In the journals: Mindfulness meditation practice changes the brain
A small study of people who practiced regular mindfulness meditation found changes in several areas of their brains.
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Month: March 2011
Beyond the coronary arteries: Possible benefits of statin drugs Part I: Meet the statins
Statin drugs have helped millions of people reduce their risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, and they may also have beneficial effects on cells all over the body.
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Bladder cancer: Men at risk
Bladder cancer is much more common in men than in women. The most common causes are smoking and exposure to environmental toxins.
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Ask the doctor: Do I need an HPV test?
I’m 50 years old and have never had an HPV test. Do I need one as part of my health screening?
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On call: Beer belly
I am a healthy, active 39-year-old. I enjoy a beer with dinner, and a six-pack most weekends. Over the past year or two, I’ve had to let my belt out, and now I’m letting out my pants. So here’s my question: is beer really responsible for my “beer belly”?
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Ask the doctor: Preventing and curing sarcoidosis
A friend has sarcoidosis. How bad a disease is it? Can it be prevented and treated effectively?
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Accountable care organizations
A new type of health care organization aims to improve managed care by controlling costs and rewarding efficiency while maintaining high standards of care.
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Four sob stories
Research on crying focuses on several different areas, including the chemicals in emotional tears and their purpose, and whether or not depressed people cry more.
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Ask the doctor: Are my blood pressure and heart rate changing normally during exercise?
Sometimes I walk while wearing my blood pressure cuff. At first my systolic blood pressure rises while my heart rate hardly changes. But when I start walking faster, my pressure stays steady while my heart rate increases to 110. Is this a normal pattern?
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Ask the doctor: Creatine for muscle strength
I’m 70 and exercise 30 minutes a day. I’ve heard that creatine supplements might help build muscle strength. Is there anything to it?
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