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August 2021

Welcome to the August issue of WonderWell, a newsletter intended to gather the most groundbreaking research and insightful commentaries in evidence-based medicine, wellness, healthcare leadership, writing, and innovation to help you live and work in alignment with your purpose and well-being. 

Some things that had me wondering this month:
 

1. COVID and…
Delta and Children :  What to be aware of when planning for late summer and Fall.
The CDC reversal “flip flopping” on masks:  And what it means for trust in public health  [and this relates to a piece I wrote for Wired several weeks ago].
On the WHO booster shot moratorium, and imminent pandemic ‘booster shot’ inequality
The role of the media in COVID coverage and public health communication

2. Podcasts (and shows) worth listening to/watching 
A great podcast with Tim Ferris and Michael Pollan on his latest book about plants/plant medicine, and ties to the drug war (including an interesting origin story that harkens back to a never published essay in Harpers).  And one with Ezra Klein in conversation with two giants in understanding the history of race in America, reflecting on the debates around the 1619 Project.

3.On…headaches
A reported Op-ed by Thomas Zellar, on headaches, delves into the realities and research. Complement with the wonderful Joan Didion, whose essay, “In Bed,” is an ode to migraines, and just an excellent model for a science essay.

4.Sound (and wise) reflections
By BF Skinner, on ‘how to discover what to say‘

5.Miscellany 
~An incredible UCSF study which translated a paralyzed/nonverbal man’s ‘brainwaves’ into words.

6.Best tweets of the month goes to…

Simone Biles, on being more than her occupation. 

“the outpouring [sic] love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before.”

Rebecca Carroll, on Issa Rae’s OOO response 🙂

“Issa Rae’s out of office email message says “I am unavailable, unreachable and uninterested for the next two weeks” and I love it.”

and James Clear (who has an excellent Newsletter)

1. Do great work. 2. Share it publicly. 3. Cold email people 2 steps ahead of you. 4. Talk about your work and trade ideas. 5. Host events and meet in-person. 6. Become friends. 7. Rise together.

In My Own Words…

For Elemental, I wrote about recovery and rest, which is more timely now, after the Olympics, as Simone Biles also notoriously stepped away from several gymnastics events (and went on to medal).                     

This has been a trying few weeks, with the emergence of Delta and new lockdowns/restrictions. We’re in a marathon, clearly, which is easier together.

Have a healthy, joyful, and safe August,

Amitha Kalaichandran, M.D., M.H.S.