Study finds one-quarter of pop 'hits' mention alcohol use

Rap, country, and R&B music mentions alcohol at least 15% of the time and up to 38% (in the case of rap and hip-hop).  Rock music, for some reason, was not found to mention alcohol in the lyrics this particular study looked at.  Different varieties of alcohol were found to be correlated with different types of music.

The study did not look at the effects of listening to music referring to alcohol on people, but co-author David Jernigan, PhD, (Director of the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Johns Hopkins) did suggest a possible correlation in a news release.

Link: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/alcohol/almost-one-fourth-of-top-music-hits-mention-alcohol

Study finds no link between psychedelic use and long term mental problems

A large study conducted by researchers in Norway has not found a link between the use of psychedelics and lasting mental problems.  This doesn't mean that there cannot be a danger in using these types of drugs, but that there is a lack of statistical evidence showing long-term mental dysfunction from using them.

Link:  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/08/19/213550995/study-finds-no-link-between-hallucinogens-and-mental-problems

Intergovernmental panel warns of ocean levels rising 3 feet by 2100

The Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change not only has found that ocean levels may increase by a dramatic 3 feet in the next 80 years, but also that there is more proof that climate change is caused by humans.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/20/science/earth/extremely-likely-that-human-activity-is-driving-climate-change-panel-finds.html

Werner Herzog releases new documentary on texting while driving

Werzer Herzog, the award winning German filmmaker, has put together a wonderful and moving documentary about the dangers of texting while driving.  I wish the film had examples of other kinds of distracted driving included, but I like how it is targeting one specific kind of behavior and attempting to get people to change their attitudes about it.



More information: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2013/08/16/212337606/herzog-plumbs-guilt-and-loss-wrought-by-texting-and-driving

Study: Alcoholism and PTSD can be treated simlutaneously

This is promising news for people who have PTSD and are alcohol dependent.

Link: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/alcohol/alcoholism-and-ptsd-can-be-safely-treated-together-study-finds

One year after Oak Creek

The years have been filled with tragedies like the ones at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, WI, and a school in Newtown, CT.  The NRA has largely gone silent, but they are working hard in the background to ensure that gun safety laws never make it to the see the light of day.  You can support efforts to oppose the NRA by voting democrat as well as giving money to groups like Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort.  And, if you can, attend a memorial.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/in-the-spirit-middleton-sikh-temple-to-commemorate-slayings-with/article_185252be-09ac-5dc3-ad5e-f01938270670.html

Illinois to become next state to allow medical marijuana

Illinois, the 5th largest state in terms of population, is about to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes when the Governor signs a the bill today.  The law will go into effect January 1st.  Twenty states already allow the practice, including California.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/illinois-governor-to-sign-medical-marijuana-bill/article_60e90531-0daa-5da2-8f1e-b08fa47f72ff.html

High-glycemic foods can lead to feelings of hunger and cause overeating

According to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, high-glycemic foods such as sugary drinks, white bread, and other processed carbohydrates can produce spikes in blood sugar levels which lead to hunger cravings.  Below is an excerpt from the NY Times wellness blog on the findings:

In addition to raising blood sugar, foods that are sugary and highly caloric elicit pronounced responses in distinct areas of the brain involved in reward. Earlier imaging studies have shown, for example, that the main reward and pleasure center, the nucleus accumbens, lights up more intensely for a slice of chocolate cake than for blander foods like vegetables, and the activation tends to be greater in the brains of obese people than it is in those who are lean.

Link: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/how-carbs-can-trigger-food-cravings/

'Tough love' schools under scrutiny

Boarding schools like the ones described in an article in the New York Times are no joke.  Here's an excerpt...

"Behavior modification programs for troubled teenagers have thrived as state and federal laws allow private boarding schools far greater leeway in how they treat children than is permitted in public school systems, which generally prohibit physical punishment, the isolation of children and other severe discipline methods. In fact, there are no federal laws governing schools like those built on the World Wide model. A 2011 Congressional bill that would have banned physical abuse and the withholding of food at such schools died in committee after it was opposed by lawmakers reluctant to impose new federal standards on a matter often regulated by states. Instead, states oversee the facilities variously as camps, boarding schools or residential treatment facilities, and state regulators often hesitate to step in because the programs exist in an ill-defined area of the law. For example, private boarding schools are not regularly inspected and are not required to be licensed or accredited, according to the federal Department of Education."

