13 ways smoking affects the body
Smoking cigarettes harms nearly every organ in the body, significantly increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, vision problems, and gum disease. According to the CDC, smoking not only contributes to various diseases but also reduces overall health. It impacts multiple systems, including the respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, and visual systems, while elevating […]
How Cognitive Therapy Works for Stress Relief
Stress can overwhelm our minds, feeding us negative energy that leads to harmful thoughts, anxiety, and self-doubt. This negative cycle can be hard to break, but cognitive therapy offers a way to regain control. Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and challenging distorted thinking patterns, replacing them with more balanced, positive thoughts. By learning how to […]
Use These 10 Phrases to Disarm a Narcissist
Interacting with a narcissist can be deeply damaging to your mental health because they often manipulate, gaslight, and devalue others to maintain control and feed their ego. Their lack of empathy and constant need for validation can make you question your self-worth, leaving you feeling drained, anxious, and emotionally unstable. Over time, this toxic dynamic […]
Commercial Tobacco Control Framework
Minnesota’s recent commercial tobacco prevention efforts, led by community advocates and local public health, have driven innovative policy, systems, and environmental changes centered on health equity. These efforts include local communities passing Tobacco 21 laws before federal and state legislation, policies prohibiting the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol, starting in 2017, and […]
25 Motivational Quotes You Didn’t Know You Needed to Read
We all have moments when life feels stagnant, like we’re just going through the motions, stuck in a rut without a clear direction. It’s normal to feel this way from time to time, but a simple motivational quote can often spark a shift in perspective. Whether it’s a reminder to keep going, a push to […]
How to Be Less Stressed
Stress is a powerful force in our lives, often acting as both a motivator and a disruptor. In small doses, stress can help us focus, push through challenges, or react quickly in emergencies. However, when stress becomes a constant presence, it begins to take a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health. Chronic stress […]
Why Am I So Lonely All The Time?
Loneliness is more than just being alone—it’s a quiet epidemic that’s affecting millions, even as we live in a world where we’re constantly connected online. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called attention to this growing issue, labeling loneliness as a new, insidious epidemic in America. This isn’t just about people not having friends; it’s […]
Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke
New research suggests that using cannabis, whether by smoking, eating, or vaping, may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that cannabis users had a higher risk of cardiovascular issues regardless of tobacco use or other risk factors. Lead author Dr. Abra […]
Healthy Coping Skills for Uncomfortable Emotions
When life throws you a curveball—whether it’s the sting of a breakup or a stressful day at work—having healthy coping skills is like having a life raft in stormy seas. These skills aren’t just about survival; they’re about thriving. They help you navigate through rough patches, allowing you to stay grounded and balanced when everything […]
Why Self-Preservation Is Key to Protecting Your Peace Every Day
Carving out time for yourself each day is essential for sustaining both mental and physical peace. In the midst of life’s demands and responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect personal space, but these moments of solitude are crucial for recharging. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a walk in nature, or simply sitting in silence, […]