MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'friends'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:50:15 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169572&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F27%2F5-tips-for-staying-calm-in-a-hurricane%2F When hurricanes or tropical storms are forecast to reach us, we often go into a panic and fear the worst about the coming storm. The uncertainty of the storm provokes a certain in anxiety in most of us. Some of those fears are very real, as government officials ask residents to evacuate areas directly in the path of the hurricane. Low-lying areas are especially at risk for flooding. Calm is a hard emotion to muster when our entire environment is turning against us. It is ever harder to remain calm when you’re asked to evacuate your home, and live in a shelter or with a family member for a few days. Will my home still be standing when I return? What about my most cherished possessions? Even folks who aren’t asked to evacuate fear the loss of electricity to their homes, and wheth... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169572 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:18:51 +0100 5169572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159001&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39251&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rethinkingpatientsafety.com%2Fmy-blog%2F2011%2F08%2Faccording-to-the-national-library-of-medicine-patient-safety-is-not-a-medical-subject.html The National Library of Medicine's repository of medical articles, PubMed, uses an indexing and labeling system that does not recognize "patient safety" as a concept. (Source: Rethinking Patient Safety) Rethinking Patient Safety blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159001 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:47:19 +0100 5159001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139849&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FHlBxfkRBfVY%2Fmore-fabric-postcards.html This summer I seem to have been on a fabric postcard making spree.  Here are several more I have made. This one I call “Girl with Basket of Pinwheel.”  It is 4.5 in X 5.5 in. This one I simply call “Flowers.”  It is 3.5 in X 5 in. This one I can’t decide on a name.  I want to call it either “Don’t Look Back” or “Are You Coming?”   It is 5 in X 7 in. This one I call “Home Sweet Home.”  I mailed it to a friend who recently moved cross country to a new home.  I hand embroidered flowers on the fabric scene.  It is 5 in X 7 in. This one I call “Let’s Ride.”  It is 5 in X 7 in. This one I call “Leap Frog.”  I mailed it to @geeners who indicated that she loved my postcards.  It is 5 in X 7 in. He... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139849 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5139849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140176&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-after-the-battle-with-breast-cancer%2F I am in North Carolina on vacation this week. My husband and I have been enjoying leisure time fishing, exploring, and watching the sun set over the mountains. Vacation time is important to me, and even though I am a full-time student and our income is drastically reduced, I would not go without it. I can’t tell you if this is because of having been threatened by breast cancer, or because of the change in attitude towards life I experienced when my dad died. It was after his death that I realized that life was for the living, that when it was over it was over, and all the things you wanted to do wouldn’t get done. My dad didn’t live for tomorrow. He enjoyed each day as it came. He was the most patient, content person you could ever meet. When he was in the hospital before his death... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140176 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:05:27 +0100 5140176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125970&cid=t_100149_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-purpose-of-alateen%2F Alateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. The program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service. The only requirement of membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. What Alateen members learn compulsive drinking is a disease. they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person. they are not the cause of anyone else’... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125970 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:49:32 +0100 5125970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107520&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgrowing-up-with-type-1-diabetes%2F2011.08.08 In the years I’ve attended CWD’s Friends for Life conference, I always came away with this appreciation for what the conference provides for kids with diabetes, and their parents.  Kids – a whole bunch of them – running amuck and clad in green bracelets with pump tubing flapping from underneath their t-shirts … it’s a place where these families hopefully feel normal, and safe, and understood. But I’m not a kid with diabetes.  I’m an adult.  (I checked, and it’s true: adult.)  I always felt welcomed at past FFL conferences, but people constantly checked for the kid at my side, because the “child with diabetes” surely couldn’t be me.  (And then there was that time that the registration lady thought Sara(aah) was my ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107520 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:15 +0100 5107520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096210&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fjust-a-woman-with-diabetes-who-had-a-baby%2F2011.08.03 When Jeff Hitchcock approached me last year and asked if I would feel comfortable leading the Pregnancy and Diabetes session at Friends for Life, I was honored.  But also a little confused.  What on earth was I going to tell the session attendees?  I couldn’t spout off medical information.  I am not a licensed medical professional. “I’m just a person with diabetes who had a baby.  And my pregnancy was a bit of a tangled one, too!”  I remember emailing to Jeff, wondering if they’d be better off with a doctor at the helm of that discussion. He replied within minutes, telling me that was exactly why they wanted me to lead the session.  And I grinned, but felt nervous. Before the little bird joined our family, I did a lot of research about pregnancy with di... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096210 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:36 +0100 5096210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096899&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdogs-can-fly.html The day after I wrote the post about my friend Rebecca, I went to Take the Plunge, a fundraiser for local dog rescue organizations. It was a lot of fun. We had the chance to meet many different kinds of dogs and the people who love them. They came in all shapes and sizes, colours and temperaments. We also met a miniature horse and some ferrets. One woman was pushing a cat in a stroller. The cat wasn't strapped in and seemed quite relaxed amidst all the canine chaos.The central event of the afternoon was the dock diving competition. We watched all kinds of dogs leap after toys into the pool. Some of the dogs needed to be persuaded to get out of the water. Most seemed incredibly pleased with themselves. Everyone - spectators, dogs and their human handlers seemed to be having a wonderful time... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096899 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0100 5096899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096931&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fone-brick-short-of-sidewalk.html One rope less, and this post at the marina would lean or give.I am the leaning post. I stand only because of Jesus.The strands in my rope, my husband, my family,my small tassel of friends.The longest bridge of it's type depends on each and every cable.One cable snapped and it would have to be immediately replaced.One less pound of concrete and the supports would collapse.One less pound of flesh leaning as the sailboats keel,and they flounder in the wind or capsize into the current.A woman alone is a sad thing.I make my list, the list of friends remaining.Many far away. But there is always the phone.Several left here, and my family, too.But tears flow for each and every piece of my lifethat crumbled into the raging storm of the past year.Sadness as if those beloved to me had died.Lord, comf... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096931 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:37:00 +0100 5096931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096874&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fim-proud-of-bennet%2F Last year, at my first Friends for Life (FFL) conference, I bumped into Gary Scheiner in the exhibit hall. He told me that they play basketball in the activity center in the evenings. I didn’t have any of my basketball gear (contact lenses, ankle braces, etc) but wanted to give it a try. It was so much fun. This year I made sure to pack some basketball clothes. George and Cherise covered my co-hosting duties for DSMA Live on Thursday night, and I got to enjoy some basketball. It was a blast! We were able to round up a handful of grown-ups and a bunch of athletic younger folks, and we ran full-court ball for about an hour and a half. Rick Philbin is a basketball stud, and the guy is in amazing shape. He pretty much does whatever he wants to on the court, and there’s not much a... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096874 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:41:32 +0100 5096874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069476&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-surprising-life-saving-advantage-of-facebook%2F2011.07.26 “Health is social,” says SPM member Phil Baumann, RN (@PhilBaumann) at HealthIsSocial.com. Slate has a dramatic story of how a mother’s Facebook network helped spot – rapidly – Kawasaki Disease, a rare auto-immune disease that the family’s doctors had initially missed. Her social network contains some medically knowledgeable people. (Do you have any docs, nurses, etc in your Facebook circle?) Note that friends’ availability is sometimes far greater than a doctor’s office. Read how the diagnosis unfolded. And read what her family physician said, when she called from the E.R.: “You know what?” he said, “I was actually just thinking it could be Kawasaki disease. Makes total sense. Bravo, Facebook.” Then this, as the crisis wound down: (more…) *This blog... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069476 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:00:21 +0100 5069476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062292&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F25%2Fshould-you-share-your-therapist-with-a-friend%2F I have a friend who lives by this cardinal rule: She will never ever work with a friend. So when jobs surface in her company, or if she hears of an opening in her field, she only shares the information with non-friends. It’s just too messy, she explained to me the other day. Having experienced a situation not too long ago that became just that — messy — I can understand her logic and applaud her for sticking by that rule. I am now much more careful about sharing work opportunities with close friends… in order to protect myself. Should the same rule apply to therapy? I never thought so. I mean, my psychiatrist told me the other day that I am her third biggest source of referrals, after a local cardiologist and a gynecologist. I don’t hesitate to share the numbers of... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062292 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:13:50 +0100 5062292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062274&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FMk6h5o5iSNw%2Fmore-fabric-postcards.html Last weekend I went on a fabric postcard making spree!  These have been sent to friends/family I think will appreciate them as birthday cards. This first one is going to a friend who loves purple (background fabric) and loves to photograph feet (bare, in sandals, etc).   It is 5 in X 7 in. This one is going to a friend whom I’ve known since grade school.  It is 3.5 in X 5 in. and this is the back!  This one is going to a nephew-in-law who is an artist (photography and painting).  The background fabric is black linen with “fussy-cut” Batik figures machine appliqued with gold metallic thread.  It is 5 in X 7 in. Here is the black of it. This one is for another friend whom I’ve known since elementary school.  She too is an artist (photography... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062274 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:35:00 +0100 5062274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057948&cid=t_100149_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FbqtKSzmhnHY%2F Maybe you’ve experienced this, too. When you made a commitment to try to live your best life, to start a side-business in the other 8 hours, to lose weight, or to go back to school, weren’t you flooded with acceptance, enthusiasm, and unconditional support from your friends, colleagues, and family? No? I didn’t think so. All too often, if you try to better yourself, you will likely face negativity and pessimism from those who are closest to you. Why would those who care about you the most also be the most critical? There are only two reasons. They either don’t want to see you fail or they don’t want to see you succeed. It’s that simple. They’re either trying to “protect” you from defeat, or they’re worried that you might succeed.... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057948 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 06:03:56 +0100 5057948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057891&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fdo-me-favour-honour-my-friend-by-having.html My friend Rebecca died this week. She was all of 37 years old (if I've done the math right) and she had metastatic breast cancer. She was also one of the funniest people in my online community. She was also generous, straigtforward and honest. My heart goes out to her friends and family - the people she loved, wrote about and who knew her best.Rebecca left strict instructions that we were to shed no tears after her passing (I'm afraid I've let her down on that front but I've been doing my best) and that, instead of a funeral she wanted a celebration of her life. I'd love to join the party and to hear the stories that those closest to her would be bound to share. Because Rebecca took her fun seriously.I won't be able to attend the celebration (Rebecca lived in Cape Cod) but I would like to ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057891 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:29:00 +0100 5057891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057724&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbeing-a-diabetic-parent-is-more-difficult-than-it-looks%2F2011.07.23 Lead by Korey Hood and Stefan Rubin, the Parenting with Type 1 Diabetes session at Friends for Life was aiming to touch upon the different challenges of being a parent with type 1 diabetes, instead of the concentration on parenting a child with type 1 diabetes that Children With Diabetes was once known for.  This was my first year attending this session, and I sat between two of my best friends in the diabetes community – Scott and George. “So thanks for coming, you guys.  We’re here to talk about parenting with type 1 diabetes,” said Korey. At this point, people started doing introductions.  “Hi, I’m So-and-So and I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1998.”  or “I’ve been diabetic for 16 years and I have three children.”  Only i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057724 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:00:56 +0100 5057724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057886&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F07%2F2011-friends-life%2F Is it possible for an annual event to change your life for the better each and every year? Is it possible for that event to be better than the year before, without taking away any magic from the previous event? Absolutely. I don’t know how they do it, but Jeff and Laura have the formula for magic in a bottle, and they sprinkle it over every conference they touch. Contrasting Feelings It was so amazing to see so many people living with type 1 diabetes together in one place.  It was also heartbreaking to see so many people wrestling with type 1 diabetes. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to support loved ones living with type 1 diabetes.  But it was devastating to see the impact of a diagnosis on a family.  The ripple hits so many around us. It was overwhelming... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057886 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 06:50:55 +0100 5057886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050664&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FzCe2E5e1Axk%2Fcomfort-tactile-quilt.html This quilt is made of denim shirts and jeans, a cotton flannel shirt, and a silk flannel shirt.  There are seven working pockets on the quilt.  A couple of them from the jeans have the rivets.  The ones from the shirts still have their buttons.  These things add to the tactile feel of the quilt which is important as I made this quilt for a new friend/colleague who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  It is 45 in X 55 in. The next few photos show some of the pockets. The back is a simple blue cotton. