Cell 2 Soul: The Humane Health Care Blog

October Poem

By Shirley Adelman


October, when breast cancer
testimonials almost outnumber
Pharma ads. Survivors thanking
hospitals and medical staff for
today when tomorrow seemed
as improbable as breast cancer
yesterday.  Now, twenty-three
remembering the struggle,
to struggle on:

 

An adjunct rushing from treatment
to college to college until my body
gave out.
Walking from the sofa
                            to the kitchen,
a destination
                         I struggled to reach.

 

A Department Head argued,
I should have known
I had breast cancer before
starting the semester.
In the future, when the future
seemed as illusive as an income,
he threatened to give me
a midnight schedule at the Navy Yard,
a distant satellite campus.

 

He came close to fulfilling
his threat by giving me
evening classes in a tough
neighborhood where, waiting
for public transportation meant
risking a mugging.

 

Cruelty leaves scars deeper
than surgery, more lethal
than invasive breast cancer,
and so I cry.

 

I wonder: What is the average
lifespan of an adjunct working
from paycheck to paycheck,
dependent upon department
heads who teach the humanities,
but lack heart. 

 

Previously published in "Blue Collar Review," Fall 2016, pp.29-30

Paper Teachers

I was asked to write an essay for the International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare on postgraduate learning.  Since the article is not available free open access, I have attached it here.

Abstract: Physicians spend many years immersed (drowning?) in their professional literature. There is no way anyone can keep up with it and most of it is, after all, forgettable, boring and sadly inaccurate. The attached essay’s  thesis is that the arts (literature, music, fine art, film) are vitally important to one’s personal and professional development. They provide the Continuous Medical Inspiration that trumps the mandated Continuing Medical Education. Although the professional may not realize it, each of us has a personal canon comprised of those works of art that guide us in our daily lives. “Paper Teachers” covers, among other topics,  thoughts on documenting one’s Personal Canon.

Download “Paper-Teachers_”_-Towards-a-True-Postgraduate-Education

 

“To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generations - such is pleasure beyond compare.” Kenko, Essays in Idleness

 

Toxic Stress

A recent article in thje NY Times discusses the role that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) plays is determining one's health later in life. It asks us to:

"Imagine if scientists discovered a toxic substance that increased the risks of cancer, diabetes and heart, lung and liver disease for millions of people. Something that also increased one’s risks for smoking, drug abuse, suicide, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, domestic violence and depression — and simultaneously reduced the chances of succeeding in school, performing well on a job and maintaining stable relationships? It would be comparable to hazards like lead paint, tobacco smoke and mercury. We would do everything in our power to contain it and keep it far away from children. Right?"

This essay is a good introduction to this important, and oft neglected, area.  For full article see "Protecting Children from Toxic Stress.

Eat Your Own Fruit

A disciple once complained,
"You tell us stories, but you never
reveal their meaning to us."

Said the master,
"How would you like it if someone
offered you fruit and masticated it
before giving it to you?"

Comment:
No one can find your meaning for you.
Not even the master.

Anthony De Mello:  The Song of the Bird

How Children Succeed

We've been reading Paul Tough's important new book, “How Children Succeed” and find it to be mandatory text for those who are parents or grandparents of young children.  Instead of waxing enthusiastic, please turn to David Brooks' Op=Ed piece devoted to Tough's book in the Friday, September 28 New York Times.

Brooks calls “How Children Succeed” an  "essential book."  "Childhood stress can have long lasting neural effects, making it harder to exercise self-control, focus attention, delay gratification and do many of the other things that contribute to a happy life."  Brooks essay is a great introduction and precis of required reading for many of us.

Fallacy of Standardized Tests

Paul Tough's recent book, How Children Succeed, may be of immeasurable value to parents, teachers, mentors and those of us who are on a path.  His thesis is that standardized tests and IQ measures are often less important than grit, perseverance and curiosity in determining who succeeds in life.

An old proverb says it better:  "Fall seven times, get up eight." 

