Social commentator speaks out
About Ruth
RUTH OSTROW has finally joined the 21st Century, embracing Social Media, mutli media and Blogging with a passion. Her weekly columns in The Weekend Australian newspaper have been read by millions over the years, and she has a host of books to her credit in the areas of human relations, sex & relationships, business, health and spirituality.
A leading finance journalist in the 1980s with the Australian Financial Review, and author of a bestseller on the secrets of success, she traded spreadsheets for bedsheets on her return from living in New York, becoming famous for her writings on sexuality, gender issues and equality, and her controversial radio program on Triple M.
In the 90s she embraced the Downshifting movement and moved to Byron Bay, before returning to Sydney a decade later with a new column in the Australian called Business Life, which brought health, spirituality and wellbeing issues to the Corporate market. In 2008 she was nominated for a Walkley Award for her Finance features.
She recently went back to University and got her Masters Degree in multi media, documentary making and on-line Journalism.
Ruth’s passion is Neuroscience and she co-chaired the international conference The Mind & It’s Potential. She has lectured at the Happiness Conference on Depression and has been a keynote speaker at the International Longevity and Anti-Ageing conference and the International Complementary Psychiatry Conference. She is an advocate for The Black Dog Institute, Her other great passion is animal welfare and she is a supporter and promoter of Voiceless.
“Ruth Ostrow is a riveting presenter. The intelligence, charisma, humour and experiential wisdom she displayed during her keynote speech at the International Complementary Psychiatry Conference kept us all enthralled. It was a memorable and intelligent experience.”
Leon Petchkovsky, Professor Psychiatry,
University of Queensland
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#3 written by Sam Paton 6 months ago
I read your W/E article on Jung in the paper.
http://pandc.ca/?cat=carl_jung&page=jung_nazis
You may care to read this; so many like you slavishly quote this person yet in mental health science there is surely no better way to deal with issues, depression etc than a practical way such as CBT.
Morbid introspection rarely heals anyone.
If you want to retain real credibity with your readers maybe ponder this article & be more circumspect in future before becoming yet another “Jung camp follower”.
Sam,
Melbouren -
Hi Ruth
Re your Weekend Oz article this week. I had a similar shoulder problem – could hardly lift my hand to chest height. After usual xrays/scans etc, Dr diagnosed Frozen Shoulder, said don’t expect any quick recovery, 6 months of physio, maybe an op etc. Was speaking to a friend interstate who said he also had the same diagnosis – couldn’t even do his belt up. Somebody told him about ‘Emmett’ Treatment. He reckoned one visit and he was fine. I was VERY doubtful – but willing to try anything. I contacted a well qualified practitioner and went for a treatment. I left doing windmills with both arms – and a believer in miracles! My partner could not believe it either when i came home. It may, or may not work for you – but give it a try. Google Ross Emmett and good luck. cheers. Roger -
Sex Surrogates? I have to say I didn’t know they were available and would probably have seen them simply as prostitutes. As one of mature years and with a wonderful marriage, I have often wondered if surrogates were available. My first wife died after a decade long illness during which time I was of necessity, celibate. My new wife is terrific in every way but nothing hurts me as much as the times I now find myself frustrating her through my inability to consistently perform. This is ED in the modern terminology but I am sure the problem is more psychological than physical as I often wake with the erections of an Adonis. Knowing my wife as I do I am hesitant to impose on her the potential frustrations of sex without Cialis, but feel a surrogate may be able to ‘train me’ and help me through that process. I want to have a full and fulfilling sexual relationship with my wife and ideally for that to be pill free. Is a surrogate the way to go and where would I find one?
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#8 written by Ruth Ostrow 1 year ago
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Hello Ruth
I’m in Far North Queensland. I did some basic research but fear finding the right ‘kind and legitimate’ women would be a bit like finding a good honest financial planner. The other thing that occurs to me – do you think it would be better to find one that was at least attractive or would the ‘training’ be more effective if carried out with someone that was in no way attractive?-
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#11 written by Ruth Ostrow 1 year ago
Sorry Bluebottle, you are on my About Ruth page – all the blogging happens in the comments relating to each column – so I forget to go back there. I just read your questions and can’t answer more than I have. But please join the chat on the sex surrogate column comments area, or any other blog you want to comment on, great to hear from you, Ruth
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Hello Ruth
re: your article yesterday on World Suffering.
Wondered if you picked up on two other articles over the weekend on Kindness.
The Weekend Australian Inquirer section – page 22 Commentary. “The New Co-Dependence, The Kindness of Strangers” by Brendan O’Neill – shocking twist on kindness – perceived by some as being “pathological altruism” and “addictive behaviour” by those who want to feel good by performing acts of kindness ie. kindness is looked down upon by many!!!! The other article in the News section of the SMH “Chinese told they’ve got to try a little kindness” by Barbara Demick. Apparently the Chinese don’t come to the aid of people in need because they’re worried they’ll be sued if their efforts fail! This seems to be fairly common worldwide these days! Both articles / attitudes – pretty scary!
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Hi Ruth,
I’ve read your column since you came back from New York and still remember what you wrote about in one of those early pieces.
Your writing is sensitive and honest … a shining light in the Weekend Australian.
What were the editors thinking when they shifted your column? No idea really.
