My daughter teaches at a school where a major theme for the students this year is doing acts of kindness. This prompted me to wonder about the health ramifications of being kind. It’s not unusual for some of my older patients to feel withdrawn, and I speculate that if they could engage in sustainable acts…
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Health
Health
Learn more about BRCA gene, join a study — or do both
Oncologist Pamela Munster wants Jews to know something about cancer risk. “In Ashkenazi Jews, the risk for BRCA mutation is almost 1 in 50,” she said,…
Sukkot
The etrog is Judaism’s best-kept wellness secret
For most Jews, the etrog is relegated to a fleeting, supporting role. Held beside the lulav (palm frond) once a year during the festival of Sukkot (Oct.…
Talking With ...
Q&A: An old-school pharmacist with very modern opinions
Pharmacist Fred Mayer, 86, is the CEO of Pharmacists Planning Services Inc., and the former owner of Sausalito Pharmacy, where he worked for over 35 years…
Science
Israeli brain researcher Itamar Kahn is waiting for his wow moment
The brain, with its 100 billion neurons, is the most complicated thing in the universe. Well, according to the brain, anyway. This complexity,…
Jew in the Pew
Can psychedelics heal the Jewish people? This rabbi is exploring that question.
When the rabbi begins with “I do not condone the use of psychoactive substances regulated by the FDA,” you know you’re in for something special. Thus…
Health
This doctor provides abortions and brit milahs — driven by Jewish values
“Someone will say, ‘Oh, I saw your website,’” Imershein said in a recent interview. At first she would think her interlocutor was referring to…
Health
70 is 70, not ‘the new 50,’ says S.F. doctor
Almost midway through Dr. Louise Aronson’s new book, “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life,” the S.F.-based…
Culture
SNL alum Vanessa Bayer on her new children’s book about illness
Though she made America laugh for seven years as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” Vanessa Bayer has a serious side, including a not-so-secret soft…