Four Causes Of Winter Blues – And What You Can Do About Them

Winter is almost here. Not only is this a time for celebrations with loved ones, annoying Christmas music, and too many good things to eat – it’s also a time that, for many of us, is marked by the onset of the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects millions of people all over the world every single year. Are you one of them?

Although researchers have discovered many linkages between environmental and physical factors, winter and depression, SAD is still a complex phenomenon that has more than one single cause. Here are the top four causes of depression in the winter — and what you can do about them.

1) Decreased sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the superchiasmatic nucleus in the brain, which in turn regulates our Circadian rhythms of sleeping and waking, including production of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin. Make sure you get enough sunlight during the short winter days. If you can, spend at least 15 minutes outside everyday to make sure you’re soaking up enough of this valuable natural health aid.

2) Breathing stale and impure air. More and more studies are beginning to show that there’s a link between the air we breathe and the number of physical, mental and emotional ailments. Toxins, molds, pollens, and chemicals in our everyday home and office environments can create depressed emotional states. A solution for this is to purchase a large room air purifier for your living room or for your open plan corporate office. You can also purchase a smaller unit for your bedroom, as you’re bound to spend nearly 1/3 of your life sleeping in there. You can find personal air purifier reviews online to help you figure out which device suits you best.

3) Sedentary life. Who wants to go jogging in the dark? Not me! Most of us would rather spend our long winter evenings curled up with a good novel, watching movies with our sweethearts, or relaxing in the bathtub. Unfortunately, what this means is that we tend to slack off on our exercise regiments during the season. Exercise has been clinically shown to have the mitigating effect on winter depression, so don’t forget to get out there and get your daily dose of motion. Even a few minutes of walking is better than nothing. Take the stairs and walk whenever you can, and hit the gym after work if the thought of exercising outside in the dark is too much to handle.

4) Decreased vitamin D. Research has shown that decreased levels of vitamin D are linked to SAD. If you’re not getting enough sunlight each day (in the winter, most of us are not) you can purchase an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement at any health store or most major chain grocery stores. Follow the directions on the label to make sure you’re getting the right dose.

No one single solution can wipe away this complex problem all at once. Ideally, you should follow a regimen that combines light therapy, time outside, regular exercise and good nutrition, and proper nutritional supplementation. If you do, you’ll find that those feelings of unhappiness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and other emotional malaise will cease to trouble you. In time, you can look forward to winter as what its meant to be: a time of joy and delight for everyone.

Introduces the Latest Version of QuicNet ProTM Central Control Software

McCain Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of intelligent transportation systems, traffic control equipment and parking guidance solutions, today announced the release of a new major version upgrade to QuicNet Pro 2.0 central control software, an advanced software system that provides traffic control from a central location.

McCain's QuicNet Pro 2.0 software is an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) that allows entire transportation networks to be monitored and optimized from a single platform. QuicNet Pro central control software currently operates in over 40,000 intersections worldwide. The software is fully scalable, allowing installation in as few as five intersections using a single server or expansion to a limitless number of intersections and field masters.

Enhancements to QuicNet Pro 2.0 traffic control software include extensive 24/7 data collection and easy-to-read charts, allowing quick identification of trends, resulting in cost reduction and improved traffic flow. The software offers superior document management and customized traffic reports that provide a historical perspective on data collected around-the-clock.

"We value our customer's feedback and have used it to improve the features and functionality of our QuicNet Pro software, offering users a multitude of tools to accomplish more on a single platform," said Brian Wagner, ITS solutions manager for McCain Inc.

QuicNet Pro software presents a single interface for viewing and managing multiple ITS applications, promoting comprehensive expandability. QuicNet Pro central control software also supports QuicTracadaptive signal control, offering traffic signal coordination along a corridor based on prevailing conditions, yielding smooth, balanced traffic flow and enhanced arterial performance. Coupled with local controller software, QuicNet Pro traffic control software can also manage additional ITS functions including light rail priority, incident management, freeway ramp metering, tunnel and lane control.

McCain Inc. provides progressive solutions that successfully address modern transportation concerns and promote urban mobility. A forward thinking, vertically integrated company with 24 years of industry success, McCain conceptualizes, develops, and manufactures intelligent transportation systems. Operating over 300,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space and employing over 400 people, McCain produces superior traffic equipment, advanced traffic management software, and parking solutions. McCain is a recognized leader in innovative products and services, nationally trusted to facilitate safety, mobility, and navigation of the world's roads.