Americans are shopping online in record numbers this holiday season, according to an analysis by Adobe Analytics. Online shopping certainly comes with added convenience: No traffic, no long lines, and a larger selection of available items—not to mention you can shop while wearing pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. But it can also be tricky to figure out exactly what you’re getting: How will that sweater fit? What do those sheets actually feel like? And do those sneakers really run small? [Read more…]
Use The Holidays To Promote Social Connection
November 26, 2024 By
Millions of people will gather with family and friends this week to celebrate what may be one of the most quintessential American holidays, Thanksgiving. For most people, the holiday revolves around turkey, football, and the start of the holiday shopping season. More Americans are also focusing on gratitude – the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving – which is demonstrated to promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
But there’s another aspect of Thanksgiving that is worth focusing on: gathering. [Read more…]
Humans and AI: Do They Work Better Together or Alone?
November 24, 2024 By
Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous in modern society. While it may seem like a brand-new technology to many, computer scientists have been building and testing AI models—albeit simple ones initially—since the 1950s. You likely have been using AI in your daily life for much longer than you realize—it’s used in chatbots on websites, robotic vacuums that learn floorplans, digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa, and much more. [Read more…]
The Best Way to Stall Dementia: Quit Smoking
November 23, 2024 By
While the number of smokers is at a historical low, data demonstrates that smoking still affects public health. Smoking increases the risk of heart and lung disease, affects bone health, and increases the risk of birth defects. A growing body of research demonstrates that smoking also affects neurological health, specifically cognitive decline. [Read more…]
Does Narcissism Fade With Age?
November 22, 2024 By
If you’re hoping the narcissist in your life will make sweeping behavioral changes, you are likely to be disappointed, according to a systematic review published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.
A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and is extremely self-centered. Narcissists tend to believe they are unique and special, constantly seek attention, and may not understand or care about the feelings of others. [Read more…]
Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Cancer Risk?
November 21, 2024 By
A sweeping new report by the American Association for Cancer Research highlights a steady decline in deaths due to cancer and improvements in the quality of life after a cancer diagnosis over the past three decades. The report found the overall cancer death rate in the United States has fallen by 33% between 1991 and 2021. [Read more…]
Air Pollution Leads to Brain Changes in Kids
October 14, 2024 By
More than 131 million people live in places with unhealthy air quality, according to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of Air report. This is an increase of 11.7 million people from the previous year. The report also finds that the number of days with “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality in the United States was the highest in 25 years. [Read more…]
The Benefits of Deep Breathing and Why It Works
October 9, 2024 By
Feeling anxious? Angry? Frustrated? Disappointed?
The evidence clearly shows there is something you can do—no matter where you are or what the circumstances are. Take a few slow, deep breaths.
In most stressful situations, human nature actually drives us to take deep breaths. If you’re getting ready to give a speech to a large crowd or standing at the starting line for a community running race, you may find yourself taking a deep breath without even thinking about it. [Read more…]
For Better Sex, Get Your Sleep
October 7, 2024 By
About one in three Americans do not get enough sleep every day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s a problem because a large body of research demonstrates that sleep is foundational to our health. [Read more…]
Pickleball Could Extend Your Life
September 8, 2024 By
If you haven’t played it yet, you certainly know someone who has! Pickleball, the paddle sport that combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis, has taken the U.S. by storm. [Read more…]
The Gender Divide in Imposter Syndrome
September 7, 2024 By
Maybe you feel unprepared for your new job, even though your resume fits the job description perfectly. Or maybe you joined a workout class and believe the other participants are more fit than you, even though that’s not the case. [Read more…]
Why Laughter Is Such Good Medicine
September 6, 2024 By
You know the feeling (hopefully!): Something silly sets you off – a movie, a joke, or maybe someone near you slips and falls – and you burst into laughter.
It feels good to laugh. And since the 1970s, medical experts have learned that laughter can boost pain tolerance and improve overall well-being. [Read more…]
