Stress has increased markedly since the 1950s according to a paper entitled, “
The Changing (Dis-)Unity of Work.” Even as modern conveniences have seemingly made life easier and perhaps safer, overall life expectancy has not increased as much as one would have desired or expected. Perhaps the negative effect of increased stress has counterbalanced the positive influences.
Allen S. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACR, MBA
Recent posts by Allen S. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACR, MBA
2 min read
Like-minded individuals congregate, reinforcing healthy or unhealthy habits
“
Birds of a feather flock together” has been attributed to Plato as far back as 360 BC, when he is quoted as saying: “
Men of my age flock together; we are birds of a feather, as the old proverb says.” This thought probably exists because people who are similar seek out others like themselves in a variety of ways, recently affirmed by people’s food choices in a cafeteria.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Morbidity and mortality rates worsening among gens x and y
“
Are Recent Cohorts Getting Worse? Trends in U.S. Adult Physiological Status, Mental Health, and Health Behaviors across a Century of Birth Cohorts” is the title of a recent
Journal of Epidemiology article showing worsening health among middle-aged and slightly younger Americans since 2000.
The disquieting news is based on over seven hundred thousand adults surveyed from 1988 to 2018. Notably, all the data were obtained pre-COVID. The academic researchers tried to define whether the deteriorated health was due to physiological factors, environmental effects, and/or behavioral mechanisms.
Topics: Bulletin
5 min read
Prevention: The Cure for Rising Health Care Costs
For both better and worse, COVID-19 has accelerated change, subsequently disrupting the current healthcare ecosystem.
Starting with a picture of the ideal future and working backwards is a productive way to facilitate change while creating hope. Placing the person whose goal is staying well at the center of the model displaces others whose economic interests overwhelmingly motivate the status quo.
Topics: Bulletin
1 min read
Eat wisely for better heart health
“You are what you eat,” has again been confirmed in a recent, erudite
New England Journal of Medicine article entitled, “
Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.”
In plain English, eating a diet that is low in refined sugar and high in fiber minimizes the rise in blood glucose level, thus subsequently decreasing chances of having a heart attack or other major cardiovascular event.
Topics: Eat Wisely Bulletin
2 min read
Why we aren't embracing effective prevention
Prevention has always proven successful. Healthcare systems, foundations, healthcare support businesses, and philanthropic partners have supported efforts to help people, communities, and even entire states embrace wellness and become healthier. During a recent thoughtful conversation between senior leaders of a group engaged in prevention and thought leaders from an iconic national healthcare organization, the following question surfaced:
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Why don’t all communities and organizations embrace effective prevention?”
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Volunteering is good for community and personal well-being
April is volunteer month. Thanks to all the volunteers who tangibly support wellness for the world. Recognizing folks who volunteer has the dual purpose of expressing gratitude and enlisting others to share their talents. Importantly, from the volunteers’ point-of-view, helping others also helps oneself.
Topics: Purpose Bulletin Right Outlook
2 min read
Batman and Dr. Glenn Gailis—Together Saving the World
Even Batman needs a hero; he could find one in Dr. Glenn Gailis of Klamath Falls, Ore. Both Batman and Dr. Gailis share a common goal of helping others live longer and safer lives.
Topics: Purpose Bulletin
2 min read
Moving Forward with Gratitude
One’s reaction to a stress can be more important than the challenge. As society approaches the “Post-COVID era,” people’s pre-existing personalities and communities’ resiliencies may have determined how well they have done during the most threatening times, which have hopefully passed. Equally vital going forward, how can society not only recover, but also thrive?
Topics: Bulletin Right Outlook
2 min read
How SDOH impact cardiovascular outcomes
Over the past half century cardiovascular death has declined 50%, presumably due to addressing many of the major risk factors—smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, physical inactivity, and diabetes—according to a
New England Journal of Medicine Perspective last week, extolling the progress of traditional medical research and practice.
