Wesley J. Smith

I don’t think it takes a “study” to know this, but apparently happier people are healthier people. From the story: A happy heart just might be a healthier one as well, new research suggests.In a study of nearly 3,000 healthy British adults, lead by Dr.Andrew Steptoe of University . . . . Continue Reading »

This is an interesting turn of events: San Francisco has been abuzz about a new health care plan designed to cover everyone in the city. A court ruling has (for now) prevented City Commissars from taxing businesses to pay for it, and so for now the plan is temporarily scaled back to cover people . . . . Continue Reading »

I just completed The Darkest Evening of the Year by my pal Dean Koontz. It is very good; a thriller in the classic Koontz mold that really gets taut in the last 30 pages.But there is more here than a very good thrill ride—although that would be enough. Dean also mounts some well aimed social . . . . Continue Reading »

To all SHS readers and commenters: We had some technical difficulties here at SHS over the holiday, and I was unable to upload any posts, nor were the comments people made uploaded. The problem seems to be fixed now. Good thing: I was going through withdrawal.I continued to post during that time, . . . . Continue Reading »

I have been noticing a slight trend, or perhaps better stated, the hint of a breeze that could become a slight trend: Animal rights versus environmentalism. Animal rights, very generally stated, fervently promotes the equal moral worth of animals with people based on the capacity to feel pain or . . . . Continue Reading »

The meltdown of the UK’s NHS is hitting unbelievable lows. Now, patients with conditions such as asthma and arthritis are being told, “Treat yourselves.” From the story:Instead of going to hospital or consulting a doctor, patients will beencouraged to carry out “self . . . . Continue Reading »

To all the readers of SHS, a wonderful, safe, healthy, and happy New Year. And remember, in the end we all destined to be yesterday’s news—as the above photograph I took in Rome symbolizes. (You will, no doubt, notice that there isn’t a photo. Blame Blogger: It won’t upload. . . . . Continue Reading »

The government’s federal regulations about health care are rigidly pro-privacy. That is generally to be applauded, although I have heard (perhaps Apocryphal) stories of staffers not being able to tell a spouse that their beloved is in the hospital.On the other hand, sometimes bureaucrats can . . . . Continue Reading »

You would think that I would be delighted by this compassionate, well meaning, and finely written column by a hospice doctor named Michele Ferguson. She does an excellent job of describing the kind of benefits that hospice provides dying patients:In my work, I am reminded every day that when . . . . Continue Reading »

Well, this is hopeful news. Drugs made from bone marrow stem cells are in their final stages of human testing. From the story:Three pivotal Phase 3 trials—the last step before seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to market a drug—are under way already for Prochrymal, and some . . . . Continue Reading »