The Epidemic of Despair Among White Americans: Trends in the Leading Causes of Premature Death, 1999–2015 | AJPH

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Conclusions. The unfavorable recent trends in premature death rate among non-Hispanic Whites outside large urban areas were primarily caused by self-destructive health behaviors likely related to underlying social and economic factors in these communities. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 17, 2017: e1–e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.303941)

Source: The Epidemic of Despair Among White Americans: Trends in the Leading Causes of Premature Death, 1999–2015 | AJPH | Ahead of Print

Physicians are being murdered for not prescribing opioids

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I would like to suggest that the root of this opioid epidemic lies far deeper than “physicians overprescribing.” The problem is that we are now a society of adults who have no coping skills. No ability to deal with the curves that life throws us. Everyone is looking for a quick fix. We have taught our children that they should never have to feel any sort of discomfort whether emotional or physical.

Source: Physicians are being murdered for not prescribing opioids

I’ve been concerned about the lack of coping skills for quite some time.

Then I read this:

The number of Americans who say they’ve taken an antidepressant over the past month rose by 65 percent between 1999 and 2014, a new government survey finds.

Source: Antidepressant Use Jumps 65 Percent in 15 Years

This is depressing.

To be or not to be (a tree)

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This post is neither an endorsement nor a specific request.  With all of the things I have to think about I now have to decide whether or not I want to be a tree after death.

Memo to Self and To Do List Adds

  1. Decide whether or not to become a tree.
  2. Revise will.
  3. Inform spouse and children of my wishes.
  4. Review advance health care directive to see if it includes watering instructions.