Recent studies have raised concerns about the effects of eating too many ultra-processed foods (UPFs), especially for teens. Research from Italy, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that a high intake of UPFs, like pre-packaged snacks, sugary drinks, fast food, and certain cereals, may speed up your body’s internal aging process. This means that your organs, tissues, and body systems could potentially be biologically older than your actual chronological age. Additionally, UPF packaging often includes plastic materials, which could expose consumers to additional toxic substances. Health officials say these findings highlight the importance of making healthier food choices when you’re young to protect your long-term health.

A recent study published in the BMJ Global Health Journal warns that unsafe music listening habits could put the hearing of over 1 billion teens and young adults at risk. Researchers found that many young people listen to their devices at volumes that could damage their hearing, while others are exposed to harmful noise levels at concerts, clubs, and theaters. This combination of risky practices can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears.

Without changing their listening habits, people may face permanent hearing damage. Reducing the volume on your devices and wearing ear protection at loud events are two simple steps you can take to help protect your hearing now and in the future.

Source: Nemours Foundation

Young people with severe obesity who underwent weight-loss surgery at age 19 or younger continued to see sustained weight loss and resolution of common obesity-related comorbidities 10 years later, according to results from a large clinical study.

A new study, using responses from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, has found that about 6 percent of pregnant women reported using marijuana during the last month, and many did not associate it with health risks.

Using a national survey of 88,183 adolescents in grades nine to 12, findings show marijuana use declined from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021, with first-time use before age 13 dropping from 8.1% to 4.9%. In 2021, use was highest among 12th graders (22.4%) and 11th graders (18.7%). Notably, in 2021, girls (17.8%) surpassed boys (13.6%) in reported use, reversing previous trends. While Asian, Hispanic, and white adolescents saw significant declines, Black adolescents reported a higher usage rate of 20.5% in 2021, revealing ongoing racial disparities in marijuana use.

As cannabis is legalized and is more accessible in various forms across the country, there is increasing concern among health care providers about potential impact on children. Researchers have new findings to add to the existing evidence that cannabis exposure before birth can negatively impact children.

In Longmont, Colorado, middle and high school students are talking about what it’s like to have dyslexia. These student volunteers, known as YES Ambassadors (Youth Examples of Self-Advocacy), share their personal experiences and offer practical advice on how their peers with dyslexia can work with teachers, explain their needs, and ask for support. The YES group also hosts community events to give adults and educators a glimpse into life with dyslexia, and show students that learning disabilities don’t have to hold them back from exploring new opportunities.

It’s estimated that one in five students has a language-based learning disability, and groups like YES are empowering students to feel more comfortable asking for help. Lizzie Horton, a Silver Creek High School senior, joined YES in sixth grade because she didn’t want other students to struggle the way she did. “It’s not an easy thing, especially at a young age, to accept that this is a learning disability you have,” she told the Longmont Times-Call. “I can show them that it will be okay. It may not feel like it now, but I promise it will be okay.”

Source: Nemours Foundation

According to a recent CDC report, teen smoking and the use of other tobacco products in the U.S. have dropped to the lowest levels seen in 25 years. The report highlights a 20 percent decrease in tobacco use among middle and high school students from 2023 to 2024. This includes traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and hookahs. The number of youth using at least one tobacco product fell from 2.8 million to 2.25 million, marking a significant decline. Health officials suggest that public health initiatives, educational campaigns, and stricter enforcement against retailers and manufacturers selling products to young people likely played a role in this downward trend.

A new study found a strong association between handheld cellphone use and risky driving behaviors among newly licensed teen drivers. The study used a smartphone telematics application to track the driving habits of hundreds of teens and identify potential safety risks.

A recent study found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%--30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems.

The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth -- regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows.

Earlier this year, New York City teen Zen Micheline Hung started volunteering at a pet shelter with her parents. A lifelong pianist, Hung was inspired to play music for the shelter pets after observing how her own dogs reacted to her playing at home. After getting approval from shelter staff, she brought her keyboard and started performing mini concerts for the cats and dogs. She plays calming, low melodies and even adjusts the music to match the animals’ personalities and behavior.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Hung said, “It is so rewarding to do something useful, especially if it is something you believe in. Contributing time and effort on a volunteer basis without any pay is not without reward. The reward is a strong feeling of personal satisfaction and seeing the good that comes from that effort.”

Scientists at the University of Oxford have secured funding from Cancer Research UK to create the world’s first vaccine designed to prevent ovarian cancer. Their research will focus on identifying which proteins on the surface of early-stage ovarian cancer cells are most effectively recognized by the immune system, as well as testing how well the vaccine targets and destroys organoids—mini-models of ovarian cancer.

If their research proves successful, the next step will be to initiate clinical trials. The ultimate goal is to offer women a vaccine that could help prevent ovarian cancer before it occurs. It is estimated that over 239,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, with approximately 140,000 losing their lives to the disease.

A new article finds that prediabetes before conception may significantly increase the likelihood of gestational diabetes during first pregnancy.

Do you panic or feel anxious when you’re away from your phone or can’t get a signal? You might be experiencing nomophobia, short for "no-mobile-phone phobia." While it’s not classified as an official anxiety disorder, health experts say it shares similarities with other psychological conditions related to specific fears. For instance, someone with nomophobia might worry about missing important news or events if they’re not constantly checking their phone. They may feel uneasy at the thought of not being able to contact others immediately, or imagine stressful scenarios where they didn’t have their phone. Physical symptoms like an increased heart rate, sweating, headaches, or trembling can also occur, similar to other anxiety-related conditions.

Researchers suggest that teens and young adults are more at risk of developing nomophobia, though adults can experience it as well. Earlier this year, a study presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting revealed that over 99 percent of global healthcare providers met some criteria for nomophobia.

Landmark new research shows Ice Age teens from 25,000 years ago went through similar puberty stages as modern-day adolescents.

New research has found that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females.

Women with higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy may experience long-term weight gain and heart problems later in life, according to new research.