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.
About Performing HANDS-ONLY CPR, The American Heart Association Says:
"Don't
be afraid. Your actions can only help."
The AHA has intentionally simplified
CPR so that more people will feel confident to help someone in a cardiac emergency. Learn more about this lifesaving
action.
 |
|
 * People on a low-fat diet boost their mood, experiencing
less confusion, anger, and depression: http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_13793336
* The latest Surgeon General's report on tobacco smoking cites the most health risk evidence to
date, even for occasional social smokers and secondhand smoke. Learn about the 7,000 chemicals, 'immediate poisoning',
heart attacks, and more: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/12/20101209a.html
* 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
yles/ci_13793336.DTL
"Quick bites of food for thought and soul, that's what Quality
of Life News is for me. I get more pep in my step, lightened heart, breath awareness in the moment. Slow food and Quality
of Life News at meal times is good too...It'll get you over the rough bumps in the road, for sure."
—
Eric B., Sebastopol, CA
|
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
|
