Book review by Mona Rassi “When Breath Becomes Air” is a book written by a 36 years old neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Before going to medical school, Paul Kalanithi studied English literature. He loved reading and writing, and he took the opportunity to write a book that will influence the lives [...]
Feeling Depressed? Listen to your inner voice Of the 7.5 billion world, a staggering 350 million people suffer from depression, which by all counts is an alarming figure. Many who are depressed may not even know it. While the impact of depression touches every aspect of someone’s life, both the individual and his or her [...]
Until Further Notice, I Am Alive by Tom Lubbock A few weeks ago, Sifted Sand published a review of The Iceberg by Marion Coutts, a book detailing her husband’s terminal illness and how their lives changed after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This week, we review the second half of the story, written [...]
Can terminal illness mar your passion for life? No one plans his day as if he will die tomorrow. But what if you are aware that you don’t have much time left? Will your remaining life change forever? Will you retain your zeal for life? When you are given only a year or two to [...]
The Iceberg- Marion Coutts This book is a compelling and moving day-to-day account of the physical and emotional impact of a close family member becoming terminally ill. The writer has beautifully constructed a moving narrative, baring all her emotions and thoughts over a three-year journey as her husband dies with incurable cancer. […]
A poem by Linda L. Dowd R.N. Reeling images of long ago are cascading through my mind, Picture-perfect in retrospect, ~ Memories intertwined. I pay no heed to pains of past, nor to regrets or sorrows, For they'd impinge upon todays and darken my tomorrows. I fill my mind with pleasant thoughts, [...]
Do aging couples impact each other’s physical and mental well being? Studies show that as we age in relationships, we become more biologically attuned to our partners. Sharing an environment and making cooperative lifestyle decisions can lead to a couple experiencing similar emotional and physical health effects that manifest themselves as biological similarities. These similarities [...]
If placing a bandaid on a cut is automatic, why do we neglect our psychological health? Guy Winch believes that psychological wounds are just as painful as physical injuries. See his TED talk, "Why we all need to practice emotional first aid", for insightful advice on dealing with the insecurities we all face in times of hardship.
For many, getting well is often only half the battle with depression. Staying well is what proves to be the real challenge. Depression is all too common, especially in those struggling with medical illness or their caregivers. When it does occur, it can be episodic and recurrent. Mindful-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a psychological therapy [...]
By Linda L. Dowd RN Whenever my health issues begin to overwhelm me, I sing the lyrics from the movie "Annie" ~ "The sun will come out tomorrow..." I have always been of the mindset that even behind the darkest clouds the sun is shining. I am a believer in the validity of many sayings ~ [...]
