Infotrak

There's a great divide in America. Many don't just disagree with the other side, but treat their opponents with extreme hatred. Is it possible for a fractured population to end the division and become more empathetic to those with differing views? Judith Orloff, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, author of the book, "The Genius of Empathy," offers some wise advice.

Brain diseases are now the world's leading cause of disability and the fastest growing of these is Parkinson's. Ray Dorsey, MD, David M. Levy Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Health + Technology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, co-author of “Ending Parkinson's Disease: A Prescription for Action” believes more resources must be placed into research, because while cases are on the rise, the most effective treatment is now a half century old.

America's poison control centers have seen a radical shift in poisoning incidents that may surprise you. Christopher Holstege, MD, Director of the University of Virginia Health System’s Blue Ridge Poison Center, Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology at UVA's School of Medicine, explains what has changed and the reasons behind the trend.

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security as a financial lifeline. But will the funds be there when you need them? Alicia H. Munnell, PhD, Peter F. Drucker Professor of Management Sciences at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, explains why a possible 21% cut in Social Security may happen in less than a decade, and what needs to happen to address the problem.

Everyone knows that regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, but are the benefits different for indoor vs outdoor workouts? Jay Maddock, PhD, Regents Professor with the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University and Director of the university’s Center for Health & Nature, has the answer.

Jared Klickstein, author of "Crooked Smile: What It Took to Escape a Decade of Homelessness, Addiction, & Crime," shares his personal story of addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and eventually, redemption.

Writing a will ensures a person's wealth goes to intended recipients, but a large number of Americans do not have one. Gal Wettstein, PhD, Senior Research Economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, led a recent study to learn why people don’t have a will, and test ways to encourage them to establish one.

Here's a surprise: recent research found that a substantial portion of young athletes are also at risk of high blood pressure. Aneeq Malik, MD, Internal Medicine Physician at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, Medical Director of the Saving Hearts Foundation, explains what parents of student athletes need to know.

How many older Americans are ready for retirement? Retirement planning expert Dana Anspach, Founder and CEO of Sensible Money, outlines the five things she plans to do in the five years leading up to retirement.

Last year, hundreds of thousands of Americans died from drug and alcohol abuse, yet few of these people received treatment. Michael Businelle, PhD, Co-Director of the TSET Health Promotion Center, a program of the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Cancer Center, explains how new technology offers a way to provide substance abuse interventions when they're most needed.

Suffering cardiac arrest outside of a hospital most often has a fatal outcome. But Comilla Sasson. MD, PhD, FACEP, FAHA, Vice President of Emergency Cardiovascular Care for the American Heart Association, explains why knowing CPR and how to use an AED can help save lives. She said basic CPR can be learned in as little as 90 seconds. via an AHA online video. She also discussed the AHA's Heart Walk campaign, engaging more than 220 cities nationwide through the collective efforts of corporate and community participants.

New research by Christopher Palmer, PhD, Albert and Jeanne Clear Career Development Professor, Associate Professor of Finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management, found some basic guidance made a significant difference in helping low-income families move into neighborhoods providing better economic opportunities.

What's the return on investment when it comes to the high cost of a college education? Preston Cooper, PhD, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, conducted a recent analysis that found that some fields of study have a significantly higher payback than others.

It's being called a new era of human learning: the rapidly-growing impact of artificial intelligence on education. Jose Antonio Bowen, PhD, FRSA, Senior Fellow, American Association of Colleges and Universities, author of "Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning" explains how it's already changing traditional notions of creativity in the classroom.

If you think using seed oils in the kitchen is healthy, think again. Catherine Shanahan, MD, author of "Dark Calories: How Vegetable Oils Destroy Our Health and How We Can Get It Back," says these oils can damage the cells of the body, causing a number of harmful effects.

A recent survey found that 57% of parents feel burned out. When parents strive to be perfect, it creates pressure that can have unhealthy outcomes. Kate Gawlik, DNP, RN, Associate Clinical Professor at the Ohio State University College of Nursing, explains the reasons behind this troubling trend.

There's a serious shortage of housing in America and available properties are priced too high for most buyers. Do rules that limit housing developers need to be changed? Bryan Caplan, PhD, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, author of "Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation", explains why far less regulation could dramatically improve the real estate market.

Troubling rates of depression are affecting young adults with some high school students considering suicide. Autumn Kujawa, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Director of the Mood, Emotion, & Development Lab at Vanderbilt University, explains the reasons behind this disturbing trend and how how parents can help.

Millions of Americans go hungry each day, especially children under five, despite the efforts of hundreds of nonprofit food banks and thousands of food pantries. Linda Nageotte, COO and President of Feeding America, discusses the factors contributing to the rapidly increasing need, and how Feeding America is working to help.

Severe weather can hit any time, and understanding weather watches and warnings can literally save lives. But a new study finds a shocking number of Americans are confused by the alerts. Cory L. Armstrong, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, Lawrence L. and Ruth E. Pike Professor in Journalism at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, explains what can be done to improve the public's understanding of severe weather watches and warnings.