Today is National First Responders Day, created to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and service of career and volunteer public safety personnel across the United States.

National First Responders Day was designated by a U.S. Senate resolution in 2019 to honor firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and correctional and public works personnel. Approximately 4.6 million first responders serve across the country.

Today is a day of public gratitude to recognize those who run toward emergencies, raise awareness of occupational hazards, and support responder families.

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🗞 How does daylight saving time impact your health? This year, clocks fall back an hour on Nov. 1, and while sixty minutes might sound small, it can shake up your sleep, metabolism, mood, and heart health, sometimes for days or even longer. Your body clock runs on light, so getting daylight in the morning and dimming lights in the evening can help you adjust more smoothly. Small habits like sticking to your routine, skipping long naps, and cutting back on caffeine close to bedtime can make a big difference. Read more at NewsNation

🗞 Your GLP-1 Might Be Interfering with Common Medications. Here's What Doctors Want You to Know.  If you’re taking a GLP-1 like Wegovy or Zepbound, these meds slow how quickly your stomach empties, which helps with appetite but can also change how your body absorbs other medications. Birth control pills are the big one to watch: experts recommend a backup method for four weeks after starting or raising your dose, while patches and rings are less affected. Thyroid, heart, blood pressure, and diabetes medications may also need a check-in, and acetaminophen can take longer to kick in, so be patient and don’t take extra. Read more at Oprah Daily

🗞 Meta and Snap face major US legal test of youth social media addiction claims. Two teens who say social media fueled their depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are headed to trial against Meta and Snap in Los Angeles, and the case could help shape thousands of similar lawsuits. Both plaintiffs say features like autoplay and infinite scroll pulled them into compulsive use, and the companies deny their platforms were designed to be addictive. The verdict could influence how these companies and plaintiffs settle the remaining cases. Read more at Reuters

🗞 The Princeton Review Reports Findings of Its "2026 Campus Mental Health Services Survey" Conducted in Partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation. The 2026 Princeton Review and Ruderman Family Foundation survey found that 99% of the participating colleges now offer a comprehensive mental health program, and 92% have suicide prevention training. In a survey of more than 56,000 students, 82% said they’d know where to get professional help on campus, up from 79% last year. Seventy-six schools earned spots on the Honor Roll, more than double last year’s 30. Read more at Morningstar

Mental Health: In Crisis? Call or Text 988

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press ‘1’ or Text 838255

Youth Helpline: 2NDFLOOR - (888) 222-2228

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Addiction: Start Your Recovery - (800) 662-4357

The Promise and Peril of Tracking My Health 24/7. A NY Times Wirecutter writer spent six months tracking her sleep, workouts, and blood work for about $2,000, and she lowered her LDL cholesterol by 27%, slept better, and eased her perimenopause symptoms after switching birth control. The data was overwhelming, though, and she caught herself checking her apps before tuning in to how she felt. Doctors also caution that extra tests can create anxiety and unneeded follow-ups, and that privacy is a real concern. Read More at NYTimes.com

MYTH: Seeking help may put one's job at risk

FACT: Some people are concerned that their employer will somehow find out if they seek treatment for mental illnesses. However, employees are protected by law from any type of disclosure from both a privacy and nondiscrimination perspective. Employees’ health information cannot be disclosed without their authorization.

The Mental Minute is your #1 source for the latest mental health news, tips, key resources and product reviews. Our goal is to make mental health an everyday conversation.

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Thanks, and Be Well.

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