Bridging the gap between research and real life
Research clearly establishes that racism takes a toll on the mental and physical health of African-Americans. This occurs because racist interactions elicit an automatic physical stress reaction that includes increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, along with a release of stress hormones. This stress response, often referred to as the flight-or-flight response, leads to inflammatory reactions in the body. [Read more…]
While this time of year is full of social engagements and holiday cheer for many, it is also the darkest and coldest time of the year, especially for those living in northern latitudes. While most people undergo physical changes in the winter, such as lower energy levels, sleepiness, and increased appetite, approximately 1 in 10 individuals experience something more serious–seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. [Read more…]
In modern society, most of us live in silos surrounded by people similar to us; this applies across many factors including race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age. In fact, young people and even middle-aged adults today have less contact with older adults than ever before in human history. [Read more…]
With the holiday season in full swing, most people think about reaching out to friends and family with a holiday card, a plate of cookies, or an invitation to visit.
This year, we may need these connections more than ever. Our social lives are in sharp decline, according to a nationally-representative survey conducted last year by the Survey Center for American Life. According to the survey, Americans say they have fewer close friendships, talk to their friends less often, and rely less on friendships for personal support. [Read more…]
More than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and that number continues to grow significantly as the U.S. population ages.
Researchers across the globe are trying to find ways to protect aging brains from dementia. Over the past decade, they have zeroed in on “brain training” — puzzles and games designed to improve cognitive skills — as one possible solution. [Read more…]
As we head into Thanksgiving week—filled with roasted turkeys, football games, and family gatherings—it’s important to remember the sentiment that goes along with the season: gratitude.
Researchers long ago established that gratitude promotes well-being. While we may feel thankful for something specific, like a gift or a meal, a broader outlook of gratitude—the mindset of noticing and appreciating the positives in your life—is proven to protect people from psychological distress. [Read more…]
Workplace burnout is reaching new highs as employees are asked to work more hours while wages do not keep pace with inflation. According to an annual survey by the American Psychological Association, 79% of employees experience work-related stress. Nearly 60% report negative impacts of that stress including lack of interest, motivation or energy, along with cognitive weariness, emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue. [Read more…]
In much of North America, it officially feels like fall. Temperatures and leaves are dropping, and the fall rituals of football games, Halloween, and pumpkin spice-flavored everything are in full swing.
All this fall goodness is accompanied by a scheduling shift. On Sunday, Nov. 6, most of North America will “fall back” to standard time, setting clocks back one hour for the end of daylight saving time. [Read more…]
Young people ages 8 to 18 should all receive an annual screening for anxiety, according to a new recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a volunteer panel of experts who make public health recommendations. [Read more…]
It’s well-documented that exercise is good for you. Study after study shows physical activity is the key to health and wellness. But if exercise isn’t part of your normal routine, it can be hard to stick with it. In fact, less than one-quarter of American adults get the recommended amount of exercise each week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Read more…]
When you think of mental health care, you may imagine a patient seated in a comfortable chair, talking through problems with a therapist. But today, the patient is equally likely to be seated in front of his computer screen working on online exercises. [Read more…]
A significant portion of people in the U.S. rely on prescription medications. More than 131 million Americans take, on average, four prescriptions daily. Among adults ages 40 to 79, nearly a quarter use five or more medications a day.
The term for taking multiple prescriptions is “polypharmacy,” and it can lead to all sorts of problems including drug interactions and amplified side effects.
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