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 'friendship'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:29 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069735&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F27%2Fthere-is-no-hierarchy-in-grief-of-norway-and-amy-winehouse%2F Please read this from Scott Dagostino, whose writing makes me admire the way his mind works. Being someone who might preemptively describe myself as naive (which endears me to world-wise friends and the ne’er do-well-alike), I must say the title of Scott’s post took me in with more than its most obvious sarcasm and led [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069735 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:14:52 +0100 5069735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062292&cid=t_108872_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=5050714&cid=t_108872_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=5008512&cid=t_108872_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FaX1cKn2e-z0%2F Like taking long, hot baths? Careful, it might mean you’re lonely. According to a recent study, scientists at Yale University suggest that people who take frequent long, warm showers or baths tend to be lonelier than those who spend less time bathing and like cooler water. Their rationale? The physical warmth of a shower or bath provides people with a substitute for a lack of social warmth in their lives. Really? And I always thought the reason I loved my bubble baths was because they got me away from people for a a few minutes — not because I felt like I wanted to be with them more. In the study, 51 college students were asked to complete surveys about their lifestyle habits and levels of loneliness. Undergrads who felt more socially excluded said they lingered longer in a showe... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008512 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:19:44 +0100 5008512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848004&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F20%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-20-2011%2F You probably noticed by now, but we’re all excited that it’s not only Mental Health Awareness Month, but a few days ago on May 18, our bloggers participated in blogging for mental health. It’s been a wonderful week spreading information about mental health and busting stigma that still exists on mental illness. Why is spreading mental health awareness and fighting prejudice so important? About ten years ago, I was talking to a college classmate about depression. He was just 20 years old and I was a few years older and several years ahead of him in terms of my experience with mental illness. I had witnessed the impact depression had on my grandfather when I was 16. When the topic of mental illness and depression came up, he passionately voiced his opinions to me. He felt t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848004 Fri, 20 May 2011 10:24:20 +0100 4848004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780453&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2Fjune-18-proclaimed-as-pride-day-in-the-town-of-perth-ontario%2F Imagine my delight, and yes pride, to learn that LGBT Lanark County had won its bid for a Pride Day proclamation in Perth for June 18. (This was also the first I’d heard of LGBT Lanark County. Their web site is pretty impressive!) The Perth Courier, and an advertiser-householder known locally as the EMC, both [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780453 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:59:43 +0100 4780453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653622&cid=t_108872_180_f&fid=38610&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.productivity501.com%2Fnetworking-tips%2F4156%2F This article was useful when looking for:networking tips (46) If you liked this, please consider sharing it with others: --- at Productivity501:Freelance Switch ArticleNetworking in Large CompaniesTax Tips LinkProductive Blogger: Promotion vs. ProductionTips for Taxes (Source: Productivity501) Productivity501 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653622 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:00:47 +0100 4653622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455433&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F09%2Ftxt-telephone-or-blog-lets-talk-about-mental-illness%2F This is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Multiple Olympic medallist Clara Hughes, lead spokesperson for the campaign, was on CTV News in Toronto today. From among the calls she fielded came this articulate gem, “To kill the pain too often means to kill oneself.” However, and this was Clara’s message, help and hope are available to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455433 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:48:33 +0100 4455433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302309&cid=t_108872_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=4281498&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F22%2Fpeace%2F Despite impressive hits from Google, I didn’t like the shape and tone of an argument presented here yesterday, ostensibly against PM Harper’s latest cynical Senate appointments but really a tirade against someone not named (yet) so I’ve removed it. I take my leave of Toronto, which I call home (if reluctantly sometimes), and go to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281498 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:40:12 +0100 4281498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265857&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Ffriday-flashback-for-december-17-2010%2F It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these, but as we head into the holiday season, we slow down a bit here. So enjoy these great golden oldies from days of yore. 15 Years Ago on Psych Central Seek Out Help One of the first things I wrote for the website was an editorial piece about how you should nearly always seek out psychotherapy in addition to medications for treatment of mental health issues (which is even more true today than it was 15 years ago). And I announced a call for articles for a new online mental health magazine called Perspectives. 5 Years Ago on Psych Central At trial, noted cardiologist criticizes Merck’s behavior Talk about the “tip of the iceberg.” In this blog entry from December 2005, I noted how a cardiologist was calling out Merck for... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265857 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:33:02 +0100 4265857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220416&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fworld-aids-day-2010-by-aless-piper%2F Each writer in this series has generously given me permission to post their work. The views and experiences shared are their own. Where applicable, links will also be provided at the end of the piece. Tony Kushner wrote in the Playwright’s Notes for Act 2 of Angels in America – Perestroika that Harold Bloom translated [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220416 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:00:10 +0100 4220416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197296&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F23%2Ffor-betty-ann%2F   I’m the only one, I dare say, who can appreciate at this very moment – Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 04 04 06 01 EST – both the frustration and the ‘been punk’d’ feeling I have after experiencing countless “(Not Responding)” messages from any number of programs I’ve successively tried to employ in writing [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197296 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:03:23 +0100 4197296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187025&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Fthe-magic-of-a-meeting%2F I am by habit, if not by nature, quite a loner. As an example I often recall the extraordinary lengths I went to in learning my way around London ahead of a trip there with a group of fellow high school students. Why? So I could go out on my own unencumbered by group decisions [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187025 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 04:10:48 +0100 4187025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175802&cid=t_108872_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fa1bPVS3lrkc%2F Last week, Jimmy Kimmel declared today, November 17, as National “UnFriend” Day (NUD) on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Friendship is a sacred thing, and I believe Facebook is cheapening it,” Kimmel explained. In an effort to restore true meaning to the word “friend,” he’s encouraging everyone to clean up their Facebook page by “cutting out some of the friend fat in your life.” If you’re an avid Facebook user, then you probably have a stockpile of “friends” who aren’t really your friends. (If you’re not sure, you can try Kimmel’s suggested friendship litmus test: Post a moving announcement, and see how many of them actually show up to help you pack the moving van.) But will cleaning up your friend page... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175802 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:08:39 +0100 4175802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172352&cid=t_108872_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2Fcm6FuvGF0X0%2F In ages past, a friendship was supposed to be a sacred bond between two people.  Despite the interconnectedness of our age, many people lack friendships that have depth and true understanding.  Many people experience the pangs of loneliness without anyone to turn to.  Yet a friendship that is true and strong is not a bygone myth.  It is possible to have a deep and lasting friendship if there are certain pillars to support it.  Read on to find out what these pillars are. Acceptance Before you can be true friends with someone, you have to accept them.  If you cannot do so, you will always find fault with your friend’s actions or behaviour.  This makes it very difficult for your friends to relax or be themselves with you.  They will always feel judged by your standards.  If you fin... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172352 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:21:56 +0100 4172352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152166&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F11%2F09%2Fa-magical-life-cut-short-but-lived-on-her-own-fierce-terms-2%2F Linda Elizondo circa 1974. Photo by Donna Trussell My new post on Politics Daily / Woman Up. A Magical Life Cut Short, but Lived on Her Own Fierce Terms. It seems like yesterday. It seems like a hundred years ago. After my friend Linda Elizondo died of cancer last week, her sister-in-law sent me an old photograph which, she thought, captured Lindy’s joie de vivre. “A magical life cut short,” Lindy’s sister-in-law wrote, “but lived on her own fierce terms.” I had taken the picture 35 years ago. I don’t remember taking it. Not a very natural pose. (Is it any wonder I didn’t last long in photojournalism?) What is Lindy doing? What’s with the unopened bottle of wine leaning against her leg? The answers are lost to history. Except for the c... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152166 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 03:33:38 +0100 4152166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105940&cid=t_108872_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F26%2Fa-facebook-friend-writes-please-tell-the-story-behind-this-picture%2F Happy to do so, Barbara, particularly because I have so little to lose with this tale ever-imprinted on my Facebook history.  I’m not getting any younger, however,  so my memory may not be one hundred percent.  Halloween, preceded as it is a few days earlier by my birthday, prompted me this week to muse about [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105940 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 06:31:00 +0100 4105940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060551&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdramatic-or-dull-10-tv-relationships-were-glad-were-not-in%2F Watching TV is such an ego boost. Look at all the crazy relationships they’ve got going on inside that small screen! Sure, the characters have perfect teeth, expertly maintained figures, and shelter-magazine-worthy homes. And of course we’re jealous of all that. But we sure as hell don’t envy their romantic situations, whether they’re as dull as a doorknob or as dramatic as a David Mamet monologue. However, they’re all addictively fun to watch, because they make us feel better and superior about our own lives and relationships. (Thank you, tee-vee.) Yes, we know it’s just acting (and sometimes bad acting at that, Brothers & Sisters and Parenthood), but we’d like you to meet 10 TV relationships we’re thankful we’re not having. ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060551 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:20:04 +0100 4060551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018387&cid=t_108872_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FBGE0McTvOmE%2F I really don't have much to say today but I wanted to share a video of my first time meeting Jaimie H., Scottie J., and George (Ninjabetic) in real life. I know diabetes is frustrating and causes us a lot of grief  but there are a lot of good things that come from it.  