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/us/students-recall-a-school-run-like-a-prison.html

UW-Madison researchers uncover oxytocin connection among girls with a history of abuse

Research done at the Waisman Center at UW-Madison has found a connection between oxytocin and girls with a previous history of abuse.  The researchers are not sure why oxytocin would be released into the body under a stressful situation, but that is what they are finding.

Link:  http://www.news.wisc.edu/21970

UW-Madison experts weigh in on GOP food policy issues

Experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison believe that Republican plans to limit food assistance to needy people will have unwanted, and dire consequences.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/jack_craver/uw-experts-gop-food-stamp-bickering-endangers-the-poor/article_b3cce55a-ed63-11e2-a668-0019bb2963f4.html

Rush Limbaugh explains how diet and exercise is a liberal consipracy

Warning: taking advice from this guy may result in unintended consequences.

Link: http://www.richarddawkins.net/news_articles/2013/7/13/rush-limbaugh-claims-exercise-is-a-left-wing-conspiracy#

Two Milwaukee families followed over 20 years: Frontline

Watch Two American Families on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.

http://bloggingblue.com/2013/07/13/frontline-two-american-families-video/

Powerful music video about cough syrup (Sizzurp, Lean, Purple Drank, etc.)

Macklemore, a rapper from Seattle, is on the radio a lot these days for his new album The Heist.  But he has earlier albums as well, all of which tackle challenges including drug use.  This one, Otherside, is a good example, where the artist delves into the use of cough syrup - popularized by rappers such as Lil Wayne.  I really like what Macklemore is saying and think that there should be more of this type of honesty given in rap music.  Too much is about the highs, and too little about the lows.

Justice Department seeks reduced sentences for nonviolent drug crimes

Citing costs and prison overcrowding the U.S. Sentencing Commission is finally considering reducing or eliminating prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.

What has taken them so long?  

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/11/justice-department-wants-changes-to-mandatory-sentences/2509893/

The real reason behind public smoking bans (PBS NewsHour Interview)

Do public smoking bans accomplish what they aim to?  A researcher at Columbia University's School of Public Health says if so, the evidence is very weak.

Link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/07/the-real-reasons-behind-public-smoking-bans.html

American Institute for Cancer Research supports plant-based diets

A major cancer research organization has come out in support of plant-based diets in endorsing the documentary Forks Over Knives and the book The China Study.  The organization claims that one-third of cancers could be prevented through better diets, increased exercise, and through weight loss.

Check out the AICR's website: http://www.aicr.org/about/advocacy/the-china-study.html

Save the planet, get a vasectomy!

I'm not saying that everyone should get one.  Maybe you want to have some kids, and that's a good thing.  Have some kids.  Then get a vasectomy, and encourage other men to do the same.  Why?  Because 1/2 of all pregnancies are unplanned, and the world is becoming overpopulated as a result.  Family planning and contraception shouldn't be left entirely to women... men need to step up and do their part as well.

Learn about the Vasectomy Project:  http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/pain-and-pleasure-the-vasectomy-files-14/

PBS NewsHour: Milwaukee Archdiocese shielded pedophile priests, hid assets

Astounding, and sad.

Watch New Documents Show Archdiocese Shielded Pedophile Priests on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

Madisonians interested in sustainable transportation solutions can give input

The city of Madison, Wisconsin, is looking for input related to public transportation and sustainability.  I personally would like to see more high speed busses on major thoroughfares and fewer neighborhood routes in exchange for increased paratransit options and bicycling.

Link: http://madisoncommons.org/?q=content/the-bus-stops-here-riding-the-bus-is-part-of-a-sustainable-madison

Great article on addiction and other therapies using psychedelics

Psychedelic research in the U.S. is stunted by years of drug war policies including the criminalization of small amounts of these substances as well as the unwillingness of the FDA and DEA to allow research to take place.  Things are changing, however, and some studies are pointing toward more acceptance with the scientific and medical community.

This article (below) looks at the history of psychedelic therapy over time, particularly with regard to helping people address addictions and recovering from trauma.

I highly recommend giving this a read, even if you know absolutely nothing about the topic.

