HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Helping Teens Stay Drug-Free

FAMILY LIFE

Most parents don’t want to think about their teen using drugs. They assume their teen is doing OK. They may also think it would be obvious if their teen was into drugs or alcohol.

Unfortunately, even teens with great parents sometimes take risks and make dangerous choices.

Why do teens take risks?

A teen’s brain is very sensitive to emotions and doing things that feel good. Plus, their brains aren’t fully developed yet.

This means they are not ready to make rational decisions all the time. They may also struggle with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. It can be all too easy to slip into using drugs or alcohol.

What can parents do?

A good relationship with your teen is important. This can help them feel they can talk to you about challenges they are facing. This also means they might come to you if they have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Here are some tips to help you stay connected:

*Be a great listener.Talk with your teen about their daily life. Give them a chance to express their opinion. Don’t interrupt. If they tell you something upsetting, try to remain calm. Ask them how you can help.

*Help them find activities.Teens do well if they have an outlet for fun and stress relief. This may be music, sports, religious activities or volunteering.

*Know your teen’s friends.Encourage your teen and their friends to hang out at your house.

*Don’t solve their problems for them.Parents want to help their teen when they need it. But it’s often more effective to teach them skills to help them solve their own problems. If they have a fight with a friend, talk with them about ways they could work it out themselves. Offer your support but try not to step in.

*Talk about tough stuff.Help your teen figure out what to do if they are being pressured into something. Show them that they can turn to you. Do they feel comfortable calling you if they need a ride home from a party? Can they talk to you about peer pressure and drinking?

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Host Productive Meetings

WORK LIFE

Work meetings are an opportunity to collaborate, share information, and strengthen connections. But, a poorly run meeting drains time and energy. Here’s how to make your meetings productive and worthwhile.

Have an agenda

Know exactly what needs to be addressed and put it in writing ahead of time. Try to stay on-topic and work your way through the planned agenda. If someone brings up something off-topic, plan another avenue to address it.

Be on time

Starting and ending as scheduled shows your employees and co-workers you value their time. Don’t wait for late arrivals, and don’t spend time bringing people up to speed if they arrive late. If you embrace a culture of punctuality, people will honor it.

Keep meetings small

Only invite the necessary people. A good general cap is 7-9 people, though your number will depend on your team. Smaller meetings allow everyone to participate and keep only the essential people involved.

Facilitate the discussion

As the meeting leader, it’s up to you to keep the conversation productive and on-task. Refer to the pre-planned agenda as needed to re-focus the discussion. If one person is dominating the talk, it’s OK to politely redirect.

Set clear action-items

A productive meeting should produce clear next steps to address the agenda items. End the session by restating the action items and clarifying who is responsible for each. Everyone should leave knowing what comes next.

Send follow-up details

Put the action items in writing and send them to the team to ensure everyone is on the same page. Be sure to follow up on anything that arose during the meeting. It will be easier for everyone to stay focused if they know you will follow through.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Caffeine Affects Your Brain

WELL-BEING

Every day, millions of people wake up with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Caffeine in these products helps you feel alert. But how does caffeine work – and what does it do to your brain?

Adenosine and sleepiness

Your body naturally makes a chemical called adenosine. It builds up in your body during the day. As levels get higher, you start to feel tired.

Caffeine blocks adenosine from working on brain cells. This prevents you from feeling sleepy. But it can’t fool your body forever. Over time, your body makes more adenosine. Then you need more caffeine to get the same “perk-up” effects.

Adenosine is one of the reasons it’s hard to quit caffeine. When you suddenly stop, your body must start making lower levels of adenosine again. This takes time. You might feel more tired or get headaches while your body adjusts.

Sensitivity varies

Have you ever had too much caffeine? You might feel sick to your stomach or like your heart is racing. You may also feel anxious or nervous.

But not everyone has this reaction. Some people break down caffeine faster than other people. How fast you process caffeine depends on your genes.

Who should skip caffeine?

Avoid caffeine if you have:

* Acid reflux or other digestive problems

* Trouble sleeping or sleep disorders

* High blood pressure

* Heart conditions

Children, teens and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are often advised to stay away from caffeine, too.

Is caffeine safe?

For most healthy adults, a little caffeine each day is OK. But choose sources without lots of added sugar, such as overly sweetened coffee drinks and sweet teas. And if you’re tired all the time, make sure you’re:

* Getting enough sleep

* Eating a healthy diet

* Drinking enough water each day

* Getting regular exercise, which can boost your energy levels

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about caffeine and your health.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Build Strong, Healthy Nails

SELF-CARE CORNER

Taking proper care of your nails is more than a matter of looks. Clear, strong nails are a marker of good physical health. They reflect everything from your level of stress to the quality of your diet.

It may seem like a simple thing, but caring for your nails is an essential part of a comprehensive self-care routine. Healthy nails don’t happen by chance. Here is what you need to know to keep your nails in excellent condition.

Keep nails trimmed and shaped

Don’t wait for nails to break or become jagged before giving them a good trim. Fingernails, in particular, need frequent grooming to maintain a healthy shape.