Watch this video and you'll see what I mean. (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018387 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:55:40 +0100 4018387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994242&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2FVn3ZJSV9-3k%2F “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” -Psalm 139:17-18b It is amazing to me how often we truly lose sight of Christ’s love for us. There are moments, in each of our lives, that we feel unloved, unwanted, or just invisible. We long for friendships, community and a sense of belonging and forget that He longs to be all of that for us. How that must break His heart! He has given us so many examples of His love for us, but sadly when we hit rock bottom, we rarely take the time to search out our purpose…. {continue reading @ incourage} (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994242 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 04:00:03 +0100 3994242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935793&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fshakespeares-othello-updated-video-of-the-day%2F We know William Shakespeare’s works are classics, so why do we choose Eat, Pray, Love over Othello? In Shakespeare’s day, even though dudes rocked the tights, you just didn’t see a lot of sassy gay friends sticking up for female leads, which resulted in more than a few unnecessary deaths and suicides. Finally, here it is: An alternate ending to Othello, reinvented for a modern audience. Post from: BlissTree Shakespeare's Othello, With Sassy Gay Friend: Video of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935793 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:00:08 +0100 3935793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876596&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwhen-the-going-gets-tough-do-your-friends-bail%2F Lucky Samantha: Not all friends are as supportive as Charlotte, Miranda, and Carrie in the face of a major crisis. As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. But that’s not always the case when it comes to your friends: In the midst of a health crisis, there’s often a friend (or two) who seems to disappear. Harriet Brown experienced this firsthand after her two daughters both experienced serious health problems, and her mother-in-law died of lung cancer. She described how some of her friends reacted to her crisis in the New York Times: At first, I barely noticed; I was overwhelmed with getting through each day. As the year wore on, though, and life settled in to a new if unpleasant version of normal, I began to wonder what had happened. G... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876596 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:15:01 +0100 3876596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3807392&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flive-longer-with-strong-social-ties%2F2010.07.31 A study published in the July PLoS Medicine is getting a lot of press for its conclusion that strong social networks are related to increased lifespan. The meta-analysis of 148 studies involving 308,849 people found that those with stronger relationships were 50 percent more likely to survive over 7.5 years of follow-up. What’s more, the researchers reported that a lack of strong social ties is as bad healthwise as drinking or smoking, and worse than not exercising or being obese. But although the association between strong social ties and improved longevity seems robust, other factors could be at play, and applying the findings in clinical practice could be difficult. And sorry, Facebook fanatics: Online “friendships” aren’t thought to count as much as in-person ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3807392 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3807392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3805800&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Foprah-on-limo-rides%2F Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. – Oprah Winfrey Post from: BlissTree Oprah on Limo Rides and Loyalty (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3805800 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:57 +0100 3805800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808653&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Funemployment-woes-losing-your-job-and-your-friends%2F photo: Thinkstock If you lost your job, at least you’d have you friends to cheer you up — right? A new study from the Pew Research Center reported that 43% of people who had been unemployed for at least six months said they had lost contact with close friends. The loss of contact stems from a profound sense of shame that those without a job feel, especially when comparing themselves to their employed friends. Experts say that unemployed people should focus on other areas in their life that fulfill them, like their family or friends. How have you coped with unemployment? When you’re out of a job, do you rely on your friends to encourage you, or avoid contact? via The Juggle Post from: BlissTree Unemployment Woes: Losing Your Job and Your Friends (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808653 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:47:32 +0100 3808653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772281&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F20%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-20-2010%2F Today, one door closed for me. Yet, last week another one flew wide open. Even with the happy news, this recent event could have put me on a one way street towards disappointment, pessimism and despair. And to be honest, it did for at least most of my morning. But something shifted in me. Maybe it’s all of the inspiring articles I get to read here. Like this week’s post on learning how to be mindful of all moments and accept them for what they are. Still, it was difficult at first. Kind of like going to the dentist or grieving over a lost friendship, my impulse was to distract and detach. But I pressed on. Like you, I’m learning as I go along. Specifically, that life’s not about rigidity and always getting what I want. And that this closed door could be a sign of so... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772281 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:08:19 +0100 3772281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3762901&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsame-sex-vs-opposite-sex-whats-the-rule-on-friendship%2F2010.07.17 I’m stealing a post from Jay at Two Women Blogging entitled “Was Harry Right?” Here’s their post, and I discuss it below: Was Harry Right? Bluemilk got me started thinking about this. I first heard Harry’s thesis advanced by the resident I worked with on my med school psych rotation. She assured me that while I might think I had platonic friendships with men, the men didn’t see it that way. I was pretty sure they did see it that way. I wasn’t naive, I was engaged to be married and had done my share of dating and flirting — I knew what it felt like when a man was interested in me sexually and I knew the difference. I still know the difference, and I still have men friends. For most of my life, my closest friends have been men. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3762901 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3762901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746706&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fits-official-real-friends-are-better-than-robot-friends%2F While watching New York Times correspondent Amy Harmon try with some difficulty to have a conversation with a robot woman, it becomes increasingly obvious that robots will not replace humans for emotional fulfillment anytime soon. The only similarity between Bina48 and your best friend is that they both sometimes say, “Um.” But Bina48 makes awkward jokes about scheming to take over the world. via The Daily What Post from: BlissTree It's Official: Real Friends are Better than Robot Friends (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746706 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:01:25 +0100 3746706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710535&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fanimal-buddies-cute-photo-of-the-day%2F Look at how cute this photo is. We want to blow it up, print it out, and stare at it whenever we feel blue. Check out more adorable images of real life animal BFFs and the stories behind them on Treehugger. photo via Treehugger Post from: BlissTree Animal Buddies: Ridiculously Cute Photo of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710535 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:31:36 +0100 3710535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691117&cid=t_108872_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F5-friendship-themes-from-sex-and-the-city-2%2F Friends as Family. Members of 12 Step Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics will recognise these themes as being part and parcel of everyday life in recovery. These themes may also be familiar to one of the stars, Kirsten Davis, who is in recovery from alcoholism. An Indiana University press release says; Remember The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink? These films illustrate what Maresa Murray calls the "friends as family" concept. Today, television viewers see a myriad of shows with similar themes. Think Sex and the City, Entourage, Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. "We are currently seeing some of the same themes from 20-25 years ago in families, relationships and media," says Murray. "One ex... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691117 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:06:00 +0100 3691117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671650&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fno-more-best-friends-teachers-are-discouraging-children-from-forming-exclusive-friendships%2F Some prefer diamonds, but many of us grew up thinking that best friends were a girl’s best friend. And even if we live in different countries or lead completely different lives, many of us still have that childhood bestie that we still keep in touch with, who still holds the other half of our broken heart necklace. But according to an article in The New York Times, some teachers are starting to discourage children from forming the B.F.F. bond. Despite the natural inclination of children to find a single best friend, they feel that it’s healthier for children to form friendships within a larger group, rather than in exclusive pairs. These days, we know a lot of kids with contact lists longer than ours in their iPhones, and more friends on Facebook than we have in real life, but ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671650 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:05:25 +0100 3671650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3563941&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ffriendship-etiquette-girlfriend-keep-your-mouth-shut%2F Read Giulia’s column from last week about dating etiquette here. Once (with the emphasis on “once,” as in “not anymore”) I had a friend who was about to get married. Claire and her fiancé were fighting constantly before the wedding over religious differences. I was of the opinion that she was bending over in way too many directions for him. One evening over dinner, as she was complaining for the umpteenth time about some maneuver of his involving clergy she said: “Maybe I shouldn’t marry him.” I jumped right in with: “Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t.” I wasn’t invited to the wedding – which I heard from friends with the ability to keep their mouths shut – was a lot of fun. To be a good friend means keeping your opinions to yourself, especially when it comes to ma... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3563941 Thu, 13 May 2010 16:06:51 +0100 3563941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546837&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-best-of-crushable-last-week-lady-gaga-mel-brooks-and-npr%2F Gwyneth Paltrow with mother Blythe Danner Our 10 favorite posts of last week from Crushable, our sassy sister site: 1. How to Talk to Your Mother About Aging 2. Video: Old Liberals Recite Lady Gaga’s Telephone 3. From Hipster to Hippie: Six Easy Steps 4. Cuteggregator: 25 Sweet-Looking Amphibians 5. 20 Hot Bathing Suits for Summer 6. New Fashion Trend: Booty Enhancing Panties 7. Memoir: Maybe I Should Marry My Boyfriend 8. My Weird Celebrity Crush: Mel Brooks 9. Bucket List: Why Every Woman Should Pose Nude 10. The Problem Solver: When to Break Up With a Friend Post from: BlissTree 10 Best of Crushable Last Week: Lady Gaga, Mel Brooks, and NPR (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546837 Sun, 09 May 2010 14:30:25 +0100 3546837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483036&cid=t_108872_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FEGnVTkbPpuM%2F Recently, there’s been a glut of research giving credence to the lesson many learn the hard way in high school – being a loser sucks. Or, on the flip side, having a strong circle of friends has very real benefits. The TimesOnline points to research that indicates friends are the most important factor to ensure a happy retirement. According to GOOD, friendship circles can prevent repeat offenses from sexual offenders. And WebMD reports on studies showing that people with large social networks outlive those with few pals. Furthering the proof of high school truisms, it seems that friendships have much more impact on longevity than relationships with family. We just wish we had had this info when our parents grounded us for talking on the phone too much. Sheesh, mom and dad, we were... