Public health recommendations have always been a hard sell. Resistance to new behaviors – like the mask-wearing and social distancing advised during the COVID-19 pandemic – is part of human nature.
Anti-racism protest, 2020.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
It's draining and depressing to stay on high alert month after month after month. Understanding pandemic fatigue better might help you strengthen your resolve.
New guidelines for health-care providers advise supporting every individual to achieve their best health, rather than focusing on weight status.
(Shutterstock)
New Canadian clinical practice guidelines for obesity aim to help reduce the prevalence and impact of weight bias and stigma in clinical care, and also encourage the public to advocate for change.
Masks are a crucial tool for stopping the pandemic – but don’t let them give you a false sense of security.
Patricia J. Garcinuno/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images Europe
Policies meant to improve public health – like mandatory face masks during the coronavirus pandemic – need to take into account how people might adjust other behaviors in response.
Your body wants you to freak out about germs so you avoid them.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Human psychology has evolved to avoid situations that could lead to infection. Behavioral choices now could have long-term effects on how people interact with others and the world.
Childhood adversity doesn't just affect our choices – according to new research, it also weakens the body's fundamental ability to stay healthy in old age.
Healthy choices are more complicated than a devil-angel contest suggests.
Serggod/Shutterstock.com
Are healthy behaviors virtuous (and unhealthy ones sinful), or are they just like any other choice? Here's how we could likely improve our health if we viewed choice differently.
White men gain more health benefits from employment than do black men and women.
Angela Waye/from www.shutterstock.com
Employment is good for health, but it is even better for white men than for others. And unemployment is worse for white men than others. Could these findings shine light on our political situation?