Plagues such as COVID-19 are nothing new, and this pandemic is far from the worst the world has ever faced. A physician and historian examines COVID in comparison to other pandemics and discusses the lessons that will serve us well in the future.
The Benefits of Handwriting
Today’s students often type their assignments, no matter the grade level. Writing by hand is done less frequently, and some students are barely able to produce cursive writing. However, studies show that writing by hand creates a better connection to the brain for learning content. Experts discuss how we might tap this connection in an increasingly tech world.
Assessing the Psychological Wreckage of the Pandemic
Many people are relieved that, thanks to vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be waning. But the mental health wreckage of the last year will take longer to overcome. Experts discuss how it’s showing up and what people can do to get back on track.
The Unmeasurable Presence of Pain
Pain varies from person to person and is totally subjective. It can’t be truly measured. This makes pain management one of the greatest challenges in healthcare. An expert discusses how pain works and how doctors struggle to contain it.
Our Disastrous Pandemic Diets
During the pandemic, millions of people have adopted diets full of comfort food, and have wrecked their heart health in the process. Now as the world begins to return to a semblance of normal, they will face wildly conflicting dietary advice. An expert cardiologist discusses how people can cut through the confusion.
Why Knee Replacements May Go Wrong
Knee replacements are successful for 80 percent of recipients, yet many assume the success rate should be higher. Those who are not successful often are bitterly disappointed. However, patients and physicians can take steps to avoid a bad result. New techniques also offer much faster recovery. Experts discuss.
Pioneering Women Doctors
Today, women outnumber men in medical school. But 175 years ago, women were unheard of in medicine. An author discusses the ingenuity it took for two sisters to break barriers in medicine for women.
I’m Vaccinated. Now What?
Americans have waited anxiously for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now that it’s being rapidly deployed, how much will it change life for those who’ve received it? Experts offer a primer on exactly how the vaccines work, what activities recipients can and can’t safely do, and estimates of when masks won’t be necessary.
Epilepsy Myths
Epilepsy affects 3.5 million Americans, yet stigma prevents many from speaking out, which in turn prolongs the stigma. An award-winning writer who has epilepsy describes the discrimination faced by people with seizure disorders and dispels the many myths many people hold about them.
The Downside Of “Springing Ahead”
The annual switch to Daylight Saving Time brings more accidents, heart attacks, and other health effects. Surprisingly, they don’t completely go away until we go back to Standard Time in the fall. Experts discuss health and mental effects of body clocks not being in synch with the actual time, and how year-around consistency would help. But should it be Standard Time or DST? Experts discuss alternatives.
The Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Despite social distancing, experts say people are increasingly “hooking up.” Sexually transmitted diseases are growing as a result. An expert discusses STDs in a pandemic.
How Hormones Control Our Lives
Hormones were unknown until a little more than 100 years ago, and experts admit we still have a lot to learn. An expert author details the discovery of hormones and how our growing knowledge has shaped treatment of many diseases and conditions.
Exhaustion On The Covid Front Lines
Healthcare workers in ER’s and ICU’s are in their 11th month of fighting COVID-19 and its exhaustion and depression. Two front line doctors describe how they’re managing to stay optimistic amid so much chaos, and how the vaccine has given them a goal keeping them afloat.
The Good And The Bad Of Medical Crowdfunding
Medical campaigns account for a third of monies raised on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe, and many people who’ve fallen through the holes of the safety net have been helped this way. But studies show that fraud is rampant in crowdfunding, with fake patients and medical providers who are all too eager to take money for worthless treatment. Experts discuss these issues and the need for regulation.
What’s Up With Hiccups?
Hiccups are annoying and uncomfortable, and doctors don’t know why we (and most other species) get them. An expert explains what we know about what hiccups are and why most home remedies actually work.
