Cannabis and Lung Health
Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These substances can damage lung tissue, scar small blood vessels, and increase […]
26 Quotes About Letting Go
Quotes aren’t just words—they’re anchors. Whether pulled from ancient proverbs, modern thinkers, or historical legends, inspirational quotes can offer clarity and calm during life’s storms. As Jessi Gholami, LCSW, puts it, they’re “concentrated morsels of hard-won wisdom” that feel like a warm hug when we need it most. Unlike cliché slogans, meaningful quotes can ground […]
The Surprising Link Between Stress and Eczema Flare-Ups
Eczema isn’t just a surface-level condition—it’s deeply connected to your body’s stress response. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation and suppresses your immune system. This inflammation can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups, leading to redness, itching, and dry patches. Unfortunately, the visible symptoms often create more stress, which […]
Menthol Tobacco Products
Menthol is a compound found naturally in peppermint and similar plants, but it can also be made synthetically. In tobacco products like cigarettes, menthol produces a cooling sensation in the throat and lungs, which reduces the harshness of the smoke and makes it easier to inhale—an effect that can increase the likelihood of addiction. Menthol […]
About Youth Violence
Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it […]
Yes, Stress Really Can Make You Sick —Here’s Why
Can Stress Really Make Us Sick? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection Yes—chronic stress can absolutely impact your physical health. In fact, 60% to 80% of primary care visits involve stress-related concerns. Health psychologists like Dr. Julia Kogan and functional medicine specialists like Dr. Patricia Mills explain that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the […]
The Colors of Resilience: Taiwan’s Rainbow Village and Its Artistic Legacy
Tucked away in the Nantun District of Taichung, Taiwan, Rainbow Village is more than just a vibrant collection of street art — it’s a living canvas that tells a story of resilience, hope, and the unyielding power of creativity. Originally a military dependents’ village destined for demolition, it became an artistic sanctuary thanks to the […]
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a serious mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life. Unlike occasional sadness, depression is persistent and can lead to emotional, physical, and cognitive challenges, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being. Symptoms include persistent feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest […]
The Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage and Young Adult Brain
Marijuana, known for its mind-altering effects due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is one of the most widely used substances in the United States. In 2021, 11.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana, while 30.7% of 12th graders admitted to using it within the past year. With the legalization of marijuana in many […]
Quit Smoking For Better Health
Smoking is incredibly damaging to the body, leading to numerous health problems and significantly increasing the risk of premature death. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, claiming nearly half a million lives annually. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes damage the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, contributing […]