Detecting eye diseases using a Smartphone

Researchers have developed software that detects eye diseases such as diabetic macular edema using a smartphone. The system is aimed at general physicians who could detect the condition and refer the patient to a specialist.

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Live imaging reveals how wound healing influences cancer

Scientists have known for some time that inflammation is one of the ten hallmarks of cancer. Cancer has also been described as a "wound that does not heal." Now researchers have studied the 'see-through' larvae of zebrafish to reveal how wound healing leads to melanoma.

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Obese teens in study less likely to use contraception

Sexually active obese adolescents were significantly less likely to use contraception than normal weight peers, putting them at higher risk of unintended pregnancy, an American study of nearly 1,000 teens found.

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Mental Health: New approach 'has positive impact'

Assertive Outreach is a novel way of delivering mental health care for people with severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia and psychosis. This approach of delivering mental health care has reduced the need for hospital admissions for people with psychosis, according to researchers.

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Miniature pump regulates internal ocular pressure

Elevated or diminished eye pressure impairs our ability to see, and in the worst cases, can even lead to blindness. Until now, there has been no effective long-term treatment. In response, researchers are developing an implantable microfluid system that can efficiently and durably stabilize intraocular pressure.

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Lack of research funding could leave health care training 'to chance'

British health care education researchers have penned a heartfelt editorial calling for more research funding to support the evidence base for medical training.

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New test could predict arthritis drug failure in patients

It may be possible to predict early which rheumatoid arthritis patients will fail to respond to the biologic drugs given to treat them, a study of 311 patients has found. These findings could help better manage patients' symptoms.

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Natural Therapy to Lose Weight: Top 3 Ways to Use Essential Oils As a Natural Therapy to Lose Weight

This article provides tips for weight loss naturally. It covers the key ways to use essential oils for weight loss: for making water delicious, for emotional support, and to help manage Candida overgrowth.

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Are There Ways to Lose Weight Easily? One Sure Fire Way Is to Get Strong Support for Healthy Eating

This article discusses how to make healthy eating easier. Eating healthy, and eating less calories per day, is the key to effective weight loss and to keeping it off long-term. But we all know this often requires more willpower than we have. The author analyses why health eating can be so difficult, and recommends a solution to make weight loss easier.

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The Energizing Total-Body Routine to Kick-Start Your Day

Whether you're training for a half-marathon, doing daily HIIT workouts, or sitting in front of a screen for hours on end, stiffness and tiredness are inevitable side effects. The good news: You can offset that discomfort and fatigue in less than 20 minutes.

In this video, join Kelly Lee, a personal trainer at Grokker, for a series of low-impact exercises that will relieve muscle pain and leave you feeling ready to tackle the day. Specificially designed to counteract the effects of sitting at a desk, these easy moves engage every muscle and increase blood flow through active stretches (they're tougher than they seem!). It's the perfect routine to do when you wake up and also serves as an ideal pre-workout warm-up to increase mobility and energize your muscles.

Ready to feel your best? Simply grab a mat (no equipment required), take a deep breath, and press play.

Interested in more short and effective at-home workouts? There are thousands waiting for you on Grokker, the one-stop shop online resource for wellness. Get 30 percent off a Grokker.com membership by entering promo code GREATIST at checkout.

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Friday, July 3rd

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Wall What?!

Complete 9 reps of the following movements, then 6 reps, then 3 reps as fast as safely possible.

Wall Walks
Knees to Elbows (per side)
Mountain Climbers (per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Just move faster! And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Exploreing 3-D printing for oral, dental tissue engineering

A case report has been released on the first application of a 3-D printed scaffold for periodontal tissue engineering in a human patient, along with a review of 3-D printing for oral and craniofacial tissue engineering.

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'Tele-rounding': Robots in the neonatal intensive care unit

A team of neonatologists investigated the use of robot-assisted telemedicine in performing bedside rounds and directing daily care for infants with mild-to-moderate disease.

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End pharmacists' monopoly on selling certain drugs, argues British expert

Evidence is lacking that having a category of drugs that can be sold only by pharmacists or under their supervision ('pharmacy medicines') has benefits, writes a pharmacy professor in a new article.

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Rapid response to kids' stroke symptoms may speed diagnosis

A rapid response plan for children at a hospital quickly identified stroke and other neurological problems. One in four children with stroke-like symptoms were diagnosed with stroke and 14 percent were diagnosed with other neurological emergency conditions, the study states.

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Commonly prescribed drugs affect decisions to harm oneself and others

Healthy people given the serotonin-enhancing antidepressant citalopram were willing to pay almost twice as much to prevent harm to themselves or others than those given placebo drugs in a moral decision-making experiment. In contrast, the dopamine-boosting Parkinson's drug levodopa made healthy people more selfish, eliminating an altruistic tendency to prefer harming themselves over others.

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Whiskey Wild Punch Bowl

Whiskey and tea are one of those classic Southern combinations that isn't worth messing with, but to punch up the mix (pun intended), basil simple syrup and fresh lemon juice add a nice summery twist. Plus, making an entire batch of this bevvy is way easier than shaking each cocktail individually.

Directions

1. To make infused bourbon, pour bourbon into a non-reactive glass container. Add tea bags and let rest until peach flavor is prominent. (This will likely take 1 hour, but taste after 30 minutes to see.) Remove tea bags. Keep bourbon refrigerated or in a cool dark space indefinitely.
2. To make basil simple syrup, pour 1 cup water into a pot and add sugar. Bring to a simmer on the stove and stir. Remove from the heat and add basil. Once cooled, remove basil. Keep syrup covered and refrigerated for up to two weeks. Discard if there are any signs of mold.
3. To make punch, combine infused bourbon, black tea, lemon juice, and basil simple syrup in a punch bowl. Add ice and garnish with basil and lemon wheels. (For a single cocktail, combine 1 1/2 parts infused bourbon, 2 parts tea, 3/4 part lemon juice, 3/4 part syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker.)

