December "World" Awareness Days

Lots of awareness days in December.

December 1st is World AIDS Day

This global awareness day was established by the World Health Organization in 1988 to focus attention on the HIV andAIDS. Leadership" is the theme for 2007 - with the slogan "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."

December 3rd is International Day of Disabled Persons

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

December 5th is International Volunteers Day


This is a time when we stop to thank those who volunteer their time and effort, in both big and small ways, that helps to make our world a better place.

Joe Pantoliano is Fighting Stigma

I first noticed actor Joe Pantoliano as "Guido the Killer Pimp" in the 1983 movie "Risky Business", and have enjoyed his unique performances in movies, theatre, television and voice-overs ever since. Of late, he can be seen as Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos and in the very important film, Canvas .

Recently, he disclosed to media outlets like People Magazine the National Association of Mental Illness and Web MD that he has long experienced depression, and believes that his mother experienced bipolar disorder. The journey that lead him to these discoveries ignited his passion for understanding mental illness and to address the stigma that surrounds it.

No Kidding, Me Too is a nonprofit organization he created for members of the entertainment industry to help educate the public-at-large about mental illness and to advocate for those who experience mental illness.

"Joey Pants" is so cool.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist and is different from your everyday awareness. The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being.

It's not clear, biologically and neurologically speaking, how hypnosis works. However, neuro-imaging of the brain under hypnosis has been studied , giving more respect to this controversial treatment. What can be said is that hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. When you're hypnotized, you can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. You're more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to change your behavior and thereby improve your health and well-being.

Hypnosis does not "cure" physical or psychological ailments. Hypnosis puts the mind into a deeply relaxed state that appears to bypass our cognitive filtering system. In essence, a hypnotic suggestion makes a thought or action more probable.

I was hypnotized once, as part of a group class seminar. It was a most wonderful experience. I felt deeply and profoundly relaxed, yet aware. Light as air - an ease never before known. We were told that no hypnotic suggestions would be offered, but I kinda wish the hypnotherapist put a "curb-your-eating-of-chocolate" suggestion for good measure!

The Power of Your Name

Did you know that you are likely to buy items that reflect your name?

And that your preferences are sometimes shaped by your name as well?


Name Letter Preference research has been around for over twenty years and is mostly used in the advertising and marketing worlds. The psychological research suggests that due to egocentric and identity driven needs, we often make decisions that reflect our own name. Essentially, the positive associations we have about ourselves spills over into how we evaluate life choices.

So John may likely marry a Jane.

Sally may choose to drive a Subaru.

Carly prefers to drink Coke.

Zachary may be a Zoologist.

Research has shown that Mildreds are over-represented in the town of Milwaukee in the United States, and the name Dennis is over-represented among Dentists.

I guess my preferences don't fall into the fold of this research. I drive a Jeep, and I buy whatever brands are on sale in the store, no name stands out more than others. I am married to a man that doesn't share any associations to my name, and I am a psychologist. There aren't a lot of "D's" in my life. . . oh, wait a minute.

I stand corrected.

I have two "Dell" computers.

And prefer "Dunkin Donut" coffee.

"D'oh!"

Laughter Really Is Good Medicine

A good dose of daily laughter can play a healing role in your health and life. In fact, research says that laughter can strengthen the immune system, which helps us fight off diseases.

Here are some laws found from around the world, that are sure to bring a tehee.

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While it is legal to shoot bears, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited - Alaska, USA


Only licensed electricians may change a light bulb - Australia


You may not have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at any time - Alabama, USA


No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour - California, USA


You may not pay for a fifty-cent item with only pennies - Canada

It is illegal for fire trucks to exceed 25mph, even when going to a fire - Connecticut, USA

One may not be charged for food at an inn unless that person, by his or her own opinion, is "full" - Denmark

No pig may be addressed as "Napoleon" by its owner - France

If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle - Florida, USA

If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed - Kansas, USA

A man may not relieve himself while standing up, after 10 PM - The Netherlands

Citizens may not greet each other by "putting one's thumb to the nose and wiggling the fingers" - New York, USA

It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on - North Dakota, USA

As it is considered pornographic, you may not walk around your home nude - Singapore

A license is required to purchase a television set - South Africa

With the exception of carrots, most goods may not be sold on Sunday - United Kingdom

It is illegal to pretend that one's parents are rich - Washington, USA



For more silly laws from around the world, go here or here

Yawning and Empathy

"Contagious yawning" may be associated with sleepiness and boredom, but new research has found that the act is all about empathy .

According to the University of Leeds research, contagious yawning may in fact be a sign of high-level social empathy.

The research study was presented at the British Association's Festival of Science , and suggests that while almost all animals with a backbone yawn, the reflex is only infectious among humans, chimpanzees and some monkeys. Contagious yawning is thought to have evolved as a means of social communication.

I yawn a lot. A lot.

I always thought I was tired.