Helping others can provide hope during global crises and uncertainty. Instead of focusing on foolish, self-serving, and dangerous global events, we can improve the world around us. In 1970, I came across an excerpt from neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing’s two-volume biography of the esteemed physician Sir William Osler, published in the Journal of the American Medical…
The developing brain proceeds systematically and progressively. Those with an aging brain are increasing in number. In 2020, 55.6 million (17%) of individuals in the United States were older than 65 years of age; by 2040, 22% of the population will be 65 years of age or older. Although the normal brain is an aging…
An ancient legend tells of Damocles, a courtier in the service of Dionysius II, who coveted the pleasures of royalty. Saracen magic placed him at the king’s table eating sumptuous food, drinking the finest wine and enjoying more pleasures than his imagination could conceive. Reclining at the table in satisfaction, Damocles glanced upward. His eye…
Perspective can keep us alive or cause death. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, MD, an Auschwitz survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote about a fellow inmate rendered weak and ill from starvation and debilitating work who determined to live until Christmas because she had heard that the camp would be liberated then. When the…
There are roughly two accounts regarding the universe: 1) The materialistic/atheistic explanation posits that matter and space were created spontaneously and that thinking creatures evolved by some fluke without any purpose; 2) The more common perspective is the religious view. According to this view, a mind or spirit created the universe. This spirit or mind…
Studies show that thankfulness lowers anxiety levels, elevates mood, relieves stress, improves socialization, and stimulates a helpful attitude. Each of us would benefit from focusing on our blessings daily. I spend a few minutes jotting down two or three things I am grateful for, trying to identify something different each day. To do this, I…
The end of the Civil War marked the beginning of reorganization and transformation in American medicine. Doctors began to apply surgical techniques learned during the war; they felt more comfortable using anesthesia. Learning about sanitation, nursing, emergency transport, and hospital construction improved medical care. Basic science became part of medical school training; medical education became…
Sometimes, we consider our problems insurmountable. When you are down and out and feel hopelessly lost in a sea of troubles, consider these figures: If you drove your Porsche 918 Spyder 186,000 miles per second for one year without stopping for gas, a restroom break, or to get directions, you would travel one light-year. The…
According to a New York Times article by Lauren Jackson, spirituality in America may be on the rise. The Pew Research Center found the share of United States adults who have a spiritual belief: On the other hand, Christianity appears to be declining. In 2007, 78% of U.S. adults identified as Christian. By 2024, that…
Five years after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scientists are gaining a clearer understanding of how the virus can affect the body long after an infection seems resolved. These effects, known as post-COVID-19 (long COVID), can lead to lasting, sometimes invisible changes in various body parts. An infection can cause chronic lung, heart, gut,…
Research by psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests that approximately 50% of our happiness is determined by unalterable factors like our genetic predisposition—our so-called “set point.” We have limited control over our circumstances, environment, or childhood emotional experiences. We can, however, control our attitude regarding these dynamics. According to Lyubomirsky, of the conditions we can control, three…
Perfectionism robs us of contentment and steals our happiness. This tormenting trait increases stress, causes anxiety, and may lead to chronic depression. “Good enough” never satisfies the perfectionist because they want everything to be…perfect. Perfection Grading Scale: Grade yourself on each of the questions below thusly: Questions: Scoring: A score of 25-30 indicates a serious…
Most of us find ourselves trapped on the freeway of rush. We have a texting mentality, a fast-food appetite, and an Instagram philosophy. Before we know it, perhaps even without wanting to, we find ourselves leaping into the commotion without considering our options. Our minds are made static by noise – digital instruments bellowing, TVs…
Attention deficit disorder, inattentive type, marked by poor concentration, disorganization, forgetfulness, poor task completion, and inadequate reading comprehension, may be missed in childhood because these children demonstrate no hyperactivity or class disruption. Once the diagnosis is made, a psychostimulant is often prescribed, usually Adderall. Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are stimulants used to…
How many are true, noble, pure, and admirable critical thinkers? Not many, perhaps. Let’s look at the following example. Recently, my daughter-in-law, Andrea, asked who wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare. I quickly responded, “Everyone knows that Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare’s plays. Some people suggested Francis Bacon as the author, but that idea has been effectively…
Our children are not our children. They are the sons and daughters of God’s longing for love. We may give our children our wisdom but not our possessions because they must earn their own way. We may house their bodies but not their soul, for their souls dwell in the mansions of the future, which…
Joy is far grander than happiness. While happiness often relies on external circumstances, joy transcends situations, surroundings, and status. Sometimes, even painful experiences can lead to deep satisfaction and joy. For instance, consider a mother who endures significant pain during childbirth. After the intense labor, when her baby is born, the joy she feels is…
To conquer the fear of public speaking, start by acknowledging your anxiety. Accepting that you are afraid can prevent that fear from spiraling out of control. Get yourself out of the way. Remember that a little anxiety can provide energy for your speech. Don’t worry about how your speech will be received. When we obsess…
14 Billion years ago Big Bang God spoke the Big Bang 4.5 Billion years ago Earth created – Young earth creationists claim 4004 BC 3.7 Billion years ago – Photosynthesis 550 Million years ago – Plants and animals development 65 Million years ago – Dinosaurs went extinct 2 million years ago – Homo erectus 270,000…
Just about every religion contains some truth. Only Christianity contains the complete truth. Let’s look at Buddhism, for example. I believe that Christians would agree with the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism as stated in simple terms: And I believe most Christians would agree with all but the last point in the Eightfold Path: The eighth step,…