Recipe created exclusively for Greatist by April Wachtel, owner and educator of Swig + Swallow and Craft Mocktails.

Ingredients

• For peach tea-infused bourbon:
• 1 quart bourbon (we like Maker's Mark)
• 4 bags peach tea
• For basil simple syrup:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup torn basil leaves
• For punch:
• 12 parts peach tea-infused bourbon
• 16 parts brewed black tea
• 6 parts fresh lemon juice
• 6 parts basil simple syrup
• Basil, for garnish
• Lemon wheels, for garnish

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The Evolution Of Cosmetics - A Generalized Study

Human beings attach a lot of importance to hair and skin - tendency that has given birth to the cosmetics industry. But the cosmetics industry was not what we get to see today and will probably not remain the same. The most interesting part is that the industry is showing signs of tapping its origin or source. In a meticulously written article, the author explores the journey of the industry so far - its inception, evolution and future growth, all of it in a compact form.

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Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy Your Next Dozen Eggs

We love our eggs every which way: poached, hard-boiled, even baked in an avocado. But picking out a carton at the grocery store has become more confusing in recent years. It’s no longer just a decision between white or brown and large or extra large. Now we can choose among pasture-raised, cage-free, eggs raised with vegetarian or organic feed, and more—and rather than thinking about that omelette we’ve been craving, our mind start contemplating animal welfare.

Before you throw up your hands in despair and make a beeline for the cereal aisle, we decoded the confusing labels and found out if happy hens really lay more nutritious eggs to help you select the best dozen for your next egg-stravaganza. (We couldn’t help ourselves!)

Become a Label Sleuth

Egg cartons are covered with buzzwords like “antibiotic free” and “free roaming hens,” but the USDA regulates only a handful of these terms. Here are the differentiating aspects for the six they do define:

• Cage-free: Chickens can wander freely in an enclosed space.
• Free-range: Hens are given shelter and access to the outdoors.
• Pasture-raised: Chickens are given shelter and have access to the outdoors for a substantial part of their lives.
• Organic: Eggs come from free-range chickens that were not given antibiotics or growth hormones. (It’s worth noting that it’s illegal to give chickens growth hormones and rare to give laying hens antibiotics.)
• Natural: Eggs are minimally processed and free of artificial ingredients.
• Grass-fed: Hens are fed grass and other food typically found in the pasture, except grains.

The trouble with these definitions is they are purposely vague. They don’t define, for example, how much time free-range chickens get to spend outdoors versus their pasture-raised counterparts. To better understand where your eggs come from, you should go directly to the source, says Aurora Porter, the national sales manager at Vital Farms. All egg cartons have the name and address of the farm where they were produced. Some, like Vital Farms, even list a number to call if you have questions about how the hens are raised and treated.

Don’t Worry About Color or Carton Type

Unlike the rice, the color of an egg has nothing to do with its nutritional value or flavor—a hen’s breed determines whether its eggs will be white, brown, or really any color of the rainbow. “The color of an egg is a lot like hair color,” says Jennifer Trainer Thompson, author of The Fresh Egg Cookbook. “It doesn’t matter if that chicken is a redhead or a brunette, the taste of the egg is going to be the same.”

So why do we see so many white eggs at the grocery store? “Long ago factory farmers figured out the best breed for laying eggs in a confined cage,” Porter explains. “And that breed happened to lay white eggs.”

While many of us have strong reactions to the color of the eggs we purchase, we probably don’t think twice about the container they’re being carried in—so long as they don’t get cracked in transit, we’re good. And that’s probably the right attitude to have. Most commercial egg producers use foam, cardboard, or plastic containers, and each has its advantages: Foam is cheap to produce and is best at keeping eggs cool; cardboard is typically made from recycled materials; and plastic is a great cushion to stop eggs from cracking.

If you’re looking at it from an environmental perspective, all three types of cartons can be recycled. Just double-check with your local recycling program to see the types of materials they accept before you buy your next dozen.

Let’s Talk Nutrition

It’s hard to describe how good a fresh egg plucked right from the hen house in your backyard tastes, Thompson says. “It’s like trying to compare fresh lettuce with the iceberg you buy at the store,” she says. “It’s a totally different experience, but both are still green and crunchy.”

Few of us have access to backyard chickens, so we’ll have to settle for eggs at the grocery store that were laid a few weeks prior. And while anecdotally the pricier pasture-raised eggs have a fuller, richer flavor, there is little science to prove they are nutritionally better. Although many pasture-raised farmers cite a 2007 study that found lower cholesterol and saturated fat levels as well as higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals in eggs laid by free-range flocks compared with traditional hens, a follow-up 2010 study found little difference between the two types of eggs except that the free-range variety had higher fat content.¹

The Bottom Line

Most of the time, buying something organic—or in this case, pasture-raised—comes with a surcharge. And it makes sense that pasture-raised eggs would be pricier because it takes better feed and more space on pesticide-free, rotated acres to create fewer eggs. The end result is a delicious and drool-worthy egg, but the jury is still out on whether it’s more nutritious for you. At the end of the day—or the beginning of breakfast—it’s all about determining what you value the most before you scramble on.

Works Cited

1. Comparison of fatty acid, cholesterol, and vitamin A and E composition in eggs from hens housed in conventional cage and range production facilities. Anderson KE. Poultry science, 2011, Aug.;90(7):0032-5791.