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050664 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5050664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050713&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Fthe-5-types-of-girlfriends-you-need-in-your-life%2F In her classic book, Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh articulates the process of gathering girlfriends. She writes, “I shall ask into my shell only those friends with whom I can be completely honest. I find I am shedding hypocrisy in human relationships. What a rest that will be! The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.” Girlfriends are as unique as the shells Lindbergh describes in her pages. Some have the gift of empathy and compassion, while others challenge us in ways that lead to growth; some friends listen, while others dole out smart advice. Women need different kinds of friendships at different points in their lives. I have compiled these five types of girlfriends, drawing from the examples in Robert Wick’s book, Bounce: Living the Res... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050713 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:36:13 +0100 5050713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050714&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Fknowing-when-to-say-goodbye-how-to-break-up-with-a-friend%2F The heartbreak of ending a friendship can be devastating whether you were friends for two or twenty years. And it can be particularly hard when it’s with girlfriends. In a study (PDF) published in Psychology Review (2000), UCLA researchers found that in response to stress, instead of “fight-or-flight,” women “tend-or-friend.” Although both sexes release oxytocin associated with relaxation when stressed, it is more prominent in women — and this feel-good hormone promotes a maternal behavior to tend and bond with others. The feedback I received after posing a related question over on our Facebook page was a testament to that. Out of the over thirty responses we got, only a few were from men. Facebook friend William Miller, for example, left this comment: “Do most people a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050714 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:57:36 +0100 5050714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050715&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Ftaking-your-teen-to-a-therapist%2F It’s hard enough knowing when you need to see a therapist and navigating the entire process from picking a professional to making the most of your time once you do. (Here are some tips, by the way.) But doing this for your teen can seem outright overwhelming. Educating yourself on the process, however, helps immensely. Below, clinical psychologist John Duffy, Psy.D, who works with teens and authored the book The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens, discusses everything from telltale signs to see a therapist to talking to your child to making the most of therapy. When Your Teen Needs Therapy According to Duffy, the time to take your teen to a therapist is “when you note a marked change in either her affect, her behavior, or both,” especially “if the chan... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050715 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:06:53 +0100 5050715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051085&cid=t_100149_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F20%2Fover-400-friends-for-life-to-thank-as-they-cycle-along-the-shores-of-my-gene-pond-river-and-canals%2F There is some hope that this near-historic hot weather will return to “normal hot” by Sunday.  I have no doubt that this will be a great relief to all involved in the annual Friends for Life Bike Rally which leaves Toronto that morning on a six-day, six hundred kilometre ride to Montréal. It was ten [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051085 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:46:01 +0100 5051085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050662&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FepxVVQ9jZVQ%2Frecalling-my-episode-of-bells-palsy.html Yesterday I received a call from one of my high school teachers who I remain in touch with.  She wanted to ask me about my Bell’s Palsy as she now has a friend who has been diagnosed with it.  Nine years ago today I diagnosed my Bell’s Palsy.  I still recall that summer day well.  It was a Saturday.  A beautiful sunny summer day. I was home alone with my dogs (Columbo, Girlfriend, and Ladybug) as my husband was working out of town.  I was on ER call.  I had had a horrible headache the past few days with severe pain in my right ear. I can recall noticing my face in the bathroom mirror mid-morning and thinking my mouth didn’t look quite right.  I ignored it.  Later that day as the ascending paralysis of Bell’s Palsy progressed, I would no... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050662 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5050662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036515&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Flast-sunday%2F , we left our pretty holiday home in Norfolk and headed off to a local town for spa treatments and a little light shopping. There was only one disappointment in leaving the house, really: I hadn’t managed to find a dragon. Emily and Rebecca and I had looked for one – in a house so full of objets and carvings and nooks and crannies and paintings it was unthinkable that there wouldn’t be one – but we failed. We just couldn’t find a dragon anywhere. I wondered, rather half-heartedly, if the reason we hadn’t found one was that, with so much love and happiness around, I didn’t need her, but that idea felt a bit unsatisfactory: surely she’d drop by the birthday weekend party, do a lap of honour? Still, I was soon distracted by shopping and a pedicu... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036515 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 06:20:41 +0100 5036515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028452&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F14%2Fone-of-the-biggest-barriers-to-creativity-and-how-to-overcome-it%2F Anyone who writes — or creates anything that goes out to the public — knows that oftentimes the product is akin to putting your heart out on a piece of paper (or laptop, or canvas and so on). Vulnerable, scary and vomit-inducing. So even if you get 100 compliments and kind words, one negative remark roars above the rest. It sticks out and stays with you. Not only does it have you questioning your work but, worse, your worth. Or even just the idea of being evaluated gets under your skin. Instead of telling the truth or letting your creativity flow freely, limitless and liberated, you’re paralyzed because you’re thinking about what everyone else will be thinking. So one of the biggest barriers to creativity is, as you’ve probably guessed by now: concern over the critics — be they... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028452 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:15:04 +0100 5028452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029050&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fsix-go-to-norfolk-part-2%2F Here’s what I learned at the weekend. 1. ‘Poky’ does not only mean ‘small’, as I previously thought. It also means ‘with a kick’ (or, I suppose, ‘with a poke’), as in ‘Steve’s new convertible has quite a lot of poke’ and ‘Right now I could do with a really poky coffee’. 2. Fireman jokes never get old. I leave that to your imagination. 3. My friends are a thousand shades of awesome. I already knew that, of course, but now I really know it. For example: at dinner – lovely, lovely poached trout – I asked everyone to name their fish. No-one behaved as this was any sort of an odd request. The fish turned out to be called Arthur, Eric, Cedric, Montgomery, Clint, and Susannah. (This is Arthur, bathed in candlelight, poached with shallots and mushroom... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029050 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:08:53 +0100 5029050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028977&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fscrambled-brain%2F The Johnson family returned from the 2011 Friends for Life conference late on Sunday. My brain is frantically trying to process all of the magic that I experienced, and I’ve been crazy busy catching up on home stuff. I feel like I need a good solid week of quiet time just to pull myself together. As I work through everything, I’d like you to take a look at Kerri’s recent blog post about the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). At the 2011 Roche Summit, just weeks before the Friends for Life conference, we met with both Isabella Platon, Head of Communication for IDF, and Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the IDF. I hope you get a sense of how much impact they had on us and that you start to pay more attention to them.  One easy place to start is with their “O is ... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028977 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:43:02 +0100 5028977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029051&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fsix-go-to-norfolk-part-1%2F It was always going to be good. Jude, Diane and I travelled to Norfolk in this. The house was pretty amazing too. As Birthday Girl, I got to choose my bedroom. And who can resist a canopy? Not me. As this was my Birthday Weekend, I was the common factor. Rebecca and Jude know each other really well, Jude and Diane know each other a bit, but apart from that (and me) no-one had met before. (Though I gather there had been a great deal of email shennanigans beforehand). But within half an hour, everyone was drinking tea around the kitchen table, and I knew it was going to be all right. Funnily enough, one of the happiest moments of the whole weekend was late Saturday afternoon, when I was banned from the kitchen and the dining room, and sat on my own in the living room, curled up in a big ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029051 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:05:09 +0100 5029051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028937&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F07%2Fcwd_catching_up.html With early morning "fun runs" (note: fun never equals run, as far as I'm concerned), non-stop Friends for Life sessions, business meetings, excessive drinking of both the Diet Coke and perhaps a shot of Patron or two (don't judge - humans attend Friends for Life, too, you know), and a severe lack of WiFi in the Coronado Springs Resort down at Disney World, blogging was hard last week.Actually, I barely acknowledged the Internet last week.  Once I was back in my hotel room each night, I face-planted into bed instead of doing some writing.  But it was amazing to be so present at this year's Friends for Life conference, instead of concentrating on emails and other online messes.  This conference was emotionally exhausting in the most beautiful way, and has completely ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028937 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:22:40 +0100 5028937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028461&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F10%2Fwant-to-feel-happier-by-the-end-of-the-day%2F Do you need a happiness boost — right now? If so, take a look at this menu of options and make your choices. Remember, the more you tackle, the bigger the boost you’ll receive. When you’re feeling blue, it can be hard to muster up the physical and mental energy to do the things that make you happier. Plunking down in front of the TV or digging into a tub of ice cream seems like an easier fix. However, research shows (and you know it’s true) that these aren’t the routes to feeling better. Try some choices below. The more you push yourself, the better you’ll feel; but if you can’t tackle a big task, just do something small. Even a little step in the right direction will give you a lift. According to my ground-breaking happiness formula, to be happy, you need to think about... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028461 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:46:57 +0100 5028461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028854&cid=t_100149_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FRQv7prG3aso%2F Almost a quarter of people surveyed in Ireland said they think depression is a “state of mind” rather than an illness, and two of every five respondents said they wouldn’t want to know if a friend or family member was depressed. The survey, called the 2011 Mental Health Barometer, was commissioned by pharmaceutical firm Lundbeck, the maker of the antidepressant Lexipro, and it gives some food for thought as to how we should really treat depression. You can tell from reading Lundbeck’s report that it has a positive interest in defining depression as an illness. While this is generally a good thing, I think we need to be careful to avoid looking at mood disorders like depression exclusively as illnesses. It negates the role that talk therapy or alternative therapies can have on treat... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028854 Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:09:27 +0100 5028854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008264&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fi8s9lCL6GMg%2Fmontage-baby-quilt.html The inspiration for this baby quilt was a Facebook friend photo montage.  Different size photos were placed together in the montage.  I sketched out the measurements and then went through my fabrics.  This is the result. The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  It measures 39 in square. These next few photos allow you to see the fabrics better.  Here the baby/child will be able to find dogs, a donkey, horses, zebras, and a tiger. This section contains sunflowers, a turtle, a butterfly, more of the horse/zebra fabrics, and a peacock feather. This section contains bees, a boy and his dog, a cow, and more zebras. The baby is a lovely yellow and white cotton.  The label has a monkey.   It has been given to a friend and his wife. (Source: Suture for a Li... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008264 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5008264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997615&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F04%2Fhappy-independence-day-2011%2F We’re celebrating our Independence Day here in the U.S., so I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe day of celebration. The United States is celebrating our 235th birthday today. I’m honored and blessed to be living in a pretty great country (although, like every society, we certainly have our flaws). The United States was born of great dissatisfaction with the way the people were then being governed, especially an ever-increasing and seemingly never-ending tax burden. Today’s United States faces some of the same concerns — taxes keep going up while government takes on more and more. Let’s hope it never gets to another Revolution, but at the same time, I hope our politicians remember that their citizens don’t have endless pockets.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997615 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:11:55 +0100 4997615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976151&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fshe-sees-me.html Anne of Green Gables called them "bosom friends". I have several. Count me among the lucky. All have helped me through this maze of depression, validating my feelings and helping me cope.Last night, I was a complete mess. My face covered in tears, I listened to the voice at the other end of the telephone telling me how to pull myself out of a flashback or a panic attack. She spoke wisdom. I'm going to follow it.Are these moments of transparency a gift from God?  Honesty that makes the soul of the other translucent, pink faces of flower shining but brief, looking through each others souls.Two ships sinking bind their brokenness with the cords of compassion. The sweetness of her voice lingers in my ear this morning, a reminder that, despite differences, we all share or deny love. Thank ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976151 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:52:00 +0100 4976151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976144&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fmind-blown.html  PAB2011 group photo by Maurizio Ortolani, uploaded to flickr by Martin Jones.A chance encounter on Bank Street with my friend Andrea Ross led to a plan for a dog walk, which led to a conversation about "PAB", which led to me having my mind blown.The conference is called PAB 2011 (short for Podcasters Across Borders), and is for anyone who is a creater of "content" of any kind, using any medium. You don't have to know a thing about podcasting to attend, just an open spirit and a readiness to share and absorb ideas. It took place this past week end (June 24-26) and my brain is still very, very full.This year's theme was "Your story needs to be told. Well." As with every year for the last few, the venue was the wonderful Fourth Stage of the National Arts Centre (no fluorescent lights!) ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976144 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:31:00 +0100 4976144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968581&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F24%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-24-2011%2F To tell you the truth, memories of my early school days are a mixed range of slightly traumatic to idiotic. In some ways, I had more drama in my life at age 8 than I did at age 28. These are the tales I love to tell new friends and laugh with old ones about how crazy our public and private school experiences were. Besides batting away cockroaches in our filthy gum-filled desks, I was always crying from mean teachers who scolded us for putting hands in our pockets or not getting math. The teachers were so strict that one of my classmates peed in his pants because he took our teacher’s warning that, “no one can leave this room until you’re finished with your assignment” literally. Did I mention this was private school? Public school ended up being a lot better for me.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968581 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:38:15 +0100 4968581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953393&cid=t_100149_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F517%2Fprotect-your-skin-this-summer%2F It’s the summer and while you proceed to spend some fun in the sun with your family and friends, it’s important that you properly protect your skin from overexposure—too much sun can lead not only to painful sunburns, but skin cancer and early skin aging such as unattractive wrinkles and sun spots as well. But when it comes to selecting the best sunscreen for you and/or your family, sometimes it’s confusing. So confusing in fact, that the Food and Drug Administration has mandated new sun screen regulations so that consumers can better understand labels and get the protection they need. Under the new regulations, which will take effect next summer, sunscreens will now have to pass a “broad spectrum” test before they can be placed on the market. This test will... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953393 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:31:52 +0100 4953393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953300&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fold-friends.html Recently I have been catching up with high school friends on Facebook (that evil time suck). Some one posted that a former classmate had died of breast cancer in March. Then another posted that another had passed away last fall. I asked how/when and one classmate told me what she had heard and another classmate told me he died of AIDS. I replied to him that AIDS and cancer aren't picky about who they pick. It turns out he is a 12 year volunteer with ACS' Relay For Life. It was only then that I told him about my fun cancer adventures.A few months ago I reconnected with another high school friend. It turns out he successfully battled testicular cancer ten years ago and is now fine. After he told me that, then I told him about my adventures.Yesterday I went to a party where there were some fr... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953300 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:54:00 +0100 4953300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893556&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-3-2011%2F It’s easy to slip into the “coulda, woulda, shouldas” of our lives. There’s the trip you didn’t take. The relationship you might have ended too soon. The career that sits, still waiting to be pursued. And though it maybe difficult to admit, it’s not the boss that held you back or the friend that slighted you. In fact, there’s probably some true to the saying that “you are your own worst enemy.” It’s the weekend again. It’s June. Summer is upon us. Why not take the time to reflect on why you’re holding yourself back? A few days ago, I asked our Facebook friends what’s the best decision they ever made. It was one of our most popular topics and we received responses on everything from living to accepting their life.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893556 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:16:55 +0100 4893556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893557&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F02%2Frun-like-a-girl-how-sports-can-empower-you%2F I never considered myself an athlete. My twin sister grew up with the reputation of being the tomboy of the family, the sporty one who participated in soccer and other organized sports. I was the brain and artsy one, who spent more time practicing my scales and arpeggios on our baby grand piano and perfecting pirouettes in the dance studio. I was intimidated by sports. And I found that I had absolutely no coordination once you threw a ball into the competition. So out were softball, volleyball, soccer, and pretty much every other sport. I swam during the summer and for my high school, and I started running in junior high, but just to lose enough weight to stop my period (I was a tad anorexic). I continued jogging and swimming through college into early adulthood. But just to stay in shape.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893557 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:37:03 +0100 4893557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893828&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fgood-times-good-times%2F This past weekend was a good one. Saturday was my nephew’s Baptism and birthday party. Telly and Lexi were not able to go due to dance commitments, but I represented for my ladies. Here are some random clips from the day: Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view Continue reading Good times, good times (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893828 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:05:04 +0100 4893828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852926&cid=t_100149_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fnew-facebook-friends-and-blogging-advice.html If you’ve been on Facebook for any length of time you will have had friend requests from people you don’t know. That’s fine. Often they’re just spammers. Sometimes, they’re users with whom you might have a few friends in common. If paths haven’t crossed I usually redirect requests to the Sciencebase Facebook page instead of automatically accepting the request. Occasionally, the new wouldbe friend turns out already to “like” the page, says so and starts a conversation. Also fine. Half proves they’re not some kind of bot. Virtual friendships can spring from such occurrences. It’s what this social media lark is all about, right? Indian medical blogger Pranab Chatterjee who runs Scepticemia, sent me a friend request and I went through... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852926 Sun, 22 May 2011 14:00:38 +0100 4852926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853121&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fwhat-if-you-cant-forgive.html Some of the pain is leeching out, day by day, the soul pain, the kind you can do nothing for. Friends lost slowly become benign memories, and are replaced by the sweet faces of those who ran toward you in your darkest hour.Dam on Chippewa River, near paper plantII Corinthians 2:4-10 has been a beachhead for my sanity throughout the conflict as we left our last church. The simplicity of God-given forgiveness confuses the intellectual, and sometimes even the person doing the forgiving. It is a supernatural experience to have God's love flowing out of your heart in an unstoppable rush when common sense should leave you reeling from the damage done. The assassin of your peace does not know one key component to this God-breathed forgiveness: with God there is nothing, short of true blasphemy, t... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853121 Sun, 22 May 2011 10:08:00 +0100 4853121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847995&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FO92b0h4ZAgs%2Fscrappy-baby-quilt.html Here is another of my baby quilts made using scraps.  It is machine pieced and quilted.  It is approximately 38 in X 42 in (I forgot to measure it before mailing it off).   Here is a photo to show some of the fabrics.  Check out the Razorback, the iron-pumping alligator, the monkey, the colors (blues, greens, reds, etc)   And in this segment you can find a horse and cowboy, cats, a bicycle tire, berries, trees, a birdbath.   Here is a portion of the back to show the quilting. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847995 Fri, 20 May 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4847995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821096&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbeautiful-eyes.html That's what struck me when I met Sarah in person: she had the most beautiful deep brown eyes I had ever seen, with a lovely smile to match.It was February 2010 and we were both in attendance at the Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. We had met online through our online community, Mothers With Cancer.A short time after we met, Sarah found out that her breast cancer had become metastatic and she began treatment anew. A few weeks ago, she learned that the cancer had spread to her brain and she started radiation treatment. A couple of days ago, she was admitted to hospital with breathing issues. Last night, she passed away.I won't claim to have known beautiful Sarah better than I did. But I did consider her my friend. And I will miss her. Here are some things I knew a... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821096 Thu, 12 May 2011 17:22:00 +0100 4821096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803441&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Falone-on-mothers-day.html When my spouse first mentioned that he was thinking of taking the boys to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival in Toronto, I protested, "But that's Mothers' Day week end!"Then I stopped to think."Would you be taking both boys?" "I think I'd have to."After a moment's thought (empty house! to myself! quiet writing and reading time!), I bravely said, "I think you should go. I don't want to deprive the boys of this chance."My spouse (clueing in) "Do you want your Mother's Day present to be a week end by yourself?"Me shaking my head and stammering and not quite keeping a straight face, "I'll miss you."So they went. And I have missed them. I've also slept more than 8 hours each night, done a considerable amount of cleaning, read a book, watched stuff on Netflix, had dinner with a friend and taken the... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803441 Sun, 08 May 2011 17:58:00 +0100 4803441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794898&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F06%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-6-2011%2F I took a few days off last week basking in the glow of a rare and beautiful sunny sky in Portland, Oregon. It felt like heaven. I almost forgot what it felt like to really live, to have the kind of day I think Leonardo da Vinci is talking about when he said, “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.” And it didn’t take much to make me feel that way. Just a bike ride near the water, dinner with friends, a trip to the zoo with my nephew. But in comparison to the daily grind, the to-do lists that never get finished, the endless amount of tasks that pile one atop the other, the feeling of just being for the sake of being was pure bliss. I realized that what was so sublime about the experience was that I was completely living in the moment.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794898 Fri, 06 May 2011 10:45:55 +0100 4794898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789335&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fdo-we-become-what-we-hope-well-become%2F “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” ~Buddha Facebook and other social networking platforms have allowed for reconnections with people who would have been lost to us had we lived in another time.  High school friends I haven’t seen for decades are immediately accessible with a few clicks on my laptop. No other generation in the history of evolution has been able to reach back with such ease into previous sociometric circles to sample how friends have fared throughout their lives.  Other generations have not had the technology to do this, and a new awareness about how early indications during adolescence may affect future life circumstances has become part of our culture.  We can readily see how our teenage buds have managed their lives, and they can see us. Thi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789335 Wed, 04 May 2011 12:33:11 +0100 4789335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771317&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhollow-eyes.html Eyes of glassmatte paper projector screenwith the scenes playing from the insideI remember too muchand now I can't screamGot to take it in strideFlash back to sevenflash back to bloodflash back to liesas I held back the floodI was the child with thumb in dikeI was the girl with banana seat bikeOne day I "fell on it" and bled so muchI remember doctor's cold glovesindignity of examPrivate placesempty spacesfilled with painnever the sameI try to cry, scream, swear, weepI try hardest to go to sleepTo walk the halls of unconscious mindlike the Oreo lost in the bottom of the milk glassI dive in and I'm sinking fastI just go looking for someone to believe in meCover up the scarlet letterWrap me up in robesLead me out tremblingIf only I could say (like He did)"It is finished."Flip the switch.Go ba... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771317 Sun, 01 May 2011 09:30:00 +0100 4771317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768200&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fhow-god-sees-us.html I imagine my Father singing this song to me.I identify with nearly every word.Through the cross, I am redeemed.The cross is my escape, my sanctuary and my hope.Made a wrong turn, once or twice.Dug my way out, blood and fire.Bad decisions, that's alright.Welcome to my silly life.Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood.Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down.Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated.Look, I'm still around.Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feelLike you're less than perfect.Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing,You're perfect to meYou're so mean when you talk about yourself; you were wrong.Change the voices in your head; make them like you instead.So complicated, look happy, you'll make itFilled with so much hatr... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768200 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:01:00 +0100 4768200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762906&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fjt4El-j481w%2Fyou-are-a-pizza-restaurant-and-i-am-too.php AKA She’s so nice, I posted it twice.As most of you have probably already read here in this post by Brittney, Ginger Vieira recently published a book called "Your Diabetes Science Experiment". She is very generous and sent me a copy to review.Over the recent long weekend, I was FINALLY able to finish it. It isn’t a long book (don’t be scared). I am just a very slow reader and wanted to give it the attention it deserved.Ginger probably THE best vlogger in the diabetes community. Instead of writing a typical review or posting the transcript of an interview, I asked Ginger if she would be willing to do something a little different for me. With her help, I was able to create more of a “vlog-ish” book review.Since you’ve already read a review here, I decided to post my review on my other ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762906 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:17:41 +0100 4762906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753757&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F26%2F7-tips-for-coping-with-finals%2F It’s that time again if you’re a college or graduate student — time for finals. It’s also time to self-sabotage, to get in your own way in terms of effective studying. We stress out more than usual, even when we’re on top of the material, because of the anxiety surrounding test-taking. But you don’t have to stress out about final exams. You can actually do better (and feel better about your performance) if you keep the stress at bay and focus on simple study skills over the next few weeks. Here’s a few tips for coping with finals to get you started. None of these are going to be eye-opening or stuff you don’t already know… But sometimes we need to be reminded of the things we already know, to drive home their importance. 1. Schedule yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753757 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:45:49 +0100 4753757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742621&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Funexpected-gift.html The mama of the original Caleb, the Caleb that Aaron and I cared for back in 2001 and 2002, the Caleb that walked slowly, steadily and peacefully into the arms of Jesus right in front of our very eyes. This mother, the one whose grief I remember. She comes to visit, to cheer me up. She is quite successful.One blurry gray spring afternoon, she gets a little unexpected miracle for all her miles flown from Phoenix to Wisconsin, all for the love of her friend. This Caleb, my Caleb, the one named after hers, comes running out from his nap and sees me, and then hightails it for Amy's lap.I sit and watch, the joy of this pair. It reminds of the verse in John where Jesus tells His disciples that they will grieve, but it will turn to joy. Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but th... