Have you ever worn new shoes, played outside, or held a tool and ended up with a little bump on your skin filled with liquid? That’s called a blister! Blisters are tiny bubbles that form under the top layer of your skin. They can be filled with clear liquid, blood, or sometimes pus if they get infected. Most blisters appear on your hands or feet, but they can form anywhere your skin rubs, presses, or gets hurt. How Do Blisters Happen? Blisters are your skin’s way of protecti

Do you ever lie in bed at night and just can’t fall asleep? Or maybe you wake up too early and feel tired all day? You might be learning about something called insomnia. Let’s explore what it is, why it happens, and how people can feel better. What is Insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep problem where a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested after sleeping. People with insomnia may feel tired, cranky, or find it hard to concentrate during the day. Inso

Introduction Polio, also called poliomyelitis, is a sickness caused by a virus that mostly affects children under 5. It spreads when someone touches infected poop, drinks dirty water, or eats contaminated food. The virus grows in the throat and intestines. Most people only get mild flu-like symptoms like fever, tiredness, headache, or sore arms and legs. But in about one out of every 200 cases, polio can cause permanent paralysis, which means a child might not be able to mov

Diabetes is a health condition that makes it hard for your body to use sugar from the food you eat for energy. Normally, when you eat, your body breaks down food into sugar called glucose, which goes into your blood. Your pancreas (a small organ near your stomach) makes a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key to help glucose enter your body’s cells so you can have energy. When someone has diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.

What Are Cavities? Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth. They happen when bacteria in your mouth use sugar from foods and drinks to make acid. This acid damages tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Even though enamel is very strong, once it is damaged, it cannot grow back. How Cavities Form After eating, food and bacteria can stick to your teeth and form a sticky layer called plaque. If plaque is not cleaned away by brushing and flossing, t

Introduction If there’s one thing we all can agree on, it is that we’ve all had an injury at one point in our lives. Whether it was a papercut, a broken bone, or a cut in our legs, we’ve all been hurt. However, for our sports fans out there, I know you’ve experienced far worse than just a papercut before. Each sport is different, but they are all taxing in one way or another and can all lead to many different sports injuries. So today, let’s learn about more of them!  Classi

Introduction Did you know you can survive weeks without food but only days without water? Water is essential for your health and survival. Water has many roles in our bodies, like protecting our organs, assisting in digestion, and maintaining overall health. Benefits of staying hydrated Staying hydrated helps children think better and concentrate on their fun and learning activities. Drinking water aids in digestion, helps our bodies break down food, and absorbs nutrients. W

Have you ever heard of intermittent fasting, or IF for short? It’s a way of planning when you eat instead of just what you eat. People who do IF switch between times when they eat and times when they don’t. Some do it to feel healthier, some to lose weight, and others just to see how their bodies react. But is it safe, and does it really work? Let’s break it down. What Happens When You Fast? When you don’t eat for a while, usually at least 12 hours, your body changes how it

Introduction Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects people’s body image, weight, mental health, physical health, and more. Restricting anorexia nervosa applies to a person who eats minimal or no calories, with or without extreme exercising. This topic matters because of misconceptions around the topic, like how people think anorexia only affects weight, but in reality, it affects every organ in the body, or how serious this issue is. The purpose of this blog is

Introduction Not all teens have the same access to healthcare, mental health support, or safe environments. Some teens can easily talk to a counselor or visit a doctor, while others face barriers like cost, location, or lack of resources. This is where health equity comes in. Health equity is about making sure every teen has a fair chance to be healthy and supported. What Is Health Equity? Health equity means that everyone gets the support they need to be healthy, even if t

Introduction Adolescence is a time of big changes. Teens experience changes in their bodies, emotions, friendships, and responsibilities. Because of this, mental health support is especially important during these years. Having support can help teens feel understood, safe, and confident while growing up. What Mental Health Support Means Mental health support includes help from: Parents or caregivers Teachers and school counselors Doctors or therapists Trusted friends or ment

Introduction Physical activity is often talked about as a way to stay healthy and strong, but it’s also very important for mental health. For teens, moving the body can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost confidence. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense—it just has to get you moving! How Exercise Helps the Brain When teens are physically active, their brains release chemicals called endorphins. These are sometimes called “feel-good chemicals” because they help reduce

Introduction Phones, tablets, TVs, and computers are a big part of everyday life for teens. They help with school, entertainment, and staying connected with friends. However, too much screen time—especially at night—can affect how well teens sleep and how well they focus during the day. What Counts as Screen Time? Screen time includes anything that uses a screen, such as: Watching videos or TV Playing video games Scrolling on social media Texting or chatting online Doing hom

Introduction Our daily habits—like what we eat, how we move, and how we spend time online—can have a big impact on how we feel. For teens, mental health is just as important as physical health, and simple habits can make a huge difference. Good habits can boost your mood, help you focus, and make stress easier to manage. Healthy Eating and Mental Health Eating nutritious foods isn’t just for your body—it’s for your brain too! Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and

Introduction Sleep might feel like something really boring, but it’s actually one of the most important things for teens. I remember when I used to hate sleep myself. Your body and brain are growing and changing, which means you need more sleep than adults. Getting enough rest can make a big difference in how you feel, think, and even how well you do in school. How Much Sleep Do Teens Really Need? Experts say teens should try to get 8–10 hours of sleep every night, while mo

Introduction Mental health is just as important as physical health, but sometimes people forget that. Talking about mental health early—whether with parents, friends, or teachers—can make a huge difference in feeling better and stopping problems from getting worse. What Mental Health Means Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act in everyday life. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like we go to the doctor for check-ups, it’s

Introduction Anxiety is something many people experience, but it can feel different based on your age. Teens have unique challenges compared to adults, and understanding these differences can help teens, parents, and teachers all manage anxiety better. What Anxiety Is Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can pop up in certain situations or even out of nowhere. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, like before a test or performance, but anxiety that keeps on going on can m

Introduction Social media is everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and way more. Teens use it to connect with friends, share fun moments, and see what’s happening in the world. But even though social media can be exciting, it can also affect how teens feel about themselves. Understanding this can help teens use social media in a healthier way. The Good Side of Social Media Social media isn’t all bad! It can: Help teens stay connected with friends and family. Share achievem

Introduction Stress is something everyone feels, especially teens. Between school, sports, friends, and family, life can feel overwhelming. Even though stress is a normal part of life, it can change how we feel and the choices we make. Understanding stress can help teens manage their emotions better and make smarter decisions. What Stress Does to Your Brain Your brain has distinct parts that perform different functions. One part of the brain helps you think and make choices

How Stress and School Pressure Affect Your Brain Being a teenager is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Between schoolwork, friends, social media, and thinking about the future, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress does not just affect your mood; it can also change how your brain works. What Happens in Your Brain When You Are Stressed Your brain is still growing during your teen years. The parts that help you make decisions, control your emotions, and think clearly a