This NPR post, Children Succeed With Character Not Test Scores, is a must read for many C2S readers. 

Some of you may remember Paul Tough's landmark New Yorker article, The Poverty Clinic, which dealt with the effects Adverse Childhood Experiences have on an individual's  physical (as well as emotional) development and health.

How Children Succeed is another "home run" for Paul Tough.  If this topic interests you, Mr. Tough's book tour may be coming to your city.

The Global Child

by Sasha Zuflacht, Union College '13

"My college offers a special term abroad in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Along with four other students I have the unique opportunity to intern in one of the most challenged countries in the world. My program is with the Global Child- a school that provides a rigorous education for former street children. This non-profit provides these kids not only with an education but also with life skills, a cultural understanding of their country and its traditions, and training for employment and citizenship.

I am overwhelmed with both excitement and nerves. I have already fallen in love with the students dedication, maturity and adorable demeanor. Seeing their smiling faces always brightens my day. They have experienced so much turmoil at such young ages, and yet they come to school with such positive attitudes. The Global Child is certainly a school of "today's children, tomorrow's world."

You can follow her at: Sasha's Sojourn in Siem Riep.

Time for Natalia

"Often, we forget what an awsome responsibility and privilege it is to raise a child.  Early Adverse Childhood Experiences can retard some children's development.  In "Time for Natasha," a foster mother/grandmother tells us an important and moving story.  There is a comment from a retired fifth grade teacher as well.

"My granddaughter, Natalia, came to live with me at the age of four.  I never knew how serious a learning disability could be until then.  Her mother had been ill since before her birth.  Her father had been abusive, compelling her to sit and watch television all day.  She wasn't allowed the luxury of play nor did she watch anything age- appropriate.  There was no communication with her mother who was so medicated that she was in deep slumber most of the day.  Communication with her father consisted of constant disapproval and scolding.  I spoke Spanish to her or I'd have noticed her English was distorted beyond recognition.
It broke my heart when I realized that she had no communication skills in English, couldn't write her name, didn't recognize a single letter or sound..."  Download Time for Natalia

Comment from Bonnie Millette, a retired fifth grade teacher, who loved her work and misses the classroom even as she spends her time traveling and experincing the U.S.A.: 

"This grandmother is fantastic!!  She is shaping another life in a positive way.  She has taken on another child and shown her that even if she has a learning disability she can learn. Yes, she may take longer than many children at each grade level and not feel she fits in. As she gets older though she will understand how great it was to have a grandmother and teachers helping her but, as a child she may be more concerned with fitting in and friendships." for more Download Millette

Halloween Cadaver Palaver

"The cadavers gather in early September.  After a cold, dark, lonely summer,  each alone on a gurney, stiffened by cold and formalin, they are glad for the well-lit anatomy laboratory, though one or two express exasperation at the fluorescent lightening which gives their skin a bluish pallor." 

Tonight, Halloween, is their special evening.  Larry Zaroff presents a story about sentient ghouls with heart:  Cadaver Reunion.  Chill out and Download CADAVER REUNION

Author Bio: Larry Zaroff has had five careers: cardiac surgeon, mountaineer, teacher of the medical humanities, writer, and volunteer family doctor.  You may contact him at: Larry Z.

The image is from the New Yorker Cover, 10/31/2005                                                                                  

Raising Zane

by Justin Vincent

he loves animals science the natural world
            he thirsts for information
    connects ideas asks profound questions for his age
        but he has a darker side as well
                he is private
        intrusions can be met with force
    he is sweet but has a temper that breeds anger
            he finds difficult to control
                     he doesn't fit the mold we're told...  more Download Raising Zane

Author Bio: Upon arriving at Stanford University in 2008 as the first in his family to attend college, Justin Vincent intended to delve into cellular and molecular biology in anticipation of a future in biomedical research. As a non-traditional student living on campus with his wife and three children, a series of personal medical experiences prompted a deeper interest in the social and cultural factors that affect health. Justin will graduate in 2011 with a degree in Human Biology and plans to begin Medical School in 2012.