Also On Wellness
Posts by Wellness Editor
The fifteenth century British poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, Entire of itself," alluding to the need of humans for contact with each other. People are interdependent, and no human can live in isolation without being diminished.Research indicates social isolation produces dire consequences. Loneliness is more than a disagreeable emotional reaction to a lack of companionship. Loneliness...
January 20
Winter weather can leave many of us with itchy, dry, patchy skin that's absolutely miserable to deal with. From flaky skin to cracked skin, winter can be an unforgiving time for many of us. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce winter’s effects on your skin and keep it in its best possible shape all season long. How to Prevent Winter's Dry Skin Harsh winter dryness can be a terror on your...
January 20
Do you know how often you should be washing your clothes? How often do you wash your jeans, shirts and socks? If you said after every wear to each of these clothing items, there’s a chance you may be washing more often than needed. How often do you wash your sheets? Many people don’t wash them often enough. Find out how your washing schedule compares to recommended practices in the article below.Cleanliness...
January 17
If we had a time-lapse documentary of our nails, we might feel shocked by the dramatic differences as they change in days or weeks. As babies, our fingernails and toenails resemble perfectly shaped pink seashells. But by adulthood, our nails may have ridges, discolored areas, and other signs commonly attributed to aging but which can actually be indicative of health challenges both hidden and overt....
January 17
Dopamine is one of our natural feel-good chemicals. We’re designed to seek out pleasurable activities because we're designed to seek out the hit of dopamine we get from pleasure. But getting the right balance of it can be tricky. Why Do We Need Dopamine? Dopamine is necessary for numerous brain functions, from assisting in impulse control to regulating muscle movements. We release dopamine when we’re...
January 15
Many people want thick tresses or long, lustrous locks, but unfortunately, genetics and lifestyle choices often derail these goals. Moisturizing shampoos and strand-smoothing styling products may help improve hair’s appearance, but surface treatments can only do so much.Sometimes it’s difficult to get the hair we want no matter how often we deep condition or schedule regular trims. Genetics can leave...
January 13
On average, Americans spend nearly 3 hours on their phones each day. And that doesn’t account for all of their screen time. When you add in the amount of time spent on a computer, tablet or other electronic device, screen time increases dramatically — especially for those who spend 8 hours a day on a computer for work. It’s a sign of the times, and you may wonder why it even matters. Turns out, it...
January 13
Biologically speaking, the afternoon crash is hardwired into our systems. The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day and night. Unfortunately for our productivity, this rhythm has a penchant for afternoon naps.While everyone’s internal clock differs to some degree, most people are sleepiest between 2 to 4 a.m. and between 1 to 3 p.m — hence,...
January 10
Boo! Did you jump? That startle response is universal among humans — and possibly even across the animal kingdom. It can be unsettling, but it could also serve a vital purpose. So what causes us to become scared stiff? One well-known chemical in our brain appears to be responsible. Study Links Serotonin to Startle Response If fear has ever stopped you in your tracks — literally like a deer staring...
January 10
Only one girl receives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for every four boys. Most experts have long accepted that this is due to some genetic predisposition to the disorder that affects the two sexes differently, but there’s a good chance that doctors have gotten this all wrong—and they're starting to realize it. More and more adult women are now being diagnosed with autism, and their experiences...
January 10