Link:  http://www.alternet.org/drugs/psychedelics-help-addiction-and-trauma

Scientists claim that prohibition on Schedule 1 drugs impede neuroscience research

Researchers have published an article in Nature Reviews Neuroscience (a monthly review journal affiliated with Nature, a prominent science publication), arguing that prohibitions on Schedule 1 drugs in the United States have significantly impeded neuroscience.  I believe it's time to completely redo the scheduling of illicit drugs - the current system is confusing and unfair (in the sense that certain drugs carry increased penalties based on their schedule regardless of their danger).

Links: http://www.nature.com/nrn/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nrn3530.html (Full text of article) Overview: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/7467/20130612/scientists-believe-stats-psychedelic-drugs-key-research.htm

China in the process of moving 250 million people from villages to cities

The migration and resettlement of hundreds of millions of people is underway in China, both reducing acute poverty and transforming the economy. I hope they learn from some of the mistakes that other countries have made along the way, like Ireland, England, India, the Soviet Union, and the United States.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/world/asia/chinas-great-uprooting-moving-250-million-into-cities.html

Margaret Sanger, Race, and Birth Control

Margaret Sanger, the nurse who founded Planned Parenthood, has been maligned unreasonably by people who oppose a woman's right to have an abortion.  She is compared to those in the Ku Klux Plan and to the Nazis.  The following source is a good reference on some of the things that are misattributed to her.  It will take more than reading this to make a difference.  We need to encourage others to read it as well and get informed.  Sanger's goals of self-determination and reproductive choice for women is necessary to reduce poverty and improve the livelihood of women from all walks of life.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about/thisispp/sanger.html

WHO to 'Usurp U.S. Sovereignty' with tobacco regulations

If only it were true!

Link: http://www.redstate.com/2013/06/05/world-health-organizations-continuing-attempts-to-usurp-american-sovereignty/

Please urge your Wisconsin representatives to support Family Care/IRIS Expansion

Hi there!  Please join me and the Wisconsin disability and long-term care advocacy community in urging the legislature to support the expansion of Family Care/IRIS.  As you probably already know, these programs allow people with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities, rather than facing seclusion and isolation.  In turn, Family Care/IRIS saves money in that when people can make their own decisions they tend to be healthier, happier, and less dependent on government assistance.

The form is super easy to fill out, and just takes a few minutes.  Do it right away because there is going to be a vote on the issue next week!

http://capwiz.com/dawn/issues/alert/?alertid=62716376

Meth used by Nazis, German military until 1980's

It is perhaps not surprising to hear that the same soldiers who committed atrocities such as the Holocaust were abusing methamphetamine during WWII due to its ability to cause psychosis and paranoia when used in large quantities.   It was used by the German military (both East and West) until 1988.  While also legal in the U.S. and used to treat ADHD and obesity under the brand name Desoxyn, the stimulant has numerous side effects as well as being highly addictive. Apparently, the U.S. military is also feeding drugs to soldiers which allow them to stay away for 90 hours at a time.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/meth-germany-nazis-pervitin91722 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methamphetamine#Psychological

Another mass killing incident involving an AR-15, 4 dead in LA

The lines of argument are well known since the Newtown shooting several months ago. Gun groups like the NRA say guns save lives.  Public health and safety groups say they don't (and I would agree).  Meanwhile, people continue to  engage in mass murder.  Why won't anyone discuss what's wrong with that?

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/us/santa-monica-college-shooting.html

Note:  This post has been updated.  There were 4 casualties, not 7.

U.S Soldier pleads guilty to mass murder of Afghani civilians

The guilty plea entered by Staff Sgt. Robert Bales allows him to escape the death penalty for the murder of sixteen civilians in what is considered to be one of the most serious atrocities committed during the decade-long Afghan war.  In the attack, he shot the unarmed villagers, mostly women and children, at point-blank range and then burned several of the bodies in violation of Islamic laws. The soldier and his lawyers were prepared to argue that he committed the crime due to drug and alcohol use, PTSD, and repeated deployments.

Link:   http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/army-judge-to-decide-whether-to-accept-guilty-plea-from-us-soldier-in-afghan-massacre/2013/06/05/441c0c42-cdae-11e2-8573-3baeea6a2647_story.html

Enrollment in Reduced or Free Lunch program jumps 20% over previous 10 years

The Madison, Wisconsin, metropolitan school district (MMSD) has over 55% of its students enrolled in free or reduced lunch programs compared to 34% just 10 years ago. The national average, which has also risen, is about 48%.

