Doctor Column

“7” Facts about the “Hormone of Darkness” — Melatonin

In 1958, with the help of a team of researchers, a Yale dermatologist, Dr. Aaron Lerner discovered the hormone Melatonin, which regulates the sleep-awake cycle (circadian rhythms). The hormone promotes sleep and is produced by the pea-sized pineal gland which is located in the middle of the brain. What follows are 7 selected facts, among many, concerning the “Hormone of Darkness.”

Jet Lag, Jet Pilots, Athletes and You

I was speaking with a friend who told me, “Several months ago my wife and I boarded a plane bound for London from JFK. The flight left New York in the early evening and landed at Heathrow around 7:29 a.m. London time. We gathered our luggage at the baggage claim, flagged a cab and were driven to our hotel foolishly expecting to get to our rooms, wash up and relax.

Meningitis A Medical Emergency

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges–the thin membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be a deadly infection if untreated. In November, 2013 a freshman student at the University of California had both feet amputated as a result of poor blood supply to his lower limbs after he contracted meningitis.