Plump people tend to hang out with others who suffer a girth crisis

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

So much has been written about the obesity epidemic that it is difficult to unearth any new data. According to research that appeared in the journal Economic Inquiry, however, two economists have accomplished this task.

Barry Cleveland Roberts, 46, was arrested for murder in Norfolk, Va., when he tried to buy a gun. Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Cotton said that after Roberts filled out an application at Bob’s Guns and Tackle, a background check turned up the outstanding murder warrant. Authorities were waiting for him when he returned to the store to purchase the weapon.

Fear is a strong motivator toward accomplishing successful goals

Dr. Sam Graceffo

BY DR. SAM GRACEFFO, M.D.

While lottery winners can buy what they want, sometimes the best things in life are free

New studies show the benefits of meditation regarding personal health

Meditation promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Yet recent evidence exists that it not only changes the way the brain functions but also promotes growth of gray matter.

BY DR. SAM GRACEFFO, M.D.

Nearly everyone has had an occasional experience with insomnia, from difficulties falling asleep to staying asleep or awakening early. These are minor annoyances that typically resolve themselves, yet some people discover that this problem can be a more serious concern.

Much of the research into human sexuality has been conducted on men. As in countless other areas of investigation, women have been left behind. Northwestern University psychology professor J. Michael Bailey is attempting to rectify that situation. His study of the differences in female and male sexuality was published in the journal Psychological Science.

Research suggests that if rats can get hooked on sugar highs, so can humans

DR. SAM GRACEFFO

the tensions of urban hubbub

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

For millions of years our ancestors lived in a world surrounded with trees, bushes, grasses, sky, hills, water and clean air. Today many of us exist in densely populated cities where we encounter tall buildings, billboards, asphalt roads, blaring horns and endless rows of stores and restaurants, as well as fumes from vehicles and factories.

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

The current recommendation regarding exercise calls for at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five times per week. This amount of activity is likely to limit weight gain and reduce the incidence of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. But very few Americans reach even this minimum level. 

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

the age-old illusion of youth

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Youngsters often wish they could speed up time and enter adulthood. Older folks sometimes wish they could slow down the clock in order to delay reaching geriatric status. But, unless death comes early, we will become older. As Groucho Marx put it, “Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.”

Smelling nice has its price thanks to chemical-laden beauty products 

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Paleontologists present new evidence linking birds with their Stone Age relatives

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Viewers of the Steven Spielberg adventure flick Jurassic Park saw a variety of prehistoric creatures depicted, most notably a nasty, human-sized velociraptor. Although the movie version of this dinosaur did not show feathers, recent findings indicate it did indeed have them.

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Boy meets girl, they start dating, fall passionately in love and get married. Alas, these romantic emotions of early affection sometimes begin to fade after time. Most experts in the psychology of relationships believe that amorous feelings all but disappear after one or two years of togetherness.

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Although alcoholism occurs in women, it is often thought of as a man’s disorder, since it is so much more common in males. Tara Chaplin and her team at Yale University reported in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research on a possible explanation for the increased incidence in men.

It’s not easy deciding whether to pursue certain

objectives or throw in the towel

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

development of breast cancer

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Michael Leitzmann and his team of researchers at the National Cancer Institute reported a remarkable new finding: The risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by 30 percent through vigorous exercise.