Since time immemorial, forgetfulness has been recognized as a sign of aging. But in recent years

we’ve learned that there’s a lot you can do to keep your memory sharp.

Scientists once believed that our brains deteriorated irreversibly with age. New research, however, paints a very different picture. In fact, although the brain is an organ, it reacts much like a muscle, improving with use.

“In 1998, we learned that the human brain can generate new brain cells,” says Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist who specializes in teaching people how to live a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Since then, we’ve also learned that what we do — or don’t do — in our everyday lives exerts a great deal of influence on our ability to remember. “Our brains need exposure to environments that are enriched, complex, and novel,” he says. “Environments that are passive and rote do not help.”

Social activities, continual learning, physical exercise, and the right foods and nutrients all help to regenerate brain cells and boost memory. On the other hand, there are other, often avoidable, aspects of our lives that impair memory, such as stress and lack of sleep, and these need to be controlled.

To put all the information in perspective, the editors of The Mind Health Report outlined the key elements that have a positive or negative impact on your brain’s health.

To help you put the knowledge to work, we

enlisted Dr. Nussbaum to identify simple, practical steps that will help you to develop a memory-boosting way of life.

A long to-do list can be daunting, so we organized the action steps into an eight-week plan. It’s designed to be a guide rather than a rigid prescription, and you can change the sequence of some steps to fit your personal needs.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the data that lay the foundation for the plan.

If you’re taking any medications, check if the individual drugs — or interactions between two or more of them — could impair memory

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Increase Memory After 50: The Eight-Week Plan

Vol. 2, Issue 8 / August 2010

Secrets to Unlocking Your Mind for Work, Love and LifeMind Health Report

The

Curb Your Cravings

page 4

Dr. Daniel G. Amen:

In ThIs Issue . . . 4Medication Memory Pitfalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4Healthy Fats; Exercise for Brain Power . . . . . . . . . 3

4Dr. Amen: Curb Your Monster Cravings . . . . . . . . 4

4An Eight-Week Memory-Boosting Plan . . . . . . . . . 5

4Apple Juice vs. Alzheimer’s; Cell Phone Risks. . . . . 6

4Ask the Doctors: Is Kava Safe? Dementia Danger 8

Page 2 August 2010

as a side effect. The odds are higher if you get prescriptions from different doctors, fill them at different pharmacies, or take over-the-counter medications along with your prescription meds.

Categories of drugs (whether prescribed or not) that might affect memory include sleep aids, antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, hormones, antidepressants, and drugs for pain, anxiety, nausea, ulcers, seizures, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

To be safe, get all medications you use, regularly or occasionally, reviewed by a single pharmacist.

Medication Memory PitfallsStatins, for instance, are a common class of

drugs that can cause anything from mild to severe memory problems, sleep problems, and mood changes. The Statin Effects Study, an ongoing research project at the University of California, San Diego, has found thousands of cases of people whose memory deteriorated when taking statins.

Researchers also found that many physicians dismiss memory-related side effects, either because they are uninformed or attribute all memory decline to aging.

Based on the researchers’ data, memory impairment may be the second most-common adverse effect of statins after muscle aches. (See www.statineffects.com/info for details on this study.)

More than a decade ago, Duane Graveline, M.D., a former NASA physician, experienced severe memory loss when taking statins. He later chronicled his experience in Lipitor: Thief of Memory and other books. His website, online at www.spacedoc.net, discusses the subject in detail.

Depression, thyroid malfunction, dental

problems — virtually any physical condition that constantly occupies your attention or repeatedly distracts you — can adversely affect your memory.

However, a memory-enhancing lifestyle also helps to alleviate depression and many other ills. For example, regular exercise and a diet of fresh rather than processed food improve mood, control diabetes, and reduce pain from arthritis.

Heart health also influences memory. With every heartbeat, 25 percent of the blood goes to the brain. When blood flow is insufficient or arteries are clogged, memory is the first mental faculty to suffer.

