Sunday, February 26, 2012

Soul Searching Sunday: The Beginning

Religion is such an interesting subject encompassed by so many contrasting views and opinions. Some opt to consider themselves spiritual rather than religious, as religion seems to require a deeper commitment and conformity to a certain practice. Whereas opting to be spiritual seems to warrant more freedom.

I consider myself to be a spiritual person, as I believe that everyone is entitled to "customize" their spiritual path to whatever higher being they believe in. I believe in God. But I also respect the beliefs of other religions and their respective gods and strongly disagree with discrediting their beliefs because ours are not one in the same. Therefore, I am one of many who opt to steer away from a religious classification. Not because I don't believe but because the teachings of God are far to complex to be deduced to one religious tradition.

My spiritual path is never ending, taking twists and turnings; meeting roadblocks and dead ends. I was not raised in the church, as my parents believed in granting their children the freedom to develop their own spiritual soundness. Yet, when I became old enough to attempt to tap into and develop a connectedness with a higher power, I began to attend church as the first step. There I realized my commitment and faith in God. But I could not commit to the expectations of the church. Attending every Sunday. Attending bible study every Wednesday. Being told I was less if I did not do so. Judgements that I would rather be without.


Only you can determine what works for YOU. The statements above are only my opinion and experience. So as I continue to cultivate my spiritual wholeness and relationship with God, I seek solace in listening to the stories of others, their struggles, their achievements, and use that as inspiration and a teaching moment. I have decided to start "Soul Searching Sunday," as a means to spread the stories of others for personal lessons you can possibly apply to your life for the purpose of spiritual well being and development. On Sundays I'll highlight a story. This is the beginning...


Ed has ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. It is a disease that ultimately leads to death via respiratory failure, as the muscles controlling respiration are to weak to facilitate the act of breathing. It is a disease of progressive deterioration with no cure and death commonly occurring 3-5 years after diagnosis. To see the longer video, click on the link below:

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/living/2012/02/11/eds-story-my-garden.cnn

You can also find more short films at http://edsstory.com/

Note: The topics to be featured on subsequent Sundays will be placed in the "Wellness" section.



Saturday, February 25, 2012

What is your comfort place?

Everyone has a comfort place... a place of restoration and peace. Finding a comfort place is essential to holistic well-being. I have many but one is quite unique. I find comfort in listening to the music of a particular band. I close my eyes and mellow out. Read in the "Thoughts" section for more detail...

Below is one of my favorite songs from the group. The melody, lyrics, and instruments are amazing to me. Although this genre of music is not for everyone, one can not deny that its real music. Its so authentic. Give it a chance... go in a room that is completely quiet, turn the song up really loud, close your eyes, and push play...




Curriculum vitae vs Resume... What's the Difference?

As application season for visiting student rotations and residency draw near, institutions are requesting a copy of an updated curriculum vitae (CV) to be included with the application. Yet, some have either never heard of the term or are confused about the difference between a CV and resume. Check out the "Medicine" tab for a quick read on the difference and what to include.


Monday, February 13, 2012

Another life lost...was addiction to blame?

On every news station and media outlet is the most recent updates regarding the death of legendary singer, Whitney Houston. Houston, who died on February 11, 2012 of unconfirmed causes, was unfortunately affected by the demon of substance abuse. Although, the cause of death is unconfirmed many are speculating that her addiction to illicit drugs, namely crack-cocaine, could have contributed to her death. It's also been stated that the prescription drug, Xanax, was found in the hotel room where her body was discovered. Xanax, otherwise known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.  The most common side effect of the medication is drowsiness and/or sedation and when taken with alcohol can intensify such side effects. Some are questioning if Houston consumed the Xanax with alcohol, as she was found in the bathtub under water. Yet, these are all speculations and no definitive conclusions can be reached until the toxicology report is released. Until then, the public will continue mourn but celebrate the loss of such a beautiful vocalist.

Whitney Houston
R.I.P. February 11, 2012
In the past year, music has lost 3 legendary icons who all shared something in common...substance abuse. Unfortunately, illicit drugs aren't going anywhere, anytime soon. However, each one of us has the power to do something to help fight against substance abuse and its deleterious effects, if we so choose. Almost everyone I know, knows someone addicted to alcohol or drugs. But many aren't sure of how to approach the individual in an effort to help.

I came across a wonderful resource that provides tips on how to help  friends and/or family members dealing with substance abuse. I am no expert. However, I've had experience in college with counseling fellow peers on substance abuse. As medical student, I've also spoken to countless patients and their families who are battling with substance abuse and addiction, whether it be alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco to harder drugs such as heroin, meth, and cocaine. So, after reviewing the resource, I feel it's a great overview for helping loved ones in need. But I will say the first step in helping those plagued with substance abuse, but the most difficult is finding the courage to talk to them...

The link to the resource is provided below, but I have also included the information in its entirety in the "Wellness" section (as the information is quite extensive).


If you know someone who is dealing with substance abuse, think about how you can help. By no means, do I think just by talking to someone you can magically change their lives. But I do believe in planting the seed. Hope heals...so hold on to the hope that your courage to say something will be their starting point.

link: How to Help a Friend

Meatball Subs... Two Yums Up!

Check out the "Cooking" section for good potluck recipe...Turkey Meatball Subs!


Sunday, February 5, 2012

New Post in "Medicine" section

I recently completed my Psychiatry rotation in the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry department at a psychiatric hospital in Harrisburg. Check out the Medicine section for an interesting read about my experience. It was life changing to say the least.


I came across this image and had to include it, as the message is quite powerful and personifies my experience during the rotation. Many of the disorders and/or circumstances plaguing the children were commonly not things they asked for. Surprisingly their behaviors were ingrained in their psyche during development or by their environment. And sometimes the only advocate to help them undo the learned behavior was in fact the doctor and medical team. Read more in the Medicine section...