Mental Health
We all want to experience more happiness. Yet in this uncertain world, moments of happiness can seem fleeting at best. That rush of joy when you finally drive away in your new car…or the gasp of delight over those glittering birthday earrings…even the pleasure of a bargain-find, perfectly fitted new jacket… According to researchers with… read more
Steven came home late that winter evening and dropped down on the couch with a triumphant grin. Another playoff success! With a regionals win under his belt for a second year in a row, Steven was dreaming of a State Championship to highlight his senior year. He rubbed his temples, trying to soothe away the… read more
Scientific research reports a correlation between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and abnormal gut microbiota. In a clinical trial of Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT), 18 participants diagnosed with ASD underwent a comprehensive program including bowel cleanse, antibiotics, antacids, and fecal microbiota transplant. After the 18-week research trial scientists reported improvements in ASD symptoms and reduced gastrointestinal… read more
Dyslexia can be a devastating disability for children and adults alike, who are otherwise functionally and developmentally typical in every way. Patients, parents, and scientists have long searched for deeper understanding of this cognitive phenomenon, and recent research brings insight! An article published in the Journal of Neuroscience describes new findings in regard to the… read more
We all know and understand the overall health benefits of exercise at any age. Current research has revealed the unique importance of exercise for young adults, and how it can impact lifestyle, brain function, and future quality of life. Many young adults (age 18-35) are encountering life changes such as career development, marriage, and parenthood… read more
The young man sat in front of his counselor and recounted the disturbing and obscure image that had been haunting him: a tricycle with front wheel spinning crookedly toward the sky, as blood seeped from beneath a mud-encrusted truck tire. “What then? Close your eyes and try to envision what happens next,” the therapist would… read more
Juliana came in from school and rushed straight to her room. After 45 minutes of meticulously arranging her hair and make-up she sat in the afternoon sunlight by her window and smiled coquettishly into her smart phone. She spent half an hour posing, snapping pictures, and editing every perceivable flaw. Finally happy with the results,… read more
Product analysis table, pencil for editing, someone’s phone rings, shiny reflection from coworker’s watch, those are weird shoes, was that a dog barking?…. Attention struggles manifest at every age, in a plethora of debilitating ways. Many medical doctors are quick to prescribe attention medications, yet patients and family members are often reluctant to take this… read more
The natural desire to avoid contact with germs can sometimes go too far, as with repetitive and frequent hand-washing. For those who struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this fear of contamination and habitual washing becomes an obsession. However, contrary to expectation, an obsession with hand-washing is less about the fear of germs and more about… read more
Imagine it: Pounding headache, sour stomach, and fatigue like a heavy blanket willing me to close my eyes. Fifteen minutes before I needed to be at the office; enough time to stop for coffee. The decaf latte would be more a distraction than a caffeine rush but hopefully help me snap out of it. No,… read more
It was 7:30AM as I drove through the bitter cold winter wind. Despite the heat blowing from my car vents the atmosphere inside felt bitter cold as well. My son sat stiffly beside me, arms crossed angrily across his 12-year old chest and glared out at the frosty landscape. I knew he was probably reflecting… read more
It’s that time of year again…shorter days, longer nights, and far fewer opportunities to soak up the sunshine. While we might love the coziness of a winter day indoors, many people suffer from such lack of sun exposure and develop symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts more women than men,… read more
