Sodium Dialysate Prescription in a New Dialysis Facility

As the Medical Director of this new dialysis facility, I recommend a fixed sodium dialysate (Nadial) concentration at 138 mEq/L. This relates to my former experience in the Tassin unit in France and the fear of sodium as a powerful uremic toxin. I realize that, according to the Na+ set-point theory, a fixed value of the Nadial may create a plasma–dialysate (P–D) gradient and may favor intradialytic plasma Na+ changes. In cases where this is associated with signs of negative Na+ balance (bad session tolerance/quality of life) or positive Na+ balance (high interdialytic weight gain or high blood pressure), individualization of the Nadial to reduce the P–D gradient and change in plasma Na+ concentration may be useful, even though evidence remains scarce. I look forward to the possibility of using new dialysis machines that allow for the evaluation of sodium balance and tailoring of the sodium diffusion process.

Dimensions of Psychological Well-being and Subjective Happiness in the New Normal: An Exploration

The pandemic has brought in unprecedented changes in societies across the globe. It has altered the equilibrium and forced individuals to move out of their comfort zone, leading to disturbance in psychological well-being in the new normal (Kuster, 2021). This empirical study examines the effect of psychological well-being (PWB) on subjective happiness (SH) of students of higher educational institutions (HEIs) during the global pandemic. Total of 290 students of HEIs were administered with the PWB questionnaire and SH questionnaire. The relationship between the variables was examined using multiple regression. The results indicated that the SH levels of the sample were above average (M = 19.76). SH was found to be more in women. No gender difference was found in PWB levels. The findings also revealed that improving PWB will positively influence the SH (r = 0.581) of the students. PWB can explain 32% variation of SH. Self-acceptance (p = .01), autonomy (p = .01), positive relationships with others (p = .03), and personal growth (p = .002) increases the feeling of SH. The findings validate the set point theory that while recent life events influence SH, individuals tend to return to natural set point over a period in time. The findings add to the repertoire of research on PWB and SH in the context of Set point theory. Study findings can help in strategizing the student counselling process as well as curriculum design of HEIs to ensure greater SH of its stakeholders.

Foundations and Future of Well-Being

This chapter begins by exploring subjective well-being and its origins dating back to ancient thinkers such as Aristotle. It discusses two main forms of subjective well-being; eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. The chapter then delves into the roles of personality, emotional intelligence, positive emotions, economics and religion in influencing subjective well-being. Measures of well-being are discussed as well as the notion of the Hedonic Treadmill and how it operates with the Set-point Theory of happiness. In addition, this chapter also presents the latest research from neuroscience and discusses how neuroscience potentially challenges personality and set-point theories. A few practical steps for subjective well-being are also discussed. Overall, this chapter covers the historical and contemporary theories of subjective well-being and explores a new positive direction on the association of personality, health and subjective well-being.

Foundations and Future of Well-Being

This chapter begins by exploring subjective well-being and its origins dating back to ancient thinkers such as Aristotle. It discusses two main forms of subjective well-being; eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. The chapter then delves into the roles of personality, emotional intelligence, positive emotions, economics and religion in influencing subjective well-being. Measures of well-being are discussed as well as the notion of the Hedonic Treadmill and how it operates with the Set-point Theory of happiness. In addition, this chapter also presents the latest research from neuroscience and discusses how neuroscience potentially challenges personality and set-point theories. A few practical steps for subjective well-being are also discussed. Overall, this chapter covers the historical and contemporary theories of subjective well-being and explores a new positive direction on the association of personality, health and subjective well-being.