The dramatic increase is probably due to Great Recession of 2009 as well as stagnant wages over the past decade, both resulting in increased poverty and low income rates.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/data/featured/visualizing-years-of-poverty-growth-in-dane-county-schools/html_c91fcbfe-cd5e-11e2-984e-0019bb2963f4.html

Great show on fitness, health, and running #TTBOOK

I was pleasantly surprised to learn from my wife this morning that a locally produced radio show, To the Best of our Knowledge, was featuring running as its topic for today's one-hour broadcast available via National Public Radio's website.  I highly recommend taking a listen if you or someone you know might be interested in the benefits of health, fitness, and overall wellness of running - and even if running may be difficult or impossible the show also has a lot of good information on movement in general.

Link:  http://ttbook.org/book/born-run

Why the GMO issue is hurting America

I am observing tremendous amounts of time end energy being put into the opposition of genetically modified organism in the United States, and I am worried that these costs are crippling progress on environmental health and wellness in several ways:

1. Politically, Democrats who typically support environmental and health legislation are being put on the defense on this issue.  Some are arguing that environmentalists should withhold support from Democrats who do not seem to line up with the GMO-free camp.  As an example, simply Google 'Obama and Monsanto Protection Act.'  Be prepared to find a slew of attack articles, such as this one from Alex Jones' InfoWars site:  http://www.infowars.com/top-10-excuses-for-obama-signing-the-monsanto-protection-act/
2. Much of the information about GMO dangers is low-quality, and is undermining the credibility of the issue and people who are concerned about the issue.  Take the example of Anthony Gucciardi of the Natural News, Natural Society, and Real Farmacy websites.  His own biography states that he has worked with InfoWars and the Drudge Report.  There is a good overview of his approach to GMO journalism here:  http://theprogessivecontrarian.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/anthony-gucciardi-anti-science-crackpot-and-pretend-journalist/
3. We already have a GMO-free label: USDA Certified Organic.  The reason why the FDA opposes the use of the words GMO-free is that it is impossible to certify this in our food systems.  GMO contamination at trace levels is common. (Source: http://goo.gl/OuNRf)
4. There are no proven health effects of GMO, yet activists opposed to GMO continue to argue of illnesses including cancer.  These health concerns are resulting in consumers choosing to avoid GMO food, instead buying only organic foods even if it reduces their food budget or is not as nutritious as conventional food. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies#Health and http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/organic-food-no-more-nutritious-than-conventionally-grown-food-201209055264)
5. Organic food is popular and growing, regardless of GMO labeling.  From 1990 to 2010, the organic market grew from $1 Billion to over $26 Billion in the United States, including an almost 10% increase from 2009 to 2010.  Organic products from the United States account for 80% of the $50 Billion worldwide market. (Source: http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/business.html)
6. Creating a duplicate labeling system for 'bad' foods, or foods containing GMO, sets up regulators to receive a barrage of lawsuits from companies that have to carry this label.  In fact, it is unrealistic that forcing companies to label their products as containing GMO will ever be something that would make it through the courts - even if the law requires it.  This is exactly why I believe Prop 37 was defeated in California, not simply because opponents outspent supporters by several million dollars.

The bottom line for me is that we need to educate ourselves, but not at the expense of sacrificing scientific standards and literacy.  We need to encourage organic food production and consumption, but not at the cost of nutrition and alienating potential partners and stakeholders.  We need to stop vilifying people who are trying to share some common sense on this issue.  We need to focus on the rational, debatable side of the issue and not on the polarizing, negative, and emotional side.

New York drug courts return $3.56 for every dollar spent

Alternatives to incarceration programs, or drug courts, are literally saving lives as well as dollars.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/24/nyregion/turning-lives-around-and-saving-money-too.html

Jimmy Carter speaks out on marijuana legalization

I was pleased to read that Jimmy Carter is promoting a nuanced view when it comes to marijuana use.

He is:

• Pro-decriminalization
• Anti-legalization

In addition, if it is not clear, he doesn't believe there should be advertising for marijuana and that we should not allow driving under the influence of it.  Also, he supports avoiding using the drug entirely, especially among young people.

Good points, I think.

