Thursday/Jeudi June/Juin 25, 2026
#CurrentlyCodingAndWorking…
#MaintenantJeCodeEtJeTravaille…
The Preventable Crisis:
Measles, America, & the Cost of Hesitancy
More than 4,300 confirmed measles cases have struck the United States since January 2025. Almost every single one was entirely preventable. This is the story of a disease that should not exist in a vaccinated nation — and why it does. [ZACK TECHNOLOGY LLC]
You are likely thinking of the French drama film ***Couture***, directed by Alice Winocour.
The movie follows a fictional American indie filmmaker named Maxine Walker (played by Jolie) who travels to Paris to direct a project tied to a runway show for Paris Fashion Week. While caught up in the high-stakes, glamorous frenzy of the fashion world, she receives a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis.
The role is deeply personal for Jolie. In real life, she lost her mother to cancer and famously underwent a preventative double mastectomy in 2013 after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. During interviews for the film, Jolie mentioned that she even wore a necklace containing her late mother's ashes while shooting to help channel the vulnerability and emotional weight of the diagnosis. via Gemini AI (Google]
Listening Labs: The Lived Experience
For many people living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), diagnosis is only the start. The next challenge is navigating care, being heard, finding support, and accessing joined-up services.
That is why we are inviting our community to take part in a series of Listening Labs as part of the development of a new Model of Care for EDS and HSD. These structured virtual sessions are a chance to share your real experiences of seeking care, especially in primary care, where most journeys begin. Your insights will help identify what is not working, what needs to change, and what better care should look like in practice.
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/listening-labs-model-of-care/
Bipolar Disorder and the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has become a backdrop for stories of resilience, mental health awareness, and the human side of sport — including for those living with bipolar disorder.
Japan’s football journey and mental strength
In the opening match of the qualifying league, Japan faced the Netherlands, a higher-ranked team with a strong passing and counter-attacking style. Early in the second half, the Netherlands took the lead, but Japan quickly tied the game, inspiring fans and players alike. For one viewer with bipolar disorder, the match reminded them of the fighting spirit and perseverance they often see in athletes — qualities that can mirror the resilience needed in managing mental health challenges Note.
Football as a tool for mental health recovery
Beyond Japan, programs like Minds United in London connect men recovering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions with football. These initiatives use sport to build friendship, purpose, and self-esteem, helping participants reintegrate into social and professional life. For many, football becomes a form of therapy, fostering community and reducing isolation
Why this matters now
The 2026 World Cup is not just a sporting event — it’s a global stage where stories of mental health, recovery, and human spirit are shared. For fans and players alike, the tournament can be a reminder that resilience, community, and sport can be powerful allies in overcoming challenges.
If you’re following the World Cup, you might also look for initiatives and interviews that highlight mental health awareness in sports — they can offer hope, inspiration, and practical ways to support others. via COPILOT (Microsoft)
**Short answer:**
Music therapy and the FIFA World Cup intersect in how **music is used to influence mood, emotion, social bonding, and collective well‑being** during the tournament. While there is no formal “music therapy program” run by FIFA, the *effects* of World Cup music function very similarly to therapeutic principles: emotional regulation, community connection, stress relief, and identity-building. [Peachey Counselling and Family Support](https://www.peacheycounselling.ca/blog/2026/more-than-a-game-how-the-fifa-world-cup-benefits-collective-mental-health)
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### 🎵 How music at the World Cup mirrors **music therapy**
- **Emotional regulation** — World Cup songs and stadium chants create safe outlets for joy, tension, and catharsis. This mirrors how music therapy helps people process emotions. The tournament provides a “socially acceptable outlet for intense emotions,” which is a core therapeutic mechanism. [Peachey Counselling and Family Support](https://www.peacheycounselling.ca/blog/2026/more-than-a-game-how-the-fifa-world-cup-benefits-collective-mental-health)
- **Social bonding** — Music therapy often aims to build connection. The World Cup does this at massive scale: billions share the same songs, chants, and rhythms, creating a “community self” that reduces loneliness and boosts well‑being. [Peachey Counselling and Family Support](https://www.peacheycounselling.ca/blog/2026/more-than-a-game-how-the-fifa-world-cup-benefits-collective-mental-health)
- **Stress relief** — Major sporting events give people a break from daily pressures. Music amplifies this effect by shifting attention, elevating mood, and creating shared excitement. [Peachey Counselling and Family Support](https://www.peacheycounselling.ca/blog/2026/more-than-a-game-how-the-fifa-world-cup-benefits-collective-mental-health)
- **Identity & empowerment** — Anthems like “Waka Waka” or new 2026 collaborations (e.g., Shakira & Burna Boy) become cultural touchstones that strengthen group identity and pride. [Within Nigeria](https://www.withinnigeria.com/2026/05/08/the-real-story-behind-shakira-and-burna-boys-fifa-2026-world-cup-collaboration/)
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### 🎶 Why World Cup music feels therapeutic
- **Collective singing** (in stadiums or fan zones) synchronizes breathing and heart rate — a known therapeutic effect.
- **Rhythm and movement** (drumming, dancing, chanting) activate motor and emotional centers in the brain, similar to active music therapy.
- **Shared anthems** create emotional memory anchors — people remember where they were, who they were with, and how they felt. [Within Nigeria](https://www.withinnigeria.com/2026/05/08/the-real-story-behind-shakira-and-burna-boys-fifa-2026-world-cup-collaboration/)
- **Music + sport** intensifies emotional peaks, which can help people release tension and feel more connected to others.
