Dr. Leah Lagos on The Psychology of Breaking News, Sports, Health, Politics, and Entertainment

2011-04-28T19:52:00.001-07:00

Discussing stress relief and the heart with NYU Cardioloigst Dennis Goodman tomorrow at 6 AM on Doctor's Radio (Sirius XM)...

2011-02-27T19:27:00.001-08:00

What is it like being a Head Coach for the NFL in Europe? Fred Armstrong (Head Coach for 16 years- NFL Europe) explains: http://ping.fm/jovRF

2011-02-27T12:01:00.001-08:00

Just finished second day of testing at the NFL Combine for the NY Giants.

2011-02-26T13:59:00.001-08:00

How would you manage the stress of being a Coach in the NFL? Here's my talk with Eric Studesville of the Denver Broncos about his approach... http://ping.fm/uAtS1

2011-02-25T16:46:00.001-08:00

Just boarded my flight to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The crowd here is in good spirits despite a twelve hour delay!

2011-01-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand says he will walk again during ESPN interview: http://ping.fm/Qjsei

2010-11-23T19:26:00.001-08:00

How do you prepare your children for the TSA pat downs prior to holiday travel? My comments in today's NY Daily News: http://tinyurl.com/29tbzn7

2010-11-16T07:16:00.001-08:00

Expelled Gosselin children need psych evaluation, not TV cameras. Dr. Lagos' comments in today's NY Daily News: http://tinyurl.com/24b8n3q

The Quiet Side of Being a Soldier’s Other Half

2010-11-12T14:09:00.001-08:00

A military wife keeps her fears to herself and lets her husband keep secret his stories of combat. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/fashion/14Modern.html?ref=style

Obesity often follows the young into adulthood

2010-11-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

People who were obese between the ages of 12 and 21 are seven times more likely than normal-weight or overweight peers to develop severe obesity by the time they reach their late 20s to early 30s, a study finds. http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-obese-teens-20101109,0,3643373.story

Elizabeth Smart wraps up testimony in Utah trial

2010-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

She says accused kidnapper Brian David Mitchell frequently prayed that she would fulfill her marital duty of having sex, and used religion to justify his actions. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-elizabeth-smart-20101111,0,5345340.story

Supreme Court discusses gender discrimination in citizenship case

2010-11-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

A deportee born in Mexico to an unwed American father says he should be deemed a U.S. citizen. But under U.S. law, unwed fathers have a harder time than unwed mothers in passing on their citizenship. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-court-citizenship-20101111,0,2338681.story

Parcel bomb was due to explode over East Coast of U.S., British police say

2010-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

One of two package bombs from Yemen intercepted last month would have detonated Oct. 29 over the eastern seaboard if it had not been removed from a cargo plane in England, Scotland Yard says. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-yemen-bombs-20101110,0,4481834.story

FDA to require graphic warnings on cigarette packages, ads

2010-11-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Warning labels will cover more of a cigarette pack or ad, and feature images and text that strongly warn of the dangers tied to smoking. http://www.latimes.com/health/la-sci-1111-cigarette-packages-20101111,0,5986780.story

Man accused of trying to run down ex-girlfriend after rejected marriage proposal was holding flowers at time of arrest, officials say

2010-11-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/11/man-alllegedly-angered-over-rejected-marriage-proposal-was-holding-flowers-at-time-of-arrest.html

Persistent backlog in L.A. County child abuse probes has led to a crisis, report says

2010-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Four in 10 open inquiries are stretching beyond the two-month deadline, the review by the county chief executive's office says. The backlog, the study says, appears to contribute to 'poor outcomes. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov/11/local/la-me-dcfs-backlog-20101103

Taking a Dream for a Few Spins

2010-11-12T12:22:00.001-08:00

Adults take figure skating lessons for exercise, stress relief or fulfillment of childhood dreams. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/health/nutrition/12urbathlete.html?nl=nyregion&emc=ura5

For Years a Constant, the Giants' Line Is Now a Patchwork

2010-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Injuries have sidelined or shifted the five linemen who have made up the core of the offense for nearly 10 years. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/sports/football/12giants.html?nl=nyregion&emc=ura5

Assertive Chinese Held in Mental Wards

2010-11-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Confinements in mental hospitals appear to be rising as authorities feel pressure to quell social unrest. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/world/asia/12psych.html?hp

Las Vegas Casinos Are a Last Bastion for Smokers

2010-11-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

At a time when much of the rest of the nation — indeed much of the rest of the world — is on a crusade to banish smoking in public, the casinos of Las Vegas have emerged as a smokers’ oasis, perhaps the last place free from the restrictions that have spread from restaurants to bars to malls to cars carrying children. No matter that Nevada voters strongly approved a ban on public smoking four years ago: the powerful gambling industry made certain that it included an exception for casinos. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/us/12smoke.html?hpw

A Final Cocoon: Dying at Home

2010-11-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

For some of the terminally ill, creating a space that embodies their deepest longings is part of saying goodbye. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/garden/11dying.html?hpw

Beginning the Most Difficult Conversation of All

2010-11-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

What to do when an elderly, frail family member first expresses a wish to die? http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/beginning-the-most-difficult-conversation-of-all/

2010-09-30T16:18:00.001-07:00

Discussing biofeedback on Doctor's Radio Show -http://ping.fm/3ZxPo tomorrow from 7 to 8 AM w two NYU Cardiologists. Hope you can join us.

