Let’s Do the Turkey Trot and Really Enjoy

KarenSherman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:24:14 -0500

Since my posts come out on Thursdays, I decided to write today's post about Thanksgiving. My guess is that most of you, like me, will be otherwise engaged on the actual day and might not get a chance to read this post.

Thanksgiving, traditionally, is supposed to be a day where we give thanks. So in order to help you be in the right frame of mind for that day, it seemed I should address it today rather than after it has passed when you will more likely have a chance to read this.

The downside

For many of you, it may seem difficult to give thanks. Certainly, there are so many who have been directly impacted already by the ill effects of the war. Others live with the anticipation and unknown ... also quite devastating.

Are You There?

KarenSherman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:25:15 -0500

One of the things I used to hate when I was a little girl was hearing my grandfather -- or for that matter even one of my parents -- refer to things in the past. Well, not really things in the past so much as the use of the expression, "In my day ..." I sort of promised myself that when I got older, I would refrain from employing that expression.

It's probably a really good idea that I made that pact with myself because in my life time, there has certainly been an enormous amount of change. I'd be forever saying it to my kids and they already find me so annoying; I certainly don't want to add to it.

Technology takes the lead

Flu shot yes? Flu shot no?

LynnAnderson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:33:04 -0500

Briefly the story behind the development of Doctor Lynn’s Nectars is that she was looking for a natural nectar that would help to boost the immune system in times of stress, exhaustion and general over load. In searching through the science of botanicals Doctor Lynn discoverd a combination of herbs that support the immune sytem and help to keep the body strong by supplying important nutrients to the body such as viatman C, A, E, B and other essential vitamins and minerals. And thus came the natural herbal formula known as Doctor Lynn's Pep Berry Rob - all natural organic herbal immune boosting nectar.

How Cool is Your Sleep?

rubinnaiman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:47:26 -0500

When I was a little boy and happened not to be feeling well, my mother would ask me three questions. Having grown up in an old world village, she clung to simpler, traditional views of health, including her folksy health assessment.

Her first question was, "What did you eat?"

Today, more than ever, we are aware of the impact our diets have upon our health. Despite this, much of the modern world remains overfed, yet simultaneously undernourished. We simply consume too many empty, high-glycemic calories that provide quick energy, but limited nutrition. Such eating habits have been strongly linked to chronic inflammation -- one of the most overlooked issues in our disturbed sleep epidemic.

The War Against Insomnia

rubinnaiman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:41:01 -0500

When it comes to conversations about insomnia, one might think we were at war. This isn't all that surprising, since we typically approach health challenges in this way. We fight disease, combat infections, kill germs, and go to battle with our symptoms.

These kinds of fighting words are integral to the sleep disorders culture as well. We've had it with the scourge of insomnia. We're fed up with being worn down and ready for a fight. How does such a warring posture toward our insomnia symptoms affect us?

The Lost Art (and Science) of Dreaming

rubinnaiman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:35:28 -0500

I believe that dreaming is among the most critical misunderstood and overlooked factors in our health, well-being and spiritual development. In contrast to waking, which is usually about an intentional, concrete and active relationship with the world around us, dreaming is more about a receptive, expansive, ephemeral and dynamic relationship with the world within us.

Dreaming plays a critical role in learning and the formation of certain kinds of memory. Dreaming also helps us heal from emotional losses. People who don't dream well can suffer memory loss. And people who dream well heal from emotional loss more quickly.

Yoga for the Soul

A Wolf In Sleep’s Clothing: The Truth About Sleeping Pills

rubinnaiman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:28:11 -0500

Prescriptions for hypnotics, or so-called sleeping pills, exceeded 56 million in 2008, representing a record 54% increase in just four years. The term hypnotic, like hypnosis, is derived from Hypnos, the sweet-natured Greek god of sleep. Hypnosis, however, is not about sleep. It is, in fact, a heightened state of waking consciousness. Hypnosis derived its name from Hypnos simply because hypnotized people look like they are asleep. But they are not.

The same can be said of people on hypnotics. They just look like they're asleep. I think Hypnos would turn over in his grave because the drugs that are his namesake do not provide true sleep. At best, they produce a kind of faux sleep -- a chemical knock out with potentially serious health consequences.

Post-Dramatic Stress? A Hidden Cause of Sleeplessness

rubinnaiman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:15:49 -0500

Most of us are keenly aware of the notion of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A key symptom of PTSD, of course, is sleeplessness. I believe there is a subtler condition that negatively impacts the sleep of millions more -- what I call post-dramatic stress disorder.

We live in an age where drama is so ubiquitous, we are often unaware of its pernicious impact on our well-being. Whether in the guise of news, entertainment or reading material, drama abounds. I think that most of us are less traumatized, but more dramatized.

Intelligent Relating

KarenSherman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:04 -0500

Some of you may know that aside from my private practice, I also teach Psychology at an undergraduate level at a local University. One of the topics I cover is Intelligence. The widely accepted opinion now is that there is a much broader definition of intelligence than years ago. We now know that there are many different types of intelligence; it's not just what the intelligence test measures.

Take One for the Team

KarenSherman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:37:54 -0400

I have a confession to make. And I must honestly admit that I wouldn't make this confession if it weren't for the fact that there was an important lesson that I want to share with you. So, based on the greater good, here goes: I watch "Desperate Housewives."

What do I get out of it? Nothing -- except pure mindless relaxation. That was until last night's episode where a particular lesson was offered. And then, today, a client came in and we were working on an issue. As I tried to explain my point to him, it reminded me of last night's show. That convinced me to communicate my insight with you as well.

The show