“Would you like your receipt?” It’s a question you’re likely to hear every time you pop into the grocery store or stop for a latte on the way to work.…
Category: Anthropology
Generous paternal leave policies improve maternal and newborn health, family finances and workplace equality
When our second child was born, my spouse had several weeks of paternity leave under his parental leave policy at work. I’m a certified family life educator, and parental leave…
Menopause is a major health milestone, yet health records barely track it
Anyone with ovaries who lives long enough will experience menopause. While menopause is a natural transition in midlife, it can strongly affect a person’s quality of life and their current…
Mold and heat closed Pittsburgh-area schools – an expert explains the risks to kids
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,…
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…
