Credit: iStock Did you know that some data suggest physical inactivity increases your risk of dying from any cause more than smoking? Although this argument is still debated, in theory, you could go for a run and have a cigarette and be less likely to die than someone who does neither (you still shouldn’t smoke). … Continue reading Physical Inactivity: We Got To Move It, Move It
Mental Health
Depression and Sports: A Double-edged Sword
The 2022 Wayne State University football team in a huddle. Credit: Tamara Hew-Butler The mythology and physiology that characterize winners from losers remains elusive. While physiological profiling—studying biomarkers and body composition and using wearable technology—of “superhuman” athletes continues, our unsatiable quest for greatness often minimizes how our mental health can affect our physical health, athletic … Continue reading Depression and Sports: A Double-edged Sword
How Your Body Reacts to Being Stressed Out
Credit: iStock Have you ever felt the weight of an upcoming deadline? Are family or relationship issues a constant worry? If this describes you, know that you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” survey, 67% of adults in the U.S. said their stress level has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. … Continue reading How Your Body Reacts to Being Stressed Out
Change Your Mindset—You May Improve Your Health!
Credit: iStock Have you considered how our mind, beliefs and mindset about wellness can affect our health and healing? Scientists have shown that mindset is intricately linked with health outcomes. That is not to say we can simply “think” ourselves better from a major health crisis, nor that it’s our own fault when we face … Continue reading Change Your Mindset—You May Improve Your Health!
How Drugs Change the Way Your Brain Works
Credit: iStock Drug addiction, also known as substance abuse disorder, is a very serious disease that affects people of all ages around the world. When a person is addicted to a drug, they have an uncontrollable craving for the drug because it becomes the only thing that makes them feel good. Without it, they feel … Continue reading How Drugs Change the Way Your Brain Works
Healing the Physical and Metaphorical Heart
Credit: iStock Scientists who study physiology and in other biomedical research fields—including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology and pharmacology—network, collaborate and communicate about the latest research at the American Physiological Society (APS) annual meeting at Experimental Biology (EB). This week’s post explores how exercise can improve health in people who have experienced traumatic childhood experiences. We know from published research … Continue reading Healing the Physical and Metaphorical Heart
Love, Physiology Style
Credit: iStock Love is described in many ways, both good and bad: “Love is blind” is first attributed to English author Geoffrey Chaucer. American author and activist Helen Keller said love is like a beautiful flower. According to the (perhaps jaded?) Greek philosopher Plato, love is a “grave mental disease.” Love is also physiology. Our … Continue reading Love, Physiology Style
Floating: How Sensory Deprivation Can Improve Wellness
Credit: iStock What would you say if I told you closing yourself in a dark, enclosed space where you can float in saltwater isolation is good for you? You might wonder if I was serious. As more spas and wellness centers advertise sensory deprivation tanks, people may be skeptical about the supposed health benefits. Fear … Continue reading Floating: How Sensory Deprivation Can Improve Wellness
Get Up and Dance: It’s Good for Your Body
Credit: iStock The music starts, and you can’t help it. Your toes start tapping, and before you know it, you’re dancing. It’s a great way to exercise, meet new people if you take a class or hit a night spot, and just have fun. So, what’s going on inside your body when you get moving … Continue reading Get Up and Dance: It’s Good for Your Body
Enjoy the Fall! (And Stay Healthy and Happy)
Credit: iStock As September turns to October, many areas of the country start to feel a nip in the air and have brightly colored foliage on the trees. The beginning of “sweater weather,” going apple picking and seeing pumpkin spice everything in coffee shops and grocery stores are just a few of the things that … Continue reading Enjoy the Fall! (And Stay Healthy and Happy)