Coronavirus’s Mental Toll on Diocesan Students and Families

While school procedures are changing, the unknown dangers might lie deeper than the surface level for the students. School Psychologist Christina Sama-Bommarito at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates calls COVID-19 a perfect storm for children and adolescent mental health.

U.S. House Appropriations Measure Blocks Conscience Protection Rule

An omnibus appropriations bill approved by the House July 31 to fund a dozen federal departments and agencies blocks a conscience protection rule for health care providers who do not want to participate in abortion, sterilization or assisted suicide on religious or moral grounds.

Catholic Schools in Diocese Take Precautions Against Coronavirus

The diocese’s Office of the Superintendent of Schools is in communication with government officials and with the schools themselves in an effort to assure administrators, faculty and families that the diocese is trying its best to keep everyone safe. 

Maureen Pratt

Coming Full Circle With Laughter

My first column was about taking laughter seriously. As a kickoff to this 10th anniversary, I thought I’d revisit the subject of how laughter might impact our lives and health, particularly through the prism of medical practice and science.

Anemia Has Many Different Causes

Dear Dr. Garner, I am 54 years old and, up until now, have been in pretty good health. I noticed lately that I have been short of breath with tiredness all the time. My heart beats irregularly. I went to the doctor, and he took a blood test and told me that I am anemic. […]

Dr. Steven Garner

Sleepless Nights Mean Increased Stroke Risk

Dear Dr. Garner, I know that in previous columns you suggested getting eight hours of sleep per night was best. However, it’s just impossible for me. I have three children, ages 10, eight and seven, who need constant help with homework and all the other things that young children need.

Eye Irritation May Be Due to Dryness

Dear Dr. Garner, I am really exasperated. Every day, particularly in the late afternoon, I get a stinging or burning in my eyes. My eyelids feel so heavy. I have a hard time sitting at the computer or reading as much as I would like. My eyes get tired and I tend to fall asleep. […]