It used to be that yoga, as well as other mind-body practices, were believed to be esoteric "flower power" exercises practiced in relative obscurity by people on the fringe of society and American culture. Cut to the 21st century where hospitals, community centers and wellness facilities around the country are teaching both yoga and meditation.
In a recent interview on NPR, Peter Orszag, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, noted that that as much as $700 billion a year in healthcare costs do not improve health outcomes.
I had the opportunity this week to spend time with National Health Service colleagues in Manchester, England where I gave a keynote address at a conference called Self Care Aware and found their commitment to self care to be nothing short of stunning.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Institute of Noetic Sciences Invitational Conference at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, where the conversation centered on humanizing healthcare.
There's a reoccurring question I've been hearing a lot lately: "Is stress unhealthy?" Or "Does stress make you sick?" I'd like to go on the record to say that the jury is NOT still out on this question. Numerous studies in recent years have demonstrated the link between stress and sickness.
Has it ever struck you as incongruous that food in hospitals is often bland, highly processed, and not usually appealing, tasty, or nutritious?
Why aren't we hearing more about nurse practitioners and nurse mid-wives as part of the solution in the health reform debate? In studies, it has been found that nurse practitioners can effectively manage 80% of primary care.
Every couple of weeks, I get a call from a friend, neighbor, family member, colleague or friend of a friend, asking me to help them navigate the healthcare system. Often, the questions follow a serious diagnosis.
