Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Self-Care

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 even secondhand smoke damage blood vessels, raise triglycerides, lower good cholesterol, and make the blood

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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 to female life expectancy. Despite this progress, 5.6 million adolescents under 18 are still projected

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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, fear, confusion, anger, and even guilt. But with the right tools, support, and self-awareness, it’s

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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 goals, or simply stopping the comparison game on social media, there are practical ways to

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