"I feel your pain." Caregivers and healthcare providers are in a unique position to "feel the pain" of other people. In fact some of the best caregivers and practitioners I know operate at a high level of empathy. Hey, isn't empathy supposed to be a part of caring for someone? Yes, but what about the effects of too much empathy on the caregiver.
When I was in full-time chiropractic practice I also cared very much for my patients. I felt great when they improved and rotten when they didn't. I feel I went the extra mile to do whatever was in my power to get them better. I listened to their stories of pain, illness and personal problems and sometimes took this "baggage" home.
This "taking on baggage" can be a serious problem. It can create a great deal of stress in your personal life. Fortunately there is some new attention given to the problem of empathy-related stress.
A recent study from the University of Leicester examined the effects of empathy on nurses. Researcher Jenny Watts indicated that nurses who have high levels of empathy are vulnerable to distress. This can produce symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, emotional detachment, flashbacks and even depression. The study goes on to recommend more detailed study of the problem so that interventions can be developed.
I know from experience that this can be a problem. It took a long time for me to reduce the stress associated with my practice and I could only reduce it to a certain point. The tools I had were meditation, exercise, and working to let things go. I would be excited to see more specific techniques given at an early stage in a caregiver's career to help to cope with empathy-related stress.
I am glad to see that this problem warrants some formal study. Awareness is the first step toward change.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Leicester (2009, June 24). Emotional Cost Of Nursing.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Beating Metabolic Syndrome: A Little Exercise Goes a Long Way
Something like 1 in 4 Americans have metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Generally, the recommendations include a strict high protein, low fat, lower carb diet along with copious exercise. I have heard as much as running the equivalent of 15 miles per week.
I know with my arthritic joints running is out of the question. I tried it a couple of years ago and had to stop all exercise for at least 3 weeks because my knees swelled up.
One of the main health busters in metabolic syndrome is the increased visceral fat around the midsection. In other words the bigger the belly the worse the outcome. This type of fat produces inflammation. In fact, obesity is linked with chronic low grade infection.
So the logical conclusion would be to diet and join a bootcamp right? During one of my visits to the gym I witnessed a bootcamp first hand. Those poor souls were running up and down the steps to the weight room while my crunching knees were slowly making the climb. Nobody was smiling.
Anyway, a new study from the University of Illinois tested the concept of diet and exercise in reducing the effects of inflammation from visceral fat on mice with some very interesting results.
The mice were first fattened up and then assigned to one of 4 groups. These included diet alone, exercise alone, sedentary (mice couch potatoes), and diet combined with exercise.
One would think that a research study isn't necessary to see what the results of this one would be. It should be a no-brainer that the diet plus exercise group would have the best benefit. But that's not what the study found.
The results showed that there was no significant difference in markers of inflammation (C reactive protein) between the diet plus exercise group and the diet or exercise groups. Seems that either diet or exercise has about the same effect as diet plus exercise.
How much exercise did the mice endure? Did they participate in a mouse bootcamp? Not exactly. The mice exercised the equivalent of humans walking about 30-45 minutes five days a week.
So, extreme measures such as super diets and joining bootcamps may not be necessary to reap the healthy benefits of diet or exercise. In fact you are more likely to stay with your program if you start slowly.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our new theory of healing at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Check out our new site on Anatomy and Physiology at:
www.learnantomyphysiology.com
Reference:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009, April 25). Even Modest Exercise Can Reduce Negative Effects Of Belly Fat.
I know with my arthritic joints running is out of the question. I tried it a couple of years ago and had to stop all exercise for at least 3 weeks because my knees swelled up.
One of the main health busters in metabolic syndrome is the increased visceral fat around the midsection. In other words the bigger the belly the worse the outcome. This type of fat produces inflammation. In fact, obesity is linked with chronic low grade infection.
So the logical conclusion would be to diet and join a bootcamp right? During one of my visits to the gym I witnessed a bootcamp first hand. Those poor souls were running up and down the steps to the weight room while my crunching knees were slowly making the climb. Nobody was smiling.
Anyway, a new study from the University of Illinois tested the concept of diet and exercise in reducing the effects of inflammation from visceral fat on mice with some very interesting results.
The mice were first fattened up and then assigned to one of 4 groups. These included diet alone, exercise alone, sedentary (mice couch potatoes), and diet combined with exercise.
One would think that a research study isn't necessary to see what the results of this one would be. It should be a no-brainer that the diet plus exercise group would have the best benefit. But that's not what the study found.
The results showed that there was no significant difference in markers of inflammation (C reactive protein) between the diet plus exercise group and the diet or exercise groups. Seems that either diet or exercise has about the same effect as diet plus exercise.
How much exercise did the mice endure? Did they participate in a mouse bootcamp? Not exactly. The mice exercised the equivalent of humans walking about 30-45 minutes five days a week.
So, extreme measures such as super diets and joining bootcamps may not be necessary to reap the healthy benefits of diet or exercise. In fact you are more likely to stay with your program if you start slowly.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our new theory of healing at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Check out our new site on Anatomy and Physiology at:
www.learnantomyphysiology.com
Reference:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009, April 25). Even Modest Exercise Can Reduce Negative Effects Of Belly Fat.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Laughing....and Healing
Many of you would not be surprised to learn that your mood affects your health. Many studies have looked at various moods and personalities that potentially affect the body. Researchers have established connections between hostility and heart disease, victimization and cancer and helplessness and a variety of conditions in the workplace. There also has been much written on the effects of stress on the body. Stress has been linked to a variety of conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer.
But what about positive moods and disease? Can maintaining a postive outlook translate to positive changes in the body? Can these changes be objectively measured?
Well, in a recent study published in the American Physiological Society examined the effects of laughter (mirthful laughter) on biological markers of diabetes. The researchers led by Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH and Stanley Tan, MD, PhD examined a group of 20 diabetic individuals. They divided the individuals into 2 groups. Both groups were given the traditional medical treatments for diabetes but one group was given the instructions to engage in mirthful laughter for 30 minutes. The subjects were allowed to choose what they thought was humorous.
The researchers followed the subjects for 12 months. By the second month the laughter group had already showed lower levels of stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrin, higher HDL cholesterol levels, and lower levels of biological markers of inflammation. After 12 months the results showed a 26% higher level of HDL (compared to 3% in the control group), a decrease of 66% of C-reactive proteins (markers of inflammation) as compared to 26% in the control group.
It appears that there are some real hard core physiological changes in the body resulting from a positive mood induced by simply having a bit of fun each day.
I think this is a powerful finding. How many practitioners even ask patients about their moods much less recommend anything for it. I know many who view medicine as disjointed and leave such emotional issues up to the psychologists to deal with.
Who knows, this could open up a whole new set of gigs for comedians. Maybe they could perform at the local hospitals in addition to the comedy clubs!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site to learn about a new theory of healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
American Physiological Society (2009, April 17). Laughter Remains Good Medicine.
But what about positive moods and disease? Can maintaining a postive outlook translate to positive changes in the body? Can these changes be objectively measured?
Well, in a recent study published in the American Physiological Society examined the effects of laughter (mirthful laughter) on biological markers of diabetes. The researchers led by Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH and Stanley Tan, MD, PhD examined a group of 20 diabetic individuals. They divided the individuals into 2 groups. Both groups were given the traditional medical treatments for diabetes but one group was given the instructions to engage in mirthful laughter for 30 minutes. The subjects were allowed to choose what they thought was humorous.
The researchers followed the subjects for 12 months. By the second month the laughter group had already showed lower levels of stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrin, higher HDL cholesterol levels, and lower levels of biological markers of inflammation. After 12 months the results showed a 26% higher level of HDL (compared to 3% in the control group), a decrease of 66% of C-reactive proteins (markers of inflammation) as compared to 26% in the control group.
It appears that there are some real hard core physiological changes in the body resulting from a positive mood induced by simply having a bit of fun each day.
I think this is a powerful finding. How many practitioners even ask patients about their moods much less recommend anything for it. I know many who view medicine as disjointed and leave such emotional issues up to the psychologists to deal with.
Who knows, this could open up a whole new set of gigs for comedians. Maybe they could perform at the local hospitals in addition to the comedy clubs!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site to learn about a new theory of healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
American Physiological Society (2009, April 17). Laughter Remains Good Medicine.
Friday, April 10, 2009
How Our Minds Create Reality
Just wanted to share an essay I just completed which will hopefully end up in my new book about reality.
One of the many concepts in quantum mechanics that is really hard to get a handle on is the idea of quantum superposition of various states. This was a difficult concept for many great scientists as well and many still wrestle with the implications of things being in more than one place at a particular time. Now this may be all fine and good for microscopic particles but we usually don’t pay much attention to these in our daily lives. What we do pay attention to are what are known as macroscopic events. These events are something we can sink our teeth into.
So this poses the question; do macroscopic events still have quantum mechanical properties? In 1935 when quantum mechanics was still in its infancy, one of its developers, Erwin Schrodinger came up with a thought experiment that attempted to link microscopic quantum events with the macroscopic world we witness unfolding before our very eyes. Schrodinger’s thought experiment was meant to demonstrate just how bizarre quantum mechanics was.
Schrodinger’s thought experiment came to be known as Schrodinger’s Cat. The experiment consisted of a cat sealed in a box containing a vial of poisonous gas. The vial was connected to a radioactive atom. If the atom decayed a mechanism containing a Geiger counter would record the decay breaking the vial and killing the cat. If the atom did not decay then the cat would remain alive (remember this was a thought experiment, no cat was ever harmed). The decay of a radioactive atom is a microscopic quantum event while the death (or life) of the cat is a macroscopic event.
The idea was to set the experiment in motion and then open the box in one hour. Of course one of two possible things would happen. The cat would either be dead or alive depending on whether the atom decayed or not. There was a 50% chance that the atom would decay within an hour. The important question was what state the cat was in during the hour. Was the cat in a state of superposition of half-alive or half-dead? Did the cat’s future rely on an external observer whose consciousness determined the outcome?
We can learn something about reality from Schrodinger’s cat. Is there an underlying plan to the universe or is the decay of the atom a truly random event? Do observers exhibit some sort of control over inderterminate macroscopic states or are we just observing the predetermined outcome?
According to Neils Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, two scientists who also contributed to quantum mechanics, the cat remains in a state of superposition until an observation is made. In other words the cat is both alive and dead until a measurement of the decayed atom was taken. The measurement either by a conscious being or non-conscious Geiger counter collapses the wave function and determines the outcome. In other words observation by a conscious being forces the system to make a choice (dead versus alive). This interpretation is known as the Copenhagen interpretation.
Another interpretation was posited by John Wheeler and Hugh Everett. According to these esteemed scientists the cat does not exist in a state of superposition but exists as living in one universe and dead in another. Every time an inderteminate state exists the universe splits off into multiple realities of which one is observed by us and the other observed by our twin counterparts in a “mirror” universe. This means that all possibilities exist in alternate universes. For example your football team may consistently win the Superbowl in one of these alternate universes. This multiple universe solution requires an infinite number of universes splitting with each quantum event and is a costly solution to the paradox.
From a deterministic point of view there is the hidden variable solution. The hidden variable solution posits that all decisions have already been made. The universe is ultimately deterministic. There is some controlling force (such as a God) that exerts an ultimate control over all events. In this solution the fate of the poor kitty has already been determined. There is no randomness to the event. Likewise every time you roll some dice the outcome has already been determined by some universal entity. Every thought, action, decision, and casino game outcome has already been determined.
One Science of Mind minister I interviewed stated that a universal consciousness has already collapsed all of the indeterminate states into finite states. We are just going along for the ride. Many of the world’s religions believe in a creator that has predetermined our fate in this universe and has left clues in the writings of the prophets as to what to expect.
Another version of the Copenhagen interpretation is known as the idealist interpretation as presented by the likes of the great thinkers John Von Neumann, Eugene Paul Wigner, Fritz London and Edmond Bauer. They say that consciousness must collapse the wave function to determine the outcome of the cat. This solution has gained popularity and is well accepted.
According to Amit Goswami (p 83):
“The consciousness resolution of Schodinger’s paradox is the most straightforward one—so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the naïve resolution.”
One potential problem with the consciousness solution (sometimes known as the idealist interpretation) is known as the paradox of Wigner’s friend. In this paradox Wigner’s friend makes the observation and reports it to Wigner. Does the cat remain in an indeterminate state while Wigner’s friend is walking over to report to Wigner? Let’s also say that Wigner and his friend open the box and make a simultaneous observation of the state of the cat. In this case whose consciousness chooses the outcome?