Link: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/jimmy-carter-marijuana-legalization-91561.html

New documentary on mindfulness education and research

This new documentary, Free the Mind, looks really interesting.  And not just because it focuses on some of the work being done at my alma mater and current workplace.  I can't wait to see it!

Link: http://www.news.wisc.edu/21781

Experts including the Dalai Lama convened recently in Madison to discuss the issues of wellbeing

I really enjoyed listening to the Dalai Lama and several other experts on health and wellbeing share their perspectives and advice during the recent 'Change your Mind, Change the World' event held here in Madison on Wednesday, May 17th.  The bottom line of the sessions was that we need to devote more on a personal and community level toward emotional health through interventions such as mediation and more attention to substance abuse and mental health resources and services.  You can watch the public sessions from the Overture Center on Wednesday online via Wisconsin Public Television.

Link:  http://host.madison.com/news/local/dalai-lama-other-leading-thinkers-say-emotional-health-key-to/article_3611133a-9f24-5283-9ffd-5c6ce0778952.html

Major U.S. panel finds no evidence for limited salt intake

An expert committee put together by the U.S. Institute of Medicine and commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control has found there to be no evidence suggesting that individuals will benefit from restricting their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day.  Previous guidelines, including the recommended daily dietary intake of between 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams, have been found to exist without justification.

While not a part of the study, it is known that the risk of heart attack and stroke can be significantly reduced by other means, such as by eating less meat and by exercising more.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/health/panel-finds-no-benefit-in-sharply-restricting-sodium.html

U.S. National Transportation Safety Board proposal to reduce legal driving blood content to .05%

This seems like a wonderful idea to further reduce the number of fatalities and injuries which occur in the U.S. related to drinking and driving - currently that figure is over 10,000 deaths per year.  Automobile deaths of children age 14 and younger were caused by a drunk driver 17% of the time.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/us/legal-limit-drunken-driving-safety-board.html and http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

CO2 levels highest in human history; average daily level in atmosphere exceeds 400 ppm

Congrats, humans.  You are well on your way to destroying life on earth as we know it!  Groups like 350.org are trying to reverse the alarming trend of climate change... it may not be too late to do something about it.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/11/science/earth/carbon-dioxide-level-passes-long-feared-milestone.html

Wisconsin #GOP proposal to ban the banning of sugary drinks moves ahead

Ain't no city in Wisconsin gonna ban any sugary drinks anytime soon.  Our state's Republican legislators are looking out for us, and spending their time wisely.

Link: http://www.channel3000.com/health/sugary-drinks-bans-banned-statewide/-/1652/20082736/-/ripbpiz/-/index.html

Wisconsin outnumbers nearly all other states in # of bars and bars per capita

Despite having a quarter of the population of New York and one seventh the population of California, Wisconsin has nearly as many bars as each of those states.  The states which are closest to Wisconsin's population have at most two thirds fewer bars and taverns.

Link:  http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/data-only-states-have-more-bars-than-wisconsin/html_1a7a0e58-b732-11e2-99a0-001a4bcf887a.html

Wisconsin #GOP targets poor with zero evidence about nutrition and food stamps

Food stamps and entitlements are only the second thing that Republicans seem to care about, next to taxes.  But why?

Do they really think that abuse of programs like WIC and Foodshare are making people poor and/or unhealthy?  Or are they just upset that taxes are too high and/or could be spent on other things?

I venture to guess it's because they don't know why people are poor and/or unhealthy, and that it is easier for them to blame poor people themselves than to actually study or understand the complex issues that Foodshare recipients actually face.

In fact, we already know that most Foodshare beneficiaries are short-term recipients due to a job loss, family illness, or other temporary problem.  Many others simply cannot earn enough to be able to feed their kids without help.

Perhaps there are abuses, but there has never been any study of how much of a problem it is.  Somehow, the anecdotal stories that make the news take the place of we don't know for certain.

Frankly, I blame racism for a lot of this.  While whites are the overwhelming majority of Foodshare benefits, there are higher percentages of people receiving this aid within the African American and Latino communities.

We don't seem to have a problem with millions in government subsidies that go to white dairy farmers or others in the agricultural sector, but you hear one story about an African American man who used food stamps to buy a lobster and suddenly there is a major scandal.  How is that fair?

