A heartfelt "I am sorry for your loss" and offering support remains about the most meaningful gesture to those grieving over the loss of a loved one. Grief is a unique, personal experience. It is not something to fix, but a journey to accept. This is why attempting to go further to "make things better" usually will miss the empathy mark. Statements that are less empathetic tend to help others feel better, not the bereaved person. They include the following: "I know how you feel," "Don't cry,"…

Research continues making advancements in our understanding of Alzheimer's. The strongest risk factors are age and family history. No sure-fire cure exists, but research supporting suggestions for possibly preventing or at least attempting to delay its onset do exist: 1) Keep your mind active using stimulating activities such as puzzles and word games; 2) Stay physically and socially active; 3) Quit smoking; 4) Lower your blood pressure, since high blood pressure may lead to damaging effects on…

Newlyweds may know at a gut level whether they'll be happily married in the future. Researchers surveyed 135 couples to discover their "gut level" responses to questions that revealed their underlying feelings about each other. In many cases these views differed from the more glowing view and beliefs they shared with others. Research sought to discover which beliefs better predicted marital happiness. Gut-level belief won out as being a better predictor of future marital happiness. The message…

Do you interfere with your ability to relax without knowing it? Consider the following: 1) You combine attempts to relax with work-related activities. 2) You feel guilty when you are trying to relax. 3) You feel annoyed by family members who want you to participate in relaxation events with them. 4) You feel unproductive, bored, or fidgety, when you try to relax. 5) You often quit early when participating in any relaxation period or event. 6) When you relax, you do so with office work by your…

One university study found 45 percent of people attempt New Year's resolutions, but only 8 percent achieve their goal. The most powerful strategy to help ensure success is using fear of confrontation by others if you don't succeed. You're hardwired to respond to pain and fear and avoid these threats to a greater degree than you are motivated by pleasurable vision of success. Both are useful, but together they supercharge motivation. The proof of this assertion lies in any resistance you may…

Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and even heart diseases are growing problems among youth, making it crucial to instill a desire to participate in regular exercise. Of course, physical benefits or exercise are just the beginning. Improved mental health and managing future stress are important too. Rule: Don't put exercise on par with household chores. Don't link it to pain or drudgery. Instead ask, "How can I make exercise something that associated in my child's mind with enthusiasm, excitement, fun,…

"Comfort food" - it has a pleasant inviting sound to it, but it refers to the inappropriate use of food for purposes other than to satisfy nutritional needs or hunger. Research has shown that weight gain is strongly associated with emotional eating, even more so than with any lifestyle factor. Tying emotions to food can happen quickly be reinforced unwittingly. What did you learn about food and feelings growing up? Are you passing the "use food for comfort" message to those you love? Boredom,…

Studies have shown that worry can take years off your life. Lack of sleep, for example, can be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Personal strategies for managing worry are therefore as important as diet, exercise, and not smoking. Cope with worry by taking action with questions and exercises that help you gain control of the target issue.

• Talk about what's worrying you with a significant other, spouse, partner, or trusted friend.
• Get sound facts about the "what ifs" so worry does not…

If you're flopping on the couch at the end of the day instead of tackling your to-do list, try these tips:

• Revive with 20 minutes of exercise.
• Take a 25-minute nap. (Studies show a short snooze is perfect for improving alertness.)
• Stave off afternoon blahs with snacks of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and protein. Avoid candy and chips.
• Become a better night sleeper by easing into bed. Read, take a hot bath, and avoid computer screens before bedtime.

Try these four strategies…