Mind & Mood Archive

A 2022 study found that antidepressant use during pregnancy is not associated with problems in children's future brain health or behavior patterns. The medications were not linked to conditions such as autism, ADHD, or problems in speech, language, learning, and coordination.

People exposed to long-term stress have a higher risk of dying from cancer, according to a 2022 study. The connection may be related to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Nearsightedness is a growing problem worldwide. While genes and developmental factors play a role in whether a child becomes nearsighted, research suggests that spending time outdoors can lower a child's risk of developing this condition.

Concussions occur when the brain bumps or twists inside the skull after a blow to the head. Signs of concussion include headache, eye pain or fatigue, neck pain or stiffness, imbalance, impaired depth perception, difficulty remembering, or sleep pattern changes.

A 2022 study of 160,000 former smokers, followed for about 20 years, found that those who were the most diligent about living a healthy lifestyle had a 27% lower risk of dying during the study period, compared with those who didn't live a healthy lifestyle.

People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition marked by trouble focusing and impulsive behavior, may be more likely to have cardiovascular disease that people without the disorder.

A 2022 study of 78,000 healthy people (ages 40 to 79) who wore fitness trackers found that people who walked about 9,800 steps per day (about five miles) were 51% less likely to develop dementia, compared with people who didn't walk much at all.

Having a dog or another pet appears to lower the risk of high blood pressure and improve blood pressure control. Pet ownership may foster positive feelings (such as decreased stress) and habits (such as daily walks) that may improve heart health. People who own dogs walk about 20 minutes more per day on average than those without dogs. Pets can help combat loneliness and social isolation, which have been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from these causes.

A study found that people with mild cognitive impairment who did crossword puzzles regularly showed modest improvement in cognition and less brain shrinkage. Will doing crossword puzzles be helpful to people whose thinking and memory are normal?

Social media and apps about babies and children can fuel worries about a child's development. It's important to remember that every child is different and may move through stages of development at varying paces.