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742621 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0100 4742621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742605&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=36052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.daily-diabetic.com%2F50220604%2Fdiabetes_walk_to_cure.php © merfamThe Juvenile Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure is taking place now in communities all over the world. Each year over 500000 people take part, with funds raised by individual and team walkers who obtain donations from their families and friends. Corporations and other institutional sponsors also donate to JDRF, and last year over $100 million was raised worldwide through this even for diabetes research and education. In Iowa alone, JDRF's Eastern Iowa Walk sites have welcomed over 8000 walkers and raised a ... (Source: Daily Diabetic) Daily Diabetic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742605 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:04:13 +0100 4742605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734209&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F19%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-19-2011%2F Have you ever read A Parable by author Barbara Stanny? It’s a story about a farmer who was terribly afraid of an ugly, horrifying monster that lived in the forest near his home so he spent his life building a fence to keep it out. But all that time he devoted to building walls to protect himself prevented him from spending time with his friends and family. When he was finally fed up with being afraid, a fairy godmother appeared and told him how to make the monster disappear. For that to happen he needed to find the monster and embrace it. The farmer was frightened and paralyzed with fear and thought the godmother nutty for suggesting it and himself crazy for thinking of doing it. But, “his pain had gotten worse than his fear.” And he so he faced it by finding the monster,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734209 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:05:36 +0100 4734209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724199&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F04%2Feveryone-should-have-an-emily%2F It must be a little over two years ago that I met Emily. I was training Focus on Facilitation and it was at the height/depth of chemotherapy: I was fat, I was bald, I was tired, I was constantly drinking milk to keep the sickness and heartburn at bay, I did most of my training sitting down. Emily was enthusiastic and caring and kind. By Day 2 we’d discovered that we were both knitters and at breaks we chatted and compared the socks and scarves we were making. When the course finished, Emily said she’d keep in touch. A lot of people do, when they finish a course that’s longer than a day, and I’m sure they mean it. But very few actually do. Emily did. She started following the blog. When I asked for people to read bits of the Bah! book, she offered, and read, and comm... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724199 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:40:51 +0100 4724199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724167&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fthe-importance-of-cwd-events%2F While in Florida for the 2011 Family Support Weekend I heard a couple of stories that really stuck with me. For most families, coming to CWD events are very important. How important you ask? One family was scheduling a c-section delivery of their baby, and actually planned the operation around the Friends For Life conference. Another family had friends getting married around the same time as the Friends For Life conference. These friends knew how important the FFL event was, and called the family to talk about dates and times for their wedding. They wanted to make sure their wedding plans wouldn’t interfere with Friends for Life for the family. Weddings and c-section baby deliveries. Those seem like pretty important things to me, and for many families the CWD Events rank right up the... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724167 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:36:36 +0100 4724167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714820&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F5S2Nv2qBRtw%2Fstairway-to-heaven-baby-quilt.html This baby quilt was made back in 1996 for my friend Marla who left her surgery residency after the fourth year to pursue her love of languages.  She now does medical translation work for John Hopkins. The center area of the quilt is composed of courthouse step blocks.  I machine pieced the quilt but had Scottie Brooks do the hand quilting for me.  The quilt measures 38.5 in X 61.5 in. The young man holding the quilt is the “baby” it was made for all those years ago.  Thank you Marla for the photos. Another view with it oriented upright. A close up to show the lovely fabrics. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714820 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4714820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714969&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fmy-kids-are-alright.html I had a dream a few nights ago.My kids were in a giant flash mob, dancing their hearts out, surrounded by dozens of other kids and adults. They were exuberant and focused, their movements fluid and in synch with those around them. My heart swelled with pride and joy.I learned that the flash mob had been created to drum up excitement over an upcoming performance. In a couple of hours, my kids would go on stage and perform. I could tell they were ready.Then I was handed a note. My own performance was scheduled for right after theirs. I was wholly unprepared. I hadn't even looked at my script. I was rushing off to find it when my alarm went off.Sacha was in a play very recently. And they did organize a flash mob a week before the performance, as a form of advertisement. And Sacha performed be... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714969 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4714969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693319&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FDe_8G5ez41Y%2Fanimal-word-quilt-finished.html It’s finished! I recently gave it to the husband/wife team of veterinarians who have taken care of my dogs over the years. You can check them out at their website or Facebook page. The quilt is machine pieced and quilted. It is 52.5 in X 62.5 in. I love this Still haven’t decided which word block I like the best. Sometimes I think it’s just certain letters like the “k” in monkey or the “a” in toucan or the “a” in gator or the “E” in horse or the “b” in bear or the “d” and “o” in dog. Or this “C” in cow which ended up sticking out into the border. I had to hand applique that portion down. Here is the back. Previous posts on this quilt: Word Play Quilting Animal Names Word Quilt – WIP (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693319 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:11:28 +0100 4693319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684433&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F05%2Fare-facebook-friends-real-friends%2F I don’t think I realized just how insecure I was until I joined Facebook two years ago. I thought the 12 or so years of therapy would have resulted in a more evolved woman. But here’s the truth: every time I lose a friend on Facebook I take it personally. Yes, that is ridiculous. I know. But I still feel the blow. I try not to remember the number of friends I have when I go to bed at night, but somehow it sticks—unlike every phone number I’ve tried to memorize. So, upon logging on to Facebook every morning, I immediately notice that I lost two friends overnight. While I was sleeping! What especially irks me is when I lose three friends right after I post something. Now I know that it probably has nothing to do with the content of my post, but it’s the same punch in the gut that I... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684433 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:08 +0100 4684433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677038&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Frandom-on-rainy-day.html There's something about a cold, rainy day that makes me just want to crawl back under the covers. I've resisted that temptation all day but I'm fighting a cold and my brain doesn't seem to want to function, except in fits and starts.Here are some random thoughts, that I'm posting as a compromise between cogent and nothing at all.1. All four performances of my son's play went very, very well this week end. I could not be prouder of him. He worked very hard for many months, to learn his lines and his blocking and he got himself to every rehearsal on time. The director gushed about him and said that she'd loved to work with him again. He had a big part and he was brilliant.2. I thought, as his mother, that I was very restrained. I found myself reacting quite viscerally to the kids and teacher... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677038 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:29:00 +0100 4677038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642674&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Ffree-webinar-on-social-media-and-relationships-april-4th%2F Social media, including Facebook and Twitter, has changed relationships forever. Thanks to the Internet, we’ve changed the way we communicate with others, make friends and find romantic partners. These changes have no doubt produced both positive and negative consequences. Want to learn more about social media’s impact on relationships? The PBS series This Emotional Life is hosting a free webinar and interactive discussion on this topic next week. I’m honored to be one of the panelists along with a slew of fantastic experts, including: Therese Borchard, Associate Editor at the award-winning site, Psych Central – the Internet’s largest and oldest independent mental health and psychology network. Kari Henley, Huffington Post blogger, writer, public speaker, and expert in ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642674 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:19 +0100 4642674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636618&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fgiving-in-to-monkey-brain.html HerceptinI think I'm happy with the outcome of the brouhaha over Herceptin in Ontario. For those of you outside the province or outside the loop. Jill Anzarut, a 35 year old breast woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer made the news last week when she announced that the province had to pay for Herceptin because her Her2+ tumour was less than one centimetre (that's about 1/4 inch) in diameter. The province initially refused to budge but eventually caved after a massive campaign played out in the social and traditional media. Access to Herceptin will now much more room for discretion when it comes to providing access to the drug.I feel good about this. It's not that I think that every drug should be funded for every person. Her2+ cancers are very aggressive and, as best put by Stephen... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636618 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:33:00 +0100 4636618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636473&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FLysudZpKRdw%2Fsurrounded-by-angels-baby-quilt.html I made this baby quilt for my friends who recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.  I had made a double wedding ring quilt quilt for them a year earlier.  I used the red and green fabrics from that quilt for this one. Whole pineapple log cabin blocks make up the center.  The border is meant to mirror those blocks.  The quilt is machine pieced by me, but I had my friend Scottie Brooks do the hand quilting.  It was finished in October 1998. My friend, Ben, took the photos for me.  The quilt is approximately 44 in square. I named the quilt “surrounded by angels” due to the fabric I used as part of the back. Here you can see the label and the angel fabric. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636473 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4636473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631619&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fhow-i-fill-my-days-for-better-or-worse.html If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631619 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:12:00 +0100 4631619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626992&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhere-ive-been.html Hey there.March has been a busy month for our little household. And last week was March Break. We all drove to Toronto and then our oldest, S., went to visit two of his parental grandparents in Florida. It was his first flight (other than a short hop between Toronto and Ottawa) on his own (and he's now too old to be an "unaccompanied minor"). But I'm getting ahead of myself.It seems that I'm not so great at multi-tasking these days. I have lots of blog posts in my head but before I write them, I thought I'd catch you up on what we've been up to since my last post.On Saturday, March 12, I ran a bunch of errands and packed for our week away. We also went shopping for new clothes that my 7 year old could wear for a theatre date with his Grandma in Toronto. He was very pleased with t... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626992 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:35:00 +0100 4626992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615190&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F19%2Fwhat-hurts-your-facebook-friends%2F With Facebook and other social networking websites such an integral part of many people’s lives, you have to wonder — what kinds of things do people do that hurt their social networking “friends?” It’s a brave new world online, where a misstep on a social networking website like Facebook can result in hurt feelings between real friends. A researcher was interested in figuring out (Tokunaga, 2011) which of our online behaviors on social networking websites were more likely to lead to the greatest hurt feelings amongst our online “friends.” He found three specific things a person can do that can lead to hurt feelings on sites such as Facebook and Myspace. Here’s what he found out. The researcher’s sample consisted of 197 undergraduate st... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615190 Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:51:43 +0100 4615190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605862&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FK8nBbeJubaQ%2Flasting-gift.html This study suggests that there is an additional benefit as a protection for the family. Just leaving decisions up to the family may well be counterproductive and make it harder on the family, not easier." I and my siblings can attest to the lasting gift our mother gave us.  There is a peace in knowing we followed her wishes when she had the massive intra-operative stroke which ended her life. She repeatedly over the years told us what she wanted and what she didn’t want.  We are able to discuss it without feeling morbid.  My husband is not. My dear husband finds it uncomfortable when I want to tell him what my wishes are when the time comes for tough choices.  I tell my siblings and hope they will help him (and me) when the time comes. I don’t know what his wi... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605862 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:15:00 +0100 4605862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605832&cid=t_100149_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2F30-dsc-day-5.html 5: Song That Reminds You Of Someone.This was easy, sort of. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605832 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0100 4605832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552132&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FarhnHrlf5D0%2F At my birthday dinner tonight, Katie Laur and a couple of friends sang. I am now officially 55 — double nickels, as my cousin Stella says. Filed under: Ephemera Tagged: birthday, friends, music (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552132 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 04:41:03 +0100 4552132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544997&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FdXwQA0a9Scs%2Fdouble-wedding-ring-quilt.html I made this queen sized double wedding ring quilt for some good friends.  The quilt was meant to be a swap.  I was to make a quilt.  She was to make a wool rug for me.  I never got my rug as she broke her wrist and then got side-tracked by their first baby.  Oh, well, I still love them both. I hand pieced this quilt, then had my friend Scottie Brooks do the hand quilting.  It was finished in 1997.  I am thankful to my friend for taking these photos for me. The colors are red, green, purple, and cream. Here is a photo of the back. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544997 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:14:00 +0100 4544997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522138&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fidmxo_cqoM0%2Fbc-baby-quilt.html This quilt was made of a pack of Benartex Quilter’s Candy fabric squares from my stash.  I have no idea how long they have been there.  The fabric reminds me of 1930s reproduction fabric.  The center is completely made of the BC fabric and white Kona cotton .  