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.
How virtual reality is helping patients conquer their fears
Technology has reached a point where it feels as if we are truly living in the future. A testament to that is the fact that virtual reality is on-track to receiving FDA approval for the treatment of a variety of anxiety disorders. Virtual reality is being used as a tool for exposure therapy, an Read More...
This high-end Spanish restaurant is run entirely by people with disabilities
In the southern Spanish city of Jerez, a beautiful, modern restaurant exists where even the people behind the Michelin firmament have been known to dine. But that’s not what makes this restaurant particularly special. What makes it so unique is that the entire staff is made up of people with Read More...
How Dave’s Killer Bread is baking up opportunity by employing ex-convicts
After serving 15 years in prison, Dave Dahl and his brother, Glenn, went to work in their parents’ bakery with two goals - great bread and employment opportunities for ex-convicts. The company, which claims one-third of its workforce is comprised of ex-convicts, began their “Killer Bread” Read More...
Essential oil found in common herbs can help heal wounds faster
Although essential oils are typically associated with aromatherapy, new research indicates that medicines based on them could also help to heal skin wounds when applied topically. It all comes down to a certain substance in some of the oils, that reduces inflammation. Known as beta-caryophyllene, Read More...
An algorithm that screens for heart failure is getting fast-tracked by the FDA
An algorithm has been developed that makes screening for heart failure more accessible—both in traditional clinics and telehealth settings. The algorithm, which was created by digital health company Eko and Mayo Clinic, can use as little as 15 seconds of electrocardiogram (ECG) data to Read More...
Experts say vegans must be aware of B12 deficiency. Here’s how to avoid it
We’re proud of our Optimist readers who eat a vegan diet. That’s why we feel excited to share stories about the latest tips and trends within the vegan community. With that in mind, experts lately have been warning that people eating a vegan diet need to make sure they get enough B12 - because Read More...
How vigorous exercise can slash risk of cancer and heart disease in women
Women who may not have much time to work out can still gain the heart health benefits that come from exercise—as long as they use the little time they do have to work out intensely. According to a new study out of Canada, researchers found that women who exercise at a higher intensity are less Read More...
Could green light therapy provide drug-free pain relief for chronic migraines?
Ann Jones used to have as many as two dozen migraines a month. To soothe her pain, the Arizona resident tried everything short of surgery, but nothing seemed to get rid of her chronic migraines. In 2018, her doctor mentioned a study being led by Dr. Mohab Ibrahim at the University of Arizona: Read More...
Mental Health hotline will have a 3-digit number in the US
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will introduce the new emergency number ‘988’ which will become the new ‘suicide prevention’ number in the United States. Just as 911 connects people in need of first-responders for other emergencies, U.S. residents will be able to call 988 for Read More...
How the basic bed net has been revamped to kill malaria-spreading mosquitos
Not only do bed nets help protect people against mosquito bites, but if those nets are treated with an insecticide, they also kill any of the insects that touch them. A simple new technology could make such nets much more lethal to mosquitoes, yet also safer for humans. Utilizing video tracking Read More...