Mindful eating
Research suggests that more deliberate and thoughtful eating habits could help some people lose weight.
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In the news: Report sets new dietary intake levels for vitamin D and calcium
An Institute of Medicine panel evaluating more than a decade of research concluded that the evidence for vitamin D’s contribution to bone health is clear, and set its recommended daily intake levels on this basis.
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Ask the doctor: What do you think of these so-called sunless tanning products?
My teenage daughter wants to be tan when we go to Florida for our winter vacation. I have suggested one of the so-called sunless tanning products, but she says they don’t look natural and wants to go to an indoor tanning salon instead. What do you think?
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Palliative care: Sooner may be better
Palliative care, which aims to improve a person’s quality of life during a serious illness, may also result in prolonging life in certain cases.
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In Brief: Social relationships and longevity
An analysis of dozens of longitudinal studies bolsters the belief that strong social relationships contribute to longevity.
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Test Finds Protein Linked to Alzheimer’s
A new test shows when people have a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease in their brains, researchers say. The protein is called beta-amyloid. The current test is to look for it in a brain autopsy after death. The new test uses a chemical called florbetapir. It binds to beta-amyloid in the brain. This allows the protein to show up on a PET scan. Researchers gave the test to 29 elderly people thought to be near the end of their lives. After they died, autopsies were done. The new test found that 15 of the 29 had Alzheimer’s. The test and autopsy results agreed for 28 out of 29 people. Researchers also gave the test to 74 younger adults. As expected, it showed no beta-amyloid in their brains. Avid Radiopharmaceuticals is seeking approval to market the test. A group of experts was scheduled to evaluate the test January 20. They will advise U.S.
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In Brief: Options for treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa
A study of adolescents with anorexia found that those who participated in therapy that involves other family members had higher rates of remission than those who received individual therapy.
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Motivating behavior change
Motivational interviewing is a conversational, nonjudgmental form of therapy that uses the patient’s own desire to change to facilitate and encourage progress in dealing with weight issues, smoking, drinking, or other substance abuse.
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Overcoming insomnia
Millions of people suffer from insomnia, and it often accompanies a psychiatric disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended over medication for treating chronic insomnia.
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Commentary: Did Lou Gehrig have Lou Gehrig’s disease?
Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, discusses research into traumatic brain injury, which has similarities to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but is distinct from it.
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