Dr. Howard Smith Reports

Dr. Howard Smith Reports

By Howard G. Smith MD, AMHealth & Fitness
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Dr. Howard Smith Reports episodes

  • It’s Easier For Your Brain To Remember Than Forget

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9mnVzvXuIoo

    Wiping a memory away requires more brain resources than retaining that thought.  Neuroscientists from the University of Texas at Austin report these findings after studying a group of adult subjects using functional MRI brain imaging to determine the levels of brain activity while attempting to either remember or forget images of people or scenes.

    The brain is far more active as you try to forget a memory than if you are attempting to retain it.  The act of forgetting requires your brain to very actively engage with that memory as shown by MRI activity in the prefrontal cortex control center, the ventral temporal cortex, and in the hippocampus memory bank.

    It is far easier to forget a scene than to wipe the memory of faces.  Images of people carry far more emotional energy.  To forget either, you shouldn’t try too hard since the studies revealed that too much attention or too little attention to the item failed to erase it. Our brains are constantly curating and prioritizing memories erasing some in order to make room for the next crop.

    To forget a disturbing memory, actively try to associate less emotional energy with it.  If you just experienced a crisis at home or at work, think of the setting and not the faces you saw during the event.  It might also help to associate that place with your positive memories of it.

    Tracy H. Wang, Katerina Placek, Jarrod A. Lewis-Peacock. More is less: increased processing of unwanted memories facilitates forgetting. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2019; 2033-18 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2033-18.2019

    #memory #remembering #forgetting #PTSD

    3 min
  • It’s Easier For Your Brain To Remember Than Forget

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9mnVzvXuIoo

    Wiping a memory away requires more brain resources than retaining that thought.  Neuroscientists from the University of Texas at Austin report these findings after studying a group of adult subjects using functional MRI brain imaging to determine the levels of brain activity while attempting to either remember or forget images of people or scenes.

    The brain is far more active as you try to forget a memory than if you are attempting to retain it.  The act of forgetting requires your brain to very actively engage with that memory as shown by MRI activity in the prefrontal cortex control center, the ventral temporal cortex, and in the hippocampus memory bank.

    It is far easier to forget a scene than to wipe the memory of faces.  Images of people carry far more emotional energy.  To forget either, you shouldn’t try too hard since the studies revealed that too much attention or too little attention to the item failed to erase it. Our brains are constantly curating and prioritizing memories erasing some in order to make room for the next crop.

    To forget a disturbing memory, actively try to associate less emotional energy with it.  If you just experienced a crisis at home or at work, think of the setting and not the faces you saw during the event.  It might also help to associate that place with your positive memories of it.

    Tracy H. Wang, Katerina Placek, Jarrod A. Lewis-Peacock. More is less: increased processing of unwanted memories facilitates forgetting. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2019; 2033-18 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2033-18.2019

    #memory #remembering #forgetting #PTSD

    3 min
  • Eggs or No Eggs: Can You Eat Them Safely?

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/oHVdoCrx_4c

    The poor ole egg is again under attack again.  Numerous studies over the past 30 years have declared the egg to be innocent of being an accessory before the fact when it comes to driving artery hardening, heart attacks, and strokes.  Many nutrition experts have stated that the majority of the cholesterol in our body is synthesized in the liver from the fats that we ingest.  They state that limiting your intake of saturated and trans- fats will keep your cholesterol and other lipids in control.

    Now a study from Northwestern University suggests that a higher cholesterol intake, 300 mg or more per day, is associated with a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 18% higher risk of death from all causes.  The cholesterol comes in egg yolks, red meat, and high fat dairy products such as cream, cheese, and butter.  

    The study was a meta-analysis of 6 other studies covering nearly 30,000 adults with nearly 18 years of followup on average.  Experts reviewing the data and the study methodology have concerns about blaming the egg.  The study only surveyed the dietary habits of subjects as they entered the study and not again during the followup period.  The subjects were also consuming large amounts of red and processed meats that could confuse the results.

    I wouldn’t totally ignore the study.  The best rule in nutrition, as in everything else, is moderation.   An egg breakfast everyday is a bad idea, but that omelet during any weekend brunch definitely won’t kill you.  If you do have the eggs, don’t overload them with bacon, eggs, or steak.

    Victor W. Zhong et al. Associations of Dietary Cholesterol or Egg Consumption With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality. JAMA, 2019 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.1572

    https://www.mdlinx.com/internal-medicine/top-medical-news/article/2019/03/18/7561000/

    #eggs #cholesterol #redmeat #processedmeat #heartattack #stroke

     

    3 min
  • Eggs or No Eggs: Can You Eat Them Safely?

