Dr. Lisa Belisle

Mental Gymnastics

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published October 7, 2007, Maine Sunday Telegram

My sisters and I spent hours on the family swing-set when we were small. We would belt out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Alouette” as we tried to touch the clouds with our feet. Little did we know how important these childhood pursuits might prove to be. According to Dr. Stuart Brown, Director of the National Institute for Play, when we play, we discover how to live within the constructs of our society. We learn how to share the swings, and take turns giving each other pushes. We learn how to sing together. When we play, we practice social, emotional, physical and mental skills that help us get along with others (and ourselves).

Winter Darkness

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 2007, Maine Sunday Telegram

We are living in a time of relative darkness. The sun enters our days languidly, strolling in just before we leave for work or school. No sooner have we welcomed his presence than he is gone again, trailing dusk behind. We catch ourselves longing for the days of high summer, when the sun held near-constant court. We are gladdened by the thought of the Winter Solstice, which brings with it the promise of lengthening days.

Of Roadside Bouquets

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published July 23, 2006, Maine Sunday Telegram

“Free flowers. Please help yourself,” the sign calls to all who pass by. Mounted in a delicate white frame, it is propped next to a row of festive bouquets settled in plastic tumblers. Before long, the containers stand empty on the stone wall, relieved of their blooms. It is impossible to resist the sign’s roadside request.

Dr. Lisa’s Writing

Dr. Lisa’s columns, which have appeared in several publications over the past 15 years, are archived here in reverse chronological order. Future columns will be posted on the same day as print publication.

The publications and general topics are shown below and in the left column of this page under the heading “Categories.” You can click on any of those categories to find columns that appeared in specific publications or columns that fit into those general topics.

 

If you are looking for columns on specific topics — such as phthalates or parabens or dietary supplements — then you can search this site by keyword. Just use the google search box, located in the lower left column of the page.