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483036 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:04:25 +0100 3483036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479832&cid=t_108872_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FUJDlsPRtY6c%2F Botox freezes more than just your face, it can wind up freezing out your friends, according to a recent Sunday Times Online article by Lois Rogers. Research out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicates that facial expression plays an important role in the brain’s ability to register emotion. Subjects in the study were tested on emotional response times to negative emotional situations both before and after botox injections to their frown muscles. Post-botox, subjects took longer to respond to emotional stimuli, because there weren’t facial expressions to trigger the brain’s emotional processing. While the study was limited to frozen frown muscles, researchers believe that freezing smile muscles will result in similar slowing of joy comprehension. This emotional h... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479832 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:34:23 +0100 3479832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479862&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhousewives-behaving-badly%2F I met a woman this week from New Jersey. She told me that she lived near one of the women on a reality show called Real Housewives of New Jersey. She was a little taken aback when I told her that I had seen the show and thought this woman behaved badly. There is no other way to describe it. There are also spinoff shows about housewives in California, Atlanta, and New York — seems there are plenty of housewives wanting to get on TV. Recently I caught a bit of an episode about the New York housewives. Although it must be good for ratings, these women also behaved abhorrently — like self-centered bullies. With all the news about girls bullying each other in high school to the point of real injury and even death, I think this kind of behavior from American mothers is truly troubli... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479862 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:32:07 +0100 3479862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471960&cid=t_108872_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FieOewJdD9n8%2F With relationships come many questions, thus the popularity of Doctor Phil and Cosmopolitan quizzes. When things feel wrong, we go looking outside of ourselves for answers that are right at our fingertips. The one true gauge we have for relationships is free and easy to access: It’s in how we feel. When we sense something unsettling we want to be soothed – stat. We ignore the symptoms and go in search of a cure. We need to listen to our inner voices. They are as loud and demanding as any talk show guest, and much more deserving of our attention. We women are fortunate in that whenever we need to vent, we have our own talk show to tune into anytime of the day – on the phone or over drinks with our best girlfriend. But here’s the thing: Don’t trust anything she says. She’s on... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471960 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:04:14 +0100 3471960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463556&cid=t_108872_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F174280%2F Friendship Circles to Stop Crime: Studies in the UK show that friendship circles may help sex offenders prevent repeated crimes. (via GOOD.is) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463556 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:35:53 +0100 3463556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359045&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Flet-me-tell-you-about-my-friend.html Hypothetical situation (with a little ring of possibility)....So a new patient shows up at my door, referred by a friend. The patient used to be in treatment with my friend, but the friend is moving to another state. The patient is sad, she will miss her old doctor who helped her so much, and while we hit it off just fine, it's clear that I can't fill my friend's shoes.Now here is the thing I'm wondering about: the friend who used to treat the patient is my good friend, someone I talk to all the time --Are we thinking along the lines of a Camel? Perhaps, but I'll never tell. After the move, I'll still talk to her all the time, and I'll still see her socially, even if it means a bit of planning or trekking. Should I tell the patient? My initial thought is "yes" that this will be a connecti... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359045 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:37:00 +0100 3359045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288034&cid=t_108872_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-ways-to-grow-a-friend%2F Friends Best Friends: How to Grow a Friend A twelve-step program The best time to grow a best friend is before you need one! 1. People Equal Friends. There is a certain chemistry with friends just as in a love relationship. Therefore, contact with other people is the first building block to grow a friend. Friends can’t grow in a vacuum. Best friends take time. 2. Talking Is Essential Among Friends. Talking between friends requires reciprocity. In a mutually satisfying friendship, both friends talk and both friends listen.  Friends talk appropriately to each other. 3. Friends Acknowledge Friends. Friends acknowledge each other when talking. Many  conflicts in your personal relationships can be avoided  if you will take the time to acknowledge other’s feelings and points of v... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288034 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:43:48 +0100 3288034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262645&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Fthe-fresh-air-fund-needs-host-families%2F Imagine growing up in a city environment where you rarely see a tree, a patch of grass, or a bird. Imagine having nowhere to play a game of baseball or play catch with your dog. Imagine a place where the only thing summer brings is sweltering indoor temperatures, with no vacation or fun outside of playing in the fire-hydrant spray. For many children, this is inner-city life and the only life they know. But the Fresh Air Fund is a non-profit that has been giving free summer experiences to poor children in New York City since 1877. During that time, they’ve helped more than 1.7 million children have a very different kind of summer vacation — a chance to breath some fresh air in a different, less urban environment. In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262645 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:30:38 +0100 3262645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212556&cid=t_108872_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FbO71_S55qQQ%2F I was on the phone talking to one of my girlfriends.  I enjoyed the family talk, life talk and move talk but when she asked, "How is your diabetes?" I knew I was in for a treat. Girlfriend:  "How is your diabetes?"Me: "It's good, you know I am on a pump instead of injections. Didn't I tell you, the last time we talked?"Girlfriend: "No, I don't remember. Oh, Cherise!"Me: "It's okay. I'm not dying or anything."Girlfriend: " I didn't know your diabetes has gotten worse."Me: "It hasn't. It's still the same.  The pump allows me a little more freedom."Girlfriend: "I didn't know you had brittle diabetes."Me: *sigh* "I don't have brittle diabetes.  I chose the pump for treatments; better than poking myself 4-6 times a day."Girlfriend: "Ouch! You had to inject yourself 4-6 times... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212556 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3212556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200669&cid=t_108872_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FkVwChdyh4DQ%2F We drank as heavy drinkers or alcoholics and found these contradictions We drank for happiness and became unhappy. We drank for joy and became miserable. We drank to be outgoing and became self-centered. We drank for sociability and became argumentative. We drank for sophistication and became crude and obnoxious. We drank for friendship and made enemies. We drank for sleep and awakened without rest. We drank for strength and felt weak. We drank for sex drive and lost our potency. We drank for relaxation and got the shakes. We drank for confidence and became doubtful. We drank for warmth and lost our cool. We drank for coolness and lost our warmth. We drank for freedom and became slaves. We drank for power and were powerless. We drank to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity. We drank me... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200669 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:26:42 +0100 3200669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178997&cid=t_108872_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FBCSXKgBvSRQ%2F Sarah Jessica Parker Friends as Family. Members of 12 Step Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics will recognise these themes as being part and parcel of everyday life in recovery. These themes may also be familiar to one of the stars, Kirsten Davis, who is in recovery from alcoholism. An Indiana University press release says; Remember The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink? These films illustrate what Maresa Murray calls the “friends as family” concept. Today, television viewers see a myriad of shows with similar themes. Think Sex and the City, Entourage, Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. “We are currently seeing some of the same themes from 20-25 years ago in families, relationships and media,” sa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178997 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:20:03 +0100 3178997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156505&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Funfriended.html I like Facebook, kinda sortof. It fits in well with my life as a voyeur, and I get to participate. My friends are my friends (those on FB), I have some random people there--like a carpool mom I don't really know, and I have a lot of elementary/high school folks, some of whom I've found, and some of who have found me.So some of these people who want to be my friends are high school folks I don't remember. Okay, maybe the name is familiar, or maybe it's not. They have all the same High School friends in common and they live where I grew up, and hey, who wants to hurt anyone's feelings, so I've confirmed pretty much anyone who asks. Why not? I'll tell you why not, because some of these people play all these games on Facebook (Farmville and Bejeweled are particularly popular among my peers) an... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156505 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:12:00 +0100 3156505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063433&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2Fx7uI1x6k4wg%2F “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” Picks of Hope: My daughter. Need I say more Hope Untethered: Michelle has been my very dear & best friend for the last 3 years. She has walked with me through my cancer journey & I cannot thank her enough for her amazing friendship. My 3 Boybarians: AMAZING DESIGNER. She and I became close friends while designing my blog. We are going to meet in real life this Friday when she is going to be taking pictures of my family! I am so excited to actually meet her and hug her neck! simplyHIS Lisa was my room mate at SheSpeaks (and my sponsor, sorta!) She encouraged me to go sans wig through out the conference and I havent put my w... Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063433 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:24:51 +0100 3063433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048311&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F0Lv9ge4-LVE%2F When ever I hear of someone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer, my mind goes back to that day when I first heard that I had brain cancer. I remember the fear and the complete out of control feeling that I felt. I remember the pleading, praying, bargaining, begging and finally the surrender that I experienced. I have recently come across two very precious people that have just been diagnosed with cancer. Wendy has just been diagnosed with lymphoma. Reading through her blog, floods of emotion ran through me… especially this post I remember silently watching my hair go down the drain, trying to hold back the tears… I remember calling my dad because Mark was at work and asking him to come over and shave my head because it was too hard to watch it gradually fall out. I rem... Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048311 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:44:08 +0100 3048311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992857&cid=t_108872_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F215-friendship-themes-from-sex-and-the-city Sarah Jessica Parker Friends as Family. Members of 12 Step Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics will recognise these themes as being part and parcel of everyday life in recovery. These themes may also be familiar to one of the stars, Kirsten Davis, who is in recovery from alcoholism. An Indiana University press release says; Remember The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink? These films illustrate what Maresa Murray calls the “friends as family” concept. Today, television viewers see a myriad of shows with similar themes. Think Sex and the City, Entourage, Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. “We are currently seeing some of the same themes from 20-25 years ago in families, relationships and media,” sa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992857 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:25:00 +0100 2992857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927528&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2FuOzMrSehT6Q%2F “When nobody around you seems to measure up, it’s time to check your yardstick.” ~Bill Lemley That quote has stuck with me since the first time I read it. I often have to check my yardstick because someone is failing me or not living up to my expectations/standards. And then I think about how many times I have tried to live up to someone else’s standards and failed miserably. I remember when I first told you guys that I had brain cancer, the pressure was so intense to post positively. I felt that all eyes were on me and that if I failed {whether spiritually, emotionally, or health wise}, I was failing you. I have since come to acknowledge that being “perfect” in my pain is not what is expected of me, in fact most of you have often said that you come her... Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927528 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:37 +0100 2927528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908852&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2FjUpQ1DBUctA%2F I love love love my new design, and I big red puffy heart the one who designed it for me!  Darcy, at graphically designing worked all hours of the night, sometimes till the break of dawn to appease the former designer in me {oh how I miss her so}.  She took my demands napkin drawings and brought them to reality on my blog.  I told her I wanted a clean, uncluttered space and that is just what she gave me… I cannot speak highly enough about her mad designing skills and she is hil.ar.ious to boot! {scroll over the nav bar… aren’t those birds cute as the dickens!Thanks to Lisa for helping with that!} Let me tell you a little about why I chose to redo my blog, and what is in store for Especially Heather. As you can tell, I have taken down the “Advertise Here” li... Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908852 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:46:58 +0100 2908852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899150&cid=t_108872_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FltMvT4_DUsw%2F A month or so ago Leeann sent a tweet out, she said she was going to attend the BDI's "Celebration of Strength Luncheon in San Diego.  Jaimie, Suzanne and I decided to attend too.  Last Friday at 9:30 PM Jaimie and I headed to the airport to pick up Suzanne.  I was a little nervous and excited at the same time.  I have spoken to Suzanne on the phone a lot, read her blogs and watched her vlogs...I felt like I already knew her.  I connect with a lot of people by reading their blogs or e-mailing-- but to actually meet someone in real life puts the icing on the cake.  Suzanne walks down the stairs and I admittedly recognized her signature smile; if you've seen any of her videos or pictures you know what I'm talking about.  I walked up to Suzanne a... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899150 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:31:11 +0100 2899150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842721&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FymxmocolWic%2F UCLA has a class that offers an instruction to ASD teens that’s often lacking from a menu of therapies: How to make friends. The teen years are tough enough, but for those with ASD this time could only be a nightmare in terms of interacting with peers. The UCLA program teaches its 33 students (28 of them male) to watch for all the social clues they might commonly miss — body language, hand gestures, facial expressions, speech inflections — and try to turn those improved interpretations into connections. The class, called PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), involves students meeting once a week for 12 weeks for 90-minute sessions, with instruction given in groups of seven to 10 teens. Parents were also required to attend separate, conc... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842721 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:50:15 +0100 2842721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842589&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2F10-secrets-your-therapist-wont-tell-you%2F Psychotherapists are a unique profession in the world because they are paid to listen and help people improve aspects of their lives or combat a mental health issue that’s affecting them. But there’s some stuff that goes on in the therapy office that you should know about before you decide to take the plunge (or if you’ve already taken it, well, better late than never!). Here’s a few… 1. I honestly don’t know whether I can help you or not. Most therapists honestly believe they can help most people with most problems. However, until you get in there and start working with a therapist, a therapist can’t really predict whether they’ll be able to help you or not. Most therapists believe they can help anyone who comes to them with a specific probl... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842589 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:55:38 +0100 2842589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834467&cid=t_108872_145_f&fid=35710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstoryofhealing.com%2F2009%2F09%2F26%2Finternational-medicine-2008-conference-and-revisits%2F I had so many posts planned for the months past when my schedule and flow took a turn—in a very good and mostly fun way. I have been occupied with our wedding celebration, teaching and other projects, medical electives, mouse jogging through my studies, plus my occasional will of glorious procrastination to begin writing. For those who gave me a-okay for my Media In Medicine series e-interviews, I hope they can still remember me when I start knocking on their email doors again with my finally-written down Qs. For those whose correspondence I am all too happy to receive but have not replied yet, I hope you won’t tire checking in and seeing if I have actually risen from my blog-grave yet. And, of course, thank you for reading. Conference A little over a year ago in May, I flew to t... the story of healing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834467 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:20:06 +0100 2834467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695434&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F12%2Fwhat-do-i-do-about-a-toxic-friend%2F A few weeks ago, a Beyond Blue reader asked me what to do regarding a toxic friendship. She wrote: I’m in the process of dealing with a toxic friend. She is broken, in a different sort of way. We no longer have anything in common except for the past. Her relationship is highly destructive for me…I do not know how to handle it. She’s narcissistic and very much a user. Help! I brought up the question on a discussion thread on Group Beyond Blue. And here’s what folks had to say: Sometimes doing nothing is the best thing….move on…sometimes people need to be alone to figure out what is wrong in their life. I know sitting with myself taught me how to fix me…I gave my friend books and told her about meetings and it only made her mad.. so I just don’... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695434 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:14:35 +0100 2695434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2671061&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2Fc0ln421s6pQ%2F Wow. That is all I could say about the SheSpeaks conference up until this morning, and still I have rambling thoughts going through my head! You have got to go next year if you can, it is so worth it. (And remember to take pictures because well, I took two… and they both were [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2671061 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:15:31 +0100 2671061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2610998&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F16%2Fthinking-of-moving-in-think-again-if-goal-is-marriage%2F Research published in February of this year confirms previous research that has found that if you have an interest in marrying a person, you’re better off not living with them before you get engaged. Rhoades et al. (2009) compiled their study by phoning 1,050 individual men and women from different relationships and asking them to complete a brief telephone survey. Participants were generally younger (18 to 34 years old) and had been married for 10 years or less. The majority of participants (91.8%) had never been divorced. Regarding cohabitation history, 40.5% reported that they did not live with their spouse before marriage, 16.4% cohabited only after engagement, and 43.1% cohabited before engagement. After administering their survey — which included demographic information... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2610998 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:35:12 +0100 2610998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591630&cid=t_108872_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-the-occasional-friend%2F I’ve grown used to my multiple sclerosis.  Well, as “used to” something which changes nearly daily as one can be.  Those around me have grown used to my MS (if they haven’t, they have at least grown used to the way in which I cope with MS).  People who only make occasional forays into my day-to-day, however, find themselves either surprised by “how well” I’m doing on a particular day or (unintentionally, I must assume) or visibly taken aback by a “bad MS day.” The other day I ran into a former business colleague at a function.  It was a good MS day and I think he was pleased to see me getting around as well as I was.  The very next morning, I woke for a busy day at the same function and my legs wanted nothing to do with it. My frie... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591630 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:02:39 +0100 2591630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2517279&cid=t_108872_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FcYOpz5naCW4%2F Want to live a long and happy life? Stay involved in social activity. A new study said that socially active seniors had better mental outlook and even walked at a faster clip than those who weren’t around people so much. The socially “active ranked in the top 10% in gait speed, while those who shunned social activities were in the bottom 10%.” Social activity includes everything from spending time at restaurant or sporting events with friends, playing bingo, and even attending church. Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Key to Staying Young (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2517279 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:03:18 +0100 2517279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447694&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F01%2F9-more-things-i-learned-in-high-school%2F Inspired by Therese Borchard’s 11 Things I Learned in High School, I wanted to share a few things I learned from my own high school experiences. I had many good times while in school, as well as my share of bad. But so many of the learning experiences we have in high school really can stick with us for years to come, teaching us about the ways of the world, life, friends and relationships. 1. Believe in your own abilities. So many times, we’re led to believe we’re not as good as we should or could be. And yet each and every one of us has unique abilities, talent and skills. No matter what others might tell you, believe in your own abilities, even when you feel unsure of yourself. 2. Things aren’t as bad as they seem. Things often seem worse than you’ve ever fe... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447694 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:57:42 +0100 2447694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463459&cid=t_108872_180_f&fid=38610&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.productivity501.com%2Fnetworking-tips%2F4156%2F As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of who you know keeps going up.  