Switched-On :: Blog

The recent magazine issue is about Patient Rights in Mental Health. It talks about treatment for people with mental health issues, how some people who are receiving treatment can be traumatized by the horrible treatment. That reminds me of a book called One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. It is about men in a mental institution who are treated horribly by a nurse who works there. They are given strict schedules and they do not have any freedom what so ever. They are afraid of the nurse to the point where she has so much power of the men. Then comes McMurphy, a new patient. He changes things slowly but surely. The men in the hospital aren’t used to change and two of them commit suicide. The nurse has shown so much power that she puts fear in all the men. That is not mental institutions should treat their patients.

- Tatiana

Beware… Beware… BEWARE! The holidays are upon us, and with this season come those unwanted pounds. Those love handles don’t just appear, ladies and gents, they are directly related to those extra helpings of stuffing, slices of pie, and pounds of ice cream. They come from those lovely Christmas drinks, those potato latkes, and those filthy delicious chocolates your Aunt Myrtle always bring over. Don’t you look at me with those sad, puppy-dog eyes and tell me how gross you feel… PUT DOWN THE FOOD, step away, and get your butt to the gym!

Ok, so I am seriously just kidding. But, have you ever felt the sting of the holiday weight gain? I know I have… and it doesn’t feel so good. In fact, it feels quite terrible. I have been on the receiving end of those nasty aforementioned statements, and let me tell you, nothing makes me want to eat more. So, this holiday season, I challenge you to eat your hearts out. Enjoy those needless calories, indulge in those rich, delectable pastries, and relish those new found love handles. I know I love having a little something, something to grab on to.

- Scott

A recent study on autism shows that 1 out of a 100 children are diagnosed with autism. This is a 50% increase compared to before. Although the causes for this increase is unknown, this has caused more attention to be directed to the issue of autism. Autism is often characterized by impaired social interaction which can prove to be problematic in their development throughout life. Boys are also four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls although, again, not much is known as to why. There is currently no “cure” for autism and treatment usually involves therapy and behavioral intervention which has been shown to be more effective if done earlier. Since there are no blood tests that can be used to detect autism, it is necessary for the caregivers of the child to pay extra attention to the child’s behavior to ensure that if they exhibit symptoms of autism to get them treatment as soon as possible.

- Vivian

For a while I’ve had itchy eyes and an itchy nose but didn’t pay much attention to it. But recently it’s gotten worse. I might go get it checked out if I’m allergic to like, I don’t know, dust mites or something in the house. Only thing is I can’t figure out what difference there is at my house that would’ve caused me to suddenly get worse. Maybe the dust mite build up is crazy… my dad plans on getting a vapor steam cleaner to kill dust mites and bacteria all off. Hopefully it’ll work. Otherwise, I think I’m in for a lot more pain since it isn’t even a seasonal allergy. Also apparently dust mites and bacteria hinders the skin’s ability to regenerate as well — especially for eczema patients. I feel like I should just go and get everything checked up since my skin on my fingers have also been in terrible condition. Anyone else have a similar experience and would like to suggest to me as to how I should deal with all this?

- Vivian