Blog

May 15, 2024 1 min read Blog

Even brief anger can be dangerous to your health

Anger is a natural response to injustice, but there are all kinds of health risks that come from the emotion. I think that in the majority of situations, we benefit by tempering our anger.

“When adults became angry after remembering past experiences, the function of cells lining the blood vessels was negatively impaired, which may restrict blood flow, according to a new study. Previous research has found that this may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In this study, episodes of anxiety and sadness did not trigger the same change in functioning of the blood vessel lining.”

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function | ScienceDaily

May 14, 2024 1 min read Blog

How to help someone when you don’t know what to say

How do you help someone who is suffering or mourning? We can’t take away their pain, and so it’s hard to know how to help. This article has some excellent advice.

‘“I’m thinking of you,” “You crossed my mind today,” and “I’m just checking in” are also helpful entry points, says licensed marriage and family therapist Kiaundra Jackson. These sentiments are quick, but not unfeeling, don’t require a response, and show your loved one you’re available should they choose to engage.’

Also, this bit is really good advice for a mistake I often find myself making.

‘Open-ended statements and questions like, “I’m here if you need anything,” “How can I help?” or, “What do you need?” are too broad. Asking someone who’s upset or grieving what they need puts the onus on them to help you feel useful.’

What advice would you add?

How can you be there for someone when you don’t know what to say? - Vox

May 13, 2024 1 min read Blog

How many children’s lives have been saved in the last 31 years?

As a follow-up to my previous post about inventions that have saved billions of lives, here’s a fascinating analysis by Our World in Data. It looks at the decline in childhood mortality of the last 31 years.

What’s the impact? 132 million more people are alive today thanks to progress in global health.

“To make the millions who were saved by progress in global health visible, I am asking a simple question: how many more children would have died if the global child mortality rate had not declined?”

Our World in Data

Apr 26, 2024 1 min read Blog

FTC Bans Non-Compete Agreements. Good Riddance.

This week the FTC announced a new, nationwide rule banning non-compete agreements in employment. The agency estimates that it will “generate over 8,500 new businesses each year, raise worker wages, lower health care costs, and boost innovation.”

There are some reasonable arguments that the rule doesn’t survive legal challenges that the FTC acted beyond its power. But I do think this will inevitably mark the end of widespread use of them.

If you’re wondering how bad these can really be, read this account of a Florida lawyer, Jonathan Pollard, who’s represented employees on this very issue.

50 million Americans or more are subject to or have been subject to bogus non-compete agreements. The estimates of how many people are subject to non-compete agreements are way too low. Just because you don’t hear about non-compete agreements in a certain business or industry doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They are.

What I’ve Learned in 7 Years of Defending Poor People Against Bogus Non-Compete Agreements | Pollard Law

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