Linda Wasmer Andrews
Writing about
health
psychology
mind/body connection
13 books
2,100 articles
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Abstracts of Magazine Articles, 2001 |
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| Here are abstracts of just a few of my periodical articles about health and psychology that were published in 2001. |
 View additional abstracts from
2008,
2007,
2006,
2005,
2004,
2003, 2002,
and 2000. |
Surgery for Arthritis: An OverviewArthritis Self-Management, December 2001Medications, exercises, physical therapy, hot and cold packs—most people with arthritis would rather take a conservative approach to treatment. Yet having surgery may actually be a more cautious choice for some folks than not having it, if by repairing one damaged joint they can keep another from deteriorating or stay more active. This article describes the major types of arthritis surgery, including total joint replacement, arthroplasty, osteotomy, synovectomy, resection, arthrodesis, and soft tissue surgery. It also discusses preop prep and postop recovery. Steroids: Strong MedicineArthritis Self-Management, September 2001When scientists first began making a synthetic steroid called cortisone more than half a century ago, it was quickly hailed as a "miracle cure" for rheumatoid arthritis. Within a few years, though, the bubble of hype and hope burst, as it became obvious that taking high doses of oral steroids for long periods could cause severe side effects. Today doctors know that lower doses of steroids can be used both effectively and more safely, but the medications still must be handled with care. This article gives people with arthritis the information they need to minimize the risks of steroids and maximize the benefits. MassageArthritis Self-Management, August 2001Massage is one of the oldest techniques for managing arthritis pain. Today, the hands-on approach to arthritis is still widely recommended as an adjunct to standard medical care. Proponents claim that massage, done correctly, can not only relax tense muscles, but also improve joint movement. In addition, it may stimulate the flow of more blood and nutrients to the skin, muscles, and other tissues. This article describes the most common types of massage and tells how to find a qualified massage therapist. Managing Pain: The Power of ImaginationArthritis Self-Management, June 2001The third in a series, this article explores the use of imagery to help manage arthritis pain. Imagery is a popular relaxation technique that harnesses the power of imagination to bring about changes in thoughts, feelings, and physical responses. The article includes a sample script for an imagery exercise. It also gives simple instructions for inducing self-hypnosis, another closely related technique. Managing Pain: Meditate on ThisArthritis Self-Management, May 2001The second in a series, this article explores the use of meditation to help manage arthritis pain. Meditation has been relatively well researched, and several studies have found that it can reduce chronic pain and anxiety. This article provides basic tips on how to meditate. It also gives step-by-step pointers on doing a body scan, another helpful technique that is derived from mindfulness meditation. Managing Pain: Relaxation TechniquesArthritis Self-Management, April 2001This is the first in a series of articles about using relaxation techniques to manage arthritis pain. Such techniques include: (1) breathing exercises, (2) meditation, (3) progressive muscle relaxation, (4) body scanning, (5) imagery, and (6) hypnosis. The article summarizes the surprisingly strong research evidence on the effectiveness of such approaches for controlling chronic pain. It also includes instructions for a simple breathing exercise. Hear Today, Gone TomorrowMature Outlook, April 2001Hearing loss affects at least 30% of people between the ages of 65 and 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This article describes the warning signs of age-related hearing loss. It also explains the difference between two kinds of specialists involved in diagnosing and treating hearing loss: otolaryngologists and audiologists. In addition, it describes the latest, high-tech advances in hearing aids. Working Around PDEnvironmental Health Perspectives, March 2001A recent study in the journal Neurology suggests that jobs involving the use of certain common solvents may put people at risk for developing Parkinson's disease at an earlier age. In addition, the study found that workplace exposure to such solvents may increase people's risk of having more severe symptoms throughout the course of their disease. [full article] AcupunctureArthritis Self-Management, February 2001Its easy to find anecdotal reports of acupuncture's usefulness for the relief of arthritis pain. However, controlled studies have yielded mixed results. Some of the strongest support to date comes from a study led by Brian Berman, M.D., of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The study included 73 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture along with standard care or standard care alone. Those who received acupuncture reported less pain and better function both during the treatment period and four weeks after it ended. The Mind-Body ConnectionMature Outlook, February 2001Patients and physicians alike have long recognized that thoughts and feelings can affect physical health. However, in the past, the stress was mainly on the role played by negative emotions in illness. Today there is a new emphasis in the way positive emotions can be used to enhance mental and physical wellness. This long article explores the health benefits of optimism, relaxation, and spirituality. One sidebar describes simple ways to elicit the relaxation response. Another discusses a hot trend in exercise: mind/body fitness. Office-Based Surgery: The Doctor Is In, and More Boards Are WatchingJournal of Medical Licensure and Discipline, vol. 87, no. 3, 2001Doctors' offices aren't just for doing exams and writing prescriptions anymore. About one-fifth of all surgeries are expected to be performed in physician offices this year, including over half of all cosmetic procedures. Office-based surgery is convenient for patients and cheaper for insurers, but a recent string of highly publicized deaths have raised safety concerns. This article looks at some tough issues related to office-based surgery, including in-office anesthesia, physician credentialing, and facility accreditation. |
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