6/26-Dr Carol talks about Dr Lindenberg's Stress Related Article

City life bad for brain, study says: What's the fix?

Ever wonder why city slickers seem more stressed out than folks who live in the country? A new study suggests the answer may lie deep within our brains.

Previous research showed that people who live in cities have higher rates of anxiety and depression, but this is the first to pinpoint the changes in the brain that underlie the phenomenon.

For the study, published in the journal Nature, scientists from the University of Heidelberg and McGill University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of more than 100 students from various communities, large and small, in Germany. Each student was asked to complete a stressful task - solving tricky math problems as fast as possible while being subjected to criticism.

The results were striking. The brains of the urbanites showed higher levels of activity in the amygdala and the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC), two regions that previous research linked to mental illness. The bigger the city they lived in, the greater the activity in the amygdala - and the longer the subject had lived in a large city during childhood, the greater the activity in the pACC.

"I was surprised by the magnitude and specificity of the findings," said study author Dr. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg. The next step, he said, would be to determine what it is about city life that makes it so stressful. Is it the crowding, the noise, the pollution - or something else? He said he hopes the answers might help urban planners design cities more conducive to mental health.

In the meantime, what's the take-away message for city dwellers? Ditch the metropolis and move to the mountains? Fuhgeddaboudit.

"It's not really feasible," Meyer-Lindenberg said jokingly to CBS News. "If everyone lived in the country, the country would be pretty crowded." More than half the world's population already lives in cities, a figure that's expected to grow to nearly 70 percent by 2050.

And while urban living may spark mental illness, it also brings better health care, nutrition and sanitation.

To control stress, Meyer-Lindenberg said, city dwellers might try meditation, which can impact neural circuitry. If that doesn't help, he recommends a weekend getaway, adding, "It doesn't hurt to occasionally get out into the country."

6/19-Stress Sleep and Health

Dr. Larry Epstein - The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep

According to Dr. Lawrence Epstein, recent President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep, sleeping is as important to health and well being as diet and exercise. However, as we are constantly bombarded with commercials for sleep medications, it is clear that America is having a difficult time getting a good night’s sleep.

One of the nation’s premiere sleep experts, Dr. Epstein arms readers with his proven, six-step plan to improve sleep. He presents tips for dealing with common issues such as insomnia, disrupted sleep, daytime exhaustion, restlessness, sleepwalking, and the many other chronic sleep conditions suffered by more than 70 million Americans.

Dr. Epstein thoroughly explains what happens during sleep as well as how to determine the amount of sleep we need. He then presents his plan which is based on the following:

• Recognizing the importance of a good night’s sleep
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle
• Maintaining good sleep habits
• Creating the optimal sleep environment
• Watching out for sleep saboteurs
• Seeking help for persistent sleep problems

In addition, The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep offers readers advice on how to silence snoring, help their children go to sleep and stay asleep, handle jet lag, cope with shift work, and stay awake at the wheel. Those who have trouble sleeping will find that they don’t necessarily need to take a pill to fall and stay asleep.

According to a recent review in Library Journal, “Epstein has collaborated with freelance health writer Mardon to produce an accessible and highly readable volume on sleep…At a time when sleep deprivation seems so prevalent in our society, this book is a welcome addition to the literature. It belongs in all consumer health collections, especially in public libraries.”

The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep is a premium resource for people who suffer from sleep disorders and their families, the doctors and other health care professionals who treat them, and anyone who wants to get a good night’s rest.

Lawrence Epstein, M.D., is the regional medical director for the Harvard-affiliated Sleep HealthCenters and an instructor at Harvard Medical School and was recently president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He lives in Boston. Steven Mardon is a professional writer who specializes in health topics.

6/12-Derek Lin and Tao

Derek Lin - Tiger Mother S.O.B.

