SEARCH

TikTok. The social media platform that’s all the rage with tweens, high schoolers and college kids. It can be fun and make you laugh. But it can also interfere with brain development and have a negative impact on mental health. 

We asked Jessica Griffin, PsyD, Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Clinical Psychologist, and Executive Director of Lifeline for Kids, to answer some questions about the impact TikTok and other social platforms are having.

TikTok, Children and the Brain

What impact is TikTok having on children's attention span and ability to focus? 

We need more research in...

A perfect dressing for a perfect party vegetable. Brussels sprouts can be substituted with broccoli, turnips, kale or another favorite veggie. Serve over chicken or other protein, eat as a side dish, or try it as a healthy mid-afternoon snack. 

Serves 4

Most of us are familiar with the primary symptoms of menopause — hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes and slowing metabolism. But there are other lesser-known menopause symptoms we may experience as our ovaries produce waning supplies of progesterone and estrogen, including insomnia, a metallic taste in your mouth, and body odor. Read on for tips on how to deal with them.

The holiday season is upon us! This time of year offers so much as does every moment really. For many people, this can be a festive time spent with family and friends. For some, however, this can be a time of heightened loneliness. And for most of us, what is intended as a time of joy and celebration can quickly become one of overwhelm and stress. We may go between thoughts of too much (to do, to cook, too many people in this house!) or too little (money, time, patience, no one in the house). We may find ourselves riding one wave of emotion after another. Excitement gives way to exhaustion...

'Tis the season for giving! During the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the gifts, decorations and parties. It's important to take a step back from all the celebrations to see what you can do to give back. We've come up with 31 ways you can give back to your community - one for each day of December.

1. Help a neighbor with their holiday decorations.
2. Volunteer at your child's school.
3. Sponsor a less fortunate child and give them a gift.
4. Donate a gift from UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center gift registry.
5. Put your change in a jar and choose a place to donate it at the end of the month.
6. Buy...

Your family can't resist this Mandarin Stir-Fry Beef recipe. Crispy veggies go nicely with tender beef and tangerines. You could also replace the beef with chicken, and throw in other veggies you have in your fridge.

It’s widely known that walking is one of the best and easiest ways to add exercise to your life, but did you know that walking on sand can be easier on your body while giving you a better workout?

Get in step when it comes to keeping your feet healthy especially if you have diabetes. People with diabetes can develop foot problems of all kinds. These problems can happen when there is nerve damage or poor blood flow. You may experience pain, tingling or weakness in the foot. If you lose the feeling in your foot, you might not realize you injured it. Also, changes in the shape of your feet or toes can cause problems.

Steps to Keep Your Diabetic Feet Healthy

Follow these steps to stay a step ahead of unhealthy feet:

1. Learn all you can about how diabetes can affect your feet.
2. Inspect the tops and...

When your life spins out of control, asking for help for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.