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7 Tips to Lose Weight in 30 Days

It is natural that people want to look beautiful. Improving your looks, your mental ability, your knowledge, your sense of style can help you in turning into a better individual.

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Computer Assisted Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement is now done with the most advanced computer navigation by best orthopaedic surgeons at affordable cost. Computer assisted surgery is a revolutionary medical technology which offers surgeons the proficiency to operate with advanced visualization resulting in better outcomes in surgical procedures.

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You Need to Add This to Your Post-Workout Routine

Moji Curve

We know the first thing we should do after a long workout is stretch—not make a beeline for the showers or sauna. And it’s not like we don’t know what to do: We’ve spent plenty of time gawking at the people who foam roll after they sweat it out. But we prefer a post-workout cooldown that feels more like a relaxing massage, not one that digs into our muscles. That’s why we were so excited to discover the Moji Curve, an on-the-go massage tool that helps with workout recovery.

The device, which is small enough to fit in a gym bag, has four stainless-steel massage spheres that target large muscle groups to relieve pain and soreness. The Moji Curve is ideal for treating quads, hamstrings, IT bands, calves, and hips, but the spheres can also massage your neck and lower back without putting pressure on your spine. The best part? You can stick it in the freezer for a half hour and then use it for some ice-cold muscle relief. We can’t get through hot summer workouts without it!

I Want This! $49.99

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The Ultimate Guide to Every Type of Drink Glass

Greatist Workout of the Day: Thursday, July 2nd

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Step Up!

Complete 25 reps of the following movements, then 20 reps, then 15 reps as fast as safely possible. Complete a 1-minute plank hold after each round.

Step-Ups
Explosive Push-Ups
Plank Hold

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold light kettlebells or dumbbells in both hands on the step-ups. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Successful heart transplant after using experimental artificial heart

A 44-year-old woman has received a successful heart transplant, thanks to an experimental Total Artificial Heart designed for smaller patients. The patient is the first person in California to receive the smaller Total Artificial Heart, and the first patient in the world with the device to be bridged to a successful heart transplant.

from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1H0Qfqt

Electrical nerve stimulation can reverse spinal cord injury nerve damage in patients

Researchers find that nerve stimulation can improve the function of peripheral nerves damaged by spinal cord injury (SCI). This technique may be a new approach to preventing long-term changes in nerve and muscle function after SCI and improving SCI rehabilitation outcomes.

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Initial weight loss could predict long-term success

New research using data from the reputable Look AHEAD study suggests doctors may want to look at results from a patient’s first two months of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) to help predict his or her long-term success. These secondary analyses examined the association between initial weight loss (first two months of treatment) and long-term weight loss (eight years after initial treatment).

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Is It Better to Work Out Inside or Outside?

With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to mix up your routine by taking your workout outside. After all, exercising outdoors may improve energy levels and decrease stress to a greater extent than working out inside.¹ But if your habitat is more concrete jungle than bucolic park, don’t sweat it—there are plenty of benefits to exercising inside as well.

Getting Outdoors

According to one review that included more than 800 subjects, exercising outdoors came with a slew of benefits.¹ Participants reported feelings of revitalization, decreased anger, and increased energy. Another study found that the outdoors have an overall positive effect on vitality, or your sense of enthusiasm, aliveness, and energy. Finally, simply spending more time outside has been shown to prevent increases in obesity among children.²

And there are other perks. Vitamin D—one of the fat-soluble vitamins essential to strong bones and a healthy immune system—can be attained via sun exposure. While much debate exists around the guidelines, some researchers suggest that five to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at least twice a week is sufficient for vitamin D synthesis. Of course, this recommendation also comes with a caveat you already know: Always wear sunscreen and cover up when possible.

Likewise, if you’re outside, you need to pay attention to the weather. Both extreme heat and cold can pose a variety of issues. If you’re sweating during the summer, it’s important to know the symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion. In the winter, experts advise you dress in multiple layers to stay warm and get familiar with the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Taking It Inside

If you live in an area prone to air pollution (looking at you, L.A.), you may be better off working out indoors. Pollution and other environmental factors can also trigger respiratory problems like allergies and asthma.

Heading to the gym may also be a better option for those who need extra motivation to make their workout happen. One study found that people who work out with a partner are generally more motivated than solo exercisers.³

In addition to the social environment offered at gyms, experts say that group workouts led by a certified instructor also ensure participants get a safe and effective workout, learn proper cues, and stay accountable—there's no skipping those hellish burpees you usually "forget" to do. Plus, you can continually try new, innovative workouts that you may not be able to do on your own.

And let’s face it, gyms have advantages no study needs to prove. Those hot, steamy showers, saunas, pools, and even spas can make any exercise experience feel a lot more luxe.

The Best of Both Worlds

In the end, you don’t have to choose just one. Some workout groups exist entirely outdoors, while lots of gyms offer seasonal classes outside.

As the line between indoor and outdoor exercise continues to blur, what’s becoming clear is that mixing up indoor and outdoor sessions is a great way to keep exercise exciting and, most importantly, fun.

Originally published in June 2011. Updated in June 2015.

Works Cited

1. Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Thompson Coon J, Boddy K, Stein K. Environmental Science & Technology, 2011, Feb.;45(5):1520-5851.
2. A prospective examination of children's time spent outdoors, objectively measured physical activity and overweight. Cleland V, Crawford D, Baur LA. International journal of obesity (2005), 2008, Oct.;32(11):1476-5497.
3. Two-player partnered exergame for obesity prevention: using discrepancy in players' abilities as a strategy to motivate physical activity. Feltz DL, Irwin B, Kerr N. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2012, Jul.;6(4):1932-2968.