Wigner’s friend only poses a problem if he is understood to have a separate consciousness from Wigner. The paradox melts away with the premise that both Wigner and his friend share one universal consciousness. The collapse occurs in the same manner whether Wigner or his friend make the observation. If this holds up experimentally (and it does) then there is evidence for one universal consciousness of which we are all a part of as opposed to us all having separate consciousnesses.
Quantum information theory provides another explanation similar to that of Wigner’s friend. In this case the cat acts as the detector and is entangled with the observer. The observer (Wigner or his friend) agree on the observation completely because they are part of the system including the atom and Geiger counter.
A more recent solution to Schrodinger’s cat, and one I find most exciting has to do with understanding superpostition in terms of information. This is known as the information-theoretic approach (Johannes Kofler and Anton Zeilinger, 2006). In this approach indeterminate states are seen as lacking information. As information enters the system superposition ceases to exist.
The authors state:
“The quantization of nature is a consequence of the quantization of information. Moreover, reality and information are two sides of the same coin. It does not make sense to talk about reality without the notion of information about it, and it is pointless to talk about information without something where it refers to. What can be said about reality, defines what can exist.”
According to the information-theoretic approach, consciousness somehow creates information about events. Consciousness forms relationships that work to produce a contextual structure that helps us to define our reality.
I would then conjecture that based on this interpretation the addition of information to an indeterminate system decreases randomness of the system. As we work to make contextual relationships (which seems to be what we our minds are designed to do) we reduce randomness. Perhaps this may provide an answer as to how such phenomenon as intention influencing quantum random event generators or the effects of consciousness on other indeterminate events in our world operates.
References:
Johannes Kofler and Anton Zeilinger. Article in: Sciences et Avenir Hors-Série Le paradoxe du chat de Schrödinger No. 148, October/November 2006)
Amit Goswami: The Self-Aware Universe. 1995. Tarcher pub.
Learn more about information, reality and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
One of the many concepts in quantum mechanics that is really hard to get a handle on is the idea of quantum superposition of various states. This was a difficult concept for many great scientists as well and many still wrestle with the implications of things being in more than one place at a particular time. Now this may be all fine and good for microscopic particles but we usually don’t pay much attention to these in our daily lives. What we do pay attention to are what are known as macroscopic events. These events are something we can sink our teeth into.
So this poses the question; do macroscopic events still have quantum mechanical properties? In 1935 when quantum mechanics was still in its infancy, one of its developers, Erwin Schrodinger came up with a thought experiment that attempted to link microscopic quantum events with the macroscopic world we witness unfolding before our very eyes. Schrodinger’s thought experiment was meant to demonstrate just how bizarre quantum mechanics was.
Schrodinger’s thought experiment came to be known as Schrodinger’s Cat. The experiment consisted of a cat sealed in a box containing a vial of poisonous gas. The vial was connected to a radioactive atom. If the atom decayed a mechanism containing a Geiger counter would record the decay breaking the vial and killing the cat. If the atom did not decay then the cat would remain alive (remember this was a thought experiment, no cat was ever harmed). The decay of a radioactive atom is a microscopic quantum event while the death (or life) of the cat is a macroscopic event.
The idea was to set the experiment in motion and then open the box in one hour. Of course one of two possible things would happen. The cat would either be dead or alive depending on whether the atom decayed or not. There was a 50% chance that the atom would decay within an hour. The important question was what state the cat was in during the hour. Was the cat in a state of superposition of half-alive or half-dead? Did the cat’s future rely on an external observer whose consciousness determined the outcome?
We can learn something about reality from Schrodinger’s cat. Is there an underlying plan to the universe or is the decay of the atom a truly random event? Do observers exhibit some sort of control over inderterminate macroscopic states or are we just observing the predetermined outcome?
According to Neils Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, two scientists who also contributed to quantum mechanics, the cat remains in a state of superposition until an observation is made. In other words the cat is both alive and dead until a measurement of the decayed atom was taken. The measurement either by a conscious being or non-conscious Geiger counter collapses the wave function and determines the outcome. In other words observation by a conscious being forces the system to make a choice (dead versus alive). This interpretation is known as the Copenhagen interpretation.
Another interpretation was posited by John Wheeler and Hugh Everett. According to these esteemed scientists the cat does not exist in a state of superposition but exists as living in one universe and dead in another. Every time an inderteminate state exists the universe splits off into multiple realities of which one is observed by us and the other observed by our twin counterparts in a “mirror” universe. This means that all possibilities exist in alternate universes. For example your football team may consistently win the Superbowl in one of these alternate universes. This multiple universe solution requires an infinite number of universes splitting with each quantum event and is a costly solution to the paradox.
From a deterministic point of view there is the hidden variable solution. The hidden variable solution posits that all decisions have already been made. The universe is ultimately deterministic. There is some controlling force (such as a God) that exerts an ultimate control over all events. In this solution the fate of the poor kitty has already been determined. There is no randomness to the event. Likewise every time you roll some dice the outcome has already been determined by some universal entity. Every thought, action, decision, and casino game outcome has already been determined.
One Science of Mind minister I interviewed stated that a universal consciousness has already collapsed all of the indeterminate states into finite states. We are just going along for the ride. Many of the world’s religions believe in a creator that has predetermined our fate in this universe and has left clues in the writings of the prophets as to what to expect.
Another version of the Copenhagen interpretation is known as the idealist interpretation as presented by the likes of the great thinkers John Von Neumann, Eugene Paul Wigner, Fritz London and Edmond Bauer. They say that consciousness must collapse the wave function to determine the outcome of the cat. This solution has gained popularity and is well accepted.
According to Amit Goswami (p 83):
“The consciousness resolution of Schodinger’s paradox is the most straightforward one—so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the naïve resolution.”
One potential problem with the consciousness solution (sometimes known as the idealist interpretation) is known as the paradox of Wigner’s friend. In this paradox Wigner’s friend makes the observation and reports it to Wigner. Does the cat remain in an indeterminate state while Wigner’s friend is walking over to report to Wigner? Let’s also say that Wigner and his friend open the box and make a simultaneous observation of the state of the cat. In this case whose consciousness chooses the outcome?
Wigner’s friend only poses a problem if he is understood to have a separate consciousness from Wigner. The paradox melts away with the premise that both Wigner and his friend share one universal consciousness. The collapse occurs in the same manner whether Wigner or his friend make the observation. If this holds up experimentally (and it does) then there is evidence for one universal consciousness of which we are all a part of as opposed to us all having separate consciousnesses.
Quantum information theory provides another explanation similar to that of Wigner’s friend. In this case the cat acts as the detector and is entangled with the observer. The observer (Wigner or his friend) agree on the observation completely because they are part of the system including the atom and Geiger counter.
A more recent solution to Schrodinger’s cat, and one I find most exciting has to do with understanding superpostition in terms of information. This is known as the information-theoretic approach (Johannes Kofler and Anton Zeilinger, 2006). In this approach indeterminate states are seen as lacking information. As information enters the system superposition ceases to exist.
The authors state:
“The quantization of nature is a consequence of the quantization of information. Moreover, reality and information are two sides of the same coin. It does not make sense to talk about reality without the notion of information about it, and it is pointless to talk about information without something where it refers to. What can be said about reality, defines what can exist.”
According to the information-theoretic approach, consciousness somehow creates information about events. Consciousness forms relationships that work to produce a contextual structure that helps us to define our reality.
I would then conjecture that based on this interpretation the addition of information to an indeterminate system decreases randomness of the system. As we work to make contextual relationships (which seems to be what we our minds are designed to do) we reduce randomness. Perhaps this may provide an answer as to how such phenomenon as intention influencing quantum random event generators or the effects of consciousness on other indeterminate events in our world operates.
References:
Johannes Kofler and Anton Zeilinger. Article in: Sciences et Avenir Hors-Série Le paradoxe du chat de Schrödinger No. 148, October/November 2006)
Amit Goswami: The Self-Aware Universe. 1995. Tarcher pub.
Learn more about information, reality and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Americans Need More Vit D
The winters are long here in Wisconsin. In fact I am sitting by a window watching the snow come down on this late March day. I am also hoping that this is the last one of the year. Us northerners do not get a lot of sun exposure during the long late autumn, winter and early spring months (which equates to about 6 months). This can be a problem since the sun helps our skin make vit D. Add this to the use of sunscreen during the few sunny months here and you have a recipe for a Vit D deficiency.
Well, after reading through a number of studies on Vit D, I found this one that basically says that we northerners are not alone in needing vit D. In fact it may be that many more Americans are in need of boosting their vit D intake.
It seems that a blood level of 30-40 nanograms per milliliter are needed to ward off the many health problems associated with vit D deficiency.
In this study conducted by the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine researchers studied vit D levels in Americans from 1988-1994 and found the mean blood level to be 30 nanograms/ml. This compared to 24 nanograms/ml from 2001-2004. This means that blood levels of vit D seem to be decreasing in Americans.
The researchers recommended that we boost our vit D intake by taking supplements (unless you frequently bask in the sun). They recommended at least 1000 iu per day and more for us northerners.
In my personal experience I have boosted my intake to about 6000 iu/day during the winter months and then reduce that to about 2000 iu/day during the summer months. I am not one to tan and do use sunscreen and limit my exposure. But I still work in the yard and am outdoors much more in the summer.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Learn more about a new theory of healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Ginde et al. Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the US Population, 1988-2004. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (6): 626 DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.604
Well, after reading through a number of studies on Vit D, I found this one that basically says that we northerners are not alone in needing vit D. In fact it may be that many more Americans are in need of boosting their vit D intake.
It seems that a blood level of 30-40 nanograms per milliliter are needed to ward off the many health problems associated with vit D deficiency.
In this study conducted by the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine researchers studied vit D levels in Americans from 1988-1994 and found the mean blood level to be 30 nanograms/ml. This compared to 24 nanograms/ml from 2001-2004. This means that blood levels of vit D seem to be decreasing in Americans.
The researchers recommended that we boost our vit D intake by taking supplements (unless you frequently bask in the sun). They recommended at least 1000 iu per day and more for us northerners.
In my personal experience I have boosted my intake to about 6000 iu/day during the winter months and then reduce that to about 2000 iu/day during the summer months. I am not one to tan and do use sunscreen and limit my exposure. But I still work in the yard and am outdoors much more in the summer.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Learn more about a new theory of healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Ginde et al. Demographic Differences and Trends of Vitamin D Insufficiency in the US Population, 1988-2004. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (6): 626 DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.604
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Candy-Candy--Candy
"Mommy--Daddy--Candy" was among one of the first phrases out of our daughter's mouth. The candy "addiction" continues to this day as she goes from one "fix" to another. I remember liking candy more as a child but I never realized just how much children prefer sweets until our daughter came along.
So when I came across this study I was intrigued. This one comes from the University of Washington where researchers looked at sweet preferences and growth rates in 143 children between ages 11 and 15.
What they found was that preference for sweets was linked to growth rate. Kids have a natural tendency to like sweets more when they are growing. The proclivity decreases when they begin to stop growing (hey tell that to my wife about liking chocolate!).
The researchers even linked the attraction to sweets with biomarkers for bone growth. They conjectured that children may crave more sweets because they require a greater need for energy during the growth years.
Now I will see my daughter's cravings in a whole new light...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Monell Chemical Senses Center (2009, March 20). Liking Sweets Makes Sense For Kids.
So when I came across this study I was intrigued. This one comes from the University of Washington where researchers looked at sweet preferences and growth rates in 143 children between ages 11 and 15.
What they found was that preference for sweets was linked to growth rate. Kids have a natural tendency to like sweets more when they are growing. The proclivity decreases when they begin to stop growing (hey tell that to my wife about liking chocolate!).
The researchers even linked the attraction to sweets with biomarkers for bone growth. They conjectured that children may crave more sweets because they require a greater need for energy during the growth years.
Now I will see my daughter's cravings in a whole new light...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Monell Chemical Senses Center (2009, March 20). Liking Sweets Makes Sense For Kids.
Does Brain Function Decrease in Your 20's?
Everything gets worse when you get older. I often illustrate aging by using the analogy of making a photocopy of a photocopy of a photocopy, etc. After several iterations the final copy looks pretty distorted. The same kind of thing happens with cell division.
Anyway, I knew that brain function or cognitive abilities decline when one ages. However I thought this happened later in life--like after 50. A new study conducted at the University of Virginia showed that certain aspects of cognitive decline begin during the late 20's.
The study was conducted with 2000 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 60. The participants were given a series of memory puzzles and task when they were 22 and then again at various periods in later years.
Significant decreases in abstract reasoning, puzzle solving and brain speed were evident at age 27. However accumulated knowledge such as vocabulary continued to increase until about age 60 (there's hope).
