Bridging the gap between research and real life
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
July 2022 was one of the hottest months on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It was the sixth-hottest July since the U.S. began recording temperatures 143 years ago. In addition, overnight temperatures in the month hit their highest levels in recorded history. [Read more…]
Approximately 147 million people worldwide consume cannabis, or marijuana each year; a number that continues to grow, especially in North America and Europe, according to the World Health Organization. [Read more…]
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still simmering this summer, more than 200 million Americans have made travel plans. For many, this summer will mark their first trip in a long time.
Most people think of vacations as a time to relax and unwind. But there’s an inherent amount of stress that comes with traveling, especially during a pandemic. What does science say about how much vacations actually help to reduce stress? And what can you do to get the most out of yours? [Read more…]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life. Currently, there are more than 20 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is growing.
While surviving cancer is the best-case scenario, it comes with its own issues: potential dental problems, infertility, heart and lung problems, osteoporosis, and more. Doctors have also documented another long-term psychological consequence: fear of the cancer coming back.
A systematic review published earlier this year found that the most common unmet need among cancer survivors is calming that fear. The constant worry often leads to depression, impaired daily functioning, and reduced quality of life. Many cancer survivors worry for years and report that they feel as worried as when they were first diagnosed with cancer.
The review combined data from 46 studies with more than 9,000 participants from 13 countries. The studies all used data from the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, a widely-accepted survey to identify clinically-significant fear. Nearly 60 percent of study participants had fears that were clinically significant, and nearly 20 percent scored at the highest level, meaning their fear of cancer recurrence was debilitating.
These fears were prevalent regardless of the participant’s type of cancer and where they lived. Women were more likely to experience clinically-significant fear compared to men, and young people were more likely to experience clinically-significant fear compared to older people.
The first step is to recognize when fears become a significant problem. If you are a cancer survivor, you should report worries that interfere with relationships and daily activities to your health care provider. If you are afraid to go to your follow-up cancer appointment or if you feel hopeless about the future, those are also signs you may need some extra help. In addition, be on the lookout for difficulty sleeping or eating well and trouble concentrating or making decisions.
Researchers have tested a wide range of interventions to address the fear of cancer recurrence. One systematic review found therapy is an effective treatment for this problem and that improvements, although small, lasted on average more than seven months after therapy ended. Another found that mind-body interventions, such as meditation, relaxation skills, and cognitive-behavioral training are effective at addressing fear of cancer recurrence.
There is evidence that participating in a support group of cancer survivors often creates a sense of belonging that helps survivors feel less alone and more understood.
It’s also important to adhere to your follow-up care plan, even though those appointments might temporarily raise your anxiety levels.
The take-home message: Fear of recurrence is a significant problem for cancer survivors, but one that health care providers can address with follow-up care and therapy.
The evidence clearly shows that the mental health of Americans has declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – and more so for teens, older adults, young mothers, and minorities. [Read more…]
The evidence shows Americans are becoming lonelier, leading to mental and physical health problems for people of all ages. [Read more…]
A new survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals bleak circumstances for many U.S. teens, who were already more likely to suffer from abuse and depression while staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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