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This Video Shows the Unexpected Source of Happiness

What makes you happy? Maybe it’s curling up and watching a movie, heading to the park for a run, or deep-diving into your favorite pint of ice cream. And while those activities may leave you filling blissed out, leading scientific research has found happiness at its core is about bringing out the good in others.

This seems totally totally at odds with the rat race of the real world, but as Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., a psychology professor at UC Berekely, explains in this quick video from our friends at Fusion, sympathy is our strongest instinct. So the communities that flourish are the ones that are all about survival of the kindest. Now that’s a message we can get behind!

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31 Awesome Resources to Help You Unplug, Relax, and Stress Less

People with epilepsy can benefit from smartphone apps to manage their condition

While many people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication, those unpredictable and involuntary changes in behavior and consciousness can be limiting for others. Neurologists evaluated the application of smartphones in epilepsy care. Apps include seizure diaries as well as medication trackers with reminders to take the next dose of medication. In addition, apps are available to answer any questions patients with epilepsy might have, to detect potential drug interactions and to detect seizures.

from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1HxaQWW

Warts and all: How St. John's Wort can make you sick

St John's Wort can produce the same adverse reactions as antidepressants, and serious side effects can occur when the two are taken together, according to new research.

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Peaches and Greens Salad

Salads don’t have to be all about the veggies. In this one, fresh, juicy peaches and sweet strawberries play starring roles, supported by crunchy cucumbers and almonds, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy avocado. All dressed up in a mild white balsamic vinaigrette, this salad will quickly become a summer staple.

Directions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine greens, chickpeas, and cucumber slices. Drizzle dressing over top and toss to coat as evenly as possible.
3. Gently mix in peaches, strawberries, avocado, and almonds.
4. Allow salad to sit for a few minutes before serving so flavors can develop.

Ingredients

• For dressing:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt
• pepper
• For salad:
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
• 1 peach, pitted and sliced
• 8 strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 small avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup almonds

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See How One Artist Turns Fruits and Veggies Into Junk Food

Greatist Workout of the Day: Wednesday, July 1st

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

12 Minute Hold-Up

Complete 4 rounds of the following.

1-minute Wall Sit
1-minute Forearm Plank
1-minute Side Plank (30 seconds per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold a light dumbbell or kettlebell in front of your chest on the wall sits. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Does radiation from X-rays and CT scans really cause cancer?

In recent years, there has been widespread media coverage of studies purporting to show that radiation from X-rays, CT scans and other medical imaging causes cancer. But such studies have serious flaws, including their reliance on an unproven statistical model, according to a recent article.

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Hospital-wide program for delirium, alcohol withdrawal and suicide/harm impacts readmission rates

In a new report, clinicians describe the implementation and effectiveness of a hospital-wide clinical improvement initiative for acute care patients at risk for delirium, alcohol withdrawal and suicide harm and demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing readmission rates.

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Innovative imaging study shows that the spinal cord learns on its own

The spinal cord engages in its own learning of motor tasks independent of the brain, according to an innovative imaging study. The results of the study may offer new opportunities for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

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Osteopathic manipulative therapy significantly improves low back pain in postpartum women

Osteopathic manipulative therapy decreased postpartum low back pain by over 70 percent in women who had given birth at least three months before beginning treatment, according to a new study.

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Pinaverium shows promising results for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Pinaverium offers quick and effective relief of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, according to clinical trial results. Pinaverium bromide (pinaverium), an antispasmodic, is used widely in many countries around the world, including European countries, Canada and Mexico. However, original clinical studies on pinaverium are scarce and there has been no convincing evidence for its effectiveness and safety.

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New cardiac arrest recommendations: Increased CPR/AED training will improve survival rates

In response to a new Institute of Medicine report on improving cardiac arrest survival rates, the Red Cross is taking a key first step in convening those who can make a significant difference in strengthening the entire system of response to cardiac arrest. The new collaborative will establish common goals, promote public education and training opportunities for CPR and defibrillation, and develop national accreditation standards for hospitals and health care systems.

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Three Reasons Why Well Check-Ups Are An Important Aspect Of Child Health Care

Regular check-ups are a crucial aspect of overall child heath care. They are important for assessing growth and development and because doctors will check for illnesses that do not otherwise produce the symptoms to inspire a sick visit. For these reasons, you should schedule a well visit for each child annually.

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How To Find The Perfect Concealer

Using a good concealer and knowing the right way to apply it, is key to achieving a flawless complexion. Here I provide a helpful guide as to what you should be looking for, the different formulations available, some common concerns and how best to tackle them.

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Cardiac survival rates around 6 percent for those occurring outside of a hospital

Cardiac arrest strikes almost 600,000 people each year, killing the vast majority of those individuals, says a new report. Following a cardiac arrest, each minute without treatment decreases the likelihood of surviving without disability, and survival rates depend greatly on where the cardiac arrest occurs, said the committee that carried out the study and wrote the report.

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Why It's Normal Not to Be Happy All the Time

Take one look at your Instagram feed and you'll see it: an abundance of smiling faces and enviable activities. Turn on the TV, open a magazine, glance at a billboard, and the results are the same. From ear-to-ear grins to endless laughter, it's like the whole world is happy all the time.

And yet that doesn't add up. Whether it's the sense that it all seems too good to be true, or the fact that more than 7 percent of the U.S. population is depressed and more than 27 percent of Americans have sought mental health therapy, something about this joyful frenzy seems off. Maybe you've reassured yourself intuitively that no one can be that happy all the time. If so, you'd be right.

The Pressure to Be Happy

Living in a world where there's an overemphasis on being happy 24/7 can actually have just the opposite effect. "If you're too focused on becoming happier, it's going to backfire," says Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., a psychology professor and author of The How of Happiness.

