Health
Support Brain Health: Simple ways to add to your wellness routine
When most people think of wellness, diet and exercise are the first things that come to mind. Brain health is another essential element of your overall wellness because it affects your quality of life in many ways.
(Family Features) When most people think of wellness, diet and exercise are the first things that come to mind. Brain health is another essential element of your overall wellness because it affects your quality of life in many ways.
Brain health is the foundation of your ability to live a productive and successful life by communicating and solving problems. It’s the driving force behind your daily function.
Give your brain extra support with these tips:
Stimulate Your Mind
Like any muscle, your brain needs exercise. Your workout equipment for your brain can include activities like puzzles, reading, learning an instrument, taking up a new hobby or learning a new language.
Focus on Brain-Supporting Foods
What you eat doesn’t just affect your physical health; it affects your brain health, too. One example is the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, which is the result of more than 20 years of data collected by researchers at Rush University Medical Center and Harvard School of Public Health.
It follows the Mediterranean style of eating whole foods with minimal processing and includes an emphasis on plant-based foods, including leafy greens, whole grains and heart-healthy legumes along with some fish and smaller amounts of poultry. The MIND diet aims to build on these principles and emphasizes antioxidant-rich berries, dark leafy greens and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring or sardines.
A dish like Kale and Quinoa Bowl with Salmon reflects the MIND diet guidelines and is a delicious and smart way to support your brain with good nutrition.
“Fueling your brain starts with your plate,” said Melissa Halas, MA, RDN. “This tasty kale, quinoa and salmon recipe by Alton Brown has smart ingredients that match the MIND diet. Plus, the results are delicious. It’s so important to support your brain with the right nutrients.”
Sleep Well
While you catch up on your rest, your body is hard at work rejuvenating all your systems, and your brain is no exception. Getting plenty of sleep each night gives your brain time to repair itself so you wake feeling sharp and focused.
Add a Supplement to Your Daily Routine
Most people fall short of reaching recommended nutrient levels with their diets alone. Supplements can help fill the gap. An option like Neuriva Plus can help support the key indicators of brain health: reasoning (think and understand things in a logical way), focus (zoom in and filter out distractions), accuracy (react with greater speed and precision), memory (record and recall stored information), learning (retain new information) and concentration (concentrating on tasks for longer periods).*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Available in capsules and gummies, the Neuriva brain health supplements include naturally sourced ingredients like Neurofactor™ (coffee cherry extract) and plant-sourced phosphatidylserine (PS), as well as B vitamins to support brain health.
“I recently turned 60 and over the past couple of decades, I’ve been very focused on taking care of my health from the inside out – first with my food, and now taking action to support my brain health,” said Alton Brown, award-winning chef and food geek. “Neuriva fits perfectly into my holistic regimen, which for me, is just simple life practices, like exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep.”
Manage Stress
Keeping your stress in check is good for your mental well-being, but it also affects your physical and cognitive health. Practicing yoga, meditation or listening to music are some ways to reduce stress while improving your cognitive function and performance.
Connect with Others
Personal interaction also sharpens your brain, as it encourages you to practice communication and other cognitive skills. You can protect and improve your brain health by creating and nurturing connections with friends and family.
Keep Moving
Your brain needs plenty of oxygen for good function. Physical activity burns calories and builds muscle while increasing oxygen flow and stimulating nerve cell growth.
For more ideas to support brain health and wellness, visit Neuriva.com and download the Neuriva Brain Gym app.
Kale and Quinoa Bowl with Salmon
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown on behalf of Neuriva
Servings: 4
Kale and Quinoa Bowl:
- 1 bunch lacinato or “dinosaur” kale, stems removed and cut into ribbons (about 4 ounces, stemmed)
- 1 bunch (1 1/2 ounces) flat leaf parsley, stems removed and roughly chopped
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon, zest and juice only
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
- 4 ounces firm feta cheese, divided
- 1cup (3 1/2 ounces) walnuts, toasted and lightly crushed, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups cooked white quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- freshly ground black pepper
Salmon:
- 2 skin-on salmon fillets (around 1-inch thick and 5 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- To make kale and quinoa bowls: In large bowl, toss kale, parsley and shallots with 2 tablespoons olive oil; set aside 10 minutes.