Your memory will never be at its best when you’re tired. It’s common sense and studies prove the point. Lack of sleep not only makes it harder for us to remember but also increases the chances of remembering things incorrectly, such as assigning the wrong name to someone you recently met, even among young people.

Although we sleep less as we get older, your personal needs should determine your sleep habits. Allowing enough time to get adequate sleep each night is a starting point, but naps also work. A study of college students found that even a six-minute nap improved memory test scores.

When we are under stress, our bodies produce more cortisol, the fight-or-flight hormone. Researchers at Johns Hopkins tested cortisol levels and memory among nearly 1,000 people with an average age of 61 and found that elevated levels of the hormone reduced memory in the same way as does aging itself.

Many things can trigger stress, including an overbooked schedule, multitasking, irritating people, financial pressures, even traffic jams. Learn to say “no” at appropriate times and to take breaks for a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply

The Mind Health Report is a publication of Newsmax Media, Inc., and Newsmax.com. It is published monthly at a charge of $59.00 per year and is offered online and in print through Newsmax.com.Our editorial offices are located at 560 Village Blvd., Ste. 120, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.The owner, publisher, and editor are not responsible for errors and omissions. Rights of reproduction and distribution of this newsletter are reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution of information contained herein, including storage in retrieval systems or posting on the Internet, is expressly forbidden without the consent of Newsmax Media.For permission, contact the publisher at: PO Box 20989, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.CEO Christopher Ruddy Health Publisher Travis Davis Contributing Editor Vera Tweed Production/Art Director Elizabeth DoleTo contact The Mind Health Report send e-mail to: mindreport@newsmax.com. Subscription/Customer Service contact 1-800-485-4350 or mindhealth@newsmax.com. Send e-mail address changes to mindhealth@newsmax.com.© 2010 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

Page 3August 2010

into your belly (not your chest) through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth.

The brain consists of nearly 60 percent fat, so perhaps it isn’t surprising that good and bad fats affect our memory. Fat is critical to brain function because it insulates nerve cells and pathways, enabling proper transmission of information.

Healthy Fats Feed and ProtectStudies have shown that people who eat plenty

of healthy omega-3 fats, the type found in fatty fish, have better memories.

Flaxseeds and walnuts are other good sources of omega-3 fats, and so-called good fats are in other seeds, nuts, olive oil, avocados, grass-fed beef, and lean game.

In addition to providing the raw materials for your brain, good fats keep levels of inflammation in our bodies at healthy levels.

On the other hand, corn-fed beef (especially fatty cuts) and deep-fried and processed foods generate harmful inflammation and contribute to arterial plaque, which reduces blood flow to the brain, short-circuiting memory.

Healthy fats also make it easier to control your appetite, since they are the most satisfying components of food, and can help memory in another way: Eating fewer calories overall (unless you are in the underweight minority) contributes to better memory, too.

Dr. Nussbaum likens consuming antioxidants to a “broom” that sweeps toxins out of our bodies. The toxins in this case are free radicals, harmful molecules that are by-products of the process of life and exposure to pollutants.

Studies of more than 5,000 people have found that memory improves with higher levels of dietary antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants common in dietary supplements.

Among people who are middle-aged or older, blueberry juice and Concord grape juice have improved memory, studies show. Eating berries and lots of different vegetables and fruits will increase your overall antioxidant levels, too.

Exercise Builds Brain CellsIt’s never too late to improve memory and

overall brain health by becoming more fit. At middle age or later, at least three hours of brisk walking per week can trigger changes that increase production of new brain cells.

Improving blood flow to the brain is another way in which exercise is beneficial. One study tracked more than 1,700 men and women over age 65 and found that as little as 15 minutes of any type of daily aerobic exercise improved memory and overall mental function.

Aerobic activity is any type of movement that raises the heart rate, including dancing, biking, hiking, swimming, or resistance training designed to get the heart pumping.

Activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, tai chi, stretching, or breathing exercises, provide complementary benefits.

Having strong, vibrant relationships with family and friends puts the brain to work. Unlike passively watching television or grabbing food on the run, it’s better for your memory to eat sit-down meals, play games, and visit interesting places.

