"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. "


Posts tagged with 'child'

Recent research: exercise, diet, and smoking

4th September 2008

There are a series of interesting recent research studies here highlighting the drastic reduction in physical exercise taken by young people as they move into their teenage years, the fascinating protective association between muscular strength and mortality in men even allowing for cardiorespiratory fitness and other potentially confounding factors, the …

Recent research: five studies on depression – including side-effects, young people, heart attacks, and bipolar disorder

28th August 2008

Here are the abstracts of five recent research studies on depression and antidepressants. The first confirms earlier work showing an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with SSRI's (particularly if also taking NSAID's). The second highlights the potential physical survival value of screening for and treating depression in people who have …

A successful community approach to tackling increasing overweight in children

10th August 2008

The 8th August edition of the BMJ (Moynihan 2008) reports "The small town of Colac in rural Australia is attracting national and international attention for its approach to fighting childhood obesity, and reducing health inequalities." The news item goes on to say "Two hours west of Melbourne, with 11,000 inhabitants, …

Recent research: borderline, separation anxiety, bipolar disorder, telemedicine, fish oil, depression memory & safety behaviours

1st July 2008

Kitcheman, J., C. E. Adams, et al. (2008). "Does an encouraging letter encourage attendance at psychiatric out-patient clinics? The Leeds PROMPTS randomized study." Psychol Med 38(5): 717-23. [PubMed] An 'orientation letter' delivered shortly before their scheduled first appointment considerably reduced failure to attend at UK psychiatric outpatient clinics. Levy, K. …

NICE guidelines – IBS, osteoarthritis, and mental health topics

24th March 2008

The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is "the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health." NICE guidance applies particularly to England and Wales, but the opinions they come to are very carefully weighed …