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/oHVdoCrx_4c

    The poor ole egg is again under attack again.  Numerous studies over the past 30 years have declared the egg to be innocent of being an accessory before the fact when it comes to driving artery hardening, heart attacks, and strokes.  Many nutrition experts have stated that the majority of the cholesterol in our body is synthesized in the liver from the fats that we ingest.  They state that limiting your intake of saturated and trans- fats will keep your cholesterol and other lipids in control.

    Now a study from Northwestern University suggests that a higher cholesterol intake, 300 mg or more per day, is associated with a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 18% higher risk of death from all causes.  The cholesterol comes in egg yolks, red meat, and high fat dairy products such as cream, cheese, and butter.  

    The study was a meta-analysis of 6 other studies covering nearly 30,000 adults with nearly 18 years of followup on average.  Experts reviewing the data and the study methodology have concerns about blaming the egg.  The study only surveyed the dietary habits of subjects as they entered the study and not again during the followup period.  The subjects were also consuming large amounts of red and processed meats that could confuse the results.

    I wouldn’t totally ignore the study.  The best rule in nutrition, as in everything else, is moderation.   An egg breakfast everyday is a bad idea, but that omelet during any weekend brunch definitely won’t kill you.  If you do have the eggs, don’t overload them with bacon, eggs, or steak.

    Victor W. Zhong et al. Associations of Dietary Cholesterol or Egg Consumption With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality. JAMA, 2019 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.1572

    https://www.mdlinx.com/internal-medicine/top-medical-news/article/2019/03/18/7561000/

    #eggs #cholesterol #redmeat #processedmeat #heartattack #stroke

     

    3 min
  • HealthNews RoundUp - 3rd Week of March, 2019

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XiP1t2R8KdA

    I’m Dr. Howard Smith, PENTA Medical Network,  reporting from NYC with the Health News Roundup for the 3rd week of MARCH, 2019.  This is Health News You Should Use, the latest medical discoveries that you can use in a practical way to keep yourself and your family healthy.  

    Here are this week’s headlines:

    Eggs or No Eggs: Can You Eat Them Safely?

    It’s Easier For Your Brain To Remember Than Forget 

    Digital Devices Do Not Reduce Family Time

    The Sleepier You Are, The More You Tend to Buy

    Teen Binge Drinking Permanently Damages The Brain

    Smoking Drives Up Risks of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

    Statins Do Prevent Heart Attacks.....If You Take Them

    Fertility App DOT Works As Well As The Pill

    Virtual Reality Helps Fine Tune Your Balance

    An Antibiotic Wrapper Prevents Pacemaker Infections

    Are Sit-Stand Desks Really Good For You?

    Mushrooms May Help Prevent Those Senior Moments

    FDA Warns That Thermography Is Not Effective Breast Cancer Screening 

    You May Be Allergic To Your Pills

    Diabetes Drug Fights Congestive Heart Failure

    Heart Attacks And Cardiac Deaths Are At Historic Lows

     

    #Eggs #cholesterol #memory #digitaldevices #familytime #sleep #consumption #teen #bingeing #alcohol #dementia #smoking #SUID #SIDS #InfantDeath #statins #heartattack #contraception #app #VR #balance #rehabilitation #envelope #antibiotic #pacemaker #defibrillator #sitstanddesks #mushrooms #thermography #mammography #inactiveingredients #diabetes #congestiveheartfailure #heartfailure

    For more information#you’ll find all the references for the stories and a copy of show notes on my website at: https://www.drhowardsmith.com/mar-2019-3rd-week-health-news

    25 min
  • HealthNews RoundUp - 3rd Week of March, 2019

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XiP1t2R8KdA

    I’m Dr. Howard Smith, PENTA Medical Network,  reporting from NYC with the Health News Roundup for the 3rd week of MARCH, 2019.  This is Health News You Should Use, the latest medical discoveries that you can use in a practical way to keep yourself and your family healthy.  

    Here are this week’s headlines:

    Eggs or No Eggs: Can You Eat Them Safely?

    It’s Easier For Your Brain To Remember Than Forget 

    Digital Devices Do Not Reduce Family Time

    The Sleepier You Are, The More You Tend to Buy

    Teen Binge Drinking Permanently Damages The Brain

    Smoking Drives Up Risks of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

    Statins Do Prevent Heart Attacks.....If You Take Them

    Fertility App DOT Works As Well As The Pill

    Virtual Reality Helps Fine Tune Your Balance

    An Antibiotic Wrapper Prevents Pacemaker Infections

    Are Sit-Stand Desks Really Good For You?

