The search for eternal youth is as old as time itself. The theme of immortality winds its way through religion, mythology, poetry, fiction, and modern movies. Usually, stories of those who have achieved immortality expose the curse of eternal life, rather than the blessing of perpetual youth. While living forever may never be possible, life expectancy is steadily increasing, and healthier — that is, more youthful — aging may actually be possible.

New research published in the medical journal The Lancet posits that most babies born since the year 2000 will live to be at least 100 years old. Read more →

I am fascinated by stories of 104-year-old people who wake up every morning, eat a half-a-pound of pork, smoke a pack of unfiltered cigarettes, and drink a few fingers of vodka. I tend to feel a little better about the caloric-rich breakfast that I cook every Saturday morning for my family. On the other hand, I dislike to hear stories about 42-year-olds who run 3 miles a day and die from sudden and massive heart attacks. Or there are the athletes who suddenly collapse during a game. They have spent years training, exercising, and performing, but there is a hidden physical ailment that claims their life in the end. I’m frightened by the reality that anything is possible, and no one is invincible. Read more →

Many of us have felt overwhelming anxiety or worry that has made us want to “pull our hair out.” There is a real psychological disorder where sufferers actually yank out their hair as a result of unwanted emotions or feelings called trichotillomania. Individuals have an irresistible urge to pull out hair from his or her own body or occasionally from the body of others.

Trichotillomania is seen to have a neurobiological basis. Because it is triggered by a variety of stressful or traumatic life events, simple one-fit-all treatment modalities such as use of anti-depressant medications (e.g. SSRIs) will not completely cure the trichotillomania. There is no magic pill or quick fix for trichotillomania management. It is a complex disorder and requires equally complex therapy. Read more →

Wow. Wow. Wow. I’m a little bit speechless after reading Domhnall Macauley’s article, Olympic Games will bring health gains to the non-sporting public, says Princess Anne. To make a short article even shorter, let me summarize:

* Exercise is good for you.
* Doctor claims that obesity may partially be a reflection of the operations of our current society.
* Exercise can help “cure” depression.
* Enjoying a particular exercise makes it more likely that you will stick with the exercise.

Now I’m not undermining the importance of any of the above statements mentioned by various professionals at a British Medical Association exercise and health conference. It’s just that… well, come on, isn’t this all old news? Read more →