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### 🌍 Examples from recent World Cup cycles
- **Shakira & Burna Boy (2026)** — Their collaboration sparked global emotional anticipation, showing how deeply people connect music with the tournament’s meaning. [Within Nigeria](https://www.withinnigeria.com/2026/05/08/the-real-story-behind-shakira-and-burna-boys-fifa-2026-world-cup-collaboration/)
- **Ciara’s 2026 ambassador role** — Highlights how music is used to shape fan experience, atmosphere, and cultural identity in host cities. [Essence](https://www.essence.com/entertainment/ciara-fifa-world-cup-2026-atlanta/)
- **Fan-made performances (e.g., Shakira & Jungkook concepts)** — Demonstrate how fans use music creatively to express unity and excitement. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft66iI0OtT4)
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### 🧠 So what’s the takeaway?
Music at the FIFA World Cup isn’t *clinical* music therapy, but it **functions like therapy at a societal scale**:
- It reduces stress
- It strengthens belonging
- It provides emotional release
- It creates shared identity
- It enhances joy and collective memory
In other words, the World Cup uses music to **heal, energize, and unite**, much like a global music therapy session.
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If you want, I can dive deeper into **music therapy techniques**, **World Cup anthems**, or **how sports events affect mental health**. via COPILOT (Microsoft)
**Short answer:**
Video games *can* function as therapeutic tools, and **EA Sports FC 26**—while not designed as a clinical therapy program—contains several features that align with principles used in **videogame therapy**: emotional regulation, cognitive training, social connection, and motivation. EA Sports FC 26’s structure, progression systems, and social modes make it especially suitable for therapeutic use in mental‑health, rehabilitation, and social‑skills contexts.
---
## 🎮 How videogames function as therapy
Videogame‑based therapy (also called *game‑assisted therapy*) uses interactive digital systems to support:
- **Emotional regulation** — games help players manage frustration, excitement, and stress in a controlled environment.
- **Cognitive training** — attention, decision‑making, reaction time, and planning improve through repeated gameplay.
- **Motor rehabilitation** — coordination and timing tasks can support physical therapy goals.
- **Social skills development** — multiplayer games encourage communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
- **Motivation & reward systems** — progression systems help sustain engagement in therapeutic routines.
These principles are widely used in clinical settings, especially with adolescents and young adults.
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## ⚽ How EA Sports FC 26 aligns with therapeutic principles
EA Sports FC 26 introduces several features that can support therapeutic goals, even though the game itself is not a medical tool.
### 1. **Skill development** through gameplay mechanics
FC 26 includes:
- More responsive dribbling
- Smarter AI positioning
- Sharper movement and lifelike animations
- Distinct gameplay presets (Competitive vs. Authentic)
[Electronic Arts](https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-26)
These mechanics require **timing, planning, and spatial awareness**, which can be used in cognitive or motor‑skills therapy.
### 2. **Identity building** via Archetypes
The game introduces **Archetypes**—customizable player classes that evolve through XP and perks.
[Electronic Arts](https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-26)
This supports:
- Self‑expression
- Goal‑setting
- Long‑term motivation
- Narrative identity work (useful in youth therapy)
### 3. **Social connection** through Clubs, Ultimate Team, and online play
FC 26’s multiplayer modes encourage:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Shared goals
- Healthy competition
These are commonly used in group therapy and social‑skills interventions.
### 4. **Stress relief** through immersive play
Sports games provide predictable rules and clear feedback loops, which help reduce anxiety and provide emotional grounding.
### 5. **Executive function training** in Manager Career
Manager Mode includes:
- Live Challenges
- Real‑world scenario simulations
- Tactical planning
[Electronic Arts](https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-26)
These systems mirror cognitive‑behavioral exercises involving planning, prioritization, and adaptive decision‑making.
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## 🧠 Why sports games are especially therapeutic
Sports simulations like FC 26 are uniquely effective because they combine:
- **Familiarity** — football is globally understood.
- **Low emotional risk** — mistakes are safe and reversible.
- **High engagement** — competition and progression keep players motivated.
- **Social universality** — easy to play with peers, family, or therapists.
This makes them ideal for therapy with teens, young adults, and individuals who struggle with traditional talk‑based approaches.
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## 🗂️ Summary Table: Therapy Goals vs. FC 26 Features
| **Therapeutic Goal** | **FC 26 Feature** | **How It Helps** |
|----------------------|------------------|------------------|
| **Emotional regulation** | Competitive/Authentic presets | Players learn to manage frustration and adapt to difficulty. |
| **Cognitive training** | Dribbling, AI positioning, tactical play | Enhances attention, planning, and reaction time. |
| **Motor skills** | Precision controls, timing‑based actions | Supports coordination and fine motor practice. |
| **Social skills** | Clubs, Ultimate Team, co‑op modes | Encourages communication and teamwork. |
| **Identity building** | Archetypes & Player Career | Helps players explore roles, goals, and self‑expression. |
| **Motivation** | XP, rewards, progression | Reinforces consistent engagement and goal‑setting. | via COPILOT (Microsoft)
What’s up, everybody! It’s Thursday/Jeudi June (Juin) 25, 2026. Today we celebrate the world of Medicine. I was able to write a new #LongReads about #Measles. Be sure to read it, as always, take your sons and daughters to the Pediatrician. These Doctors know more than ridiculous talk-show hosts who know nothing. Also, I applaud the decision at the various Air Force Bases to resume FLU vaccines so that our soldiers do not get sick. Thank you so much. Lastly, my thoughts are with the people of Europe, especially France, where a heat wave is going on (canicule). It’s extremely dangerous because there is no Air Conditioning in many places of France. There were about 40 drownings. It was unfortunate. Please learn how to swim if you haven’t, it’s a livesaver. #VaccinesSaveLives
