Author: Chelsea Shetty

About Chelsea Shetty

Chelsea is a Content and SEO Growth Specialist at Apollidon Learning, where she helps create, optimize, and refine educational marketing content for university partners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in literature from Florida State University and has spent the past six years working in marketing, including the past three at Apollidon.

Physiology

1 year ago

What Are the Impacts of Stress on the Body and Mind?

It’s late afternoon, and you have an hour’s worth of work piled on your desk with a tight deadline looming. Yet, you have to leave in 30 minutes to pick up your children from school. The clock is ticking, and the stress is mounting. Our stress response, commonly referred to as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, can be triggered by everyday challenges such as work pressures, financial worries, traffic congestion and family obligations. But how do these stressors affect our bodies and mental health? In this article, we will explore three types of stress and examine how prolonged exposure to stress can impact you mentally and physically. Types of Stress There are three main types of stress that a person experiences: Acute stressThis is short-term stress that everyone faces from time to time. It typically arises from temporary challenges, like meeting a deadline or having an argument

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Aging

1 year ago

The Psychology of Nostalgia

Picture this: You’re driving to work when an old favorite song suddenly plays on the radio. Immediately, you’re transported back to a moment in time: making dinner with your mom, belting out the lyrics while wielding a soup ladle as a microphone. As you return to the present, warm and fuzzy feelings associated with that memory wash over you. Welcome to nostalgia, a powerful emotional experience that allows us to transcend the present and reflect on cherished memories from the past. But why do we experience these nostalgic moments, and what accounts for the intense emotions they evoke? In this article, we’ll explore the psychology of nostalgia on a deeper level, examining its benefits and drawbacks while discovering how nostalgia evolves throughout our lives

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Aging

1 year ago

Healthy Habits That Support a Longer, Healthier Life

Building healthy habits doesn’t require a dramatic life overhaul. In fact, the most powerful changes often start small — a short daily walk, a consistent bedtime, an extra serving of vegetables on your plate. Over time, these everyday choices add up. Research shows that consistent health behaviors play a significant role in longevity, helping reduce the risk of chronic disease and supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being as we age. In this article, we’ll explore practical healthy habits you can start today and strategies to help them last for years to come. Benefits of Establishing Healthy Habits Before we explore the advantages of incorporating healthy habits into your life, it’s essential to answer the question: What are healthy habits? In short, healthy habits are consistent behaviors that positively impact your mental, physical and emotional well-being. From tried-and-true practices like incorporating regular exercise to more nuanced shifts, such as writing in a gratitude journal, there are countless ways to enhance your overall health. If you need some motivation to get started, here are several benefits of creating — and maintaining — healthy habits in your daily life: Increased energy and immune support Reduced risk of chronic disease Improved mental resilience Greater longevity Studies consistently link long-term healthy habits with lower rates of chronic disease, improved mobility and increased life expectancy. Healthy Habits You Can Start Today Healthy habits can significantly impact your long-term health in three key areas: your physical health, mental health and emotional health. Below, we explore several healthy habits you can implement to improve each aspect of your life. Physical Health If you’re looking to improve your body’s overall functionality and its ability to perform daily activities, consider introducing one of these healthy habits into your regular routine: Nutrition When it comes to healthy eating, the color wheel is your friend

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Aging

1 year ago

What Does a Geriatric Neurologist Do?

Imagine sitting with an aging parent who’s started forgetting appointments, misplacing familiar objects or moving more slowly than usual. You’re told they need to see a specialist — but not just any neurologist. They need someone trained specifically in the neurological changes that occur later in life. Geriatric neurology is a subspecialty of neurology focused on diagnosing and managing neurological conditions that primarily affect older adults. These specialists understand how the brain changes with age and how those changes intersect with other medical conditions common in older populations. In this article, we explore: What geriatric neurology is How the specialty developed The most common neurological conditions treated in older adults The day-to-day responsibilities of a geriatric neurologist When patients may be referred to this type of specialist How Geriatric Neurology Became a Specialty The study of neurology began in the 19th century, centering on the understanding and treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system. As lifespans increased, it became clear that a new specialization in neurology was necessary: one that addressed the unique neurological conditions of older adults

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Aging

1 year ago

The Secrets Behind Blue Zones: Why People Are Living Longer

From intermittent fasting to finding a social circle, there are numerous lifestyle changes purported to increase the human lifespan. But which of these factors actually contribute to increased longevity, and which are simply passing trends? By studying the Blue Zones—regions around the world known for their high concentration of individuals living past the global average—we can identify common patterns that may have played a role in extending the lifespan of their community members. What Is a Blue Zone? According to the founder of the Blue Zones concept, Dan Buettner, 80% of a person’s lifespan is influenced by their lifestyle and environment. To better understand this data and identify which factors contribute to longer life expectancies, Buettner and his team of demographers pinpointed five regions across the world where people consistently live longer than average—often into their 90s and even 100s. Where are these five magical areas, you ask? The geographic regions known as Blue Zones consist of: Loma Linda, California Ikaria, Greece Nicoya, Costa Rica Okinawa, Japan Sardinia, Italy Each zone is characterized by residents who meet the following criteria: Live to 90 or older. Experience a higher quality of life. Share similar lifestyle habits that contribute to their longevity. Participate in cultural traditions that promote longevity. Reside in communities with specific environmental features, such as walkable neighborhoods, access to nature, clean air and low stress. Factors That Make Blue Zones Different: The Power 9 Buettner’s research found that each of the Blue Zones had nine common denominators that he believes slow the aging process, allowing many to live past the United States national average of 77.5 years. Those factors make up the Power 9, which we discuss below: #1 Move Naturally Blue Zone inhabitants reside in settings that make physical activity a part of their daily lives. That’s not to say they take part in structured exercises like going to the gym or 30 regimented minutes of cardio every day. Rather, they live in areas that promote movement, whether they’re strolling from their house to the market or gardening fresh herbs and produce in their backyards. #2 Purpose In Blue Zones, people have a sense of purpose, also known in Japanese as “ikigai,” or “a reason for being.” Understanding that they’re here for a reason motivates these individuals to live more fulfilling lives. According to Buettner, knowing your purpose can add an extra seven years to your life expectancy. #3 Down Shift Experiencing stress is a natural part of life