The border strip is made of left-over BC pieces augmented with other fabrics from my stash. The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  It is 32 in X 38.5 in.  I have given the quilt to a fellow physician blogger who’s wife is pregnant with their first baby. Here you can see why the fabric looks like 1930s reproduction. Here is a photo of the back. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522138 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:14:00 +0100 4522138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482826&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Fpunishment-a-cultural-phenomenon%2F We are a culture that believes in punishment. Not just for the criminal or the misbehaving child, but in almost every interaction we have, from our intimate partners to our global enemies and friends. We don’t just see punishment as a deterrent. We think punishment works to change another’s behavior. Just look around. Take a closer look at how you approach a difficult conversation. We all do it. We use punishment all of the time. We don’t even think about it. Punishment is a completely ineffective way to change anyone’s behavior. Punishment simply breeds punishment-avoidance — and what we resist persists. In spite of ongoing and frequent evidence to the contrary, Americans rely on punishment to effect positive change in all areas of our lives. From our child-rearing prac... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482826 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:31:57 +0100 4482826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478018&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Ffeeling-better.html Because I've been able to go out for walks and for runs with the dog.Because I had a really nice weekend and a very nice Valentine's Day (especially for someone who doesn't really celebrate it).Because I have so many wonderful people in my life.Because some of my symptoms have improved considerably (and they most definitely did not improve at all before I was diagnosed with the recurrence of cancer).Because I have survived experiences that have been far more physically traumatic (like giving birth. Twice) than an endoscopy could possibly be.I am feeling better today.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478018 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:10:00 +0100 4478018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477815&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-15-2011%2F You can come out from your hiding place. Valentine’s Day is officially over! Yes, a surprising amount of our Facebook friends said they hated the holiday. Some found it to be too commercial. Others found it to be lonely for singles. There were also many who thought it was a good excuse to celebrate love. In general, while everyone had their own reasons for loving or hating the holiday, I thought it was a great discussion about love and an opportunity to reflect on the four letter word itself. Our bloggers were no exception. Everyone had their own take on love. One blogger talked about how Valentine’s Day can bring up unexpected pain and sorrow in our lives. Another discussed the various stages of a romantic relationship (a perfect post for couples). A third mentioned the import... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477815 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:53:34 +0100 4477815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501682&cid=t_100149_115_f&fid=34678&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscanman.net%2Fblog%2F2011%2F02%2Fa-parable-of-rigidity%2F … Note: This is a true incident. Though all characters in the story are anonymized, they are recognizable to the knowledgeable based on the events portrayed. That they have been anonymized reflects propriety rather than conformity to any hidebound traditions. … John Deer and Jane Doe are part of a small team of medical personnel doing voluntary work in an under-served Central African country that is only now recovering from a prolonged and bloody civil war. They are there treating poor villagers who often travel great distances over days to a hospital where they have a special clinic, the only one of its kind in a region that is bigger than some European countries. They are supported by the local doctors and healthcare workers in that hospital. One day, Dr. Deer sees a young alcoholic ... scan man's notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501682 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:56:30 +0100 4501682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470532&cid=t_100149_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-affects-the-entire-family-2%2F …Not Just the AlcoholicHow many people are involved in the life of any one alcoholic? Family, friends, employer, co-workers… It is important to remember that all these people are affected by alcoholism-not just the alcoholic. Many of them spend a lot of time and energy trying to "fix" the alcoholic: covering up for them, punishing them, taking responsibility for them.For over 56 years, Al-Anon Family Groups (including Alateen for younger members) has been providing help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics. In non-professional, mutual support meetings, members share their own experience, strength, and hope to help one another to recover from the effects of alcoholism. Living with alcoholism has been described as living on a merry-go-round, where each family memb... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470532 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4470532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464524&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F5BH53WuyDxo%2Fmonkeying-around.html I made the center block a few months ago.  I found it amusing to have the blue flannel fabric with monkeys featured in a quilt block whose name is crab claws but looks to me like a wrench.  I made the block more difficult by cutting the wrenches out of fabric whole and not piecing them.  This also made me not want to make more of them even though I liked how it turned out.  So the block lingered on my wall waiting for inspiration.  I finally decided to use the patience nine-patch block.  The sashing strips using the light brown fabric helped pull them all together and add to the size.  The quilt is 40 in square, machine pieced and quilted. You can see the center block and monkey fabric better in this photo.  This shows some of the quilting from the... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464524 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:17:00 +0100 4464524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464542&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F11%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-11-2011%2F Everyone is looking for the holy grail of happiness. But what is happiness? Is it something that can be pursued? And is it something that can be sustained? It’s a discussion I have had with friends for decades. One that makes for an interesting debate, but does not give way to a single agreed upon answer. What do you think about it? What does happiness mean to you? We posed the question to our Facebook friends and learned that happiness is definitely subjective. But that in general, happiness to them means self-love, gratitude, presence and giving to others. Can you relate? To me, happiness means a lot of things. It means the knowledge that everything will be okay even during hardship. It is the freedom I have to make choices and the connection through receiving and giving love. It i... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464542 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:16:42 +0100 4464542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441983&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fan-t1jMeM2I%2Fanother-voyager-bag.html A few weeks ago I posted about a voyager bag I made using black linen.  It was made using  the Voyager Bag (#761) pattern from Ghee’s.  Yesterday I pulled out some Alexander Henry fabric featuring horses (a light weight denim) that I’ve had for over 15 years.  I was going to make a jacket, but, well, it never happened. This one, like the black linen one, is lined and measures 8 in X 9 in when folded over.  There are a total of 4 zippered compartments and two other pockets.  Here is the inside. Here is the back. I plan on giving it to a friend for his wife who loves horses. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441983 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:15:01 +0100 4441983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411664&cid=t_100149_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2011%2F01%2F27%2Fstruggles-and-compromises-going-back-to-daycare.aspx Going back to school after the holidays wasn't nearly as traumatic an experience for A. as going back to daycare. There were several days before school started that A. had to actually spend the entire day in daycare, and she was none-to-happy about this...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411664 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:54:00 +0100 4411664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405990&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwelcome-to-my-life.html Earlier this week, my friend K. sent me an article from the New York Times on metastatic breast cancer that was the best piece of journalistic writing on metastatic breast cancer I've ever read. And I've read a lot on this subject.I cried when I read it (but as I told K., in a good way) because it resonated so deeply with me, juxtaposing the facts and the experiences of women living with cancer that can never be considered cured. I started to highlight the best bits to share with you here but ended up cutting and pasting more than two thirds of the article.I've decided that it's best not violate copyright or my own ethics and just post the link and ask you to please go read this article:A Pink Ribbon Race, Years Long.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405990 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:14:47 +0100 4405990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394528&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F25%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-25-2011%2F Almost a decade ago, I had a conversation with a friend that made me both infuriated and grateful. I don’t know how it started, but somehow we got to talking about depression. Essentially, he told me that depression was a made up disorder that helped put money in the pockets of mental health professionals. He didn’t see the need for medication and thought people should just buck up and be happy instead of feeling sad. Having a grandfather who suffered from depression, I was certain that depression was not only real, but a serious illness. And I was not only disturbed by his reaction, but angry. Although it’s been 10 years since the conversation, I often think about it. I’m not as upset as I was before. Although I still don’t agree with his statement, I ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394528 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:43:59 +0100 4394528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394421&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FBrGmS-Cv3H4%2F By Andrew J. CoulsonAt one time or another over the past two decades, most school choice supporters have felt like the subject of the “Friends” theme song; that it hasn’t been their day, their week, their month, or even their year. Things are different now. For one thing, choice programs have proliferated and grown over time, more are being introduced this year than perhaps ever before. And for another, well, this IS their week: the first national School Choice Week. Events are being held all over the country to celebrate the idea that families should be able to easily choose the best schools for their kids, and that schools should have to compete for the privilege of serving them. Here at Cato’s Center for Educational Freedom, we’re dipping into the future to... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394421 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:47:19 +0100 4394421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405874&cid=t_100149_115_f&fid=34678&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscanman.net%2Fblog%2F2011%2F01%2Ffellowship-opportunity%2F … via Paul Levy’s blog post… … … Here’s a great fellowship opportunity in biomedical imaging being offered by the Madrid-MIT M+Visión Consortium program. Applications are welcome from people of all nations, and with a variety of backgrounds. Here is an excerpt from the description: With a focus on accelerating innovation in biomedical imaging, promoting translational research, and encouraging entrepreneurship, the Madrid-MIT M+Visión Consortium is currently recruiting bright young talent from all over the world - engineers, physicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs interested in biomedical imaging who are in search of a career-enhancing experience and want to make their mark on the world. Over the course of a one- or two-year fellowship in Madrid, Spain, and Boston, ... scan man's notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405874 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:18:09 +0100 4405874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349651&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35179&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscottsdiabetes.com%2F2011%2F01%2Ffaces-names-faces-names%2F The recent CWD Family Support Weekend I attended had about three-hundred people, plus the volunteer staff.  While much smaller than the giant Friends For Life conferences, 300+some is still a BUNCH of people. It took me at least three or four introductions, plus a nametag, before I could remember people’s names and faces.  Even with that, I can only remember a fraction of everyone I met there. It blew me away how Jeff & Laura knew everyone’s names.  I mentioned that to one of the other people down there and they said that not only do they know people’s names, but they will often ask about extended family members and/or pets!  And to take it to another level, they do that at Friends For Life – their biggest conference boasting over three-thousand people. I do... Scott's Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349651 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:00:14 +0100 4349651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405875&cid=t_100149_115_f&fid=34678&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catscanman.net%2Fblog%2F2011%2F01%2F10-commandments-radiology%2F … Shamelessly copied verbatim from this post by Chris Nickson of the LITFL team. … The ‘Ten Commandments of Emergency Radiology’ according to Touquet et al (1995): Treat the patient, not the radiograph Take a history and examination before ordering a radiograph Request a radiograph only when necessary Never look at a radiograph without seeing the patient, and never see a patient without looking at the radiograph Look at every radiograph, the whole radiograph, and the radiograph as a whole - remember the ABCS: alignment/ adequacy, bones, cartilage (joints) and soft tissues. Re-examine the patient when there is an incongruity between the radiograph and the expected findings Remember the rule of twos - two views, two joints (above and below the injury), two sides (for comparison... scan man's notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405875 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:14:23 +0100 4405875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309818&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwhy-i-love-twitter.html People often ask what it is I love about Twitter. I tell them how useful it is to get advice and share information - about resources, local business, good things to read, etc. I also love the quick exchanges of ideas, the wit and the humour.Twitter is fun.And last week, I found a new reason to love Twitter. Trading. Check out the two exchanges below in which I gained a Canada Reads book from the author and the best quiche that I've ever eaten. Read each conversation from the bottom up (sorry it's so small and blurry - click on each image to make it larger and much easier to read).Postcript: When I couldn't figure out how to capture and embed Twitter conversations, I turned to Twitter for help. I got several great responses and, in the end a friend who I met via LibraryThing and got to know... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309818 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:41:00 +0100 4309818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302958&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fhappy-new-year.html In 2010, I:Made soup.Started running again and kept at it (in fact, I did the Resolution Run 5K last night before breaking into the wine and fondue).Started editing my novel. It doesn't really have an ending yet but I don't totally hate what I've written, so that's a start.Found a writing buddy.Knit a lot of dish cloths.Played lots of Scrabble/LexulousHad my heartbroken when my dog died.Went to Florida in the in the summer to get away from a heat wave.Spent some quality time with girlfriends.Organized a team for the Run for the Cure, called No Pink for Profit. By run day, we were more than 40 women and we raised more than $20,000.Fell in love with Twitter.Finally got a smart phone.Learned that grief is not a linear process.Spent a lot of time thinking about community, friends and family. I... