Mental Health Archive

A virtual village is a group of older adults who live in their own homes, near each other, and agree to help each other. They form a self-governing nonprofit organization and volunteer to provide village services such as transportation, friendly visits, errands, exercise and social events, a dedicated hotline, and referrals to vetted services and suppliers. The village won't replace an assisted living facility or nursing home, but it may help delay the transition.

When you take an aging parent to a medical appointment, you wind up playing many roles. Millions of people in the US are caring for family members and are learning as they go along, so they can benefit from tips to keep them on track before, during, and after the appointment.

Years of relentless itching and thickened skin may reflect an itch‑scratch cycle. Creams alone may fall short and broader treatment may be needed.

Switching from a brand-name antidepressant to a generic can raise questions about side effect changes such as weight gain.

As devices become more pervasive, and as many children become more scheduled with lessons and organized activities, making time for device-free play can be a challenge. Here's why it's important prioritize free play in a child's life.

Loneliness boosts risk for many health problems, and can even contribute to an early death. Many people find it hard to reach out to make new friends, but there are strategies that can help.

Blood pressure is the push of blood through the body, like water through a hose. Pressure depends on how hard the heart pumps, how much blood there is, and how tight small vessels are, all influenced by hormones, salt, fluids, and stress.

Burnout - whatever the cause - can lead to depression and anxiety, and affect your relationships and ability to function. But it's possible to replenish your energy and enjoyment of life.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected children's developing social skills. Many children either didn't learn the skills they need to make friends - or those skills got rusty. Here are some ways parents can help.

Sibling rivalry is a remarkably normal feature of family life, but too much squabbling and competition can be hurtful, and can have lasting effects on children. What can parents do to manage this when it happens in their family?