One of our patients recommended that we look at a YouTube video that summarized the scientific literature on fitness watches and rings as sleep trackers. We think that it is a pretty good place to start if you are considering buying a device and sleep is an important part of what you want to track. Before diving into the details, …
Quest Mobile™: Bringing Lab Testing to Your Doorstep
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience matters more than ever. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, finding time for essential health services can be challenging. That’s where Quest Mobile™ comes in. With Quest Mobile™, you can get the laboratory testing you need without leaving the comfort of your home. Let’s explore how this innovative service works and why it’s …
Prolon’s Fasting-Mimicking Diet Shows Promise in Reducing Biological Age and Disease Risk
We have previously discussed Prolon, a modified fasting regimen created by a University of Southern California longevity study specialist. A scientific breakthrough study was disclosed and published on February 20, 2024 in Nature Communications, a highly respected scientific journal, suggesting that Prolon’s Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) may hold significant potential in promoting longevity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The …
Finding Relief Beyond the Pill: Mindfulness Shows Promise for Military with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain and opioid dependence can be a debilitating double whammy for military personnel and veterans. But a recent study offers a beacon of hope: mindfulness training, coupled with therapy techniques, can significantly reduce both pain symptoms and opioid use in this population. The research, published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, compared two approaches to treating chronic pain in …
Embracing Nature’s Wisdom: Four Seasons of Mindfulness Class Highlights
In a recent mindfulness class led by certified mindfulness meditation teacher Andrea Starn, participants embarked on a transformative journey through the Four Seasons of Mindfulness. Andrea, a licensed psychotherapist and a graduate of the intensive two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, offered insights and practices that transcended traditional meditation, inviting participants to uncover …
UCSF Psycho-Educational Zoom Group for Adults with Bipolar Disorder – January 2024
The Adult Psychiatry Clinic at UCSF has released the schedules of their Group Psycho-Education for Bipolar Disorder for January 2024. This activity under the Bipolar Disorder Program of the Department of Psychiatry is aimed at providing a community resource for individuals with bipolar disorder, mental health professionals and psychiatrists. Headed by Dr. Descartes Li, the program director, it is designed …
Formerly Depressed Individuals Persist in Directing Their Attention Towards Negative Aspects
Individuals who have successfully overcome a significant episode of depression exhibit a tendency to allocate more attention and cognitive resources towards negative information processing, while dedicating less time to processing positive information. This disparity in information processing increases their vulnerability to a potential relapse when compared to those who have not experienced a major depressive episode. According to research published …
Mindfulness Courses Can Improve Mental Health for at Least Six Months, Study Finds
A recent study published in the journal Nature Mental Health by researchers at the University of Cambridge revealed that attending in-person mindfulness courses has a lasting positive impact on mental health, even up to six months after completing the program. The study analyzed data from 13 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 2,371 participants. The researchers discovered that individuals who participated in …
A Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce Your Risk of Depression
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of developing depression, according to a recent study published in Nature Mental Health. Conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, the study examined data from nearly 290,000 individuals. The findings revealed that those who adhered to a healthy lifestyle had a 57% reduced likelihood of experiencing depression …
How High-Quality Sleep Promotes Resilience to Depression and Anxiety
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of York discovered that getting high-quality sleep can enhance one’s resilience to depression and anxiety. Published in the journal Cortex, the study revealed that individuals who reported having good sleep were less prone to developing symptoms of depression or anxiety during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a study …