What do you think the 2012 London Olympics will be remembered for? For me, it will be the talk by commentators, athletes, and coaches regarding the importance of gaining a ‘mental edge’ which is often the difference between victory and heartbreaking disappointment. I think gaining a ‘mental edge’ includes a greater awareness of the mind-body […]
NO FEAR: A High-Wire Health Habit
If you missed the ABC live broadcast on June 15, close your eyes and imagine that you’ve just stepped onto a 2” steel cable stretched into a cold, heavy mist. The mist obscures the other side, but you know it’s four football fields away! Within minutes you’re beyond the clamor of well wishers, walking alone […]
Think twice before giving your child a disease for their birthday present
I like toy stores. Seeing the old classics (Legos, pogo sticks, balsa wood gliders, etc…) always provides a pleasant reminder of childhood innocence. Yet on a recent visit to my local toy store, my reminiscing received a disturbing jolt. Turning a corner, I found myself confronted with colorful representations of various disease microbes like “Cholera,” […]
Does the Bible serve up the healthiest nutrition advice?
In his March 18th article, “Food news can cause indigestion,” The Seattle Times staff columnist Jerry Large humorously begins, “Do you eat food? If yes, then maybe you haven’t been reading all the latest news.” Large writes how he is striving to adapt to changing nutrition recommendations and doing “whatever it takes to stay healthy.” […]
Author Anne Lamott comments on marriage and spiritual food in the April issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Do you wonder if you’re giving your children everything they need? In the April 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, Author Anne Lamott provides an interesting insight into something that she missed as a child – an atmosphere of love. She writes, “The food and life my parents created would have been delicious and […]
For sufferer’s of Morgellons disease, what next?
“Bugs,” the two year old boy said as he pointed to an irritated patch of skin on his face. Mary Leitao looked closer, and although she found no visible insects, she was startled to find colored fibers sprouting from her son’s skin. It was a summer evening in 2001 that would change the lives of the Leitao […]
Exploring effective pain relief options
After reading recent media reports such as The Seattle Times series, “Methadone and the politics of pain,” I’ve been saddened to learn of the overwhelming number of Washington residents living in chronic pain and/or addicted to painkillers. Also, the near universal frustration of both patients and providers for solutions is alarming. I’m sure that all caring persons […]
Bring a little Danish “hygge” to your holiday season!
The holidays are upon us and for Danes that means the high season for “hygge”! What is hygge? Well, it has nothing to do with Black Friday or Christmas bargain shopping. It’s not even about gifts, except perhaps the gift of sharing someone’s company. There is no adequate English translation, and most non-Danes, like myself, have […]
Just in time for Thanksgiving: the health benefits of gratitude
Many people recognize that acknowledging even the smallest good in one’s daily life can be beneficial and health-promoting. A recent article in the Portland(Maine) Press Herald, “Reflections: You can improve your health by expressing gratitude, study says,” “‘Gratitude helps people improve their health,’ according to this month’s Harvard Mental Health Letter, published by the Harvard […]
Wim Hof surprises scientists by controlling his body with his thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to see an example of the mind-body connection or the ability of thoughts to influence health, consider Wim Hof. A Dutchman who regulates his body temperature mentally, Hof, 52, has set numerous world records including: swimming long distances under ice, running half marathons barefoot in ice and snow and being immersed […]