The key to flexing your brain's muscles (or neurons) lies in integrating (making connections) new knowledge with old. Researchers also found a good deal of variance between individuals.
So I guess this one boils down to good news vs bad news. First the bad news: your brain function will peak about age 22 and then decline. The good news: keep learning new things and integrating them in order to preserve and improve your brain's functioning.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Virginia (2009, March 20). Cognitive Decline Begins In Late 20s, Study Suggests
Anyway, I knew that brain function or cognitive abilities decline when one ages. However I thought this happened later in life--like after 50. A new study conducted at the University of Virginia showed that certain aspects of cognitive decline begin during the late 20's.
The study was conducted with 2000 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 60. The participants were given a series of memory puzzles and task when they were 22 and then again at various periods in later years.
Significant decreases in abstract reasoning, puzzle solving and brain speed were evident at age 27. However accumulated knowledge such as vocabulary continued to increase until about age 60 (there's hope).
The key to flexing your brain's muscles (or neurons) lies in integrating (making connections) new knowledge with old. Researchers also found a good deal of variance between individuals.
So I guess this one boils down to good news vs bad news. First the bad news: your brain function will peak about age 22 and then decline. The good news: keep learning new things and integrating them in order to preserve and improve your brain's functioning.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Virginia (2009, March 20). Cognitive Decline Begins In Late 20s, Study Suggests
Cheer Up With Cherries. Especially If You Have Osteoarthritis
Yes, exercise is one of the keys to vitality. Whenever I visit my health care providers they are always telling me to do more exercise. The problem is not doing the exercise it is what happens afterward. A few years ago I could exercise vigorously just about every day but now thirty minutes on the elliptical can translate to stiff and achy knees and shoulders.
Like any respectable alternative health care provider I hate reaching for the anti-inflammatories and prefer a more natural approach. I have written about and used many of the natural anti-inflammatory substances out there with minimal results. So when I came across this recent study about cherry extract I was again hopeful.
This study comes from the Baylor Research Institute. Researchers conducted a pilot study to see if a cherry extract called CherryFlex (trademarked)would have any pain reducing effect on subjects with osteoarthritis. It did and more than half of the subjects found significant relief when using the extract pills.
The cherry extract is made from cherries called Montmorency tart cherries and is available at CherryFlex. The website states:
"Each Cherry Flex Softgel capsule contains over 100 mg Anthocyanins, 20 mg Flavones and 30 mg Tannins, Melatonin and two important flavonoids -- Isoqueritrin and Queritrin."
Looks like the good ole flavinoids are once again involved in pain control. I just wonder if any comparison has been made with regard to comparing this extract with the traditional bioflavinoid substances like curcumen, ginger, etc on the market.
Anyway, food for thought...
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Baylor Health Care System (2009, March 21). Can Cherries Relieve The Pain Of Osteoarthritis?.
Like any respectable alternative health care provider I hate reaching for the anti-inflammatories and prefer a more natural approach. I have written about and used many of the natural anti-inflammatory substances out there with minimal results. So when I came across this recent study about cherry extract I was again hopeful.
This study comes from the Baylor Research Institute. Researchers conducted a pilot study to see if a cherry extract called CherryFlex (trademarked)would have any pain reducing effect on subjects with osteoarthritis. It did and more than half of the subjects found significant relief when using the extract pills.
The cherry extract is made from cherries called Montmorency tart cherries and is available at CherryFlex. The website states:
"Each Cherry Flex Softgel capsule contains over 100 mg Anthocyanins, 20 mg Flavones and 30 mg Tannins, Melatonin and two important flavonoids -- Isoqueritrin and Queritrin."
Looks like the good ole flavinoids are once again involved in pain control. I just wonder if any comparison has been made with regard to comparing this extract with the traditional bioflavinoid substances like curcumen, ginger, etc on the market.
Anyway, food for thought...
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Baylor Health Care System (2009, March 21). Can Cherries Relieve The Pain Of Osteoarthritis?.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Want to Be Happy? Don't Buy Stuff.
Everywhere you look there is stuff. I am often amazed when walking through our local mall (hey I only tag along with my wife occasionally) and see all of the "stuff" that I don't need. Does any of this stuff really make anyone happy?
Well new research from San Francisco State University says that if you want to be happier buy experiences instead of stuff. Now that's something I can agree with. In fact right now I am sitting in my favorite coffee shop hammering away at my keyboard (they have never kicked me out for hanging around yet). What I purchased only appears to be a cup of coffee. In reality it is an experience. The decor, friendly staff, cool jazz music playing in the background, even the smell of freshly brewed coffee all lend to the overall experience. So I'm actually happier.
The researchers asked participants to write reflections about their recent purchases. Overall the participants rated their experiences higher in satisfaction than purchases of matieral goods (ie stuff). The theory is that experiences connect deeply with psychological needs such as social connectedness and vitality. Experiences also tend to create lasting memories. Think back through your life. Do you remember all of the stuff you've had or the experiences. Experiences tend to connect more with emotions.
So if you want to increase your overall happiness don't collect more stuff. Instead have a nice experience.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our sites at:
www.informationalhealing.com
www.learnanatomyphysiology.com
Reference:
San Francisco State University (2009, February 17). Buying Experiences, Not Possessions, Leads To Greater Happiness
Well new research from San Francisco State University says that if you want to be happier buy experiences instead of stuff. Now that's something I can agree with. In fact right now I am sitting in my favorite coffee shop hammering away at my keyboard (they have never kicked me out for hanging around yet). What I purchased only appears to be a cup of coffee. In reality it is an experience. The decor, friendly staff, cool jazz music playing in the background, even the smell of freshly brewed coffee all lend to the overall experience. So I'm actually happier.
The researchers asked participants to write reflections about their recent purchases. Overall the participants rated their experiences higher in satisfaction than purchases of matieral goods (ie stuff). The theory is that experiences connect deeply with psychological needs such as social connectedness and vitality. Experiences also tend to create lasting memories. Think back through your life. Do you remember all of the stuff you've had or the experiences. Experiences tend to connect more with emotions.
So if you want to increase your overall happiness don't collect more stuff. Instead have a nice experience.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our sites at:
www.informationalhealing.com
www.learnanatomyphysiology.com
Reference:
San Francisco State University (2009, February 17). Buying Experiences, Not Possessions, Leads To Greater Happiness
Fibromyalgia and the Brain
I have treated many many patients with fibromyalgia and it is quite a challenge. The symptoms range from mild occasional pain to diffuse inflammation. I have seen patients react to just about any kind of activity and treatment. Many are discouraged from being told by their health care practitioners that they are exaggerating their pain. Some were sent to mental health practitioners to overcome their "symptom magnification."
Needless to say many of these patients were relieved when I told them that they have a "real" disease.
Now, a new link between fibromyalgia and the brain has been found. Researchers at Louisiana State University examined fibromyalgia patients and studied brain function. They found that a part of the brain called the hippocampus may be dysfunctional. It may be that long term exposure to stress may result in an increased excitability of the hippocampus and leads to an increase in the sensation of pain.
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease and this may be one piece of the puzzle for treating it.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Wood, C. Ledbetter, M. Glabus, L. Broadwell, J. Patterson 2nd. Hippocampal Metabolite Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia: Correlation With Clinical Features. The Journal of Pain, 2008
Needless to say many of these patients were relieved when I told them that they have a "real" disease.
Now, a new link between fibromyalgia and the brain has been found. Researchers at Louisiana State University examined fibromyalgia patients and studied brain function. They found that a part of the brain called the hippocampus may be dysfunctional. It may be that long term exposure to stress may result in an increased excitability of the hippocampus and leads to an increase in the sensation of pain.
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease and this may be one piece of the puzzle for treating it.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Wood, C. Ledbetter, M. Glabus, L. Broadwell, J. Patterson 2nd. Hippocampal Metabolite Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia: Correlation With Clinical Features. The Journal of Pain, 2008
I'm Back
Yes, it's been nearly a month since my last blog. I haven't abandoned it but have been busy working on a textbook of Human Anatomy and Physiology and developing a new site for students (hey, the book is over 600 pages). You can see it here:
www.learnanatomyphysiology.com
Anyway, I hope to get back in the swing again with more great information on alternative healing.
My next blog will be on fibromyalgia. See you then.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site at www.informationalhealing.com
www.learnanatomyphysiology.com
Anyway, I hope to get back in the swing again with more great information on alternative healing.
My next blog will be on fibromyalgia. See you then.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site at www.informationalhealing.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Are There More Techo-Savy Girls Than Boys?
My 9 year old daughter plays Xbox and Wii. She gets online to play Webkins and knows how to program the TIVO as well as search for her favorite toys on the web. I have even helped her construct her first robot with Lego Mindstorms. But hey, I used to work in engineering and did a bit of programming in the old days. I thought it would be good to introduce our daughter to technology since that seems to be the future of just about everything. So I thought it was just the techno nerd daddy that had a kind of unique influence on my little girl.
Well come to find out I'm not alone. In fact a recent study from the University of Hertfordshire found that young girls are outpacing boys when it comes to technology. And lo and behold it's not the dads but the moms who are getting involved!
The data was collected by an online survey given to 4,606 children between the ages of 6 and 14. A more in depth follow up was also conducted that included 2,535 children.
The study showed that a whopping 94% of girls had used a computer or laptop compared to 88% of boys. I found this very interesting but I found the next piece even more interesting. They also found that 50% of the children chose their moms to help them with these technologies versus just 22% who asked their dads. They also found that the moms were the most experienced and capable computer users.
The researchers indicated that the moms took a more active role in using the internet for homework and studies as compared to the dads who helped their kids have fun with hobbies.
In my day (which was a long time ago) girls seemed to shy away from technology in favor of the traditional "girls toys." In gradeschool they seemed to be better in writing, reading and art while us guys were a bit better at math and science. I did not want to continue this stereotype with our daughter so I decided early on to get her involved in technology and encourage her in math and science.
I guess then all in all there are good and not so good points about this study. It's good to see girls embracing technology and I am all for this. However, I think dads need to be as involved as moms.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for lots of information on healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Hertfordshire (2009, January 21). Girls Have The Edge In New Technologies, New Report Reveals.
Well come to find out I'm not alone. In fact a recent study from the University of Hertfordshire found that young girls are outpacing boys when it comes to technology. And lo and behold it's not the dads but the moms who are getting involved!
The data was collected by an online survey given to 4,606 children between the ages of 6 and 14. A more in depth follow up was also conducted that included 2,535 children.
The study showed that a whopping 94% of girls had used a computer or laptop compared to 88% of boys. I found this very interesting but I found the next piece even more interesting. They also found that 50% of the children chose their moms to help them with these technologies versus just 22% who asked their dads. They also found that the moms were the most experienced and capable computer users.
The researchers indicated that the moms took a more active role in using the internet for homework and studies as compared to the dads who helped their kids have fun with hobbies.
In my day (which was a long time ago) girls seemed to shy away from technology in favor of the traditional "girls toys." In gradeschool they seemed to be better in writing, reading and art while us guys were a bit better at math and science. I did not want to continue this stereotype with our daughter so I decided early on to get her involved in technology and encourage her in math and science.
I guess then all in all there are good and not so good points about this study. It's good to see girls embracing technology and I am all for this. However, I think dads need to be as involved as moms.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for lots of information on healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Hertfordshire (2009, January 21). Girls Have The Edge In New Technologies, New Report Reveals.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Stay Young--Eat Berries
Time moves on, and our bodies slowly show the ravaging effects of living. Yes, we age and our cells accumulate errors when they reproduce. I have described the cellular effects of aging to my students by comparing it to making a copy of a copy of a copy and so on.
Aging has to do with what is known as oxidative stress. That is the errors associated with cell division from the presence of free radicals. Free radicals are those nasty molecules that have an unpaired electron. These bad boys like to latch on to other molecules and wreak havoc. So reducing oxidative stress can help keep our cells healthy and reduced the effects of aging.
We can reduce oxidative stress with molecules called antioxidants. Some vitamins are antioxidants as well as other molecules such as beta carotene. Another antioxidant molecule is pterostilbene which is found in berries.
In fact researchers from Tufts University and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) tested the effects of pterstilbene on rats. The researchers first tested the effects of pterstilbene on the oxidative stress in cell cutltures. They then tested it on groups of rats including one with a low concentration of pterstilbene, one with a high concentration and a control group.
They found that the group with high concentration of pterstilbene showed significant reversal of cognitive decline and improved memory.
So we could say that berry extract helped to reduce the effects of aging (at least in rats). This lends more support to the beneficial effects of antioxidants. I know I take them and recommend them to many others.
