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Physiology

2 years ago

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

From sunburns and dark spots to more severe long-term consequences like skin cancer, you may be all too familiar with the potential repercussions of enjoying one too many beach days without sunscreen. And while it’s likely that your parents discussed the negative effects of having a little too much fun in the sun, they probably never took the time to go over what happens if you don’t get enough of it. The sun’s potentially damaging UV rays are the very same ones that provide your body with a natural form of vitamin D: an essential nutrient that keeps your bones healthy, reduces inflammation and supports your immune health and metabolism. But what happens when you’re not receiving enough sunlight? While it’s safe to say you won’t turn into a vampire, it is possible to experience some less-than-pleasant effects. In this article, we discuss the potential impacts of not getting enough sunlight and how much sun you actually need.

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Aging

2 years ago

The Impacts of an Aging Population on Society

Those born between 1946 and 1964 grew up in a completely different era than the one we’re familiar with today. World War II had just ended, “It’s a Wonderful Life” had mesmerized audiences and the first season of “I Love Lucy” premiered to over 10 million viewers. People were living the American Dream, and with that dream came an abundance of babies, hence the generational name “baby boomers.” In 2022, baby boomers became the second largest generational group in the United States with 69.6 million people ranging from ages 58 to 76. Even now, as they continue to age, more and more baby boomers are retiring every day. As it stands, approximately 10,000 people reach the retirement age of 65 daily. But how will a rapidly aging population impact society as we know it? Its effects will be felt on a national level as well as a personal level, as we outline in detail below. The Economic Implications of an Aging Population Could Be Significant The sizeable number of older people retiring every week translates to a smaller pool of working-age people

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Physiology

2 years ago

The Role of Bacteria in Gut Health, Digestion and Immunity

What comes to mind when you think of bacteria? Infection? Illness? While these ailments are often associated with bacteria, not all species of bacteria cause harm. Some are actually quite beneficial, and understanding how these microorganisms operate will make you feel much better about knowing that they’re alive inside you right now. Bacteria are tiny organisms — living things — that exist within the bodies of humans and animals and in just about every environment on the planet. To give you an idea of just how small bacteria are, compare these single-celled microbes to the average adult human male, who is made up of more than an estimated 37 trillion cells. Despite their microscopic size, bacteria have the potential to do a great deal of harm or good within our bodies. What Is Gut Flora? Our digestive system (or gastrointestinal system) is home to five different types of bacteria, each of which contains multiple bacterial species. Bacteria are an important part of our flora, or the organisms that live in our bodies

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Aging

2 years ago

Geropsychology: Helping Older Adults Thrive

The field of psychology has grown immensely in recent decades. What began as the study of the adult mind and behavior in 1879 has since expanded to an array of specialties, from military psychology to child psychology and everything in between. It should come as no surprise, then, that there’s a new branch of psychology on the block and it goes by the name of geropsychology. This up-and-coming specialty applies a combination of traditional and modern psychological methods to help people aged 65 and older. Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist with a focus on the elderly population or you’d simply like to utilize some of its practices in your line of work, today we’re answering the question, “What is geropsychology?” and discussing some of the common topics this specialty addresses. Geropsychology: A Brief History By the 1950s, psychology had comfortably nestled itself next to many other established specialties in the behavioral sciences. It was during this time that scientists began to study the cognitive and emotional abilities of humans as they entered the latter phase of their lives. In the 1970s, more formal training in clinical geropsychology began to improve the lives of older adults as they faced impending hurdles like mental and physical decline or the deaths of loved ones

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Physiology

2 years ago

What Is a Supertaster? Definition, Traits and How to Test Yourself

It’s a tale as old as time. Growing up, your family tried to instill a love of broccoli and other leafy greens in you, but it never quite took. Now, you might be an adult who still doesn’t appreciate certain veggies, coffee or spicy foods. Perhaps you’d even go so far as to call yourself a picky eater. If so, have you ever considered whether you might be a supertaster? While being a supertaster might sound like a covetable superpower, the one in four people who find themselves with this ability might not always see it as a blessing. When it comes down to it, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: What is a supertaster? Join us as we answer this and all your other burning questions related to supertasters.

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Aging

3 years ago

How Aging Affects the Nervous System

As the source of all our senses, thoughts, memories, movements, and other essential daily functions of our body, our nervous system has a tremendous impact on the way we age. The nervous system is composed of two main parts: the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, comprised of the nerves located throughout the body. We have increasing risks with age, such as stroke, traumatic injury, and age-related neurological diseases. All these conditions can cause significant neuronal damage. According to scientific research, the nervous system can potentially restore its function after damage

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Aging

3 years ago

Lifestyle Factors and Aging

It’s been said that age is “only a number.” The fact that many senior citizens are living active, healthy lives and living longer than ever before certainly supports that notion. In 1920, the average American lived 54.1 years. By 2020 that number had climbed to 77 years — a 42% longer lifespan. Ideally, modern seniors can spend these additional years maintaining a high quality of life. To achieve this, however, it’s important we do not prematurely age ourselves

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Aging

3 years ago

How Nutrition and Exercise Can Help Preserve Independence in Aging Adults

Many factors impact our ability to stay independent as we age. Injuries, heredity and complications from diseases, in addition to the natural aging process itself, can rob us of our self-sufficiency. But how can older adults, healthy or otherwise, prolong their independence? In short, good nutritional habits and regular exercise. These lifestyle choices have been shown to help both healthy older adults and those with health challenges remain independent longer. Below, we’ll address some widely applicable ways to preserve independence as well as some novel ways based on research

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Aging

3 years ago

Why Is Hearing Loss More Common in Men Than Women?

Studies consistently show that men are more likely than women to suffer hearing loss as they age. Why is this? There are multiple contributing factors, including lifestyle, occupation, health and heredity. We’ll consider these factors and get an expert perspective from Dr. Shin Someya, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Aging for the University of Florida’s Department of Physiology and Aging. Sex-Based Differences in Hearing Loss Loss of hearing can be triggered or exacerbated by numerous causes, both innate and behavioral

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Medical School

4 years ago

5 Reasons Why Medical Students Should Pursue a Master of Science

Learn Why a Master of Science May Be a Great Choice for You The proverb “it’s about the journey, not the destination” applies to everyone. Yes, even medical students! Putting themselves through years of grueling study, these aspiring professionals hope to be placed in respectable residency programs come Match Day. However, some of the greatest lessons a student can learn are taught outside of medical school and inside a Master of Science (MS) program. An MS instills relevant medical knowledge that can prove invaluable to your studies and future career, regardless of where you are on your academic journey. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should pursue a master’s degree, especially a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida. In as little as two semesters, you can earn your MS and become a more capable and competitive medical student.

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