A closer look at health
The next breakthrough in health is here
We're following the latest health trends, some of which point to how consciousness affects health. Current pioneers are looking into whether it's possible to govern thought so that one can expect consistent health. Similarly, a pioneer in the mind/health connection in the late 1800's, Mary Baker Eddy, experimented with these ideas as well. She ultimately concluded that the human mind was subordinate to the divine Mind, which has broad implications on health today.
This page contains videos and blogs about these ideas.
Videos
Medicine: Is it 'the end' or just the beginning?
Press Room blog
The Press Room blog includes articles published in other news media outlets that relate to health and Christian Science.
Thinking differently about your health
By Melvyn Howe
Once upon a time getting sick meant visiting the doctor, reaching for a bottle of aspirin or simply toughing it out.
But attitudes are changing as studies around the world appear to show links between thinking and health.
It has long been recognised that stress, for example, affects the body and appears to be responsible for a whole range of ailments – both physical and mental.
However, research also suggests gratitude, forgiveness, humour, prayer etc., have a beneficial effect on our well-being.
This blog by Melvyn Howe was published on This is Bristol on April 12, 2012.
Facing modern-day stress with time-tested tools
By Tony Lobl
Stress is not a new concept, but we live in an age which is constantly creating fresh varieties of angst to add to our mental in-tray.
Unsurprisingly, new technology and one of its central planks – the ubiquitous email – seem to be prime culprits.
This blog by Tony Lobl was published on the Independent on May 10, 2012.
The placebo effect
Placebos are a trending topic in the public discussion on health. This section contains some articles on the subject by colleagues.
By Linda Ross
Many of you may have seen the recent 60 Minutes segment exploring the placebo effect, pointing out the effect of a patient’s thought on their health outcomes. The results of the research were astounding in identifying that placebos are often as effective as drugs in treating mild and moderate depression. Hearing this report was almost as striking for me as the first time I saw on television someone telling about being healed through prayer alone.
This blog by Linda Ross was published on the Creedible on Feb. 27, 2012.
By Keith Wommack
CBS Television News magazine, 60 Minutes, aired a segment that correspondent Lesley Stahl described as “explosive” in promos for the piece. The segment discussed the new scientific research that is creating a stir in the medical community.
Stahl interviewed psychologist Irving Kirsch, associate director of the Placebo Studies Program at Harvard Medical School. Kirsch’s research challenges the effectiveness of antidepressants. He said the difference between the effect of a placebo and the effect of an antidepressant is minimal for most people.
This blog by Keith Wommack was published on the Houston Chronicle on Feb. 20, 2012.
By John Clague
The Institute of Medicine released a report in June describing the prevalence of chronic pain in America. They report that it “affects at least 116 million American adults—more than the total affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Pain also costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatment and lost productivity.” So, what methods can be used to treat pain?
By Bob Cummings
The placebo effect is usually considered to be the curative effective resulting from patients equipping a sugar pill with their belief in its ability to help. But it turns out that the placebo effect can result from the thought of the caregiver as well.
Source: Glow Images
It turns out that in 1993 Dr. Peter Kramer published a blockbuster bestseller called Listening to Prozac. Kramer claimed in the book that Prozac and other SSRIs (selective serotonin uptake inhibitors) provided a near miraculous cure for depression. For those whose faith in the power of drugs may have reached an almost religious zeal, the reality has turned out to be more nightmare than miracle.