November 2010

The power to change lies in a girl

“Hey, did you know that we could solve huge world problems like hunger, HIV/AIDS, poverty, illiteracy and war just by supporting adolescent girls?” This post is part of a campaign to save and empower girls that deserve our attention- to learn more visit The Girl Effect and see how YOU can help make a difference.

Hat tip 🙂 @ToriDeaux

Women are much more likely to be persuaded to either eat healthily or undertake dangerous dieting by other women, not men, according to new ANU research.

The research by PhD student Tegan Cruwys, released during National Psychology Week, found that both healthy, and unhealthy, messages delivered by men had little effect. Additionally, she found that when a healthy eating message is delivered by someone women identify with, it was likely to change their behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of carefully targeted health messages. [continue reading…]

Connection : Dr. O’s Rap

dr.o logoThis morning as I was getting ready for work I looked out of the window and happened to remark to ‘her indoors’… isn’t that the young doctor from down the street?

“I really couldn’t tell you” was her response.

It got me thinking. I grew up in the small village in South Wales, and I knew everyone in that village, not just our next door neighbors… but literally the entire village!

OK ‘Jamesy the talkdoc’ less of the flannel…. No I didn’t live in Llareggub if that’s what you’re thinking!

Some forty odd years later and now living in Canada, I can admit to having the best next door neighbors and I count them as true friends… but alas… on the street I live, apart from recognizing that young doctor’s Labrador, I couldn’t tell you from Adam any one else who lives there!

Why is this do you think? I live in a beautiful country with amazing views and lots of friendly people who love to have barbeques and party, hey we even make wine here! But as a rule when people get home from that long days’ daily grind at the office they’re rarely to be seen ‘chatting’ over the back fence.

So just what is missing that emphasizes human interaction and creates that sense of neighborhood & belonging that I experienced growing up in that small Welsh village?

After all, isn’t connection the core of what gives purpose and meaning to our lives?

Link to read more posts from Dr. O