Every September, many students have big aspirations for the new school year. Developing a plan is key to achieving goals, and the start of the school year is the ideal time to make a plan for achieving academic success. Whether you are pursuing your own education or are the parent of a school-aged child (or … Read more
We are in the midst of a presidential campaign like no other in recent memory. The Republican field has winnowed down from a record number of hopefuls to one (probable) candidate, and the Democratic side is down to two. Earlier in the process, there was a great deal of discussion about the entertainment value of … Read more
In 1970 Erich Segal wrote the book Love Story, which was turned into a blockbuster movie starring Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal. The most famous line in the movie arguably was, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”. I would beg to differ with that sentiment, however, and would suggest that instead love means … Read more
Most animal lovers know how incredibly fun it is to own a pet. But did you know that pet ownership can have impressive long-term physical and mental health benefits? Studies exploring the health benefits of the human-animal bond have found that: Pet ownership, especially dog ownership, is associated with better circulation, reduced risk of heart … Read more
With spring now upon us, what better way to greet the new season than with a twist on a yearly ritual: psychological spring cleaning. Just as we need to remove the dust from our tabletops, clear out the stale food from the refrigerator, and clean the cobwebs out of the attic, our brains – our … Read more
There is an ever-growing body of research suggesting that mindfulness can help children improve their ability to pay attention, calm down when they are experiencing strong emotions, and think more clearly to make better decisions. In essence, mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and cognitive focus. Who doesn’t want that for their kids? Children often react … Read more
Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. While there is no doubt that smartphones have many benefits, they also have the potential to disrupt our relationships and even our mental health! Recent research indicates that smartphone use is a rising cause of relationship problems. It has become very common to use smartphones … Read more
For many living in the fast paced and sometimes even competitive Northern Virginia area, can often feel like no matter how hard you work that it is never enough. This ranges from the teenager who studies hours for their final quarter exam with the hope of earning an “A,” to the mother who balances her … Read more
Let’s admit it – we all love holiday food! Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, Hanukkah latkes, pumpkin pie, cookie exchanges, cocktail parties… the list goes on and on. Add to that the time pressures and stress brought on by preparations, shopping, and family gatherings, and healthy habits can fall by the wayside. All too often, indulging … Read more
With the start of a new school year, college freshmen around the country have been attending workshops on safety, including how to protect themselves from unwanted sexual behaviors. Some of these lessons involve fundamental self-defense and common sense, some involve admonitions against excessive drinking and drug use, and some focus on helping potential victims avoid … Read more
