Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Self-Care

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. The reality is stark: even though African American adults often smoke fewer cigarettes per day

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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 their reactions immediately, others may notice the effects days later in the form of numbness,

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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 Tobacco in all forms carries devastating health risks—not just for users but for everyone exposed.

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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 term, people may feel shock or denial; over the long term, trauma may lead to

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