Greg's Blog

Over Diagnosis

Greg Horgan — 2012-09-14T08:02:44+10:00

articleid=1203523">leading medical journal in the United States has dubbed over-diagnosis a “modern epidemic”; in Britain the BBC has just broadcast a two-part investigative series on it; and today this website kicks off a two-week long exploration of the problem.

...Some of the strongest evidence comes from the world of breast cancer, with suggestions from a recent systematic review that up to one in three women diagnosed through mammography screening may, in fact, be “over-diagnosed”. ...

In partnership with the BMJ and leading US consumer organisation Consumer Reports, the conference is designed to bring together research and researchers from around the world to talk about how to improve methods, enhance communication, and develop policy responses to the problem. Click here to learn more about the conference.

The Rusty Acupuncturist

Greg Horgan — 2012-07-09T14:42:03+10:00

By the way, you won't have either of these experiences when you visit my clinic. ...

The Happiness Advantage

Greg Horgan — 2012-07-08T16:17:04+10:00

Another take on happiness and the advantages to be gained by being more happy. ... ...

How Happily Healthy Are You

Greg Horgan — 2012-07-08T16:08:02+10:00

I think this is a great little test you can use as a bench mark to measure your progress when and if you decide to improve your happiness and your health. I'm recommending it because I am familiar with Tony's work and I admire what he is doing. ...

Creative Hoplessness

Greg Horgan — 2012-05-05T09:54:38+10:00

It is perfectly normal for all of us to have episodes like this, but when it becomes the order of the day it is time to do something about it. Today's video (the third in a series form Russ Harris) is a little exercise you can use in such times. ...Of course, if this video is helpful, but you need more you can always contact me for help.

Self Acceptance or Self Esteem

Greg Horgan — 2012-04-21T16:55:13+10:00

Self acceptance is something you can learn and if you take 10 minutes to watch the video below you will see what I mean. It makes sense to me that if one learns self acceptance this will in time lead to higher (positive and realistic) self esteem. ...

The Nutshell Metaphor

Greg Horgan — 2012-04-15T16:41:15+10:00

May I suggest that you get hold of a trustworthy friend or family member; watch the video together and try it out for yourself. ...However, It is important to make a distinction between DEFUSION (letting go of the feelings) and ACCEPTANCE (accepting them and that they will always be with you). ...If you are interested in purchasing a copy of The Happiness Trap, (I highly recommend it - along with Russ's other books) let me know.

Stay Present - Experience the Magic

Greg Horgan — 2012-04-07T16:19:16+10:00

He had a bit to say about what was important in life and one thing that strikes me is that he continually made reference to the importance of the everyday miracles of life; the importance of stories and the value of staying present in one's everyday experiences. Like so many of those I hold in high regard, he insisted that the health of the mind was to be found in being constantly present in the experience of everyday life. ...If I may be so bold, I would suggest he discovered what so many other great teachers, healers and philosophers have - and it's this: if you spend much of your time in the present you will fare much better than those trapped in the remorse of their past, or those seeking salvation in the future.

Natural Talent

Greg Horgan — 2012-03-23T19:06:02+11:00

Seems to me that one may be born with natural talent (i.e.sourced from a gene pool of great scholars, sports people, etc.); but, like muscles, a genes are just great genes, unless they're exercised. On the other hand, you may have the misfortune (perhaps not the best term either) to be born little natural talent and not such a great gene pool. ...Seems to me we all have natural talent - for something - and if we were to work that natural talent, it just might spill over into other areas of our lives.

Three Rules for a Better Day

Greg Horgan — 2012-03-15T18:00:10+11:00

On the other hand life could be a challenge, if it’s hard then the end result is more satisfying, I make stuff ups, but I learn from them, people are not horrible, they’re just need a nice word from someone. ...On the other hand if I were to say, I’d like to be trim, taught and terrific - and this is how I’m going to achieve that; then the Mind will pay attention. ...When you find yourself being spooked by the enormity of the task ahead ask yourself this question, what is one small, achievable action I can take in the next 24 hours that will move in the right direction; and act on it.

Success - What is It?

Greg Horgan — 2012-03-09T19:34:52+11:00

Fact is; we don’t have to balance anything in our lives; nothing is out of balance in the first place. ...Take 5 minutes out of your day - today - and with pen and paper in hand, begin compiling a list of the things in your life that you have been successful at. When you have done that take a few more minutes to define your idea of what it is to be successful.

Short Mindfulness Practice

Greg Horgan — 2012-02-28T20:03:19+11:00

Today I would like to have a little bit of fun, and in the process perhaps we can help a few people out. ...Notice what your mind is telling you and notice how much you are enjoying this - even if you just want to swallow. ...For example: cleaning your teeth, tying your shoe laces, eating an entire meal (don't hold it for too long though), and so on.

Change is Not Easy

Greg Horgan — 2012-02-26T00:17:44+11:00

I never have one before 5pm (except on special occasions); I only drink on weekends (this one is not so hard and fast); I never drink more than one bottle of wine in one day (the pain is a great deterrent). ...So, there are things about my behaviours I have changed; some things I would like to change and others I'm not yet convinced need changing. ...I thought it might be helpful for you to know that I too am human and that to struggle with unwanted or unhealthy behaviours is normal - it's OK to struggle.