Just one more piece of the aging puzzle...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for lots of free downloads and information on natural healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
USDA/Agricultural Research Service (2008, December 30). Berry Compound Reduces Aging Effect.
Aging has to do with what is known as oxidative stress. That is the errors associated with cell division from the presence of free radicals. Free radicals are those nasty molecules that have an unpaired electron. These bad boys like to latch on to other molecules and wreak havoc. So reducing oxidative stress can help keep our cells healthy and reduced the effects of aging.
We can reduce oxidative stress with molecules called antioxidants. Some vitamins are antioxidants as well as other molecules such as beta carotene. Another antioxidant molecule is pterostilbene which is found in berries.
In fact researchers from Tufts University and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) tested the effects of pterstilbene on rats. The researchers first tested the effects of pterstilbene on the oxidative stress in cell cutltures. They then tested it on groups of rats including one with a low concentration of pterstilbene, one with a high concentration and a control group.
They found that the group with high concentration of pterstilbene showed significant reversal of cognitive decline and improved memory.
So we could say that berry extract helped to reduce the effects of aging (at least in rats). This lends more support to the beneficial effects of antioxidants. I know I take them and recommend them to many others.
Just one more piece of the aging puzzle...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for lots of free downloads and information on natural healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
USDA/Agricultural Research Service (2008, December 30). Berry Compound Reduces Aging Effect.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
TV Viewing Linked to Type II Diabetes
Boob tube, idiot box, or whatever you want to call it, TV just wants to pull you in and dominate your life--if you let it. Just watch a child react to a television cartoon. They are hooked within seconds and can watch for hours sitting motionless and craving naughty snacks. Like adult programs, cartoons and other childrens' programs are filled with messages about food and toys. One program practically begins before the previous one ends in a continuous parade of flashing images and soundbite dialog.
Now researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have linked TV viewing to Type II diabetes. The researchers studied African American women by analyzing questionnaires from the Black Women's Health Study and found that TV watching was positively corellated to an increased incidence of Type II diabetes. Exercise and physical activity were inversely corellated. Interestingly TV watching was corellated with diabetes even if the women were physically active.
So, I know it's hard to do sometimes but grab that remote and force your thumb to hit the off button. First enjoy the silence, then go for a walk...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Boston University (2008, December 22). Increasing Physical Activity And Limiting Television May Lead To Reduction In Type 2 Diabetes.
Now researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have linked TV viewing to Type II diabetes. The researchers studied African American women by analyzing questionnaires from the Black Women's Health Study and found that TV watching was positively corellated to an increased incidence of Type II diabetes. Exercise and physical activity were inversely corellated. Interestingly TV watching was corellated with diabetes even if the women were physically active.
So, I know it's hard to do sometimes but grab that remote and force your thumb to hit the off button. First enjoy the silence, then go for a walk...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Boston University (2008, December 22). Increasing Physical Activity And Limiting Television May Lead To Reduction In Type 2 Diabetes.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Student Alert: Surprisng Substances that Improve Memory
During my many years in school I often found my memory lacking when I needed it most. The fragile nature of my memory became evident during the dreaded final exams and other important "assessments" of student learning. So naturally, I worked on developing my memory which included taking caffeine, getting enough sleep and working to understand rather than just memorizing information. I even tried good ole Ginko Biloba which really didn't help me.
It has recently been found that memory improvement results from ingesting some surprisingly delicious foods. These include tea, wine and oh yes, chocolate.
Researchers from Oxford and Norway examined the intake of tea, wine and chocolate in 2,031 people aged 70-74. They found that those who consumed these foods had higher scores on tests of cognitive performance.
The key to enhanced memory may lie in molecules called polyphenols which are found in these foods. One class of polyphenols are the flavinoids which have also been shown to decrease the incidence of dementia.
So I don't think it would be going too far to assume that these results would transfer to students, especially those of the older variety.
This doesn't mean that one should overindulge. Yes, moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a decrease in Alzheimer's disease but too much alcohol is associated with in increase in dementia and a number of other problems.
So next time your study group meets at your house, bring out the chocolates, wine and tea and crank up your memory.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Oxford (2008, December 24). Chocolate, Wine And Tea Improve Brain Performance.
It has recently been found that memory improvement results from ingesting some surprisingly delicious foods. These include tea, wine and oh yes, chocolate.
Researchers from Oxford and Norway examined the intake of tea, wine and chocolate in 2,031 people aged 70-74. They found that those who consumed these foods had higher scores on tests of cognitive performance.
The key to enhanced memory may lie in molecules called polyphenols which are found in these foods. One class of polyphenols are the flavinoids which have also been shown to decrease the incidence of dementia.
So I don't think it would be going too far to assume that these results would transfer to students, especially those of the older variety.
This doesn't mean that one should overindulge. Yes, moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a decrease in Alzheimer's disease but too much alcohol is associated with in increase in dementia and a number of other problems.
So next time your study group meets at your house, bring out the chocolates, wine and tea and crank up your memory.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Oxford (2008, December 24). Chocolate, Wine And Tea Improve Brain Performance.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Scrooge vs. Santa: Which has More of an Effect: Naughty or Nice?
Tis the season for acts of kindness, love and giving, or at least it should be. Have you ever performed a spontaneous act of kindness for a stranger such as paying the toll of the driver behind you or simply holding the door for an overwhelmed mother? On the other hand have you ever cut someone off in traffic or screamed at some unsuspecting customer service rep?
It would seem that in the whole scheme of things one good act should cancel out one bad act. The immutable law of karma should balance out. If I am nasty to a coworker and then contribute to a charity my karmic account should be balanced.
Well, not so fast. It appears that equal acts of niceness and naughtiness do not, I repeat, do not balance out. In fact there is research to lend credence to this idea.
Research at the University of Chicago showed that acts of naughtiness have a greater effect than acts of niceness. In a nutshell the idea goes something like this. Let's say you were finishing up your Christmas shopping and were beginning to pull into one of the last parking spots in sight when some inconsiderate jerk cuts in front of you and grabs the spot. This may provoke some choice words by you which may in turn provoke an argument, which may in turn provoke violence.
On the other hand let's say you were pulling into that coveted spot and saw a friend of yours driving up the lane looking for a spot too. You decide to give your friend the spot--Merry Christmas you exclaim. Your friend thanks you and all is good.
The well meaning thank you is not an equal response to the situation as the potential for beating each other up. This is what the study found; nice acts don't have as much impact as naughty acts.
The researchers tested these effects by using a play money game played by students. In some cases students would share the money equally (nice) and in others they would not (naughty). Actually one experiment involved a game in which one player was told another player would share $100. The second player tended to take $50. But if the roles were reversed and the first player who previously gave money could ask for money, that player would ask for more leaving the other player with less.
Naughty events can be thought of as taking events--something is taken from someone while nice events can be thought of as giving events. The research showed that taking events had a greater chance of escalating than giving events.
So back to karma. Back when I studied positive thinking I remember hearing something about it taking many positive thoughts to overcome one negative thought. Perhaps the same goes for being naughty vs nice.
Peace and healing...
Dr. Bruce
Visting our site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Keysar et al. Reciprocity Is Not Give and Take: Asymmetric Reciprocity to Positive and Negative Acts. Psychological Science, Dec 2008; 19 (12): 1280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02223.x
It would seem that in the whole scheme of things one good act should cancel out one bad act. The immutable law of karma should balance out. If I am nasty to a coworker and then contribute to a charity my karmic account should be balanced.
Well, not so fast. It appears that equal acts of niceness and naughtiness do not, I repeat, do not balance out. In fact there is research to lend credence to this idea.
Research at the University of Chicago showed that acts of naughtiness have a greater effect than acts of niceness. In a nutshell the idea goes something like this. Let's say you were finishing up your Christmas shopping and were beginning to pull into one of the last parking spots in sight when some inconsiderate jerk cuts in front of you and grabs the spot. This may provoke some choice words by you which may in turn provoke an argument, which may in turn provoke violence.
On the other hand let's say you were pulling into that coveted spot and saw a friend of yours driving up the lane looking for a spot too. You decide to give your friend the spot--Merry Christmas you exclaim. Your friend thanks you and all is good.
The well meaning thank you is not an equal response to the situation as the potential for beating each other up. This is what the study found; nice acts don't have as much impact as naughty acts.
The researchers tested these effects by using a play money game played by students. In some cases students would share the money equally (nice) and in others they would not (naughty). Actually one experiment involved a game in which one player was told another player would share $100. The second player tended to take $50. But if the roles were reversed and the first player who previously gave money could ask for money, that player would ask for more leaving the other player with less.
Naughty events can be thought of as taking events--something is taken from someone while nice events can be thought of as giving events. The research showed that taking events had a greater chance of escalating than giving events.
So back to karma. Back when I studied positive thinking I remember hearing something about it taking many positive thoughts to overcome one negative thought. Perhaps the same goes for being naughty vs nice.
Peace and healing...
Dr. Bruce
Visting our site for lots of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Keysar et al. Reciprocity Is Not Give and Take: Asymmetric Reciprocity to Positive and Negative Acts. Psychological Science, Dec 2008; 19 (12): 1280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02223.x
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Mind Body Healing: Meditation Beats Medication for Depression
As we approach the long dark winter months we also enter that time of year that favors depression. Thankfully there are treatments for depression ranging from herbal supplements like St.John's Wort and psychotherapy to medications like Prozac.
For those with depression stemming from problems with serotonin secretion in their nervous systems medication seems to be the best hope for an effective treatment. These are those people with moderate to severe depression.
Well, there is new hope in the form of a treatment known as mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT). A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that MBCT rivaled medications in the treatment of depression.
The study examined 123 subjects suffering from repeated episodes of depression who were referred to the study by their MDs. Researchers used 2 groups. One was a control group that continued taking antidepressant medication. The other group was treated with MBCT. After 15 months the MBCT group experienced a greater quality of life and less relapse than the medication group.
The meditation treatment consisted of a series of Buddhist meditation techniques in which participants focused more on the present than the past or future. The treatment can be administered in groups conducted by one therapist. MTCT was developed in 2002 by psychologists Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale.
Chalk another one up for mind-body healing!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information and downloads:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Exeter (2008, December 2). Depression Treatment: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy As Effective As Anti-depressant Medication, Study Suggests.
For those with depression stemming from problems with serotonin secretion in their nervous systems medication seems to be the best hope for an effective treatment. These are those people with moderate to severe depression.
Well, there is new hope in the form of a treatment known as mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT). A new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that MBCT rivaled medications in the treatment of depression.
The study examined 123 subjects suffering from repeated episodes of depression who were referred to the study by their MDs. Researchers used 2 groups. One was a control group that continued taking antidepressant medication. The other group was treated with MBCT. After 15 months the MBCT group experienced a greater quality of life and less relapse than the medication group.
The meditation treatment consisted of a series of Buddhist meditation techniques in which participants focused more on the present than the past or future. The treatment can be administered in groups conducted by one therapist. MTCT was developed in 2002 by psychologists Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale.
Chalk another one up for mind-body healing!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our free site for lots of healing information and downloads:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Exeter (2008, December 2). Depression Treatment: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy As Effective As Anti-depressant Medication, Study Suggests.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Gratitude = Happiness
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us. A time of cheer for some, but for others a time of saddness. The holidays can also be a stressful time. During my practice years I would see a number of patients get worse over the holiday season. Too many responsibilities and demands and not enough time resulting in greater aches, pains, and headaches.
One thing that may help to put more "cheer" in the holidays is to revisit the ole attitude of gratitude. In fact a recent study by Kent State University's Dr. Steven Toepfer has shown just that. Happiness increases with a sense of gratitude.
Toepfer recruited a group of students from six courses and had them write letters of gratitude to people who had a positive influence on their lives. Students were given surveys after each letter to measure their mood, satisfaction with life, happiness and gratitude.
Toepfer saw the students' moods become more positive with each letter. They demonstrated more happiness and satisfaction with their lives. In fact, 75% said they would continue to write letters after the study. Toepfer also links expressive writing with overall better health.
So in the spirit of gratitude I personally wish to thank you all for reading my blog and especially those of you who have read my book. I am truly grateful...
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site for lots of free healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Kent State University (2008, November 27). Want To Be Happier? Be More Grateful.
One thing that may help to put more "cheer" in the holidays is to revisit the ole attitude of gratitude. In fact a recent study by Kent State University's Dr. Steven Toepfer has shown just that. Happiness increases with a sense of gratitude.
Toepfer recruited a group of students from six courses and had them write letters of gratitude to people who had a positive influence on their lives. Students were given surveys after each letter to measure their mood, satisfaction with life, happiness and gratitude.