Having a sense of purpose, prayer, and being involved in community activities also are extremely therapeutic.

In contrast, excessive alcohol intake (a feature of some social events) impairs memory. Doing the

Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in aging and brain health. For more than 25 years he has been caring for those suffering from dementia and related disorders. Dr. Nussbaum is adjunct professor of

neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and serves as the national director of brain health for Emeritus Assisted Living. He also is chief scientific officer for Fitbrains, Inc. His books include Save Your Brain and Your Brain Health Lifestyle. Learn more at www.paulnussbaum.com.

Paul Nussbaum

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Page 4 August 2010

Intense cravings for sweets, cigarettes, alcohol, or anything else are a sign that your brain has been hijacked!

Cravings occur when the pleasure and motivation brain chemical dopamine pushes on an area in the brain called the nucleus accumbens, which drives you to reach for the chocolate cake, a cigarette, or apple martini.

In a healthy brain, the prefrontal cortex, which acts as the brain’s brake, fights back and keeps you from giving in to your urges. When the prefrontal cortex isn’t as strong as it should be, you can’t say “no.”

I know. I used to be a slave to my cravings for sweets, but thanks to my neuroscience background I learned to strengthen my prefrontal cortex so that I can control them.

Sweets have always been an emotional food for me. Our grandfather was a candy maker, and some of my best childhood memories are of standing on a stool at the stove with him making and then, of course, eating candy. The memories of that sweet taste still try to hijack my brain, all these years later.

Getting control over my cravings took time and healthy brain habits. Here are five craving-control secrets I follow and that you can use, too:

Keep blood sugar balanced. Low blood sugar levels are associated with lower overall brain activity, including in the prefrontal cortex. Reduced activity here leads to more cravings and less self-control. Here are some ways I keep my blood sugar levels balanced.

• Don’t skip breakfast. A nutrient-rich breakfast helps get my blood sugar get off to a good start and reduces self-control problems later in the day.

• Stay away from simple sugars and refined carbohydrates. High-sugar, high-fat foods work on the addiction centers of the brain, so once you start eating, you can’t stop. In fact, a 2007 study involving rats found that sugar is actually more addictive than cocaine. That’s why the concept of “everything in moderation” doesn’t work when it comes to sugar.

• Chromium picolinate and alpha-lipoic acid both have very good scientific evidence that they help balance blood sugar levels and can help with cravings. The typical recommended adult dosage for chromium is 200 to 600 micrograms a day, and the dosage for alpha-lipoic acid is 100 mg twice a day.

Decrease use of artificial sweeteners. I used to live on diet sodas. We think of these sweeteners as “free” because they have no calories, but they are up to 600 times sweeter than sugar. Because of this, they may activate the appetite centers of the brain to increase cravings for more food and more sugar.

Outsmart craving triggers. Know the people, places, and things that fuel cravings and plan ahead for vulnerable times. One of my triggers is going over to my mom’s house. She makes the most amazing pizzas. I could easily devour eight slices and end up feeling stuffed and stupid. Now I eat a little something before going over to my mom’s house so my brain can choose to eat only one or two slices of pizza.

Get adequate sleep. I used to think I was special because I could get by on four to five hours of shut-eye. Then I learned that lack of sleep increases food cravings. People who skimp on sleep eat an average of 221 more calories per day and tend to eat more sugary treats. Now I make sleep a priority.

Control cravings with natural supplements. In addition to alpha-lipoic acid and chromium, there are other natural supplements that can help take the edge off of cravings. A growing body of research has found that the amino acid N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) can reduce cravings for cocaine, heroin, and cigarettes, and it may be helpful in reducing food cravings. The typical adult dose is 600 to 1,200 mg twice a day to curb cravings.

There is evidence that the essential amino acid DL-phenylalanine can release hormones affecting appetite and reduce drug and alcohol cravings. It is typically recommended for adults to start with 500 mg a day and slowly work up to 1,500 mg a day. L-glutamine is another amino acid that has been shown to decrease carbohydrate cravings. The typical adult dose is 500 mg three to four times a day.

