Navigating adolescence can be challenging for anyone. It’s a time of facing significant milestones and experiencing confusing physical and hormonal changes. The COVID-19 pandemic escalated some challenges and created new issues. Loneliness and psychological distress rates increased exponentially during and following the height of the pandemic. Regardless of age, life’s challenges can affect anyone’s ability…
When you think about obesity, you may not connect it to cancer. However, researchers long have suspected a link between certain cancers and weight. Among those are endometrial, ovarian, colon, liver, pancreatic and postmenopausal breast cancers, which together contribute to 15 to 20% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. Cancer risk increases with obesity More than…
If you haven’t been active or are recovering from an illness or injury, the temptation is to do nothing. But that’s probably just what you need to increase your energy, and overall physical and mental health. However, when you exercise, you feel less tired and stressed, and more upbeat. Even taking a 10-minute walk is…
Children are constantly challenged to decipher the messages they see and hear about alcohol, not only from the ads they see on TV but also from social media, friends, billboards, clothing and more. But are the messages children receive facts or myths? Are the messages the ones you want adolescents and young adults to have…
Alcohol abuse affects millions of people every year. Approximately 3 million people worldwide die each year due to alcohol use, according to the World Health Organization. Alcohol is a danger for many people. Addiction to alcohol, also known as a process addiction, changes the brain, impairs thinking and damages relationships. It also causes endless problems. Unfortunately,…
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The condition makes your heart work harder, can harden the walls of arteries and cause organ damage. What you eat affects your blood pressure. One eating plan designed to help prevent or treat high blood pressure is the Dietary Approaches to Stop…
Preparing for a marathon takes months of hard work, and some of those months may be during a Midwestern winter when the air can make your face hurt. That’s when it takes a little extra dedication — and some extra care to stay safe when training in the cold. Here are some tips to consider:…
Preventing illness during the cold and flu season starts with knowing how to wash your hands properly, when to wash your hands, what products to use and why you should pay special attention to skin cleanliness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to prevent…
The holidays are behind you and the new year has begun. Like many, you may be focusing on the goal of improving your health. Then comes Valentine’s Day — a day that’s full of indulgences which may sabotage your plans for health improvement. Even if you don’t have a romantic partner, treats are all around…
Social media is a fun, easy way for adolescents to connect with friends. While most platforms require users to be 13 or older to create an account, it’s common for kids to want to access social media at an earlier age. It’s important to teach children that even though social media can be enjoyable, there…