Today’s Solutions: February 18, 2026

Health

Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.

These tools are designed to he

These tools are designed to help deliver surplus food to those in need

It’s mind-boggling that while 40 percent of the food supply in the US ends up in the bin, millions of Americans are still food insecure. One of the main reasons behind this problem — which has been exacerbated by the pandemic — is poor logistics. “We probably have two to four times as much Read More...

These 5 foods will help lift y

These 5 foods will help lift your mood all winter long

With the days becoming shorter and the weather colder, it’s not uncommon for people to start feeling emotionally drained. In fact, some 10 million Americans experience a subtype of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year during the winter months, with symptoms including Read More...

Parsnips are in season. Here

Parsnips are in season. Here’s how to best enjoy this healthy root veggie

We’re all about eating seasonally at the Optimist Daily, and with the winter months here, a whole bunch of root veggies are now in season. Amongst those root veggies is the parsnip, which looks a bit like a white carrot. Let’s take a look at the amazing health benefits of parsnips and how to Read More...

Airbnb introduces New Year’s

Airbnb introduces New Year’s regulations to curb the spread of covid-19

In an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19, vacation rental service Airbnb will be implementing stricter no-gather guidelines for their New Year’s Eve rentals this season. Guests without a high user rating will be required to book at least a two-night stay and those reserving properties over New Read More...

New glaucoma treatment doesn&#

New glaucoma treatment doesn't require surgery or daily drops

Glaucoma, the build up of pressure in the eye, is a serious disease that can lead to irreversible blindness. Currently, treatment options include daily eye drops and even surgery, but soon, hydrogel technology could significantly improve the ease of treatment for patients.  Researchers from Read More...

Thankful Thursdays: Commemorat

Thankful Thursdays: Commemorating community food

Locally grown food is more sustainable, fresher, and grown by small farmers. Locally grown food cuts down on food waste and reduces transportation emissions. Plus, is there anything more delicious than a freshly picked piece of fruit? During the pandemic, these farms and organizations have kept Read More...

UN reclassifies cannabis as a

UN reclassifies cannabis as a less dangerous drug

In 1961, The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs classified marijuana as a Schedule IV drug, the most dangerous category. Now, cannabis has been removed from the list per the World Health Organization’s recommendation.  The drug’s declassification opens up the door for more research Read More...

How to manage social anxiety i

How to manage social anxiety in a pandemic

Among its many impacts on mental health, the pandemic is driving an increase in social anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapist Jennifer Guttman, PsyD, writes for mindbodygreen that she is seeing a noticeable increase in social anxiety among her patients. Social anxiety is defined as "marked and Read More...

US medical school applications

US medical school applications are booming thanks to the “Fauci Effect”

The pandemic has placed a nearly unparalleled spotlight on doctors and nurses around the world, but at least one good thing has come out of it: more students than ever are applying for medical school.  According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the number of applications Read More...

The wheelchair has finally rec

The wheelchair has finally received a smart update

The wheelchair has been pivotal in bringing mobility back to people who suffer from paralysis. That said, wheelchair technology hasn’t really evolved since the 1980s, so an update is long overdue. Recently, a Scottish design firm Phoenix Instinct revealed a lightweight wheelchair made of Read More...