Creating a Culture of Kindness in Schools
Violence among students is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals directly involved but the entire school community. Acts of bullying, fighting, or intimidation create an environment of fear that hinders learning and personal growth. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into a classroom, and stopping violence […]
Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
While smokeless tobacco is often marketed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, the truth is that it carries serious health risks. These products still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are linked to cancers, oral diseases, and even risks during pregnancy. They can also harm children through accidental nicotine poisoning. Understanding the dangers of smokeless […]
How to Improve Memory Effectively
If you’ve ever found yourself forgetting where you left your keys or blanking out on important tests, you’ve probably wondered how to improve your memory. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to strengthen recall. Tactics like reminders, organization, minimizing distractions, visualization, and repeating information out loud can all help cement details in […]
What Is Unresolved Trauma?
Traumatic events—such as natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks, abuse, accidents, or serious illnesses—can shake the very foundation of our well-being. These experiences don’t just happen in the moment; they leave lasting imprints that affect us physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially. In the immediate aftermath, people may feel terror, shock, confusion, or deep isolation. Over […]
ENGAGE: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use
Youth substance use is a significant public health challenge in the United States, but importantly, it’s preventable. In 2024, surveys revealed that 9% of eighth graders, 16.9% of tenth graders, and 26.2% of twelfth graders reported using illegal substances within the past year. Early substance use is associated with serious consequences, including impaired brain development, […]
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 […]