Hey folks: This newsletter goes out weekly to several hundred of you, and it’s format, content and style have all morphed over time (here’s the archive). The newsletter has always been tied, to some extent, to articles on Medium (initially my articles, and now those of several talented writers who I edit for Wise & Well). I’m contemplating ways to make it all more relevant and useful to you, so I figured who better to ask…
I’d greatly appreciate your input via this brief W&W Survey via Google forms. It’ll just take a minute or two. I’m eager to hear what you want, and you can expect improvements in weeks to come.
Meantime, instead of a main feature this week, here are this week’s best articles on Wise & Well—science-backed insights you can use to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being…
HEALTHY READING
A selection of this week’s informative and insightful Wise & Well articles:
Women Finally Have a Reason to Demand Pockets: They Save Lives
Having fallen down stairs herself, this writer explains the scientific reason why the fate befalls women more than men. And the solution is so obvious: Clothing manufacturers just need to give women what they’ve been asking for since the invention of garments.
—By Carlyn Beccia
The Surprising Death Knell for Many Seniors: Falling
For older US adults, falls are the most frequent cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries, with 27,000 deaths and 2.8 million ER visits along with 800,000 hospitalizations. As this retired doctor explains, there’s a lot you can do — at any age — to lower risk of a fall, be able to avoid serious injury if you do go down, or simply have the strength to get back up again.
— By Stephen Schimpff MD, MACP
Shouldn’t Your Doctor Be Working Out and Eating Healthy?
Physicians commonly advise that we should exercise more and eat better. But as this physician writes, if your doctor is not taking their own health seriously, they may not be able to relay the messages you need to hear in order to improve your well-being. He’s got some advice for you in choosing a doctor and what conversations you should expect.
— By Dr. Julian Barkan
The Silent Threat to Health and Longevity: Hearing Loss
Some 28.8 million Americans have hearing loss, but stigma and high costs deter people of all ages from getting hearing aids, dramatically affecting mood, ability to think clearly, even how long they will live.
— By Annie Foley
US Foods Often Pack More Sugar Than UK and EU Counterparts
Obesity is a growing epidemic worldwide, but among economically advanced nations, the US is by far the international leader. A key reason: a significant ingredient differential in the packaged, processed and fast food.
— By Amy Sterling Casil
Plastic is Polluting Your Malleable Mind
Microscopic plastics and plastic byproducts are everywhere nowadays, in packaging, in our food, and in the water. Our bodies can absorb them when we eat or drink, and even through direct skin exposure. The poisoning physical effects are well documented, but you may not realize what they do to your mind. Here’s a deep dive into what plastics do to you.
— By John Kruse MD, PhD
What is Biological Age, and Does it Tell Us Anything Useful?
Two people can be the same age, according to calendars, but seem quite different in physical appearance and health. Learn from a scientist all about “biological age,” how it’s affected by genetics and how our behaviors and habits can slow down (or speed up) the process.
— By Sam Westreich, PhD
How Much Alcohol Do You Really Drink?
When I pour myself a stiff drink or a glass of wine, I don’t typically measure the serving size. When I do get precise, I’m always surprised how little booze is in “one drink.” New research suggests that if we use smaller glasses, we might drink less. I’m not preaching here, but I’m intrigued by the notion that measuring our drinks can be informative.
— By Robert Roy Britt
… And from our sister site, Aha!:
Why Does Asthma Take Your Breath Away?
Most people with asthma, as well as parents of kids with asthma, don’t even know what really it is or what’s going on in the lungs, this physician explains. With a helpful graphic and some fun writing, he enlightens us all.
— By Eric J. Kort MD
Why Are Some Of Us Morning People?
We all pack around fragments of Neanderthal DNA, thanks to ancient interbreeding, that affect our body clocks in surprising ways.
— By Ricky Lanusse
RANDOM BIT OF WISDOM
“Happiness is a mood or a feeling, a subjective state; you could be happy while living a lie.”
— Kieran Setiya, Life is Hard
Wise & Well writers are physicians, psychiatrists, research scientists, dieticians, fitness experts, journalists and other professionals who share their expertise to help you make tomorrow a little better than today.