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Working in academia isn’t for everyone, but it can have numerous perks. Depending on who you ask, these range from intellectual freedom to generous annual leave. But it goes a little deeper than that—initial findings from a long-term study, published in NeuroImage: Clinical, found that a lifelong career in academia can also have a positive effect on brain health. Key Takeaways A new study found that taking an academic career path has a positive effect on brain health....

For many years, scientists have been investigating the possible benefits of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin (derived from “magic” mushrooms) and LSD for mental health issues like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. Key Takeaways A new study, published in Scientific Reports, provides further evidence of the therapeutic benefits of microdosing, which is when these drugs are taken in tiny amounts—that won’t get you high. The participants who microdosed showed greater improvements in mood and mental health than those who didn’t microdose....

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and the psychotic features of other mental illnesses, and for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This minimizes dopamine activity and helps relieve symptoms of these conditions. Seroquel can be helpful and effective, but it is also important to be aware of the potential side effects. This includes common symptoms such as constipation, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat, as well as more serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia....

In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues set out to create an experiment that looked at the impact of becoming a prisoner or prison guard. Known as the Stanford Prison Experiment, the study went on to become one of the best-known (and controversial) in psychology’s history. The study has long been a staple in textbooks, articles, psychology classes, and even movies, but recent criticisms have called the study’s scientific merits and value into question....

The best walking socks are comfortable and supportive, wick away excess sweat, and defend against pesky blisters. Whether you’re walking outside with friends or climbing an inclined treadmill at the gym, you want to choose a pair of socks that’ll keep you comfortable and focused. Wearing a quality pair of walking socks is important for many reasons, says Diana Valencia, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center. Without socks, moisture starts to build up in your shoes while you walk....

The Institute of Medicine recommends 15.5 cups of fluid per day for men and 11.5 cups of fluid per day for women. However, most people still struggle to get enough water each day. Owning a durable, functional, and perhaps even fashionable water bottle can help you remember to drink water. Stainless steel water bottles keep water cold for hours, are better for the environment than plastic, and aren’t prone to breaking like glass water bottles....

Giving birth is a momentous occasion. The focus, of course, is on bringing a new life into the world as well as the exciting transition from person to parent. However, the process of having a baby is often considered special in and of itself. Many people have specific ideas and preferences about how they want that experience to go. Writing a birth plan is one way to help guide your birth and inform medical providers and other caregivers about your desires for this unique rite of passage....

Extreme weather conditions are becoming the norm as we face a worsening climate crisis. Since 1850, warm weather has been consistently rising and causing extreme weather events like heat waves, heavy precipitation, drought, and tropical cyclones. These conditions, which have devastating effects on a community, can cause short- and long-term effects on people’s mental health. This article explores why this happens, which conditions are most frequently associated with weather-related events, and how you can protect your mental health amidst climate crises....

Once a person decides to quit smoking, cravings for cigarettes is often one of the first and longest-lasting symptoms of withdrawal. These cravings are often strong at first but usually begin to dwindle the longer a person goes without smoking. As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S. In order to get through these cravings without a relapse, it is important to understand not only how long these cravings will last, but also the steps you can take to deal with the urge to smoke....

The right sports bra does more than increase your confidence in the gym. With so many options available, it’s important to find a sports bra that comfortably fits your curves without pinching or gaping, yet offers enough bust coverage and support to help prevent back strain, pain, and tissue damage. Luckily, many activewear companies have now expanded their lines to include sports bras that are specifically designed to support plus-size wearers....

Sometimes, pregnancy occurs and you are not ready. This can often mean the lack of quality prenatal care. This lack of prenatal care can be dangerous because you do not have anyone to help you figure out the ins and outs of pregnancy or to pick up on the rare serious complication. In essence, without prenatal care, you have no lifeguard. Where to Find Affordable Care Here are some places that you can look for locally to help you get prenatal care....

Raising a teen isn’t easy. Raising a troubled teen is even more difficult. Whether your teen has substance use problems, behavioral issues, or mental health problems, intervention is necessary. There are several things you can do to help guide your teen onto the right path before she becomes an adult. Here are six parenting tips for raising a troubled teen. Connect With Your Teen In parenting a troubled teen, it’s normal to be tempted to turn away from your teen as problems become more serious....

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was the first pharmacological treatment developed for smoking cessation that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nicotine gum came first in 1984, followed by the nicotine patch in the early 90s. Both became available over the counter (OTC) in 1996. In that same year, the nicotine nasal spray was introduced by prescription, followed by the nicotine inhaler in 1998. Nicotine lozenges were approved for OTC sales directly in 2002....

Is the weather hot? Or are you hoping to get your baby to “like” to drink water as a lifetime habit? Before you offer your baby water, be sure you know what the recommendations are around giving water as a supplement to breast milk or formula. At What Age Can Babies Drink Water? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends offering your baby a small amount of water starting at around 6 months....

Albert Ellis was an influential psychologist who developed rational emotive behavior therapy. He played a vital role in the cognitive revolution that took place in the field of psychotherapy and helped influence the rise of cognitive-behavioral approaches as a treatment approach. According to one survey of professional psychologists, Ellis was ranked as the second most influential psychotherapist behind Carl Rogers and just ahead of Sigmund Freud. Albert Ellis’ Personal Life Albert Ellis was born on September 27, 1913, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the oldest of three children....

Depending on whom you ask, stress during pregnancy is either a risk factor for miscarriage and stillbirth—or it’s an outright myth that stress has any relation to pregnancy loss. The role of stress in pregnancy is a complicated one. Some evidence does support the idea that stress could affect a pregnancy. But the evidence is mixed, and many doctors and health authorities say that stress is not a contributing factor for miscarriage....

When depression in teens is left untreated, the consequences can be severe, and in some cases, deadly. Like other illnesses, depression continues to get worse when untreated. Problems That Depressed Teenagers May Face Teens who have depression are at high risk to develop many serious problems as they struggle to cope with the emotional pain they are feeling. Although the behaviors described below are not specific to depression, they may raise some suspicion for the presence of depression or other mood disorders....

“A Tsunami of disability.” Key Takeaways Feelings of frustration, jealousy, and envy are being felt in the disability community during the pandemic. This can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression.The large increase of COVID-19 survivors finding themselves disabled means an increase in intra-community conflict. That’s how the ongoing influx of newly disabled people as a result of COVID-19 has been described, in this case by Claire Pomeroy for Scientific American....

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was another epidemic in the United States: In January 2019, an estimated 567,715 people experienced homelessness. Key Takeaways The pandemic’s impact on homeless shelters has highlighted the connection between housing and public health.In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, many cities have temporarily housed people experiencing homelessness in hotels for the first time ever. Experts hope it will signal a significant shift in how cities help support those who are unhoused....

Teaching your teen how to behave in an assertive manner can be a beneficial life lesson that will serve your child throughout their life. Take a proactive approach to teaching and enhancing your teen’s communication skills. Reasons Why Teens Benefit From Learning Assertiveness Skills Here are ten great reasons why teens should learn assertiveness skills. They’re Less Likely to Be Bullied A teen who is able to speak up and say, “Stop that,” or “I don’t like it when you do that,” is less likely to be victimized compared to a teen who remains silent....