Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Friendship Over Fear: Building Kindness and Ending Bullying in Our Schools

Friendship is one of the most important foundations of a positive school environment. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. A good friend can make school feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging that every student deserves. On the other […]

African American Communities Experience a Health Burden From Commercial Tobacco

Commercial tobacco continues to stand as one of the greatest barriers to health equity for African American communities. While overall smoking rates have declined across the country, African American people continue to face disproportionate harm from tobacco use, not because they smoke more, but because of long-standing inequities, targeted marketing, and systemic barriers to care. […]

What Is Acute Stress? And How to Tell If You’re Experiencing It

Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impressions far beyond the initial moment of impact. Whether it’s a sudden car accident, a violent assault, a serious injury, or another life-threatening event, the body and mind often respond with shock, confusion, and a flood of emotions—or in some cases, a complete lack of them. While some people feel […]

Cancer and Tobacco

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., responsible for nearly 1 in 5 cancer diagnoses. All forms of tobacco—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff—contain dangerous toxins and highly addictive nicotine. Understanding the risks can help you make informed choices about your health. Key Facts About Tobacco Use […]

12 Ways to Deal With Trauma

Everyone experiences stress at different points in life, and sometimes these events rise to the level of trauma. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a deeply stressful or disturbing event. It can result from medical issues, natural disasters, job loss, divorce, or even ongoing chronic stress. In the short […]

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Papaya Regularly

Papaya is more than a delicious tropical fruit—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. In addition to being fat-free, papaya is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and enzymes that support overall wellness. Eating papaya regularly can improve digestion (thanks to papain and fiber), boost immunity (with nearly a full day’s vitamin C in one […]

100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation

Encouragement is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a difference in someone’s life. A few genuine words can help a friend through a tough time, motivate a coworker, comfort a child, or strengthen the bond with your partner. As Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Chief Experience Officer at Newport Healthcare, […]

Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms

As cannabis use becomes increasingly common around the world, understanding its impact on lung health has become an urgent priority for both physicians and the public. While tobacco smoking has been extensively studied and linked to serious respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the long-term effects of cannabis […]

This Dopamine Hack Could Be the Key to Unlocking Your Motivation, Experts Say

Have you ever caught yourself procrastinating on simple, everyday tasks—like folding laundry, paying bills, or tidying your room—only to realize that the dread of starting feels heavier than the task itself? For many people, finding motivation for repetitive or mundane activities is one of the biggest barriers to productivity. Enter dopamine anchoring, a technique that’s […]

Spotting Family Dysfunction: Key Signs and What to Do About It

The source of dysfunction in a family may vary, but the impact on children is often the same: long-lasting wounds to self-esteem, trust, and healthy relationship skills. Dysfunctional families often fall into recognizable patterns: emotionally unavailable caregivers (cold, absent, or consumed by stress/addiction), addicts and enablers (where substance use dominates the household and children’s needs […]