Aging Time Warp
In I'm 53 years old. I'm 36 in my head, Jennifer Senior delves into the mysterious phenomenon of feeling younger than one's actual age. Drawing from various studies, Senior reveals that adults over 40 tend to perceive themselves as approximately 20 percent younger. The discrepancy between chronological and internal age can be attributed to various factors, including a sense of optimism and the reminiscence bump. Senior highlights the cultural and societal influences on subjective age, ultimately suggesting that feeling younger can positively affect health and well-being.
Countering Amygdala Hijacking
Conflict is inevitable in human relationships, but it doesn't have to be destructive. In the article, 6 steps to manage conflict with emotional intelligence,, the importance of emotional intelligence in handling conflict is highlighted. The author explains the concept of "amygdala hijacking," where our emotional responses take over during disputes, and offers strategies to counteract this effect. The six methods include:
- Understanding your conflict style.
- Identifying the core issues.
- Practicing self-regulation and calmness.
- Avoiding destructive communication habits.
- Fostering appreciation and empathy.
- Developing these skills through practice.
By employing these strategies, individuals can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and deeper connections.
Beyond B.M.I.
The American Medical Association (A.M.A.) has acknowledged the limitations and potential harm of relying solely on body mass index (B.M.I.) to measure weight and health. The A.M.A. recognizes the historical exclusion and racial bias associated with B.M.I in a new policy. The recommendation encourages doctors to consider additional factors such as visceral fat, body adiposity index, body composition, and genetic/metabolic factors when assessing a patient's health. While B.M.I. may have its uses at a population level, the policy signifies a shift towards a more holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the need to move beyond B.M.I. as a sole determinant of health. B.M.I. Alone Is Not Enough to Assess Health, American Medical Association says - The New York Times (gift article)
A.I. and a "Post-Truth" World
"A.I. will make it easier to produce disinformation—from fake images to deepfakes to fake news. That will affect people's trust as they're scrolling on social media" Wired had an interesting (dystopian) article on how A.I. might influence humanity. It's not pretty. Humans Aren't Mentally Ready for an AI-Saturated' Post-Truth World' | WIRED
Combatting Chemo Brain
"Chemo brain," a condition characterized by cognitive impairment and memory loss, affects many cancer patients during and after treatment. The causes and persistence of symptoms remain unclear. A multi-pronged approach is recommended to alleviate the chemo brain, including exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, prioritizing sleep, practicing mindfulness, and potentially exploring psychostimulant medications. While no FDA-approved medicines for chemobrain exist yet, promising research on repurposing drugs initially used for other conditions offers hope for future solutions. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help ease 'chemo brain' - The Washington Post (gift article)
Anxiety Screening During Routine Healthcare
In response to the growing mental health crisis, primary care providers in the United States are encouraged to incorporate anxiety screenings into routine checkups. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has published new guidelines recommending that asymptomatic adults, including pregnant and postpartum individuals aged 19 to 64, be screened for anxiety disorders. The aim is to identify and treat anxiety disorders earlier, improving patient outcomes. However, concerns about the burden on an already overburdened mental healthcare system and the potential overdiagnosis of anxiety disorders in communities of color have been raised. Anxiety screening for adults under 65 now recommended at health checkups - The Washington Post (gift article)
Quieting the Cravings
In the article, What Is 'Food Noise'? How Ozempic Quiets Obsessive Thinking About Food - The New York Times (gift article) the New York Times explores the intriguing phenomenon of individuals experiencing diminished "food noise" after taking medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. "Food noise" refers to the constant preoccupation with food and cravings that some people struggle with. The active ingredient in these drugs, semaglutide, affects appetite-regulating areas in the brain and promotes a feeling of fullness. Through interviews and social media stories, the article highlights the relief and freedom reported by individuals who have successfully silenced their "food noise" with these medications.
100 Places to See AFTER You Die
The book 100 Places to See After You Die: A Travel Guide to the Afterlife "surveys ideas from around the world about what happens to us after we die. It's written as a travel guide, with an eclectic mix of 100 accounts, ranging from mythology and religion to ideas floated in books, movies, and T.V. shows." I'm going to check this one out. Ken Jennings visits the afterlife in '100 Places to See After You Die' - The Washington Post (gift article)
Melanoma and the Microbiome
Jamie Rettinger, the first person to undergo a fecal transplant to treat melanoma, shares his remarkable journey. Jamie's cancer spread after being misdiagnosed and mistreated, leaving him with limited treatment options. The experimental approach of fecal transplant, aimed at restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut, showed promising results. The transplant engrafted successfully, and Jamie's body responded to subsequent immunotherapy treatment, leading to the shrinking of melanoma signs. This groundbreaking research offers hope for improved melanoma treatments and emphasizes the potential role of the gut microbiome in shaping immune responses in cancer therapy and beyond. Man who got the first fecal transplant to cure melanoma shares his experience.
