The Role of AI in Sustainable Urban Planning

Cities occupy just 2% of the planet's land. They now contain more than 50% of the world's population. They also produce 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions (Nelson, 2023). Cities are centers of inequality, where underlying socioeconomic inequities are exacerbated, notwithstanding their concentration of economic and human resources. Growing demands on urban infrastructure and scarceContinue reading "The Role of AI in Sustainable Urban Planning"

Shattered Shelter:The Escalating Nexus of Natural Disasters and Homelessness

There's no doubt Florida has earned its nickname the sunshine state as its home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and vacation destinations year round. However, it's also no stranger to a wrath of natural disasters as Florida is one of the most states impacted by natural disasters costing billions of dollars inContinue reading "Shattered Shelter:The Escalating Nexus of Natural Disasters and Homelessness"

What is Senate Bill 1530?

Senate bill 1530 introduced by the Florida government  on January 5th, would prohibit public camping and sleeping.The measure makes it illegal for people to camp or sleep in public places under government control, including public buildings and rights of way, without a temporary authorization granting exemptions from some requirements for financially strapped counties or municipalities;Continue reading "What is Senate Bill 1530?"

What is the Student Mental Health Helpline Act?

Students are suffering from various mental health issues, yet research shows that students, especially adolescents, receive lower amounts of mental health support than their older counterparts. To help expand help and support to children, Reps. Marie Newman (D-IL) and Chris Stewart (R-UT) have created the Student Mental Health Helpline Act. This bill would create aContinue reading "What is the Student Mental Health Helpline Act?"

What is the Minds Act?

It’s no secret that the pandemic had a detrimental effect on mental health, especially for children. However, before the pandemic, 1 billion people worldwide experienced mental health or substance use disorders. Two-thirds of the world’s children live in states affected by conflict, posing a substantial risk to the next generation's long-term psychological and physical healthContinue reading "What is the Minds Act?"

Children’s Mental Health Crisis: Solutions and Support

Nationally we’ve been enduring a children’s mental health crisis for quite some time now. As of mid-2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and Children’s Hospital Association officially declared children’s mental health a national emergency, referencing the Pandemic as serious support to the crisis. These organizations are urgingContinue reading "Children’s Mental Health Crisis: Solutions and Support"

Reading and its Mental Health Benefits

But little did I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Reading has been scientifically proven to have mental, emotional, and brain health benefits.  Book worms are bright for a reason! Reading has some profound brain benefits. Reading combines numerous brain areas, including the left hemisphere's frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. ReadingContinue reading "Reading and its Mental Health Benefits"

How Grounding Enhances Well-Being: A Scientific Explanation

Grounding or earthing is when you walk barefoot on the earth (typically grass) and can actually have a lot of mental health benefits. But before I get into the benefits of grounding I want to explain the science behind it. Essentially, when you walk barefoot on the earth or are in bodily contact with theContinue reading "How Grounding Enhances Well-Being: A Scientific Explanation"

The Benefits of Meditation for Children’s Mental Health

We’ve all heard of the excellent benefits of meditation; yet, the benefits have primarily been centered around adult demographics. Meditation unsurprisingly extends its benefits even to children.  Before I get into the benefits of meditation for children, I will get into its importance, especially as we face a mental health crisis for younger demographics worldwide.Continue reading "The Benefits of Meditation for Children’s Mental Health"

Gratitude: A Simple Habit With Lasting Benefits

Gratitude is simply the act of showing appreciation for someone or something. As adults, we often take people and experiences for granted—but little do we know that practicing gratitude can go a long way for our mental health. There are many ways to practice gratitude, but starting early in life is the best thing toContinue reading "Gratitude: A Simple Habit With Lasting Benefits"