in percent) to take advantage of the employer match, and if

interest. That’sasavingsof$l,060. Debt,especially credit you can, save more.

card debt, can strangle your financial plan. Start investing in yourself: It’s important to pay thj Make sure you’re insured: Insurance is no laughing bills each month, but it’s equally important to pay yourself.

jpg for it each One of the easiest ways is to automatically withdraw from Make sure y° ur savings/checking account each month and invest in

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|d disability irou have a family, contact one bf the major insurance companies (avoid insurance sold through TV and radio infomercials) about additional low-cost term insurance to cover the loss of the primary wage earners in your family. Take full advantage of your company retirement

mutual funds. Even if it’s just $25 a month, the discipline of investing can lead to a sizable account over time. Che^l| with your workplace to see if they have an automa^uj savings program, or click 911 www.ihatefinancialplanning.cbm, which offers Instant tpvestor, a feature that allows you to invest from a selectiqn

of nine mutual funds.

Fusion cuisine of Australia

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More than 25 of Indiana’s beat restaurants will participate in the Taste of Indiana at White River State Park. Visitors can sample a variety of food ranging from crab cakes to barbecue ribs, stir-fry to jambalaya, strawberry pizza to sweet potato pie and then vote for their favorites. White River State Park’s 2nd Annual 'Taste of Indiana ’ set for July 22

Food from Indiana's best restaurants will be center stage at the 2nd Annual “Taste of Indiana” in White River State Park on Saturday. July 22. More than 25 Indiana restaurants will be showcasing their cuisine in the Citizens Gas Taste Al-

ley, where visitors can sample a variety of food and vote on their favorites. The outdoor festival features more than just food. There will also be hands-on children’s activiSee TASTE, Page C7

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Hooeier History Festival wiH also be July 22. It will be at the Indiana Historical Society, a short walk from the White River State Park.

Beyond shrimp on the bar-be (NAPSA)—This summer, millions will experience the spirit of Australia for the first time and be surprised to discover the wealth of flavor in Aussie daily fare. While popular myth portrays an Australian diet of Vegemite and crocodile soup, today’s epicurean visitors will find that modem Australia has an international palate. Since the first settlements in 1788, Australia has been home to a variety of Asian and European inhabitants who brought their native recipes to the island. Coastal territories and a rich terrain have endowed Australia with the ingredients to support such a varied menu. Exotic produce, marine delicacies, and prime meats combine in the island’s finest restaurants to form what is now called fusion cuisine, a blend of traditional European and Asian dishes. Aussie-bound travelers need not wait to arrive in Sydney to taste the flavors of Australia. The feast can begin en route. Qantas Airways, for example, serves up a restau-rant-style experience 35,000 feet in the air. With a menu designed by Neil Perry, renowned Sydney chef and restaurateur, Qantas offers a completely new approach to inflight dining for first and business class passengers and plans to expand soon to economy class. “We have taken advantage of regional and seasonal ingredients to develop a range of dishes with a distinctive Australian style that reflects the diversity and flavor of the countries served by Qantas,” said Perry. To sample Australia’s fusion cuisine at home, try this recipe for Tandoori Lobster with Yogurt-Dill Dressing, which you might find at Neil Perry’s famed Rockpool restaurant or on Australia’s premier carrier Qantas Airways.

Tandoori Lobster Salad with Yogurt-Dill Dressing V2 lb. lobster meat, cooked 1 oz. tandoori spice Juice of 1 lemon 3 oz. baby mixed greens, washed 1/2 bunch fresh dill 1/2 cup plain (unsweetened) yogurt 1/2 cucumber, peeled and Julienned 1/2 tomato, seeded and diced Salt and pepper to taste Marinate lobster with 1/4 tsp. lemon juice, tandoori spice, 1 tsp. yogurt and salt. Chill for one hour. Combine the greens with cucumber and tomato. For dressing, mix yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Toss greens and dressing. Cut lobster into bite-sized pieces and place on top of salad. Garnish with chives and any fresh herbs.

Hosting bints ; (NAPSA) — Thinking of having friends over for a cocktail parfy? Planning your bar menu should oe the least of your worries. There are over 4,000 brands'-of distilled spirits products to chodse from and a seemingly endless nuhiber of drink recipes. But, if you jfest want the basics, you’ll be inter-l ested to know that the most popu-! lar distilled spirits drinks are often' the ones that are the easiest to make, usually requiring nothing more than opening the bottle, getting out the ice, and adding cola, orange juice or tonic. According to research for the Distilled Spirits Council, the na-j tional trade association for America's distillers, the top 10most popular distilled spirits drinksMnj the U.S. are: (1) rum and cola; (2) See HOSTING, Page C7 ~ J