- In bowl of food processor, puree remaining olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, yogurt, 2 ounces feta, 1/3 of the walnuts and salt.
- Pour dressing over greens then fold in quinoa, remaining walnuts, cherries and remaining feta.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving with several grinds of black pepper.
- To make salmon: Wrap fillets in paper towels then heat large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes.
- When skillet is hot, season fillets with salt. Add oil to skillet and carefully tilt to evenly cover bottom. When oil shimmers, slide fillets in, skin-side down, pressing each fillet firmly down with spatula.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 3 minutes then cover and cook 2 minutes.
- Carefully flip fillets, cover and cook 1 minute, or until fillets reach desired doneness or internal temperature of at least 130 F** on thermometer inserted into centers.
**The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. - To serve, separate kale and quinoa mixture into four bowls. Slice each fillet in half and place on top of kale and quinoa.
Content courtesy of Neuriva
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman eating at laptop)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman doing a puzzle)
Photo courtesy of Lynne Calamia (Kale and Quinoa Bowl with Salmon)
SOURCE:
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health and wellness
Understanding and Treating Rosacea: What You Need to Know
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting over 16 million Americans, causing facial redness, swelling, and discomfort. Its exact cause is unclear, but triggers include sun exposure and stress. Treatment involves tailored skincare, lifestyle management, and medication. Crescel’s Skin Renewal Cream offers a scientifically-backed solution to manage symptoms effectively.
(Feature Impact) Rosacea is a chronic skin condition, mainly affecting the face, that causes redness, swelling, pain and changes in appearance. It is estimated that more than 16 million people in the United States have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), but only about 1 million are under active treatment.
Physical impacts include prominent redness, acne-like bumps and pimples, highly visible enlarged blood vessels, pronounced dryness and unpleasant sensations like stinging, burning, itching and tingling. As many as half of sufferers also experience eye symptoms. Rosacea also affects emotional and social well-being. From lower confidence and self-esteem to avoidance of public contact and social engagements and missed work, the impacts are far-reaching. However, rosacea can be treated and managed.
Learn more about the condition with this information from the NRS and the experts at Crescel, who are transforming rosacea care by harnessing nature and science to heal skin with their Skin Renewal Cream. It holds the NRS’s Seal of Acceptance, and its therapeutic benefits and tolerance have been confirmed in multiple clinical studies.
“Sensitive and easily irritated skin is a common issue for people with rosacea, and harsh products can aggravate the condition,” said Andrew Huff, executive director of the NRS. “That’s why the NRS expertly evaluates skin care and cosmetic products to ensure they are gentle, clinically tested and found to be unlikely to irritate sensitive rosacea skin.”
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood. However, research suggests facial redness is often the first step in a chain of skin inflammation. This process may begin when the nerves, blood vessels and immune system don’t work together as they should.
Researchers have also found a microscopic skin mite called Demodex may play a role. These tiny arachnids normally live within hair follicles and oil glands on everyone’s skin, but people with rosacea tend to have higher numbers on the face, which may contribute to irritation and inflammation.
Some studies have found links between rosacea and other health conditions, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, neurological or autoimmune conditions and certain cancers. These findings suggest rosacea may be related to inflammation throughout the body.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms of rosacea include:
- Easy or severe blushing or flushing
- Persistent redness
- Bumps and pimples on the skin without blackheads
- Burning or itching sensation
- Swelling
Symptoms are different for each person and can change over time. There may be times when symptoms are worse and instances when they become milder.
What triggers a flare up?
Rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger flare-ups or aggravate the condition.
Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, spicy foods and some skin, hair and makeup products.
What causes a flare-up in one person may have no effect on another, making this a highly individualized process. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help reduce discomfort, improve treatment results and prevent the condition from getting worse.