She compares monitoring your happiness to monitoring weight loss: You shouldn't obsess about it daily, because there could be small changes from one day to the next. Plus, researchers now think some element of happiness is likely out of your control and left up to your genes.¹ You know one friend who's just relentlessly happier than everyone else? That could be why.

But if your genes leave you in the "glass half-empty" side of the spectrum, take heart. There’s a whole school of thought called defensive pessimism that focuses on the upside of more negative thinking. It's based on the idea that setting low expectations and then specifically preparing for what could go wrong might actually lead to better performance and personal growth.²

"People's happiness levels are just different from each other; and that's OK," says Alex Korb, Ph.D., a researcher at UCLA and author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time. Some people's brains respond more to positive events than negative ones, and vice versa. As a result, some people might just be happier—all the time.

Lyubomirsky also suggested picturing happiness on a scale of one to 10. Some people might naturally fall in the eight to 10 range, while you might be more of a six to eight. It doesn't mean you can't get your "happiness level" up, but it may be more natural for you to be more mellow. Lyubomirsky stressed that the important thing was to focus on your own level of happiness—and not compare it to others. Think of it like a runner focusing on his personal best: Setting a personal standard and concentrating on that may lead to greater happiness than allowing yourself to be detracted by others' lives.

However, if you're constantly feeling down about your life, know there is a difference between a "mediocre" level of happiness and actually being depressed. Feeling sad, anxious, or empty for more than a few days could be a sign that you should seek more serious help.

No Such Thing as "Bad" Emotions

"There's this idea out there that our emotions are 'positive' or 'negative,' [but] I think all of our emotions are normal and adaptive and have a purpose or function," says William Breen, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist. "To use them all means we are living a rich, fulfilling life."

But even if you know you should use all of your emotions, it still feels like one gets priority above the rest. And that expectation of constant happiness is part of the problem.

"If you have an expectation that you should always be happy right now, then any moment of not being happy is sort of deeply dissatisfying and frustrating," says Korb. Furthermore, all those laughter-filled ads, TV shows, and social media posts are changing our expectation of happiness. And when those high expectations don't match up with out reality, we find ourselves feeling down.

The key to getting out of the rut? Redefining your own expectations and not allowing your happiness to be dependent on the forces you can't control. "There’s not a day that you just wake up and say, 'I've got it!,'" says Breen. "It's an ongoing process. We're going to feel down and feel sad and cry—and that's meaningful and important.”

A Comparison That Needs to Stop

Another reason your feelings don't always jive with the world around you: You're comparing apples and oranges.

"There's an old saying, 'You shouldn't compare your insides to other people's outsides,' and yet we do that all the time," says John Sharp, Ph.D., a psychiatrist and author of The Emotional Calendar.

Whether you're looking at people smiling on TV or in a magazine, you're comparing your inner feelings to the way someone appears to be feeling on the outside.

"Human social connection is very complex. We are very attuned to the authenticity of other people's emotions," says Korb. "We have a trigger if someone is being inauthentic and that can have a jarring effect." So if browsing glamorous Instagram photos has left you feeling sort of empty, it could be that intuitive trigger.

Of course, we're all guilty of posting our coolest moments on social media. But there's a reason not everything is eye roll-inducing. Korb says feeling genuinely connected to others can have a huge impact on our happiness. Have a BFF you rarely speak to, but thinking of her always make you smile? Bingo. That's connectedness.

However, if your social feeds are crammed with people you vaguely know—or worse, if you feel a friend only posts updates to show off—this prompts that "inauthentic trigger." And as disconnectedness increases, says Korb, so does our frustration and annoyance.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to get happier. While experts admit technology and social media has its place, many suggest occasionally unplugging as a way to increase happiness.

"Step back and have a conversation with the people right around you, says Breen. "Technology has a wonderful role in our lives, but human connection is important."

Korb also suggested focusing on the parts of your life you're grateful for and setting up long-term goals so that small, daily discouragements don't seem so critical. "Have a sense of purpose—whether it's related to the people you feel connected to, a cause, your work, or your religion," says Korb. That guiding force can help mitigate immediate emotional fluctations (like getting bummed out while checking out Instagram and Facebook).

The Bottom Line

You've heard it before, but it's true: Don't believe everything you see on TV (or on social media or in magazines). Ecstatic-dancing-at-Coachella-level happiness is likely impossible for anyone to sustain. So know that it's OK to feel down at times. After all, frustration, anger, sadness, and all of your other emotions are part of a normal, satisfying life.

Works Cited

1. Genes, Economics, and Happiness. De Neve, JE, Christakis, NA, Fowler, JH, et al. Journal of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Economics. 2012 Nov;5(4).
2. The positive psychology of negative thinking. Norem JK, Chang EC. Journal of clinical psychology, 2002, Oct.;58(9):0021-9762.

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PTSD, traumatic experiences may raise heart attack, stroke risk in women

Women with severe PTSD or traumatic events may have a 60 percent higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. The study is the first to examine trauma exposure, PTSD, and onset of cardiovascular disease exclusively in women. Researchers suggest physicians ask women about traumatic events and PTSD symptoms and then monitor them for cardiovascular issues.

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Hospital Performance, From the Patient's Perspective

A panel of experts has developed recommendations for developing patient-focused assessments of health care performance. The group reviewed practices already implemented as well as existing studies on the subject to come up with nine recommendations for developing, using and interpreting the results of patient questionnaires on quality.

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This Woman Unplugs Every Saturday (and Will Convince You to Do the Same)

It’s a common occurrence: You’re having dinner with family or friends when someone starts talking about a movie they just saw or a book they just read. But what was the name of that actor or author again? You whip out your phone, do a quick Google search, and get your answer. However if it’s Friday night and you’re having dinner with Tiffany Shlain, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, you’ll sit at the table in ignorant bliss.

