Many people may be suffering from symptoms of common mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, without realizing that variable blood sugar could be the culprit. Michigan Public Health alumna Isa Kay explores a growing body of evidence that suggests a relationship between mood and blood-sugar.
Studies show that shared family meals create health benefits for children and adolescents. The simple act of sharing a healthy meal together not only boosts mental and physical health but helps us create family memories that will stay with us for years.
Though an Obama-era executive order prohibits solitary confinement of juveniles in the federal prison system, in part because of negative mental health implications, state prison systems not subject to federal regulation continue to isolate minors. Michigan Public Health graduate Madison Polay explores the issue and the need for critical policy change.
Many Michigan public schools are under pressure to improve student grades and test scores. But currently the connection between student grades and student health is under-recognized. To improve student health, schools should include public health programs about mental and behavioral health in classrooms.
1 of every 7 adults still smokes. And smoking kills nearly 500,000 Americans every year. That number exceeds the total of all deaths caused by opioids and other drugs, alcohol, motor vehicle injuries, homicide, suicide, HIV/AIDS, and fires. What populations are most affected by smoking? What can be done to prevent smoking related deaths?
As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increases, public health can provide life-saving support in the aftermath. Disaster response research might not fall neatly into a single academic discipline, but we cannot allow disaster relief to fall through the cracks.