The Scripps Research Institute finds stress hormone key to alcohol dependence.  Roberto notes that another intriguing aspect of the work is that it provides a possible physiological link between stress-related behaviors, emotional disorders (i.e. stress disorders, anxiety, depression), and the development of alcohol dependence. More lab rat detail...

We need to get our kids outside!  Although this seems like common sense, children have less media exposure and play outdoors have lower risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and even depression.  This is now being brought to the Surgeon General to be placed as a priority.  More…

Chamomile helps lessen symptoms of mild to moderate general anxiety disorder.  It was noted in the study that many suffering with GAD self-diagnos and self-medicate with alternative, over-the-counter remedies such as chamomile teas.  Read…

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Registered CommenterLisa Samuel | CommentsPost a Comment

Food scientists are working on appetite suppressant “that gels into a solid structure in the stomach, thereby helping to curb appetite”.  They are consulting with psychologists to determine how long the suppressant should last by looking at consumer behavior pattern. Yikes!

Some common sense reminders about eating well are discussed by nutritionist and author Elizabeth Somer.  This is a good refresher on the brain-food relationship.  More…

Make sure magnesium is in your multivitamin.  Preliminary tests are showing that a new magnesium compound is boosting rat brains and maybe ours soon. More…

Even “cave-moms” told their kids to eat fish so their brains would grow.  The evolution of our brains may have also been dependent upon our consumption of seafood in addition to meat and learning to cook with fire.  Read…

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Registered CommenterLisa Samuel | CommentsPost a Comment

Using “we” instead of “I” in talking about our relationships is associated with increased satisfaction in solving problems.  UC Berkley researchers noted these couples “behaved more positively toward one another and showed less physiological stress”.  Read…

But, spouses who provide “too much informational support -- usually in the form of unwanted advice-giving -- is the most detrimental” to marital relationships. It looks like more is less when it comes to this type of advice, but spouses do need consistent support in relationships and being open and honest by communicating what those levels are (on an individual basis) with your spouse is preferable.    More…

Having a mid-life crisis is not so prevalent anymore according to researchers.  Apparently life satisfaction is greater in the 40s and 50s compared with early phases of life when families, careers, and financial stability is less certain.  More…

Early psychological treatment/assistance may help patients, in the long-term, recover from the emotional trauma of significant injuries or experiences.  Psychological treatment typically occurs after the body has physically recovered but new research suggests that patients may benefit from much earlier intervention strategies.  More…

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Registered CommenterLisa Samuel | CommentsPost a Comment

Frequency of sexual exposure on television is a predictor of teen pregnancy in addition to many other family dynamics. More…

Bullying in the workplace is psychologically harder for employees than sexual harassment.  In a national poll 37 percent of the U.S. workforce reported bullying and had higher levels of stress and anxiety.  Read…

Social networking (virtual or not) is influenced by major individual differences.  This has an impact on how and why people have many, or few friends on sites like Facebook or MySpace yet the definition of the value of a multitude of contacts on a social network varies.  Read…

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Registered CommenterLisa Samuel | CommentsPost a Comment

Attachment style (how anxious or avoidant we are in relationships) may affect our recall of arguments with our spouses and contribute to how we react.  The memory, or recall, of the argument may carry more weight than the actual event.  Read…

A study noted that right-handed people categorized objects on the right side as being “good and correct” whereas left-handed people said the “good and correct” items were on the left side of an administered test…so what is “right” and “wrong” to people depends upon their perceptuomotor experiences.  More…

 Seven hours of sleep per night seems to be the magic number.  Both long and short sleep durations are correlated with poor health and shortened lifespan.  More…

Natural herbs to help you quit smoking include St. John’s Wart, Lobelia inflate (can be toxic in high doses), and Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) …just check with a homeopath first.  Read…

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Registered CommenterLisa Samuel | CommentsPost a Comment
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