Author Deb Nicholson

The holidays are almost here and it’s—if songs are to be believed—the most wonderful time of the year. But for many, the holidays are hard. This is a time of year that can wreak havoc on our relationships—the to-do lists and demands on our time make us crazy and the people we love most often pay for it. It’s the time of year that, for those feeling loneliness or struggling with loss, can feel even harder. Images of perfection—all the family, all the love and joy, the perfectly decorated home—bombard us from everywhere we look and, in particular, on social media. Stacy Bass, while blessed in many ways, can relate to the less cheery side of the holidays—this year will be the first without her mother, whom she lost in January to pancreatic cancer. Though the loss is still raw, Stacy wants to share her experience of finding social media—the very place that sometimes seems to amplify what we don’t have and how we don’t measure up—to be a place of discovery and healing, and how she

It’s no secret men can be notoriously bad about keeping up regular doctor’s visits. This November marks National Men’s Health Awareness month, a time of year when Northwestern Medicine encourages men to take charge of their health. Read more.

Americans are gaining weight at a startling rate, with the average adult weighing about 15 pounds more than 20 years ago. A healthy person has a BMI of 18.5 to 24, while an obese person has a BMI above 30. Today, about 40 percent of U.S. adults and nearly 20 percent of children are obese. Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health, according to WHO. