Being kind to others can make you feel good. But did you know that kindness has measurable health benefits? Research indicates that being kind improves a person’s self-esteem and mood. In addition, kindness has physical effects, including decreased blood pressure and stress levels. Being kind, it turns out, can help you stay healthy. The best…
Influenza (or “the flu”) is a viral respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. Up to 20 percent of the population is infected with the flu each year, and thousands of people are hospitalized. These facts will help you plan ahead for flu season: Respiratory flu is highly contagious. Symptoms, which typically begin within…
While many parents will try to protect their children from news about war or terrorism events and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, it may be difficult to filter out all knowledge. Children may catch glimpses of images in the news or hear about the situation from friends or via overheard conversations. Stories about children who are…
Hearing about a humanitarian crisis as a result of war or terrorism may be disturbing, especially if you have personal connections to one or more of the countries involved. You may experience emotional reactions, such as: Feeling vulnerable and insecure. Watching these events on the news, especially if you have friends or family members there,…
Feeling nervous is a common reaction to having an important meeting or making a difficult decision. Even positive events, such as a wedding or the birth of a child, may make a person nervous. For some people, nervousness may trigger feelings of worry or doubt and could result in physical symptoms, such as headaches…
Adopting a pet is a great way to add more love and companionship into your life. However, it is important to think through the practical considerations before you bring a pet home. Questions to ask yourself include: What kind of pet do I want? What previous experience do I have with this kind of pet?…
Sometimes, an employee will make a mistake that shakes their confidence. When this occurs, they may mistrust their own judgment or instincts in a way that impacts their productivity. While taking the time to do a “gut check” is important, a lingering loss of confidence may turn a short-term error into a long-term problem. If…
When making a list of the key qualities a manager should bring to their work, emotional intelligence (or EQ) is sometimes forgotten. Yet emotional intelligence, or the ability to recognize the impact one’s behavior has on others, is a key ingredient in management success. A person who is skilled in the use of emotional intelligence…
These days, it’s difficult to function in the world without an online presence. Try these tips for protecting your privacy and safety online: Think before clicking. “Phishing” is when online scammers send you a message that lures you into clicking on a fake link. Often, the goal is to gain access to your personal information…
Do you have a friend or family member who is going through a rough time? Stay alert for indications that someone may be having suicidal thoughts or need additionalsupport. Warning signs include: Talking about wanting to die or making a plan Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like they are a burden to others Chronic emotional or physical…