Curbing the Craving Monster in Your Brain

By Dr. Daniel G. Amen

Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a psychiatrist, brain-imaging specialist, and the CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics, Inc. (ACI) in Newport Beach and Fairfield, Calif.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Reston, Va. ACI has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to psychiatric medicine and the clinics have seen patients from 75 countries. Dr. Amen is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. He is the author of 22 books and wrote and produced two PBS specials.

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Page 5August 2010

same old things, day in and day out, is a recipe for forgetfulness. Learn new skills, develop new hobbies, explore unfamiliar places, and seek new challenges. All will sharpen your memory and other mental abilities. Using your non-dominant hand (your left hand if you are right-handed, and vice versa) for simple tasks is a good starting point.

Surprisingly, if you buy the stereotypes that older people inevitably have problems remembering, your memory is more likely to falter, according to a study by researchers at North Carolina State University. In the study, people over 60 who refused to believe such negative stereotypes had better scores on memory tests.

Other research compared older adults in China, a culture that doesn’t necessarily expect memory to fade with age, to Americans. In tests, the memory of the older Chinese, but not the Americans, matched that of younger people.

Memory-Enhancing NutrientsDHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and fish oil. One

of the key beneficial ingredients in fish and fish oil, DHA, is also found in algae. In a study of nearly 500 people age 55 and older, those who took a DHA supplement from algae (Algal-900 DHA, sold in drugstores) for six months scored twice as well on memory and learning tests as those who took a placebo.

CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10). An antioxidant used in the production of energy in the brain, heart and muscles, CoQ10 is depleted by cholesterol-lowering drugs. Taking at least 100 mg daily might counteract statin side effects and increase oxygen levels in the brain.

Antioxidants. In addition to vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene (found in multivitamins), Pycnogenol, which is a kind of pine bark extract made into a supplement, has been shown to boost memory — as have grape-seed extract, acai berries, and other fruit extracts.

B-vitamins. A combination of B vitamins, including B1, B6, B12, and folic acid, is necessary for overall healthy metabolism and supports

healthy memory. Therapeutic amounts that are found in some multivitamins and B-complex supplements range from 25 mg or more of most Bs and up to 1,000 mcg of B12.

PS (phosphatidylserine). PS is a substance that occurs naturally in the brain. Numerous studies have found that PS as a dietary supplement, 100 mg three times daily, may improve memory. It should not be taken with blood-thinning drugs or with ginkgo biloba (below).

Ginkgo biloba. Studies show that ginkgo can improve mental function in people with dementia but research is not conclusive as to its ability to improve memory in healthy people. Because it thins blood, the herb should not be taken with aspirin or other anticoagulants.

An 8-Week Memory-Boosting Program“Don’t ever retire from life,” Dr. Nussbaum

advises. Always continue to develop new interests, make new friends, and stay in touch with old ones, learn new skills, and actively contribute to the well-being of others.

Use these steps as a guide and adapt them to fit your own circumstances. Once you introduce new activities and foods, turn these into habits you follow on an ongoing basis.

Week 1• Go for a brisk walk each day for at least 15

minutes.

• Think of a way to meet new people or become better acquainted with someone you don’t know very well.

• Floss daily to reduce dental plaque, which can

Continued from page 3

Continued on page 7

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Page 6 August 2010

Sleep and Suicide Risk

Erratic sleep schedules raise the risk for suicide, according to research at Florida State University. The study looked at 49 suicidal students between the ages of 19 and 23 and found that bedtimes that varied by two or three hours from day to day, along with short sleep times, increased suicide risk, regardless of depression or other known risk factors.

Romantic Music Influences Behavior

Most concern about music influencing behavior focuses on violent lyrics and tunes. However, gentle songs also can affect what we do.

French researchers who tested different types of background music found that a romantic song dramatically increased a young man’s chances of getting a date with a young woman.

In the experiment, a group of women ranked 12 men for their attractiveness. One man, ranked as average, was selected for the next step.