I was abused and tortured as a child up until adulthood. That was when I finally was able to break free of my oppressive mother. No human being should go through what I did. Now I am devoid of

social skills, I have an anxiety disorder, and I have asperger's syndrome which I found out only compounds problems that my mother exacerbated It is all thanks to my mother who brutalized me with her parenting. That is what this book is about. I want to show the world what I think from a Chinese perspective. It is not to defame Asian mothers or those who raise their children in a disciplined manner. Rather it is to clarify the trauma and negative effects of one upbringin

g. This side has never been seen before in this manner. It is not often expressed by Asians being that culturally speaking, conformity is the norm where those who are repressed are forced to pent up their suffering and receive hostility from others who perceive them to be scum. Therefore I hope you can appreciate this book and that if you or someone you know is being treated this way that this will help you or them, to escape, defy, and resist such inhumane treatment. My dark sense of humor in this book was and is necessary to prevent myself from going completely insane but I hope that you can glean some pointers on how one can diffuse difficult situations with humor.

June 5th Guest: Wendy Cullen

Sunday June 5th StressRelief Radio with Carol J. Scott, MD will talk about Job Stress. Join in the conversation live @ 1pm East or 10am West www.crntalk.com/stressreliefradio . Listen anytime @ facebook/stressreliefradio or www.stressreliefradio.com

Our guest for the June 5th show is Wendy Cullen. We will talk about the causes of worker stress. The science of work stress and health and solutions. The Department of Labor released the job situation numbers for Americans Friday June 3rd. The number of unemployed persons (13.9 million) and the unemployment rate (9.1 percent) were essentially unchanged in May. The labor force, at 153.7 million, was
little changed over the month.

But wait. What if you are fortunate to have a job–you are not unemployed — but your job has you stressed out!

More than three-fourths of U.S. workers are stressed out about their jobs, according to a study by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College. The 2011 Work Stress Survey by Harris Interactive finds 77 percent of Americans say they are stressed out about something related to their job. “We’ve seen numerous surveys that confirm workplace stress has increased during the last several years, and this time we wanted to rank from top to bottom some of the root causes,” said Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development for Everest College. “Most employers are becoming well aware of the need to address rising employee stress, and those who don’t address it are likely to suffer lower morale and productivity.”

Here’s a rundown of the chief causes of worker stress:

• 14 percent, low pay
• 11 percent, commuting
• 9 percent, an unreasonable workload
• 9 percent, fear of being laid off
• 8 percent, annoying co-workers
• 5 percent, an annoying boss
• 5 percent, poor work-life balance
• 4 percent, lack of opportunity for advancement

Additional findings:

• Young adults ages 18-34 ranked low pay and annoying co-workers as the top two stress factors.
• College graduates ranked losing their job as the biggest cause of stress, followed by unreasonable workload and low pay.
• 21 percent of respondents said they had no job stress.
• 24 percent of married people were stressed about their jobs, compared to 14 percent of singles.

Join in the conversation.

Your Stress Relief Coach!

For complete results of the study see press release below

PRESS RELEASE LINK:

http://news.everest.edu/post/2011/03/survey-reveals-77-of-americans-stressed-about-something-at-work

5/29-Post Infidelity Stress Disorder

Dr. Dennis Ortman, author of "Transcending Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder: The Six Stages of Healing", is also a licensed psychologist in private practice, welcomes those suffering emotional or mental pain. He works with adolescents, adults, and couples to find relief from their suffering, happiness, and a renewed life.

Dr. Ortman received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and has a graduate degree in theology. He has extensive experience working with those who are addicted and with those struggling with issues on the border between psychology and spirituality. He has published two books on treating those with emotional and substance abuse problems and a third book on recovery from the trauma of infidelity through the power of forgiveness.

Dr. Ortman provides a full range of psychological services in a safe, confidential, and comfortable office setting in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He accepts most major insurances. Consultation with and referral to psychiatrists for a medical assessment are also available in the same office building.

His goal in treatment, through mutual exploration, is to relieve suffering and restore peace of mind by helping the individual understand and accept themselves, with all of their conflicting thoughts, feelings, and desires. On the basis of a secure self-understanding, the person is better able to make important decisions, realize their potential, and have more satisfying relationships.