For best health, cut nails straight across. Then, use an emery board to give them a rounded shape at the tips. This will prevent breakage and minimize the risk of ingrown nails.

The nails on your fingers grow three times faster than the nails on your toes. Plan to trim and shape them more often than your toenails.

Care for your cuticles

The cuticle seals the skin of your finger around the nail. Never trim or move the cuticles as this disrupts the seal and increases your risk of a nail infection. If you go for a manicure, let the technician know to leave the cuticles alone.

Cuticles benefit from extra moisture, especially in the winter months. You can use a special cuticle moisturizer. Or, even simple hand lotion massaged into the nail area will improve cuticle health.

Limit manicures and pedicures

Harsh nail products and regular use of polish weaken your nails. Wearing artificial nails can make your nails thin and brittle, as well as increase the risk of infection.

Enjoy manicures and pedicures on occasion, but make sure to give your nails a break in between. Letting your nails enjoy time without polish or products will keep them healthy and less prone to breakage.

If you really love artificial nails, save them for special occasions and opt for a simple french manicure whenever possible.

Don’t forget your toenails

Because toenails do not grow as fast, they often don’t get as much care and attention. But don’t fall into the habit of ignoring them.

Inspect toenails regularly and watch for sharp edges or ingrown nails. Also, keep a close eye out for changes in nail color which could signal a nail problem or even an infection.

Wear comfortable shoes that don’t pinch the toes and use flip-flops at public showers or pools. These steps will keep the toenails clean and healthy.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Handle Criticism

WORK LIFE

No one likes to be criticized. It’s not an enjoyable experience to have your work, speech, or actions critiqued by those around you. However, handled well, criticism can be helpful. If you learn to listen and discern when a critique is valid, you can leverage the discomfort as a tool for growth.

Steps to handle criticism

Listen

Resist the urge to shut down and shield yourself from the uncomfortable feeling of being criticized. Pause and listen to what is being shared.

Don’t make it personal

While sometimes you may experience a personal attack disguised as critique, try to separate yourself from the criticism. You’re not a bad person for having room to improve.

Ask for clarification

Not everyone is skilled at giving constructive criticism. You, as the receiver, may need to ask questions to determine how to improve.

Take time to reflect

Criticism that stings in the moment may be easier to learn from after your initial emotions fade. Take time to digest criticism to see how you can improve.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up plan to ensure you’ve made the necessary changes. This demonstrates your commitment to personal growth.

If necessary, let it go

Criticism shouldn’t hang over your head. Learn what you can and then move on. This is especially important in the face of criticism that is not helpful.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Walking Can Change Your Life

BE FIT

Many people don’t exercise because they believe it takes too much time or money. They may think they need to spend an hour at the gym each day to get healthier. These myths could be standing in the way of a healthier life.

Exercise is a universal way to improve health. We know that physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. It also boosts energy levels and can help you sleep better. But there’s another benefit to exercise that many people may not know about: better mental health.

If you are thinking about being more active, a walking program is a tried and true favorite form of physical activity. As an exercise, walking is easy to begin and maintain. Plus, it needs no special skills or expensive equipment, and can be done year-round, outdoors and indoors.

For those who thought they didn’t have time to walk or exercise, there’s good health news. Even a small amount of exercise can help you feel better mentally by reducing feelings of depression and anxiety, and improving cognition.

Getting a treadmill: Questions to ask

Treadmills have been a mainstay in gyms for years. Many people also get one for their homes. They’re simple to use and can adjust to your fitness level. But should you buy one? Here’s what to consider:

How much money do you want to spend?

A new treadmill can cost hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars. But many people can get used treadmills for a fraction of the cost. If you buy a used one, make sure to test it first to be sure it works. Ask the seller if they have the instruction manual.

Can you do other indoor exercise?

You don’t need a treadmill to get a good workout inside. You can turn on music and dance or use a fitness video or interactive game. Consider how many days per year you would need the treadmill because of bad weather. Then, weigh that against the cost.

Will it “work” for you?

Do your research before making the investment. Check out online reviews of the exact treadmill you’re considering. Find out if it’s good for running, walking or both. Will it work with your height? Taller people often need a longer treadmill belt.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Your Surroundings Affect Your Health

WELL-BEING

Most people spend a lot of time in their home or their workplace. And the things around you can affect how you feel. Your surroundings can affect your:

* Breathing

* Heart rate

* Blood pressure

* Stress levels

* Brain chemicals

You may not notice these changes. They often happen without you realizing it. But these changes can affect your health.

Are your surroundings healthy?

To find out whether your surroundings are good for you, trust your feelings. If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

* Does this room make me feel relaxed or tense?

* Do I feel happy or sad when I walk in?

* When I look at an item, how does it make me feel?

* Do certain sounds or smells make me cringe or feel on edge? Or do sounds and smells make me feel relaxed or peaceful?

Some people find that just thinking about certain places make them feel stressed. For instance, you may feel anxious about going to the hospital or the doctor’s office.

Why your surroundings matter

If you have past experiences with a place or thing, this will shape how you feel about them now. For instance, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), surroundings can trigger bad memories.