Here are five tips for cultivating and growing your network. Note: I don’t advocate doing any of this to simply take advantage of other people.  Networking only works if you are genuinely interested in the people you are trying to connect with.  If you try to fake it just to get favors from people, everyone will know. 1. Use Social Networking Tools Sites like Facebook and Linked In make it easy to find people you’ve known in the past.  In particular, the ability to look at the friends of your current friends can save you a lot of time in hunting down acquaintances from school or previous employment.  It is helpful to decided how you are going to use a particular tool.  For e... Productivity501 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463459 Thu, 28 May 2009 18:00:47 +0100 2463459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424227&cid=t_108872_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fphr-evolution I participated in a personal health record (PHR) workshop yesterday hosted by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT). CDT’s goal was to gain input from a wide array of stakeholders (an impressive collection of about 40 health care leaders with different types of expertise in PHRs) to help inform CDT’s recommendations to federal agencies - HHS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - and try to build some degree of consensus among key stakeholders. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424227 Wed, 20 May 2009 14:25:39 +0100 2424227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415670&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FX2Yejb4j07g%2F About a year ago,  Alex broke our oven door. He did this by standing on it in order to do something (probably turn on the light on the range hood). I heard a curious squeaky unhappy hinge kind of sound and went into the kitchen. I won’t say “ran” — because I was sitting at the computer, which is about four feet away. We live in Manhattan, after all. photo courtesy of LePetitPoulailler (flickr.com) The oven door was open and hanging at a very unusual angle. I looked at Alex, I screamed at Alex, I questioned him intensively but he never could or would tell me what happened. All I know is, one minute we had an oven door that would close and the next minute we didn’t. The appliance repair people said they’d come in a week. Then parts would have to be ordere... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415670 Fri, 15 May 2009 18:38:56 +0100 2415670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287233&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F22%2Fromantic-love-greater-long-term-happiness%2F Contrary to popular opinion, it appears that romance doesn’t have to die a natural death in a long-term relationship. In a meta-analysis review of 25 studies with 6,070 individuals in short- and long-term relationships published last week, researchers set out to find out whether romantic love is associated with greater relationship satisfaction. The findings? The researchers found that those who reported greater romantic love were more satisfied in both the short- and long-term relationships. Perhaps not surprising, those who reported greater passionate love in their relationships were more satisfied in the short term compared to the long term. Companion-like love, on the other hand, was only moderately associated with satisfaction in both short- and long-term relationships. What&... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287233 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:59:47 +0100 2287233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287234&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F22%2Fvideo-when-a-friendship-ends%2F A few readers asked if I would write out the content of my videos in accompanying text. Here you go: Friendships are a lot like marriages in that some are healthy and some are toxic, or unhealthy. But you sound pretty ridiculous explaining to people why you are sad: “Man, I just broke up with a friend, and it’s really painful.” But that is, in essence, what you are doing, and it needs to be treated the same way as a romantic relationship or marriage ending: with a lot of support and nurturing. As friendships develop and evolve, some don’t have all the right ingredients to last. So it’s right and natural that some break. But that period after the split is so awkward, for both people: the breaker-upper, or the breaker-uppee. I’ve sat in both seats. I love... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287234 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:29:52 +0100 2287234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2122211&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F518712736%2F I was reading my devotional today from Proverbs 31 Ministries and it really spoke to me. It spoke, not only to me as a mother, but me as a child of God. It spoke to the heart of the issues that I have faced and still face. You see, I have had [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2122211 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:52:52 +0100 2122211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116448&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F517742162%2F May I see Your light, Lord, even in life’s broken pieces. I have been thinking alot over this long weekend about issues that seem to remain in my life. Issues that I have absolutely no control over, yet I want to reign them in and tie them down. I have realized that I have [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116448 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:03:15 +0100 2116448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2169391&cid=t_108872_81_f&fid=38248&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCostellokidsNews%2F%7E3%2F521189762%2F The support group is a great way for families to get assistance with problems that they are having with their Costello people and the families of younger people seem to find it marvellous in that respect. Like anything, there are two sides. I strongly feel that we also need to learn the good things that occur. I have been told that some people feel uncomfortable about passing on the good things as they can feel bad because their child is doing so much better than some others. One Mum asked me when she could expect her child to get the problems that she reads about. I told her that her child probably won’t be affected in those ways as the child hasn’t had certain problems. Personally I would have loved to have had positive feedback when my daughter was small. Apart from when she was na... CostelloKids News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2169391 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:14:26 +0100 2169391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092634&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fnot-friend-in-world-shaggy-dog-tales.html Get the code:-Cut and pastefrom this littleboxy thing below I drop off my son and daughter to their respective play dates and then drive the little one home after school. The child is a picture of misery. One on one time with mum, is a poor consolation prize. Although I have planned a bumperful of entertainment for him, I know that I have a hard sell ahead of me.Once inside he collapses like a damp squib on the sofa. Feelings of self worth, anxiety and depression are all closely related deamons. As he slips his fingers into his mouth I can tell that we’re on the edge of the precipice. I sidle up to him and park myself on the carpet so that we’re eye to eye. “I know!” I beam to a listless, glistening eyeball.“How about we take Thatcher for a walk?” He is horror struck at the tho... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092634 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:59:00 +0100 2092634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061072&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F299Ecf6H2dw%2F On today’s Good Morning America, a story of giving and compassion—-something we could use more of, and not just at this time of year: When layoffs were announced at the Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, S.C., Ralph Hanahan—a state employee for 20 years—voluntarily asked to “take the hit,” so his fellow worker, Mike Camp, could keep his job. Camp has four children aged 6 to 10, the youngest of whom has “severe autism”: The Camps already have dealt with the great stress brought on by the treatment and therapy for Aaron’s condition and, at times, their medicals bill are too much to bear. “Ralph [Hanahan] definitely had a soft spot in his heart for Aaron,” Lorrie Camp said. Her husband said, &#822... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061072 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:39:04 +0100 2061072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040693&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F486558313%2F “A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” Tuesdays are a very special day for me. They are the day that I have set apart to be with my very dear friend Michelle. Whether it be getting our nails [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040693 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:07:42 +0100 2040693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018489&cid=t_108872_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F477020180%2F Don’t ya just love it?! Thanks to Karen at Simply Amusing Designs my blog is all dressed up for the winter..although it looks like spring! I can’t praise Karen enough, really. She was SUPER easy to work with, reasonably priced and fast too! She took my not so focused design needs, and turned [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018489 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:45:35 +0100 2018489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996399&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FmdGhSk5C9rs%2F Did Thanksgiving and now full speed ahead into December with all of its festivities, plus a few extras. Today is “Black Friday” here in the US, formerly known as “the day after Thanksgiving when people line up at 5am to charge the stores to get super-special-deal-discounts on holiday purchases”—as you probably guessed, we didn’t hit any malls with Charlie in tow. He has a general aversion to shopping for clothes, electronics, and anything in the closed confines of the modern mall. Once upon a time, we went to malls with pretty much the sole intent of walking around for exercise on a cold winter day, with the promise of escalator and elevator rides. Charlie’s interest—desire—to ride the likes of those has waned (and, too, some rather pai... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996399 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:38:12 +0100 1996399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947286&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FuWLVnBjjnPg%2F My son Charlie’s in a self-contained autism classroom located in the middle school in our suburban New Jersey town. His teacher has been wanting to set up opportunities for non-autistic students to spend time with Charlie’s class but all the middle school students at Charlie’s school are so tightly scheduled that it has not been easy. Just getting some time to talk about autism and disabilities to them is an operation in and of itself. In Massachusetts, “I Care” (which stands for Introducing Children to Acceptance through Reading and Education) is a program that (quoting from a description on The Jamie Fund website) seeks to “help explain why some classmates might be different than others.” The program was started by the mother an autistic daughter... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947286 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:17:41 +0100 1947286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1927854&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FhbOmPPHECBQ%2F Sunday we drove to Philadelphia to see a good friend. He was driving into the city from one direction and we from Jersey, and we agreed to meet in South Philly. We drove past what I noted was a Vietnamese restaurant and then lines of police cars and small groups of policemen, and lots of people walking vaguely in the direction of a giant pinata that Jim promptly dubbed “like the Trojan Horse” (it was a burro shaped pinata) and that we later realized was part of a Day of the Dead celebration. Jim found a barely the right size parking place on a city block and maneuvered the car in. We started walking, ducked into an Italian seafood restaurant to use the ATM, and sighted our friend, Hal, across Washington Avenue. Lunch was suggested and we started to debate about what to eat. &#8... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1927854 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:04:09 +0100 1927854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1889040&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FNLWs0mRldEo%2F Around 11.30 am on Saturday a black van pulled up in front of where we live. Charlie was sitting on the couch and looking out the window for Jim to return with breakfast and his eyes lit up at the sight of that van. Back in June, Jim and I were interviewed by Todd Drezner, who’s making an autism documentary called Loving Lampposts. Yesterday Todd and his crew came to shoot some footage of Charlie and us. After a couple of really fast “no’s,” Charlie sat down at the piano and then strapped on his helmet to ride his bike. Charlie made sure Jim had his and hopped on to follow Jim’s black bike. It took Charlie a moment to swing his right leg over his red bike and for a moment he balanced an almost-still bike before his left foot found the pedal, and then he was of... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1889040 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:35:33 +0100 1889040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1870901&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FE3ZiGXn9FN0%2F If you haven’t already read Measles not worth the risk, an October 6th op-ed by epidemiologist John Laurence Kiely, go here. Kiely recalls having the measles and then pneumonia, and being hospitalized, and under an oxygen tent, and his mother’s distraught face. But, as he notes: Most Americans don’t remember those days. Why? Because four years after I got sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began a mass measles immunization program. By 2000, the number of reported cases of measles had decreased to 86 and the number of deaths to one. So it is distressing to see that this year measles is on the upswing. As of July, there were 131 measles cases reported to CDC, the highest number since any comparable period since 1996. Most pediatricians and public health offici... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1870901 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:34:04 +0100 1870901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809837&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fproximidade-award.html Please scroll down for the photo carnival andThursday 13 = Homework strategies"Kristie" over at "Life with My X Men" has very kindly passed this delightful "award" to me. Thank you so much for thinking of me! I shall be consulting "senior daughter" regarding an accurate translation for persons such as myself who are linguistically challenged. After 18 months in Mozambique, speaking nothing but "Portuguese" we might be in luck. I wonder what I can bribe "her" with? Actually that quite easy as she's the only one who responds very positively to food!I don't think that there any rules with this one, anything for the easy life! So this one goes to "Mama MPJ" over at "A Room of Mama's Own," although I'm hoping she'll consider sub-lets.Moving on........"Mama Mara" who blogs at the very aptly name... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809837 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:00:00 +0100 1809837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1790268&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fi-have-friend.html ClinkShrink is looking for something to climb. Roy is collecting links to Mental Health Blogs: Thanks for all your contributions and if you'd like to add another mental health blog to the list, please visit Roy's post and comment.I titled this post "I have a friend..." because it's not an unusual way for someone to start a conversation with a psychiatrist about a mental health problem in a social setting-- maybe it's about a friend, maybe it's about themselves, I never ask, I take it at face value. Sometimes I later hear, "actually it's my problem."So I have a friend (--really) ....We're together in a public place, there are people around that we know, probably not within earshot, but who knows? The friend is, well, more of an acquaintance-- we don't know each other so well."I know you don... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1790268 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:00:00 +0100 1790268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1713981&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FiF3PQCC1hHg%2F Besides watching Charlie pick up his red boogie board and walk out into the waves, lie down on it and turn around to catch a wave—last year he hadn’t quite gotten the knack of this—-and the general benefits of being at the beach (and I say this as a person who, until knowing Jim, had zero desire to swim in the ocean), a “side benefit” of vacationing herer is that it makes it possible for us to be social and, in particular, to do something that we rarely/never do at home: Entertain guests. Tuesday friends came with their son who’s Charlie’s age; Thursday another friend came with her two sons (and Charlie communicated his distress at their leaving wordlessly, and sadly). From Friday afternoon till Monday morning our friend from Philadelphia has been ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1713981 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:09:36 +0100 1713981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1704771&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fq7jE6wYSPHs%2F Yes, third day at the beach was the charm and on the fourth day, we were back in beach business, so to speak. As the afternoon wore on—when the sunlight was not as intense—Charlie stood at the edge of the water and deliberately, unhesitatingly, walked in and started swimming. Almost every day this past summer, he and I have gone swimming at the YMCA pool and while Charlie doesn’t exactly do full laps (he’ll be swimming across the pool, flipping onto his back, and then suddenly disappear under the water—he’s sinking down to the bottom)—he’s been getting some solid workouts. All that swimming showed as, Tuesday afternoon, Charlie headed into the waves and then went back and forth, forth and back, between the rock jetties, swimming on his stomac... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1704771 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:22:41 +0100 1704771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1615971&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fhe-got-it.html Four hours in line, with details along the way.  The power went out, the biology of it all got a bit uncomfortable (or so I'm told).  The fear that they might run out....it was intense.  Oh, Roy will say I'm exaggerating, overly dramatic, catastrophic even.  After all, it's just a cell phone.  And apparently there were, indeed, lines.Now where is Roy with his new iPhone?I asked if takes pictures?  So far no answer.I called, got the same old message.  Is Roy one person or does he now have two cellphones?  Does he have a new number?  Will I ever hear from him again, or is my Samsung slide (with no internet capability) no longer in his league?  Mine does have a camera.  I think I'll send Roy a picture of my feet.   I got my toes to smile.I want to see it!  Is it bigger, better, m... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1615971 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:33:00 +0100 1615971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1605961&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F332514633%2F I’ve started teaching summer school, in a special program for local high school students and a course on translating Virgil’s Eclogues. The Eclogues are pastoral poems about shepherds and poetry and…….ok, that’s a bit too far from the usual discussion on this blog. The other class is on Psychology and Literature and, as of today, we’ve read this, this, and this, and discussed Freud’s theories of psychosexual development (the oral stage, the anal stage…..) and Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of psychosocial development—-and I’ve been reflecting on how different Charlie’s development has been. I know that these theories are “just” theories; that they’re grids for stages and norms that no actual human being can ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1605961 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:51:57 +0100 1605961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1593900&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F329584208%2F On Sunday I saw a college friend who I haven’t seen since her wedding (which I was grateful I was even able to go to—–she got married just after we returned from the Midwest to New Jersey and Charlie, who was having a lot to adjust to, was still queasy from it all; Jim dropped me off in front of the church just before the bridal party was lining up, and my dress was somehow spotless). Between my friend and me, there’s been several jobs, moves around the country, and she’s a mother now, too. There was an impossible amount of catching up to do. Nonetheless, the one topic we kept returning to was our kids, their education, their needs, and daycare. Once upon a time my friend and I had talked for hours about avant-garde Asian-American performance artists: You talk... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1593900 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:17:57 +0100 1593900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575498&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35128&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthiswayoflife.org%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D327 My girlfriend and I recently returned from a two week roadtrip, including several days at Autreat. I’ve been going to Autreat for several years. I couldn’t quite explain why I enjoy it so much - there is certainly imperfections about it, like any gathering, but I finally figured out that it must be the group of people that attend and how comfortable I feel in that group. My girlfriend, who attended for the first time this year, also enjoyed herself, saying that she really felt part of a group of people for the first time in her life. We spent a lot of time talking about it on the way home from Autreat, trying to figure out the right words to describe it. I still don’t know them, but I think the words “family reunion” come closest to describing what it is like ... NTs Are Weird blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575498 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:07:11 +0100 1575498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1488323&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F302743819%2F Yes, our family (as in all three of us) attended two parties this weekend. On Saturday afternoon we drove into Queens via the Goethals Bridge, the Verranzano Bridge (Charlie sat up to get the full view of being close to the ocean), and Brooklyn (after going through Sunset Park and seeing too many interesting looking Chinese and Asian restaurants, and then East New York). One of Jim’s friends’ two sisters (count the s’s and the apostrophes in that) were both celebrating their birthday somewhere off of Fresh Pond Road. Charlie put his hands over his ears at the music and the party noise; a woman who works with autistic children at a school out on Long Island came and sat with him and talked; Charlie looked relaxed. He sat and ate while Jim and I socialized. Driving back to... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488323 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:28:25 +0100 1488323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1450247&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fyou-puzzle-me.html Now that we have a couple years of blogging under our belts, I thought I'd do a little pop quiz for you folks who have stuck with us from the beginning. Click on the link below to go to the Shrink Rap Crossword to test your knowledge of Shrink Rap trivia. You can print out the web page and do the crossword at your leisure.For people who want to brush up with a quick review first, I recommend these links:Psych Notes For SmiliesMy Planned Nervous BreakdownTrue ConfessionsShrinks On SegsNow get to it! Click on the red link below forShrink Rap PuzzleNote from Dinah: I love it!! Interactive silliness. You ate too many birthday mushrooms!! Also, please take our sidebar poll.for me, back to coffee and the New York Times.----- Listen to our latest podcast at mythreeshrinks.com or su... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1450247 Sun, 18 May 2008 12:30:00 +0100 1450247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446159&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F291047339%2F It’s Charlie’s 11th birthday today. I had asked his teacher about bringing in a cake and she said that would be great, but could we do it on May 14th, as she was planning to be at an autism conference on the 15th? Sure I said and made plans to leave early on Wednesday so I could get to the bakery (cake in the house = cake found and eaten by Charlie, so best to buy it at the last minute). Of course, I could barely drag myself away from my college campus. It was nearig 1.20pm when I turned right onto Routes 1 & 9, which were backed up (in fact, someone did a U-turn in the middle of the road on seeing the traffic ahead). I went up the on-ramp at the Broadway exit of the Pulaski Skyway and the car in front of me made a U-turn in the middle of the on-ramp when he saw the standst... