Blog Archives

Social media warning labels and school cell phone bans: Do they unlock better youth mental health?

Social media warning labels and school cell phone bans: Do they unlock better youth mental health?

This week, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for health warnings on social media for younger users. This recent call follows an earlier Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, also published by the Surgeon General. Health warnings on social media would be analogous to the ones seen on cigarette packages, serving as reminders to […] … learn more→

When Others Are Hell: How to Identify and Manage Social Anxiety

When Others Are Hell: How to Identify and Manage Social Anxiety

Marta is a 20-year-old student who has always been shy. But that shyness has intensified so much that it sometimes interferes with everyday activities. Since high school, she began to experience an overwhelming fear of being judged negatively by her peers and teachers. Now, at university, Marta feels extremely anxious when she knows she will […] … learn more→

Key Insights: Reusable Elastomeric Respirators

Key Insights: Reusable Elastomeric Respirators

At the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, there was a significant scarcity of disposable N95 respirators, which required healthcare staff to adopt unusual steps to increase their supply. On the other hand, there are respiratory protection products that are designed to be reused and have filter effectiveness equivalent to, if not higher than, disposable N95 […] … learn more→

Latest news on the scientific search for eternal youth

Latest news on the scientific search for eternal youth

Currently, there is enormous scientific interest in understanding the aging process in order to slow it down or even avoid it. Large corporations are hiring leading researchers from around the world for significant sums of money to delve into this hot field of cellular rejuvenation. It is a mission that can be compared to the […] … learn more→

Recognizing the need for in home care

Recognizing the need for in home care

As aging progresses, some seniors find daily tasks increasingly challenging. The need for in-home care often becomes apparent through subtle changes in behavior, diminished engagement in once-loved activities, or a decrease in self-care. Recognizing these signs prompts families and caregivers to assess the situation and address it proactively. Early recognition can vastly improve quality of […] … learn more→

For people with mental illness, drugs and alcohol can be a key survival strategy. I’ve learned they shouldn’t have to ‘get clean’ to get treatment

For people with mental illness, drugs and alcohol can be a key survival strategy. I’ve learned they shouldn’t have to ‘get clean’ to get treatment

A decade ago, while working in a women’s prison, I met a young woman whose story would leave an indelible mark on me. She had endured severe abuse at the hands of men, and I was initially concerned that, as a male social worker, my presence might rekindle her trauma. Yet, through careful and considered […] … learn more→

Wholeness on the Road to Recovery: Integrating Traditional and Modern Healing

Wholeness on the Road to Recovery: Integrating Traditional and Modern Healing

Introduction In pursuing health and wellness, humanity has traversed diverse healing practices, ranging from ancient rituals to cutting-edge medical technologies. While modern medicine has made remarkable strides in treating ailments, there’s a growing recognition of the value of integrating traditional healing methods with contemporary approaches. This article explores the concept of wholeness on the road […] … learn more→

Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity, while easing financial and logistical burdens for families and schools

Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity, while easing financial and logistical burdens for families and schools

School meals are critical to child health. Research has shown that school meals can be more nutritious than meals from other sources, such as meals brought from home. A recent study that one of us conducted found the quality of school meals has steadily improved, especially since the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act strengthened nutrition standards for school meals. […] … learn more→

Online wellness content: 3 ways to tell evidence-based health information from pseudoscience

Online wellness content: 3 ways to tell evidence-based health information from pseudoscience

“I drink borax!” proclaims the smiling TikToker. Holding up a box of the laundry additive, she rhymes off a list of its supposed health benefits: “Balances testosterone and estrogen. It’s a powerhouse anti-inflammatory…. It’s amazing for arthritis, osteoporosis…. And obviously it’s great for your gut health.” Videos like these prompted health authorities to warn the public about […] … learn more→

Your heart changes in size and shape with exercise – this can lead to heart problems for some athletes and gym rats

Your heart changes in size and shape with exercise – this can lead to heart problems for some athletes and gym rats

Exercise has long been recognized by clinicians, scientists and public health officials as an important way to maintain health throughout a person’s lifespan. It improves overall fitness, helps build strong muscles and bones, reduces the risk of chronic disease, improves mood and slows physical decline. Exercise can also significantly reduce the risk of developing conditions that negatively […] … learn more→