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Physiology

1 year ago

Becoming an Astronaut: How Space Flight Affects Our Bodies

As children, many of us shared a similar professional goal: We were determined to become astronauts. Little did we know that NASA’s acceptance rate is abysmally low. In 2024, more than 8,000 people applied to become astronauts. Of that number, NASA will only choose between eight and 12 candidates. Beyond the rigorous selection process, one aspect of being an astronaut that we likely didn’t consider as children is the effect space flight has on our bodies. With drastic changes in gravity and no atmosphere to shield us from the sun’s UV rays, several short- and long-term changes can occur in our bodies while in space. Settle in and buckle up as we explore the effects of space flight on humans and — for those still interested — the prerequisites for becoming an astronaut. Immediate Effects During Launch In addition to the adrenaline spike they may feel during the famed countdown to liftoff, astronauts may experience several other physiological changes during space shuttle launches due to increased G-forces, including: Difficulty moving limbs Tunnel vision or brief loss of consciousness A reduced ability for the heart to efficiently pump blood Bodily fluids shifting upward, which can cause fluid retention in the upper body Discomfort in the sinuses due to changes in air pressure Musculoskeletal Adaptations If you’re on a commercial mission to space, you’ll likely only be there long enough to appreciate the beauty of Earth from above, notice its curvature and maybe even experience a few sunsets or sunrises, depending on your positioning

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Physiology

1 year ago

Sleep Physiology: The Restorative Power of Rest

We spend about one-third of our lives asleep, making it no surprise that sleep is a favorite activity for many. Yet, few of us consider the internal processes at work as we settle into bed and drift into dreamland. This is where sleep physiology comes into play. It delves into the biological processes behind sleep, exploring how our bodies regulate it, its effects on bodily functions and the different stages of sleep. So, grab your favorite pillow and join us as we uncover the essentials of sleep physiology and discover how to enhance your sleep habits for optimal rest and renewal. The Sleep Cycle Each night, we cycle through two primary phases of sleep: Nonrapid Eye Movement (NREM)NREM sleep accounts for approximately 75% of your sleep time and consists of three stages: Stage one: This brief phase occurs as you start to fall asleep and lasts about five minutes. Stage two: After we nod off, we enter a light sleep for around 25 minutes. Stage three: This is the deepest phase of NREM and often the hardest to wake from

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Aging

1 year ago

Cultural Perspectives on Aging: How the Experience of Aging Differs Around the World

When you imagine your life as an older adult, what do you envision? Some people plan on living with their children, adjusting to a comfortable intergenerational lifestyle, while others might see themselves in an assisted living facility that offers enough daily activities to feel like they’re on a never-ending cruise ship vacation. In truth, everyone’s answers will vary based on a wide range of factors, and most of them pertain to cultural perspectives on aging. Today, we’re diving into aging experiences around the world to unpack how different cultures value older adults and influence their roles in society as they progress in age. Western Cultures It’s a truth we can’t ignore: Everyone ages. Some will experience physical symptoms sooner than others, reluctantly welcoming wrinkles and gray hair. Much of Western culture, however, views aging as an unfortunate aspect of life, taking extreme measures to retain youth for as long as possible. But how does this negative cultural mindset regarding aging impact how Western society views and cares for its aging population? For many, it means that older adults rely on retirement communities and nursing homes for long-term care. As of 2024, more than 1.4 million people in the United States live in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes. Western society often embraces individualism, which prioritizes the well-being of the individual

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Aging

1 year ago

Opportunities for Connection: 5 Benefits of Intergenerational Relationships

When you think of current public health concerns, what comes to mind? Mental health disorders, vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems and environmental pollution might be at the top of the list. One that many don’t think of? Loneliness. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, approximately 50% of adults reported experiencing feelings of loneliness in the United States — and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic, especially during periods of isolation, the number likely grew, particularly among who lived alone or had limited access to technology to stay connected with loved ones. Loneliness is associated with a heightened risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression and even premature death

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Physiology

1 year ago

Ozempic Explained: How It Works for Diabetes and Why Some People Lose Weight

In the United States, approximately 38 million people have diabetes. Within that population, about 95% have type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects your body’s ability to metabolize sugar, otherwise known as glucose. One medication that’s used to help manage type 2 diabetes is Ozempic, an injectable drug approved by the FDA in 2017 to improve blood sugar control in adults. Since its introduction, Ozempic has become widely used, not only for its ability to lower blood sugar but also for a notable side effect: weight loss. While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, its impact on appetite and metabolism has drawn attention beyond the diabetes community. In this article, we’ll explore how Ozempic works, its role in diabetes management and why it’s gained so much popularity

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