Ask Doc From navigating the "Trump Bump" to an "in person" interview with Thomas Jefferson, it's been quite a ride…
This week I'm in Vegas for the annual Stansberry Conference and Alliance Meeting. It's a gathering of the best folks in financial research. We've had presentations from Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary, political satirist P. J. O'Rourke, Senior Editor of Digital Products at The Economist Kenneth Cukier, and of course a range of our own talented analysts from Stansberry Research.
One thing a lot of us here have in common... a love of outstanding newsletters.
That's why I recently shared an essay from Porter about his relationship with one of the premier analysts and writers in the world of finance – Jim Grant. Jim's letter, Grant's Interest Rate Observer, is the insider's look at contrarian investing.
In fact, we consider his letter "the greatest secret on Wall Street." It's a great way to learn from the best.
Right now, Porter is excited about attending Grant's upcoming conference. It's an exclusive event that few people are permitted to attend. But this year, Porter will be there. He'll be reporting back to us on all the speakers and events... and even hosting a Q&A interview with Jim Grant himself.
You won't want to miss out when these two investing legends get together. To find out more about gaining access to Porter's live feed from this premium event, click here.
Our mailbag's been a bit light this week, but we're always happy to learn from our best subscribers as well. Here are a few tips and questions about our latest topics...
Q: I don't like the odd dreams that melatonin seems to sponsor. One other point. Sometimes poor sleep is due to gut oriented activity, especially if some offensive food was taken earlier and is causing discomfort. What seems to work well (given to family and to my aged mother) is a brewed hot tea called Belly Comfort (originally Eaters Digest). This GI alkalizing and calming tea is produced by Traditional Medicinals and is easily found in large grocery stores or online. – G.G.
A: Thanks, GG. Users have documented similar "odd dreams" after taking melatonin. There's little scientific research into the phenomenon, but one study suggested that melatonin boosts our REM sleep cycle, which is when dreams occur. That could explain the more frequent, energetic, and lucid dreams.
We love that you've tried tea as well. Calming teas like chamomile and lavender are great for relaxing and sleep. And while we haven't tried Belly Comfort there are a number of herbal teas out there to help settle your stomach... just always use caution when you try these teas, particularly if you're on medication.
In fact, we just shot our Weekly Update about this very topic – watch it right here and let us know what your favorite tea is at[email protected].
Q: Doc has warned us about keeping blue light out of the bedroom for our health. Does that include using kindles for reading? – P.S.
A: Yes... any electronic screen, including cellphones, tablets, e-readers, and laptops emit blue light.
Blue light interrupts our sleep cycle by messing up our melatonin levels. Melatonin, the hormone secreted to help you fall asleep, is essential for keeping us on a healthy, restorative schedule. Disrupting this cycle leads to grogginess, impaired memory, increased risk for depression and obesity, and even loss of vision.
Fortunately, many devices today have blue light filters built in. In a Kindle, for instance, you should be able to find this under the settings menu. For more tips on device-specific blue light filters, check out this guide here.
Q: Falling is not the leading cause of death. Please clarify this quixotic statement.
I have practiced medicine for 20 years in the emergency room and know this to be errant and confabulated. Falls are the 9th leading cause of death for 65 and older. – P.M.
A: Thanks for pointing this out, PM. You're absolutely right... falls are one of the top 10 leading causes of death in folks over 65, not number one. The data we read indicates falls are the number one cause for all injury-related deaths in older folks… even more than car accidents.
One of the most interesting studies we found sought to explain the sharp increase in number of falls over the past few years, particularly in the elderly. The mortality rate from falls in those 65 and older increased by 55% from 1999 to 2007. However, the researchers believe it's because of improved reportingon cause of death from falls. So really, folks might not be falling more, but we're better able to recognize death from a fall.
This increased awareness just strengthens the main point of our essay. Make sure to take proper care of your health and your home to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
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- More data from that falls study.
- Check out tea ingredients and possible interactions here.
- Something different: Here's why Stephen King's work might kill us.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Retirement Millionaire Daily Research Team
Las Vegas, Nevada
September 29, 2017