Image Credit: zurijeta/123rf.com As the holiday season approaches, many families grapple with the nuances of gift-giving, particularly when it comes to teachers. In light of this, etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, offers straightforward guidelines to help families navigate this process without stress. When it comes to class gift contributions, Meier suggests that…
Image Credit: mrcooking/123rf.com A recent study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 highlights the potential health risks associated with sleeping in illuminated environments. Research indicates that exposure to ambient light during sleep is linked to increased stress levels in the brain, heightened arterial inflammation, and a greater risk of cardiovascular events such…
Image Credit: wavebreakmediamicro/123rf.com As the holiday season approaches, gatherings often bring joy and connection but also increase the risk of spreading respiratory viruses such as the flu and RSV. Health experts emphasize the importance of discussing symptoms with guests before hosting events to protect vulnerable individuals. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Yancey highlights that mild…
The Optimist Daily’s Annual Local Changemakers series concludes with a spotlight on two influential women working to empower communities through education. The stories of Shirley Santana Herrera and Shereen Arent illustrate how education serves as a crucial tool for transformation, particularly for women and youth in underserved regions. In Rajasthan, India, Sambhali Trust has been…
Image Credit: areeya/123rf.com In a significant advancement for women’s health, the National Health Service (NHS) in England has made the morning-after pill available for free at nearly 10,000 pharmacies. This initiative, which began this week, allows individuals to obtain emergency contraception without the need for a doctor’s appointment or clinic visit. Previously, access to free…
Image Credit: Photo courtesy of Shower The People. In San Luis Obispo County, California, the nonprofit organization Shower the People has made significant strides in providing mobile hygiene services to underserved populations. Founded by Gwen Watkins, who initiated the project in her seventies, the organization has delivered over 25,000 showers to individuals experiencing homelessness since…
Image Credit: karom/123rf.com A recent clinical trial led by researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has produced groundbreaking findings regarding the consumption of coffee among individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. Contrary to longstanding advice to avoid caffeine, the study suggests that drinking…
Image Credit: Photo courtesy of Montclair Bike Bus. In Montclair, New Jersey, a unique community initiative has transformed the school commute for families over the past three years. What began as a small experiment among five families has evolved into a weekly bike bus event, attracting up to 400 participants. Each Friday, children, parents, and…
Image Credit: toeytoey/123rf.com Tuberculosis (TB), the leading infectious disease killer globally, accounts for over 1.2 million deaths each year. However, advancements in technology are transforming the landscape of TB diagnosis, particularly in low-resource settings. At the Boniaba Community Health Center in Mali, a portable x-ray machine combined with an artificial intelligence (AI) model is enabling…
Image Credit: tupungato/123rf.com A recent study from King’s College London has revealed significant health benefits associated with viewing original artworks. The research indicates that spending time with art can reduce stress, enhance emotional balance, and potentially contribute to long-term physical well-being. The study involved fifty healthy adults aged eighteen to forty, who were divided into…
