Articles written by Harriet Squier

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About me - Harriet Squier

Vermont native, physician, writer, mom, gardener, flower arranger, teacher, healer.

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Health & Fitness > Depression Antidepressants and weight gain: What you should know: 1 of 15

There are many antidepressant medications out there, and all are equally likely to relieve the symptoms of depression. Which to choose for any individual patient depends, in part, on the patient's symptoms, potential side effects of the medications, and the patient's past experiences with taking antidepressants. For those wh...
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Dreaming of being a somebody: 1 of 7

For my entire adult life I've believed that if I were a writer I could be a Somebody. I studied for years to become a physician, yet in the recesses of my heart, I believed that doctoring was meant merely to support my writing. The more stressful my life was, the more I dreamed of writing. The more attention and time I spent...
Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Taking care of your health: 2 of 12

Physicians are glib about giving advice about staying healthy; I should know, I am one. Eat healthy, exercise, drink alcohol in moderation, do not smoke, do not use drugs, wear a safety belt - the list could go on for pages. We can elaborate about low glycemic index diets, aerobic exercise, prevention of osteoporosis, risk f...
Health & Fitness > Health Care Tips for choosing a doctor: 1 of 5

Choosing the right doctor can be a daunting experience. We have all met doctors we haven't liked, didn't trust, or wouldn't go back to. So how does one find a doctor that you can trust, do like and want to go back to? For most people, finding the right doctor begins with finding a primary care physician. This means a family ...
Health & Fitness > Depression Depression treatment: 2 of 8

Depression is the most common mental health disorder today. The seriousness of depression can range from mild "blues" with bad weather or with winter, to severe and life threatening suicidality. Understanding the symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, and prevention of disability. While many of us have down days...
Health & Fitness > Depression Methods doctors use to choose an antidepressant: 1 of 3

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a lack of enjoyment in usual activities, changes in appetite and sleep, sadness, loss of concentration, fatigue, and other symptoms. Many people with mild to moderate depression can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and other non medical interventions such as bright lig...
Health & Fitness > Alternative Therapies Complementary medicine and its effectiveness: 4 of 11

Complementary medicine and its effectiveness Complementary medicine refers to a medical or healing practice that incorporates a patient's values, beliefs, and culture to maximize the patient's ability to get well. Sometimes the term Alternative medicine is used with, or instead of, complementary medicine, and often refers to...
Health & Fitness > First Aid How to prepare for sports first aid: 2 of 4

While sports activities can be great fun, providing healthy exercise, invigorating competition, and relaxation, they can also put participants at risk for injury. While the casual athlete may not need to think much about first aid, coaches, trainers, and even parents who are involved in team sports may wish to be prepared to...
Health & Fitness > Cold & Flu How the bird flu virus is spread: 8 of 12

How the bird flu virus is spread Influenza viruses can originate both in humans and in birds, and both can be harbored in the trachea's of pigs. When growing together in the pig tracheas, the avian strains and human strains can and do intermix to form new strains, which then can be potentially virulent for humans. Unlike typ...
Home & Garden > Perennials Growing dahlia: 4 of 6

Vermont is a hilly state where summers are short and winters long. My 98 year old father insists on growing dahlias there. His house looks out on West Mountain and the Otter Creek Valley south of Rutland, Vermont. Half of his deep front lawn is plowed into 70 foot long rows. Each spring my brother erects scaffolding, a woode...