InfoTrak

Simple outdoor activities like walking and gardening emerged as powerful tools for maintaining mental health during the pandemic. Colby Parkinson, doctoral student at Penn State, discusses his research that revealed the significant impact of regular outdoor engagement on reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Ever wondered why some medications cost a fortune but might not work as promised? Jerry Avorn, MD, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Senior Internist in the Mass General Brigham health-care system, author of “Rethinking Medications: Truth, Power, and the Drugs You Take”, pulls back the curtain on America's complex pharmaceutical landscape and how it affects your health.

That “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of an email might clean up the user’s inbox--or make them a bigger target. TK Keanini, Chief Technology Officer at DNSFilter, explains the surprising risks, and suggests other options to filter inboxes and reduce email clutter.

Did you know that survivors of childhood abuse face twice the risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes? Esme Fuller-Thomson, PhD, Professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Director for the Institute of Life Course and Aging, discusses the devastating long-term impact of early trauma on adult health.

Adults over 65 are now the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users. Danielle Haley, PhD, Assistant Professor of Community Health Sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health, explains why the perception of cannabis as a harmless natural substance might be misleading, especially given today's higher potency products.

Did you know your household dryer could be costing you over $2,100 in its lifetime? Shelie Miller, Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, Professor and Co-Director of the U-M Center for Sustainable Systems, shares facts that might forever change the way you think about drying your clothes.

Alarming new research reveals a disturbing link between social media use and rising depression symptoms in preteens. Jason Nagata, MD, MSc, Associate Professor in University of California - San Francisc’s Department of Pediatrics, offers guidance for parents on navigating the complex relationship between social media and youth mental well-being.

Did you know that even if you hit the gym regularly, sitting for extended periods could still be silently sabotaging your health? Ryan Bruellman, lead researcher and doctoral candidate in University of California - Riverside’s Department of Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, shares startling findings about how prolonged sitting affects our cholesterol levels and BMI, even in physically active individuals.

America has lost over 11,000 community banks in just four decades. Oscar Perry Abello, author of “The Banks We Deserve: Reclaiming Community Banking for a Just Economy,” offers examples of local community banks that address societal issues in their communities, and thrive by deeply understanding local businesses.

Relapse is common when someone is trying to quit, regardless of whether they’re giving up opioids or alcohol or cigarettes. Rafaela Fontes, PhD, Research Scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, a partnership between Virginia Tech and the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA, reveals groundbreaking insights into the varying challenges of substance cessation.