Blog Post

How can we prevent tobacco use?
Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death, not only due to direct smoking but also through secondhand exposure. Since the landmark 1964 Surgeon General’s

7 Foods to Help You Get a Great Night’s Sleep
A restful night isn’t just about white noise machines and blackout curtains—it could start right on your plate. More and more sleep researchers are confirming that the foods we eat,

What Are the 5 Top Stressors in Life?
Stress is an inevitable part of being human, but certain life events can throw us off balance more than others. The five top stressors—the death of a loved one, divorce

How to Be More Confident: 9 Tips That Work
Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about believing in your ability to try, fail, learn, and keep going. According to the American Psychological Association, self-confidence is the belief in one’s capability

The Cultural Diversity of Healing: Meaning, Metaphor,and Mechanism
Healing is a universal human concern, yet the ways in which we heal vary immensely across cultures. Anthropologists have documented diverse systems of healing—from village shamans and herbalists to acupuncture,

Cannabis and Chronic Pain
Cannabis is often promoted as a natural alternative for pain relief, and in the U.S., it’s one of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis. But what does

What to Do When You Want to Disappear
There are moments when life feels so overwhelming that the thought “I want to disappear” seems like the only escape. Whether it’s the crushing weight of daily obligations, relationship strain, or simply

Preventing Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in the Home
Secondhand smoke poses serious health risks to both children and adults, and there is no safe level of exposure. The home remains the leading source of secondhand smoke exposure, especially

Cannabis Facts and Stats
As cannabis use becomes increasingly common and widely discussed across the United States, it’s crucial to understand its health impacts, especially among youth and vulnerable populations. Cannabis remains the most

26 Quotes About Letting Go
When life feels overwhelming or your heart is burdened with grief, a well-chosen inspirational quote can act as a powerful grounding force. Though often overlooked, quotes have the ability to

What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed
When someone we love is struggling with depression, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to say—but silence or distance can unintentionally deepen their pain. Offering gentle words like “I

Risk and Protective Factors
Preventing youth violence begins with understanding that no single cause leads a young person to commit or experience violence. Instead, it’s a mix of individual, relationship, community, and societal influences.

How to Get Started With Therapy
Beginning therapy is a meaningful act of self-respect—it means you’re choosing to prioritize your mental well-being. While it can feel intimidating at first, just deciding to explore your options is

Cigars Are a Public Health Problem
Cigars—once seen as a niche luxury—are now aggressively marketed to youth, women, and communities of color through flavored products, low prices, and targeted advertising. The tobacco industry has designed and

How Do I Stop Feeling Like I’m Behind in Life?
It’s incredibly easy to feel like you’re falling behind in life—especially in a world filled with highlight reels on social media, relentless comparisons, and pressure to “keep up.” Whether it’s

Exploring filial piety
Growing up outside of Asian culture but being deeply immersed in it through my journey with guzheng and East Asian traditions, I’ve come to admire—and sometimes wrestle with—the concept of

Cannabis and Lung Health
Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many

26 Quotes About Letting Go
Quotes aren’t just words—they’re anchors. Whether pulled from ancient proverbs, modern thinkers, or historical legends, inspirational quotes can offer clarity and calm during life’s storms. As Jessi Gholami, LCSW, puts

The Surprising Link Between Stress and Eczema Flare-Ups
Eczema isn’t just a surface-level condition—it’s deeply connected to your body’s stress response. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation and suppresses your immune

Cannabis Users Face Substantially Higher Risk of Heart Attack
As marijuana becomes legal in more places, new research raises concerns about its impact on heart health—even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Two recent studies presented at the American College

Menthol Tobacco Products
Menthol is a compound found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, but it can also be made synthetically. In tobacco products like cigarettes, menthol produces a cooling sensation in the