Articles

Filter By:

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

Read Article

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

Read Article

Aging

1 year ago

AI Bias in Healthcare: Is Technology Reinforcing Ageism?

Artificial intelligence is changing healthcare in powerful ways — but it isn’t always neutral. Sometimes, the systems designed to improve care can unintentionally reflect inequalities that already exist. For older adults, this bias can take the form of ageism. For example, if a health app is designed and tested mostly on younger users, it may overlook symptoms that present differently in seniors, resulting in inaccurate alerts or incomplete care recommendations. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits AI offers older adults while addressing the ageist biases that can be embedded in its technology. What Is AI Bias in Healthcare? AI bias in healthcare occurs when artificial intelligence systems produce unequal outcomes because of gaps or imbalances in the data used to train them. These biases can affect treatment recommendations, risk assessments and even diagnostic tools. One form of this bias is ageism, which is a type of stereotyping that discriminates against a person based on age. While it affects people of all ages, older adults are often the primary targets. According to the American Psychological Association, 93% of adults say they regularly experience at least one form of ageism

Read Article

Physiology

1 year ago

How Do Vitamins Work? The Science Behind Their Absorption

Many of the foods we eat naturally contain vitamins and other nutrients, while others are fortified, such as milk with added vitamin D. Still, some people lack certain essential vitamins due to their diet, age, gender, genetics or other factors. To compensate, many take supplements, such as multivitamins, that deliver a variety of vitamins and minerals in every dose. How do vitamins work in the body? Let’s explore this topic and examine the ongoing controversy surrounding supplement efficacy within medical and scientific communities. How Do Vitamin Supplements Travel Through Your Body? Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how vitamins travel through the human body: You swallow the vitamin supplement, and it moves down the esophagus to the stomach. In the stomach, digestion begins. Digestive acids and enzymes begin to dissolve the supplement, but it’s not fully digested here. The remaining portion travels to the small intestine, where it’s further broken down by digestive enzymes and fluids from the liver and pancreas

Read Article

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

Read Article

Physiology

1 year ago

Drugs That Treat Multiple Conditions: Hydroxyzine

Throughout the pharmaceutical world, there are numerous drugs that help people manage multiple conditions. Topiramate, developed to treat seizures, doubles as a migraine treatment. Bupropion, typically prescribed as an antidepressant, also aids in smoking cessation. Minoxidil, developed to treat high blood pressure, is perhaps better known for reversing hair loss. Clinical trials determine the effectiveness and safety of drugs before they’re approved for public use, but sometimes these trials reveal unforeseen benefits. Hydroxyzine is a prominent example of this type of versatile medication, and one we’ll explore its multiple uses in this article. Hydroxyzine: A Versatile Medication Hydroxyzine, a prescription antihistamine typically administered orally, has applications beyond stopping runny noses

Read Article

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

Read Article

Physiology

1 year ago

How Does Nicotine Replacement Therapy Relieve Addiction?

”From a scientific standpoint, nicotine is just as hard, or harder, to quit than heroin.” This jarring statement from nicotine researcher Dr. Neil Benowitz may explain why so many people struggle with giving up nicotine for years, or even a lifetime. When individuals use conventional cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco or e-cigarettes, the bloodstream quickly absorbs the chemical nicotine and transports it to the brain. The brain responds by releasing dopamine, the “happy hormone,” producing a pleasurable sensation. The body eventually grows accustomed to that sensation and becomes dependent on nicotine to produce it. When a smoker quits cigarettes, they may begin to feel angrier, sadder and hungrier due to the lack of stimulation from nicotine

Read Article

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

Read Article

Medical School

1 year ago

How This Program Helps Prepare You for Medical School

Medical school is a challenging but ultimately fulfilling endeavor for most students. Completing it positions you to make an immeasurable impact on the lives and health of others in a rewarding profession. In recent years, however, about 60% of applicants have not been accepted into medical school — even as doctor shortages increase. In fact, some industry organizations have forecast a physician shortfall approaching 86,000 by 2036. These figures underscore the importance of submitting a standout medical school application. Your application should clearly demonstrate that you not only meet the requirements but also possess the skills, credentials and determination needed to tackle the rigors of medical school and become an M.D. The University of Florida’s College of Medicine offers an online Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology program that can set you up for success in the medical school application process and beyond. Here’s how this program can benefit you as an aspiring medical school student. The Difference Our Degree Can Make Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology can help prepare you for medical school in several ways: MCAT-Aligned Curriculum Our program features curriculum designed to prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) — a key requirement for medical school admission

Read Article