Depression is More than a Bad Mood

If feelings of sadness and lack of enthusiasm dog you for long periods of time, don't discount it as "just a bad mood." And don't listen to people who say, "It's all in your head." Of course it's all in your head! That's where depression begins, as do all human thoughts. The difference between just sad thoughts and clinical depression is often a physical component that affects sleep, appetite, concentration and memory. Just as in a physical illness, depression can and should be treated. First it must be diagnosed. So if you have symptoms such as feelings of worthlessness or emptiness, sleeplessness, anxiety, lack of energy, loss of interest in life, see a doctor immediately, preferably a psychiatrist M.D. or licensed psychologist specializing in clinical depression. Eighty percent of all mental health patients respond favorably to antidepressants, short-term talk therapy, behavior modification or a combination of the three. For more information, visit the Web sites of the National Mental Health Association: www.nmha.org or the National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov

Question of the Week

Question: 
Is it true that eating late right before you go to sleep causes you to gain weight because your metabolism slows down while you are sleeping and the food isn't processed correctly and it all turns into fat?

Answer: 
No, it is not true. Eating at any time of the day or night does not cause you to gain or lose weight. It's not the time of day; it's the number of calories you consume. While there is some truth to the concept that eating your largest meal of the day at noon allows you to burn off more calories, as you are more active in daytime than at night, there is no scientific evidence that meals eaten late at night cause you to gain more weight. 

Check our Health & Fitness Home Page for more health tips on exercise and weight loss and just plain healthy living. And let us know how you're doing. Good luck.

The HFT Staff

NOTE: If you would like to see your question featured here, please submit to: questions@health-fitness-tips.com

Product of the Week

Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook by American Heart Association

If you're interested in being kind to your heart without short-changing your taste buds, here's the skinny from folks who ought to know: the American Heart Association. These popular heart-healthy, easy-to-make recipes have been updated and revised to provide even tastier and more varied meals for you and your family.

For more info:
Click Here

This issue sponsored by SkinCareRX

GET FREE SKIN CARE TIPS VIA EMAIL

It's simple. Whether your skin is normal, oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination, we have the perfect tips for you. Subscribe now.

For more info:
Click Here
 

Subscribe to the Health & Fitness Tips Newsletter by clicking here.