Word-Of-the-Week #790: Health
September 26, 2019 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #790: Health
Health – a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
How important is having good health to you? What do you do for exercise? Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? Do you have friends and family that you like to spend time with?
This Washington Post article by Marisa Iati, “HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?” states new research findings on living longer.“In the tug-of-war between the world views of cheery optimists and dour pessimists, the happy people just got a big boost. Those who see the glass as half full, according to a new study, live longer.
Pessimists, of course, might have suspected this all along — but now there’s actual research behind it.
Boston-area scientists found the most optimistic people live an average of 11 to 15 percent longer than their more pessimistic peers. Women who are optimists are also 50 percent more likely to live at least to age 85, while male optimists are 70 percent more likely to live that long, said Lewina Lee, the lead researcher and a psychiatry professor at Boston University’ School of Medicine.
“In previous studies, researchers have found that more optimistic people tend to have lower risk of chronic diseases and premature death,” Lee said. “Our study took it one step further.”
Optimists generally expect good things to happen in the future and feel like they can control important outcomes. They tend to stay positive and put the best spin on whatever comes their way.
Not a natural optimist? There’s good news: The mind-set is about 25 percent hereditary, Lee said, meaning people have some control over their level of good thoughts. She said cognitive behavioral therapy and imagining a future in which your goals have been reached are examples of ways that people can become more optimistic.
To conduct their research, Lee and the other scientists compared results from two independently conducted studies — one that followed nearly 70,000 women for a decade and another that followed about 1,400 men for 30 years. People self-reported their optimism on questionnaires by ranking themselves on statements including “In uncertain times, I usually expect the best” or “I’m always optimistic about my future.”
The conclusion that optimistic people tend to live longer holds true regardless of other factors, including socioeconomic status, body mass index, social integration and alcohol use, Lee said. The findings were published Aug. 26 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study leaves one question unanswered: Why are optimists likely to live longer? Although it’s unclear, the researchers believe optimists may be better at regulating stressors and bouncing back from upsetting events. Optimists also generally have healthier habits, like exercising more and smoking less.
Scientists already knew that optimism can give people the self-efficacy to reach difficult goals, protect their health in high-stress times, strengthen their romantic relationships, improve their eating habits and ease their job searches. Now — and this would be hardly a surprise to optimists — researchers know happy people are more likely to do these things into old age.”
This week’s focus is on your health. How optimistic are you about your future? How good are you at bouncing back from upsetting events? Would you change your lifestyle if you knew you would live longer?
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Testimonials: Health Care
March 28, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Testimonials: Health Care
“It was evident that you did your homework and it showed throughout your talk. What you said truly had an impact and made a difference.”
—Gaye Breyman, Chief Operating Officer
California Academy of Physician Assistants
“Susan, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Service Excellence talk you gave here at Clarian yesterday. I was expecting you to give a long and boring speech, boy was I surprised. It was very interesting and far exceeded my expectation. Once again, thanks for making me laugh.”
— Tracy Smith, Accounts Payable
Methodist Medical Group/HMS
“I just attended a Medical Manager conference in Orlando where you were a Guest Speaker and I wanted to say “WOW”. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to everything you had to say. I made lots of notes and plan on starting to work with some of your ideas. I am also looking forward to getting a copy of your book.”
— Donna Shepherd
STAR Physical Therapy
“Awesome! Thanks Susan. I have heard very positive feedback our audience members.”
— Wendy Mayerson
Medical Manager Health Systems, Inc.
“Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and do your “motivation” talk at the DA meeting. It was terrific and we have heard very positive comments. You certainly contributed to the success of the “Club 21″ presentation.”
— Brenda Matthews, MA, Education & Consulting Dept.
Kaiser Permanente
“All the evaluations reflected how much the audience enjoyed your lecture. And found the information useful.”
—Cyndy Flores
California Academy of Physicians Assistants
“Having you for the Eighth Annual Women’s Conference was the best decision I have made all year!”
—Donna Cadwallader, Coordinator
Women’s Health Program
“You inspired your audience to take action! I have always had a special place in my heart for speakers, like yourself, who motivate others to new awareness by sharing their knowledge.”
—Beverly Weurding, Symposium Manager
Sharp Health Care
“Did her homework!”
— Dede Gish Panjada, Executive Director
National Association of Transplant Coordinators
“Your contributions made a significant impact on the overall success of our conference.”
—Sheila Crowley, Director, Member Services
Healthcare Food Service Management (HFM)