By Dov michaeli MD, Ph.DThe April 14 online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences carried an intriguing article titled “ Endogenous steroids and financial risk taking on a London trading floor”. Both authors, J.M. Coates and J. Herbert are from the Dept. of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at Cambridge University . But J.M.C.

This is a laugh-inducing story from the Associated Press, which reports that zoos are looking for ways to whittle the love handles on their gorillas and polar bears. It seems the obesity crisis is affecting our caged animal friends -... (Source: Health Check the Blog)

By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D It almost became a cliché: losing weight is relatively easy. That’s why you see so many “miracle diet” claiming astounding losses of weight. But why don’t we see miracle diets that tout maintenance of weight loss?

Here's an interesting article from the Associated Press, which asks the question: Is it truly dangerous to be fat? Not necessarily, according to Dr. Vincent Marks, a biochemist and retired professor from the University of Surrey. He is among the... (Source: Health Check the Blog)

Dr. Laurel Yates and her colleagues have come up with a top five list for living to your 90s in good health. The list includes things to avoid: smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also recommends regular exercise and... (Source: Health Check the Blog)

Take a minute to consider ghrelin, a hormone that fuels hunger. When its levels are low, you don't have the urge to chow down. When they're high, hello munchies. Scientists say the best way to keep ghrelin under control is... (Source: Health Check the Blog)

By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DEvery Sunday morning we have a family ritual: 8-9 in the morning it’s “Meet the Press”, 9-9:30—the Chris Matthews Show. And while the TV is blaring and we OD on politics, we walk on the treadmill or step on the elliptical, do abdominals and pushups, do Yoga and lift weights—in short: we indulge our political and fitness addictions simultaneously, and feel self-righteous and quite superior to the flabby unwashed masses.

(Source: Canadian Medicine)

By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DSome of the health advice we come across in the media and the internet is so outrageous it borders on quackery; no, it is quackery. If it wasn’t so dangerous it would be hilarious. So I thought we should all share in the hilarity. But before we proceed, a disclaimer: the following is based on actual Q and A, but the author took  literary license to highlight their innaneness (there, I finally got to use this word). So here goes:HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

Apples served in thick slices that resemble French fries. Chicken tenders that are flame-cooked - not dipped in batter and fried. Burger King is putting its Kids' Meals on a diet. Announced yesterday, the fast-food giant plans to offer the... (Source: Health Check the Blog)