Toepfer saw the students' moods become more positive with each letter. They demonstrated more happiness and satisfaction with their lives. In fact, 75% said they would continue to write letters after the study. Toepfer also links expressive writing with overall better health.
So in the spirit of gratitude I personally wish to thank you all for reading my blog and especially those of you who have read my book. I am truly grateful...
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site for lots of free healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Kent State University (2008, November 27). Want To Be Happier? Be More Grateful.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Be Happy Live Healthy: How Mood Affects Our Choices
Choices, choices, choices. Our lives are all about the choices we make. This is even more important as we face this time of economic uncertainty. It is easy to get negative. Just watch the evening news or read the morning paper. It's a wonder that anyone could maintain a positive outlook these days.
But mood is an important thing. It has a strong influence over our choices and our choices have a profound influence over our lives. In fact a recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research demonstrated a strong connection between mood and choice.
Researchers exposed subjects to statements with either happy or frowning faces next to them. They found that by associating a statement with a happy face the statement was interpreted at a higher, more abstract level. During a follow up session subjects were told to conjure up happy and sad days then fill out a questionnaire that measured abstract versus concrete thinking. Those subjects who were in a good mood scored higher on abstract thinking.
The authors indicated that people in more positive moods are more able to see the big picture and work harder for future goals.
So if your future goal is to be healthy or make choices that help you in the long run then a positive attitude goes a long way...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Reference:
University of Chicago Press Journals (2008, November 21). Put On A Happy Face: It Helps You See The Big Picture.
Visit our site for much more information on healing and wellness:
www.informationalhealing.com
But mood is an important thing. It has a strong influence over our choices and our choices have a profound influence over our lives. In fact a recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research demonstrated a strong connection between mood and choice.
Researchers exposed subjects to statements with either happy or frowning faces next to them. They found that by associating a statement with a happy face the statement was interpreted at a higher, more abstract level. During a follow up session subjects were told to conjure up happy and sad days then fill out a questionnaire that measured abstract versus concrete thinking. Those subjects who were in a good mood scored higher on abstract thinking.
The authors indicated that people in more positive moods are more able to see the big picture and work harder for future goals.
So if your future goal is to be healthy or make choices that help you in the long run then a positive attitude goes a long way...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Reference:
University of Chicago Press Journals (2008, November 21). Put On A Happy Face: It Helps You See The Big Picture.
Visit our site for much more information on healing and wellness:
www.informationalhealing.com
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Religion vs. Spirituality: Which is Better for Your Health?
We appear to be in the middle of a trend. We are becoming a more spiritual people but not necessarily a more religious people. With the recent wildly popular work of spiritual teachers such as Eckhard Tolle's "A New Earth" which was broadcast as a web course on the Oprah network this past Spring, we see an increased interest in getting our spiritual needs met outside of traditional religion.
A relatively recent article (2006) published in the Journal of Religion and Health also found that people are trending towards spirituality and away from religion. Perhaps events such as the unveiling of years of covert child abuse in the Catholic church have had an effect. Or perhaps people need something more than the ancient rhetoric and customs provide in a progressive search for answers to life's mysteries. Maybe we have a need to integrate some progressive thinking into our spirituality that religion doesn't allow. It did take the Catholic church several hundred years to finally apologize to Galileo for his blasphemous beliefs that the earth traveled around the sun--I believe this occured in the 1970s...
In my humble experience I have known very religious people without an ounce of spirituality and very spiritual people who did not belong to any religion.
So which is better for your health? Well a recent study conducted by Temple University examined a link between religion and depression. In this study researchers examined the "religiosity" (how religious someone is by traditional standards) of a group of church goers. They found that those scoring high on religious well being were actually 1.5 more likely to have experienced depression than those who scored lower.
The researchers surmised that perhaps those suffering from depression found comfort in religion. They also found that those who scored high on existential well-being were 70 percent less likely to have experienced depression. One could make the assumption that existential well-being is akin to spirituality.
It makes sense (at least to me) that feeling connected to a higher power and at ease with one's existence should be better for one's health than merely attending church. Spirituality is an important thing in our lives and now we are realizing that it is an important thing for our health.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for great downloads on health and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Trends in the Scientific Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Health: 1965-2000
Temple University (2008, October 26). Spirituality Protects Against Depression Better Than Church Attendance.
A relatively recent article (2006) published in the Journal of Religion and Health also found that people are trending towards spirituality and away from religion. Perhaps events such as the unveiling of years of covert child abuse in the Catholic church have had an effect. Or perhaps people need something more than the ancient rhetoric and customs provide in a progressive search for answers to life's mysteries. Maybe we have a need to integrate some progressive thinking into our spirituality that religion doesn't allow. It did take the Catholic church several hundred years to finally apologize to Galileo for his blasphemous beliefs that the earth traveled around the sun--I believe this occured in the 1970s...
In my humble experience I have known very religious people without an ounce of spirituality and very spiritual people who did not belong to any religion.
So which is better for your health? Well a recent study conducted by Temple University examined a link between religion and depression. In this study researchers examined the "religiosity" (how religious someone is by traditional standards) of a group of church goers. They found that those scoring high on religious well being were actually 1.5 more likely to have experienced depression than those who scored lower.
The researchers surmised that perhaps those suffering from depression found comfort in religion. They also found that those who scored high on existential well-being were 70 percent less likely to have experienced depression. One could make the assumption that existential well-being is akin to spirituality.
It makes sense (at least to me) that feeling connected to a higher power and at ease with one's existence should be better for one's health than merely attending church. Spirituality is an important thing in our lives and now we are realizing that it is an important thing for our health.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Visit our site for great downloads on health and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Trends in the Scientific Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Health: 1965-2000
Temple University (2008, October 26). Spirituality Protects Against Depression Better Than Church Attendance.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mind Body Healing: MDs Use Placebos
Is is witchcraft? Voodoo? or just plain ole positive intention? Placebos are one of the best examples of mind body healing. Placebos are supposed to be inert substances that have no effect on healing. However, if a patient truly believes the substance will help then a placebo can be a powerful treatment.
Placebos work through beliefs. When one believes in something then one's mind sends powerful healing messages to the body. Placebos not only work with treatments but also with people, like doctors. If you don't believe your doctor (or practitioner) can help then chances are that she won't.
I am a big supporter of the placebo effect and have seen numerous cases where placebos played a part in healing. Placebos may be deemed inert, but I think the beliefs associated with them are very powerful.
So I was interested to see another study about MDs using placebos. This one comes to us from the University of Colorado and the National Institutes of Health. The researchers examined a national sample of 1200 internists and rheumatologists regarding their treatment of chronic conditions.
A little more than half of the sample responded to the questionnaire. Of those who responed about half said they have used placebos and 62% said they had no ethical problem with using placebos.
The doctors used substances such as vitamins, over the counter painkillers, and the occasional sugar pill. Some doctors used treatments for other conditions such as antibiotics and sedatives. These treatments should have no healing effect on chronic conditions.
If one generalizes this study to the total population of doctors it seems that placebo use is a fairly common practice among US physicians.
Horray for mind body healing!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site for loads of free information on healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
BMJ-British Medical Journal (2008, October 25). U.S. Doctors Regularly Prescribe Real Drugs As Placebo Treatments, Study Claims.
Placebos work through beliefs. When one believes in something then one's mind sends powerful healing messages to the body. Placebos not only work with treatments but also with people, like doctors. If you don't believe your doctor (or practitioner) can help then chances are that she won't.
I am a big supporter of the placebo effect and have seen numerous cases where placebos played a part in healing. Placebos may be deemed inert, but I think the beliefs associated with them are very powerful.
So I was interested to see another study about MDs using placebos. This one comes to us from the University of Colorado and the National Institutes of Health. The researchers examined a national sample of 1200 internists and rheumatologists regarding their treatment of chronic conditions.
A little more than half of the sample responded to the questionnaire. Of those who responed about half said they have used placebos and 62% said they had no ethical problem with using placebos.
The doctors used substances such as vitamins, over the counter painkillers, and the occasional sugar pill. Some doctors used treatments for other conditions such as antibiotics and sedatives. These treatments should have no healing effect on chronic conditions.
If one generalizes this study to the total population of doctors it seems that placebo use is a fairly common practice among US physicians.
Horray for mind body healing!
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Check out our site for loads of free information on healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
BMJ-British Medical Journal (2008, October 25). U.S. Doctors Regularly Prescribe Real Drugs As Placebo Treatments, Study Claims.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Does Intention Really Work? A Test of Intention
I have been studying intention for many years now and still have a bit of skepticism regarding all of the hoopla about changing your reality by changing your thoughts and beliefs. Yes, I think you can change your life by looking at it from the glass is half full perspective but what I’m talking about is physical reality. In other words can you have an effect on physical reality by using your thoughts? I’m not talking about moving rocks or starting your car with your mind in the dead of winter or even sending a message to your spouse to take out the garbage, I’m just looking to move a needle on some sensitive equipment or influence some event in some minor way. So I set out to find some sort of test that would “show me the money” when it came to demonstrating intention.
My research led me to the random event generator studies performed at the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Center by the likes of Roger Nelson and Dean Radin. These scientists are no slouches. They performed thousands of trials with random event generators spitting out millions of ones and zeros. Many of these trials incorporated subjects who tried to influence these machines to spit out more ones or more zeros. The data is convincing that humans can indeed have an influence over these machines.
But I’m a kind of show me guy. I want to see this effect for myself. I want to see something react to just me sitting there thinking some kind of thought or another. So I found another series of experiments carried out by a lie detector expert by the name of Cleve Backster. Backster was a polygraph expert who in 1966 hooked up a plant to a lie detector hoping to measure the time it took for water to reach a leaf. Backster found that when he thought about harming the plant the polygraph displayed a reaction much like an alarm reaction in a human subject. This led to many follow up experiments testing whether plants can sense danger or pick up information from humans with mixed results.
So, since I have access to an EEG machine in my lab I thought I would conduct my own test of intention. I visited my local Home Depot and purchased a basic philodendron for my subject. I brought the plant to my lab and attached three sticky electrodes to one large leaf being careful not to damage it. I then took a baseline reading for about a minute. So far the EEG machine signal just showed some very mild activity but basically a flat line. I was actually surprised to find any signal at all since I didn’t think the plant was capable of producing anything that looked like brain waves.
Now for the spooky part. I inserted a marker in the data to let me know just when I would threaten the poor defenseless plant. I then lit a Bunsen burner on the lab table about six feet from the plant. I took a loop of wire and heated it to red hot with the intention of burning the plant. To my further surprise I noticed a few blips on the screen. I brought the red hot loop of wire closer to one of the plant leaves and noticed a few more blips. It seemed as though the blips were more in synch with my thoughts than my movements closer to the plant.
Frankly at this point I had to sit down and collect my thoughts so I stopped the recording for a bit. After a couple of minutes I started it up again and threatened the plant one more time. Sure enough, there were the blips just when I thought those nasty plant burning thoughts.
Skepticism diminished I took a good look at the data and it appears that Cleve Backster was really on to something at least in my lunch hour plant torturing session. It seemed unlikely that the blips appeared at random since I was thinking about affecting the plant in a threatening way when they appeared and there was a flat line when I wasn’t thinking of affecting the plant.
So what the heck is going on here? Could the plant somehow be picking up my bad vibes? According to the intention folks that is what happens. Our thoughts connect to a field that connects to everything else. The plant is just reacting to the information in the field.
This little experiment did a couple of things for me. For one, I have a deeper respect for plants. I also was able to witness something concrete about intention and the physical world. I’ll be sure to be more aware of negative thoughts in the future.
For more about intention and healing visit:
www.informationalhealing.com
Lunch hour experiment with plant and eeg machine.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Randomness and The Law of Attraction
Yesterday was a great day. We here in the north are enjoying our last vestiges of summer with warm temperatures and Fall colors in full bloom. It was so nice that my daughter and I decided to get out to the park for a bit of the outdoors before dinner. She engaged in the usual play with me participating in her imaginative world as much as a middle aged guy could.
At one point I was pushing her on a swing when I felt something hit my ear and shoulder. I knew immediately that I had been the target of none other than an avian nemesis. She thought it was funny that the bird pooped on her dad. I was just annoyed.
So according to the Law of Attraction purists I was in some way “resonant” with the bird’s colon. I had somehow attracted the event into my life. What could be the purpose of getting pooped on? Well perhaps it was to make me more humble or to bring me into the present moment or maybe it was karmic retribution for running into a bird with my car years ago. On a positive note maybe it was a message from the universe telling me to go home at that point because if I stayed in the park I would meet some person who would harm me.
