Meditation - Stress Relief and Mind Calming Technique

Dr. Paul Bolger holds an MBA in addition to his MD and functions as an attending emergency physician at UnityPoint Health Trinity Medical Center in Illinois, where he has worked for over a decade. Away from work, Dr. Paul Bolger enjoys meditation to relax.

Meditation is increasing in popularity for several reasons. When engaging in meditation, the mind needs to be calm and silent to allow a state of deep peace and reduce scattered thoughts. In other words, meditation is meant to induce a sense of consciousness.

According to Emma Seppala, PhD, approximately 30 million Americans, including some NFL players, have tried meditation. Presumably, it produces positive results if they are willing to commit their time to the practice.

Research suggests that meditation facilitates stress relief by increasing positive emotions and life satisfaction by enhancing brain volume, which is responsible for the regulation of emotions and self-control. Additionally, meditation is known to improve attention, thus facilitating focus.

Fall Protection Tips for Winter

An experienced emergency physician, Dr. Paul Bolger cares for emergency room patients at Unity Point Health based in Rock Island, Illinois. An MD and an advocate for safety first, Dr. Paul Bolger was featured on Radish Magazine where he shared tips on preventing falls during winter.

Many emergency room visits during winter are caused by falls. Snow and melting ice on the driveway, puddles of freezing rain on the sidewalk, and slush on the road are all very slippery and are the reason for many falls.

So what can you do reduce your chances of falling during winter? The best way to avoid falls in the cold season is to wear proper-fitting foot wear, preferably shoes that provide good traction in freezing temperatures. Rubber shoes supply good traction in the cold while polyurethane hardens and gets slippery. Boots are also a good option.

When walking, take small steps. Use aids such as walkers and canes, and use handrails when they are available. Always go out with a whistle to call for help in case you fall. Keeping driveways and sidewalks shoveled and salted will also reduce falls.