Inspired by a little-known picture book from the pen of Bethany Tudor, this is a diary, of sorts, where I document some of my thoughts, activities, and ideas as I explore the challenges met by the characters in the story: hard work, the care and nurture of others, housekeeping skills, life changes, charity, community, and cooperation, among others. Like Samuel and Samantha, the ducks in the tale, I struggle and succeed, cope and celebrate, work and play, handling the tasks that come my way. I invite you to join me on my journey.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

DYK? Shingles & Depression

Did you know (DYK) that the pain that accompanies shingles, known in medical circles as post herpetic neuralgia (PHN), is the leading cause of suicide amongst the elderly? I heard this statement on a news broadcast last night while I was waiting to have tea and tiramisu with a homeschool friend who, ironically, has suffered from shingles a number of times. For a more detailed discussion of this phenomenon, click here.

Also, did you know that exercise can help alleviate depression? Quoting from Dr. Weil.com:
A Duke University study found that a 16-week exercise program worked s well as antidepressant drugs on adults with symptoms of major depression. The study included 202 men and women divided into four groups: one took antidepressants; a second took a supervised exercise class three times a week; a third group worked out at home. The fourth one took a placebo. At the end of the study, 47 percent of the patients on the antidepressants and 45 percent of those in the exercise class were no longer depressed. The group that exercised at home did well, too --- 40 percent had overcome their symptoms. Of those who took the placebo, only 31 percent improved. Exercise may have the same beneficial effect on the brain chemicals involved in depression as the drugs that target these substances.
For readers who would like to read the full text of this study, check the September 2007 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. Article title: “Exercise and Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

i have encountered shingles for the third time in 18 months. Am on tradamdol antidpressants and suffering with post herptich pain my age is 40 family life has been affected, i have gone from a confident outgoing person to a hermit due to feeling low, am off work but this is stressing me out as i am worried about losing my job which im not supposed to do, would love to hear from a fellow suffere.

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