Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist
Current tobacco use among U.S. middle and high school students has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). Over the past year, at least 500,000 fewer students reported using tobacco products, with 2.25 million students in 2024 compared to 2.80 million in 2023. This decline is […]
75 Ways to Boost Your Mood Right This Very Second
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how it’s managed makes all the difference. When stress hits, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but trying new “pick-me-ups” can be a game changer. Whether it’s a short meditation session, a cup of herbal tea, or even playing a few soothing notes on the Guzheng, these small […]
Diabetes and Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Smokers have a 30% to 40% higher chance of getting diabetes compared to non-smokers, with the risk rising the more you smoke. Nicotine in tobacco raises blood sugar levels, while the harmful chemicals in cigarettes cause inflammation, making it harder for the body to regulate […]
Healthy Coping Skills for Uncomfortable Emotions
Dealing with tough emotions can be overwhelming, but learning how to navigate them is key to maintaining your mental health. Life’s challenges often bring stress, anxiety, or sadness, but by recognizing these feelings and using healthy coping strategies—like mindfulness, talking to someone, or taking breaks—you can regain control. Mental health is just as important as […]
What Happens to Your Brain When You Meditate Every Day?
People who meditate regularly swear by it, but others are often skeptical. But what if I told you that meditation is actually a powerful way to train your brain to be both calmer and sharper? Scientific studies have shown that meditating regularly can actually alter the brain’s shape, size, and function. It can shrink the […]
The Link between Cannabis Use, Immune System, and Viral Infections
Today, marijuana is the most commonly used drug worldwide, with around 188 million users, or about 2.5% of people aged 15-64. In the U.S., marijuana use among people aged 12 and older jumped from 11% (25.8 million) in 2002 to 17.5% (48.2 million) in 2019. Every year, 2-3 million new users start, and around 1.1% […]
Cannabis and Mental Health
Cannabis use can lead to disorientation, anxiety, and feelings of paranoia. It is linked to an increased risk of developing psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia, as well as long-lasting mental disorders like schizophrenia. The risk of schizophrenia is especially higher for those who start using cannabis at a younger age or use it frequently. Additionally, […]
What Effect Does Smoking Have on Your Eyes and Macular Degeneration?
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing eye conditions like macular degeneration, but unlike aging or genetics, it’s a factor you can control. Research increasingly links environmental pollutants, including cigarette smoke, to eye diseases, with the CDC highlighting the connection between smoking and disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Smoking can negatively affect […]
How to Boost Your Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is key to maintaining good mental health. By understanding your thoughts, feelings, and triggers, you can better manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and recognize when to seek help. It helps you stay grounded, make healthier choices, and create a deeper sense of balance and well-being in your daily life. Building self-awareness is a powerful […]
Loneliness and Mental Health Distress Have a Cyclical Relationship
Researchers identified four key themes from interviews in a study on loneliness: the meaning of loneliness, factors contributing to it, its links to mental health, and strategies for reducing it. The study found that certain groups, such as disabled individuals and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are more vulnerable to chronic loneliness. While the sample […]