At the height of the tuberculosis epidemic in the 19th century, doctors began advising people to venture outside to escape the “bad air” in their homes. In the 1960s, by contrast, AC became widespread in the U.S., increasing the appeal of staying inside. These days, many of us—the so-called “indoor generation”—spend summer mostly inside, relying…
If your dad is a man of few words, you’ve probably already figured out that silence doesn’t necessarily mean distance. “Some men were taught to love in presence, not paragraphs—and that still counts,” says Melanie Preston, a therapist in Atlanta whose dad has always shown up strong but quiet. She remembers him comforting her during…
Going to the dentist is essential for preventing and detecting cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues. But few people go enough: According to the latest federal data, only 65% of adults had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. How often do you really need to visit the dentist? Here’s what oral…
Hot days can feel unbearable without a strong air-conditioning system. Yet many of us take these essential devices for granted. “The only time people pay attention to their air conditioner is when it’s not working,” says Jeffrey Siegel, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto who researches ventilation and indoor air quality….
Trying to talk to someone stuck on their phone is such a universal experience, there’s a name for it: “phubbing,” short for “phone snubbing,” or ignoring someone in favor of a phone. “Everyone hates it, but everyone has also done it,” says Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author…
Getting enough fiber is crucial for optimal health, yet more than 90% of Americans don’t. Federal dietary guidelines recommend 25–34 grams of fiber per day for adults, depending on age and gender—but the average American adult eats only about 8 grams a day“which is far below recommended intake regardless of age or sex,” says Dr….
Researchers still don’t understand what, exactly, causes depression. But what is clear is this: It doesn’t have anything to do with waking up and simply choosing not to appreciate all the good things in life. That’s why Claudia Giolitti-Wright, a psychotherapist in New York, cringes when clients with depression report back on what their friends…