Dr Joe Unplugged

Dr Joe Unplugged is your home for open commentary on health, wellbeing and life in the broadest sense. We will explore diet, exercise, sleep and stress amongst other health matters as well as issues that may impact you and your wellbeing in direct or indirect ways....

It’s Christmas!

If Christmas did not exist it would need to be invented. Perfectly timed at the end of the year, it allows for many people worldwide to celebrate in some way, shape or form. This may be the formal religious celebration or simply a catch up with friends and family....

We Need Our Sleep

Human beings spend more time being asleep than anything else. It is estimated that at the turn of the twentieth century the average American slept nine hours each night. By the turn of the twenty first century this figure has dropped to under eight hours. Lack of...
Curried Zucchini Soup

Curried Zucchini Soup

You need: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons curry powder 1/2 cup of small white beans, soaked 1 small sweet potato, skinned and coarsely chopped 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth 6 medium zucchini, ends...

The Mental Health Paradox

The Mental Health Paradox

We live in a time of paradox. In the western world (indeed in almost all countries) life expectancy is increasing. Historically people had to worry about not having enough to eat and having shelter. In western countries, for the vast majority of people these are not...

5 Tips For Holding Your Child Without Restraint

5 Tips For Holding Your Child Without Restraint

If you have been following my series on childhood injections you will be aware of my aversion to holding kids down when they are getting a medical procedure. The alternative is really simple! Holding for comfort rather than restraint. Comfort holds are more gentle on...

Shiitake Bacon/Crispy Mushrooms

Shiitake Bacon/Crispy Mushrooms

Whatever you decide to call this treat, I think you’ll agree shiitake mushrooms are never a bad idea – especially when they’re made into crispy, salty little snacks that work so well in salads, side dishes and as crunchy little gluten free toppings for soups. In terms...

Death And Taxes

Death And Taxes

Words that can mean different things to different people are much loved by the political and chattering classes. It enables them to say something without having to actually define what they are saying. Terms like “fair” and “saving lives” are bandied about with not...

So You Can Get Back To Business

So You Can Get Back To Business

Computers, cell phones, and tablets all have their place in my life. The task feature in Outlook helps to remind me to turn in my timecard, run monthly reports and complete other routine tasks. SmartSheet, a project management tool, allows tracking of project...

Healthy Quinoa Porridge

Healthy Quinoa Porridge

How often do you change things up? Just like your body and mind, your digestive system needs change, and variety. If you’ve been eating the same foods every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s time to shake things up a little starting with THIS breakfast dish,...

Killing More Than Pain

Killing More Than Pain

This year we have lost much musical talent. The passing of Prince is another loss that is being mourned. The sudden nature of his passing has of course led to much speculation. Some has centered on the presence of painkillers in his house or possession. In due course...

How to Overcome Procrastination

How to Overcome Procrastination

When was the last time you put off doing something that you said you would do? Do you drag your feet when it comes to taking action e.g. exercise, public speaking, writing, study, paperwork, phone calls, making a life decision, etc? Are you dwelling too much on the...

Naturally Sweet Gummies

Naturally Sweet Gummies

You need: 3/4 cups full fat coconut milk 150g frozen strawberries 1 tablespoon agar powder – NOT flakes, you must use powder, this makes a HUGE difference!! To prepare: Heat milk and strawberries in a small saucepan until strawberries soften. Turn heat off and puree...

The Money Pit

The Money Pit

In most western countries inflation is under reasonable control. Prices are rising for most consumer goods by 2% or less. In addition to this as technology advances the cost tends to go down. Consider the costs of a mobile phone or computer or car today compared to 20...

Reflection

Reflection

So, here I am, sitting on a plane between Melbourne and Perth I thought I'd reflect on my holiday and I realised something profound. Firstly, this is the first time I've flown in seven and a half years because, pre-eating clean, my Crohns stopped me. I didn't trust my...