Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Impact of marijuana on venous thromboembolic events: Cannabinoids cause clots in trauma patients

As marijuana use continues to rise across the country, new research is uncovering unexpected health concerns—especially in trauma patients. A study analyzing over 593,000 adult trauma cases from the ACS Trauma Quality and Improvement Program (2015–2016) found a significant link between preinjury marijuana exposure and increased thromboembolic complications (TEC), such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) […]

Is Anxiety Genetic?

Anxiety often runs in families, but does that mean it’s in your DNA? While scientists haven’t pinpointed a single “anxiety gene,” research shows that having a close family member with an anxiety disorder increases your risk by two to six times. Twin studies and genetic research support a hereditary link, but genes are only one […]

Does smoking marijuana increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

As marijuana use continues to rise, so do concerns about its long-term effects on lung health—particularly its link to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While marijuana is the second most commonly smoked substance in the world after tobacco, its health risks remain less defined. Marijuana smoke shares many of the same harmful components as tobacco […]

Smoking and Heart Disease, Stroke, and Peripheral Artery Disease

Heart disease—including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD)—remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and smoking is a major driver behind it. Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes, while PAD often causes pain and weakness in the limbs. Smoking and […]

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 Report, tobacco control efforts have made major strides—researchers estimate they’ve helped avert 8 million premature deaths and added 2.3 years to male and 1.6 years […]

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, especially in the hours before bedtime, play a major role in how quickly we fall asleep and how deeply we rest. Sleep-promoting nutrients such as […]

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 or separation, moving, long-term illness, and job loss—can each have lasting emotional and physical impacts. These events often come with a rollercoaster of emotions: grief, […]

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 to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks, and it plays a vital role in psychological health and well-being. Whether it’s saying no, setting realistic […]

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, energy medicine, and spiritual rituals—each offering its own theory of illness, its own patient-healer roles, and its own symbolic actions for recovery. What unites these […]

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 the science actually say? Despite growing public interest, research shows that cannabis is not consistently effective in treating most types of acute or chronic pain. […]