In much of the United States, it’s mosquito season. It can be disappointing to sit down to dinner on your deck only to find yourself covered in itchy, red welts the next day. But you don’t have to let mosquitos chase you back inside. [Read more…]
Evidence-based Mosquito Control
August 16, 2022 By Leave a Comment
Get The Best Psychological Boost Out of Your Vacation
July 9, 2022 By Leave a Comment
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still simmering this summer, more than 200 million Americans have made travel plans. For many, this summer will mark their first trip in a long time.
Most people think of vacations as a time to relax and unwind. But there’s an inherent amount of stress that comes with traveling, especially during a pandemic. What does science say about how much vacations actually help to reduce stress? And what can you do to get the most out of yours? [Read more…]
To Better Learn, Students Must First Fail
April 18, 2022 By Leave a Comment
For years, educators have followed a model of explaining a new concept, then letting students practice. Think of a typical math class: the teacher will introduce an idea, do some example problems on the blackboard, and then ask students to practice similar problems on their own. [Read more…]
The Ideals and Realities of Family Dinner with Young Kids
April 14, 2022 By Leave a Comment
Family dinner is a cultural norm that most families in the U.S. strive for; it’s a goal that has endured for decades. Just think of an episode of “Leave It to Beaver” with June and Ward Cleaver and their two sons sitting around a table set with fine China and a white tablecloth, discussing the day and eating a healthy meal. [Read more…]
A Drink a Day May Not Be So Good for You, After All
March 24, 2022 By Leave a Comment
After a holiday season full of good cheer—and extra cocktails for many—more Americans than ever participated this year in “Dry January,” a month-long sobriety challenge that began as a public-health campaign in England. Surveys found that between 13 and 15 percent of Americans decided to forgo alcohol that month, an increase from last year.
That’s likely a good thing for their health. [Read more…]
Distracted Driving Is Deadly, Learn How to Prevent It
March 22, 2022 By Leave a Comment
Distracted drivers kill eight people each day in the U.S. on average. While this is a problem that involves everyone, young people are disproportionately at fault. About 25 percent of the distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes are in their 20s, and teen drivers are even more likely to be involved in a distracted driving accident. [Read more…]
To Excel in Sports, Try Them All
December 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams started playing tennis at age 4 and began playing professionally as teenagers. Similarly, golf phenomenon Tiger Woods first held a club at age 2 and won his first junior world championship at age 13. [Read more…]
Clear Evidence: Giving Is Good for You
December 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment
This week, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season in the U.S.—a time typically filled with family gatherings, delicious meals and, for many Americans, philanthropy.
You may be more likely to drop money into an iconic red Salvation Army bucket or donate meals to your local food bank to spread the holiday cheer. Or maybe you plan to make a larger cash donation for tax purposes before the end of the calendar year. [Read more…]
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Our Sleep?
December 10, 2021 By Leave a Comment
You probably know from personal experience that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on sleep for many people. If your own sleep hasn’t been affected, chances are you know someone who has experienced sleep problems in the past year and a half. [Read more…]
You Have More Power Over Others Than You Realize
November 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Imagine that your cell phone battery died while you were out shopping and you needed to make a phone call urgently. Your only choice would be to approach strangers and ask if you could use their phone. The thought of asking for this kind of favor sends prickles up the spines of most people. [Read more…]
How Much Do You Really Need to Exercise?
October 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment
When a doctor prescribes medicine, he gives a precise dose calculated to maximize the health benefits while minimizing any side effects. Similar to medicine, we know that exercise is good for our health; it reduces the risk of developing chronic disease and prolongs our life. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 8 percent of people in the U.S. over age 40 die as a result of too little exercise. [Read more…]
The Psychology of Compliments: A Nice Word Goes a Long Way
October 7, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Imagine that you’re sitting in a coffee shop enjoying your drink and reading the paper when someone taps you on the shoulder. “Your jacket is beautiful,” the stranger says. “The color really complements your eyes.” [Read more…]
