If you haven’t observed it first-hand, you’ve likely heard of “the widowhood effect” – where older people who lose a spouse have an increased chance of dying themselves. [Read more…]
The Health Risks of Climate Change
April 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Climate change is a well-documented phenomenon. 2018 was the 42nd consecutive year that the global temperature was above average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [Read more…]
How Are Sleep and Mood Linked?
April 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment
We have all woken up grumpy after tossing and turning all night, so it’s not surprising that research demonstrates you are more likely to be in a bad mood after a restless night and a good mood after sleeping well. [Read more…]
Can Vitamins Help to Prevent Dementia?
April 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
One in three senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. So it’s no surprise that medical researchers have spent decades looking for a way to prevent or treat cognitive decline. [Read more…]
The Complex Links Between Social Media and Mental Health
March 26, 2019 By 1 Comment
Over the past decade, social media platforms have completely transformed how billions of people interact with each other. Of the 7.7 billion people on the earth, approximately 3.3 billion have at least one social media account. The average person spends nearly two hours a day on social media apps or web sites. [Read more…]
The Ripple Effects of Mass Incarceration
March 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Approximately 2.3 million people are imprisoned in the United States in state and federal prisons, juvenile correctional facilities, local jails and psychiatric facilities.
While that number may seem staggering, what’s more surprising is the ripple effect of imprisonment. A study published this month found that 45 percent of all Americans have had an immediate family member spend time in jail or prison. That number jumps to 64 percent if extended family is included. [Read more…]
Can Money Buy Happiness?
March 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Many Americans are plagued by the “if-only” syndrome. Data show that most people believe if they could only get a raise, a new house, a new car, or some other material possession, they would finally be happy. Not surprisingly, studies demonstrate that buying things does not lead to happiness. [Read more…]
What to Do If a Loved One Self-Injures
February 26, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Research shows that approximately 17 percent of youth intentionally injure themselves at some point – not in an effort to take their own lives, but as a cry for help or an emotional release. Self-injury is most common among teenagers, and more common among sexual minorities and youth with mental health disorders. [Read more…]
Exploring the Link Between Health and Happiness
February 18, 2019 By Leave a Comment
It’s common sense that it’s difficult to feel happy when you are seriously ill. But do feelings of happiness help to prevent people from becoming sick, or help them to get better quicker? [Read more…]
Is That Medical Intervention Doing You Any Good?
February 14, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Human beings are creatures of habit. Psychology research clearly demonstrates that people develop automatic responses to specific conditions which become more ingrained with repetition, even if they may not be the best choices. [Read more…]
A Low-Salt Diet May Not Be Essential After All
January 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment
If you or anyone you know has heart disease, you’ve probably heard the ubiquitous recommendation that people with heart problems should follow a low-sodium diet. [Read more…]
To Keep Your New Year’s Resolution, Make a Plan for Success
January 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Next week’s New Year will bring the perpetual resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, save money and exercise more, among others. New Year’s resolutions are popular – but few people actually succeed at keeping them. [Read more…]