In the process of learning about themselves and accepting personal responsibility, healing and growth occur. The final result of therapy is the ability to live whole-heartedly in the present moment, putting one’s whole self into their life, work, and relationships. Dr. Ortman tells his patients that the purpose of therapy is not to create an improved version of themselves, but to see themselves differently and relax with who they are. Therapy involves recognizing and letting go of those obstacles to whole-hearted self-acceptance.

http://dennisortman.com

May 22nd Guest: Dr. Dennis Ortman

Dr. Dennis Ortman, author of "Transcending Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder: The Six Stages of Healing", is also a licensed psychologist in private practice, welcomes those suffering emotional or mental pain. He works with adolescents, adults, and couples to find relief from their suffering, happiness, and a renewed life.

Dr. Ortman received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and has a graduate degree in theology. He has extensive experience working with those who are addicted and with those struggling with issues on the border between psychology and spirituality. He has published two books on treating those with emotional and substance abuse problems and a third book on recovery from the trauma of infidelity through the power of forgiveness.

Dr. Ortman provides a full range of psychological services in a safe, confidential, and comfortable office setting in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He accepts most major insurances. Consultation with and referral to psychiatrists for a medical assessment are also available in the same office building.

His goal in treatment, through mutual exploration, is to relieve suffering and restore peace of mind by helping the individual understand and accept themselves, with all of their conflicting thoughts, feelings, and desires. On the basis of a secure self-understanding, the person is better able to make important decisions, realize their potential, and have more satisfying relationships.

In the process of learning about themselves and accepting personal responsibility, healing and growth occur. The final result of therapy is the ability to live whole-heartedly in the present moment, putting one’s whole self into their life, work, and relationships. Dr. Ortman tells his patients that the purpose of therapy is not to create an improved version of themselves, but to see themselves differently and relax with who they are. Therapy involves recognizing and letting go of those obstacles to whole-hearted self-acceptance.

http://dennisortman.com

May 15 Guest: Carla Malden

Carla Malden grew up in Los Angeles, graduated from the Oakwood School in North Hollywood, and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from U.C.L.A., with a B.A. in English. She worked in the film industry, both in production and development. Later, she and husband Laurence Starkman wrote 12 feature-film screenplays, worked as rewrite guns-for-hire on various projects and penned and produced the short romantic comedy WHIT & CHARM, which won several awards. They also wrote and created a series of Cine Golden Eagle Award-winning art history films. She is currently completing her first novel—as well as a children’s book illustrated by her daughter, Cami Starkman, who attends the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Her web site is www.carlamalden.com

Along with her father, Academy Award-winning actor Karl Malden (A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE), Carla also co-authored his critically acclaimed memoir, WHEN DO I START?, published by Simon & Schuster.

Emmy-winning (HUFF) actress Blythe Danner declares, “I truly want everyone to read this glorious book. Carla Malden traces her awful journey with such precision and care, expressing the emotions between the exhilaration of hope and the darkness of reality so powerfully that her eloquence turns grief into poetry and enlightenment. As a consequence, we evolve with her into a deeper understanding of what love and the human condition are.”

“Malden has done something wonderful, important, moving, truthful and wise,” says author Donald Spoto (POSSESSED: THE LIFE OF JOAN CRAWFORD). Children’s author Susan Cooper (THE GREY KING) calls AFTERIMAGE “a haunting story of love and loss, and a demonstration of the courage required to put a broken life together again.”

“There is something life-affirming about turning the most devastating experience into art,” Carla says. “The process is empowering and gives you the beginning of some forward momentum. From being thrown into the crucible of widowhood, I was forced to discover how strong I am. Today, nearly four years after Laurence’s death, I have built myself a wonderful life—though it was constructed around a giant hole.”

www.carlamalden.com

May 1 Guest: Verna M. Chase

According to the U. S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, there were 99,000 K-12 public schools across 13,800 school districts in the 2008-2009 school year.

More than 49 million children attend public schools in the United States. That's 9 in every 10 U.S. students in grades kindergarten through 12 (K-12). In contrast, about 5.8 million U.S. students are enrolled in K-12 private schools.

The National Center for Education Statistics projects that enrollment in K-12 public schools will rise to 53.3 million by 2016.

One of the important characteristics of the public schools is that they are accountable to the public. Like most organizations that receive funding from outside sources, public schools are directly accountable to the people who provide them with the money they need to operate -the public.

