As dietary restrictions become more commonplace (an estimated 10% of Americans have a food allergy, another 5% are vegetarian or vegan), serving a holiday meal that satisfies a diversity of diners may seem intimidating. Below we show some easy ways to deconstruct or reconstruct your dishes to give everyone – whether they’re heart-healthy, diabetic, gluten-sensitive, lactose-intolerant, nut-free or plant-forward – … Read More
The Gratitude Attitude
If your parents repeatedly exhorted you to count your blessings, it may well prove to be one of the best pieces of medical advice they shared. In this season of giving and thankfulness, we share a brief synopsis of how gratitude – defined as appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself – is associated with a host of … Read More
Unpacking the Mysteries of the Microbiome
In the past decade it has become well recognized that the millions of bacteria in the gut, collectively known as the microbiome, can influence the health of the brain, lung, heart, metabolism and the immune system. Thousands of studies have been conducted since the term was first introduced in 2001, with research shifting from an early focus on cataloging microorganisms … Read More
Ageism, the Last Unacceptable Bias
“I’m having a senior moment. I’m too old to try that. I look good for my age. It’s time to put her/him out to pasture. These are just aches and pains from old age. Sweetie, you don’t look a day over 29. Ok boomer. There will be a tsunami of aging dependents in the coming decade.” These oft-used phrases may … Read More
Testosterone Therapy for Midlife Males: More Questions Than Answers
At around the same time as females enter menopause in their late 40s or early 50s, males are experiencing their own hormonal decline, called andropause. As part of the normal aging process, a man’s testosterone levels decrease by about 1% a year after age 40. Low testosterone by itself is not concerning, but with symptoms, may indicate a more serious … Read More
A New Look at Moving through Menopause
Defined simply as the final menstrual period, when it is no longer possible for a woman to get pregnant, the current approach to menopause has become increasingly nuanced, recognizing that each individual’s experience varies widely. Many women transition into this stage smoothly with minimal discomfort, but others experience severe vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal … Read More
Midlife Crisis or Midlife Reassessment?
Like so many popular 20th century concepts, the image of a man in an existential crisis at age 50 who trades in his long-time wife and car for newer models is on the wane – and may never have been correct. Psychoanalyst Elliott Jaques coined the term in 1965 to describe his midlife client’s sudden change in lifestyle and productivity, … Read More
A Welcome Change: Mental Health Issues Lose Their Stigma at Every Age
From unmentionable to oft discussed, American attitudes toward mental health have made a seismic shift over the years. It’s heartening to see recent polls showing 87% of U.S. adults agree having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and 86% saying people with mental health disorders can get better. Seeking help from a therapist has become normalized, … Read More
Mental Health in Children
Age of Innocence – Or Anxiety for Today’s Kids? From loud claps of thunder to dogs that can bite, a child’s world is filled with new, sometimes scary experiences. However, if fears can’t be managed with reassurance or distraction and persistently interfere with daily activities, your child may have an anxiety disorder. These most common childhood mental health disorders are … Read More
Mental Health in Adolescent & Young Adults
Drugs, Drinking & Depression: The Kids May Not Be Alright Every generation has seen their share of thrill-seeking teens acting out and making dubious choices regarding drugs and alcohol. “There’s a normative aspect to risk taking at this age,” assures clinical psychologist Gilly Kahn. “It’s hardwired into our systems to allow us to learn our place in the world.” In … Read More