November 4, 2007, 1:50 pm
Okay readers, how about a little praise for my last post on praise? Don’t I get a little credit? A medal? Something to make me feel good about myself?
The trend toward constant praise and rewards for everyday work was the most-talked-about subject on the Well blog last week, following my post “Are Kids Getting Too Much Praise?” Readers shared several examples of over-praising and under-criticizing in schools.
We actually had a local school system consider not recognizing a valedictorian at graduation, for fear of damaging the self-esteem of the rest of the class by singling one student out.
— Posted by ag
Read more…
October 28, 2007, 12:31 pm
The Well blog got a java jolt this week as nearly 300 readers debated the merits of decaf, caffeine and espresso. The coffee smackdown was prompted by my post highlighting a Consumer Reports article about decaffeinated coffee. The CR coffee sleuths found relatively high levels of caffeine in several cups of decaf sold by popular chains.
Decaf drinkers were grateful for the information, noting that stealth caffeine is cause for concern for people who are prone to migraines or other health problems.
No wonder I still fly when I drink those decafs…now I know.
— Posted by Lee
But caffeine lovers weighed in, saying decaf was hardly worth writing about. Read more…
October 21, 2007, 2:29 pm
It was a busy week on the Well blog comment boards as readers weighed in on autism, weight loss surgery and the special delivery of a baby boy by military doctors in Iraq. But the most talked-about topic this week was a death in the funny pages. Cartoonist Tom Batiuk won praises and catcalls from readers who watched his character Lisa Moore succumb to breast cancer in the comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Read more…
October 13, 2007, 4:00 pm
My recent article about the evolutionary role of grandmothers generated a lively discussion on the message boards. Many readers used the story as an opportunity to celebrate their own grandmothers. Here’s what two of them had to say. Read more…
September 28, 2007, 6:24 am
This week, readers were buzzing about toothbrushes, Tyra Banks, breakfast cereal and fake ID cards. Here are some notable responses.
My posting about a new musical toothbrush from Hasbro generated a surprising amount of debate. Several readers criticized my decision to let my daughter use the brush. Read more…
Healthy living doesn't happen at the doctor's office. The road to better health is paved with the small decisions we make every day. It's about the choices we make when we buy groceries, drive our cars and hang out with our kids. Join columnist Tara Parker-Pope as she sifts through medical research and expert opinions for practical advice to help readers take control of their health and live well every day. You can reach Ms. Parker-Pope at 
