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Back to the future: Psychedelic drugs in psychiatry

There is a renewed interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used for medical purposes in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions. Broadly, these drugs are able to induce altered thoughts and sensory perceptions, and research has found them to be beneficial in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and they can also be helpful for some people in end-of-life situations.

By the way, doctor: Is spirulina good for you?

I read that spirulina is the next wonder vitamin. What can you tell me about it?

Potassium and sodium out of balance

The body needs the combination of potassium and sodium to produce energy and regulate kidney function, but most people get far too much sodium and not enough potassium.

HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?

Last year, approximately 1.7 million new HIV infections occurred worldwide, and rates of infection are also rising in parts of the US. While a daily pill known as PrEP can help prevent HIV, two new formulations could make it easier for a broader range of at-risk people to use.

Post-pandemic weight loss: There's an app for that

There are a myriad of apps and programs designed to help people lose weight, but many companies are offering products that go beyond traditional food tracking, taking a mindfulness-based approach to help people understand why they eat the way they do, and how to make beneficial changes to their eating routine.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia by telemedicine: Is it as good as in-person treatment?

Chronic insomnia affects between 10% and 15% of adults in the US. A specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of insomnia is becoming more accessible because it can be delivered remotely. A recent study investigated how this therapy delivered via telemedicine compared to the same form of therapy delivered in person.

Does exercise help protect against severe COVID-19?

A study examining data from a large health care provider on more than 48,000 people who had COVID-19 found that those were consistently inactive had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization or death, while those who engaged in more than 10 minutes of activity per week had some protection against severe illness or death, and people who were active for at least 150 minutes per week had the most protection.

Should we track all breakthrough cases of COVID-19?

Despite the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, a small number of people develop cases even after being fully vaccinated. Most of these "breakthrough" cases are mild or moderate, and the CDC has decided to track only the ones that require hospitalization, which has disadvantages.

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