We all have filters.  Those filters have real value -- if we didn't have filters we would be quickly overwhelmed by all the inputs around us.  As such, we only really absorb a small fraction of all the information that bombards us constantly.  But how do we make those choices?  

People are fond of saying "I have to see it to believe it".  It's not true.  Chances are that if you don't believe it (or believe in it)... you will look right by it and never actually see it.

YOU ONLY SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY BELIEVE.  As humans, one of our strongest drives is what's called "confirmation bias".  That means you look for things that confirm what you already believe, often times completely overlooking the contrary.  

Be careful - this will effect your whole life and can really skew how you see yourself and those around you.  It will absolutely isolate you from alternative views and further close your mind (think the Google and Facebook algorithms -- they only show you what agrees with your already held views).  

I've attached a very elegant demonstration of how the same data can be viewed in multiple ways... and they are clearly all correct.  Perhaps the politicians could learn something from this as well....

Open your mind ... see alternatives ... solutions might be right in front of you!

Recently I had the opportunity to present to one of my networking groups  -- thanks to ABA-NY and Ellen Volpe for providing me the forum.  I've attached a 4 minute video addressing some of the challenges of the Holiday Season and some things to pay attention to.

Happy Holidays!

Last night I was lucky enough to receive the Achievements in Health Care Award from the Long Island Business News.  A very cool honor to be amongst a long list of distinguished healthcare people!  I've attached a grainy video from the event, if you want to watch a little.  Thanks to everyone who supported this effort - it's much appreciated.  Happy Holidays!

The previous post from Dr Chopra referenced a terrific article from the NY Times magazine.  It speaks about the science of Placebo.  

I'm struck by the fact that we once again need to name something (like all of Western Medicine, not necessarily aiding in its resolution), and by so doing, creating connotations that might not be appropriate.  Why is the PLACEBO concept automatically a negative association?  The evidence of it's power is largely unrefuted.  Where I think the problem comes lies in its association with deception.  

But the cool thing about PLACEBO is that deception IS NOT PART OF ITS POWER!  Many studies have shown that even when you inform patients that what you're giving them has no intrinsic health value -- it still works (a percentage of the time)!  

Why do we continue to dismiss the power of the therapeutic relationship?!?  As someone who takes great care in working with and working for the health of my patients, it seems to me that this is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT I DO!  Medication, supplements, etc. certainly have real value when properly employed.  But the negative side effects of an thoughtfully placed hand on an arm are hard to discern, and their positive effects are frequently beyond what one might reasonably expect.  

I am a big believer in the PLACEBO concept -- no, I don't give out sugar pills (not without prior notice!!), but I do try to engage the patient's spirit in the effort of wellness.  Reorient your psyche, and your physical being will follow.  As Henry Ford said "whether you think you can, or you think you can't -- you're right.”   Why not be right - and better!?

​Love to hear your thoughts.