When I read articles about helping youth during the pandemic, I am struck by the finding that helping families can be even more important than helping youth individually. I have noticed this in my own practice but to see this article from the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry rally drives …
My sister was a “Christmas person”. She was born on November 18 and her Christmas tree went up that day. She took it down, with many regrets, on January 18, her husband’s birthday. “It’s not as long as you’d think”, she’d say. This year, in the midst of the pandemic, Christmas will be special, and …
Many people do not realize the stress that health care workers live under every day and, in many ways, it’s our own fault. It is not in the nature of people who work in health care to call attention to the stress we experience. While many of us living closest to the risks of healthcare …
Gender equity has been elusive even though people of all genders have worked hard to achieve this goal, especially in the last century. To achieve gender equity, it is necessary for everyone to examine the historical situations and stereotypical assumptions that have placed us into siloes of our roles for many years. This year, two …
I have been thinking of the various ways in which the pandemic has affected youth and there is no greater loss for them than that of safe places in our communities where they can gather and socialize and be their lovely, unfettered selves. Wise societies have always found ways to allow teens to learn about …
I have resisted thinking about United States politics during the past three months, keeping in mind that we have our own political problems in Canada. But today is the day Americans have their election and I have many American friends, including friends who are doctors, and they are worried. Every one of my American friends …
One advantage of face to face meetings was movement. I still have mostly face to face work, but on days when I work virtually, I have noticed that I barely move from my desk. You could say that it’s my own fault for not booking breaks in which to move, and I suppose this is …
A recent article highlighting medical services and doctors in art told a story that is common: women doctors are not being recognized. The article highlights ten famous paintings and not one of them depicts a woman doctor. While this is not surprising considering the eras in which they were painted, it is discouraging for women …
The pandemic has shown many of us that we can be homebodies. It has shown us that, when our homes are nourishing, welcoming places, we can thrive. When I think of people living well at home, I think of peonies. Peonies are a perennial plant that live happily in one spot for decades, even a …
Think about these qualities a person can have: Personal resilience Self-reliance Rugged individualism These three character traits are often cited in North American colonial culture as the pinnacle of human performance. Using the same paradigm, a person with these qualities can face and conquer any struggle in life. This being the case, anyone who values …
