House Republicans unveil Zika funding bill

Democrats immediately slammed the legislation, which would provide much less than the administration's $1.3 billion request

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse-republicans-unveil-zika-funding-bill%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Man receives first penis transplant in America

A 64-year-old cancer survivor is recovering in a Boston hospital after what surgeons called the first penis transplant in the United States

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideos%2Fman-receives-first-penis-transplant-in-america%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Life or death: A heroin addict's last day before rehab

CBS News cameras followed a heroin addict as he spent his last day looking to score drugs before checking into rehab

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Flife-or-death-a-heroin-opioid-addicts-last-day-before-rehab%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Dangerous heroin-fentanyl combination fuels overdoses

Every 18 minutes, someone in America dies of an opioid overdose; the frightening rates of overdoses are fueled by a mix of heroin and an opioid called fentanyl

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fdangerous-heroin-fentanyl-opioid-combination-fuels-overdoses%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

How opioid addicts can get help

Seventy-eight Americans die every day from an opioid overdose; here's how to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-heroin-opioid-painkiller-addicts-can-get-help%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Half of Heart Attacks Might Be 'Silent'

Without typical symptoms, many miss out on crucial medical care, experts say

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fheart-disease%2Fnews%2F20160516%2Fhalf-of-heart-attacks-might-be-silent%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Wearable Monitor Helps Spot 'Masked' High Blood Pressure

Black people with undetected problem twice as likely to eventually have abnormal readings at doctor: study

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fhypertension-high-blood-pressure%2Fnews%2F20160516%2Fwearable-monitor-helps-spot-masked-high-blood-pressure%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Greater self-acceptance improves emotional well-being

Follow me at @srinipillay

Self-acceptance is defined as “an individual’s acceptance of all of his/her attributes, positive or negative.” It includes body acceptance, self-protection from negative criticism, and believing in one’s capacities.

Many people have low self-acceptance. There can be many reasons for this, but one widely accepted theory is that because we develop our self-esteem, in part, from others appreciating us, people with low self-acceptance may have had parents who lacked empathy during their childhood. Consequently, in their adult lives, they may need much stronger affirmation from others than most people do. In other words, ordinary levels of approval do not “move the needle” on their self-esteem.

Some people with low self-acceptance try to bolster it by accomplishing great things. But this only helps your self-esteem for a while. That’s because achievement is a poor substitute for intimacy. In addition, these people are often under the impression that “taking it” when suffering is the main reflection of their value. It’s hard for them to believe in genuine caring, and when it does come their way, they are suspicious of it.

Of course, self-acceptance (or lack thereof) does not exist in a vacuum — it actually has profound effects on your physical and psychological health. For that reason, it is worth understanding what these effects are, and what you can do about it.

The emotional and physical consequences of low self-acceptance

Without self-acceptance, your psychological well-being can suffer, and often, beneficial interventions are less helpful for you than for others with higher self-acceptance.

For example, practicing mindfulness can help many people reduce the impact of stress. But when you cannot accept yourself, it becomes less effective. Also, if you have a physical illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, not accepting yourself can make you more anxious about your body. In this context, your automatic negative thoughts increase.

In addition, if you feel negatively about yourself, the brain regions that help you control emotions and stress have less gray matter than someone with a greater degree of self-acceptance — that is, these regions actually have less tissue to “work with.” This lack of gray matter may also appear in regions of the brainstem that process stress and anxiety. Stress signals from these latter regions, in turn, disrupt the emotional control regions. So, poor self-acceptance may disrupt emotional control in two ways: directly, by disrupting the brain regions that control it, and also indirectly, by increasing stress signals in your brain that subsequently disrupt these regions.

How to bolster your self-acceptance

There are three ways to increase self-acceptance:

1. self-regulation
2. self-awareness
3. self-transcendence.

Self-regulation involves suppressing negative emotions such as self-hatred, refocusing on the positive aspects of yourself, and reframing negative situations so that you see the opportunities in them. For example, looking for ways in which negative criticism can help you grow constitutes reframing.

However, self-control may be less powerful than we think. The lack of self-acceptance can be deeply unconscious — that is, it can exist at a level beyond our conscious control. Also, when you do not accept or forgive yourself, “you” are still split from “yourself” — you do not feel “together.” Both of these parts — the one that needs to forgive, and the one that needs to be forgiven — are at odds with each other. In this situation, self-transcendence can be helpful.

When you are “self-transcendent,” you rely less on things outside of yourself to define you. Instead, you turn to an unforced sense of connectedness with the world. You can achieve this by contributing to work, family, or the community at large. The goal is to seek unity with some system in a way that is heartfelt and authentic. Any of the methods I’ve described in this post may also contribute to self-transcendence.