Oh yes, because the white farmer is employed.  I venture to guess, however, that he might be on Foodshare himself if not for the subsidies that are out there.

Please, people, think things through a little bit more.  People do not eat better when they are poor.  They eat worse.  If we are concerned about improving health for our most vulnerable citizens, let's take a more balanced approach and look at the entire environment and increase some actual opportunities rather than take away what little people have to start with.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/odd-coalition-opposes-wisconsin-bill-limiting-junk-food-purchases-qu9re45-206318501.html

#Madison #DaneCo Jail Library Group project brings audio of jailed parents to kids

What a great idea to provide this resource to incarcerated parents and their families.  Nice!

Link: http://www.thedailypage.com/isthmus/article.php?article=39806&sid=c21214099ee0bff40f26a6946529563c

White House releases hopeful 2013 Drug Control Strategy

The new policies include 4 main points:  Promote Education, Support treatment options, Reform the criminal justice system, Reduce stigma and support people in recovery.  Very cool!

Link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/2013-national-drug-control-strategy

Heart disease linked to bacteria, not just fat, from meat

Recent evidence has found that a chemical called TMAO, which is released into the blood after meat consumption, is linked to heart disease.  The chemical is found at much lower levels among vegans or vegetarians.  The research shows that fat is not the only risk factor for heart problems related to eating meat.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/health/study-points-to-new-culprit-in-heart-disease.html and http://www.npr.org/2013/04/12/177029247/red-meats-heart-risk-goes-beyond-the-fat

Research shows justifiable homicides less than 3% of all gun deaths

The facts are that guns are rarely used for self-defense.  They are almost always used accidentally, to commit suicide, or to commit a crime.

Link: http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/04/charts-debunking-myth-guns-self-defense

Music Video: The War on Drugs isn't Working

Article about this video in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/opinion/gregory-brothers-the-war-on-drugs-is-a-failure.html

Millions to become eligible for addiction treatment in 2014

This is great news for both people who want to engage in their own recovery or addiction treatment, as well as for those in the field who have been hoping for more support for at least a generation.

Link: http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/14694/20130416/millions-eligible-addiction-treatment-medicaid-expands-worry-affordable-care-act.htm

Hundreds shot and dozens killed by guns in the U.S. every day

It is disappointing to hear that Republicans and the National Rifle Association are continuing to block legislation on common sense background checks for gun purchases, despite evidence that (1) they work, and (2) they are supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans.

It's amazing that so many people are being injured and killed by guns and that even a simple solution like a background check cannot be agreed on.

Here are some basic facts about gun violence from the Brady Campaign...

2nd Annual Moving for Mental Health Run/Walk Benefit in Madison this Sunday

Join me in supporting Chrysalis, a Madison non-profit working to improve employment outcomes for people living with mental illness in our community, by taking part in a 5k Run or 1 Mile Walk this Sunday, April 21st!

Sponsorships are available, as are other ways to help out.  The race start is right by Batch Bakehouse, Willaby's and Lazy Jane's, so be sure to stop by one of these businesses too!  Registration is online or at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday

More information at http://m4mh.eventbrite.com 

Fasting and Interval Training: the future of weight loss and management?

I saw a great program on PBS tonight called the Truth about Exercise with Michael Mosely tonight.  The research presented in the video match some of the recommendations in the book, the First 20 Minutes by Gretchen Reynolds.

To find out more and watch a preview, visit: http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/3-minutes-exercise-and-two-fasts-week-future-fitness

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

The focus of Alcohol Awareness Month this year is women's health and binge drinking.  Some of the risks are as follows:

• Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks per occasion for women and 5 or more drinks per occasion for men. It is a common and dangerous behavior that contributes to more than 11,500 deaths among women in the U.S. each year—approximately 32 deaths per day.
• In 2009, more than 1 out of every 10 women reported binge drinking during the past 30 days. On average, women who binge drink said they engaged in this risky behavior at least three times per month. Among women binge drinkers, they consume, on average, almost six drinks per drinking occasion, which exceeds the threshold for binge drinking.
• Binge drinking usually leads to impairment, and women who binge drink with greater frequency and intensity put themselves and those around them at increased risk of experiencing alcohol-related harms, particularly if they are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Binge drinking increases the risk for breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke, all of which are leading causes of death in women.
• Cancer: Alcohol consumption increases the risk for breast cancer and cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
• Liver Disease: The risk for cirrhosis and other alcohol-related liver diseases is higher for women than for men.
• Heart Problems: Studies have shown that women who drink excessively are at increased risk for damage to the heart muscle than men. Binge drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.

