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An illustration of a person kayaking on water, with the word

The power of purpose: How our deepest intentions shape our health

Vic Strecher

Drawing from personal loss and professional research, Michigan Public Health professor Vic Strecher found that a strong sense of purpose can lead to a longer life, with improved emotional wellbeing, and even changes in gene expression leading to physical improvements.

A photo of a Black mother holding her infant child

Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week

Avonlea Rickerson

Maternal and infant mortality are widely considered to be an indication of a nation's overall health, and the United States' rates are relatively higher than those in more disadvantaged countries. Those rates increase drastically for Black mothers in America.

Two women sit on a couch while in emotional distress and grieving

A public health perspective on Prolonged Grief Disorder

Chris Giang

Every day, millions of Americans grieve the death of a loved one. Some individuals will find their grief so emotionally intense that it persists an unusually long time and interferes with daily life. The American Psychiatric Association now calls this Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).