Psychology of Health
Nearly each day, I read another professional study or chapter about the relationship between how we live our lives and chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and a variety of autoimmune disease. There is clear and consistent scientific evidence that changes in our day to day behavior—small, realistic changes—improve our health, reduce the severity of some disease and, for some, may even reverse a variety of chronic conditions. One of the most persistent findings is that sleep deprivation damages our immune system and leaves us vulnerable to illness. And fortunately, the amount of sleep we give ourselves IS something we can influence. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/311494.php
Professor Aaron Carroll, MD professor at Indiana University School of Medicine begins by voicing our collective fear of cancer. Then he places hope within reach. “I could never give up ________ (some behavior or consumption),” my clients frequently tell me. “The kind of change I should make is more than I would ever stick with,” others say. Turns out, that a few critical lifestyle behaviors—within reach of most people or that already are characteristic of others—are associated with dramatically lower risks of cancer. Dr. Carroll provides a user friendly description of the behaviors that correspond to lower risk for cancer. And you may find your anxiety declines or your confidence in small changes will increase. Check it out on the NY Times
In therapy, we often speak about health related decisions we have to make for ourselves, our children or our aging parents. I encourage people to identify benefits and risks, and to consider their biases or blindspots that may undermine the wisest choices. Every once in a while we find that preconceived notions, misunderstandings or completely false beliefs contribute to decisions. It’s always helpful to understand what we know—from science—what has been debunked, and what is myth or tale. Since a false scientific claim led to enormous mistrust of vaccines to the detriment of millions, I’m sharing this summary of what we know about immunization safety brought to you by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Check out the links at the top for more information. Here’s the deadly results when people say things about science without actually looking at science. Source: 16 years ago, a doctor published a study. It was completely made up, and it made us all sicker.
Some years ago, I asked a close friend and mentor how he felt about the changes accompanying his aging. His response was as enlightening as instructive, and it gave me pause. “It reminds me that life is fleeting and how fortunate I am to be here, to be well and to have the special people in my life.” I’ve continued to reflect on his response and the conversation that followed. So when I read the meditation or reflection described early in this article on happiness—the meditation on death—I was immediately engaged. Where appropriate and relevant to my clients, I’ll be discussing it with them, too. People who apply the “last-year test” tend to spend more time on the things that give them the most satisfaction. Source: To Be Happier, Start Thinking More About Your Death – The New York Times
If you are trying to achieve a goal, the more often that you monitor your progress, the greater the likelihood that you will succeed, according to research. Your chances of success are even more likely if you report your progress publicly or physically record it. I think this applies to many goals and life changes. There are times, however, when it’s counterproductive. Unless you’re a professional finance professional or a very skilled day trader, following your investment values hour by hour, or day to day, is not going to pay rewards. In fact it may do harm to your portfolio and to your mental health. Similarly, if shame is involved, frequent monitoring to say nothing of publishing progress can do harm. That’s often the case with weight loss and more so if one feels acute distress about his/her body. A long term strategy with specific objectives and more than one measure will serve you better. Source: Frequently monitoring progress toward goals increases chance of success: Publicly reporting or recording progress has an even greater effect, study says — ScienceDaily
Most of us know when some part of our body is inflamed. But we aren’t as aware of internal or biological system inflammation. And our western diet and lifestyle places many of us at risk for exactly this condition. Turns out, there are mental health consequences such as symptoms we associate with depression. Source: Inflammation linked to weakened reward circuits in depression: Brain imaging shows distinctive aspects of high-inflammation depression — ScienceDaily
Suggestions to exercise more are so common that they fall on deaf ears. And I encourage people to find and incorporate into their lives fitness activity that suits them. Yet fitness is not a universal value. Our culture is a rather sedentary one, with great health consequences. Two related articles suggest an approach that may be much more approachable and realistic for many who otherwise will not exercise. http://qz.com/223160/why-not-even-exercise-will-undo-the-harm-of-sitting-all-day-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2014/07/19/retirement-sitting-disease/12750061/
The CDC is tracking a significant rise in US syphilis infections. Information, risk factors and recommendations below. http://www.nbcnews.com/health/sexual-health/syphilis-makes-worrying-comeback-u-s-n100606 also http://www.cdc.gov/sTD/syphilis/default.htm
A significant number of my clients, and an increasing number of people in the general population, live with genuine and dangerous food allergies. These range from acute potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions to delayed food sensitivity reactions to mild discomfort. And since the gastro-intestinal system is the front line of our immune system as well as where a significant percentage of the neurotransmitters (essentially hormones in the brain) are manufactured, people with untreated or pervasive food reactions are vulnerable to a variety of chronic inflammatory and immunological conditions as well as some psychological and mood difficulties. It’s no longer unusual to hear someone discussing his/her food allergies, particularly at social events or when dining out. Those with anaphylactic IgE reactions must avoid their allergens in a disciplined way and contend with accidental exposure anytime they’re not entirely in control of their meal. If you’re fortunate enough to have no lethal allergy but some IgG or delayed sensitivity, you’ll still spend considerable energy, time and resource minimizing GI distress and finding nutritional alternatives. Eating is not an easy social activity, and those with sensitivities are often challenged, dismissed or mocked. It’s essential to become knowledgeable about food and nutrition. And creativity and support go a long way. These food allergy blogs can be a great resource to managing and thriving. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-allergy-blogs
Raising kind, empathic, generous and moral children is as complex and varied as there are unique children. Parents frequently speak with me about their efforts and challenges helping children learn these behaviors and nurturing these qualities. University of Pennsylvania business and psychology professor Adam Grant draws a bead on this learning and highlights some very instructive research. Turns out he might not just be speaking of parenting and children, but also how we see and follow through ourselves. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/12/opinion/sunday/raising-a-moral-child.html?smid=fb-share&_r=3
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