All kidding aside, another interpretation is that it was a random event. If one takes into account all of the birds migrating this time of year and one stands around trees there is a good chance that one will get pooped on. The point is that I think that some events can be influenced by the Law of Attraction but others are just random events. The real trick in using the law is to know (or at least try to know) the difference.
If I were a purist I would be blaming myself for the event and trying to change something about my beliefs so that I could avoid such pooping events in the future. Since I’m not a purist I just think it was more of the law of probability than the law of attraction.
The point is that sometimes we get pooped on in our lives. When this happens we are not always to blame. There is a randomness to our universe that has to be reckoned with. At the smallest level (quantum level) our universe is random and this percolates up to our level of existence.
What really matters when these events occur is how we respond. Here we have a choice and some control over the situation. As for me I could’ve shouted an expletive and carried on as a victim of the bird conspiracy. Those buggers are out to get me! However, my daughter and I had a good laugh, I did the best I could to wipe the poop off of my ear, went home, washed up and changed my shirt.
Life goes on…
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of free healing downloads at:
www.informationalhealing.com
At one point I was pushing her on a swing when I felt something hit my ear and shoulder. I knew immediately that I had been the target of none other than an avian nemesis. She thought it was funny that the bird pooped on her dad. I was just annoyed.
So according to the Law of Attraction purists I was in some way “resonant” with the bird’s colon. I had somehow attracted the event into my life. What could be the purpose of getting pooped on? Well perhaps it was to make me more humble or to bring me into the present moment or maybe it was karmic retribution for running into a bird with my car years ago. On a positive note maybe it was a message from the universe telling me to go home at that point because if I stayed in the park I would meet some person who would harm me.
All kidding aside, another interpretation is that it was a random event. If one takes into account all of the birds migrating this time of year and one stands around trees there is a good chance that one will get pooped on. The point is that I think that some events can be influenced by the Law of Attraction but others are just random events. The real trick in using the law is to know (or at least try to know) the difference.
If I were a purist I would be blaming myself for the event and trying to change something about my beliefs so that I could avoid such pooping events in the future. Since I’m not a purist I just think it was more of the law of probability than the law of attraction.
The point is that sometimes we get pooped on in our lives. When this happens we are not always to blame. There is a randomness to our universe that has to be reckoned with. At the smallest level (quantum level) our universe is random and this percolates up to our level of existence.
What really matters when these events occur is how we respond. Here we have a choice and some control over the situation. As for me I could’ve shouted an expletive and carried on as a victim of the bird conspiracy. Those buggers are out to get me! However, my daughter and I had a good laugh, I did the best I could to wipe the poop off of my ear, went home, washed up and changed my shirt.
Life goes on…
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of free healing downloads at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Health and Wellness: Exercising Just a Little Helps Improve Health
Today I have one of my periodic appointments at my health club with the "dreadmill." I try to keep up with my goal of exercising 3-5 times per week but sometimes life gets in the way. I don't think I'm alone in trying to find time to move the booty while engaging in a myriad of other persuits (like a job). Many students and fellow academics also have difficulty scheduling good ole exercise in their busy lives.
Yes, I know I should get up to 10,000 steps per day but I also have to give lectures, grade papers and learn new technology as well as be a father to my child and contribute to our household.
The problem is dealing with the guilt of missing a workout. Hey, I'm a health and wellness writer. I should be beginning my day with meditation and yoga and take long walks after my tofu salad lunch.
The reality is that I'm just like everyone else trying to squeeze in an hour of exercise here and there.
Well there is hope. There are some studies that show that even a little exercise goes a long way. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center investigated the activity levels of 1200 obese people and found that even small increases in activity had benefits. The more active obese subjects had an easier time performing activities of daily living than their more sedentary counterparts. Even a slight increase in activity appeared to make a difference. The participants all reported less than 1 hour of exercise per week.
So, no need to feel guilty missing that occasional workout. Just don't fall off the exercise wagon completely.
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for great free downloads for health and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Duke University Medical Center (2008, October 6). A Little Exercise Goes A Long Way For Severely Obese.
Yes, I know I should get up to 10,000 steps per day but I also have to give lectures, grade papers and learn new technology as well as be a father to my child and contribute to our household.
The problem is dealing with the guilt of missing a workout. Hey, I'm a health and wellness writer. I should be beginning my day with meditation and yoga and take long walks after my tofu salad lunch.
The reality is that I'm just like everyone else trying to squeeze in an hour of exercise here and there.
Well there is hope. There are some studies that show that even a little exercise goes a long way. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center investigated the activity levels of 1200 obese people and found that even small increases in activity had benefits. The more active obese subjects had an easier time performing activities of daily living than their more sedentary counterparts. Even a slight increase in activity appeared to make a difference. The participants all reported less than 1 hour of exercise per week.
So, no need to feel guilty missing that occasional workout. Just don't fall off the exercise wagon completely.
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for great free downloads for health and healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Duke University Medical Center (2008, October 6). A Little Exercise Goes A Long Way For Severely Obese.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Epigenetics: Environment Influences Rheumatoid Arthritis
Just because someone has the genetic predisposition for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) it doesn't mean that it will always be expressed. There is an exciting new field in biology called epigenetics that explores the connection between the environment and the expression of certain genetic traits. In other words, it was long thought that information flowed down a oneway street from DNA to RNA to protein. In fact this concept of information flow was deemed the central dogma of biology. However, in the past few years it has been discovered that there is feedback loop beyond the random mutations of natural selection that influences whether certain genes are expressed.
This provides new hope for those carrying disease causing genes. Proponents of epigenetics such as Bruce Lipton (author of Biology of Belief) go as far as to say that since beliefs affect behavior and behavior contributes to environmental influences then changing one's beliefs and behaviors can affect how genes are expressed. Positive behaviors can then be passed down through generations much like genetic traits.
One recent study investigated the effects of environment on the expression of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study conducted at the Karolinska Institutet looked at the work environment. Researchers looked at what is called psychosocial workload. In particular they found a correlation between low decision lattitude and RA.
In other words, jobs in which workers have little input in decision making had an increased incidence of RA. Lack of control in the workplace has also been associated with high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Other behavioral factors that have been associated with an increase in RA include smoking and drinking alcohol.
I think this is very exciting and I am particularly interested in how information flow to DNA can affect its expression. This study provides just one more piece to the puzzle.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Author of Unlocking the Healing Code
Join our free site for lots of free downloads for health, wellness and healing at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Karolinska Institutet (2008, September 28). Working Environment Is One Cause Of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
This provides new hope for those carrying disease causing genes. Proponents of epigenetics such as Bruce Lipton (author of Biology of Belief) go as far as to say that since beliefs affect behavior and behavior contributes to environmental influences then changing one's beliefs and behaviors can affect how genes are expressed. Positive behaviors can then be passed down through generations much like genetic traits.
One recent study investigated the effects of environment on the expression of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study conducted at the Karolinska Institutet looked at the work environment. Researchers looked at what is called psychosocial workload. In particular they found a correlation between low decision lattitude and RA.
In other words, jobs in which workers have little input in decision making had an increased incidence of RA. Lack of control in the workplace has also been associated with high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Other behavioral factors that have been associated with an increase in RA include smoking and drinking alcohol.
I think this is very exciting and I am particularly interested in how information flow to DNA can affect its expression. This study provides just one more piece to the puzzle.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Author of Unlocking the Healing Code
Join our free site for lots of free downloads for health, wellness and healing at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Karolinska Institutet (2008, September 28). Working Environment Is One Cause Of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Our Children: Is Medication Getting Out of Control?
Now don't get me wrong. I support the use of medication for many problems. But I am also witness to a trend in our country that in my opinion is bordering on neglect when it comes to our children.
Not only have drug companies pushed potentially dangerous over the counter meds on us and our kids but now there is a growing trend to medicate behavioral problems.
I have heard this time and time again whereby pediatricians are quick to prescribe meds for depression and hyperactivity while ingoring the success of safer alternative treatments.
Now a recent study supports the idea that children in this country are becoming over medicated for behavioral problems. This study is from the journal "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health" and examined the use of medications such as Prozac and Ritalin in 3 countries (Germany, Netherlands and US).
The researchers found that the use of antidepressants or stimulant is 3 times greater in the US than the other 2 countries. The use of psychotropics is up to 2 times greater.
One of the researchers commented that direct to consumer advertising may in part be responsible for the results.
Yup, those drug companies have benefited greatly by bypassing stressed and overworked physicians in order to move that product directly to us consumers.
Shouldn't we have some sort of regulation against this kind of advertising? Don't physicians have years of training in order to choose the best option for their patients?
I can't see where someone could make an educated choice about using a medication just by watching a commercial. Especially when they flash a full page of side effects on the screen for about 2 milliseconds.
Oh, that's right, we live in a country where deregulation is the norm when it comes to big businesses such as in the financial and banking world.
Anyway, not to rant any further but in my lowly opinion I think that healthcare needs to move toward a more integrative model when it comes to using these powerful and dangerous medication on our children. Alternative medicine and dietary changes have been effective and should not be overlooked.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site on health and wellness at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Julie M Zito, Daniel J Safer, Lolkje TW de Jong-van den Berg, Katrin Janhsen, Joerg M Fegert, James F Gardner, Gerd Glaeske and Satish C Valluri. A three-country comparison of psychotropic medication prevalence in youth. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
Not only have drug companies pushed potentially dangerous over the counter meds on us and our kids but now there is a growing trend to medicate behavioral problems.
I have heard this time and time again whereby pediatricians are quick to prescribe meds for depression and hyperactivity while ingoring the success of safer alternative treatments.
Now a recent study supports the idea that children in this country are becoming over medicated for behavioral problems. This study is from the journal "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health" and examined the use of medications such as Prozac and Ritalin in 3 countries (Germany, Netherlands and US).
The researchers found that the use of antidepressants or stimulant is 3 times greater in the US than the other 2 countries. The use of psychotropics is up to 2 times greater.
One of the researchers commented that direct to consumer advertising may in part be responsible for the results.
Yup, those drug companies have benefited greatly by bypassing stressed and overworked physicians in order to move that product directly to us consumers.
Shouldn't we have some sort of regulation against this kind of advertising? Don't physicians have years of training in order to choose the best option for their patients?
I can't see where someone could make an educated choice about using a medication just by watching a commercial. Especially when they flash a full page of side effects on the screen for about 2 milliseconds.
Oh, that's right, we live in a country where deregulation is the norm when it comes to big businesses such as in the financial and banking world.
Anyway, not to rant any further but in my lowly opinion I think that healthcare needs to move toward a more integrative model when it comes to using these powerful and dangerous medication on our children. Alternative medicine and dietary changes have been effective and should not be overlooked.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site on health and wellness at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Julie M Zito, Daniel J Safer, Lolkje TW de Jong-van den Berg, Katrin Janhsen, Joerg M Fegert, James F Gardner, Gerd Glaeske and Satish C Valluri. A three-country comparison of psychotropic medication prevalence in youth. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Intention and Uncertainty: Using Intention
I have been researching and writing my new book on reality. The basic concept of the book is that at the core of everything is information and to what extent we can influence this informational reality.
One of the topics has to do with intention. I have written about using intention and healing in "Unlocking the Healing Code" but I wanted to go deeper into how intention can be used to change reality.
One aspect of using intention is the concept of uncertainty. In quantum physics very small objects have a degree of uncertainty associated with them. One of the classic examples is the wave/particle duality of light. In other words there is a certain probability associated with whether light presents as a wave or a particle. By observing the light consciousness makes a decision and the universe obliges and gives us a wave or a particle. So the decision as rendered by consciousness reduces the uncertainty.
The same concept can be applied to using intention. In other words (in my lowly opinion) intention has a greater affect on systems that have a significant degree of uncertainty associated with them. For example, let's say you were trying to use intention to move a rock. Since the rock is a large object (in a quantum sense) there is little uncertainty associated with moving it. It is pretty certain that the rock will stay in the same place.
However, complex systems of people or the human body have a greater degree of uncertainty associated with them. It is more likely then that intention will have an effect. This may be due to a large number of quantum effects that exist in uncertain systems (something I will need to research further).
Anyway, the point is that if you are using intention you should look at the degree of uncertainty associated with whatever it is you are trying to influence.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site at:
www.informationalhealing.com
One of the topics has to do with intention. I have written about using intention and healing in "Unlocking the Healing Code" but I wanted to go deeper into how intention can be used to change reality.
One aspect of using intention is the concept of uncertainty. In quantum physics very small objects have a degree of uncertainty associated with them. One of the classic examples is the wave/particle duality of light. In other words there is a certain probability associated with whether light presents as a wave or a particle. By observing the light consciousness makes a decision and the universe obliges and gives us a wave or a particle. So the decision as rendered by consciousness reduces the uncertainty.
