Andrew Griffith's Blog, page 27
October 22, 2012
50 ans et un corps en pleine forme | Actualité | LeFigaro.fr – Santé
A good summary article on how to stay healthier longer. No real surprises: a balanced and varied diet, 30 minutes moderate exercise per day, not smoking, and that wonderful phrase, ‘be reasonable’ and recognize that one is no longer in one’s 20s. Quote: La cause est entendue: la meilleure recette pour conserver un corps jeune [...]
A moral duty to help build healthier societies
Sunrise Rounds on the export of tobacco to developing countries, and how export promotion seems to be a more important goal than ‘exporting’ public health experience and advice. Quote: It is bizarre and tragic that as western nations export modern technology, be it cell phones, improved water treatment, new foods or diverse education, they are [...]
Are Doctors Too Wary of Drug Companies? – NYTimes.com
A somewhat different take on the relationship between doctors and drug companies, suggesting that the pendulum may have swung too far in the other direction. Worth reflecting upon. Quote: Dr. [Aaron] Kesselheim and his collaborators believe what is needed in biomedical research is even greater transparency. Such openness would include more independent third-party statistical reviews [...]
October 21, 2012
Living with Cancer: A Journey now also available on Kobo
Plain text version, link here. Filed under: Cancer, Lymphoma Tagged: books, Living with Cancer: A Journey
October 20, 2012
Year 1, Week 10: Another Week … and My Book is Out
1:10 While it has been a chemo week for my mother-in-law, it has also been a week of spectacular sunny weather here, giving opportunity for nice walks and being outside. While her chemo went reasonably well, some annoying disorganization: Out-patient chemo infusion plans were changed from a half-day to full-day (for increased hydration) just as [...]
October 19, 2012
Guilt Proneness And Ethical Behavior: The Good, The Bad, And The Guilty
An interesting step back on ethics and values, looking how likely we are to feel guilty, and using that as an indicator of potential ethical lapses. Intuitively makes sense, and similar to some of Dan Ariely’s work (Dan Ariely on the Truth About Dishonesty, Animated), and reminder to those of us not guilt prone to find [...]
The Power of Music: Mind Control by Rhythmic Sound
More insights on how the brain works and how music can enhance a range of thinking activities. Quote: Steven Pinker has said that music is “auditory cheesecake,” with no particular advantage in the evolution of our species. Schirmer feels their new results do not support that view. “Rhythm facilitates our interpersonal interactions in term of [...]
The spreading shadow of cancer angst: 3 things you need to know to meet it rationally
One of the better pieces explaining some of the bias inherent in cancer screening results. At an individual level, of course, one should discuss one’s family history and other risk factors with your primary care provider before making any screening decisions: Selection bias. Studies of cancer screening are often skewed by a ‘healthy volunteer’ effect. [...]
Some patients need absolution, not medicine
Some reflections by a doctor on the limits of what he can do for his patients who feel guilt or remorse when they have done wrong. Quote: What’s the medical specialty that helps people who’ve done wrong? What’s the service industry that undoes guilt? I’m no expert, but as far as I can tell, the [...]
Lance Armstrong scandal tarnishes anti-cancer Livestrong bracelets | National Post
One of the better pieces I have seen (in the Sports Section) on Lance, and the comments of a number of yellow wristband wearers, and the need to come clean: It starts with: “I am sorry.” He needs to confess to his sins, to reveal to the world that there was always a man beneath [...]
