A new Harvard study found that many teens feel pressure to always be productive. Out of 1,500 teens surveyed, more than half felt like they had to get top grades or have their career path figured out already. Some teens said they struggled to find time for things not tied to achievement, while others felt like social media makes it seem like everyone else is doing better than they are.

This constant pressure can lead to burnout, making it harder to stay motivated and enjoy life. To manage stress, it helps to set realistic goals, take breaks, and make time for things you enjoy—whether that’s hanging out with friends, exercising, hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s also important to remember that success looks different for everyone, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

Psychosocial stress during pregnancy could lead to higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum according to new research.

Obesity rates are set to skyrocket, with one in six children and adolescents worldwide forecast to be obese by 2050, according to a new study. But with significant increases predicted within the next five years, the researchers stress urgent action now could turn the tide on the public health crisis.

Measles is one of the more contagious respiratory diseases because it is transmitted through the air. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, and the tiny droplets can linger for up to two hours. That means you don’t even have to be near an infected person—just being in the same space where they coughed or sneezed earlier could put you at risk. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If someone has measles, 9 out of 10 people around them will likely get infected if they’re not already protected.

With measles and flu cases on the rise, it’s a good reminder to be mindful of how easily contagious diseases can spread—especially in places like schools, where people are in close contact every day. Washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home when you’re sick are simple ways to help prevent illness from spreading.

Wyatt Ehrhardt, a high school senior from Middleton, Wisconsin, is the co-founder and CEO of Middleton Meals Matter, a student-run nonprofit that collects and distributes food to people in need. In just seven months, Ehrhardt and his team have collected over 26,000 pounds of food and raised nearly $20,000.

Inspired by his grandfather’s community service, Ehrhardt joined his high school’s Key Club, became president, and expanded it from 100 to 300 members. Now he’s planning to launch Meals Matter International to help other students start similar programs. In an interview with the volunteer organization Points of Light, Ehrhardt encouraged other teens to try volunteering. “You don’t realize how rewarding and great volunteering can be until you start,” he said. “Small actions and small steps can create a huge impact.”

A recent study by Penn State College of Medicine shows that sticking to a regular sleep schedule is important for teens’ heart health. The study, published in the journal SLEEP, found that teens who had irregular sleep patterns—such as varying bedtimes during the school week or staying up late and sleeping in on weekends—had lower heart rate variability (HRV). HRV measures the difference in time between heartbeats, and a lower HRV is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. These findings suggest that maintaining regular sleep and wake times now may help protect you from future heart-related issues.

The causes of obesity are complex and influenced by many factors. While research has highlighted connections between sleep, eating patterns and weight gain, scientists remain uncertain of the role of the circadian system -- the biological clock -- in shaping eating patterns. But a new study reveals a distinct relationship between circadian rhythms, weight and eating habits in adolescents, a vulnerable age group whose eating patterns influence their lifelong health. The study found that adolescents whose weight was classified as 'overweight' or 'obese' consumed more calories later in the day compared to participants with healthy weights.

The U.S. is experiencing its worst flu season in over 15 years, with nearly 8 percent of doctor visits linked to respiratory illnesses and around 50,000 people hospitalized. Flu cases are especially high in 45 states, hitting the South, West, and Southwest the hardest. The latest Canadian respiratory virus surveillance report suggests flu is on the rise in Canada, too. Health experts emphasize the importance of getting a flu shot, even if the flu season is already underway, since it can still help lower your risk of serious illness. They also recommend practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands often, to avoid getting sick.

If you do catch the flu, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest will help your body recover. Over-the-counter medicines, such as pain relievers, cough suppressants, and cold medicine, can ease symptoms. Doctors also advise staying home while you’re sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.

The recent plane crash near Washington, D.C., has deeply saddened young people across the country. Among the victims were several young figure skaters, along with their parents and coaches, who were returning from a competition. Their sudden passing was met with an outpouring of sadness, as friends, teammates, and supporters expressed their grief and disbelief.

Losing a friend can be overwhelming, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Grief affects everyone differently—some people might feel numb, while others may experience deep sadness, guilt, or even anger. Experts say that talking about your feelings of grief and loss can help. You can reach out to friends, family, or a school counselor for support. There are also free, anonymous, and confidential helplines available to help you through difficult times. You can find more ways to get help on our Hotlines page.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, taking more lives than cancer and accidents combined. According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, key risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity are increasing at alarming rates. Even though medical advances are helping people live longer with heart conditions, the rising number of these risk factors highlights the urgent need for better ways to prevent and manage heart disease. You can take action now to keep your heart healthy by eating nutritious foods, staying active, and avoiding smoking or vaping, which can help lower your risk of heart disease in the future.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods, dietary supplements, and medicines like cough syrup. This decision comes about 35 years after the dye was banned in cosmetics because studies showed it caused cancer in lab rats. While there’s no clear proof that Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in humans, many consumer advocates are happy about the ban. Food companies have until January 2027, and makers of ingestible medicines have until January 2028, to stop using it.

A new study suggests that boosting adolescent mental health is linked with long-term economic benefits. In contrast to similar findings from prior studies, these estimated relationships could be readily incorporated into standard government budgeting analyses for assessing potential policy impacts.

Research has established a clear link between racial and ethnic disparities in maternal heart health and higher risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia and cardiovascular issues for Black and Hispanic mothers and their babies.

The wildfires burning across California are devastating, with thousands of people and animals losing their homes and communities. Even if you want to stay informed, seeing the destruction on the news or hearing about those affected can take a toll on your mental health. It’s natural to feel sad, angry, or helpless during such tragic events.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, prioritize taking care of yourself. Talk to someone you trust, write in a journal, or take breaks from social media to stay grounded. When you feel ready, there are ways to help others, like donating to trusted organizations or participating in community drives. Even small acts of kindness, like checking in on a friend, can make a big difference—for them and for you.

Alcohol is the third most common preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco use and obesity, according to a new report from the Surgeon General’s office. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is known to increase the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and cancers of the mouth, throat, and colon. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol is consumed—the risk is the same and grows higher with more drinking. As part of an effort to help people understand the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is pushing for updated health warning labels on alcoholic beverages, similar to the ones found on cigarette packages.

Almost three quarters of adolescents in Australia experience clinically significant depression or anxiety symptoms, with most being chronic, according to a new study. And preventive strategies outside our clinics are urgently required to address this considerable public health problem facing the nation.

Novel research shows that a reduced neural response to receiving rewards in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidality. This is independent of pre-existing depressive or anxiety symptoms, as well as age or sex, which are already strong risk factors for depression. The study is a step toward using brain science to understand and assess mental health risks.

Wearing a puffy coat while driving might seem like a good idea when it’s cold, but it can actually be unsafe. The bulky material keeps your seat belt from fitting properly against your body, which can make it less effective in protecting you during an accident. To stay safe and warm, try wearing layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing in the car and add a hat, gloves, and a scarf. It’s also a good idea to keep a stash of cold-weather essentials in your car, like extra food and water, a flashlight, and blankets, to be prepared for emergencies.

The majority of children who started smoking tobacco at age 10 years or in their later teens continued to smoke until their mid-twenties. Continuous smoking from childhood significantly increased the risk of premature heart damage, a new study shows.

TikTok is taking steps to protect users’ mental health by restricting access to certain beauty filters for users under 18. Experts warn that these types of filters can damage self-esteem and lead to body image issues by promoting unrealistic or even impossible beauty standards. Many people think platforms like TikTok and Instagram should prioritize users’ mental health, and hope this move inspires other platforms to make similar changes to create healthier and more positive online spaces.