For many southwestern Pennsylvania students, this school year has already included days away from the classroom because of the buildings themselves. Mold has closed schools in at least four districts,…
Category: Anthropology
Detroit and Flint teens are struggling with their mental health – and worried adults around them feel ‘helpless’
Teens in southeast Michigan go to school carrying with them far more than backpacks, books and water bottles. Many are shouldering economic hardship, exposure to adversity and discrimination, family responsibilities,…
Cholesterol control gets personalized – a cardiologist explains how new guidelines tailor treatment to your unique risk profile
At least a quarter of Americans suffer from high levels of cholesterol or fatty acids in their bloodstream, a condition called dyslipidemia. Uncontrolled cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic…
Fiber is both diet fad and fixture for good health – a doctor explains why there is no one-size-fits-all way to increase your intake
The numbers are clear: Americans aren’t getting enough fiber. Research has consistently shown that high-fiber diets are linked to significant health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and…
Dementia caregiving can expose hidden family tensions – but early planning can ease the strain
“Families are messy, aren’t they?” a daughter commented during a series of focus groups I ran with caregivers of older adults with memory issues. Many people would agree with that…
When your child asks if they’ll be harmed like the people on the news, what do you say? Psychologists provide tips on how to talk about identity
Imagine your child asks you out of the blue, “If we speak Spanish, will they take you away?” Or imagine them suddenly asking what an offensive slur means. When a…
How the pro-nicotine ‘wellness’ movement rebranded an addictive drug
An ironic development emerging alongside the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is the portrayal of nicotine as a wellness and performance-enhancing product. Across social media, podcasts, wellness communities and tech…
Noise pollution is a serious but often forgotten public health problem
The human body is remarkably good at getting used to the environment around it. You’ve probably experienced this if you’ve ever gone to a matinee and emerged from the dark…
The higher your body fat percentage, the less accurate your smartwatch is at measuring calories you burn when exercising – new study
Smartwatches have become an increasingly popular way for people to monitor their health and fitness. About 100 million – nearly 4 in 10 – U.S. adults own a smartwatch. Worldwide,…
What Philly can – and can’t – do to reduce the number of people killed in car crashes
Philadelphians die in traffic crashes more than people who live in Chicago, Boston, Washington and New York. In fact, three times more Philly residents than New Yorkers died in traffic…