2010-09-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

Discussing sport psychology's relevance to athletes and why risk prevention programming is necessary. http://ping.fm/WZQNr

2010-09-27T19:16:00.001-07:00

is interviewed about the psychology of hoarding in the AM New York Newspaper: http://ping.fm/Gxi11

2010-09-24T16:23:00.001-07:00

What are your thoughts about Braylon Edwards' recent DWI and the role of his team? Here's a few of mine: http://ping.fm/oKjl5

2010-08-11T18:04:00.003-07:00

My interview on Good Day New York Television Show to discuss flight attendant's grand exit that drew charges and fans (see link below)

2010-08-11T18:04:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/2fa46

2010-08-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

will be on the Good Day New York TV show, tomorrow at 430 AM, discussing the emotional reaction of the Jet Blue steward...

2010-08-10T07:25:00.001-07:00

Will be on Cincinatti talk radio today to discuss the emotional reaction of Jetblue steward.

2010-07-22T12:58:00.001-07:00

On Howard Stern Radio, yesterday, to discuss addiction and rehab for Lindsay Lohan.

2010-07-20T07:56:00.001-07:00

about to discuss new study that proves that women are better than men at multi-tasking on Lifestyle talk radio network.

2010-07-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

Dr. Leah Lagos, clinical and sports therapist, shoots and scores a basket (in her heels) with several former NBA Players in Orlando, Florida. http://tiny.cc/ps8sa

2010-07-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

How are Cavalier fans coping with Lebron's decision? http://tiny.cc/z3nn6

Lebron's decision: How will fans cope?

2010-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

There is bound to be a range of emotions for Cleveland Cavalier fans, right now. For many, this period will be marked by strong feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and anger. The specific types of reactions, duration of emotions, and modes for dealings with these negative feelings will vary by individual.

Age will play a key factor in how each Cavalier fan responds to LeBron’s decision to join the Miami Heat. In particular, young adults have less coping skills to manage their emotions than adults and may feel a strong onset and/or longer duration of negative feelings towards LeBron.

For other fans, the ties go much deeper. The highly identified fans are most likely to demonstrate this fierce connection and mixed feelings of elation and dejection in response to last night’s broadcast. This is because their sense of self is centrally involved in his decision. Whether he stayed in Cleveland or left for Miami, fervent Cavalier fans are most likely to feel that his choice represented them.

Upon hearing LeBron’s decision, some Cavalier fans may have even experienced physiological changes such as headache, upset stomach, and inability to concentrate. What fans should know is that these emotional reactions are not uncommon.

The best way to cope is to acknowledge the emotions. You want to address them in a way that is non-destructive to the self as well as others. The objective is to reach acceptance and move on.

Perhaps the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers did just that by burning LeBron’s jersey after hearing the announcement. It was a release. Gilbert screamed his frustration, acknowledged the heartache on the team, and symbolically let go of LeBron.

It’s like therapy.

2010-07-09T09:11:00.001-07:00

What do you think of Lebron's decision and what challenges lay ahead for him in Miami? Here's my take: http://tiny.cc/mys3c

2010-07-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

getting ready for news radio interviews in San Diego and Cincinnati to discuss why fans care so much about Lebron's decision.

LeBron James: Where Will He Land?

2010-07-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

You don’t get to go down in history as the greatest player ever if you don’t win championships.

Michael Jordan won a lot of championships.

So, at some point you are going to have so much money that you can’t buy another mansion or car or vacation.

Your place in history is confirmed by a team that can get you a NBA Championship trophy.

A big part of this will be his connection with the coach. Is the coach honest about his flaws and strengths? Does he motivate him? Does he have a plan for a dynasty of wins five years in a row?

I think being in a major media center is less of a factor because he can make TV commercials anywhere. He is getting more famous each day and I do not know whether he has to be in NY.

I’d be more worried about the NY Knicks and their moral because they’ve been not performing to their levels for so long.

I think the relationship with the coach is important. He needs teammates like Dwanye Wade who have as much or more experience than him.

