Dr. Greg Nawalanic, Psy. D., clinical psychologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- Today is the championship parade for the Kansas City Chiefs and our emotions are strongly connected to the performance of the team.
- There is a feeling that we are a part of the team and that’s why we love sports so much.
- Scientifically, there is a part of the brain called mirror neurons which are essentially responsible for a lot of different things. They monitor what's going on in your body -- its why deep breathing is effective as a coping skill.
- Mirror neurons are the reason that if I'm walking down the street and you're coming the other way, and I smile at you, you'll feel compelled to smile back.
- So, mirror neurons give us a sense that we are in the game and that we have some relationship with the players.
- When it comes to romantic relationships, love means different things to different people psychologically -- and that can be shaped by the environment at home while growing up.
- The dopamine response and serotonin levels can contribute to that euphoric sense of love.
- Days like Valentine’s Day can put a lot of pressure on relationships but use it as reminder to spend more time with the people you want to spend time with.
- It’s also a time to re-evaluate a relationship to make sure it is a healthy relationship and is fulfilling to you.
Dr. Travis Love, cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- On this Valentine’s Day, it is a good time to realize that broken heart syndrome is a real condition. It’s more formally known as stress cardiomyopathy.
- Most people vulnerable to this are women in their 60s, but we don’t exactly know why.
- Stress affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Having a companion can help alleviate that stress and help with overall heart health indirectly.
- With the excitement of the day – either with the Chiefs parade or Valentine’s Day – try to celebrate in moderation when it comes to alcohol.
- Don’t forget to take your regular heart medications and encourage your loved ones to take care of themselves.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- The hospital COVID count for this week is steady at 24 inpatients.
- According to reports, the CDC is considering changing the guidelines for isolation with a COVID diagnosis.
- It would reduce isolation time from five days to 24 hours after a fever.
- The CDC did stress in one of the articles that this does not mean that COVID is any less dangerous.
Friday, Feb. 16 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Vaping is an increasing health issue for Gen Z. Find out more about the effects it can have on the body from doctors.
