Category Archives: Insight

How the 20-20-20 Rule Can Help Ease Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain caused by too much screen time is a real thing, experts say. Here’s how to ease dry eyes, redness, and fatigue. FAST FACTS A recent study revealed that individuals who practiced a routine of diverting their gaze from their computer screen every 20 minutes, focusing on a target 20 feet away for […]

What Are Brain Zaps During Antidepressant Withdrawal?

The electric shocks that feel like they are coming from inside the brain are a symptom of skipping or stopping antidepressants. If you have recently missed or discontinued taking antidepressants, you may be familiar with the phenomenon known as “brain zaps.” These are sensory disturbances characterized by electric shock-like sensations within the brain. Brain zaps […]

Bad Backs and Backpacks

Many schoolchildren today appear burdened by heavy backpacks as they commute to and from school, which can lead to stress on their spine and shoulders, resulting in muscle strain and fatigue. Carrying excessive weight may also contribute to poor posture and slouching habits, potentially causing aches and pains. To alleviate this issue, parents can teach […]

What to do when Health Problems or Medical Treatments thwart your love life

This is the time of year when stores are filled with red hearts and other reminders that Valentine’s Day is approaching. It’s a mood booster, not to mention a nice break from all that winter grey (at least up here in Boston). After all, what would life be like without romance, love—and sex? Unfortunately, a […]

Chicken Soup for the Soul and Harvard Health serve up inspiration, information

Sipping a steaming bowl of chicken soup is good for both body and soul. The words from chicken soup, specifically Chicken Soup for the Soul books, can also contribute positively to your health. Excitingly, a new series of books from Harvard Medical School, published in collaboration with Chicken Soup for the Soul Health, aims to […]

Posture and Back Health

Being mindful of your posture contributes to both your physical well-being and aesthetic appeal. Back pain is a common experience for many, stemming from factors like sports injuries, accidents, or congenital conditions such as scoliosis. Often, upper or lower back pain emerges from everyday activities, like prolonged computer use or lifting heavy objects, causing muscle […]

Getting Through Grief

The pandemic has given rise to pervasive feelings of grief and mourning for many individuals, leading to the inclusion of prolonged grief disorder as an official mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This disorder can manifest when someone close has passed away within the last 12 months, causing intense longing and preoccupation […]

How Physical Activity Keeps your Heart in Good Shape

Decades of research, including recent studies involving descendants of participants in the Framingham Heart Study, consistently emphasize the positive impact of physical activity on heart health. Dr. Hicham Skali, a cardiologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the crucial role of exercise in promoting a healthier and longer life. The Framingham Heart Study, initiated […]

Back Pain often Overdiagnosed and Overtreated

The standard treatment for what doctors commonly term as “routine” back pain, surprisingly, involves conservative measures such as over-the-counter pain relievers, ice and heat application, and gentle exercise. Despite this, a significant number of unnecessary tests, prescriptions for narcotics, and referrals for surgery have been prevalent in medical practices. Dr. Bruce E. Landon, a professor […]

With back pain, getting out of bed can help

Bed rest can be beneficial for back pain, especially if the pain is severe while sitting or standing. However, it’s essential to limit bed rest during the day to a few hours at a time and for no more than a couple of days. Prolonged bed rest can have negative consequences. If you need to […]