James is loyal and determined, but his loyalty right now is defined by his ability to pick a team that helps him achieve his goal of a NBA championship.

2010-07-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted at Montclair State University confirmed that couples who stay together for the sake of the kids are not necessarily better off than couples who divorce.

The findings confirmed what we know from working with patients. There is a stigma attached to divorce. Yet, chronic yelling and screaming in front of the children also can affect children's self-esteem and increase anxiety.

Young children, in particular, are not able to differentiate themselves from others. They turn the dysphoria and negativity in the household inwards.

The results of this study do not provide clear guidelines for marriage counselors or legal professionals about when marriage or divorce is the better option. It does, however, make one point clear.

Couples who are married and have low conflict in their marriages are most likely to have children who also get married and have low conflict in their marriages.

Tiger Woods: No introducing his children to single women until he is re-married?

2010-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

In his divorce settlement, Tiger Woods may have legally agreed to keep his children away from his romantic partners unless he is re-married. The idea, however, that he can't introduce his children to any single women until he is re-married is unrealistic. People who are divorced can have friends, date, develop new relationships and talk with their kids in a healthy way about the meaning of this new person in their family's life.

You don't want children to experience a revolving door of women going through the father's life, but it would also be confusing to meet men that their mother is dating and not be allowed to meet any women that their father is dating.

Is Elin going to have men sleepover? Is she going to introduce them to her children before she is re-married?

This is more of a matter of how the social behaviors of divorced parents are dealt with and explained to the children. What kind of educational experiences about relationships do the parents want to convey?

2010-06-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

is discussing, "the goal right now is to change the culture in the NFL, which has had a tendency to down play head injury." Listen live today at 345 PM (1280 AM or wtmy.com).

2010-06-23T05:57:00.001-07:00

Discussing why France self-destructed on the way out of Tuesday's World Cup on WTMY radio (www.wtmy.com) at 345 PM today.

2010-06-09T07:54:00.001-07:00

Will Steven Strasburg live up to expectations? Discussing today on WTMY Radio at 345 PM.

2010-05-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

discussing attacks against Lance Armstrong on WTMY radio at 345 PM.

2010-05-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

will be discussing Ken Griffey Jr. & how athletes come to grips with retirement from sport at 345 PM on WTMY radio.

2010-05-05T10:26:00.001-07:00

will discuss how UVA Lacrosse should deal with murder chargers against their athlete on WTMY 1280 AM Radio at 345 PM today. Listen live at www.wtmy.com.

2010-04-28T08:06:00.001-07:00

is discussing on WTMY radio why drafting for the NBA is an inexact process. Listen live at wtmy.com or 1280 AM in Sarasota, FL.

2010-04-21T09:42:00.001-07:00

is discussing the anguish of college players who may be drafted on Thursday at 345 PM. Listen live on www.wtmy.com & 1280 AM Radio in Sarasota.

2010-04-14T13:34:00.001-07:00

Will be discussing whether gay male athletes will ever feel able to come out while in sport at 345 PM on WTMY Radio.

2010-04-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

Roger Clemens use of Viagra for the bedroom or the playing field? http://ping.fm/TSqLt

2010-03-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Discussing Roger Clemens today at 345 PM on WTMY Radio. Listen live at wtmy.com.

2010-03-13T10:57:00.001-08:00

I'm looking for topics for discussion for my show on WFAN tomorrow. Does anyone have any interesting sport topics?

2010-03-13T10:53:00.001-08:00

Preparing for my live interview on WFAN Sunday from 7 to 8 AM with Bob Salter.

2010-03-10T06:31:00.001-08:00

Discussing Steeler’s quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and his sexual assault charges today at 330 PM. Listen live on wtmy.com.

2010-03-09T19:46:00.001-08:00

How will Tim Tebow do in the NFL? Here are my predictions. http://ping.fm/VxjWg

2010-03-03T12:19:00.001-08:00

Discussing my NFL predictions for Tebow and Clausen today at 330 PM on WTMY Radio. Listen live at www.wtmy.com.

2010-02-26T07:33:00.001-08:00

discussed why NFL player evals are crucial for NFL Draft picks on 1280 WTMY radio. http://ping.fm/qhD45

2010-02-24T08:41:00.001-08:00

I'm off to the NFL Combines to conduct mental evaluations for pro-football teams. Hear more about it on my weekly radio segment "The Psychology of Sports" at 3:25 PM with Jake & Fletch--1280 WTMY radio. (Can also listen live at www.wtmy.com)

2010-02-18T11:23:00.001-08:00

Here's my video analysis about what inspired Bode Miller to win a Bronze medal. http://ping.fm/JW5sO

BODE MILLER: A CHANGE IN ATTITUDE AND PERFORMANCE IN THE 2010 OLYMPICS

2010-02-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

Bode Miller has been considered the world’s top skier and yet, a notorious partier, which was generally considered the reason he failed to medal in Turino in the 2006 Olympics after taking two silvers in Salt Lake City in 2002. At the 2006 Turin Games, Miller entered as a major focus of attention, as much for his attitude as his talent, after saying on CBS’ “60 Minutes”: “If you ever tried to ski when you’re wasted, it’s not easy.”