PTSD can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells or places. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. You can get help working through these emotions and any bad memories that harm your mental well-being.

Make your surroundings good for you

Find ways to change your surroundings so they remind you of good things. Try these tips:

* Get plenty of daylight during the day.

* Add artwork, items or photos that make you feel happy. Nature paintings and photos are helpful for many people.

* Add a flower or plant to your space to help you think about nature.

* Listen to nature sounds on your phone or a CD.

Get help from your doctor

A mental health provider can help you break connections that are causing bad memories or negative feelings. Work with your doctor to find resources that can help you balance your health and happiness.

Source: Veterans Health Administration

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Improve Your Home

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Owning a home is a big investment. Regular maintenance and improvement projects help protect your asset and keep it in top condition. These home projects are the best bang for your buck.

Freshen up the paint

A new coat of paint, both inside and out, can make your home look up to date and appealing. It’s an inexpensive way to transform any room, and it’s easy to do yourself.

Update fixtures

Outlet covers, switch plates, light fixtures, and door knobs are simple to replace and make great finishing touches. These minor details really stand out.

Kitchen cabinets

Kitchen remodels are one of the priciest home upgrades. If that is outside your budget, don’t worry. Instead, refresh your existing kitchen cabinets with a more modern paint color or stain.

Install crown molding

This task takes a bit of know-how, but it’s a simple cosmetic improvement that boosts the appearance of the interior. Crown molding makes rooms look pulled together and complete.

Replace front door

Your front door can make a big statement. If the door is worn out, old, or just plain boring, replace it with one that has a fresh, updated color.

Clean up the landscaping

The exterior of your home is the first thing people see. A well-cared-for yard and tidy landscaping set the tone for everything else. Keep planting beds free of weeds and well-mulched.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Infertility: When To See A Doctor

MEDICAL NEWS

It is not uncommon for some couples to have trouble conceiving. If a couple has been trying for one year without success, they are said to be dealing with infertility.

While infertility may be common, it is not hopeless. Many effective treatments are available. Knowing when to talk to your doctor about fertility can help you get closer to your goal of getting pregnant.

What causes infertility?

Infertility is not just a woman’s issue. It can affect one or both partners.

Men require healthy sperm to be fertile. Anything that impacts the number, shape, and movement of sperm may cause infertility. These may include:

* Unhealthy habits

* Trauma to the testes

* Certain medications or supplements

* Cancer treatment

* Medical conditions

Women need functioning ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a uterus to get pregnant. A condition that affects any one of these organs can cause infertility issues. These may include:

* Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

* Diminished ovarian reserve

* Blocked fallopian tubes

* Menopause

* Abnormal uterine shape

When to see a doctor

Every couple should talk to their doctor to let them know they are trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may have specific recommendations and screenings that would be of benefit.

Some couples may be at a higher risk of infertility. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should talk to your doctor right away when trying to conceive:

* Irregular or no menstrual periods

* Painful periods

* Endometriosis

* Pelvic inflammatory disease

* History of miscarriage

* Any suspected male factors, such as cancer treatment, history of teste trauma, etc.

Women over the age of 30 may experience age-related declines in fertility. Once a woman is over 35, infertility becomes more common. While this doesn’t mean someone at that age will not be able to conceive, it does mean you should talk to your doctor sooner if you do not become pregnant.

Any couple who has been trying to conceive for one year without success should talk to their doctor. Couples over the age of 35 should talk to their doctor after six months of trying.

Your doctor may refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in infertility. Never hesitate to talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about yourself or your partner’s fertility.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is It Overactive Bladder Or Just ‘Normal’?

MEDICAL NEWS

Most of us don’t think about bladder health unless there’s a problem like an infection or leakage. Millions of people live with overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is not a disease. It’s a name for a group of symptoms that affect urination.

What is OAB?

Normally, a person might feel like they need to urinate, so they hold it until they reach the toilet. But with OAB, you suddenly feel like you have to go right now – you can’t hold it. This can happen even if your bladder isn’t full. The bladder muscles may be overactive, which leads to the urgent feeling.

Some people with OAB may have to go to the bathroom too often during the day or at night. They may go more than once per night or more than 8 times during the day.

OAB doesn’t always cause leaking or accidents, but it can. This is called urge incontinence, and about half of people with OAB have this bladder condition.

Treatments for OAB

Many people don’t get treatment for OAB because they are embarrassed. But talking with a doctor means you can get treatment. Many people are able to control OAB with one or more of the following:

* Diet changes

* Kegel exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy

* Medications

* Bladder Botox

* Nerve stimulation procedures

Most people do not need surgery for OAB. But doctors may suggest it if other treatments didn’t work and your OAB is severe.

Just a ‘weak bladder’?

OAB becomes more common as we age. But this doesn’t mean it’s part of getting older and that we should ignore it. OAB can interfere with your social and professional life. You don’t have to live with it.

Speak up about bladder problems

If you notice bladder trouble, your doctor can help. Make an appointment to talk about your symptoms. It’s the first step to getting relief so you can get back to living your life.

Sources: National Association for Continence, Urology Care Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026