How do you treat rosacea?
Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary from one patient to another, treatment is tailored by a physician for each individual case. It typically involves three key elements:
- Skin care: Committing to a gentle routine using mild, non-irritating products.
- Lifestyle management: Identifying and reducing exposure to triggers.
- Medication and other therapies: Combining topical and oral treatments along with laser therapy to target various symptoms.
As the world’s first intelligent therapeutic, Crescel’s Skin Renewal Cream harnesses nature and science to heal skin. The cream contains:
- Pioneering microemulsion technology that enables continuous delivery of critical cellular nutrients that are essential for skin healing.
- A unique absorption system, whichallows healing nutrients to easily enter the cell.
- Mitochondria reboot technologythat restores the mitochondria’s ability to repair dysfunctional skin cells while reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, reducing the risk of future irritation and flare-ups.
Talk with your dermatologist about your treatment routine and visit crescel.com to learn more about rosacea care.
SOURCE:
Crescel
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Child Health
Recognizing the Signs of Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: How Early Recognition and Advocacy Helped One Family Find Answers
Diane Benke noticed her son Alex’s height concerns starting at age 7, despite his pediatrician’s reassurances. After persistent worries, they consulted an endocrinologist, leading to a diagnosis of Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (PGHD). Following treatment changes, including a switch to weekly hormone injections, Alex’s growth improved, allowing the family to focus on their well-being.
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) “Our concerns about Alex’s growth began around the age of 7,” said his mother, Diane Benke.
Though Alex measured around the 50th percentile for weight, his height consistently hovered around the 20th percentile. Benke’s instincts told her something wasn’t quite right.
“I kept asking our pediatrician if this could mean something more,” she said. “Each time, I was reassured that everything was fine. After all, I’m only 5 feet tall myself.”
At first, Benke tried setting her worries aside. Alex was one of the youngest in his class, and she wondered if he could simply be a “late bloomer.”
However, as Alex progressed through elementary school, particularly in the 4th and 6th grades, his height percentile dropped into the single digits. The height difference between Alex and his peers became impossible to ignore.
Despite Benke’s growing concerns, their pediatrician continued to assure them Alex was fine.
“We were told as long as he was making some progress on the growth chart, there was no need to worry,” she said, “but we were never actually shown the charts.”
It wasn’t until one of Benke’s friends confided that her own daughter had recently been diagnosed with Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (PGHD) that she decided to seek an endocrinologist.
“Although it took several months to get an appointment,” Benke said, “we were determined to get more answers.”
Navigating the Diagnosis Process
Getting a diagnosis for many medical conditions can be a long journey. However, early detection and diagnosis of PGHD is important. It can help minimize the impact on overall health and support optimal growth.
Once Alex was seen by a pediatric endocrinologist, he underwent a series of evaluations, including bloodwork, a bone age X-ray to compare his chronological age with his skeletal age and a growth hormone stimulation test, which measures the body’s ability to produce growth hormone. He also had a brain MRI to rule out the potential of any pituitary abnormalities.
The results of these tests confirmed the diagnosis of PGHD, a rare condition that occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. PGHD affects an estimated 1 in 4,000-10,000 children.
Some common signs parents might notice include: their child being significantly shorter than other kids their age, slower growth rate over time, delayed puberty, reduced muscle strength or lower energy levels, slower bone development and delayed physical milestones.
“Receiving Alex’s diagnosis was a relief,” Benke said. “It provided clarity and a path forward.”
Moving Forward with Treatment
“While the diagnosis process was exhausting, starting treatment made the process worthwhile,” Benke said.
For decades, daily injections of a drug called somatropin, which is similar to the growth hormone your body produces, have been the standard of care for PGHD. It wasn’t until 2015 that the Growth Hormone Research Society recognized the need for a long-acting growth hormone (LAGH), offering once-weekly dosing as an alternative to daily injections.
Benke explained navigating the insurance approval process was another challenge.
“Our insurance required us to try a daily medication before approving a weekly option,” she said.