    Mushrooms May Help Prevent Those Senior Moments

    FDA Warns That Thermography Is Not Effective Breast Cancer Screening 

    You May Be Allergic To Your Pills

    Diabetes Drug Fights Congestive Heart Failure

    Heart Attacks And Cardiac Deaths Are At Historic Lows

     

    #Eggs #cholesterol #memory #digitaldevices #familytime #sleep #consumption #teen #bingeing #alcohol #dementia #smoking #SUID #SIDS #InfantDeath #statins #heartattack #contraception #app #VR #balance #rehabilitation #envelope #antibiotic #pacemaker #defibrillator #sitstanddesks #mushrooms #thermography #mammography #inactiveingredients #diabetes #congestiveheartfailure #heartfailure

    For more information#you’ll find all the references for the stories and a copy of show notes on my website at: https://www.drhowardsmith.com/mar-2019-3rd-week-health-news

    25 min
  • HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of March, 2019

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/q71bhoFuam4

    Here are the headlines for this weeks stories:

    Toxins At Home And In Food Can Make You Sterile

    Raw Dog Food Contains Dangerous Bacteria

    Mediterranean Diet Turbocharges You In Just Days

    Young Women Need Better Lipid Screening

    Childbirth In the 50s Can Be As Safe As In The 40s

    Pregnancy Infections May Trigger Autism and Depression

    Vaping Triggers Heart Attacks and Strokes

    Bosses Who Bully Kill Their Own Bottom Lines

    Environmental Music Synchronizes Everyone’s Brainwaves

    New Immunotherapy For Advanced Breast Cancer

    Snoring And Sleep Apnea Linked to Young Athletes’ Sudden Death

    Napping Controls Blood Pressure

    Infants Distinguish Family From Strangers By Laughter

    Hookah Smoking Is Even More Dangerous Than Cigarettes

    TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS: Checkout Guy Fulfills Special Needs Child’s Dream

     

    For more information#you’ll find all the references for the stories and a copy of show notes on my website at: https://www.drhowardsmith.com/mar-2019-1st-week-health-news

    20 min
  • HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of March, 2019

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/q71bhoFuam4

    Here are the headlines for this weeks stories:

    Toxins At Home And In Food Can Make You Sterile

    Raw Dog Food Contains Dangerous Bacteria

    Mediterranean Diet Turbocharges You In Just Days

    Young Women Need Better Lipid Screening

    Childbirth In the 50s Can Be As Safe As In The 40s

    Pregnancy Infections May Trigger Autism and Depression

    Vaping Triggers Heart Attacks and Strokes

    Bosses Who Bully Kill Their Own Bottom Lines

    Environmental Music Synchronizes Everyone’s Brainwaves

    New Immunotherapy For Advanced Breast Cancer

    Snoring And Sleep Apnea Linked to Young Athletes’ Sudden Death

    Napping Controls Blood Pressure

    Infants Distinguish Family From Strangers By Laughter

    Hookah Smoking Is Even More Dangerous Than Cigarettes

    TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS: Checkout Guy Fulfills Special Needs Child’s Dream

     

    For more information#you’ll find all the references for the stories and a copy of show notes on my website at: https://www.drhowardsmith.com/mar-2019-1st-week-health-news

    20 min
  • TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS: Checkout Guy Fulfills Special Needs Child’s Dream

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/E40hnE1C8yA

    Nine year old Lilly has special needs.  She is intrigued by bagging at the grocery store and loves seeing how the various packages fit together in any given bag just like a puzzle.

    On a recent trip to the market with her mom, she was eyeing the bags when cashier Isaac Witte asked her if she would like to help him bag.  She was delighted and did a magnificent job not just helping but literally bagging all the groceries.  Her mom videoed the entire episode.

    When Lilly finished, she gazed back at Isaac smiling and gushed “I love you.”  Later, she and mom returned to the store to give Isaac a handmade thank you card.  While there, the store manager added to the magic by telling Lilly that once she turned 16, she would have a job at the store.

    https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/social-media-is-melting-over-cashiers-kindness-towards-special-needs-girl-at-the-supermarket-watch/

    #Kindness #specialneeds

    2 min
  • TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS: Checkout Guy Fulfills Special Needs Child’s Dream

    Vidcast: https://youtu.be/E40hnE1C8yA

    Nine year old Lilly has special needs.  She is intrigued by bagging at the grocery store and loves seeing how the various packages fit together in any given bag just like a puzzle.

    On a recent trip to the market with her mom, she was eyeing the bags when cashier Isaac Witte asked her if she would like to help him bag.  She was delighted and did a magnificent job not just helping but literally bagging all the groceries.  Her mom videoed the entire episode.

    When Lilly finished, she gazed back at Isaac smiling and gushed “I love you.”  Later, she and mom returned to the store to give Isaac a handmade thank you card.  While there, the store manager added to the magic by telling Lilly that once she turned 16, she would have a job at the store.

    https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/social-media-is-melting-over-cashiers-kindness-towards-special-needs-girl-at-the-supermarket-watch/

    #Kindness #specialneeds

    2 min

About Dr. Howard Smith Reports

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Howard G. Smith MD, AM has been reporting health and wellness news for more than 35 years on radio and via podcasts. Harvard Medical School, MD; Harvard University, AM, Immunology; former Medical…