For the past six years, Shlain and her family have observed Technology Shabbat, a modernized version of the Jewish day of rest. They turn off every screen in sight—phones, laptops, TVs, and yes, even Apple watches—before dinner on Friday night and take 24 hours to reconnect.

But Shlain is hardly a Luddite. In fact, she founded The Webby Awards and now runs The Moxie Institute Film Studio and Lab. “I’ve always loved tech and the way it can connect and empower us,” she says. “But I got to a point where I felt overwhelmed and distracted by it.”

That feeling became even clearer when Shlain’s father was dying of brain cancer. He often had only one good hour each day, so Shlain and her family made a conscious effort to turn off their phones and spend those 60 minutes being completely present with him. That time spent off the grid had a major impact, and she talked with her husband, Ken Goldberg, a robotics professor at UC Berkeley, about making unplugging a family ritual. That’s when Technology Shabbat was born.

Shlain and her family had taken part in the National Day of Unplugging before, so she knew they were up for the challenge. “The first time we unplugged, it felt like the longest day ever,” she says. “And that was wonderful. I knew then that it was something I wanted to do every week.”

Each Technology Shabbat kicks off with a homemade meal. The family then spends Saturday doing some of their favorite offline activities: exploring nature, playing music, and working on art projects. “It’s all of the things you don’t make the time to do when you have delicious screens in front of you,” Shlain says.

Even though they’ve maintained the tradition for six years, Shlain says it’s still hard to flip the switch from being hyper-connected to totally off the grid. So she’s developed a trick: She leaves out a piece of paper to unload all of the thoughts swirling around in her mind. In the first few hours after she turns off her devices, Shlain jots down notes about calls she needs to make and emails she has to send. But then a curious thing happens: She finds herself forgetting about the paper and finally feeling present. Without the constant buzzing and pinging, Shlain has time to space out and explore her imagination. “It puts my mind into a different mode of thinking,” she says. “It’s supple and allows me to be creative and inspired.”

It puts my mind into a different mode of thinking. It’s supple and allows me to be creative and inspired.

While the family spends a good portion of their Saturdays on personal projects, Technology Shabbat doesn’t forbid you from being social. In fact, without a screen in the way, you might connect more closely with those around you. The only difference is once you make plans, there won’t be a string of texts saying you’re 10 minutes away, finding parking, or waiting at a red light. “I don’t need a blow-by-blow account when you’re coming to meet me,” Shlain says. And if an emergency does come up, the family has a landline phone that they can use.

The best part of all: When it comes to dinnertime on Saturday, Shlain, her husband, and their two children are psyched to go back online. “It helps us really appreciate the beauty of the Internet,” she says.

Interested in learning more about Technology Shabbat? Check out this video that Shlain made for some tips and tricks:

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Researchers repurpose technology to reduce psychological and physical scars of burn injuries

It’s the season for backyard grilling, campfires, fireworks – and burn injuries. Over the next few months, U.S. burn centers will see thousands of severe burns requiring painful skin grafts and lengthy treatment. Researchers are developing new ways to use already approved therapies to help alleviate the anxiety and pain of burn treatments – as well as improve outcomes.

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National study finds life-threatening barriers in access to breakthrough drugs

Most states violate federal Medicaid law because they deny coverage for sofosbuvir, a new and highly effective treatment to cure hepatitis C. According to a team of researchers who examined Medicaid policies for hepatitis C virus treatment using sofosbuvir, more commonly known as Solvadi, most should change policy to improve access to the treatment.

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After Ebola, understanding health care needs among rural Liberians

As Liberia rebuilds a health care system decimated by the 2014 Ebola outbreak, understanding precisely how far citizens live from health facilities and its impact on seeking care can help shape new strategies to improve health care delivery and reduce geographic disparities.

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Efficacy of topical benzoyl peroxide on the reduction of propionibacterium acnes during shoulder surgery

The effect that topical benzoyl peroxide (BPO), with chlorhexidine skin preparation, has on the presence of Propionibacterium acnes cultured at the time of shoulder surgery has been the focus of recent study. The authors hypothesized that adding topical BPO, the active ingredient in Clearasil, to the pre-operative skin preparation would reduce the number of positive P. acnes cultures identified during surgery. P. acnes infection is a significant problem after shoulder surgery. Residual P. acnes is found on the skin up to 29% of the time immediately after surgical skin preparation and in 70% of dermal biopsy specimens. These residual bacteria may be a source for infection. Identifying more ideal skin preparation may help reduce the risk of infection.

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Medical tourism: new handbook looks at implications for patients, health systems

Patients who travel abroad for medical treatment risk returning with complications or infections that require costly treatment, and is one of the issues highlighted in a new handbook exploring medical tourism.

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How Laughter Can Fuel Weight Loss and Improve Your Health

When trying to get healthy and lose weight, so many of us focus entirely on diet and exercise. We forget that we are total human beings, and how we feel in our bodies, viscerally, also has a tremendous impact on how we release weight. Think of how you feel, for example when you're feeling tense.

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Are You Eating for Your Health or Your Booty?

Let's face it, many of us eat mainly for our appearance, while our health is way down on the list. Or perhaps when it comes to eating, health is a genuine priority for you, but your appearance is nevertheless your top priority. But what if eating for your booty were actually the problem?

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How to Avoid Weight Gain in Hard Times

When you experience those "chaotic-stressful-heartbreaking-discombobulated" moments in life, you may find yourself mindlessly two-fisting junk food. And in the days following, it may be way too easy to "feel fat" or say, "Damn, I'm lookin' rough." However counterintuitive it may be, it's important to take the focus off your body, because it's really not about the extra pounds you may pack on; it's about your experience in life at any given moment.