The same concept can be applied to using intention. In other words (in my lowly opinion) intention has a greater affect on systems that have a significant degree of uncertainty associated with them. For example, let's say you were trying to use intention to move a rock. Since the rock is a large object (in a quantum sense) there is little uncertainty associated with moving it. It is pretty certain that the rock will stay in the same place.
However, complex systems of people or the human body have a greater degree of uncertainty associated with them. It is more likely then that intention will have an effect. This may be due to a large number of quantum effects that exist in uncertain systems (something I will need to research further).
Anyway, the point is that if you are using intention you should look at the degree of uncertainty associated with whatever it is you are trying to influence.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site at:
www.informationalhealing.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Epigenetics: Are Obesity Genes Always Expressed?
There is much excitement about a new branch of the biological sciences. For many years it was thought that we were slaves to our genes. Information always flowed from DNA to RNA to proteins. In fact this idiom was deemed the central dogma of biology. Information only flows in one direction and there is nothing we can do about it.
Well, the central dogma is beginning to yield to new research in the exciting new science of epigenetics. Epigenetics has to do with how environmental influences affect the expression of genes. There is a kind of feedback loop of information that flows back to DNA from the environment. That means that your behaviors (which come from thoughts and beliefs) can indeed affect how your genes are expressed.
In fact writer/scientists such as Bruce Lipton purport that beliefs can affect the way genes are expressed. Change your beliefs and subsequent behaviors and pass these down to subsequent generations and evolution will take care of getting rid of those pesky genes.
In other words there is hope for those of us who are not as blessed genetically as others. You may have the gene for a certain trait but it doesn't have to be expressed if you engage in positive beliefs, thoughts and behaviors.
Recently this idea gained more support with a study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Researchers analyzed Amish subjects and found that those with genes for obesity were less likely to be obese if they engaged in physical activity.
The researchers stated "Our results strongly suggest that the increased risk of obesity due to genetic susceptibility can be blunted through physical activity,"
The gene is called the FTO gene and is responsible for causing obesity and increased body mass index or BMI.
So, just how much activity was shown to affect gene expression? It turns out that an extra 900 kcals (calories) per day should be burned via moderate activity. This equates to about 3 hours of brisk walking or housework.
This is a stretch for sedentary types but it seems that activity produce some really nice rewards for those with this genetic predisposition to obesity and metabolic syndrome. I would even go as far as to say that even 1 hour per day would produce some nice results.
As I always say, health is all about information flow. We are not slaves to our DNA and our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors can feedback to DNA and affect its expression.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for loads of information on natural healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Maryland Medical Center (2008, September 10). High Levels Of Physical Activity Can Blunt Effect Of Obesity-related Gene, Study Suggests.
Well, the central dogma is beginning to yield to new research in the exciting new science of epigenetics. Epigenetics has to do with how environmental influences affect the expression of genes. There is a kind of feedback loop of information that flows back to DNA from the environment. That means that your behaviors (which come from thoughts and beliefs) can indeed affect how your genes are expressed.
In fact writer/scientists such as Bruce Lipton purport that beliefs can affect the way genes are expressed. Change your beliefs and subsequent behaviors and pass these down to subsequent generations and evolution will take care of getting rid of those pesky genes.
In other words there is hope for those of us who are not as blessed genetically as others. You may have the gene for a certain trait but it doesn't have to be expressed if you engage in positive beliefs, thoughts and behaviors.
Recently this idea gained more support with a study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Researchers analyzed Amish subjects and found that those with genes for obesity were less likely to be obese if they engaged in physical activity.
The researchers stated "Our results strongly suggest that the increased risk of obesity due to genetic susceptibility can be blunted through physical activity,"
The gene is called the FTO gene and is responsible for causing obesity and increased body mass index or BMI.
So, just how much activity was shown to affect gene expression? It turns out that an extra 900 kcals (calories) per day should be burned via moderate activity. This equates to about 3 hours of brisk walking or housework.
This is a stretch for sedentary types but it seems that activity produce some really nice rewards for those with this genetic predisposition to obesity and metabolic syndrome. I would even go as far as to say that even 1 hour per day would produce some nice results.
As I always say, health is all about information flow. We are not slaves to our DNA and our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors can feedback to DNA and affect its expression.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for loads of information on natural healing:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Maryland Medical Center (2008, September 10). High Levels Of Physical Activity Can Blunt Effect Of Obesity-related Gene, Study Suggests.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Dr. Bruce on Just Energy Radio Sept 12
I am very happy to announce that I will be on Just Energy Radio with Dr. Rita Louise on Friday Sept 12 between 7-9PM CST.
I will be talking about my book Unlocking the Healing Code and a way to unify alternative and mainstream medicines.
If you listen live you will be able to call in to the show and ask questions.
I am proud and delighted to be in such company as Bruce Lipton, Gary Zukov, Lynn McTaggart, Dr. Amit Goswami, and Dr. Edgar Mitchell who have all been guests on the show.
You can check out the show and get more information here:
http://www.justenergyradio.com/
Or access it from my home page here:
http://www.informationalhealing.com/
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
I will be talking about my book Unlocking the Healing Code and a way to unify alternative and mainstream medicines.
If you listen live you will be able to call in to the show and ask questions.
I am proud and delighted to be in such company as Bruce Lipton, Gary Zukov, Lynn McTaggart, Dr. Amit Goswami, and Dr. Edgar Mitchell who have all been guests on the show.
You can check out the show and get more information here:
http://www.justenergyradio.com/
Or access it from my home page here:
http://www.informationalhealing.com/
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Healthy Eating: Avoiding Marketing Tricks Can Improve Your Waistline
We live in a complex and "tricky" world, especially when it comes to healthy food choices. Take soft drinks for example. A trip to the movies may reveal that a "large" is no longer a "large" drink and a "small" does not exist anymore. What used to be the "small" drink is now called a "junior." So as a middle aged adult I am force to order a "junior" drink because when I order a "small" drink I get what used to be a "medium" (now called a "regular")!
When I order my "junior" sized drink the attendant promptly makes the "pitch" for the "large" by stating that it is a better value (what, am I an idiot for getting a junior?!) and presenting a slickly choreographed visual of just how much delicious sugary fluid I am missing out on by holding up an empty large cup. But alas, I am not swayed by the one-two sales punch. Not only do I drink diet soda (yes I know it can make me hungrier and mess with my pancreas) but thank you I'll stick with my wimpy "junior."
So believe it or not there is a study about how restaurants are eliminating the smaller sizes of soft drinks causing consumers to do what we do best in the US, that is consume baby consume. Bring on that humongous calorie laden cola!
The study was conducted by Kathryn M. Sharpe, Richard Staelin, and Joel Huber from Duke university. The researches concluded that the increase in drink sizes results in a whopping 15% increase in consumption. For those poor souls who drink non-diet soft drinks this can really pack on the calories.
Now here's another one. When I go grocery shopping I see a new trend in snack items. The aisles are filled with packages of little bags touting that they are only 100 calories each. Wow, now I can eat those chocolate chip cookies that I gave up for healthy eating. Hey, it's only 100 cals, my diet can afford that. And if one's not enough maybe I can have 2. Again, only 200 cals for the sheer enjoyment of consuming these sugary processed little buggers.
Hmm my mind is playing tricks on me. I am actually beginning to believe that these snack foods are actually diet foods!
Well a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that these little snack packs actually undermine dieters attempts at limiting calories. Researchers Maura L. Scott, Stephen M. Nowlis, Naomi Mandel, and Andrea C. Morales from Arizona State University surmised that dieters percieve these snack packs not as junk food with empty calories but diet food. Dieters also think that there is a good sized portion in these packs. If you've ever opened one of these you would see the tiny portion akin to a handful of M&Ms from one of those vending machines that dispense the raw goods without packages.
Sneaky, sneaky. It's difficult enough to get on the healthy eating wagon without marketers messing with our minds.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of free healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Sharpe et al. Using Extremeness Aversion to Fight Obesity: Policy Implications of Context Dependent Demand. Journal of Consumer Research, 2008; 0 (0): 080416123650803
Scott et al. The Effects of Reduced Food Size and Package Size on the Consumption Behavior of Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters. Journal of Consumer Research, 2008; 0 (0): 080716090056599
When I order my "junior" sized drink the attendant promptly makes the "pitch" for the "large" by stating that it is a better value (what, am I an idiot for getting a junior?!) and presenting a slickly choreographed visual of just how much delicious sugary fluid I am missing out on by holding up an empty large cup. But alas, I am not swayed by the one-two sales punch. Not only do I drink diet soda (yes I know it can make me hungrier and mess with my pancreas) but thank you I'll stick with my wimpy "junior."
So believe it or not there is a study about how restaurants are eliminating the smaller sizes of soft drinks causing consumers to do what we do best in the US, that is consume baby consume. Bring on that humongous calorie laden cola!
The study was conducted by Kathryn M. Sharpe, Richard Staelin, and Joel Huber from Duke university. The researches concluded that the increase in drink sizes results in a whopping 15% increase in consumption. For those poor souls who drink non-diet soft drinks this can really pack on the calories.
Now here's another one. When I go grocery shopping I see a new trend in snack items. The aisles are filled with packages of little bags touting that they are only 100 calories each. Wow, now I can eat those chocolate chip cookies that I gave up for healthy eating. Hey, it's only 100 cals, my diet can afford that. And if one's not enough maybe I can have 2. Again, only 200 cals for the sheer enjoyment of consuming these sugary processed little buggers.
Hmm my mind is playing tricks on me. I am actually beginning to believe that these snack foods are actually diet foods!
Well a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that these little snack packs actually undermine dieters attempts at limiting calories. Researchers Maura L. Scott, Stephen M. Nowlis, Naomi Mandel, and Andrea C. Morales from Arizona State University surmised that dieters percieve these snack packs not as junk food with empty calories but diet food. Dieters also think that there is a good sized portion in these packs. If you've ever opened one of these you would see the tiny portion akin to a handful of M&Ms from one of those vending machines that dispense the raw goods without packages.
Sneaky, sneaky. It's difficult enough to get on the healthy eating wagon without marketers messing with our minds.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of free healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
References:
Sharpe et al. Using Extremeness Aversion to Fight Obesity: Policy Implications of Context Dependent Demand. Journal of Consumer Research, 2008; 0 (0): 080416123650803
Scott et al. The Effects of Reduced Food Size and Package Size on the Consumption Behavior of Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters. Journal of Consumer Research, 2008; 0 (0): 080716090056599
Monday, August 25, 2008
Mind Body Healing: Hope Battles Depression
We live in an over medicated society. It is quite easy to visit a busy, overworked medical doctor when you are feeling down and walk out with a prescription for an antidepressant such as Prozac or Paxil. Then you can return home to live your life the way you have only now with a smile on your face!
Now don't get me wrong on this. There are those poor souls who have a real chemical imbalance in their brains probably due to some genetic predisposition. These people need help in any way they can get it. However on the flip side there are a myriad of others who could probably make some changes in their behaviors and thinking and experience a more positive outlook.
Depression is a complicated problem and there is no clear cut answer. However, I believe that there is a lot to be gained by non-medical treatments either in place of medicine or as a complement to it to reduce the dose.
So I was happy to see some recent research on a simple non-medical approach to preventing or treating depression.
Researchers Linda Cheavens (assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University) and Laura Dreer of the University of Alabama at Birmingham examined measures of hope and depression in people with macular degeneration (a disease that causes blindness). The researchers also looked at the level of hope in the patients' caregivers.
What they found was that the level of hope was lower in those with depression. This also applied to the caregivers. In other words depression was higher in those caregivers who cared for depressed patients.
Cheavens also studied the effects of hope therapy in people who were dissatisfied with where they were in life. She used a sample of 32 people who received eight 2 hour group session of hope therapy. The therapy included identifying goals, ways to achieve them, and motivation skills.
The results showed an improvement in those who participated in the training versus a control group.
According to Cheavens and reported in Science Daily "Hope therapy seeks to build on strengths people have, or teach them how to develop those strengths. We focus not on what is wrong, but on ways to help people live up to their potential.”
So I see 2 important results here. The first is obviously that being hopeful protects against depression. The second is that hope can be learned.
We are a complicated network of cells, organs, systems and mind. All of which communicate with each other via the transfer of information. If this information is negative we can expect poor health. The reverse is also true.
