HEALTH IMPACTS

Jun 05 2025HEALTH

Brazil's Hidden Mineral Mystery

Selenium might not be a household name, but it's a mineral that plays a vital role in keeping our bodies running smoothly. Unfortunately, many people in Brazil aren't getting enough of it. This isn't just a minor issue; it's a significant health concern. Selenium is essential for a strong immune system and protecting our cells from harm. Without adequate selenium, th...

reading time about 1 minute
Jun 01 2025HEALTH

Talking About Race: What Doctors and Parents Think

In the United States, conversations about race and racism are often avoided during routine check-ups for kids. This is despite the fact that these topics can greatly affect a child's health and overall well-being. There's a lot of uncertainty about whether families want to have these conversations with their pediatrician. If they do, how should doctors be trained to ...

reading time about 1 minute
May 29 2025HEALTH

Young Doctors and Climate Change: What Do They Really Know?

Climate change is a big deal for our health. The effects of climate change on our well-being are well-documented. It is important to understand what future doctors think about this issue. A recent survey in Jordan looked into how much medical students know and how they feel about climate change and health. The survey included 837 students from different medical f...

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May 26 2025HEALTH

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body's Hidden Inflammation Fighter

The vagus nerve is a powerhouse in the body, playing a crucial role in managing inflammation. This nerve, which stretches from the brainstem to the gut, is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" state, which is the opposite of the "fight or flight" response. The vagus nerve helps regulate various automa...

reading time about 2 minutes
May 24 2025HEALTH

Fungi on the Move: Climate Change and Deadly Spread

Fungi are everywhere. They are in the soil, in compost, and in water. They are part of the vast kingdom of organisms that includes mold and mushrooms. While they play a crucial role in ecosystems, they can also be harmful to human health. Fungal infections are responsible for around 2. 5 million deaths each year. However, the actual number could be much higher due to...

reading time about 2 minutes
May 24 2025HEALTH

How to boost your nutrition game with a little help from tech.

The struggle with poor nutrition is a big deal. Millions of people face serious health issues because of it. One major hurdle is the lack of good nutrition education. People often don't know what they should be eating or how to get the right nutrients. Another big problem is the lack of access to reliable information. With so much conflicting advice out there, it's h...

reading time about 1 minute
May 23 2025HEALTH

The Price of a Bet

Sports betting has become a big deal. It is now legal in many places. People are placing bets on games more than ever. This might seem like fun. It might even seem like easy money. But there are costs that are not so obvious. These costs are not about money. They are about health. Health issues can pop up when betting becomes a problem. It can lead to stress, anxiet...

reading time about 1 minute
May 23 2025HEALTH

How Canada's Cannabis Laws Impacted Youth Hospitalizations

Across Canada, the legal age for buying cannabis varies. This variation allowed researchers to study how these age limits affect hospital visits related to cannabis use among young people. They looked at data from 2015 to 2022, focusing on individuals aged 15 to 44. The study found that before cannabis was legalized, hospitalizations due to cannabis use were ris...

reading time about 1 minute
May 22 2025ENVIRONMENT

California's Electric Car Future Faces Uncertainty

California has long been a pioneer in the fight against air pollution, especially when it comes to vehicle emissions. The state has unique authority to set stricter standards for cars and trucks, thanks to a provision in the 1967 Clean Air Act. This power has allowed California to lead the nation in reducing smog and soot, which are major health hazards. However, thi...

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May 19 2025HEALTH

The Sleep-Depression Dance During Pregnancy and Beyond

The journey of pregnancy and early motherhood is a rollercoaster. It is not just about the baby's growth but also the mother's mental and physical health. Two big issues that often go hand in hand are insomnia and depression. These problems can start early in pregnancy and stick around for months after the baby is born. But how do they develop and influence each oth...

reading time about 2 minutes