lasting repercussions

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

Females have made tremendous progress toward achieving gender equality and access to careers previously closed to them. Yet they still experience sexual harassment, with several recent studies documenting that it even occurs in our high schools.

A puzzling disorder has sufferers wishing

that their limbs could be amputated

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

The brain contains a “map” of where every part of the body is in space. Even with our eyes closed we know the location and positions of our limbs. But what if parts of the map are missing? This is believed to be a possible cause for a very bizarre state in which individuals have an overwhelming and persistent desire to remove a perfectly healthy part of their body.

Body-integrity identity disorder (BIID) causes intense personal misery and shame. It is estimated there are several thousand BIID sufferers worldwide. BIID often begins in childhood with the feeling that a limb does not belong and must be removed. The obsession is usually kept secret and does not interfere with other aspects of life.

Early retirement without staying active could lead to an early grave

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

Many hard-working Americans dream of retiring at an early age. The goal is to save a substantial nest egg, then benefit from easy living during the golden years—especially for those who dislike their jobs. Few choose to follow the example of CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, who is still working at age 90. A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, however, raises some cautionary notes about early retirement.

Unless they start exercising, childhood’s couch potatoes will face major health woes 

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get 60 minutes of exercise each day. Alas, most youngsters today average only about a third of those guidelines. Robert McMurray and his team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill set out to document the effects of inactivity during childhood. Their findings were published in the journal Dynamic Medicine.

Women need to convey clear messages when horny guys come a-courtin’

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

A 40-year study concludes that it’s never too late to start exercising

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently reported the results of the longest study ever conducted into the effects of aging and exercise. The findings, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, show that exercise can reverse the drop in conditioning caused by inactivity and growing older.

The old bromide that laughter is the best medicine continues to be true

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

A new study suggests that aromatherapy yields too phew benefits

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.

Runner’s high does exist, and it’s a good thing

By Dr. Sam Graceffo

Kids should put down the PlayStations and experience the great outdoors

By Sam Graceffo, M.D.