Health

Major upheavals in life can fundamentally change one’s perspective on everyday routines. That is what happened to Maria after her cancer diagnosis. Our specialist, Dr. Stefan Woinoff, provides context to her story. My name is Maria, I am 58 years old—and I can honestly say: I live more consciously, freely, and independently than ever before. Three years ago, I would not have thought this possible. At that time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It felt as if the ground disappeared beneath me, and suddenly nothing was self-evident anymore: not my body, not my future, not even... more ...

How does sexual life change with age? While physical desire may decline, tenderness gains importance. Couple therapist Stefan Woinoff explains how couples can rediscover their intimacy and why tenderness promotes health.  Tenderness instead of orgasm pressureSurprisingly little changes at the core. However, where pure lust and horniness may have dominated before, something else very beautiful emerges over the years: tenderness.One of my patients once described it like this: Her husband used to always be ready immediately, but now, in old age, he needs a little longer to be "read... more ...

Everyone can agree that COVID-19 debates have shunned tranquility into oblivion. Online trolls are churning out hatred. The reporters are whinnying. We are wondering if we should bring wear protective gear to family gatherings. The pandemic debate has elicited negative sentiments among the masses. Hence, necessitating this article, which looks at ways people can talk about COVID-19 without fighting, including: 1) View Every Interaction as EducationalIf you want to have a conversation about COVID-19 with someone who disagrees with you, you have to shun your assumption into obscurity. If yo... more ...

Daylight saving time kicks off on the onset of spring, the period between March and November. During this time, we turn our clocks forward by an hour, and at the end of spring, we turn our clocks back by an hour to return to the standard time. The practice of advancing clocks during spring moves an hour of daylight from the morning to evening, resulting in long summer nights. In the process, we end up losing an hour of our precious sleep. Moving clocks in either direction is known to disrupt our internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm. As a result, our body's internal clock doe... more ...

Sexually transmitted infections aren’t a topic anyone really wants to discuss. Even so, acknowledging the risks of acquiring or passing on STIs is a necessary part of practicing safe sex.There are many reasons why seniors are at an increased risk of acquiring STIs. Cultural biases, age-related health conditions, and unprotected sex are just a few reasons older adults may find themselves at a greater risk of developing sexually transmitted infections. Though for many, STIs may result in few symptoms and can be easily treated, others may develop serious conditions as a result of sexual inf... more ...

 When we’re feeling sick or suffering from pain and fatigue, many of us reach into the medicine cabinet, looking for a cure for our symptoms. Sometimes, though, natural remedies can be just as effective as over-the-counter or prescription treatments.  Most of us have made a cup of herbal tea or a pot of hot soup to relieve symptoms of illness in the past. Sometimes, simple natural treatments like these work even better than man-made pharmaceuticals. Some natural remedies, however, are more effective than others. In recent years, some home remedies have even been tested and... more ...

In recent years, news outlets and researchers from around the globe have looked on in awe at the extreme feats practiced by a man named Wim Hof. Affectionately known as “The Iceman,” Hof is known for being able to endure prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. He has run a barefoot half-marathon over ice and has even broken records for swimming in ice water. Is Hof simply a medical anomaly? No! In fact, Hof claims that anyone can strengthen their immune system, boost their energy levels, improve their heart rate, and improve their ability to tolerate stressful and challeng... more ...

Dementia itself is not a specific disease; rather, the term describes a cluster of symptoms that are the result of the brain damage caused by different diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to Lewy body dementia. Many of the early symptoms of dementia can be seen in patients of all types. Other symptoms are specific to certain types of dementia and may point towards a specific diagnosis.  Though many adults experience mild cognitive impairment with age, others will notice symptoms growing worse over time. Dementia is not a natural part of aging, so it is important to recognize symp... more ...

Grief is what we feel when we experience loss in our lives. For many of us, grief arises as a result of major, life-changing events. We all grieve when someone close to us dies. Many of us also experience feelings of loss or mourning when we lose a job, end a relationship, suffer from serious injury or illness, or suffer through other challenging or traumatic experiences. Oftentimes, big life changes, like moving to a new home or entering retirement, can also trigger feelings of bereavement.  Coping with grief can be one of life’s greatest challenges. While grieving, you may be... more ...

A guilt trip is a form of communication in which an individual uses guilt as a manipulation tactic, attempting to make a target feel guilty and thereby controlling their behavior. All of us have experienced guilt trips throughout the course of our lives. Some of us may even have a friend, family member, or lover who has guilt-tripped us frequently over time, leaving us feeling bitter and emotionally exhausted.Though those who initiate guilt trips are ultimately to blame for their behavior, we can all learn how to better cope with guilt-tripping. By recognizing when you’re the target of a... more ...