Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, like thinking, remembering, and reasoning, at levels that interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia affects the health and well-being of millions of older adults; with baby boomers reaching their senior years, that number is expected to grow substantially. [Read more…]
The Best Way to Stall Dementia: Quit Smoking
While the number of smokers is at a historical low, data demonstrates that smoking still affects public health. Smoking increases the risk of heart and lung disease, affects bone health, and increases the risk of birth defects. A growing body of research demonstrates that smoking also affects neurological health, specifically cognitive decline. [Read more…]
Does Narcissism Fade With Age?
If you’re hoping the narcissist in your life will make sweeping behavioral changes, you are likely to be disappointed, according to a systematic review published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.
A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and is extremely self-centered. Narcissists tend to believe they are unique and special, constantly seek attention, and may not understand or care about the feelings of others. [Read more…]
Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Cancer Risk?
A sweeping new report by the American Association for Cancer Research highlights a steady decline in deaths due to cancer and improvements in the quality of life after a cancer diagnosis over the past three decades. The report found the overall cancer death rate in the United States has fallen by 33% between 1991 and 2021. [Read more…]
Air Pollution Leads to Brain Changes in Kids
More than 131 million people live in places with unhealthy air quality, according to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of Air report. This is an increase of 11.7 million people from the previous year. The report also finds that the number of days with “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality in the United States was the highest in 25 years. [Read more…]
The Benefits of Deep Breathing and Why It Works
Feeling anxious? Angry? Frustrated? Disappointed?
The evidence clearly shows there is something you can do—no matter where you are or what the circumstances are. Take a few slow, deep breaths.
In most stressful situations, human nature actually drives us to take deep breaths. If you’re getting ready to give a speech to a large crowd or standing at the starting line for a community running race, you may find yourself taking a deep breath without even thinking about it. [Read more…]
For Better Sex, Get Your Sleep
About one in three Americans do not get enough sleep every day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a problem because a large body of research demonstrates that sleep is foundational to our health. [Read more…]