Alex spent three months on daily medication, often missing doses, before he was approved to switch to a weekly treatment option.
“The weekly option made such a positive impact,” Benke said. “We now have minimal disruptions to our daily routine and Alex hasn’t missed a single dose since.”
Beyond a more convenient dosing option, the change gave Benke peace of mind.
“We could focus more on being a family again, without the daily worries of his next dose,” she said.
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, talk to their doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important, as treatment becomes less effective once a child’s bones stop growing.
Benke’s advice to other parents: “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, seek out a specialist and push for answers and don’t give up, even when faced with hurdles… Stay hopeful and persistent – it’s a journey worth fighting for.”
Visit GHDinKids.com to download a doctor discussion guide to help prepare for your next appointment.
SOURCE:
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The Knowledge
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Annie Margaret, University of Colorado Boulder
How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind
When graphic videos like those of the recent shooting of a protester by federal agents in Minneapolis go viral, it can feel impossible to protect yourself from seeing things you did not consent to see. But there are steps you can take.
Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not protect your peace of mind. The major platforms have also reduced their content moderation efforts over the past year or so. That means upsetting content can reach you even when you never chose to watch it.
You do not have to watch every piece of content that crosses your screen, however. Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial. As a researcher who studies ways to counteract the negative effects of social media on mental health and well-being, I believe it’s a way of safeguarding the bandwidth you need to stay engaged, compassionate and effective.
Why this matters
Research shows that repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media can increase stress, heighten anxiety and contribute to feelings of helplessness. These effects are not just short-term. Over time, they erode the emotional resources you rely on to care for yourself and others.
Protecting your attention is a form of care. Liberating your attention from harmful content is not withdrawal. It is reclaiming your most powerful creative force: your consciousness.
Just as with food, not everything on the table is meant to be eaten. You wouldn’t eat something spoiled or toxic simply because it was served to you. In the same way, not every piece of media laid out in your feed deserves your attention. Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.
And while you can choose what you keep in your own kitchen cabinets, you often have less control over what shows up in your feeds. That is why it helps to take intentional steps to filter, block and set boundaries.
Practical steps you can take
Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos. Here are four that I recommend:
- Turn off autoplay or limit sensitive content. Note that these settings can vary depending on device, operating system and app version, and can change.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d1deR/2
- Use keyword filters. Most platforms allow you to mute or block specific words, phrases or hashtags. This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.
- Curate your feed. Unfollow accounts that regularly share disturbing images. Follow accounts that bring you knowledge, connection or joy instead.
- Set boundaries. Reserve phone-free time during meals or before bed. Research shows that intentional breaks reduce stress and improve well-being.
Reclaim your agency
Social media is not neutral. Its algorithms are engineered to hold your attention, even when that means amplifying harmful or sensational material. Watching passively only serves the interests of the social media companies. Choosing to protect your attention is a way to reclaim your agency.
The urge to follow along in real time can be strong, especially during crises. But choosing not to watch every disturbing image is not neglect; it is self-preservation. Looking away protects your ability to act with purpose. When your attention is hijacked, your energy goes into shock and outrage. When your attention is steady, you can choose where to invest it.
You are not powerless. Every boundary you set – whether it is turning off autoplay, filtering content or curating your feed – is a way of taking control over what enters your mind. These actions are the foundation for being able to connect with others, help people and work for meaningful change.
More resources
I’m the executive director of the Post-Internet Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate the psychological and social challenges of life online. With my team, I designed the evidence-backed PRISM intervention to help people manage their social media use.
Our research-based program emphasizes agency, intention and values alignment as the keys to developing healthier patterns of media consumption. You can try the PRISM process for yourself with an online class I launched through Coursera in October 2025. You can find the course, Values Aligned Media Consumption, on Coursera. The course is aimed at anyone 18 and over, and the videos are free to watch.
This story was updated on Jan. 25, 2026 to include reference to the recent shooting in Minneapolis.
Annie Margaret, Teaching Assistant Professor of Creative Technology & Design, ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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