Magazine Article Review: Not Too Bright by Meryl Davids Landau

 Not Too Bright by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, January 2026, pp 48-54.

Can too much light be bad for you?  Historically when it was night it was dark, when it was day it was bright.  This is no longer reality as we can have light during the night, and poor light during the day as we are indoors.  Light effect melatonin.  Melatonin is the sleep hormone, but more than that it attaches to every cell in the body influencing health.  Disruption to melatonin can have health repercussions.  Today's artificial light tends to be blue light, which effects the secretion of melatonin.  A lack of darkness can lead to diabetes and cancer and cardiovascular issues.  

You can do things to make sure your melatonin is effective.  Be in the sun during the day so the contrast between light and dark is greater, avoid screens before bed.  Make sure there is no light in your sleeping area, switch out blue light, don't leave light on, don't turn on lights when you go to the restroom at night.  A night light that reacts to movement is better.

Magazine Article Review: Has Science Solved Death?

 Has Science Solved Death? by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, March 2026, pp 63-74.

Of course the answer is no, but this article deals with what things have increased longevity.  Three experts answer the questions: Matt Kaberlein, PH.D., Ana C Krieger M.D,, M.P.H., Michael Clinton, author of  Longevity Nation.  

These three point out that science is finally reaching the point where we understand aging.  However information in the media is not always accurate.  No specific treatments, but we can be proactive about our health.  GLP-1 medications offer a great hope with weight loss and treatment of diabetes.  These experts are wary of supplements.  Mindset however is important.  You are what you think.  Having a positive attitude about again acan add seven years to your life.  

There is a page devoted to adding years with a total of 21 years added.  It does this by suggesting: Prioritize fitness +4 years.  7000 steps a day reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia and death.  Eat Healthily +8 years, fruit and vegetable rich Mediterranean diet fights inflammation.  Vent Stress +3 years, Stress is toxic; Everyone should develop a detoxing strategy, running, walking the dog, deep breathing etc.  Be steady with sleep +2 years, brain cleansing that happens while you sleep is critical; so this by avoiding eating before sleep, see MD if having apneas and sleeping in the dark.  Socialize often +4 years, People who mingle at least 2x a week live longer than those who just stay home.  This can be in pickleball league, lunch dates ot whatever.