Do we make New Year’s resolutions just to ignore them? Are they merely promises doomed to fail? In this feature, we ask whether, statistically speaking, these resolutions work, and what increases the chances of success. New Year’s resolutions are an ancient tradition that continues to this day. The Babylonians started each year with pledges to pay debts and return borrowed …

An international working group of experts has agreed on guidelines to help increase scientific and public awareness about a brain condition that mimics Alzheimer’s disease. The condition is not new but has come to light in recent research and clinical trials. Researchers have identified a misfolded protein in the brain that may be ‘a possible Alzheimer’s mimic.’ Scientists have recently …

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Each has its own system of staging, a process that determines the extent to which a cancer has spread. Staging helps doctors predict outlook and develop the best possible treatment plan. Stages Both the main types of lung cancer have their own systems of staging. …

Intrinsic motivation is the core of self-determination necessary for successful medical studies. Check out these tips to enhance your learning experience! American psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan developed the self-determination theory also known as SDT. This theory of motivation suggests that a need to grow and gain fulfillment is what tends to drive people to do things. Self determination …

Winter has stormed in unapologetically, wreaking havoc on our roads, our balmy weather and our energy. Getting through the work day poses a challenge at the best of times, let alone when facing glacial and gloomy conditions. Suffering from inadequate sleep and drained by the demands of daily life, we resort to seemingly magic potions to prop ourselves up: coffee, …

Dear Dr. Rona, When I recently visited my doctor, he recommended that I get the shingles vaccine to prevent infection by this virus. When I asked why he thought I was at risk for shingles, his only comment was that everyone over 60 is at increased risk. In regards to brands, my doctor said there are two choices: 1) Zostavax: Free …

My Top Five Cold and ’Flu Prevention and Treatment Remedies Ask any conventional doctor about the coming cold and ’flu season, and he or she will tell you that the best prevention for influenza is the annual ’flu vaccine. No doubt, you have heard the ads on radio and TV urging one and all to get the yearly ’flu shot. Since …

My physician has become increasingly concerned about my cholesterol levels being too high. I was deemed to have high cholesterol starting in my early 20’s. Recently, he ordered ultrasound tests of both my neck and legs to find out if there is any current blockage to blood flow. The results show mild plaque deposits in the arteries. Now both my …