A new study out of the University of Texas at Austin suggests that people who view themselves in a very positive light tend to use their orbitofrontal cortex less than those who see themselves less rosily. The orbitofrontal cortex is the part of the brain generally associated with reasoning, planning, decision-making and problem solving.

In the study, participants who displayed accurate views of themselves showed four times more frontal lobe activation than those who wore the rosiest of colored glasses.

"In healthy people, the more you activate a portion of your frontal lobes, the more accurate your view of yourself is," said Jennifer Beer, an assistant professor of psychology. "And the more you view yourself as desirable or better than your peers, the less you use those lobes."

Beer's findings may help scientists better understand brain functions in seniors or people who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. It may also have implications for recovering methamphetamine addicts whose frontal lobes are damaged by drug abuse and who often overestimate their ability to stay clean.

STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM

Acute compartment syndrome is a serious condition in which blood flow becomes trapped in a part of the body (usually a limb), cutting off the oxygen that tissues need. It is most often seen in patients who have been injured in crashes or by falling buildings.

But then there's the 1997 German case of a man who was found sound asleep in the lotus position after smoking several cannabis joints. Doctors reported that by passing out in the cross-legged position, the man had catastrophically blocked the flow of several major arteries in his legs. He was in severe pain; his legs stiff and swollen.

Doctors had to cut into the legs to reduce the pressure, but discovered the blood-flow crisis had already prompted his kidneys to shut down. Fortunately, after two weeks of dialysis, the man's kidney's restarted and he recovered, no doubt vowing to never again find himself in that position.

MEDTRONICA

DiaKNOWsis

diagknowsis.org

In 2004, a woman named Trisha Torrey suffered a terrible cancer misdiagnosis. Her story (which you can read here) inspired her to set up a family of websites designed to empower patients by helping them better comprehend their diagnoses, deal with doctors and hospitals and find outside help and guidance, when necessary.

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

On average, an adult male spends 45 seconds in the bathroom per visit; a female spends 79, according to "The Sizesaurus" by Stephen Strauss.

BEST MEDICINE

Q: Did you hear about the plastic surgeon who sat too close to the fire?

A: He melted.

PHOBIA OF THE WEEK

Consecotaleophobia — fear of chopsticks

To find out more about Scott LaFee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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