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5 Easy Ways To Flatten Your Stomach For Summer

Although many men and women struggle to have a flat tummy and abs that are to die for, the good news is that it can be done. You don't have to punish your body with hours of exercise, give up all the food you love and make yourself miserable to get a flatter stomach. Check out these these 5 simple ways to flatten your stomach.

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The 42 Best Healthy Berry Recipes

Three Simple Ways to Stop Freezer Burn

Whether we're battling a heat wave or bundled up mid-snowstorm, we always crave ice cream. That rich, creamy goodness is hard to beat—unless the freezer has turned our favorite sweet treat into a hard chunk of crystals. The icy burn occurs when air seeps into the carton, so creating an airtight container is your best defense. It also stops ice cream from soaking up the smells of other not-so-pleasant freezer foods (we're looking at you, fish sticks). Check out the video for three simple methods.

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Tuesday, June 30th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Tabata Tuesday

Perform each movement for a total of 4 minutes, alternating between 20 seconds of all-out effort and 10 seconds of rest. The total length of the workout is 12 minutes.

Bicycle Sit-Ups
Leg Raises
Jumping Lunges

Want to kick up the intensity? Try to match or beat your reps on each round. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Clot-removal devices now recommended for some stroke patients

Updated stroke treatment recommendations include using a stent retrieval device to remove blood clots from large arteries in select patients. Clot-busting medication -- tPA -- continues to be the gold standard for treating clot-caused stroke. Clot busters and/or clot-removal procedures must be administered within a few hours of stroke symptoms, so everyone needs to know to call 9-1-1 and seek immediate help if they occur.

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Blood test for lung cancer a step closer

Two oncologists and a research scientist are helping pave the way to an easier, more accurate, less invasive way to screen for the most common form of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and the number one cancer killer in the United States.

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Societies issue recommendations for left atrial appendage occlusion

Experts have released a new overview on the implantation of left atrial appendage occlusion devices. The implantation of left atrial appendage occlusion devices may lower the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, researchers note.

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Why Everyone Should Unplug More Often

I don’t know about you, but my smartphone sometimes seems like Grand Central Station at rush hour. Between texts, emails, regular old phone calls, and notifications from multiple social media sites, keeping up with all the inputs can feel like a full-time job. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I passed a full 12 hours without checking my phone at least once. You’d think just turning off the gizmo would solve this (admittedly first world) problem, but going without technology can feel like cutting off a limb for young adults who’ve been “plugged in” since middle school.

I’m not the only one who's noticed this—I've read a ton of thought pieces by Internet bigwigs about the importance of taking deliberate breaks from all things web-related. Talking about taking a break from the Internet (gasp!) raises a few important questions: Has technology transformed from a convenience into a curse? And is disconnecting an important life strategy for making constant communication sustainable, or is it just the latest tech trend?

Open 24/7: Why It’s Not So Great

Research suggests social media is the millenial generation’s drug of choice. While not technically considered an addiction, excessive attachment to the Internet is becoming more commonplace and problematic. A 2010 University of Maryland study found many young people describe their dependence on the Internet as an addiction, even if they’re not officially diagnosable. In the study, 200 students were required to go on a 24-hour media fast and then write about their experience. Overall the students complained that they felt bored, disconnected, uncomfortable, and anxious without their phones and computers.

These withdrawal symptoms suggest there must be some benefits to being “plugged in” all the time, right? For many people, the allure of being attached to a smartphone is the ability to keep tabs on family, friends, and breaking news whenever, wherever. Compared to reading a newspaper or calling a friend for a long chat on the phone, social media encourages brief, unfocused, multitasking-friendly “check ins” rather than long periods of absorption. For better or worse, smartphones make it easy to check various sites and social media profiles with the tap of a fingertip, all while keeping the rest of our brains and bodies engaged in other tasks (though sometimes with dangerous consequences).

Go-Go-Gadgets

In some cases, the downsides to keeping phones and computers switched on 24/7 could outweigh the benefits. Multitasking—perhaps this generation’s Great White Whale—almost never boosts productivity. In fact, it’s usually just a form of procrastination that distracts us from what’s important and inhibits the formation of short-term memories.¹²

Obsessive social networking isn’t doing us any favors either. Constantly checking social media sites, work emails, and texts from far-flung friends sounds like it’s fostering connectivity, but the opposite is often true. Studies show spending tons of time online can actively harm relationships, interpersonal communication skills, and mental health. ³⁴⁵ A recent study also shows that (perhaps unsurprisingly) following ex-lovers on social media can make it difficult for partners to move on after a breakup.

Studies show that we actually need weekends and nights off to disconnect and recuperate from the stresses of work.

All of this might be due to the fact that social media is the Green Eyed Monster’s preferred stomping ground. Checking in on friends’ frequent vacations, late-night taco truck runs, and sunshiny days at the beach can create a constant state of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and anxiety. People obsessively refresh Facebook feeds and track Twitter followers because they’re afraid to be "on the outside" of news, events, and social gatherings. But at the end of the day, browsing photos from other people’s fun times is not the same as attending those parties and picnics and actually hanging out with friends in the flesh.

Open Office Hours

Constant connectivity hasn’t just changed how we socialize, but also how we bring home the bacon. Smart phones have created a whole new interpretation of the traditional “workaholic” trope. Instead of the classic image of a busy professional ensconced in their office at 2 a.m., we now see young worker bees emailing while brunching and checking expense reports at the grocery store. As more and more business happens online versus in a cubicle or a meeting room, it’s entirely feasible to never stop working (minus a few hours of sleep). But is that a good thing?