Many thanks,
Linda -
Interesting that people blame “the modern age” for rudeness or complaining that inconsiderate people are not responding to emails etc. M experience as a man in his 50′s is that nothing has changed. either people are ego centric or their not and this is not limited to age, gender or era. as an optimistic person I see good in most people and surround myself with people with all sorts of qualities, some will never initiate contact with me but I can still make contact with them and enjoy what we share in common I don’t have to wait for an equal share of them doing the right thing. Friendship is not a ledger.
regards
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Hi Ruth
It’s taken me a whole month to find your new location in the Weekend Australian. I kow you are hot property and certainly on my “A” list but what a strange place for the editor to put you! I love your website. I always knew what a beautiful heart and soul you have but now I discover you are physically beautiful as well! Keep sharing your wonderful insights. You bring much joy and entertainment. Regards AB-
#17 written by Ruth Ostrow 1 year ago
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<Ruth
I've been through alot with my family in last 7 years…only started reading your column in the last 3 years!!!….I wake up every sat …itching to buy the w/aust..guess what is the very first 'word' i read??? Your column provides me the much needed perspective on how i can survive the passed..and what i need to do for the future..Keep it up!!! Thanks
Mum J -
Dear Ruth, I’m writing to you for some honest advice, im in my 20s and my mum always points me to your articles as theyre filled with wisdom. I’m currently single but im smart, sweet, fairly attractive and def have my own hobbies and interests. The problem im now faced with is the huge social stigma when dating as i got the herpes virus from my exboyfriend (who was unaware he had it as they dont include it in the standard test for stis). Doctors have assured me its incredibly common, but my downfall is how and when do i tell my new partner this information without them thinking that ive slept around and that they will easily get it.. i recently told a new guy i really liked and provided him with all the right info but he ran for the hills. i understood why but was gutted.. i was soley judged on a skin disorder after all. I really dont want to go through this again, and so my question to you is how and when should i tell the new person im seeing this information. In all fairness that new person could have something too and not know so is it ok to request that we both get tested first and then go from there? I think at least then we would both know what the other is bringing to the table.. physically this is a minor thing, ive never had any symptoms since the first time and take meds so i never will again, but im desperate to try and overcome the stigma attached to this and have a good relationship with someone so would greatly appreiate your advice
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#21 written by Ruth Ostrow 1 year ago
Hi Jane as you have come to a blog site I presume you don’t mind your letter being published but please write to me immediately if not, and I will take it down. I am answering this as a journalist who has written about sexual health, not a doctor, In my observations, I have foiund that Herpes is so so common nowadays, it is pretty much that you either have it or you don’t. I don’t think it alarms anyone any more. That’s not to say it isn’t an issue and I do believe honesty is a key in how you go forward on this. But the fact is that Herpes does not mean sexual promiscuity – that is so 1950s! It means that you are one of the 40 percent who’ve had exposure to the virus, some get it, some don’t. Drugs nowadays are very good. The way to handle the physical side is to see a doctor and get the facts. Attacks happen when immunity is low and you are getting run down ie lots of pressure or getting a cold. So you might want to consider your safe sex options more around these times. Condoms are advisable due to issues of transmission. As for the psychological issues I think you need a bit of counselling. The best person I know in this field is Jo Anne Baker, a respected sex counsellor, she runs The Pleasure Spot website and her details and credentials are there under about Jo Anne. She works from Sydney but does do phone counselling and she can recommend you to someone if you want face to face consultation. No more guilt Jane. You have just caught something which is unpleasant but not a death sentence and not dirty and not worthy of shame especially since neither you nor your ex knew he had it. Just be honest with future partners and you discover that the right ones will accept you as you are.
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Dear Ruth, thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind response.. it so nice to hear encouraging words from you about this not being a sign of promiscuity or the like as my self esteem has taken quite the battering. Thank you also for the tip on Jo Anne Baker, I will definately look ino her website. I have received quite a bit of counselling already but maybe she can help me further. And I will try and drop the guilt as you said..thats so nice to hear
with heartfelt thanks, Jane
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Yep, you’re right, Ruth – we’d much rather have hormone-free meat – well, I would anyway. And good on you exposing the drug companies slinking behind the benign soounding “Animal Health Alliance”. It seems more often that things are not as they first appear and few are willing to admit it. The story of The Emperor’s New Clothes seems to gain more relevance every day!
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Hi Ruth,
there are two regular columns that I look forward to reading each week. Firstly, Mandy Nolans Soap Box, who pens for our local independant paper, the Byron and now also the Tweed Shire Echo, and secondly, if you haven’t guessed already, your column in the weekend magazine.. I have often wanted to comment on many of your rants and observations but like most never made the time. Well today I find myself doing just that and will relate my opinion on your nip and tucking question. From my perspective
I can say that physical attractiveness does not mean an absence of flaws. It’s bigger than that. It’s all about vanity and men suffer from it too. So I think maybe a little tuck if it makes you feel better but where do you draw the line on how far you go. That’s only an individual choice, so it’s really only an internal battle with yourself that matter’s not what other people think.
Thanks for your light hearted and more serious human /life insights.
Regards from a simpatico baby boomer
Dennis -
Hey Ruth,
You look like a good sort to me- whats all this talk of nipping and tucking?You have been a busy girl- I’m impressed.
Having my name on the Just Grounds community site- I too have been on a steep learning curve re multi media and online journalism.I have a better story than Erin Brockavich for you – when you get your movie making ticket.(lol)
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Dr.Mehmet Oz is not a “sexpert” he is a heart surgeon who was part of the team who operated on President Clinton