By Kristen Fuller, M.D. 

Children are like sponges. They soak in almost everything around them, repeat the words they hear, mimic the actions they see, and even adapt to the behavioral patterns that they are around the most. Parents have one of the strongest influences on children and therefore it is our job, to model healthy behaviors. However we live in a world of labels, eating disorders, fad diets, skinny jeans, and body shaming, so it can be difficult to teach kids about food in a positive way. Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past 40 years and it is becoming more popular to grab dinner on the go instead of sharing home-cooked family meals. Conversely, more and more children and adolescents are engaging in diets and weight loss behaviors. Childhood obesity and eating disorders are extremely dangerous, but so is allowing the labels “good” and “bad” food as this can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. The goal is to teach a positive, open-minded approach to food while giving kids options to choose their own food and to learn the nutritious value of what they put in their bodies.

by Marty Nemko Ph.D.

What can parents do to help raise a gifted child?

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D.

In the 1960s, a young American researcher traveled to Papua New Guinea to study the facial expressions of the isolated Fore people. His findings, which went against the thinking of his contemporary anthropologists, would lay the groundwork for his pioneering research on emotions, and he — Paul Ekman — would go on to become one of the most influential psychologists of the 21st century. 

By Georgia Ede, MD

How’s this for a New Year’s resolution?Resolve to improve your mood, concentration, and energy, lower your stress hormone levels, re-balance your hormones, and reduce your risk for dementia and many other chronic diseases—all by Valentine’s Day. All you have to do is commit to a brain-healthy lifestyle—starting with diet.

By Jessica Alleva Ph.D.

A simple change of perspective can help you feel better in your own skin.