How to Be Happy
A summary from Tara Parker Pope of what the research says about the actions we can take to create a happy life for ourselves. Article link, click here.
The Secrets of ‘Cognitive Super-Agers’
A compilation of the research on centenarians who stayed cognitively sharp into old age, written by Jane Brody. Some of you may have heard or read some of this material before, but I think its good to be reminded of the activities that can hopefully keep us cognitively sharp as we grow older. Article link, click here.
‘Death Doulas’ Provide Aid at the End of Life
The term doula was initially used to refer to women who assisted other women during childbirth. More recently it has also come to refer to “end of life doulas” who help people in the waning weeks or days or hours of life. Here is a short quotation from the article.
“Unlike hospice workers, doulas don’t get involved in medical issues. Rather, they support clients emotionally, physically, spiritually and practically, stepping in whenever needed. That could be a few days before someone dies, sitting vigil with them in their last hours, giving hand massages, making snacks. Or it could be months or even years earlier, after someone receives a terminal diagnosis, keeping them company, listening to their life stories or helping them craft autobiographies, planning funerals. Prices range from $25 an hour on up, although many, like Ms. O’Hara, do it voluntarily. And like Ms. O’Hara, many have signed on to help give new meaning to their own grief while helping others in the process.” Article link, click here.
Raising Kids to Love Exercise
I think most of us agree that helping children learn to enjoy exercise can be helpful in lots of ways throughout their lifetime. Here are some practical suggestions from a parent to parents in this virtual reality culture about how to encourage their children to enjoy physical exercise. Article link, click here.
How to Get Back to Sleep
Many people suffer from insomnia, and as you get older, many also suffer from not being able to get back to sleep after waking up partway through the night. Here are some suggestions from WebMD of what to do when that occurs. (I had heard these before but tried one of them the last few nights—counting backward from 100. Sometimes I’m asleep before I get to zero, and sometimes I go to sleep shortly after, so you might give one or more of them a try if you have problems getting back to sleep.) Article link, click here.
Why do Students with Autism Gravitate Toward STEM Majors?
You probably have heard or read that some children and teens on the autism spectrum do very well in computer programing This article from the Amen Clinic explains why, and also expands the areas where these individuals are gifted to include the STEM courses that are increasingly available in high schools. If you occasionally work with individuals or families where someone is on the autism spectrum, this article is worthwhile reading. Article link, click here.
5 Ways Alcohol Fools Your Brain
Some people believe that a few drinks makes them more gregarious and fun to be with. This article, also from the Amen Clinic, might help some realize they’re not being as wonderful as they think they’re being. Article link, click here.
Should I Hang Out with Someone Whose Political Views I Hate?
This week’s column of the Ethicist voices an issue that I think is becoming increasingly important—the importance of listening to the views of those who hold opposite viewpoints. There seems to be a trend today, even in our colleges and universities, of shutting out any differing views. See what you think. Article link, click here.
How a Herd of Elephants Won China’s Internet
Not a counseling article, but in case you need a little humor to brighten your day. This is the story of some 15 elephants who have left a nature preserve and have wandered some 300 miles through China, investigating car dealerships and whatever else they wished to look at. There is a belief that they got into a brewery and got intoxicated, not because they enjoy being drunk but because they liked the taste of the fruit. Their antics are causing a great deal of enjoyment for the Chinese population, where the large animals are one of the few creatures free to do pretty much whatever they want to. Article link, click here.
3 Questions about Submission
Submission is one of those issues that ignites a tinder keg of emotions in some people. Here’s a nicely balanced article that might provide a good discussion-starter in some counseling situations or in some Sunday School classes. Article link, click here.
From Porn Star to Purity Advocate
This is a beautiful story of how a young woman who for seven years was a porn star, was dramatically changed when she met a young adult pastor and the words he said to her. The story will only take a few minutes to read, and I think it reminds us of the powerful changes that can happen when God comes into a person’s life. Article link, click here.
How Dads Change with Fatherhood
There is now some evidence that at least some fathers experience hormonal and neurological shifts as they prepare for and enter fatherhood. I think it is likely that future research will show that these changes are related to the depth of bond that fathers have with the mother and the developing baby. Be prepared to see more research about this in the coming years. Article link, click here.
The Effective Treatment for COVID-19 That is Being Suppressed
Normally I don’t include articles that have little to do with counseling, but here is one that I have heard from multiple sources whom I trust, so I am passing the information on in case you are interested. Ivermectin has long been used as a safe and effective treatment for other medical issues. Doctors all over the world have found that it is an effective for both mild and severe COVID. But unfortunately You-tube and most of our media have been suppressing any information about it, or if they do mention it, do so in disparaging terms. However, in India and many poorer countries it has been used with astonishing results. It is now available as a generic from several companies, which would cut into the profits of companies who have drugs that have been approved through the FDA. This points to another example of the fact that some of the social media companies, who are allowed to censor any information that is counter to the narratives they wish to promote, have too much power in our culture. To read a good summary of this information, go to the following website:
Article link, click here.
A Mental Health Crisis Flares Among Young Children
Some of you may already be aware of this, but the mental health issues for children less than 13 has been gradually growing. The suicide rate for black children is twice what it is for white children. See article for more details. Article link, click here.
Died: Thelma Battle Buckner, COGIC Minister and Mother of the Minnesota Gospel Twins
Quoted from Christianity Today: “She led a congregation in a denomination that doesn’t believe in women in leadership, fostered more than 1,000 children, and sang the music that God taught her to play.” An inspiring story about a remarkable woman. Even though you may not be from a Pentecostal background, I think you’ll find this Christian woman’s story is an encouragement to your own faith. Article link, click here.
Best wishes for a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend!
Henry Virkler