Fortunately, just like self-acceptance, self-transcendence also engenders physical changes in the brain. It has been associated with increased serotonin transporter availability in the brainstem. As mentioned earlier, this same region impacts self-acceptance. Transcendental meditation is another potential tool to consider for self-transcendence. It decreases cortisol and reduces your stress response.

Meditation as a path to self-acceptance

Self-acceptance can also be achieved by two other kinds of meditation: mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation.

Mindful attention to emotions involves not “judging,” but observing, your emotions when they arise. This can lower your brain’s emotional response to anxiety and distress. It effectively “calms down” your amygdala.

Having more compassion toward yourself appears to be helpful in increasing self-acceptance. Loving-kindness meditation can help you achieve this state by changing the activity in regions of the brain that perceive and process emotions. For example, people previously numb to praise may be able to become more accepting of it. It is also associated with greater connectivity within the brain. This makes sense, as lack of self-acceptance has been associated with excessive right-hemisphere activity in the brain. Loving-kindness meditation provides a potential way to correct this imbalance.

Find the ways to self-acceptance that work for you

Not all of these methods work for everyone. And while double-blind placebo-controlled trials remain the scientific gold standard to assess whether each intervention “works,” they are limited too. They tell us little about what will work for an individual — an individual is, by definition, uniquely different from everyone, including study participants. So, it is most important to do what works for you. Self-acceptance is key to a healthy emotional and psychological life. Start exploring what works for you today.

Related Post:

• Managing your emotions can save your heart
• The psychology of low back pain
• A mindful worker is a happier worker
• Mindfulness meditation may ease anxiety, mental stress
• The missing rewards that motivate healthy lifestyle changes

The post Greater self-acceptance improves emotional well-being appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Srini Pillay, MD http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fgreater-self-acceptance-improves-emotional-well-201605169546&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Successful penis transplant performed in the U.S.

Surgeons at a Boston hospital say a patient has received the first penis transplant performed in the U.S.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideos%2Fsuccessful-penis-transplant-performed-in-the-u-s%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Uncle Sam wants YOU... to track Zika mosquitoes

Government officials ask students, science teachers, and other volunteers to help keep tabs on mosquitoes that spread disease

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Funcle-sam-wants-you-to-track-zika-mosquitoes%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Many fertility apps, websites miss the mark

A new study finds many online fertility calculators don't accurately predict best days for conception

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fmany-fertility-apps-websites-miss-the-mark%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Devout Women May Enjoy Better Health

They were one-third less likely to die over 20-year period, study suggests

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fbalance%2Fnews%2F20160516%2Fdevout-women-may-enjoy-better-health%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Exercise May Cut Risk of 13 Cancers: Study

Moderate and vigorous activity includes brisk walking, tennis, jogging, swimming

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Ffitness-exercise%2F20160516%2Fexercise-may-cut-risk-of-13-cancers-study-suggests%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Almost half of heart attacks are "silent"

Silent heart attacks are common and can be just as serious as those with classic symptoms

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Falmost-half-of-heart-attacks-are-silent%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Long work hours hinder breast-feeding for new moms

New mothers need more support in order to juggle the demands a job with the needs of a new baby, researchers say

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-long-hours-at-work-can-affect-breast-feeding-for-new-moms%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Dr. Ivan Porter Discusses Hypertension

From: Mayo Clinic http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHgNDVztccPg&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Mayo Clinic Minute: Get the Facts on Type 2 Diabetes

From: Mayo Clinic http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeRfMbfyJCjA&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Nominate EBD leaders for faculty and practice awards

Nominations are open now until Aug. 1 for three awards that honor dental school faculty and practitioners who have made significant contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fnominate-ebd-leaders-for-faculty-and-practice-awards&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

ADA develops guide for reporting new scaling code

The ADA, with support from other dental organizations and third-party payers, has developed guidance on implementing a new scaling code that fills a gap in the continuum of care for patients with gingival disease and no attachment loss.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fada-develops-guide-for-reporting-new-scaling-code&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Survey: More pregnant women in U.S. visiting a dentist

The number of pregnant women in the U.S. going to the dentist has increased 5.5 percent over the last year, according to survey data released in May from Delta Dental Plans Association.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fsurvey-more-pregnant-women-in-us-visiting-a-dentist&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Orthopedic clinic pays $750,000 to settle HIPAA charges

A North Carolina orthopedic clinic has agreed to pay $750,000 to the federal government to settle charges that the clinic potentially violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in 2013 by giving patient information to a potential business partner without an agreement.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Forthopedic-clinic-pays-750000-to-settle-hipaa-charges&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Snapshots of American Dentistry - May 16

