In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: People with panic disorder have sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes, up to an hour, but rarely over that, because the body simply does not physically have enough energy to panic for that long.   Panic attacks are characterized by a fear of disaster or of losing control even when there is no real danger. A panic attack can occur without warning and for no obvious reason. In extreme cases, the symptoms may be accompanied by an acute fear of dying. Although they are quite distressing and can last from 5 minutes to somewhere over an hour, panic attacks are not life-threatening on their own.  Panic attacks arouse the body to a peak level of excitement which makes the individual feel not in control of themself. The mind is preparing for a false fight or flight mode, forcing the body to take over to help the victim face or run from the perceived danger, real or not.  The hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released from the adrenal glands into the bloodstream, and the process begins -- this forms the heart of a panic attack. The mind cannot distinguish the difference between a real danger from the one that is in your mind. If you believe it, then it is real as far as your mind is concerned. They may act as if their life is in danger, and they feel like it is. Try to put it in perspective; if someone was holding a knife to your throat and saying "I'm going to slit your throat. But I'm going to wait and keep you guessing when I'll decide to do it. It could be any time now." There has never been a recorded instance of a person dying of a panic attack. They can only be fatal if accompanied by pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, or if extreme behaviors subsequently result (like jumping out of a window). If the person has never experienced a panic attack before, they'll be panicking on two different levels -- the second for not knowing what's going on. If you can pinpoint that they're going through a panic attack, this alleviates half the problem. Symptoms include:   Palpitations or chest pain Speeding up of the heart rate (rapid heartbeat) Hyperventilation (over-breathing) Trembling Dizziness/lightheadedness/feeling faint (this is usually from hyperventilating) Tingling/numbness in fingers or toes Ringing in the ears or temporary loss or hearing Sweating Nausea Abdominal cramping Hot flashes or chills Dry mouth Difficulty swallowing Depersonalization (disconnected feeling) Headache When in doubt, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention. This is doubly important if the individual has diabetes, asthma or other medical problems. It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of a panic attack can be similar to those of a heart attack. Do keep this in mind when assessing the situation. Talk to the individual and determine if they are having a panic attack and not another kind of medical emergency (such as a heart or asthma attack) which would require immediate medical attention. If they've experienced it before, they may be able to clue you in to what's going on. Many panic attacks don't have a cause or, at the very least, the person panicking isn't consciously aware of what the cause is. Because of this, determining the cause may not be doable. If the person doesn't know why take their word for it and stop asking. Not everything is for a good reason.
Summary: Understand what they're going through. Watch for the symptoms. Seek emergency medical attention if this is the first time the individual has experienced this. Find out the cause of the attack.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: When you're just starting a meditation practice, it's best to go somewhere with minimal distractions. Being out in nature can be tranquil, or you might find a secluded part of your home.  Try to find the best time of day. Early morning typically is a good time to meditate, and you can carry the peace with you throughout the day. It's also usually quiet at that time. When you first start, you may find it helpful to have some soft music playing in the background, or listening through earphones. You also can search online for guided meditation tracks that are designed to help you focus when you're new to the practice. Raja yoga meditation is done from a seated position. A simple cross-legged position is fine, or you can even sit in a chair if you need that support. Just make sure you're comfortable and that you feel stable.  When in cross-legged position, press your hip bones down and reach up through the crown of your head. Your shoulders should drop down your back with your chest opened. Make sure your spine is neutral. Don't arch your back or lean back or forward. It may help to place a folded blanket or rolled towel behind or under you to help with your posture and make you more comfortable. Raja yoga traditionally is done with your eyes open. When you're just starting, however, you may need to close your eyes so that you can center your mind.  Try to keep your eyes open at first, then close them if you're having difficulty or get distracted too easily. You will get better at it the more you practice. It can help to light a candle and focus your eyes on the flame. Turn your attention to your breathing, or to your other point of focus, such as a candle in front of you. Allow your thoughts to pass without judgement.  Particularly when you're just starting, your mind will probably try to throw all kinds of things at you. As you relax, things may come to mind that you'd forgotten throughout the day. Simply acknowledge those thoughts and return to your breath or point of focus. Observe without judging or criticizing yourself or your mind. Don't fault or blame yourself if it takes you awhile to get settled. Once you get settled, if another thought comes, have patience. Acknowledge the thought and allow the thought to pass, and then return to your breath or point of focus. As your thoughts start to flow, set an intention for your practice. Let that thought be your awareness as you sit in meditation. It could be related to some struggle you're currently having, or just a general affirmation.  For example, your thought might be "I am a peaceful soul." Try to empty your mind to the point that this is the only thought that exists. Your thought may be more directed to your personal circumstances. For example, if you are currently undergoing some uncertainty, such as turmoil at work, you might make your thought something like "my well-being is not attached to any outcome." As you fall deeper into a meditative state, your thought will bloom into a feeling that radiates through your entire being. Your understanding and feelings will combine to produce a profound sense of realization. For example, if your original thought was "I am a peaceful soul," you can nurture that thought by repeating things such as "I am a peaceful soul...I am a peaceful being...Peace is my original nature." When your meditation is over, try to hold on to the inner peace you found during meditation as you go through your day. If you feel the peace slipping away, take a few moments if you can for a brief meditation to re-center yourself.  Over time and with practice, you will awaken into a more profound state of well-being. You will be able to focus and concentrate better because you are centering and grounding yourself through your practice. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed during the day, try to find a place where you can retreat, even if only for a minute. Take several deep breaths and focus on your breathing until you find your inner calm.
Summary:
Find a quiet place. Sit comfortably. Bring your attention into the present. Withdraw your attention from sounds and everything that is around you. Create a peaceful thought. Continue to create and experience being peaceful. Carry that peace with you.