Finding a connection between creativity and mood disorders

In a CNN article on Health.com, Elizabeth Landau reports that studies are showing that there may be a connection between creativity and mood disorders like bipolar disorder and depression. What is unclear is if one begets the other or vice versa. People with mood disorders as well as creative people, especially those in the arts, are very sensitive to the world around them. More research has to be done.

In other health news…Yesterday, the second presidential debate took place at Belmont College in Tennessee. During the debate Senators McCain and Obama talked about their healthcare plans. Senator McCain wants to give people a refundable $5,000 tax credit to go and buy the healthcare of their choosing and also give people the chance to go across state lines to purchase healthcare. The potential problems with the plan are that the money will be taxed and consumer protection issues may arise. Senator Obama’s plan wants to help those who like the healthcare they have to lower their premiums. For those that don’t have healthcare, the healthcare that members of congress enjoy would be available. Small business would also receive a tax credit to help them provide insurance to their employees. The plan would work with insurers so that pre-conditions are not an issue. The plan also wants to provide all children in America healthcare. A potential problem would be whether or not people or businesses would be fined for not having or providing healthcare. Senator Obama’s plan seems more thoughtful and more inclusive. Senator McCain’s plan does not address people who don’t have healthcare and focuses more on working Americans. Since layoffs are on the rise, there are fewer working Americans and more uninsured Americans.