Magazine Article Review: The Healing Power of Touch

 The Healing Power of Touch, Psychology Today, Novel Insights into the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Contact, by Sebastian Ocklenburg PhD, August 2025, p 6.

A study in Germany, with 13,000 subjects that touch really does have positive effect on physical and mental well being.  In babies holding the baby close reduces the stress hormone cortisol and the baby is better able to calm down.  For adults hugs and massages as useful for feelings of anxiety and stress, and even pain.  Massages from robots and helpful with physical issues but less so with mental issues.  

I thought this was already settled science because I studied the effects of touch in graduate school forty something years ago.  

Magazine Article Review: How to Not Get Sick

 How to Not Get Sick by Marisa Cohen, Prevention Magazine, September 2026 pp 58-71.

This is the time of year when germs abound.  Kids are back in school and bring all kinds of crud home with them.  How to stay healthy becomes an art.

1. Boost your immune system--eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise, vaccinations up to date.

2. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best, but hand sanitizer will serve in a pinch.

3. Wash with soap.  Even better than sanitizer.  If no soap is available rub hands vigorously under water.

4. Keep some masks handy just in case.  N95 masks do work.  You should keep a few around for those special needs, crowded bus etc.

5. Watch those hands.  How often do you touch your face?  Try to keep germs away from entry points--eyes, nose, mouth.

Special situations are cause for special care.  These include a public restroom, air travel, self-checkout touch screen, self-serve buffet, a family member is sick, 

Good luck and stay healthy.

Effects of Marijuana Usage: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

 Hyperemesis means vomiting.  Long term marijuana use can result in stomach pains, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.  A warm bath or shower can give some temporary use; however the only way to cure cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs) is to stop using marijuana.  It is prevalent in a bout a third of those who use marijuana.  Symptoms of chs are, nausea, especially in the mornings; repeated vomiting or retching (making sound of vomiting) up to five times an hour; intense abdominal discomfort or pain; fear of vomiting; and loss of appetite.  As noted hot showers or bathes can help reduce symptoms.  These can lead to compulsive bathing or showering--up for hours every day.  This illness comes in stages: Prodromal phase, most common in persons who have used marijuana wince teen years--marked by abdominal pain, morning nausea, and fear of throwing up rather than actually throwing up.  Hyperemetic phase, this phase lasts a couple days and has vomiting and nausea, compulsive bathing and food restriction.  It may also include scromiting--vomiting and scream due to the intense pain.  Recovery phase you stop using marijuana--even small amounts.  Usually symptoms disappear in a few weeks.

People who use marijuana long term are at risk of CHS, but not everyone who uses long term will develop CHS.  

The Heart: Making Sure It Is All Good

 Visited the heart doctor locally.  I had seen a heart doctor in Arizona, who suggested a follow up was needed.  So I have finally arranged this in Nebraska with Dr. Gagnon.  I have already done the echocardiogram and things look good.  I took some pictures in the heart doctor office.

Positive Thinking Statements from Creighton University

Walking around Creighton University there are many positive thinking statements.  Some repeat, some are directly specifically to Creighton students, but many are general in nature.  

Healing Ribbons: The Art of Healing: Indigenous Women's Group

 Healing Ribbons is a place for indigenous women to create in a safe environment.

HOPE

 A sign on the South Omaha Bridge providing hope.  988 is now the national hotline.