Contemplate

Here's a question for you:

Who helps people the most?

A) Social/Health Care researchers who discover the most affective ways to prevent violence among youth and other important social phenomena that can assist people working in the human services.

B) Social workers who do case management for low income families

C) Counselors in treatment centers

D) Artists who make murals and do community projects with the focus of developing social harmony and catharsis for feelings?

E) Nurses doing the dirty work in hospitals, mental care facilities and private homes.

F) Category/related profession that you want to include because you feel that it is important that it get mentioned.

TB

One of the requirements of many health care workers, such as myself, is to get yearly TB tests. On the website eMedicineHealth.com, there is a section that specifies who is at the highest risk for catching it:

Risk factors for TB include the following:

* HIV infection

* Low socioeconomic status

* Alcoholism

* Homelessness

* Crowded living conditions

* Diseases that weaken the immune system

* Migration from a country with a high number of cases

* Health care workers


It's the last risk factor that really worries me.

However, I have a feeling that people may have a bone to pick with several of these risk factors, such as "alcoholism" and "low socioeconomic status". The way in which they have been listed, with a derth of circumstantial information, may lead to misunderstandings.

Thought For The Day

"Silence does not come to the mind. Gradually, as you focus on silence. the mind disolves and becomes absorbed into that Silence" - Swami Amar Jyoti

Meditative Thoughts

When you look inside yourself what do you see? When you think a thought, who is actually thinking the thought? When you feel something, whether it be physical or emotional, try asking yourself who is experiencing the sensation? If you had to pinpoint where "you" are in your body, where is it?

If you think about this long enough and ask these questions of yourself continually it can start to be a bit of a crazy-making process, but eventually it can lead to a type of enlightenment and a deeper understanding of self in a broader context that is amazing.

Some People Just Need To Dance

Saw some people dancing to a U2 cover band in Christopher Columbus Park last night. One was a young, somewhat "cool" looking guy and the other was an older gentleman dressed in Brooks Brother's-esk business attire. They were on opposite sides of the stage and although they were not dancing with each other, they both were having a blast, not bothered by the fact that no one else was dancing.

What I found inspirational was their pure physical reaction to the evironment and the music, not to mention their bravery in breaking from the group behavior (which psychologically is no small feat). It would be great if I could learn how to purposefully instill in people that type of freedom of expression and therapeutic release.

In the meantime . . I know that many of us will continue doing our Risky Business/ Tom Cruise boogie at home in front of our mirrors. . . I think this is a fun and valid form of dance expression, too, but more private and safer.

Adventures in New York

Do you feel that the Western veterinary system is only treating your symptoms and overlooking the larger picture? Are you seeking a Dr. who truly understands your medical needs within the context of the grueling demands of a cat's and/or dog's life? This is the place for you! Holistic pet care treats you as a whole animal, not just your fleas! ;)

Society & Suicide

On Kiss 108 FM, the Sean Kingston song "Beautiful Girls", popularly known as "Suicidal," is played just about every hour or two. I may be exaggerating a bit, but regardless, it is a lot!

What I find most interesting is that MTV, which one might guess has less regulations than a public radio station, also chooses to play Kingston's song, but MTV has chosen to mute the sections where the word "suicidal" is sung. Amusingly, this word comprises the main chorus and so by deleting it MTV deletes about half the song.

MTV's reaction reminds me of the strung out debate concerning the question as to whether music videos, popular songs and movies can increase the tendency of our youth to become more homicidal and suicidal. It seems that by deleting the word "suicidal" from Kingston's song, MTV is taking no chances. Yet, what affect does this have if the song is played ad-nauseam on the popular youth radio stations?

I find the contrast between the reactions of MTV and Kiss 108 FM interesting. It seems to me, that suicide is a still a taboo topic within our society and, relatively, the media sources responsible for playing Kingston's song reflect the lack of consensus on the way in which this topic should be addressed.

Peace of Mind

Although the practice of meditation and mindfulness is not in itself a therapeutc approach, it often is incorporated into therapeutic work because of its potential benefits.

In Cambridge the Insight Meditation Center offers a range of programs from weekend retreats to evening lectures. Despite the fact that the meditations and lectures are structured around the teachings of the Buddha, they make an effort to welcome everyone, including those just seeking a little peace of mind.

For further information click on

"MEDITATION."