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 […]
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 […]
Breaking the Cycle: How Bullying Leads to Mental Health Struggles
Bullying is more than hurt feelings—it can have devastating and lasting effects on both those who are bullied and those who bully others. Victims of bullying may experience physical injuries, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, self-harm, lower academic achievement, and even dropping out of school. At the same time, youth who engage in bullying […]
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 […]