I like to think of myself as a very grounded, pragmatic person open to possibilities. I like evidence and supporting research that is non-biased. I used to think that double blind studies were the way to go because they seemed so objective – now I find that these, too, can be tainted and unreliable. I also like to try things out myself to get a more personal testimony of a process’ efficacy – if it works well on me, I’ll endorse it.

I have come to realize that scientific knowledge is not the same thing as understanding the scientific method. In the scientific method, one observes a phenomenon, like RET, for example; then applies a possible theoretical hypothesis to that observation; tests the hypothesis in such a manner as to prove or disprove the hypothesis – making both results (proof or disproof) possible and viable; and then reevaluates in light of this new evidence.

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The 9/11 attacks were highly successful from the standpoint of inflicting massive psychological damage for an extended period of time using very little resources on the part of the perpetrators.

Stress and fear in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks may be making Americans sicker, according to a groundbreaking new study by UC Irvine researchers.

For the first time, acute stress responses to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have been linked to a 53 percent increased incidence in cardiovascular ailments over three years following Sept. 11. These findings persist even after considering health status before Sept. 11, degree of exposure to the attacks, and risk factors such as cholesterol problems, diabetes, smoking, and body weight. The results were especially strong among individuals reporting ongoing worry about terrorism after Sept. 11; these individuals were three to four times more likely to report a doctor-diagnosed heart problem two to three years after the attacks.

“Our study is the first to show that even among people who had no personal connection to the victims, those who reported high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the days following the Sept. 11 attacks were more than twice as likely to report being diagnosed by their doctors with cardiovascular ailments like high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke up to three years later,” said Alison Holman, professor in nursing science and lead researcher for the study, which is published in this month’s Archives of General Psychiatry.

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The secret to optimizing whatever therapy you are using is to use your authority as the therapist and your client’s belief in authority to initiate the placebo effect to their advantage.

It works! So why not use it?!

First, here are some very interesting findings in relation to placebos: Asthmatic patients have been shown to exhibit bronchoconstriction after inhaling a placebo described as a bronchioconstrictor, and brochiodilation after inhaling a placebo described as a bronchiodilator (Luparello, Lyons, Bleeker, & McFadden, 1968; McFadden, Luparello, Lons, & Bleecker, 1969; Neild & Cameron, 1985; Spector, Luparello, Kopetzky, Souhrada, & Kinsman, 1976).

Placebo morphine is considerably more effective than placebo Darvon, which in turn is more effective than placebo aspirin (Evans, 1974). In each case, the placebo is about half as effective as the pharmacologically active drug. Similarly, placebos produce more pain relief when given after a more potent drug than they do when given after a less potent drug (Kantor, Sunshine, Laska, Meisner, & Hopper, 1966). Thus, the effectiveness of a placebo pain reliever varies as a function of its believed effectiveness.

Placebo and active analgesics are more effective when presented with a well-known brand name (Branthwaite & Cooper, 1981).

Placebo injections are more effective than placebo pills (de Craen, Tijssen, de Gans, Kleijnen, 2000).

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We respect and appreciate each other so much more now than at any previous time in our relationship.

My wife and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary. We celebrated because our relationship feels deeper and more intimate than ever. We respect and appreciate each other so much more now than at any previous time in our relationship. We’re looking forward to many more years of sweetness and fulfillment.

In this article, Dr. Michele Ritterman offers some great information and advice for those seeking to enrich their intimate relationships.

A recent study revealed a few interesting new aspects about intimacy and marriage. A few of these developments have the potential to change the way marriage counselors – and involved spouses – think about marriages. Specifically, how to keep them strong and healthy!

This 13-year study began in 1981, when researcher Ted Huston began following 168 newly-wed couples. By the time the study ended in 1994, 56 of the couples had divorced. In the meantime, Huston learned a whole lot about intimate relationships, causes of conflict, and how to maintain a happy marriage. One of these findings is proving groundbreaking for marriage and family counselors.

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American Marketing Scam #1 – If you LOOK sexy, you must BE qualified, good enough, smart enough, honest enough, or whatever enough… – deserving of whatever it is you want.

In the USA obesity – body mass index above 30 – is pandemic. My sense is that the “problem” has become societal as well as personal. Morgan Spurlock’s “Supersize Me” illustrated one important fact – fast food can make you fast fat. Our wealthy society has created a situation where most Americans under-exercise and overeat. Further, our lifestyles of cubicles and computers and fast food mean many Americans don’t see the kitchen for weeks on end.

On the psychological side, there is the ever-present push here for you to eat more. Every other TV commercial is about FOOD – the others are about CARS – and ALL use thin, sexy models to sell their wares. Ack!

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