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302958 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:54:00 +0100 4302958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302309&cid=t_100149_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2Fj3TzA1Cbppw%2F There was a time in my life when I didn’t have friends. None. Zero. Zilch. I was that kid sitting by himself at lunch. Socially awkward, painfully shy, a bit of a nerd, and overweight. Not a great combination when you’re in middle school and trying to fit in. Turns out, I would never fit in. But that didn’t mean I’d never make friends. It took several years, lots of trial and error, and a bit of finding myself, but I eventually figured out how to make friends. First, I had to unlearn the habits, actions, and beliefs which had been holding me back. I’ve compiled a list of some of my own missteps, along with negative traits I’ve seen in other people. If you’re still eating lunch alone, make sure you aren’t doing any of these 6 things: 1. Be needy. People aren&... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302309 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:52:32 +0100 4302309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275327&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-holidays-and-the-obese%2F2010.12.20 ‘Tis once again that time of year when we Americans gather together with our extended families and friends to celebrate the season. It is a time for catching up — renewing acquaintances and making new ones, sharing in good news and commiserating in bad, welcoming our new arrivals and mourning our losses. It is a time for giving thanks, counting our blessings, and putting our sundry individual problems into perspective. Indeed, it is perhaps most importantly a time for each of us to remind ourselves that — despite the trials and tribulations that may cause us to become relatively self-absorbed in our daily lives — we are all part of something much greater than ourselves. So, in a way, it’s a shame we must now cull out our obese relatives and friends, and disinvite them... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275327 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:00:29 +0100 4275327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272506&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Ffar-above-rubies.html Her children arise and call her blessed. (Proverbs 31:28)She's the kind of mother who bakes cookies with the grandkids one day...and frosts with them the next.The toddlers get their own container of frosting.And her beautiful hands are always ready to help with the task.Never mind the mess.We can clean that up, right?Even though I'm older now, and I'm better at passing on the compliments swirling around my brain, I'm pretty sure she still doesn't hear it enough...she is the best mother in the world, and has made my life easier, more beautiful, and full of joy.Thank you for the wonderful weekend, Mama and Papa! (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272506 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:19:00 +0100 4272506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253199&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F13%2Fexchanging-gifts-with-your-therapist%2F It’s that time of the year again — the time where gift-giving is a part of many people’s holiday rituals. While we don’t think twice about buying little gifts for close friends and family, sometimes it gives us pause to consider giving a gift to our therapist. Here’s a relationship with a professional that we see once a week, and yet it is a professional relationship (even if it doesn’t always feel that way). What should you do? Should you exchange a little gift with your therapist? Of course, before you do anything, you and your therapist should talk about exchanging gifts (especially if you don’t know your therapist’s policy). Some therapists are okay with it — as long as the gifts are small — while others have a strict, &#8220... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253199 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:50:26 +0100 4253199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249088&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F10%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-10-2010%2F If your goals in life are to be your best and live your best life, then what happens when mental illness takes a hold of you and everyone you hold dear? More importantly, what happens when one of the best treatments for depression is no longer being used? It’s kind of like the philosophical riddle, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” If no ones using psychotherapy, is it still relevant and effective? Our World of Psychology post on psychotherapy and its decline as a treatment for depression sparked a conversation yesterday on Facebook. I was surprised to learn that many of our commenters cited things like cost, convenience and comfort level (as in not having to deal with the difficulties psychotherapy often brings about) as... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249088 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:34:36 +0100 4249088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249210&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F12%2Funderstanding%2F This time two years ago I was recuperating from surgery and bracing myself for chemotherapy, and very much at the tender mercies of my family and friends. Maybe that’s why I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the people around cancer, and how they support us, if they do. Most of the people I knew two years ago were brilliantly encouraging and kind when they heard I had a cancer, and throughout treatment. A few were less so. Some were silent. Some sent a card, which was kind, but didn’t email or pick up the phone or visit. Some, when I next saw them, whether months or weeks later, told me they’d been thinking about me all the time. (Maybe they had been. How was I supposed to know?) There are people I would, I think, have imagined I would have got much more help and care from: and o... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249210 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:37:14 +0100 4249210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241915&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F12%2F08%2Fcoupla-sick-chicks%2F Hello world! The inaugural video introducing “Coupla Sick Chicks Sittin’ Around Talkin’.” Friends for 20 years, Julie Levine (stage III breast cancer, dx 2008) and Donna Trussell (stage III ovarian cancer, dx 2001) will meet every week to discuss survival, family and life. Filed under: Cancer, Music - TV - Film Tagged: breast cancer, friends, ovarian cancer, survival (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241915 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:56:53 +0100 4241915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225372&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-3-2010%2F I think one of the greatest self-inflicted suffering comes from comparing our own lives to the one we think we should be living. Instead of focusing on accepting who we are in this moment, it’s easy to get sucked into what everyone else is doing and how much better they are at doing it. It’s a lot easier, for example, to focus on the presents you can’t afford or the job/relationship you don’t have. But tough times also give us an opportunity. It challenge us to be and do better. If you’re going through a personal struggle right now, remember to take care of yourself, find people (therapists/friends/family) to support you, find peace and solace in your religion or spirituality and discover something hopeful in your life, no matter how small, to help lift you up... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225372 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:07:08 +0100 4225372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214115&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39251&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rethinkingpatientsafety.com%2Fmy-blog%2F2010%2F11%2Fthe-purpose-of-malpractice-litigation.html The British Medical Journal reported today on a debate over the benefits of malpractice litigation at the Risky Business conference in London earlier this month. Glasgow University Professor Shelia McLean argued that litigation creates secrecy and defensiveness, and preventes the open discussion necessary to learn from mistakes. Available to only a few who can afford lawyers, litigation precludes the collaboration necessary to prevent future mistakes. Barrister James Badenoch contended that fear of litigation was the “principal driver of risk management and risk avoidance.” The cost of the proposed alternative no fault system is prohibitive. This debate seems to miss the point. Litigation seems to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for solving the problem of patient harm. Li... Rethinking Patient Safety blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214115 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:36:24 +0100 4214115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207290&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39251&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rethinkingpatientsafety.com%2Fmy-blog%2F2010%2F11%2Fis-iatrogenic-injury-inevitable.html Sadly, yet another study shows that many patients are harmed by their medical care, iatrogenic injury. Worse, significant effort over the past decade by leading minds in medicine, state and federal governments, professional medical associations and thousands of advocates have produced little impact. The most recent study indicates that the rate of patient harm produced by medical error remains relatively constant. These findings are consistent with what other studies have been showing in the past decade: little if any measurable progress. It is time to re-think the approach being taken to patient safety. The approach we are using has not worked, is not working, and cannot reasonably be expected to work in the future. In the coming weeks, lessons from successful attempts to reduce injuries ... Rethinking Patient Safety blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207290 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:07:12 +0100 4207290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205977&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F27%2F7-quick-tips-to-avoid-a-meltdown%2F When you feel like strangling the guy in front of you at Target, read these 7 Quick Ways to Calm Down, I laughed at the art that went with it because, well, I sort of looked like that the other day. I needed a reminder of them, and I thought maybe you could use one too. 1. Walk Away Know your triggers. If a conversation about global warming, consumerism, or the trash crisis in the U.S. is overwhelming you, simply excuse yourself. If you’re noise-sensitive and the scene at Toys-R-Us makes you want to throw whistling Elmo and his buddies across the store, tell your kids you need a time-out. (Bring along your husband or a friend so you can leave them safely, if need be.) My great-aunt Gigi knew her trigger points, and if a conversation or setting was getting close to them, she sim... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205977 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:30:52 +0100 4205977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203159&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffeeling-pretty-thankful%2F2010.11.25 It’s Thanksgiving here in the States, and I’m feeling pretty thankful. While the day is reserved for turning hand tracings into turkeys, it’s also a good day to highlight what I’m thankful for this year: I’m thankful that we have a backyard that the cats can go [potty] in, because I was tired of cleaning that litterbox. (And I’m also secretly glad that our neighbors have a ridiculous cat that comes over and starts trouble with ours, because when they pile into the bushes out back and cause the shrubbery to vibrate with their Andy Capp-style battles, it cracks me right up.) I’m thankful for our family and friends, who have helped Chris and I adjust to our new lives as “parents” and who make “home” a place that matters.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203159 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:21 +0100 4203159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203160&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flots-of-thanksgiving%2F2010.11.25 A mom who took care of us kids far better than she did herself, always. A Dad whose advice grew better with years, although it was good then. Two brothers and a sister to share a driveway basketball court with, rain or shine. The infinite love of grandparents, who lived within hollering distance over an old Connecticut stone wall. A high school guidance counselor who said I wasn’t smart enough to go to medical school. A college biology professor who rolled out a cart of beers on that first Friday evening research conference. That I watched the movie “Hoosiers” and thought to look at Indiana University for residency, and while there met so many dedicated cardiology teachers. That I have so many great colleagues to work with now. Immersing oneself in a sea of committed peo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203160 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4203160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203283&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fbut-i-have-excuse.html I bailed on National Novel Writing Month on the first day, having written just under 700 words.I felt like there were too many other interesting bits of writing that I wanted to do, including continuing to edit last year's novel.And then my life became insane. I've been really hard on myself for all the things I'm not doing lately. This week, though, I've had two people who are very important to me (my coach/therapist and my friend DM) listen to me unload and then tell me that I would have every right to feel overwhelmed with a fraction of what I've got on my plate.I tend to be hard on myself because I don't work outside the home right now. If I don't go to a job I feel like I should just sail through my other commitments. It felt really good to list everything going on in my life and have... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203283 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:43:00 +0100 4203283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200562&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthanksgiving-and-your-priorities%2F2010.11.25 Here is my column in [the November 21st] Greenville News: This Thanksgiving we will have 32 guests at the table. Rather, at the tables we scatter about the dining room…and living room…and kitchen. At our house, food is practically a sacrament. And obviously Thanksgiving is the high holiday of American eating. So we will be honoring the tradition by feeding everyone as much as we can. Because the guests are all beloved to us, we will also have a variety of foods, in a variety of presentations. For instance, there will be fresh cranberries for organic purists, as well as a maroon gelatinous mass of cranberries for those who feel that cranberries indeed spring from aluminum. The turkeys will be divided perfectly among dark and light meat lovers. And for the carb-loving, there will be s... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200562 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:00:38 +0100 4200562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200603&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F25%2Fhappy-thanksgiving-2010%2F If it’s November and you live in the U.S., chances are you’re going to find yourself eating some turkey today. Happy Thanksgiving! At this time of the year, it’s also traditional to give thanks for what we have. We’re a nation of bounty and plenty, even during these tough economic times. Most of us have the luxury of having a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, and warmth in the cold. These are simple things we take for granted everyday. But I want to really thank you for reading Psych Central’s World of Psychology blog all year long. This has been the 10th year I’ve regularly been blogging, and it’s 10 years I’ve really enjoyed. So thank you for reading. I also want to thank our members, because without people who’ve made the ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200603 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:29:59 +0100 4200603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197303&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fand-then-my-hair-got-did-final-makeover.html Of the four women being made over, two of us picked our clothes and shoes in the morning and then had our hair done after lunch. I was grateful to be in the afternoon group and have someone else do the work for a couple of hours. Actually, I did have to do a bit of work. It took concentration to separate those little papers. You can't really see all of them, but there are THREE little bowls of colout being applied to my head. This is my favourite part. And this is why my hair will never again look the way it did when Tony was finished with it. How does anyone do the back of their own head like that? Thanks so much to Tony from L'Elégance Salon (they don't have a web site or I'd provide a link), the St. Laurent Centre and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation for making all o... