Wise & Well Weekly 07.02.23
Your weekly dose of wellness, helping you make tomorrow a little better than today.
Welcome back to your weekly dose of wellness, helping you make tomorrow a little better than today — thanks to Wise & Well writers and readers on Medium.
THIS WEEK’S PRESCRIPTION
Do you take any medications? Are you sure you need them? Do you discuss this with a doctor regularly? Here’s why we ask:
People too often fail to take their prescribed medications due to cost or lack of trust in the medical establishment or poor communication with their doctors. Physician and writer Dr. Julian Barkan actually wants you to stop taking meds — if that’s the best course of action.
But for that to happen, patient and doctor need to get on the same page about treatment options and make decisions together.
Read: As a Physician, I Want You to Stop Your Medications
HEALTHY READING
A selection of this week’s other informative and insightful articles:
Running for Skeptics and Beginners
The joy and health benefits of running aren’t based on pace, skill, weight, or appearance, a health coach explains. One just needs a little motivation to get started. And there’s lots of support for new runners, including groups for LGBTQIA newbies and organizations like Black Girls Run or Latinos Run. There are groups specifically for women, people who like to run at a slower pace, or people who like to run in costumes. By Elizabeth Knight, PhD
Soaked: The Myths and Facts of Hydration
The conventional wisdom that we need 64 ounces of water a day gave rise to the 8x8 rule (8 cups of 8 ounces each). It’s bogus. Your body has an amazing ability to adapt to too little or too much water intake, and a lot of the water you need comes from food. Yes, you should stay well hydrated, this physician/writer advises, but you don’t need an adult sippy cup at the ready 24/7. By Eric J. Kort MS MD
The Blessing and Curse of Having Too Many Talents
Multipotentialites like Einstein, da Vinci and Maya Angelou have multiple talents and interests face an abundance of career opportunities that can create an unforeseen mental burden. Having worked with young people who deal with multipotentiality, this psychologist explains the blessing and curse and offers solutions for navigating the many choices a brilliant person might face. By Gail Post, PhD
YOUR INSIGHTS
Thoughtful reader comments on recent Wise & Well stories:
“Employees see right through the charade. We see that healthcare costs rise, insurance coverage gets worse, layoffs happen and the work increases without increases in compensation, but this wellness class is going to help you cope.”
—Donna Fox, re: Corporations Serve Up High-Fructose Mindfulness by Eric J. Kort, MS MD
“You sound like a good physician. I hate it when doctors don’t listen to me as a patient and treat me as though I need to fall in middle of the bell curve so their in-the-box suggestions will work. I also appreciate you tying poorer health with lower wealth, and describing some of the barriers to good medical care for those with a lower socioeconomic status.”
— Kirstin Bebell, re: As a Physician, I Want You to Stop Your Medications by Dr. Julian Barkan
“It’s disheartening when those closest to us, our friends, inadvertently sabotage our self-improvement journeys. While it can be challenging to navigate these situations, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your friends, explaining your goals and how their support can make a significant difference. Genuine friends will understand and be there to lift you up, empowering your growth and success. Remember, surrounding yourself with a supportive network is vital, so cherish those who cheer you on along the path of self-improvement.”
— Charles Jordan, re: When Friends Sabotage Your Self-Improvement Project by Robert Roy Britt
RANDOM BIT OF WISDOM
“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”
― Isaac Asimov
If you like what you see, please follow Wise & Well on Medium. Meanwhile, I hope we’ve helped you make tomorrow a little better than today. — Rob