Healing is also a multidimensional process that encompasses more than a drug or 1 treatment. It extends to our minds and beliefs which have a powerful affect on our bodies.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for valuable healing resources:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Ohio State University (2008, August 19). You've Got To Have Hope: Studies Show 'Hope Therapy' Fights Depression. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 25, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/08/080817223648.htm
Now don't get me wrong on this. There are those poor souls who have a real chemical imbalance in their brains probably due to some genetic predisposition. These people need help in any way they can get it. However on the flip side there are a myriad of others who could probably make some changes in their behaviors and thinking and experience a more positive outlook.
Depression is a complicated problem and there is no clear cut answer. However, I believe that there is a lot to be gained by non-medical treatments either in place of medicine or as a complement to it to reduce the dose.
So I was happy to see some recent research on a simple non-medical approach to preventing or treating depression.
Researchers Linda Cheavens (assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State University) and Laura Dreer of the University of Alabama at Birmingham examined measures of hope and depression in people with macular degeneration (a disease that causes blindness). The researchers also looked at the level of hope in the patients' caregivers.
What they found was that the level of hope was lower in those with depression. This also applied to the caregivers. In other words depression was higher in those caregivers who cared for depressed patients.
Cheavens also studied the effects of hope therapy in people who were dissatisfied with where they were in life. She used a sample of 32 people who received eight 2 hour group session of hope therapy. The therapy included identifying goals, ways to achieve them, and motivation skills.
The results showed an improvement in those who participated in the training versus a control group.
According to Cheavens and reported in Science Daily "Hope therapy seeks to build on strengths people have, or teach them how to develop those strengths. We focus not on what is wrong, but on ways to help people live up to their potential.”
So I see 2 important results here. The first is obviously that being hopeful protects against depression. The second is that hope can be learned.
We are a complicated network of cells, organs, systems and mind. All of which communicate with each other via the transfer of information. If this information is negative we can expect poor health. The reverse is also true.
Healing is also a multidimensional process that encompasses more than a drug or 1 treatment. It extends to our minds and beliefs which have a powerful affect on our bodies.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for valuable healing resources:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Ohio State University (2008, August 19). You've Got To Have Hope: Studies Show 'Hope Therapy' Fights Depression. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 25, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/08/080817223648.htm
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Mind-Body Healing: Negative State of Mind Can Increase Chances of Breast Cancer
I am a firm believer that healing is multidimensional. Many times I have witnessed what I would call a disconnect between a patient's way of life, beliefs, habits and health. In other words they do not see that behaviours and beliefs can affect their health in both positive and negative ways. Sometimes it is denial, other times it is a blind trust in some new wonder drug or surgery that will "fix" them if they get ill. Yes, there are great treatments out there, but in my opinion the goal is to not get ill in the first place.
One of the important dimensions of healing encompasses the mind. Those behaviors and beliefs originate as thoughts and thoughts drive our actions. Thoughts also contribute to our health in many ways (see Unlocking the Healing Code for more on mind-body healing).
So I was happy to see this new research out of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. This study examined 255 women with breast cancer and 367 healthy controls. The women were questioned on how happy, optimistic, depressed or anxious they were before being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The researchers found that negative traits such as anxiety or depression stemming from a stressful event (divorce, loss of a loved one, etc) contributed to an increased incidence of breast cancer where as positive traits (happiness) played a more protective role.
I know that in the alternative medicine world we have been saying this for years but it is great to see some hard evidence to back this up.
Bottom line is this study lends more support to the power of the mind in health and disease.
For more information on mind-body healing read my other posts as well as visit my site:
www.informationalhealing.com
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Reference:
Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer, (in press)
One of the important dimensions of healing encompasses the mind. Those behaviors and beliefs originate as thoughts and thoughts drive our actions. Thoughts also contribute to our health in many ways (see Unlocking the Healing Code for more on mind-body healing).
So I was happy to see this new research out of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. This study examined 255 women with breast cancer and 367 healthy controls. The women were questioned on how happy, optimistic, depressed or anxious they were before being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The researchers found that negative traits such as anxiety or depression stemming from a stressful event (divorce, loss of a loved one, etc) contributed to an increased incidence of breast cancer where as positive traits (happiness) played a more protective role.
I know that in the alternative medicine world we have been saying this for years but it is great to see some hard evidence to back this up.
Bottom line is this study lends more support to the power of the mind in health and disease.
For more information on mind-body healing read my other posts as well as visit my site:
www.informationalhealing.com
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Reference:
Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer, (in press)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Creating Your Reality: It's All About Confidence
It is my premise that information and reality are intimately linked. In other words you create your reality according to the information you possess. Or to put it another way, you can learn your way to a new reality by gathering and integrating information.
So what does this have to do with health and healing? Well, healing and information are also intimately linked. In fact all healing occurs because at a fundamental level there is an exchange of information. You can explore this concept further at my site.
One problem I see is that in many cases healing (and following a new path) is a nonlinear process. For example many of my patients experience a setback during their healing. They initially show improvement only to experience a relapse of symptoms. Sometimes they just give up and resort to heavy medication or seek a surgical intervention. Many times they end up with more pain than when they started.
The same goes for things like learning a new skill or concept. You just have to hang in there and continue to do your work. The key is to have confidence that you will succeed. Confidence is based on information that has been integrated throughout your life. Changing some of this deep rooted information can be difficult because it manifests as beliefs.
Recently, I came across a study that looked at the mechanism behind confidence. The research was conducted at Cold Harbor Spring Laboratories. Researchers tested groups of rats on how confident they were in making decisions based on smells. Because the sense of smell is highly developed in rats the researchers could manipulate confidence by making the smells stronger. The rats had to make a decision as to which smell was stronger in order to obtain a reward.
They also observed a certain area in the rats' brains that was associated with uncertainty. This area is known as the orbitofrontal cortex and shows increased activity with uncertainty. In other words this area became more active as the rats became more uncertain of their decisions. What was surprising was that it was thought that only humans and some primates had this ability.
In one series of trials, rats were given a smell and then given an option to abort the trial on their way to the reward. This was done to measure how much confidence the rats had in their decisions. The researchers hypothesized that the confidence of the rats in their decisions was based on how different the smells were. In other words if the difference in smell strength was obvious the resultant confidence was greater than if the difference in smell was less obvious.
Or to put it another way, decisions based on uncertainty are not as strong as those based on certainty.
Sounds simple but we humans run into this all of the time. Back to my patients. If they did not believe that they would heal on some level or another they were more likely to quit the program and succumb to passive treatments with drugs or surgery. Those who did were more likely to stick with the natural healing program.
This appears to be a universal phenomenon not only unique to humans but exists in rats as well.
So what can we learn from this? Information leads to beliefs which leads to confidence in our decisions which leads to creating our realities.
Thank you rats!
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
Read my book Unlocking the Healing Code to learn about a unified theory of healing.
Reference:
Kepecs et al. Neural correlates, computation and behavioural impact of decision confidence. Nature, 2008; DOI: 10.1038/nature07200
So what does this have to do with health and healing? Well, healing and information are also intimately linked. In fact all healing occurs because at a fundamental level there is an exchange of information. You can explore this concept further at my site.
One problem I see is that in many cases healing (and following a new path) is a nonlinear process. For example many of my patients experience a setback during their healing. They initially show improvement only to experience a relapse of symptoms. Sometimes they just give up and resort to heavy medication or seek a surgical intervention. Many times they end up with more pain than when they started.
The same goes for things like learning a new skill or concept. You just have to hang in there and continue to do your work. The key is to have confidence that you will succeed. Confidence is based on information that has been integrated throughout your life. Changing some of this deep rooted information can be difficult because it manifests as beliefs.
Recently, I came across a study that looked at the mechanism behind confidence. The research was conducted at Cold Harbor Spring Laboratories. Researchers tested groups of rats on how confident they were in making decisions based on smells. Because the sense of smell is highly developed in rats the researchers could manipulate confidence by making the smells stronger. The rats had to make a decision as to which smell was stronger in order to obtain a reward.
They also observed a certain area in the rats' brains that was associated with uncertainty. This area is known as the orbitofrontal cortex and shows increased activity with uncertainty. In other words this area became more active as the rats became more uncertain of their decisions. What was surprising was that it was thought that only humans and some primates had this ability.
In one series of trials, rats were given a smell and then given an option to abort the trial on their way to the reward. This was done to measure how much confidence the rats had in their decisions. The researchers hypothesized that the confidence of the rats in their decisions was based on how different the smells were. In other words if the difference in smell strength was obvious the resultant confidence was greater than if the difference in smell was less obvious.
Or to put it another way, decisions based on uncertainty are not as strong as those based on certainty.
Sounds simple but we humans run into this all of the time. Back to my patients. If they did not believe that they would heal on some level or another they were more likely to quit the program and succumb to passive treatments with drugs or surgery. Those who did were more likely to stick with the natural healing program.
This appears to be a universal phenomenon not only unique to humans but exists in rats as well.
So what can we learn from this? Information leads to beliefs which leads to confidence in our decisions which leads to creating our realities.
Thank you rats!
Peace and healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for lots of healing stuff:
www.informationalhealing.com
Read my book Unlocking the Healing Code to learn about a unified theory of healing.
Reference:
Kepecs et al. Neural correlates, computation and behavioural impact of decision confidence. Nature, 2008; DOI: 10.1038/nature07200
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Exploring Reality: A Mysterious Connection Between Alternative Realities
My brain hurts!
I am deeply into researching my new book on reality and after reading copious notes on quantum physics and philosophy my mind is starting to spin out of control.
My goal is to describe reality in terms of information. In other words I would like to go a little bit deeper into how one could affect reality than some of the present works on the market (ie the Secret, etc, etc).
I came across what I consider a gem of a researcher and his work. His name is Alfred Hubler and he is Director of the Center for Complex Systems Research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign--no slouch by any means!
Hubler was the first scientist to create and synchronize a mixed reality state. He used 2 pendulums, one existing in the "real" physical world and one existing purely in a virtual world inside a computer. Both were linked with software and both were identical in design.
In essence Hubler created a system of 2 realities linked via information flow. The 2 pendulums eventually became synchronized creating what is termed a mixed reality state. The pendulums became synchronized only when their initial states were very similar (meaning they were close in period to begin with).
Now to expand on this idea.
This means that 2 complex systems that are similar and share information can affect each other. Complex systems could include such things as economies and cancer cells.
In Unlocking the Healing Code I have included a chapter on resonance. We have known about resonance for thousands of years but have not had an explanation for it. If we look at resonance in terms of information exchange we can say that 2 complex systems such as human beings can transfer a lot of information when they are similar. In a way, Hubler's research supports this idea.
As far as mixed reality states go we experience these all of the time. Our mind's reality works to be similar to the physical reality in which we live. When it is similar we are in a mixed reality state. When it is not we are in what is known as a dual reality state (realities are dissimilar).
So to generalize to the law of attraction. If the mind's reality becomes similar to an external reality the connection becomes stronger with more information shared. This means both realities become more synchronized.
Anyway, my brain still hurts...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for a wealth of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Alfred Hubler's Site
I am deeply into researching my new book on reality and after reading copious notes on quantum physics and philosophy my mind is starting to spin out of control.
My goal is to describe reality in terms of information. In other words I would like to go a little bit deeper into how one could affect reality than some of the present works on the market (ie the Secret, etc, etc).
I came across what I consider a gem of a researcher and his work. His name is Alfred Hubler and he is Director of the Center for Complex Systems Research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign--no slouch by any means!
Hubler was the first scientist to create and synchronize a mixed reality state. He used 2 pendulums, one existing in the "real" physical world and one existing purely in a virtual world inside a computer. Both were linked with software and both were identical in design.
In essence Hubler created a system of 2 realities linked via information flow. The 2 pendulums eventually became synchronized creating what is termed a mixed reality state. The pendulums became synchronized only when their initial states were very similar (meaning they were close in period to begin with).
Now to expand on this idea.
This means that 2 complex systems that are similar and share information can affect each other. Complex systems could include such things as economies and cancer cells.
In Unlocking the Healing Code I have included a chapter on resonance. We have known about resonance for thousands of years but have not had an explanation for it. If we look at resonance in terms of information exchange we can say that 2 complex systems such as human beings can transfer a lot of information when they are similar. In a way, Hubler's research supports this idea.
As far as mixed reality states go we experience these all of the time. Our mind's reality works to be similar to the physical reality in which we live. When it is similar we are in a mixed reality state. When it is not we are in what is known as a dual reality state (realities are dissimilar).
So to generalize to the law of attraction. If the mind's reality becomes similar to an external reality the connection becomes stronger with more information shared. This means both realities become more synchronized.
Anyway, my brain still hurts...
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Join our free site for a wealth of healing information:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
Alfred Hubler's Site
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