Understanding Epileptic Seizures
Epileptic seizures happen when the normal electrical activity in a person’s brain surges in a sudden, uncontrolled way. People who have epileptic seizures can experience different types of seizures ranging from brief “absences” to intense tonic-clonic seizures during which they may temporarily lose consciousness, jerk parts of their bodies uncontrollably, and clench their jaws, sometimes even […]
When medications affect sex: understanding some common sexual side effects
Most people expect a prescription medication to make life easier, providing a specific benefit, such as lower blood pressure, improved mood, less anxiety. What is not anticipated is that the same little pill can start whispering into another part of life we care about deeply: desire, pleasure, intimacy. It’s awkward to bring up and easy […]
GLP-1 Medications and Aging: Benefits and Risks for Older Adults
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are gaining popularity among older adults not only for managing diabetes but also for their potential anti-aging effects. But alongside the benefits, there are real risks, especially for those over 65. Understanding both sides is key to making informed decisions that support healthy aging. GLP-1 drugs revolutionized the world […]
Artificial Sweeteners May Not Be the Best Thing for Your Cognitive Functions!
Low- and no-calorie artificial sweeteners are common in diet sodas, sugar-free snacks, and processed foods. They’re promoted as safe substitutes for sugar, but new research suggests a different story. Long-term use may be linked to a faster decline in cognitive functions like memory and verbal fluency, especially in people under 60 and those with diabetes. What is […]
Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Changing the Narrative
One of my own experiences with encountering suicide was the death of a close family friend at the age of 20. All of his life had been marked by mental health challenges, with the concern that he wouldn’t be long for this world, spoken about in whispers. Since then, I’ve had to deal with other […]
Caring for the Ones Who Cared for Us
Caring for a parent with multiple health problems can be time-consuming, physically and emotionally challenging, yet deeply fulfilling. National Parents’ Day, celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, reminds us to honor parents, which can be done by helping to care for them as they age. The United Nations recognized the importance of honoring aging […]
Why Your Mental Health Matters
Throughout six articles, we dug into the broad subject of how your mental health matters. Mental health is vital to everyone’s overall well-being, but too often it’s misunderstood, which means it is ignored, minimized, or suppressed. Whether it causes a few sleepless nights, waves of anxiety, or a feeling of quiet desperation, these struggles touch […]
The Power of Community for Mental Health and Wellbeing
As an expat living thousands of miles from my family, I’ve learned how important it is to build a sense of community. Being away from loved ones can feel isolating, and if you’re navigating any kind of mental health issue, that isolation can feel even heavier. That’s why creating connections with others can make a […]
New Hope for Lowering the Risk of Dementia
Just this week, I was asked by a colleague to comment on a fairly technical article, and I was struck by the exact wording used in its opening question: Are cardioprotective glucose-lowering agents associated with reduced risk of dementia? I spend a fair bit of time reviewing and replying to questions and requests from our […]
What I Wish People Knew About Mental Health Conditions
This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to take action, raise awareness, and change how we talk about mental health. Since 1949, this month has been dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by millions living with mental health conditions while working to break the stigma surrounding them. The theme, “In Every […]