Student debt

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fsnapshots-of-american-dentistry-may-16&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

ADA, Colgate team up for Oral Health Month

In an effort to encourage lifetimes and generations of healthy smiles in Hispanic communities, the ADA is teaming up with Colgate this June to celebrate Oral Health Month: Share More Time, Share More Smiles, an annual campaign to educate Hispanic families about the importance of proper oral care.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fada-colgate-team-up-for-oral-health-month&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

When sending emails, PBHS provides security, simplicity

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ali Alijanian shares a great deal of private patient information back and forth between his office and referring dentists.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fwhen-sending-emails-pbhs-provides-security-simplicity&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Just the Facts - May 16

Stand-alone dental plans

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fada-news%2F2016-archive%2Fmay%2Fjust-the-facts-may-16&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke with Dr. Mark Pimentel, a leading gastroenterology expert

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fvideos%2Fwhat-are-the-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

New WHO guidelines to improve care for millions living with female genital mutilation

New WHO recommendations aim to help health workers provide better care to the more than 200 million girls and women worldwide living with female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM has no health benefits, can cause grave harm, and violates the rights of girls and women. The new recommendations focus on preventing and treating obstetric complications; treatment for depression and anxiety disorders; and attention to female sexual health such as counselling.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Fentity%2Fmediacentre%2Fnews%2Freleases%2F2016%2Ffemale-genital-mutilation-guidelines%2Fen%2Findex.html&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

First U.S. Penis Transplant Patient Doing Well

First U.S. Penis Transplant Patient Doing Well

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fmen%2Fnews%2F20160516%2Ffirst-us-penis-transplant%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $130 Million Available for Foundational Agricultural Research, Education and Extension

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that $130 million in funding is available for research, education, and extension projects to support sustainable, productive and economically viable plant and animal production systems, including certified organic production.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fusda%2Fusdahome%3Fcontentid%3D2016%2F05%2F0118.xml%26amp%3Bcontentidonly%3Dtrue&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Supreme Court sends Obamacare contraceptive mandate case back to lower courts

The outcome on Monday suggests that court lacked a majority for a significant ruling

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court-sends-obamacare-contraceptive-mandate-case-back-to-lower-courts%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Could religion help you live longer?

A large study examines the relationship between attending religious services and women's death rates

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fattending-religious-services-may-help-you-live-longer-study-says%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Alcohol and high blood pressure may not mix

Even as little as an ounce of alcohol may change heart function in people with high blood pressure, study finds

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Falcohol-and-high-blood-pressure-may-not-mix%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Parents Often Keep Leftover Prescription Opioids

Pills in the home offer teens easy access, expert notes

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fparenting%2Fnews%2F20160516%2Fparents-often-dont-get-rid-of-leftover-prescription-opioids%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

5 Health Issues Candidates Should Be Talking About

The U.S. faces a variety of serious concerns beyond just the future of the federal health law.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fhealth-insurance%2F20160516%2Ffive-health-issues-presidential-candidates-arent-talking-about--but-should-be%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

U.S. Beef Arrives in Recently Reopened South African Market

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today confirmed that the first shipment of U.S. beef recently arrived in South Africa following the reopening of the South African market earlier this year.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fusda%2Fusdahome%3Fcontentid%3D2016%2F05%2F0117.xml%26amp%3Bcontentidonly%3Dtrue&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

USDA Lowers Cost to Refinance Rural Housing Loans

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2016 – USDA Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez today announced a series of changes that will make it faster and cheaper for homeowners to refinance USDA mortgages.

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fwps%2Fportal%2Fusda%2Fusdahome%3Fcontentid%3D2016%2F05%2F0116.xml%26amp%3Bcontentidonly%3Dtrue&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Coping with stress: Workplace tips

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fhealthy-lifestyle%2Fstress-management%2Fin-depth%2Fcoping-with-stress%2Fart-20048369&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fhumidifiers%2Fart-20048021&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

COPD Discovery Might Improve Treatment

Study may help pinpoint patients who won't respond to standard medications

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Flung%2Fcopd%2Fnews%2F20160515%2Fcopd-discovery-might-improve-treatment%3Fsrc%3DRSS_PUBLIC&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

Aussie Olympians to get (near) Zika-proof condoms

"Dual Protect" prophylactics offer "near complete" antiviral protection from mosquito-borne disease hammering Latin America

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Faustralia-olympics-athletes-condoms-antiviral-drug-zika-virus%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8

First U.S. penis transplant completed

Experimental procedure has 57 character name; cancer patient in Boston is recipient

From: http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-us-penis-transplant-completed%2F&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8