Happy Monday!

Today is Global Hug Your Kids Day. The day was founded in 2008 by Michelle Nichols following a profound personal tragedy. A decade prior, her eight-year-old son passed away from brain cancer. Experiencing the deep loss, she started the observance as a gentle reminder to all parents—especially those with demanding work hours—to always make time to show their children affection and appreciation.

Hugging goes far beyond an expression of love; it also has biological and psychological benefits including stress reduction, reassurance of safety and developmental growth.

This heartwarming holiday reminds parents and guardians to pause their busy schedules, connect with their children, and express love through the simple, comforting act of a hug.

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A growing number of teens are turning to TikTok and AI chatbots to self-diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression—but experts warn that these platforms often prioritize engagement over accuracy. Short videos and AI companions can make common emotions or behaviors seem like clinical disorders, while rarely encouraging users to seek professional evaluation.

Even more concerning, many teens rely on these tools in private, without ever talking to a trusted adult, doctor, or counselor. The message isn't to avoid social media entirely—it's to use it as a starting point for questions, not the final answer.

Read More: Why AI And TikTok Could Make The Youth Mental Health Crisis Even Worse (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

What if a routine checkup could catch teen depression before it becomes a crisis? Researchers at Duke University are testing an AI model trained on data from more than 11,000 children that analyzes family conflict, social factors, health history, and — perhaps most surprisingly — sleep patterns to predict which teens may develop a mental health condition up to a year before symptoms even appear, with 75% accuracy.

The goal isn't to replace doctors but to give overwhelmed primary care physicians a real-time screening tool, since there simply aren't enough child psychiatrists to assess every teen who needs one.

Read Me: Best Life: Teen Mental Health Crisis: Can AI Help Save Lives? (Action News 5)

A new long-term study found that people who consumed the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners experienced faster declines in memory and thinking skills, with the strongest link seen in adults under 60 and those with diabetes. Researchers stress that the study found an association—not proof that sweeteners cause cognitive decline—and more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

What you eat can affect more than your body—it may influence your brain, too. A balanced diet with fewer ultra-processed foods is one of the best ways to support long-term cognitive and mental well-being.

Read More: Popular Sugar Substitutes Linked To Faster Brain Aging (ScienceDaily)

MYTH: You cannot prevent suicide because if someone is set on it, nothing can stop them.

FACT: Suicide is highly preventable. The majority of people contemplating suicide are conflicted and do not actually want to die—they just want their pain to stop. Timely intervention and access to mental health resources can make a major difference.

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Thanks, and Be Well.

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