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< ? bostonites # >
The 3rd house in astrology is associated with writing, conversation, personal thoughts, day-to-day things, siblings and neighbors.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's
Tomorrow night PBS is running The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's. The website has lots of good info, including this bit on reducing your risk. My mother has early Alzheimer's and is so far doing pretty well. I think the main thing she has going for her is a very active mind - she reads constantly, she's online surfing around, and she continues to be very curious about everything. Unfortunately, we can't get her to take medication because everything she's tried so far has made her nauseous. Hopefully they can find something new for her. She's also somewhat in denial about it, but I'm not sure that's so bad. She's happy. Anyway, it looks to be an interesting program. As they say, check your local listings...
Sense and sensitivity
An article in the Boston Globe this morning reports on a study that shows that “introverted, reserved” men had a much lower immune system response to HIV treatment than extroverted men. “People who have the shy, sensitive temperament seem to be more prone to having sympathetic nervous system responses…They are more stressed by lots of things.” The article also discusses research that links mental disorders such as depression with increased risk for certain diseases.
I can absolutely see the links between body and mind, healing and emotions. But the thing that got me about the article is that it seems to equate shyness and sensitivity with an emotional disorder. It starts out focusing on shyness and ends with: “…an important conclusion is that people with emotional disorders should be regularly monitored for osteoporosis and heart disease.” Maybe the problem is with the definition used by the researchers, or maybe it’s the writer’s bias. It could also be a cultural thing. Sensitivity isn’t particularly respected in this society. Better to be bold and brash: “Bring it on!” (If sensitive people were running things, the whole planet might be healthier.)
Ah well, maybe I’m just being sensitive. And I’m emotionally fine, thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go take my vitamins…