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197303 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:43:00 +0100 4197303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197319&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fblue-sky-tin%2F The last time I saw my dear friend Nathalie she gave me a gift. It’s a tin, and it’s all in French. (Nathalie is French.) ‘Pour voir la vie du bon cote’ roughly translates as ‘To see life on the good side’. Inside are 365 folded and sealed pieces of paper, one to open every day of the year. The idea is that by doing what’s on the paper you will improve your life. Well, I’m all up for that. As Nathalie said when she gave it to me, it goes with the whole Blue Sky Club and the Blue Sky Movement. I waited until the day after the second anniversary of my cancer surgery to crack open the first piece of paper. That way, I get to open the last one on the day that the third anniversary comes around. I think that will be good. Anyway. I am loving the ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197319 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:25:18 +0100 4197319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190428&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fchronological-order.html Arrived at the St. Laurent Centre with my friend SS, met the other women and realized that I was going to have an exciting day.I was impressed with Tony from L'Elegance. He was consultative but had a pretty clear idea of what he wanted to do.Trying on clothes was hard work. I don't have photos of some of the real duds or I would share (really I would). Finding items that fit and looked good was a real challenge and there were moments when I felt extremely frustrated. There were lots of great helpers, though.I was determined to be open-minded but this was just too much sparkly for me. I felt like I was wearing a very shiny washboard.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just a... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190428 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:49:00 +0100 4190428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183468&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fmakeover-day.html We arrived at the studio very early.The anticipation was far worse than the experience of being on camera, which went pretty smoothly. And I didn't fall down!The Fab Four with Tony from L'Elégance Hair (Tony gave us hours of his time - all day Monday and early Wednesday morning - taking great care with our colour and cuts. This lovely man is an artist. You should all go to St. Laurent Centre and get him to do your hair).My favourite interviewer.Blogging on the fly today (more pics and words about all of this soon) but I didn't want to let another day go by without acknowledging those who made this possible.My friends AB for nominating me, SS for coming on Monday and MR for getting up early and joining my family at the studio.My man and my boys (all photos courtesy of SKW) for the nominati... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183468 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:53:00 +0100 4183468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179412&cid=t_100149_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fsearching-for-thanksgiving%2F As children we’re taught the basics. We’re told to say, “Thank you,” when someone gives us a gift, whether or not we like it. We’re taught the magic word, “Please.” We also learn when we’re young not to wander into the street without looking both ways. Oh my, childhood is so full of dos and don’ts, as we are taught to become civil individuals, isn’t it? We learn so much about life that is basic to our knowledge to survive in this world. Day-to-day life was full of routine, learning, discipline, and friendships. The times that shine the brightest, however, are the holidays. Families dressed in their finest, the odors of fine food, and the joys of seeing faces you didn’t often see. The feeling of family love was and is wonderful. I know we all have many memories of Than... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179412 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:53:55 +0100 4179412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175927&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fpopping-in%2F I’ve loved my years in London and I’m fairly sure that, taken back in time, I’d still choose to spend a couple of decades there. But now I live in a place where much of my family live within, if not walking-distance, then less-than-a-10-minute-drive distance. (Provided they have passed their driving test, of course, which it seems that everyone in the world has – sob! – except me). And this proximity has re-introduced me to the gentle art of popping in. Generally, doors are unlocked here unless you are properly out, and so at any time from, say, 10am to 8pm you can expect to hear your door open and someone call, “Yoo-hoo! Anybody in?” And when you go to greet your cousin/aunt/friend (hypothetically, when I get some friends here) chances are they’ll say, “I just th... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175927 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:14:50 +0100 4175927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172294&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fmakeover-show-tomorrow.html For those in the Ottawa area, my makeover will be televised on the A Channel tomorrow morning. My segments will air tomorrow morning at 9:13, 9:35 and 9:48.Yesterday, I shopped and had my hair done. Tune in tomorrow for the big "reveal." Look at my smile in this pic. I was very spoiled and surrounded by amazingly caring people all day. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and enthusiasm of everyone I met, including the other three women who joined me in this adventure.Thanks so much to the St. Laurent Centre and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation for making this happen, to T. and AB for nominating me and to SS for coming with me for moral support (and taking all these great photos).If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172294 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0100 4172294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164555&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F14%2Fare-you-feeling-trapped-by-facebook%2F Facebook is the currently-popular social networking website that boasts over 550 million users. It is the epitome of what “Web 2.0″ is supposedly about — personalized, user-created social content that connects people to one another. And it does that pretty darned well, too. I’ve re-connected with old friends from high school — friends I hadn’t seen or talked to in over 20 years — and even my first girlfriend from middle school. Are these connections “deep”? No, of course not. But they are very real and they exist. Before Facebook came along, these connections were non-existent. These people in my life had faded not only from my life, but from my memory as well. Facebook changed all of that and brought them back into my life, no matter h... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164555 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:39:41 +0100 4164555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164643&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fnyc_meet_up.html After a long day of traveling into the city, and then meeting up with some of the diabetes crew for the Discovery of Insulin exhibit, and then joining a few friends at the JDRF Promise for a Cure Ball in Chelsea, I'm exhausted.  Like super exhausted.  (Like almost fell asleep in the cab on the way back to the hotel only I sort of woke up a little more when I came to the building and saw that they were filming Batman right on the street.  Saw me some quality Batmobile.)I'll have a post that includes more words later, but for now, here's a photo from today's meet-up:Diabetes Meet Up crew in NYC, right underneath that really important word up there:  INSULIN(And Lesley, it was great meeting you!  And I totally meant to get your email.  Drop me a note if you have ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164643 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:13:32 +0100 4164643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159284&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F12%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-12-2010%2F There’s something so soothing about a pet. (You pet owners know what I mean.) Maybe it’s their soft, furry coat or their comfort with being themselves that can be so settling. But I think it’s the feeling that no matter who you are, how much money you have or what you look like, they’ll love you unconditionally. It’s something I felt with my first dog who passed away earlier this year. And how I feel about my current love, a 5 year old mini lop rabbit. The world can be as chaotic as it can be. I could have papers piling up on my desk and emails crowding my inbox. But when I see him cleaning his floppy ears, those things don’t seem to matter. For a moment, I’m at peace. Why am I bringing up my furry friends? Aside from the fact that I adore talking ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159284 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:16:42 +0100 4159284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151878&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F09%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-9-2010%2F I’ve had quite a bit of visitors in the month of October. And while it was fun and I was grateful for their company, it was exhausting. It reminded me of the upcoming holiday season. Giving me a preview of what’s to come in the next few months. The good thing is that I learned something during the parade of October visitors that may help you get through the season with friends and family peacefully. Conflict often occurs because of misunderstanding and miscommunication. You may, for example, have gone to therapy and learned ways to take care of yourself. But your family hasn’t done the same. Returning to the home you grew up in and the life you used to live sometimes means that those who knew you before, may not know how to interact with you now. Here’s where my tip... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151878 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:59:46 +0100 4151878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139364&cid=t_100149_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-friends-gets-a-hand%2F Living with multiple sclerosis can be a lonely journey. Whether it be from time to time or on a regular basis, there are occasions when it seems that no one “gets it” but us. Here at the Life With MS Blog, we try to be a link of information for connection and for venting. Sometimes, however, we may want/need a more personal touch. That’s where MS Friends has come in for many people living with MS. MS Friends offers a 24/7 peer support helpline, staffed with people living with multiple sclerosis. Last year a cadre of fewer than 90 volunteers handled over 8,500 calls and their volume is only growing! I’m sure you can imagine how difficult it can be to staff a phone helpline 24/7. Now think about the costs involved with such an endeavor and it won’t surprise you that the organizatio... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139364 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:16:55 +0100 4139364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133967&cid=t_100149_115_f&fid=38592&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiolopolis.com%2Findex.php%2Fmy-profile%2Fmy-blog%2Frsna-event-invitation.html Dear Radiolopolis member,The next RSNA meeting is approaching fast and we would like to cordially invite you to our RSNA Radiolopolis event. The Radiolopolis event will be an exciting "come together" with other Radiolopolis members and will also host an award ceremony for our Radiology OlympRead More... (Source: Radiolopolis Blogs) Radiolopolis Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133967 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:04:12 +0100 4133967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134162&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fblazing.html Have you ever met the lone golden tree on the dark hill of deadwood?  A few burnt umber oaks flame distant.  The bare white of the birches long naked in the autumn sun punctuate the darkness of the forested hill.  That yellow is a breath-taking splash of color on a sea of monochromatic monotony.A Christian can stand alone, like the yellow tree on the hill. It is an unexpected pleasure to meet these blazing-aspen Christians at some secular event, discover the jewel of joy they store like hidden treasure deep within. I've met a few in the past few weeks - unexpected gifts in my day from my Father from whom all blessings flow. They've grown afraid of letting Him flame off their lips, this Truth they know. Tentative, they mince through the conversation with you until they f... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134162 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 +0100 4134162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125223&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fsugar-hangover.html Lots to tell about the conference I just attended but I'm exhausted and it's not just the result of all the sugar that was consumed in our house last night. Instead of words, I give you some of the coolest kids in the world:How often does one see a lady bug hanging out with Captain Kirk and the Grim Reaper? Death himself is my adorable offspring. The little trekkie and the bug are his very brave friends.12 year old S. opted not to go trick or treating for the first time this year. Instead, he and his dad went to an early viewing off a movie that's usually shown at midnight. He's a character from that movie. Can you guess who he is? Those who've been privy to the discussion on Facebook are not allowed to vote!If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides F... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125223 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:17:00 +0100 4125223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119028&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FruZJTjDSy8o%2Fsimple-baby-quilt.html This is a very simple baby quilt made using 6 in squares.  It is scrappy using fabric from other projects.  The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  It measures 36 in X 42 in.  It was given to a friend of my husband’s. This photo shows a weight-lifting alligator, cars, a school house, and a cowboy. Here you can find dogs, Eeyore, horses, Indians, a lion, and more. Here you find more cowboys, zebras, a ladybug, Pooh and Tigger. The back of the quilt is a simple fabric with red stars. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119028 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:14:00 +0100 4119028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119527&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhat-i-would-miss.html I just did an interesting writing prompt from Old Friend From Far Away by Natalie Goldberg: "Tell me what you will miss when you die."The instructions were to write for ten minutes without censoring yourself. Here's what I wrote:My kidsMy spouseMy familyMy friendsMy dogBeautiful fall daysWalks along the canal with my dogGetting lost in a bookTaking a nap on a cold afternoonKnitting with friendsThe feeling of euphoria when I write something goodMusicGood foodLaughingWondering at artA hot bath after exercisePhysical intimacy (all kinds)The happy feeling when I unexpectedly run into someone I likeLearning new thingsAha! momentsSeeing people do good thingsBeing proud of my childrenNoisy gatherings around my dining room tableDoing fun things for the first timeDoing familiar things that make me ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119527 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:17:00 +0100 4119527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098055&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F23%2Fmen-get-eating-disorders-too%2F Ginger Emas has written an interesting piece about men and eating disorders. It piqued my interest because a friend of mine once asked me if she should be concerned about her son’s eating habits. He counted calories, stayed away from sweets, and was a tad obsessive about a healthy diet. I told her not to sweat it, buying into the cultural myth that boys don’t get eating disorders. Now I know they do. To get to Ginger’s original article on ShareWIK, click here. I have reprinted it with permission below. Usually when we talk about body image issues, we’re talking about girls. But did you know that more than one million boys and men struggle with eating disorders? More than 80 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. More than 10 percent of middle school boys h... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098055 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:37:01 +0100 4098055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098025&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F0c6_lj9oqEU%2Fscrappy-diamond-baby-quilt.html You may have noticed over the years that I like scrappy quilts.  I like using scrapes of fabric in baby quilts to add interest and encourage discovery.  This one uses scrappy diamonds.  It is machine pieced and quilted.  It is 36 in X 50 in. The next several photos show details of the quilt.  Here you can find snowmen, rabbits, a squirrel, a dog, and many colors. In this one you can find an angel, a frog, a bird, the “eye” of a peacock feather, and the moon. Here you can see a frog, a butterfly, an eagle, a goose, and more. Here you can see a squirrel, a cowboy, a dog, a skunk. The back of the quilt uses the same gray fabric as the outer sections.  I have given this quilt to a twitter friend. