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The power of the placebo effect - Harvard Health
From failure to success
For years, a placebo effect was considered a sign of failure. A placebo is used in clinical trials to test the effectiveness of treatments and is most often used in drug studies.
More recently, experts have concluded that reacting to a placebo is not proof that a certain treatment doesn't work, but rather that another, non-pharmacological mechanism may be present.
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Key Ideas
The Benefits Of Tai Chi
- Improved lower and upper-body strength. Practiced regularly, it’s comparable to resistance training and brisk walking.
- Boosts flexibility and strength of upper and lower-...
Getting Started With Tai Chi
- Find a tai chi branch that matches your needs.
- Check with your doctor before starting if you have a physical limitations or take medications that affect your balance.
- Watch and take a class.
- If you'd rather learn at home, you can get tai chi books or videos.
- Talk to the instructor. Experienced teachers who accommodate individual peculiarities are ideal.
- Dress comfortably with nonrestrictive loose-fitting clothes.
- You can practice barefoot or in lightweight and flexible shoes.
- Most tai chi programs last at least 12 weeks, with instruction once or twice a week and practice at home. By then, you should know if you enjoy tai chi.
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Key Ideas
Over-The-Counter Pills
About 25 percent of adults above 50 years of age try to improve their brain health and memory by taking supplements.
These pills claim to enhance memory, attention and foc...
Powdered Nutrients: The Facts
- Most pills are a combination of vitamins and minerals, along with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Scientific studies show the natural forms (like fish in case of omega-3 fatty acids) contain the real benefits, and popping supplements do not have the same effect.
- Vitamin E supplements can help to a limited extent but high doses can increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke.
- Vitamin B supplements are only to be used if one’s normal diet is not enough for them, or in case of a deficiency.
- Taking time to do some exercise and having a plant-based diet is a better long term health solution.
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Key Ideas
Loneliness Is a State of Mind
Loneliness, according to many experts, is not necessarily about being alone. Instead, if you feel alone and isolated, then that is how loneliness plays into your state of mind....
Causes
- Loneliness is strongly connected to genetics.
- Situational variables, such as physical isolation, moving to a new location, divorce and the death of someone significant in a person's life can also lead to feelings of loneliness.
- Loneliness can be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression.
- Loneliness can also be attributed to internal factors such as low self-esteem.
Health Risks Associated With Loneliness
Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health, including:
- Depression and suicide
- Cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Increased stress levels
- Decreased memory and learning
- Antisocial behavior
- Poor decision-making
- Alcoholism and drug abuse
- The progression of Alzheimer's disease
- Altered brain function