Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
The ingredients for a happy and successful life are often elusive, and may leave us struggling and perhaps unhappy and unfulfilled in our quest. Scientists have been studying this subject since the 1930s. The Harvard Study on Adult Development is one of the longest-running studies on physical and mental well-being in adults. Harvard University researchers…
How often do young people spend quality time with the older generation? Research shows that human needs go beyond merely food and shelter. Without opportunities for socializing and human connection, health suffers. The pandemic hit the elderly quite hard, causing feelings of tremendous isolation and loneliness. Karl Pillemer, PhD., Human Development Professor at Cornell University,…
Play benefits children in each domain of development like nothing else does. It helps children learn about the world, develop the skills they need to interact with others, manage their emotions, and it promotes curiosity and learning. Research on play tells us that play is essential for children’s well-being. In fact, “play is so important…
Anxiety affects our mental health. We all feel anxious at times, no matter what age we are. There are a number of things that can cause children to be anxious, such as having a difficult time in school or forming friendships. As a parent, you can help by asking your child how they feel, and…
By now, we have all heard that being outdoors can boost your family’s resilience. Spending time outside has been recommended for reducing anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other ailments that come with social isolation. Recent studies have shown that time spent in nature, or viewing scenes of nature, is associated with a positive mood and psychological…
In 1994, the National Extension Parent Education Model was published. This model still guides our work in parent education today. The National Extension Parent Education Model lists 6 areas of essential parenting practices that include: Care For Self, Understand, Guide, Nurture, Motivate and Advocate. Of these 6 areas, parents seem to struggle the most with…
“Come to the woods for here is rest.” This concise but poignant quote by John Muir (American naturalist, writer, and conservationist who helped establish Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks) captures the essence of how spending time in nature is associated with better mental health and well-being. Most of us agree that collecting shells with our children…
Participating in Screen Free Week May Improve your Mental Health May 1, 2023 kicks off Screen-Free Week, an annual event sponsored by screenfree.org. It is an invitation for families to take a break from their screens for one week. Among the many benefits of reducing screen time is reclaiming time to rediscover life beyond screens.…
To help maintain your family’s good physical and mental health, try to spend time outdoors each day. Being in the sun regulates our bodies, helping us to stay awake in the daytime and sleep during the night. Having some direct exposure to sunlight also activates Vitamin D production in our bodies. This is crucial to…
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health. What you may not know is that not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can lead to poorer control of your DM (Diabetes Management) if you are already living with it. Studies show that not getting enough sleep can also…