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446159 Thu, 15 May 2008 16:51:21 +0100 1446159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523568&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35095&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fvideo-play.mp4%3FcontentId%3D77a50a7288982d0d%26type%3Dvideo%252Fmp4http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAutismsEdges%2F%7E3%2FE5HC4P4uxw0%2Fmy-little-ponies.html (Source: Autism's Edges) Autism's Edges blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523568 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:08:00 +0100 2523568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1378008&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F271950104%2F Until a rather large truck (a several-wheeler) squoze too close against my car a year ago, a magnet of the puzzle ribbon adorned its left rear-end. That part of the car was in need of some repairs after that accident and we never got around to putting on a new magnet. And too, there was a part of me that felt, did we need a magnet that says “Autism Awareness” when it often seems that people have only to see Charlie and they are “aware” that something’s different about him? In a recent Spiked-Online review of a book entitled Ribbon Culture, reviewer Jennie Bristow notes that it “provides a cogent analysis of the ubiquitous ‘awareness-raising’ ribbon and its more recent offspring, the wristband.” Writes Bristow: ‘Since its emergence in 1991, th... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1378008 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:02:16 +0100 1378008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1338054&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F261176092%2F Charlie rearranged the three folded-up fleece blankets at the foot of his bed and called for Jim: “Da-ad! Da-ad!” “‘Hey pal, I’ll be in to talk to you,” said Jim who was promptly told by Charlie “lie down!”—whereupon, Jim and I had to agree, it might not be a bad idea to get Charlie a full-size double bed for his 11th birthday. He’s slept in a single bed ever since we transitioned Charlie out of his crib (when he was just turning 2 years old) and, needless to say, he’s inches, he’s a few feet taller than he used to be. When Charlie was 2…….that was when we were living on Ashland Avenue in St. Paul, not far from Ruminator Books (now, sadly, closed). Sometimes Jim and I just look at each other and shrug &#822... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1338054 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:46:02 +0100 1338054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1327539&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fi-become-intolerable.html One of my children plays away on a Friday afternoon, so I only have two of mine and two others for the play date. Two boys down stairs, two girls upstairs, that is the overall plan. I’ve been borderline before, but now I’m teetering on the edge. I already knew that she was an assertive child. Although she exudes confidence I know that the truth is otherwise. Aged 8 she comes to play with my 10 year old daughter. She is two months older than my son.I drive them all home. The girls chat in the back of the car.“Your car is huge.”“Yeah. My Dad bought it for my mom for a Christmas present.” I decide not to mention it, that it was a replacement car that happened to arrive at Christmas.“Geez, you must be real rich!” This is how the myth survives.“Why is he all……you know…�... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1327539 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:08:00 +0100 1327539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322044&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F256553365%2F Last night I went to see a friend who had recently gotten tenure at the college where he teaches. We started graduate school together back in 1990 and have been through various jobs, households, cities. Another friend who had also started her studies with us walked in the door, and there was a lot of catching up to do. Everyone asked about Charlie and—-with a clear memory of the boy I had left eating his dessert before his eel sushi, seated opposite my parents and giving me a quick “bye Mom”—-I said “he’s doing really good” without a second thought. And then it struck me: It was 17 years ago that I first met my friends and sat across from then with cups of coffee and books in smoky cafés and dim-lit libraries. 17 years: Where in the world has the ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322044 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:34:13 +0100 1322044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1263439&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fwed-honesty-is-best-put-off.html She plagues me with questions first thing in the morning as I wipe noses and squirt inhalers with the boys.“But when will you phone?”“Phone, phone, phone.”“Oh I know! You’ll phone after nine? Will you phone at nine? Mommm!”“Er no. Her mum said she’d phone us at mid-day.”“Oh no that’s gonna take forever.”“Indeed, but we’ll find something to do in the meantime.”“Mean…...time….mean….time……mean…….time.” I make a quick dash to the garage for a couple of boxes of tissues to assuage the sea of snot. My pre-teen in is mid pout, as she has experienced a sharp learning curve this week. Adult conversations have been the order of the day, but we need to tread carefully. If you ban a friendship you guarantee eternal adoration. “She probably won’t ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1263439 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:21:00 +0100 1263439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1256294&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fout-of-loop.html [From Friday - details have been changed to protect anonymity] Spouse and I experience 8 hours of sleep, collectively. I am uncertain whether I had 5 and he had 3 hours, or the other way around? A holiday is an upset to the routine. An upset to the routine often results in disruptive sleep patterns. My daughter continues to badger me with the same interminable question. By seven in the morning I explain again, hopefully with greater clarity.“I’ll telephone at nine and sort out the play date.”“Can’t you phone now?”“I’m afraid not. It’s rude to telephone before 9 and in any case you know that none of them are up before mid-day.” I wish to avoid the previous occasion’s angst, hours of tears when no-one picked up the phone.“Well that’s not true any more. She told me s... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1256294 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:21:00 +0100 1256294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1252654&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F240235474%2F We went bowling at Lucky Strike in Philadelphia this afternoon with our friend Hal. Charlie’s gone bowling twice before, and both times with those “bumpers” on the lanes, but not today. Jim stood behind him and helped Charlie put his fingers into the three holes and send away the ball, which promptly rolled into the gutter. 0. 0. 0. Flashed Charlie’s score. Charlie, who had sat up straight in the backseat looking out the window all the way down on the drive to Philadelphia and who was excited to see Hal, kept at it, with Jim standing behind and beside him and directing a lot of energy into guiding Charlie to pull his arm back and forward and send the ball down the shiny wood. (It also helped that there were couches to sit on and French fries to munch; Charlie made h... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1252654 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:42:15 +0100 1252654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179954&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F223844238%2F This is the name of an art exhibit “insight into autism and beyond through the artworks of Donna Williams” in Adelaide (Australia) that runs through the 12th of February. Williams is an artist and author of autobiographical books about her life with autism, textbooks about autism and poetry; you can go here for more information about the exhibition. “Alternative normalities” fits in with the flow of things around here. A few years ago, I mentioned to a colleague at work (he was older and has no children) that my entire day revolved around one moment, when Charlie’s bus shows up. In passing, I said that I lived on “Charlie time” and I guess I was not successful at conveying how glad I was to be standing on the sidewalk when the bus pulled up, as m... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179954 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 06:09:02 +0100 1179954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162576&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F219494443%2F There was Mr. Richard, who had a disabled brother; at least a dozen special needs (many autistic) kids were on his bus (and no bus matron). There was the older woman from Russia who told me “your driveway is not convenient for me” and “my eyes are not good.” There were the two women, both grandmothers, who drove a beat-up burgundy minivan and whose saris were made of heavy brocades in the winter, and lighter fabrics when spring came (sometimes a little girl rode in the front passenger seat). There was Miss Linda, who greeted Charlie with a “Come on in, Charlie” and—even after she had been told that we had moved back in September—-still drove by where we used to live, just to be sure that Charlie did not need a ride. Now it’s Miss Valeri... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162576 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:14:29 +0100 1162576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1152562&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F217229324%2F Yes it’s for the exercise and with the hope of Charlie picking up some new skills of catching and throwing and shooting: These are all reasons why we signed Charlie up for Special Olympics basketball. But it’s also for the reason that Gemma Gallagher states on watching her 14-year-old son, David, playing basketball with the University of Albany women’s basketball team: “Often while watching David, I can see that he wants to be a part of something, but doesn’t have the ability to relate mutually with others…….In reality autism interferes with having real friendships. We’ve just been watching and enjoying today so much. Just seeing him smile makes this a good day.” Charlie did not walk up to any kids last Wednesday and say “hi&#... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1152562 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:30:59 +0100 1152562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1098840&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F201486309%2F “BBDO” meaning “Brooklyn–Bowery—D train—whOle fOOds,” rather than a certain New York-based advertising agency that is behind the New York University Child Study Center’s “Ransom Notes” campaign. I’ve obviously been a little caught up in responding to the Center’s “public awareness” campaign (a word whose military overtones I dislike, as if the whole point of “Ransom Notes” is so that someone can say veni, vidi, vici totos morbos puerorum puellarumque!——”I came, I saw, I conquered all the diseases of boys and girls!”).). Lest it seem like this blog is itself becoming hostage to the cause of protesting the “campaign” (though I have to say, if you have not yet signed the pe... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1098840 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:49:37 +0100 1098840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1012271&cid=t_108872_90_f&fid=34499&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcalifmedicineman.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fshould-law-recognize-friendship.html (Source: California Medicine Man) California Medicine Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1012271 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:30:00 +0100 1012271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=949703&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F169674291%2F Occasionally something happens, usually something small and fleeting, and I just know, that flicker of a moment sums up so much about our life with Charlie, with autism (and “with autism” is the right term here, I think, rather than “autistic”). It sums up what it feels like, and how far Charlie has come, and how our family’s life is no fight against autism the “common enemy,” as the Bergen Record, puts it. So many things are not easy for Charlie: He is disabled and the list of limitations to his life often seems to grow longer everyday, as the differences between Charlie and the children his age only seems to grow. Charlie does not have any friends who are his age. He is (as far as I can tell) fond enough of the other boys in his class, is ever m... