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Training for improved attention changes
the brain, the mind ... and improves health |
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The term "mindfulness" refers to a specific
form of intentional practice of focusing
clearly and attentively on sensory
experience in the present moment. This
form of awareness is different from the
more common approach of finding
meaning in the narrative story of past
history, present experience and future
hopes into a meaningful understanding
of self.
This meditative practice, which can be
learned and developed, has been found
to play a therapeutic role in the
treatment of pain, stress, depression,
obsessive compulsive disorder, and
substance abuse. This trained form of selfawareness
develops well-being in mind,
body and relationships, improves
immunity, increases empathy. Now it
appears that it changes the physical
structure of the brain. A study detailed in
the Journal Social Cognifive and
Affective Neuroscience (Vol 2 #4) has
demonstrated - through measured
observations using fMRI (functional
Magnetic Resource Imaging) - that
mindfulness training actually changes the
pattern of activity in the brain and leads
to structural changes in the brain itself.
You can learn to mentally and physically
"change your mind"!
http://scan.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/4/259
The article is by
Norman A. S. Farb, Zindel V. Segal, Helen
Mayberg, Jim Bean, Deborah McKeon,
Zainab Fatima, & Adam K. Anderson. |
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The following is courtesy of Dr. Ken Pope www.kspope.com |
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Feeling down and out can break
your heart - literally
The American College of Cardiology
(Journal of the American College of
Cardiology) issued the following news
release: "Feeling down and out could
break your heart, literally; Research links
depression to cardiac death in women
without known heart disease." New data
published in the March 17, 2009, issue of
the Journal of the American College of
Cardiology suggest that relatively
healthy women with severe depression
are at increased risk of cardiac events
including sudden cardiac death (SCD)
and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD).
"It’s important for women with
depression to be aware of the possible
association between depression and
heart disease, and work with their health
care providers to manage their risk for
coronary heart disease," says William Whang, M.D., M.S., Division of
Cardiology, Columbia University Medical
Center, and lead investigator of the
study. "A significant part of the
heightened risk for cardiac events seems
to be explained by the fact that
coronary heart disease risk factors such
as high blood pressure, diabetes,
elevated cholesterol, and smoking were
more common among women with
more severe depressive symptoms."
Still, these study findings reinforce the
need for patients with depression to be
monitored closely for risk factors for
coronary heart disease, since
management of these risk factors can
reduce the risk for mortality from
coronary heart disease and sudden
cardiac death. |
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News & Upcoming Events |
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August 7 at 9:00 AM:
Dr. David McKenzie on Fanny Kiefer's Studio 4 TV Show,
Shaw Cable 4.
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Contact info |
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Visit www.davidmckenzie.ca
Phone: (604) 813-6047
Email: drdavid@davidmckenzie.ca
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November 12-15, 2009
Couples Relationship
& Sexual Enrichment Retreat |
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Invest in your relationship! Plan with your partner to attend our three night, all-inclusive couples retreat at a 5 star luxury hotel in Whistler. You and your partner will learn skills in effective communication, experience emotional and sexual intimacy in the privacy of your own space and nourish and build your relationship. It will be an uplifting, renewing, highly informative and relaxing time away. The retreat will be led by Dr. David McKenzie, Ph.D., Dr. Marelize Swart, Ph.D., Dr. Rob Lees, Ed.D. and Mr. Ki Bouris, massage therapist. Stay tuned for more information in our next e-newsletter. |
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SEX E-NEWS |
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The mind & the brain +
sex & depression ... |
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Some people experience an emotional crash after sex - even intense disruptive depression, the New York Times reports. “The research literature is virtually silent on sex-induced depression, but a Google search revealed several websites and chat rooms for something called ‘postcoital blues’. Who knew?” It turns out that sexrelated problems are sometimes the result of biological acitivity rather than psychological issues about sex or relationships. Scientists can measure the actual physical responses with brain scan machinery. Read more here |
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Two sexes
'sin different ways' |
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The Pope's personal theologian said
in the Vatican newspaper that the
most difficult sin for men to face was
lust, followed by gluttony, sloth,
anger, pride, envy and greed.
For women, the most dangerous sins
were pride, envy, anger, lust, and
sloth, he added.
BBC reports on the net.
Read more here |
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It's not the economy, stupid |
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Men are happier with money, while
women find greater joy in friendships
and relationships with their children,
co-workers and bosses, a new global
survey reveals. Reuters reports on the
net. Read more here |
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(604) 813-6047
drdavid@davidmckenzie.ca
www.davidmckenzie.ca
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