Summary
Particularly on this Covid Thanksgiving, I’m thankful (and hopeful) for the increasing spread of positive health & well-being for all.
I’m sharing my 2 top favorites – Psychologist Seligman and Cardiologist Ornish. Each in their own compelling way explains how their extraordinary mind-body scientific contributions can help us to be and age well.
OnAir Post: Thanks-Giving for well-being
About
A New Health Framework
Thanks to U Penn Professor Seligman (and colleagues), the new field of positive health and well-being is flourishing. This new 8-domain definition of ‘health’ began with Total Force Fitness in 2010 and is spreading to civilians.
Here Dr. Seligman presents in his typically fascinating way, how ‘PERMA’ and your ‘explanatory style’ relate to resilience – in the face of physical illness as well as anxiety or depression.
Dr. Seligman: The Hope Circuit
HINT: You can increase the speed by clicking the gear icon, that shows once you’ve begun the video. The Q & A are interesting too!
Dr. Ornish: Lifestyle Medicine
Cardiologist Dean Ornish MD developed, tested, and has now spread the only program that is proven to REVERSE the progression of heart disease. It’s comprehensive care (covered by insurance)… not just diet and exercise. Some of the personal stories of program graduates are so inspiring.
But wait there’s more … Dr. Ornish (one of the best speakers I’ve heard) explains 40 years of research that shows his program not only reverses other diseases (like cancers), but it even slows down aging …
For more recent Ornish talks (2020), watch a video by Dr. Bill Frist interview Dr. Ornish about his book. Also, Dr. Ornish presents another in-depth slide presentation in April, 2020.
Positive Physical Health
Search an extensive database of articles on Positive (Physical) Health – by health assets or health outcomes – such as:
- Cardiac health
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Negative Emotions
- Ikigai
- Curiosity
For more about physical health and “Positive Relationships,” here’s an update on the amazing 80-year Harvard study or listen to Dr. Waldinger below.
Positive Health Projects
The research projects of Positive (Physical) Health, the study of strengths that contribute to good health and protect against illness, include:
- The Positive Cardiovascular Project
- Physical Activity Project
- Measurement of Flourishing
- World Well-Being Project
- Adolescent Positive Health Project
Positive Mental Health
The U Penn Positive Psychology Center provides a treasure trove of videos, spotlighting the foremost thought leaders in the areas of:
- Well-being
- Grit
- Compassion
- Fostering a Sense of Purpose
- Happiness
- Transcendence (religion)
- Growth Mindset
- Gratitude
- Love
- Self-control (willpower)
- Character Strengths
- Hope
- Kindness
- Adolescence
- Aging well
- Flow
- Creativity
Measure Your Strengths
It’s free … Find out about your own … Character Strengths … Attachment Style … Grittyness, and other health ‘assets’ at U Penn’s Authentic Happiness Questionnaire Center. You’ll find reliable and valid measures of:
- Emotion
- Engagement
- Flourishing
- Life Satisfaction
- Meaning
Resilience Skill Training
Learn (online) from the U Penn faculty member who trained the Army to be more resilient. The course, “Resilience Skills in a Time of Uncertainty” may be free on Coursera.
