Depression and Cancer
How does depression affect cancer patients? For cancer patients, depression means much more than just a dark mood. The illness, which strikes about up to
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Last Call
In my mother’s hospital room there was a single window, and if you stood before the window, you could see the Aerial Bridge. In Minnesota
Men: Supporting Your Partner
Barring some unexpected scientific breakthroughs, pregnancy will always be a woman’s job. A man can feel a baby kick and love it before it’s born,
Why Unemployment Is Bad for Your Health
In the United States, each percentage rise in unemployment leads to 6,000 deaths. In her previous life, Ellen Rood watched over 3,000 head of Black
Mood Swings During Pregnancy
You only glanced at the headlines on a local tragedy, yet you find yourself weeping. A sappy movie that should have made you cringe with
Procrastination: Conquering the Inner Demon
Do you find yourself waiting until the last minute to finish a critical document? Are meetings often scheduled just in the nick of time? Is
Vivid Dreams During Pregnancy
No one would think it odd for a pregnant woman to be eager to see her unborn baby. But what about having a look at
Anger, the Heavy Burden
No American will ever forget where he or she was on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. I’m no exception, though that date will always
Bug Off
After countless phone calls pleading for an appointment, the patient appeared in Dr. Luis Fajardo’s office. She took a seat and began frantically pulling little
Midlife Marriage: The Crucible of Change
Work of the eyes is done, now go and do heart work on all the images imprisoned — Rainer Maria Rilke My friend Barbara calls
International Adoption
As many parents who have adopted overseas know, sometimes your heart’s desire turns up in a place you never expected. Amy Davis* of the California
Pain and Stress
Have you ever noticed how aches and pains seem to fade when your adrenaline is really pumping? Or have you ever felt pain deep in
Meditation and Health
What is meditation? Do you ever feel like your brain is too stuffed with thoughts? Between the errands that you need to do tomorrow, the
Spanking, Ages 3 to 6
Should I spank my child? The short answer is no. When your child misbehaves or acts in ways that are defiant, inappropriate, or even dangerous,
Dental Anxiety
Imagine a movie promo — scary music in the background. In a low voice full of dread, the announcer intones, “It had been a long
Hypnosis
What is hypnosis? Hypnosis must be the only medical procedure ever to be featured in nightclub acts. (Can you imagine audiences applauding the Amazing Anesthesiologist
Managing Stress
We all know what stress feels like. The jittery stomach and sweaty palms when you walk into an important job interview. The soaring blood pressure
12-Step Programs
What are 12-step programs? Since 1935 — the year that Alcoholics Anonymous was founded — millions of people have turned to 12-step programs to help
Road Rage: When Stress Hits the Highway
In Truckee, California, 25-year-old Timothy Brooks flew into a rage after another car cut him off on the highway. He followed the offending car to
Alcohol Abuse
What is alcohol abuse? Many people enjoy drinking alcohol in social settings or to relax. But sometimes people may find they’re drinking too much. And