The general agreement (thank goodness) is “no.” Studies show that in spite of modern work trends, we actually need weekends and nights off to disconnect and recuperate from the stresses of work. ⁶ Constantly checking email, in particular, prevents people from distancing themselves from the work environment—which can make it impossible to keep stress in check.

Rage Against the Machines: How Unplugging Helps

In the past, people could “switch off” after work by simply going home or avoid dealing with dramatic friends by not picking up the phone. But smartphones, social media, and the expectation that everyone should be available all of the time have made taking a breather much more difficult. From this necessity, a new (anti-) tech trend has arisen: Over the past few years, the concept of “unplugging”, or ditching technology for a given period of time, has become popular amongst bloggers, tech wizards, and thought leaders around the web.

If multitasking and constant email cause a lack of productivity, negatively impact social relationships, and increase overall stress, can simply abstaining from using technology reverse these negative consequences? The simple answer, according to most research, is “yes.”

Like a muscle, the brain needs recovery time in order to develop and grow.

Scheduling regular “rest time” in the form of unplugging makes sense—like a muscle, the brain needs recovery time in order to develop and grow (and in this case, retain new memories). In fact, shutting off completely may be crucial: One University of Michigan study found that participants who walked in the woods after learning something new were more likely to retain it, suggesting that a little quiet time is essential to optimizing brain function. ⁷ Even brief activities such as taking a short walk (sans phone, of course), spending time in nature, or daydreaming can help the brain reboot. But without free time (i.e. totally unstructured and without Facebook, idle web surfing, or TV), it’s impossible to fully learn new skills and keep the brain at its cognitive best.

Luckily more and more people are validating the importance of down time. Over the past few years, the idea of disconnecting from all online communication (and the stress that comes with it) has grown into a verifiable movement. In 2010 a group of Jewish artists created the Sabbath Manifesto, a movement designed to help people of all faiths and creeds find a day of rest amid the hullabaloo of modern technology. The Sabbath Manifesto also created a new holiday dedicated to taking time to smell the roses: The National Day of Unplugging happens once a year (typically in early March).

Over the past few years, countless bloggers and thought leaders have embarked on their very own technological “fasts” and written about the trials and tribulations of doing so. For example, the bloggers behind lifestyle website The Minimalists suggest cancelling home Internet access to make using a computer in the house less appealing. Some Internet celebs-at-large, like writer Baratunde Thurston, advocate a more stringent approach: Thurston went cold turkey with a 25-day “digital detox” after noticing that his social media addiction was getting out of hand. Even more extreme, The Verge writer Paul Miller spent an entire year sans Internet. After their tech-free hiatuses, both Thurston and Miller are back online. It seems that both writers used their Internet sabbaticals to take a breather rather than establish a new lifestyle.

For those who can’t resist the Internet’s siren song, special getaway experiences offer real-life activities and bonding experiences that distract former tech fiends from the withdrawal process. One popular example is Camp Grounded in California, which guides tech-weary adults through a gadget-free weekend filled with vegan meals, field games, arts and crafts, yoga, and stargazing. The travel industry is also in on the trend; these days, people can sign up for fancy digital detox vacations in a number of luxurious settings.

Regardless of length or intensity ("Does texting count? What about checking email?"), these digital detoxes or technology fasts prove an important point: It is feasible to take a step back from our always-on lifestyles. With a little bit of effort, it’s entirely possible to stop living through our phones and computer screens, re-connect with other human beings, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.

Off the Grid—The Takeaway

"Unplugging” is a trendy buzzword these days, but hopefully taking regular technological breaks isn’t just a passing fad. The Internet and mobile communication have grown by impressive leaps and bounds in the past ten years, largely to our society’s benefit. But because we’re used to tech companies rolling out a new (and better!) product or software every week, we’ve been operating under the idea that “more is more”—more communication is good, more social media sites are better, and, above all, the ability to contact anyone at anytime is best of all.

But in reality, this behavior might be unsustainable. Keeping up with email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites 24/7 can be exhausting, bad for our brains, bad for our relationships, and bad for our productivity. Instead of fading out like many transient trends, perhaps it would be better if the concept of “unplugging” catches on even more and helps us tech junkies develop new protocols for how to communicate and connect (without going crazy) in the Internet Age.

Works Cited

1. Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking. Sanbonmatsu DM, Strayer DL, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson JM. Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e54402.
2. Deficit in switching between functional brain networks underlies the impact of multitasking on working memory in older adults. Clapp WC, Rubens MT, Sabharwal J, Gazzaley A. Department of Neurology, The W M Keck Foundation for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2011 Apr;108(17):7212-7.
3. Online social networking and addiction—a review of the psychological literature. Kuss DJ, Griffiths MD. International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Nottingham Trent University, UK. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2011 Sept; 8(9):3528-3552.
4. The effect of psychiatric symptoms on the internet addiction disorders in Isfahan’s University students. Alavi SS, Maracy MR, Jannatifard F, Eslami M. Behavioral Sciences Research Center and Deparrmtne of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2011 Jun; 16(6):793-800.
5. Media multitasking is associated with symptoms of depression and social anxiety. Becker MW, Alzahabi R, Hopwood CJ. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. 2013 Feb; 16(2):132-5.
6. Relationships between work-home segmentation and psychological detachment from work: the role of communication technology use at home. Park Y, Fritz C, Jex SM. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA. The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. 2011 Oct; 16(4):457-67.
7. The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Berman MG, Jonides J, Kaplan S. Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. Psychological Science. 2008 Dec; 19(12):1207-12.

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Experts cover Korean MERS outbreak in new article

An overview and analysis of the factors underlying the recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus outbreak in Korea has been published by experts.

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