Public schools depend on public funding and therefore are directly accountable to the public. This means that schools have a responsibility to inform parents and the community about how students are performing, and provide the community with opportunities to engage and provide input.

As a taxpayer, it is your right to ensure that your tax dollars are being spent wisely, and demanding that all kids have quality schools is one way to do that. Unfortunately, teachers and teaching have been the subject of unrelenting criticism over the past years. I believe we fail to recognize the increasing complexity and responsibility of education our children and youth.

The landscape of the classroom of the 21st century is so different than the past. It is not difficult to understand why school teachers and administrators are susceptible to stress and burnout. This is not a simple problem. Much of the criticism I believe borders on ‘victim blaming’.

Stress and burnout are so prevalent that they have an enormous detrimental effect on the teaching -learning process. Even the most talented and committed teacher or administrator may grow disillusioned and perform far below their maximum potential.

As a society we undervalue teaching as a profession. What have you done lately to support and recognize the contributions teachers make in your community?

Tune in to crntalk.com/stressreliefradio to hear a discussion of the issue and solutions from the May 1st show with our guest, Verna Chase, author of upcoming book for teachers.

April 24th Guest: Suvir Saran, Top Chef Masters

Viewing the kitchen as both a culinary and spiritual haven, New Delhi-born chef Suvir Saran has nurtured a lifelong passion for the traditional flavors of Indian cooking, which has lead him to become an accomplished chef, cookbook author, educator, and organic farmer.

Saran shares the authentic flavors of Indian home cooking as the Executive Chef at Devi in New York City, earning three stars fromNew York magazine, two stars from The New York Times, and is the only U.S. Indian restaurant to have earned a Michelin star.

A respected culinary authority, Saran is Chairman of Asian Culinary Studies for The Culinary Institute of America, was a speaker for the CIA and Harvard Medical School Osher Institute’s “Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives” conference and has participated in culinary festivals around the world.

Renowned for his accessible approach to Indian flavors and techniques, Saran’s cookbooks include “Indian Home Cooking: A Fresh Introduction to Indian Food, with More Than 150 Recipes” (Clarkson Potter, 2004) and “American Masala: 125 New Classics From My Home Kitchen” (Clarkson Potter, 2007). In November 2010, Saran was the only U.S.-based contributor to the largest Indian cookbook ever published, “India Cookbook,” (Phaidon Press, 2010).

In spring 2011, Suvir will be a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, competing to raise money for the Agricultural Stewardship Association.

When not on the road, Saran and partner Charlie Burd live and care for American Masala Farm, a nineteenth century farm in upstate New York, with their heritage breed animals and pets.

http://www.suvir.com/

For more information about Suvir Saran or Devi please contact Chloe Mata Crane (cmcrane@baltzco.com) or Rachel Wormser (rwormser@baltzco.com) at Baltz & Company, 212.982.8300

4/17-Dr David Maxfield

April is Stress Awareness Month

For the 19th consecutive year, April 2011 has been designated StressAwareness Month. During this thirty day period, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

Dr. David Maxfield - Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

A stunning new approach to how individuals can not only change their lives for the better in the workplace, but also their lives away from the office, including (but not limited to) finding ways to improve one's working relationship with others, one's overall health, outlook on life, and so on.

For example, why is it that 95% of all diet attempts fail? Why do New Year's Resolutions last no more than a few days? Why can't people with good intentions seem to make consistent and positive strides in the way they want to improve their careers, financial fitness, physical fitness, and so on?

Based upon the latest research in a number of psychological and medical fields, the authors of CHANGE ANYTHING will show that traditional will-power is not necessarily the answer to these strivings, that people are affected in their behaviors by far more subtle influences. CHANGE ANYTHING shows how individuals can come to understand these powerful and influential forces, and how to put these forces to work in a positive manner that brings real and meaningful results.

10 simple ways you can practice mindfulness each day: Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital

1. As you awaken in the morning, bring your attention to your breathing. Instead of letting your mind spin off into yesterday or today, take mindful breaths. Focus on your breathing, and sense the effects of breathing throughout your body.

