Wearables and sleep: What can they really tell us?
Many people now wear smartwatches and other wrist-based devices, and use them to collect and track information about their sleep. But the algorithms that govern how the devices work are opaque, and there is no data comparing them to devices that sleep researchers use.
Low fat, low carb, or Mediterranean: which diet is right for you?
A low-tech school vacation: Keeping kids busy and happy without screens
Wondering how to occupy your children during school break? Skip the screens and try these low-tech physical and creative pursuits.
Drills, needles, and pain, oh my! Coping with dental anxiety
Does the mere thought of going to the dentist make you anxious? You aren’t alone, but avoiding dental care appointments can lead to other health problems besides dental pain. But there are steps you can take to relieve that anxiety.
Infertility: Grandparents in waiting
Parents of adult children who are struggling with infertility experience complicated feelings, both for what their child is going through and for themselves. Knowing how to deal with these feelings can make the situation easier for everyone involved.
Weight loss surgery for children and teens struggling with obesity
If a child is obese by age 12, it’s nearly a certainty that child will be obese as an adult, with all the complications that brings. While some may be uncomfortable with a child or adolescent having bariatric surgery to facilitate weight loss, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it in certain situations.
Lasmiditan: New first-in-class drug treatment approved for migraine
The first of a new class of medications for the treatment of migraine has been approved by the FDA. Lasmiditan works differently than existing medications, and does not cause blood vessels to narrow (a side effect that makes them unsuitable for those with vascular conditions).
Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise: Should you worry?
The number of sexually transmitted infections reported in the US reached an all-time high last year. Having an STI can raise a person’s risk of getting HIV or having infertility or pregnancy complications, but STIs are preventable and treatable. Knowing the facts about STIs and testing is the first step.
Trouble with crossword puzzles? Improve your semantic memory
Semantic memory is your store of factual knowledge and the meanings of words. It also helps you recall nonverbal concepts and relationships between words and concepts. And while some aspects of memory may decline with age, semantic memory does not.