Therapies are constantly advancing, spurred on not only by new enabling technology but also sadly by increasing need. Two weeks ago, a paper entitled “Clinical Efficacy and Psychological Mechanisms of App-Based Digital Therapeutic for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Control Trial,” was published showing for the first time that digitally delivered mindfulness can be effective for treatment of anxiety.
3 min read
Work with your Circadian Rhythm to Boost Effectiveness
Why are some folks more creative, charismatic, and energetic at various times of the day? Are you a morning person or a night creature? If you have a difficult problem to solve, do you try to do it first thing in the morning or hold it until the still of the night? Do you fall to sleep easily or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning?
Topics: Bulletin
4 min read
Loneliness
It may be more deadly than obesity. It is a major risk factor for dying prematurely.
This malady is called loneliness. It has been described as social pain, a psychological mechanism meant to alert an individual of isolation and motivate him or her to seek social connections. Loneliness is a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. Concerningly, COVID has exacerbated the misery.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Opportunities abound to embrace well-being and health
Well-being for all empowered by prevention, as opposed to healthcare for the sick who have lived in non-supportive environments, is the theme of an essay entitled, “
Investing in Health: Seven Strategies for States Looking to Buy Health, Not Just Health Care
.” This paper was supported by Manatt Health, The Health Initiative, The Commonwealth Fund, and Blue Shield of California Foundation.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Movement is Life
Privilege multiplies, leading to investment, whereas disadvantage accumulates, leading to deterioration. This community-focused theme was central to the 12
th anniversary of the
Movement is Life Musculoskeletal Health Disparities Caucus last week in Washington, DC sponsored by Zimmer Biomet.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Time Affluence and Scarcity Influence Well-Being
“What is the right amount of free time?” This question was examined with statistical detail in an American Psychological Association study entitled
“Having Too Little or Too Much Time Is Linked to Lower Subjective Well-Being.”
Topics: Bulletin
4 min read
AHA and US Conference of Mayors Recognize Blue Zones Project Value and Impact
Recognition by respected organizations is reassuring and fulfilling. Within the last few weeks, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the United States Conference of Mayors independently came to the same conclusion: Blue Zones Projects profoundly and objectively improve individuals' and communities’ health and well-being.
Topics: Bulletin
5 min read
Data-Driven Approaches to Improving Well-Being
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” is a paraphrase from Lewis Carroll’s
Adventures in Wonderland. Metrics matter, and having easy access to comprehensive, contemporaneous, accurate knowledge will help everyone live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Topics: Bulletin
3 min read
Brevard, NC Celebrates Blue Zones Project Anniversary and Success
Brevard, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is an exemplary Blue Zones Project that recently celebrated its anniversary. The community’s transformation serves as a model for the surrounding region and the entire nation.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
September is National Women in Medicine Month
Currently, about half of medical school matriculants are women. However, decades ago, the percentage of women entering medical school was in the single digits. This fact was true with my class starting in 1969, having fewer than ten women out of 132 total at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.
The profoundly positive influence of women in all professions has been documented in many objective studies. Pertinent to medicine, do patient outcomes differ between those treated by male and female physicians? Two recent statistical studies have shown decreased mortality rates for hospitalized patients cared for by female physicians.
