Fear. Without it we wouldn’t be able to survive. Why? Because it’s the emotion that warns us about potential threats to our survival and urges us to protect ourselves from them. Let me give you an example to illustrate what I mean. Imagine that you’re walking outside in the dark and suddenly you see a snake jumping right in front of your feet. Immediately fear kicks in. You start sweating, your heart rate goes up, and your cortisol as well as adrenaline levels increase. The snake could be poisonous, so you immediately need to protect yourself from it. [Full article]

Every time there are reports of a mass shooting, there are a number of people who automatically question whether the suspect had mental health issues or was taking prescription medications such as antidepressants. While history has shown that the most notorious mass shooters in this century were taking antidepressants or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) before they carried out the deadly rampages, there are a number of killings that have been linked directly to the dangerous drugs. In fact, the pharmaceutical companies behind the most popular SSRI’s have paid hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. [Full article]

Since the USA restored diplomatic relations with Cuba in July 2015 and Pope Francis visited the Caribbean island last September, Cuba is fast becoming a popular holiday destination. But some people might be unaware that its controversial former president, Fidel Castro – was educated by the Jesuits. Fidel Castro wasn’t the best student. Known for being a troublemaker, he was taught in two other schools before being sent to study under the Jesuits – first in the city of Santiago, and then in the famed Colegio de Belen in the capital, Havana, where he met a mentor who influenced his attitude for life. [Full article]