Then, 87 different women were asked to participate in a food-tasting study, as a ruse to create an opportunity for the man to ask each woman for a date. In this step, after the food tasting, the man and each woman were left alone in a waiting room, with either a romantic or a neutral popular song playing in the background.

With the romantic song playing, 52 percent of the women agreed to a date, compared to only 28 percent with the neutral song. Earlier research shows that, in flower shops, men spend more money when romantic music is playing in the background.

Apple Juice Reduces Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Drinking apple juice can improve the behavior of Alzheimer’s patients. In a study at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, researchers gave two 4-ounce glasses of apple juice daily to patients in nursing homes suffering from moderate to late-stage Alzheimer’s.

After one month, they observed an average of 27 percent less anxiety, agitation, and delusion and an improvement in mood.

Memory and other mental functions did not change. However, the behavioral and mood improvements indicated slower progression of the disease.

In earlier animal studies, the same research team found two mechanisms by which apple juice may stave off the disease and slow its progression. The juice reduced production of beta amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. And, it increased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, necessary for signal transmission and normal memory function.

Medications that treat Alzheimer’s inhibit enzymes that break down acetylcholine, indirectly raising levels of the neurotransmitter. Apple juice seems to produce a similar effect but in a different way, one which is not yet fully understood.

When Vacations Make You Happiest

Not surprisingly, planning a vacation makes people happier than returning from one. However, according to Danish researchers who surveyed more than 1,500 working adults, happiness from a very relaxing vacation lasts longer,

most noticeably for the first two weeks and, to a lesser extent, for an additional six weeks.

Cell Phone Danger Underestimated

Cell phones might well cause brain tumors, despite widely publicized research to the contrary. The largest investigation of cellular phone safety, an international study called Interphone, concluded that cell phones did not damage the brain. However, that study was partially funded by the cellular industry and, according to independent scientists, it was flawed.

For instance, critics note, a “regular” user was defined as someone who used a cell phone at last once a week for six months or more; children and adults under 30 were excluded, yet other research shows their risk is higher; electronic emissions from today’s high-powered phones are much stronger than those in the study; and the study was too short to accurately measure risk as brain tumors, which can take up to 30 years to develop.

While the issue continues to be debated, these are some simple ways to protect yourself:

• Keep cell phones away from infants and children and out of your pockets. Instead, keep them in a briefcase, bag, or purse.

• When talking, use a hands-free speakerphone whenever possible.

• Turn off the power when the phone is not in use.

• If your cell phone must be on when you sleep, keep it away from your body, especially your head. If you need an alarm to wake up, use a traditional plug-in or battery-powered clock.

Mind Health Insights

Page 7August 2010

cause chronic inflammation and damage arteries that deliver blood to the brain.

• If you take any medications, check if any may impair memory and if so, see your doctor for a more brain-healthy regimen.

• Start taking memory-enhancing nutrients. (Check with your doctor first, though.)

Week 2• Plan your days to get enough sleep.

• Aim to have at least one sit-down meal each day with your spouse, another family member, a friend or co-worker, and eat food that requires utensils. (The food will most likely be healthier and using utensils engages the brain.)

• Start keeping track of your food and exercise. If you prefer to do it on your computer or smartphone, check out www.dailyburn.com.

• Try www.fitbrains.com for mental workouts.

Week 3• Buy and wear a pedometer and use it to track

your daily number of steps for a few days to establish a baseline.

• Replace the meat in two main meals with a fatty fish such as salmon, either grilled or poached.

• Make a list of friends and family members you’d like to see more often and plan a get-together with one or more of them.

Week 4• Using your pedometer, aim to continually add

an extra 150 steps per day or the maximum amount that’s comfortable for you. The eventual target is 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, or more vigorous aerobic exercise at least three times per week.

• Add leafy greens and a variety of vegetables (not deep fried!) to as many meals as possible.

• If you watch television, choose programs that engage your mind. Try pretending you’re a

contestant on a game show or watch historical or other documentaries. Make an effort to learn something new. If you have company, discuss the show afterward.

