The
Universal Human Component
Not unlike individuals and families dealing with disorders that set in motion long-range and far-reaching negative
results, we are all grappling with unhealthy attitudes that have dramatically impacted how American society deals with its
ill and disabled citizens. Universal Health Care practiced in such countries as the United Kingdom, Canada,
Italy, Cuba and others actually rewards physicians and various providers for extending accessible, inexpensive care and effective
preventive strategies.
The
message that is sent to individuals is one of deep support and humanity, what I’d like to dub “The Universal
Human Component.” After all what are we without our humanity? What is
a society without it?
In Michael Moore’s film Sicko, he addresses just these issues. Watching the documentary
was the first time that I was ashamed to be an American, ashamed of our judgmental, discriminatory, and punitive system by
which people are made to feel ‘less than’, like criminals, or coldly rejected because of a health condition.
What about empathy? What about our moral compass and core ethical responsibilities?
NOTE: Text for this left column above is excerpted from the book: "Inspirations for Thriving
in Our Troubled World." See the Products page of this website for more information.
The Quality of Your Work Life & How It Impacts Wellness
Let's face it, where and how you work have a large impact on your overall wellness and state-of-mind.
You might be a seasoned professional trying to determine a career shift, or a college student starting an initial career
plan.
No matter which you are, CareerCast has just published the new 2010 rankings for
200 job types taking into consideration (a) physical demands, (b) work environment, (c) income, (d) stress, and (e) hiring
outlook.
Definitely worth a read, and there are many surprises: http://www.careercast.com/jobs/content/top-200-jobs-2010-jobs-rated#top-ten-list
STRESS & YOUR BODY from The Washington Post
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DID YOU KNOW?
*
There is a new Body Mass Index (BMI) online calculator that computes your % of body fat based on 6 measurements
for women (versus just height and weight), and 3 measurements for men. Check it out here: http://www.bmicalculatorforfemales.com/default.aspx
* Drinking enough water is critical
not only to digestive health, but also to circulation/
heart health, and mental health.
http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_importance_of_drinking_water
* A new book by a UCLA medical professor asserts that 'eating' water in the form of water-based
foods is remarkably beneficial:http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/articles/water-food-and-diet?click=main_sr
* Poor oral health can result in bacteria getting into your bloodstream and harming major organs:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/de00001
The oral / overall health issue impacts our pets too:ttp://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_14302300
* There is a thought-provoking Longevity & Virtual Age Calculator online. It's free,
and the 34 questions take 5-10 minutes here: http://dnn.mandeeps.com/Portals/0/LiveContent/927/Flash/virtualage.swf
*
A new book is out entitled "American Idle: A Journey Through Our Sedentary Culture"
that addresses our overactive minds, underused bodies, how physical activity impacts the adult brain,
and offers a road map to 'physical grace'. More information available at: http://www.amazon.com/American-Idle-Journey-Through-Sedentary/dp/1933102888
* New research indicates that people on a low-fat diet boost their mood, experiencing
less confusion, anger, and depression. Full article available at:
http://www.marinij.com/life
tyles/ci_13793336.DTL
Fighting the Effects of Seasonal Light Deprivation
Photobiologist Dr. John Nash Ott once coined the term "malillumination"
to encompass the significant impacts of seasonal light deprivation. The decrease of the full wavelength spectrum
found in sunlight results in a shift in the biological rhythms of the human body. This causes such dramatic phenomena
as anxiety, hostility, fatigue, over-sleeping, hair loss, suppressed immune functioning, strokes, and
depression. The bodily imbalances may even affect the absorption of important nutrients.
Research over the
last two decades speaks to the ability of "Light Therapy" to be a viable source of healing. Even the relatively
simple replacement of lamps in your home or office could make a real difference.
More information is available:
www.ott-lite.com
www.psycheducation.org/depression/LightTherapy.htm.
www.balancedspectrum.com
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