- From http://www.cdc.gov/features/alcoholawareness/

More information:  http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/for-the-media/press-releases-a-news-articles/318-ncadd-alcohol-awareness-month and http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ending-addiction-good/201304/alcohol-awareness-month

The House I Live In: A documentary on the failed (and failing) war on drugs

Bravo to PBS' Independent Lens for showing Eugene Jarecki's impressive and thorough documentary on the war on drugs.

Watch The House I Live In Takes a Hard Look at The War on Drugs on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.

Link: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/house-i-live-in/

Here's to hoping for an end to stigma for people in recovery

I learned today that Roger Ebert, the film critic who recently passed away, was in long term recovery from drinking.  This shouldn't surprise me, or anyone.  What I mean is, that abstinence from drinking shouldn't be abnormal or stigmatizing.

I don't know if Ebert was affected by stigmatization, but it is my personal observation that many people are. It is one of those things that is hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.

The result of stigma is the same. People avoid asking for help, or searching for it themselves. People do not talk about their problem with their closest confidants, nor with their health practitioners.  Often, their problem becomes worse.

The cause of stigma, I believe, comes from several places: the fear of losing a job opportunity or health benefits, or from having insurance rates increased due to having a 'health condition.'  Hopefully, the Affordable Care Act will do something to minimize this since it both ensures more parity for mental health and substance abuse treatment, reduces the costs of coverage, and eliminates discrimination based on previous medical conditions.

Another source of stigma is cultural. The idea that someone who can't control their drinking is someone who is weak in body and mind. They are a failure who must be less of a person because they can't do what 'most people' can do.  The fallacy here is that 'most people' do not overdrink.  Most people do not drink at all, and if they do they drink moderately.  There are some groups of people (college students, for example) who are at greater risk of excessive drinking, but even they move on to moderation or abstinence later on. Still, many people in recovery must plan ahead before weddings, birthdays, and sporting events and think about how they will explain the fact that they are not drinking.

Advertising and media can also play a part in making drinking an option for each and every occasion.   In Wisconsin, where I live, there are few prohibitions against the sale or advertising of alcohol.  I don't think there is anything other than sports logos which receive as much advertising time and money as beer and spirits.

There are many promising signs of change. New groups like Faces and Voices of Recovery are beginning to come out of the shadows and are advocating for their rights and interests. NAMI and other health groups are more inclusive of people with substance abuse issues.  There is more and more information and attention of alcohol use as a public health issue every day.  Behavioral health services and support groups like SMART Recovery are expanding.

Roger Ebert shared his struggles with alcohol in 2009 on his blog (see below).  Being a private matter, I fully support his (and everyone's) decision to disclose personal stories if and when they choose - as well as not to disclose anything at all. But one can only imagine how many people he helped in sharing his struggle and decision to pursue the path of recovery.

Link: http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/08/my_name_is_roger_and_im_an_alc.html

UW-Madison to host free family-friendly Wellness Expo Saturday, April 6th

Check out the Wellness Expo at the UW-Madison this Saturday, April 6th, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.  More information here: http://recsports.wisc.edu/fitnesswellness-wellness-wisconsinwellnessexpo.html

Healthy Fast Food? Yes, it exists!

My favorite healthy fast food is the all-vegan 'Veggie Grill.' (this is not a paid endorsement...in fact, I am not paid for anything I endorse here) What's yours?

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/magazine/yes-healthful-fast-food-is-possible-but-edible.html
 

Refusing to apologize has benefits, in addition to disadvantages

There is a story on NPR today looking at research into the science of apologizing.

Link: http://www.npr.org/2013/04/01/175714511/why-not-apologizing-makes-you-feel-better

Babies teaching empathy, reducing bullying

This is really great idea to help schoolchildren learn about empathy and compassion. Babies are awesome teachers!

Link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/03/roots-of-empathy.html

Alcohol 3rd Leading Cause of Illness Worldwide

The finding that alcohol causes more disease and injuries than almost all other causes is astounding, especially considering that only 40% of people worldwide even drink at all.

