So…2015 will soon come to a close. As I look forward to a new year, I often reflect on the past 12 months to consider what I have learned, how I have grown. I always thought I knew what unconditional love was, and then I had Samuel. There is absolutely no condition placed on my love for him; … Read More
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that a large segment of the US population has experienced a sharp spike in the death rate since 1999. Moreover, the key causes of those increased deaths are seemingly self-imposed: alcohol, drugs, and suicide. This increasingly at-risk group is middle-aged white people. Prior to 1999 the mortality rate for this population was decreasing, reflecting decades … Read More
It has long been known that eating disorders have both psychological and physiological components. However, new research indicates that the physical aspect may be more complex than previously thought and what is transpiring in the intestines of those with anorexia may have psychological ramifications. Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in … Read More
Are women in our society ever “good enough” just as they are? Evidently not. Breast implants, liposuction, tummy tucks, face lifts, butt enhancements, fillers, Botox, fat sucked out of one area and injected into another—the list truly goes on and on. The necessity for women of all ages to be beautiful, as narrowly defined by … Read More
Psychedelics blasted their way into the public consciousness in the 1960s. They were all the rage among hippies and flower children of that era. Commensurately, they entered the field of drug research around that time; but due to myriad questionable practices, this research was suspended in the 70s. Research regarding the efficacy of using psychedelics has returned. Several small studies have shown “success” in using these … Read More
The most intriguing piece of advice I ever received as a counselor in training came from one of my favorite professors. He told me, “In the very first session always give them a little magic.” Now that’s an interesting choice of words. The more I thought about the concept, the more the idea excited me. Magic … Read More
Ellen Leanse, Apple and Google alum, recently posted a commentary on the word “just.” She illustrated how often, and in what contexts, women utilize and rely on this word. Not only do women use the “J” word far more than men, but by and large, they do so in a deferential or apologetic fashion. “I … Read More
Motherhood immediately changed my perception of many previously held beliefs. For example, I quickly learned that sleep has far more value than money, showering every other day is reasonable, and wearing the same outfit two days in a row is more than acceptable. But, it is in the months following childbirth that profound and life-changing … Read More
Body shaming is rampant in today’s world. Primarily, it comes in the form of fat shaming, which is defined as overt criticism of bodies perceived to be larger than the cultural ideal. Singer and new mother Kelly Clarkson has received her fair share of criticism as has singer Pink. On May 12, Pink verbally shut … Read More
A tragic story was reported in the news earlier this month; it centered on a young man’s effort to obtain treatment for alcoholism and bulimia. After getting bounced around from clinic to clinic in Arizona and California, Brandon Jacques ultimately died of sudden cardiac arrest. He was the victim of negligent treatment and multiple flaws in the health care systems from which he sought help. These flaws involved clinical ignorance in the area of assessment and treatment of … Read More