2. Instead of hurrying to your usual routine, slow down and enjoy something special about the morning: a flower that bloomed, the sound of birds, the wind in the trees.

3. On your way to work or school, pay attention to how you walk or drive or ride the transit. Take some deep breaths, relaxing throughout your body.

4. When stopped at a red light, pay attention to your breathing and enjoy the landscape around you.

5. When you arrive at your destination, take a few moments to orient yourself; breathe consciously and calmly, relax your body, then begin.

6. When sitting at your desk or keyboard, become aware of the subtle signs of physical tension and take a break to stretch or walk around.

7. Use the repetitive events of the day - the ringing telephone, a knock on the door, walking down the hall - as cues for a mini-relaxation.

8. Walk mindfully to your car or bus. Can you see and appreciate something new in the environment? Can you enjoy walking without rushing?

9. As you return home, consciously make the transition into your home environment. If possible, after greeting your family or housemates, give yourself a few minutes alone to ease the transition.

10. As you go to sleep, let go of today and tomorrow, and take some slow, mindful breaths.

By following the main elements of mindfulness - combining awareness of your breath with focusing on the activity at hand - you will be able to experience every moment as fully as possible.

Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (http://www.mbmi.org/basics/mstress_M.asp)

4/3 Dr. Scott Interviews Dr. Richard O'Connor!

Dr. Richard O’Connor, MSW, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Connecticut and Manhattan, and formerly the director of a large nonprofit community mental health center. He received his MSW and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, and extended his education through the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis and the Family Institute of Chicago. He is the author of four books: Undoing Depression (1997; revised edition 2010) has become a classic in self-help, and Active Treatment of Depression (2001) was reviewed as “one of the decade’s great psychotherapy texts on depression.” Undoing Perpetual Stress (2005), won the Books for a Better Life award as the best self-help book of the year. His most recent book, Happy at Last, is a thorough review of “happiness science,” with a healthy perspective from behavioral economics and social psychology, speaking directly to the reader who wants to live a more joyful, satisfying life, with the least unnecessary misery possible.

In 2010, Little, Brown released an extensively revised and updated edition of Undoing Depression, a book that has sold more than 100,000 copies since its first release, despite its serious subject matter. It was thought that a new edition was necessary to cover recent developments in both the medical and psychological treatment of depression. This second edition has been exceptionally well received, with kudos from Andrew Solomon, Thomas Moore, and Maggie Scarf, among others.

O’Connor speaks often to professional and consumer groups, and is an occasional contributor to NPR’s “Marketplace.” His openness about his own experience has enabled many readers and listeners to feel he speaks with unusual candor and integrity. He has been invited to present at the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium and the National Institute for Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (both twice), as well as the New England Educational Institute’s Cape Cod Seminars. He’s on the advisory board of several different organizations, including Lawyers with Depression (lawyerswithdepression.com). He speaks annually at the New York Mood Disorders Support Group, the largest depression self-help group in the country. He has spoken to professional, business, and self-help groups all across the United States.

About Dr. Scott

The Stress Relief Coach

Dr. Scott is THE Stress Relief Coach! She is an Emergency Physician & Health Educator trained at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. She is an expert on the connections between stress & health and the developer of the BestStress Zone concept. A highly sought after speaker and one‐on‐one StressRelief Coach she enables participants & clients to gain knowledge, practical solutions. specific strategies & motivation to live with less stress and improved health. As a speaker she has been acclaimed for a unique ability to blend expertise in medicine with an authentic inspiring style. She has been cited or featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company magazine, WorkSpan, and The Washington Post. She takes her life saving messages from the Emergency Room to Boardrooms across the country.

Carol is also an experienced radio personality. Her guest appearances include: Doug Stephan’s Good Day Show, Joe Bartlett Morning Show WOR 710, WGHB Boston Public Radio, The Libby Gill Radio Show, The Lisa Birnbaum Show, VoiceAmerica Business Radio, the Lisa Whaley Radio Show, Carole Copeland Thomas Radio Show, Bev Smith Urban Radio Network and Martha Stewart Living Sirius Radio.