Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Longevity.
Are We Gaslighing Autistics Into Believing a Rational Fear Response Is a Co-Occuring Mental Illness?
You’d be hard pressed to find an autistic person who hasn’t been labeled with a mental illness in their lifetime. To clarify, autism is an identity and not a mental illness in and of itself. It’s a social disparity to the point of disability, but not an illness. I always see something along the lines of “Autism spectrum disorder is commonly associated with mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, C-PTSD, BPD, bipolar disorder, etc.” These labels make it sound like there’s something medically wrong with us, that we are mentally ill, in need of fixing. Even those who are well meaning autistics reflecting on their own experiences will note that it seems the challenges faced by autistics induce extreme stress, and therefore lead to anxiety and mood disorders. However, the fundamental reason we even treat anxiety and mood, are specifically only when they are “disorders.” Disorder implies functioning improperly. But what if autistics are just responding rationally to a harsh environment?
By Heather Dimmitt7 years ago in Longevity
Another School in Williamsburg, BK Hit By Measles...
I am no parent. I do know what it means to raise my nephews and niece. I’d like for their parents though, to be the most informed parents they can be to raise their kids well. Native New Yorker or not, education is a right to be utilized by all. As a child of immigrants I am proud to be educated, but unfortunately, I am disillusioned with how some utilize their platform of education to dissuade others from making decisions that help the young thrive.
By Kathleen Blanco7 years ago in Longevity
Sedentary Lifestyle: A Curse
Since my medical school teacher introduced me to this smartphone application to track my daily footsteps, I have realized how much of a couch potato I am! 10,000 steps are apparently my daily target; ten is what I actually make. Too little? Let’s count it to 100 to make it sound less dramatic.
By ishwa iqbal7 years ago in Longevity
What You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Type of Massage
Life is full of stress which usually involves work, family, finances, and tough situations regardless are a huge source. Stress that is not managed will lead to a variety of physical, mental, and emotional ailments. That is because too much stress raises cortisol levels, which will lead to weight gain and can lead to diabetes, cancer, and other serious health problems. Additionally, stress that is not managed will lead to other serious problems such as insomnia and a weak immune system, which can also be hazardous to health.
By Jonathan G7 years ago in Longevity
Dear Self
Dear self, It's been three weeks since your emergency brain surgery and things have been hard. Really damn hard. Today as you were looking into the mirror, I noticed you run your hands over your scars and the air left your stomach. You felt it as I whispered "we are okay" but I don't think you believed me. I want you to understand, that I can't lie to you. Okay, that's not true. I can tell you that another piece of cake doesn't matter if no one sees you eat it, I can say that all of that bull you buy with inspirational quotes that you hang on the walls actually makes us feel better, and I can tell you that the people around us aren't scared to say the wrong thing with every breath but we both know deep down when I'm lying. And today, I'm not. WE ARE GOING TO BE OKAY.
By Aleea Whitmire7 years ago in Longevity
Tap into Your Potential
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them in their cores and exploded these enriched ingredients across our galaxy, billions of years ago. For this reason, we are biologically connected to every other living thing in the world. We are chemically connected to all molecules on Earth. And we are atomically connected to all atoms in the universe.We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”– Neil deGrasse Tyson
By LeLa Becker7 years ago in Longevity
Baths Can Be Cleansing in Many Ways
Not all salts are ‘salt,’ or, salt as we know it, which is technically Sodium Chloride. Mineral baths are used for a variety of reasons, most commonly Epsom Salt baths. Epsom salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate, not Sodium Chloride. Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually ‘salt,’ but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits, as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses.
By Lisa LaRue-Baker7 years ago in Longevity
To Draw in Pleasure
“Mu” means pleasure, “Dra” means to draw in or bring forth. “Mudra” is to bring forth pleasure. Often, while driving down the highway, my index finger will find its way, circling around the steering wheel, and connecting with my thumb. This connection creates a sense of peace that gently settles into my entire body.
By LeLa Becker7 years ago in Longevity
