Today’s Solutions: February 13, 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.

Plastic Recycling

Fast-acting enzyme breaks down plastics and changes recycling game

We’ve all wondered when we take out the recycling just how much of it will be recycled, remade, and repurposed into a new product as we hope. Sadly, only 10 percent of plastics globally are successfully recycled, and there’s a lot of work to do to ensure everything we put in the recycling bin Read More...

okra on a cutting board, some pieces whole others cut

Okra: the surprising hero in the fight against microplastics

According to new research from scientists at Tarleton State University in Texas, okra — you know, the green, finger-shaped pod that is often added to delicious dishes like gumbo and soup — is a valuable weapon in the fight to get microplastics out of our drinking water. What are Read More...

Norwegian cohousing encourages

Norwegian cohousing encourages social connection and sustainable living

After the pandemic years of alienation from each other, the downfalls of the once sought-after single-nuclear-family housing are becoming clearer. Not only is it financially impractical and ecologically damaging, but it’s isolating, and discourages the building of strong local communities. With Read More...

female hands typing text message via cellphone

How to “unghost” a past friend, according to friendship experts

In a perfect world, no one would ever end a personal relationship by abruptly stopping all communication with no explanation—In other words, “ghosting.” However, sometimes life gets in the way, and we ghost.  What is unghosting? Psychologist, professor, speaker, and author Marisa G. Read More...

Couple running into the sunset

Here is a neurologist-approved 10 day reset plan to reclaim your life

Have you ever tried a detox? Maybe you gave up TV for a month or sugar. Why not challenge yourself to try a “brain detox.” Created by neurologist David Perlmutter, this 10-day plan will help you reset your brain and set you on the path to reclaiming your life.  Day 1: Digital detox You Read More...

man breaking cigarette with hands walking at the city.

New Zealand passes law that will lead to “a smoke-free future”

New Zealand’s parliament enacted legislation last week that prohibits anyone born after 2008 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products. It will mean that the number of people who can buy cigarettes will decrease year after year. For example, by 2050, 40-year-olds will be too young to Read More...

Middle age sportswoman health care holding heart at the park

Discovery of immune protein points to new heart disease treatment

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and yet treatments remain remarkably limited. Aside from statins to lower cholesterol levels, most interventions are indirect, such as preventing diabetes and high blood pressure or improving diet and exercise. A new study led by Read More...

Happy African American father carrying his son on shoulders and helping him to put star on top of Christmas tree.

5 expert-recommended ways to cope with holiday stress

Financial strain, social pressure, and countless to-dos make the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's the most stressful time of year, according to numerous surveys. Holidays may sometimes be painful reminders of those we've lost. And though many look forward to coming home for the holidays, Read More...

Myeloma multiplex leukemia cancer 3d color render illustration

Novel blood cancer treatment effective in three-fourths of trial patients

According to new findings from an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical research trial, a novel investigational immunotherapy resulted in successful response rates for 73 percent of patients with multiple myeloma, a lethal form of blood cancer. Based on these encouraging findings, an application to the US Read More...

From the neck down view of young Black man holding a smart phone, outdoor in the city

5 resources for men who want to learn about therapy (without being judged)

Despite evidence indicating that men face mental health issues at equal or higher rates than women, men are less likely to seek counseling. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], nearly twice as many women as men (24.7 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively) received Read More...