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098025 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:14:00 +0100 4098025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086458&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fottawa-october.html All photos: K. BruinIn October, I live in the most beautiful place in the world.On, Thanksgiving week end (two weeks ago for those of you reading outside of Canada), my family was so fortunate to have a wonderful guest. My friend K. and I have been friends since we were 17 years old. We met as new room-mates in Room 1 of McLaughlin House at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific. She was there representing the Netherlands and I hailed from Hawkesbury, Ontario.We became friends pretty much instantly, through struggles with friendships, school and heartbreak and whole lot of fun. We travelled to Vancouver together and she once took me out on a sail boat into the bay so I could engage in a little primal screaming.In my second year, after she'd graduated, I missed her terribly. We've been lu... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086458 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:12:00 +0100 4086458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077247&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprofessional-boundaries-is-it-okay-for-a-friend-to-treat-a-friend%2F2010.10.17 I just finished reading Dr. Gary Small’s book, The Naked Lady Who Stood On Her Head. In the final chapter of the book, Dr. Small talks about his mentor, friend, and father figure who’s mentioned throughout the book. The mentor approaches him on the golf course, where they meet to talk, and says he needs psychotherapy and Small is the man to do it. The author is surprised, hesitant, and a bit uncomfortable with the demand (it comes as more than a request.) His wife likens it to the need for a plumber or a dentist, and Dr. Small takes on the task. The mentor calls all the shots: Where the meetings will be, what pastry they will eat, the form of his payment. The author initially misses the diagnosis and uses this as an example of how one can be blinded. So is it okay for a friend... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077247 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4077247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077302&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FeodWB_b35xo%2Frazorback-surgeon-caps-for-colleague.html The fall issue of Arkansas (Vol 60, No 1), the Arkansas Alumni Association magazine, included a letter from a fellow UA and UAMS alum – Phillip B. Hurley, MD.  He was a year ahead of me at both schools.  He was a fellow physics major.  He is now an orthopedic surgeon in Kentucky. His letter noted that he had been part of a medical group (Global Outreach International) who went to Haiti shortly after the earthquake.  It included this photo of him wearing Razorback scrubs.  I felt he needed a matching surgeon’s cap rather than the disposable blue bouffant cap.  It took me a while to find some Razorback fabric as the stores here were all sold out.   I did though and here they are.  I hope he likes them. Here is photo of me trying it on and yo... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077302 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:25:00 +0100 4077302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074215&cid=t_100149_115_f&fid=34678&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Fnature%2Fnewsvideo%2Fnews.2010.529.mov … Via this tweet by @thestudentdoc. [Raphael was alluding to these two posts] … What makes a 300-year-old pocket watch tick? : Nature News State-of-the-art X-ray scans have revealed the internal mechanisms of a corroded, barnacle-covered pocket watch recovered from a seventeenth-century wreck. The watch looks little more than a lump of rock from the outside, but the scans show that the mechanism inside is beautifully preserved, from delicate cogwheels and Egyptian-style pillars to the maker’s inscription. … [Image source: Nature News online article] Museum researchers Lore Troalen, Darren Cox and Theo Skinner saw a paper in Nature that described how X-ray computed tomography (CT) had been used to image an ancient Greek device called the Antikythera Mechanism1. This artefac... scan man's notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074215 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 02:24:30 +0100 4074215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074343&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fmaking-best-of-it.html I think I've coped with chemo week much better this time around (thanks in part to some good advice from a friend).If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074343 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:14:00 +0100 4074343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060650&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F12%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-12-2010%2F I am an only child. Growing up, I didn’t have siblings, but friends and family to play with. And when it came time to the hard parts of my young life, I found comfort in books. Books can provide a space for fun, escape, and information. And I soaked them all in. They also worked as mentors, heroes and teachers to me. No matter what was going on in life, I could always count on the excitement, fantasy and often hope in the tattered pages of my favorite book. That’s why this week’s posts are so meaningful to me. We’ve got posts on healing through books and one on how narcissism and the  ego can negatively effect creative people. If you’re a book lover or a creative person, you’ll love these posts. We’ve also got posts on body image, the importance o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060650 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:08:23 +0100 4060650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045144&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F08%2Fblack-pain-an-african-american-woman-exposes-stigma-in-the-black-community%2F I first learned about the (even greater than among white folks) stigma of mental illness in the Black community when I participated in a six-week outpatient program at Laurel Hospital. Half the group was African American, and I got to hear their stories, which horrified me. Most of them could not reveal to any member in their family what they were doing (the outpatient program) because the stigma is so deep and tall and wide. My heart went out to them. Without support from the community, or at least family and friends, how does a person recover? So I was delighted to hear bestselling author and licensed social worker Terri M. Williams speak at the Mental Health America this summer. She inscribed for me a copy of her evocative and insightful book Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re N... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045144 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:55:03 +0100 4045144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045357&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhispers.html My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world....you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie — just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. ~ I John 20: 1-2, 20, 27-28 ~I hear the whispers in the quiet communion between these tw... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045357 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 01:29:00 +0100 4045357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031427&cid=t_100149_133_f&fid=39137&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fot_9%2Farchive%2F2010%2F10%2F04%2Fhot-air-balloons-and-kindred-spirits.aspx Every year, Pellissippi State Community College -- where my fiance is currently employed -- hosts a Hot Air Balloon Festival, where several different pilots show off their balloons to the public on the PSCC campus lawn. There are tethered balloon rides,...(read more) (Source: From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism) From Inside the Puzzle: Raising a Child with Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031427 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:38:00 +0100 4031427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031439&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fdoin-the-happy-dance.html After a lot of traveling and record gathering and anxiety and just general hassle: I GOT IT! I got the first dose of T-DM1 today, in Highland, and I will get it every three weeks hereafter.  Here's the funny part: My blood draw on Friday was the only thing I was worried about, and Dr. Ibrahim, the oncologist who heads up the trial,  doesn't work Fridays, it turns out, so he didn't get the results until this morning. When I arrived, Tricia, the trials coordinator, said we had to draw my blood again because the platelets were 90-something-thousand on Friday. And they needed to be 100,000, because the drug causes platelets to drop.  So we went down to the blood draw lab, escorted and expedited all the way by The Amazing Tricia, and they sent the blood out STAT an... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031439 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:42:15 +0100 4031439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031305&cid=t_100149_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F04%2Fits-all-in-your-head-living-with-chronic-illness%2F Somewhere I read that properly diagnosing a chronic illness can take from two to three years. Many of you wait even longer. In the meantime, while the doctors scratch their heads, we’re expected to be happy we’re alive. And that’s if they don’t write us off with “It’s psychological.” It took a year and three doctors before I was diagnosed with scleroderma. Just remembering what I went through during that year-from-hell gets my blood boiling and I know I was one of the lucky ones. If you are experiencing symptoms but don’t have a diagnosis yet, here are some tips that I hope will help you get through this trying time a little easier. Trust yourself. You are not crazy. Physicians have referred many people to me before they had a diagnosis, even... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031305 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:11:56 +0100 4031305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031440&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fi-ran-for-cure.html photo: Ian HendelWith my sister.At the finish line.Wearing my Songbird scarf.And my hat from Texas.Team NO PINK FOR PROFIT was 43 members strong. We raised a whopping $25,000.Sometimes life is very sweet.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031440 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:29:00 +0100 4031440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003256&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffriends-and-searching-for-health-information-online%2F2010.09.27 Turning to friends for online information is the hot topic within the Web world, and in Monday’s New York Times Technology and Business section, Jenna Wortham writes about how “Search Takes a Social Turn.” Online sites are taking notice of what people like. Web companies are trying to make searching online for information more useful by tapping into the inner thoughts of what people like: After a decade when search engines ruled supreme — tapping billions of Web pages to answer every conceivable query — many people now prefer getting their online information the old-fashioned way: by yakking across the fence. Turning to friends is the new rage in the Web world, extending far beyond established social networking sites and setting off a rush among Web companies looking for ways to... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003256 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:00:06 +0100 4003256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001776&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fwe-know-how-to-celebrate.html My friends and I know how to celebrate, that's for sure. After my appointment with Dr. Ibrahim at the Beaver Medical Group in Highland, the appointment during which he told me that if I could pass the various required tests and scans (the only one I'm worried about is blood counts) that I was IN THE TRIAL, I told Megan and Monica that I thought we needed to celebrate with the most delicious dessert we could find. Well, then there was some debate in the car, because it was 4:30 or 5 p.m. by this time, and Monica, a very healthy eater, said she needed some "real food," meaning dinner. But I pulled out that old (but loved) cliche, "Eat dessert first," and I won them over.  Megan suggested a gelato place not too far from her house. Monica loves gelato, and I h... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001776 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 19:50:29 +0100 4001776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999217&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fa-just-to-make-me-smile-photo.html A blog reader and friend (although like so many of my readers whom I consider friends, we have never met in the real world), Debbie Kay, send me this photo of her grandchildren. "I'm going to try to attach a recent photo of my grandkids," she wrote, "just because I think it will make you smile." Guess what? It did. And I had to share it.    @ Jeanne Sather 2010.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999217 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:12:44 +0100 3999217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999202&cid=t_100149_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FVRjOiBglYHo%2Fmust-see-tv.php It's a good thing I have DVR because this is how I spent prime time last night. My favorite part of the night was the "double stuff" Sara(h) George sandwich. Happy weekend everyone!! (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999202 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:24:22 +0100 3999202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998934&cid=t_100149_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Ffriends-and-food-how-your-roommate-affects-your-weight%2F photo: Thinkstock We thought you’d be interested in this post by Catherine Donaldson-Evans from AOL Health. College women with overweight roommates put on fewer pounds their freshman year than those living with slimmer peers, according to new research. The University of Michigan study found that women with roommates who weigh more than average gain less weight their first year of college than those with trimmer roommates — a half a pound vs. 2.5 pounds on average. The findings are further evidence that the so-called “Freshman 15” — 15 pounds said to be typically gained by new college students — may be just an urban legend. Previous research has indicated that the average weight gain among freshmen is actually between 2.5 and 6 pounds. But why would thos... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998934 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:08:03 +0100 3998934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980861&cid=t_100149_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FdDSvMMEMKWc%2Fscrappy-nine-patch.html This nine-patch quilt began as a way to use up some of the leftover 2.5 in squares.  I gathered together the browns and tans.  I had enough of a unifying cream-colored fabric to use in the nine-patches and the “solid” connecting 6 in squares.  The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  I mailed it to a blog friend whom I think will enjoy it. The top thread is a lovely yellow-gold color. I used a brown in place of the cream fabric to create a border. The back is a bone color.  Here you can see the quilting. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980861 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:18:00 +0100 3980861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973085&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fnice-bags-boys%2F Go into any diagnostic clininc, oncology or radiotherapy waiting room and you’ll see a lot of sad, stressed, grey faces. There will be bald-concealing headwear ranging from the chic to the bizarre. There may be quiet crying, or forced cheerful chat. On the plus side, there may be knitting. (If I’m there.) Apart from the headwear (and the knitting), there’s something important to notice here. It’s not just the cancer patients who look drawn and anxious and weary. It’s the people sitting next to them, holding their hands,making conversation, smiling encouragingly. Yes, a dance with cancer is a hard, hard thing. But I really think that watching someone else dance with cancer has got to be just as bad, albeit in a different way. In my selfish moments over the last... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973085 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:28:29 +0100 3973085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965647&cid=t_100149_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Flight-has-gone-out.html I just learned the very sad news that Christine Lynds passed away last Friday.Chris was a strong, smart woman, who inspired and gave hope to so many people who's lived had been affected by cancer. We shared an oncologist and I appreciated her outlook towards living with advanced breast cancer.I was also more than a little in awe of her. She was active and fit and a true community activist. The first time I met Christine in person, she had brought a posse of women who'd lived through breast cancer to my book launch. The second time I met her, she came to collect a prosthetic breast that I no longer wore so that it could find a new home with a friend of hers. We sat and drank coffee on my couch and talked about our boys and our dogs.I know that she loved to organize people and projects and t... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965647 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:22:00 +0100 3965647