Health and Science

Julia Sneden wrote: Back in my sixties, when I read the advice of those who are experts in the elderly mind, I figured that as a word puzzle addict, I was well set to keep myself mentally fit. I come from a family whose women have remarkable (and some would say dreadful) genes for living long. All my older female relatives have died in their 90’s, and both grandmothers and a great aunt came close to a hundred. If you're likely to live that long, you need to do everything you can to take care of your mental agility. more »

23 states have legalized medical use of marijuana or effectively decriminalized it. Ohio recently voted against legalization, but another 17 states will consider the issue next year. A survey of American adults revealed that drug use disorder is common, co-occurs with a range of mental health disorders and often goes untreated. "Based on these findings, more than 23 million adults in the United States have struggled with problematic drug use," said George F. Koob, Ph.D., NIAAA director. more »

Rose Madeline Mula writes: Getting old. I absolutely hate it. There is nothing positive about the so-called golden years. Even all the senior discounts can't begin to compensate for all the disadvantages — the aches and pains, the wrinkles, the unflattering shoes my bunions force me to wear, the fact that all the names in my little black book have 'M.D.' after them, the fact that I still have a little black book because I can't figure out how the calendar on my smart phone works. more »

"It is alarming to think my ruby red nail polish could come with a side of toxic ingredients that could ultimately end up in my body. We cannot control far too many exposures to harmful chemicals in our world today, but each of us can become informed and spread the word, support legislation that protects our health, and make smarter choices whenever possible. By voting with our dollars we can shift the marketplace towards safer, healthier products ... beginning with my own bottle of bright, glossy nail polish." more »