Living a Healthy Life

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle, and the ideal routine seems to change all the time. Yet physical well-being plays an undeniably important role in our daily lives. In many ways, our mental health impacts our ability to be physically healthy, and vice versa. Researchers in both domains have a lot to say about what it takes to be well.

Recent posts on Health

author's photo

Nourish Your Brain in Five Minutes a Day

Your quality of life depends on the circulation in your brain.

How to Mentally Prepare for Surgery and Recover Faster

Anxiety plays a critical role in the success or failure of surgery. Here are some tips for the next time you or a loved one is preparing to undergo a medical event.

Mental Health Jails

By Terry A Kupers M.D. on December 09, 2017 in Prisons and Prisms
Criminalizing mental illness merely compounds the problem.

The Demography of Aging

Ever wonder why nearly 75% of our longevity has so little to do with our genetics or health care?

How Teens Perceive Marijuana

With several states legalizing marijuana, teens are receiving mixed messages about using the drug.

Loneliness Is a Killer. Why Don't We Talk About It?

By Loren A. Olson M.D. on December 08, 2017 in Finally Out
We don't talk about loneliness because of a stigma: It feels like a failure in one of life's fundamental domains. But it is essential for our health that we talk about it.

Exercise for Depression, Dementia, and Anxiety

Research findings show that regular exercise improves depressed mood, reduces anxiety, and reduces the risk of dementia.

Is Gun Violence Contagious?

The concept of contagion might not be the best way of understanding gun violence in the U.S. Here's why this matters.

The Emotional Aftermath of Speaking Out

By Mariana Plata on December 07, 2017 in The Gen Y Psy
Who are the "Silence Breakers" and why is their work so important? Speaking out your truth can be an emotional rollercoaster.

Climate Change Affecting Farmers' Mental Health

By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on December 07, 2017 in Talking About Trauma
As the temperatures increase, so do the mental health risks among farmers.
burst at pexels

It's Better Going With the Dogs

By Matthew J. Edlund M.D. on December 07, 2017 in The Power of Rest
The many advantages of humanity's best friend.

Dispelling Three Popular Myths About Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's myths could be compromising your brain health.

Global Mental Health Challenges and Remedies in Chicago

By  Stevan Weine, M.D. on December 07, 2017 in Cafes Around the World
Are there global mental health problems in our university's backyard?

Smoking in Adaptive Perspective

By Nigel Barber Ph.D. on December 06, 2017 in The Human Beast
People continue to smoke at the expense of survival, vigor, and reproductive success. Why?

The New Science of Successfully Breaking Bad Habits

By Christopher Bergland on December 06, 2017 in The Athlete's Way
The Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) coalition is on a mission to help people break bad habits and successfully make behavioral changes that will lead to longer, healthier lives.

Strategies for Non-Drinkers to Navigate Holiday Parties

Many people don’t drink alcohol but will be quizzed about why they don’t at holiday gatherings.

The Dangers of Homophobia

By Jennifer O’Brien Ph.D. on December 06, 2017 in All Things LGBTQ
Exploring the negative impact of discrimination, prejudice, and stigma on the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.

Suffering From Holiday Overwhelm?

Don't let unrealistic expectations for the holiday season get you down. Take a lesson from Mrs. Claus, settle in, and enjoy.

How You Can Help Cancer Patients

By Anne Moyer Ph.D. on December 05, 2017 in Beyond Treatment
As a researcher, I devote some of my time enrolling in as a participant in research studies.

Traveling, Fighting, Dancing: Illness and Recovery Metaphors

By Emily T. Troscianko on December 05, 2017 in A Hunger Artist
Metaphors shape our language and our thought. Paying attention to them in illness and in health can help us clarify our defaults and experiment with other possibilities.

Considering a Career in Mental Health Counseling?

Explore the opportunities of the helping relationship. See if a career in mental health is right for you.

Talking Back to ADHD

By Mark Bertin M.D. on December 05, 2017 in Child Development Central
Pause and realize the difference between a person and their ADHD, then begin to identify where ADHD affects life.

Spirulina for Infant and Aged Brains

By Gary L. Wenk Ph.D. on December 05, 2017 in Your Brain on Food
Spirulina (pond scum) is an excellent source of highly potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals that can benefit your brain health across the entire lifespan

Six Reasons to Love Tuesdays (and One Reason Not To)

By Linda Wasmer Andrews on December 05, 2017 in Minding the Body
Happy Tuesday! Here’s the good, the bad, and the healthy of the most underrated day of the week.

Sexual Assault Stories Can Traumatize the Public

Sexual assault stories in the media can traumatize the public, a plea for mindful reporting.

Negative Self-Talk: Don't Let It Overwhelm You

By Fran Simone Ph.D. on December 04, 2017 in A Family Affair
Is negative self-talk wearing you down? You have the power to change it.

Living With a Dog Is Good, If It's Good for You and the Dog

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on December 04, 2017 in Animal Emotions
A detailed study of more than three million people in Sweden shows that especially for individuals living alone, a dog has some health benefits. But, is it also good for the dog?
Shuttershock

How to Keep Santa from Making Our Kids Gain Weight

By Peter A. Ubel M.D. on December 04, 2017 in Scientocracy
The key to combating America’s obesity problem is to prevent children from developing obesity in the first place.

What Does It Take to Transform Trauma Into Art?

By Ariel Gore on December 04, 2017 in Women and Happiness
Want to write through trauma and mental illness? Chelsey Clammer illuminates the art and craft making excellent essays out of tough experiences.

Helping Your College Student Cope with a Grandparent's Death

By Marcia Morris M.D. on December 03, 2017 in College Wellness
A grandparent’s death can pose challenges for a college student, but with your support and campus resources, your student can learn to cope.