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949703 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:31:10 +0100 949703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=915383&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35128&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthiswayoflife.org%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D250 Yesterday, I had a chance to visit some new friends - I found some people that share a lot in common with me, which I’ve learned is extremely rare in this world. It was nice to be able to spend the day with people that understood, because they live it, what it is like to be me. This requires, of the other person, more than simply a diagnosis of autism. While I have a lot in common with other autistic people, and love spending time with almost all autistic people, there’s something else to the equation, something else that makes me “Joel,” something that is part of only a few other people (not the “Joelness”, of course, but the traits). It’s hard to explain, but when it’s there, there is an instant connection between us. It’s the friends... NTs Are Weird blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=915383 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:40:33 +0100 915383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=852559&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F153992551%2F Well of course, we all know that, you think……while people cannot agree on what causes autism, autism is not something a child “catches” like the common cold. You don’t “get” autism through contact with an autistic person: We know this. But sometimes one feels a bit otherwise, as Lisa Dowler writes today in Newsday. Dowler’s 10-year-old son, Jeffrey, is autistic and “plays baseball, loves to go bowling, and is a happy child.” Dowler describes a recent attempt to set up a play date for her son with another boy who “seemed to be very kind to my son and always acknowledged him, even around his peers.” A phone call to the other boy’s mother gives Dowler the sense that she ought not to have tried: I gathered up my cou... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=852559 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 22:16:16 +0100 852559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=845791&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fhigh-definition.html I have always been a very poor judge of character, a failing that my mother takes great care to remind me about, at frequent intervals. Over the years, my small and motley circle of friends, has been a source of great angst for my mother. They all had faults and failings, not the least of which, was being the wrong type of person. Lame ducks, losers and users, were inaccurate descriptions that didn’t match my experience. “Where do you find them?” she would sigh, as if I had deliberately chosen my pals to annoy her. If there had been a ‘discernment’ class available in those days, I would have been signed up for one on one tuition, no doubt.……The car park is nearly full as we search for a space. There are a great number of people milling around dressed in strange attire. The ma... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=845791 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:10:00 +0100 845791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=837470&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35128&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthiswayoflife.org%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D229 Tomorrow, Monday, is Labor Day in the US. While today this holiday is mainly a day off work for, ironically, nearly all salaried employees and just some hourly employees, it was originally a day to remember the contribution of labor, labor unions, and many positive changes that benefited labor around 100 years ago. I’ll be spending my labor day with friends. I can’t express how nice it is to have a place to spend a holiday - only people who haven’t had this option could possibly understand. A lot of autistic people desire friendship, or even companionship, yet will spend holidays alone. This is a sad thing indeed, as there are few things as sad as, for instance, spending Christmas alone, at least for someone who desires companionship. While it is true that some autistic p... NTs Are Weird blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=837470 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 04:21:47 +0100 837470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=836657&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F151230522%2F It may have been the dog days of summer, but autism never takes a vacation. Here are the highlights of August: Thanks to everyone for reading Autism Vox—-your comments spur me to think and re-examine my own views, and reaccess. 4 autism limericks from the Omnificent English Dictionary In Limerick Form (OEDILF) spark discussion about how we talk about autism, and a few more limericks. Mother arrested for keeping autistic son home: What do you do when school is no longer safe for your child—-and the school district thinks otherwise? The ND Word: Autism as Difference Not Disease: It’s not a disease, it’s a way of life proclaims the August 7th Guardian. Immunizations, Children, and Lots of Questions: I participated in a conversation with health care professionals and b... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=836657 Sun, 02 Sep 2007 11:53:19 +0100 836657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=811935&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F146403948%2F Theories abound that link some thing—such as mercury in vaccines, as one autism mother notes—to the “onset” of autism in a child. When asked “when did you think your child had autism,” many parents tell a narrative of familiar elements: A child is born, a child develops normally until—one day, and overnight—the child changes drastically. Language is lost, gastrointestinal problems arise, behaviors of lining up toys and screaming at small changes in routines arise. Experts are sought, and the child is diagnosed with autism. And on of the billion dollar questions in autism discussions may well be, did something cause a sudden change or was a child always autistic, from birth, genetically? What caused the changes? What can make the child better?... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=811935 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:06:19 +0100 811935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=808686&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F145845871%2F Charlie has certainly been enjoying his time at the beach, surfing and running his feet through the sand, swimming and going out and straight into the waves (sometimes straight under) again. again, and again. But ever since we got here a week ago, he has occasionally been saying, “Boy here!” in reference to the 15-year old autistic boy who visited the previous week with his parents. More than expecting visitors—-”friends,” as I call them for him—-Charlie has been wanting visitors; looking forward to having company. He is visibly, and audibly, different when visitors to the beach house come: Lots of bouncing on the furniture, lots of big grins, lots of saying the names of the various people in question over and over, as if the mere thought of “frien... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=808686 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:39:58 +0100 808686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=807350&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35128&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthiswayoflife.org%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D221 I just moved to another town. It was a fairly short move. I still have a lot of work to do, like figuring out exactly how to get rid of my obligations regarding a 30 year old mobile home I own. In other words, tons and tons of stress and such. But the move went well. I love the house I’m in. The house is nothing special, but it’s a neat layout, fairly small, has no yard (that’s really good), and a lot of character. It was built in the early 1900s, back when they still knew how to build houses with some character (as I told friends earlier, I was looking for a weird house because I’m a bit weird). Best of all, I am renting, which means I can get out a whole lot easier than if I owned it. I don’t have the trapped feeling that owning the mobile home gives me. Hav... NTs Are Weird blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807350 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:15:33 +0100 807350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=782999&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F141339607%2F Friends from the Midwest have been visiting: They stayed overnight on Saturday and then went onto New York City, and will be back later this week. They have two children, both teenagers, and the son is autistic. When the family first came int eh door, Charlie sat back atop his blue blanket and held onto his iPod; he did not mind when the other boy touched him and, by the end of evening, Charlie was chattering in his semi-worded patter and running his usual back and forth circuits as his new friend, lying on the floor, drew. Yes, friend: I think Charlie sees him as such. Ever since Sunday afternoon, he has been saying “boy here!” And looking around expectantly. “He’s went to New York with his parents and sister,” Jim and I respond. “He’ll be back on... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=782999 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:46:35 +0100 782999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=756723&cid=t_108872_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F137224829%2Fbest_friends_cassie_and_mo.php tags: crow, cat, animal friendship, streaming video One of those sweet animal stories where two animals that are supposed to be enemies become friends. This time it is a cat and a crow. [2:04] Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)) Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=756723 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:21:27 +0100 756723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=713198&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35119&url=http%3A%2F%2Frettdevil.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fthank-you.html This is a post of appreciation.I'd like to thank my friends who have sent me:Good thoughts/vibes/prayers/whatever their thing is.FRIENDSHIPMoney that they could spareStuff-clothes, food, etcDid I mention friendship?I'm not naming names, because people can be shy and yeah. I just want to thank people for going above and beyond passive standing by to actually supporting in the ways they can in times of "well doesn't THIS suck?" And everyone knows who they are.Thank you. It means a lot to me, as do y'all. When I have means should you need it I shall return or pay forward...in less interesting times. (Source: The Rettdevil's Rants) The Rettdevil's Rants blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=713198 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 02:04:00 +0100 713198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=623787&cid=t_108872_133_f&fid=35128&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthiswayoflife.org%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D170 In aviation, there’s a phenomenon known as “pilot induced oscillation,” or PIO for short. PIO occurs when a pilot attempts to correct for some (typically) minor flight disturbance in a way that actually increases the disturbance. For instance, a pilot might be trying to level out his plane at 10,000 feet above sea level after a climb. In doing so, he might slightly overshoot the 10,000 foot mark, so he lowers his airspeed to lose a bit of altitude. If he drops too much altitude, he then has to make another correction to get back to altitude, which he might again overshoot, causing yet another correction, etc. When each correction is a bit larger than the last one, it creates a set of corrections which continue to grow until either the pilot stops providing the “corr... NTs Are Weird blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623787 Fri, 18 May 2007 02:24:49 +0100 623787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=537981&cid=t_108872_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fon-being-connected.html This is a post that's about me and my life and something that's important to me, and it's about psychiatry, even if it might not seem that way.I am very lucky. I have some really wonderful people in my life--both family and friends. My husband and I met our freshman year of college-- we've been together our entire adult lives, we carry each others' histories, we've shared nearly every event (including and especially the Red Sox victory in the World Series in 2004, even if he was in a hotel room in Florida), he knows all the inside jokes, let me write chemistry equations all over his legs, listened to my pre-med then med school angst, has survived endless shrinky dinner parties (--newsflash: he's not a doc).And then there's the Judge, along with her dog Tex (who vomited on my carpet this mo... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=537981 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:40:00 +0100 537981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=513066&cid=t_108872_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2007%2F02%2F06%2Fpictures%2F I haven’t been wanting to write much lately. I’m feeling tired and uninspired, just trying to deal with the ups and downs of this spell. A routine is starting to take shape: I visit my mother on Tuesdays and Thursdays right after work. I leave the library at 3:30 and get to Garden Manor by 4. I sit with my mother until dinner, which is served at 5. For the past two Sundays we’ve gone out to lunch and then for a short ride. This seems to be working well for her, although she has accused me of not visiting “for weeks” when I let two days elapse between visits. We had a very nice visit today. I found my mother in the common room, watching TV with several others. She looked happy to see me and, although she did mention hoping to go home, she seemed calm and settle... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=513066 Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:21:35 +0100 513066