Week 5• Consider new hobbies, such as gardening,

knitting, dancing, or playing games with other people. Begin to learn a musical instrument, a foreign language, or sign language. These are all particularly good for the brain.

• See another person from your list made earlier.

• If you snack, have a small handful of walnuts or other unsalted nuts.

Week 6• Visit museums, planetariums, or zoos. Visit

one of these attractions with people you like and, afterward, discuss things you found most interesting.

• Use a fork with your non-dominant hand and, when eating Chinese food, use chopsticks.

Week 7• Join a regular card game or other group-

oriented social activity.

• During meals, try to eat only 80 percent of your food (unless you’re very thin or underweight). Reducing total calories slows down brain aging.

• If you routinely watch TV, turn it off for a while and listen to some classical music instead.

Week 8• Learn about community activities through your

church, from friends, family, co-workers, local media, or by searching online. Find something that interests you and get involved.

• Make a list of places you would like to visit and start planning trips.

• Take inventory: Look over your food and exercise record, your social life, new things you’re learning, and ways in which you’re contributing to your community. Congratulate yourself for accomplishments and make a plan for continued improvement.

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Page 8 August 2010

Ask the Doctors

Please note: All information presented in The Mind Health Report is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented in The Mind Health Report should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found in The Mind Health Report is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in The Mind Health Report do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media.

I read in the February issue that kava can help with sleep, calm anxiety, and reduce the effects of stress. I’ve also heard conflicting reports that the herb can cause liver damage. Is it a safe product?

—Dick, Sheridan, Wyo.

Dr. Hyla Cass responds: A review of research found that rare cases of liver toxicity attributed to kava were unusual reactions, likely related to combining the herb with other substances known to be toxic to the liver, including medications and alcohol.

Studies show that kava is far safer than prescription medications for anxiety and depression. The leading cause of liver failure in Western countries is acetaminophen (marketed widely as Tylenol).

The FDA recommends against using kava if you have liver problems, a history of liver disease, take any medications that may have adverse effects on the liver, or regularly consume alcohol.

Since adverse effects have been observed with long-term use and high doses, the agency suggests that kava should not be taken daily for more than three months, and that doses should not exceed 125 mg kavalactones (the key active ingredient) per tablet or capsule or 3 g of dried rhizome (dried root) per teabag, and no more than 250 mg kavalactones per day from all forms.

Hyla Cass, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist who combines natural medicine with modern science in her practice in Los Angeles, Calif. Dr. Cass is a nationally recognized expert on integrative medicine and the author of Natural Highs and other books. More at www.cassmd.com.

I just celebrated my 50th birthday. I am very overweight, have diabetes, and my memory is terrible. I cannot remember things I discussed with my husband yesterday. Am I in danger of dementia?

—Kim, Caldwell, Idaho

Dr. Peter Hibberd responds: It sounds as though your diabetes is not well controlled, in which case it does increase your risk for dementia, but you can turn the situation around. Erratic fluctuations in blood sugar and chronically elevated levels are

definitely connected to memory decline, but more effective control of blood sugar improves memory.

Changing your eating habits and getting regular exercise are absolute requirements, as medication is an aid rather than a substitute for better choices. I know it’s difficult to make such changes, but with the right education and help, it can be done.

I suggest you start by walking as far as is comfortable every day and gradually increase the distance. It doesn’t matter if you only can go down your driveway at first.

In addition, see your doctor. Ask for a referral to a certified diabetes educator to learn how to choose and prepare foods you like in a way that will control your blood sugar.

Find out if your medications need to be adjusted. To monitor your progress, periodically get an HbA1c test, which measures blood sugar levels over time.

In one study, Type 2 diabetics who lowered their HbA1c to below 8 percent (below 7 percent is the goal) had up to a 31 percent improvement in memory function. Change is not easy, but it can save your life.

Peter Hibberd, M.D., is board certified in emergency medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Hibberd is chief medical columnist for Newsmax magazine.

The Mind Health Report editors seek out top doctors across the nation to provide answers to your mind health concerns. Please include your full name, city, and state when submitting. If you have a question, please e-mail it to: mindreport@newsmax.com.