But he changed his approach to his work, at least mentally, and re-emerged at the age of 32 in Vancouver to win a bronze in downhill skiing. He still drinks but in moderation. In this, he resembles many Americans who overcome alcoholism by learning to manage his emotions.

In 2006, Miller was using alcohol as an emotional outlet for managing stress associated with high performance. I suspect that he was also feeling a lack of motivation and found himself wondering “about the life he was missing out on as a professional athlete who was always training.” Many Olympic athletes go through periods of time where there motivation to play sport is less. They begin to wonder if there is something else in life that they want to do and being to search for alternative experiences. It is a common part of the process and each athlete deals with these emotions through different behaviors.

Yet, Miller was quick to see the consequences of his partying and mental indifference, not medaling in Turino, and connected the dots early. He began to look for other ways to turn on his emotions and put them back into his game. In fact, Miller has been quite open about his new mental strategies for peak performance in Vancouver.

He has said that he wasn’t emotionally involved in the 2006 races and that he was treating the races cold and clinically. Now, in contrast, Miller has attempted to let himself go more. He knows what to expect—nerves prior to the game—and a rush of adrenaline as he launches onto the slope. Miller says that a key for him has been to channel his nervousness as positive energy.

Of note, Miller has also re-joined the US Team for training. Spending more time with athletes on and off-the slopes, Miller has learned the value of interpersonal relationships. Isolation during training for competition can increase stress. Many athletes benefit both psychologically and physically from being part of a team.

Miller’s whole comeback training process has focused on getting fit and health, making decisions on and off-the slopes that enhance his performance, which include sleep, nutrition, and alcohol use.

Miller refused to refer to his bronze medal in Vancouver as redemption. I will forever call it a significant change in his ability to manage emotions.

TWITTER AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RISKS FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

2010-02-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Twitter is clearly not a performance enhancing activity during competition. The NFL has banned players from “tweeting” 90 minutes before, during, or after a game until media interviews are finished. So, what is the problem if players tweet when not on the field?

Eli Manning posted a tweet in early February. “Pro-bowl was fun. It sure felt like a blast.” The problem was that the tweet was not the actual Giants quarterback, even though 10,000 people are following him anyways. This is one of the many risks of Twitter, of course, for athletes. It might not actually be Drew Brees tweeting from the Superbowl in Miami, Florida, but his athletic trainer, a fan, or who knows- a football rival who wants to get even.

Larry Rose of the NY Jets is a free safety and was benched by the coach. He twitted that he wasn’t happy with the coach’s decision, causing more problems with his relationship with Rex Ryan and the team. Unfortunately, Twitter provides a new platform to air personal grievances and create interpersonal stress that can erode team cohesion and increase anxiety.

On the other side, Larry Fitzgerald who is considered a top receiver for the Cardinals became the focus of team squabbles when his brother twitted his that Kurt Warner wasn’t throwing him the ball enough to him. This put Larry Fitzgerald in a difficult position because everyone on the team found out that his brother was complaining that Larry wasn’t being treated fairly by his teammate.

When gossip about twitter becomes the focus of locker room conversations, the team must examine whether twitter is a distraction that they can address or a risk that they need to avoid. Here are few guidelines for coaches and athletes to consider:

Why are we using twitter?
To what extent does it bring risks to the team and us?
If we decide to use twitter, what are appropriate and not appropriate times to use twitter?
If we decide to use twitter, what are acceptable and not acceptable messages to post on twitter?
What are the consequences for violating team rules about twitter?

Why Twitter Use Needs To Be Defined By Each Team

Ultimately, the use of twitter outside of competition needs to be clearly defined by the Head Coach and team. What works for one team does not always work for another. General Manager, Mickey Loomis, of the New Orleans Saints highlighted this when his didn’t follow the customary procedure of moving the Saints to another hotel the night before the Superbowl to avoid distractions. He explained how, after Hurricane Katrina, the Saints had become accustomed to living in makeshift conditions while creating a home away from home. He further discussed how his team was perhaps the most prepared in the league to manage and address potential distractions. Yet, this may not have been the best choice for another team whose players are more physiologically sensitive and need to separate from the public to relax and compose before game day. Similarly, twitter is an individual issue. The potential for risk varies by team and the rules for how to use it will need to be determined on a team-by-team basis.