Link: http://www.thefix.com/content/alcohol-global-burden-injury-disease1363

Good Fatherhood Resources

There are a lot of groups out there that support fathers but also have some pretty backward ideas about families.  I found this resource, however, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  It really is pretty useful.  If you or someone you know is a father, check this out:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/fatherhood/index.cfm

South Dakota Rushes Gun Law for Teachers, Despite Opposition

South Dakota, my home state, has become an experimental case in how we best protect children from gun violence by passing a controversial bill that allows teachers to carry firearms.  The bill was opposed by the statewide teachers' and school board associations.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/09/us/south-dakota-gun-law-classrooms.html 

Walker Budget Proposal Seeks $50 'Sin Tax' on Public Workers who Smoke

Although I think it's great that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wants to help people quit smoking through a disincentive in the amount of $50 a year, I think that it is largely proven that sin taxes do not appear to work.  What they do is penalize people who are in a lower income category without providing them with any direct benefit.

Another criticism that I have is that the Governor has identified smoking - and not obesity, gun ownership, driving, or using alcohol (all risk factors for increased health costs) - as what he wants to target.  It should be noted that of all these risks, smoking is one that is more likely to be used by people who are poorer.

Link:  http://news.wpr.org/post/walker-budget-charges-smoking-state-workers-50-insurance-fee

Analyst says Walker's partial expansion of Medicaid won't work

People that are in poverty will not be able to pay $19 a month for health care.  That's not what people who are actually poor will spend money on.  They will spend that money on food and gas - essentials - not something that they can avoid.  Even insurance insiders like the one quoted here agree.

Ukraine bans indoor smoking, Russia set to follow

This is great news for anyone who's lived or lives in the former USSR.  Smoking related illnesses are a major scourge, and smoking rates reach upward of 50 to 60 percent among some demographic groups.  As of December 16, 2012, Ukraine has banned all indoor smoking in public places, and now Russia is set to follow soon.

Link:  http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-bans-indoor-smoking-317780.html and http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russia-moves-toward-strict-smoking-limits/2013/01/25/4d66e276-6720-11e2-9e1b-07db1d2ccd5b_story.html

Minnesota beating Wisconsin on 37 of 51 health indicators

I blame Wisconsin state government's lackluster approach to public health over the past couple of years, as well as the influence of special interest groups.

Link: http://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2013/01/minnesota-outscores-wisconsin-39-health-measures-uw-study-finds

John Mackey's ideas on capitalism, health, wellness, and Obamacare

I recently watched a fascinating interview with one of the most successful health and wellness business leaders in the U.S., John Mackey of Whole Foods Markets. I am not a big fan of Whole Foods approach to unions, but I do think that Whole Foods takes much better care of their workers than most (possibly all) other chain stores out there - plus they add value to the entire food supply chain and maintain high ethical and environmental standards.  Do they prevent coops or other models of grocery stores from thriving?  Maybe - but you better believe that if something else - perhaps a WalMart would jump right in and take their place if they weren't there.  Whole Foods is tiny compared to these other grocery chains (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_supermarket_chains_in_the_United_States).

Teen Allegedly Murders Family with AR-15 Day After Gun Appreciation Day

News reports are still coming out, but it appears as though a young man has been arrested for allegedly killing five people with an AR-15 assault rifle in New Mexico.  Gun Appreciation Day, which was held as gun shows throughout the country only yesterday, resulted in several accidental shootings.

Link:  http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/01/teenager-reportedly-used-ar-15-kill-five-new-mexico/61199/

Find Volunteer and Service Opportunities for National Day of Service, Saturday, January 18th

The National Day of Service is set for Saturday, January 18th, across the United States.  The event is in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave his life to making life better for others.  A good rule of thumb, in my opinion, is to spend between 4 and 20 hours per week of doing unpaid volunteer work at a minimum (volunteer work is work that helps strangers, the environment or animals, the poor, the sick, etc.).

If you don't currently volunteer, please consider it!  You can find a project near you, or even add your own at this website: http://www.2013pic.org/service

How to be More Calm as a Parent

As a parent of a 5 and 9 year old I've had plenty of opportunities to lose my cool.  Here's a good article on how to avoid getting towards 'the point of no return' around kids.

Link: http://www.empoweringparents.com/How-to-Get-Control-When-Your-Child-is-Making-You-Angry.php#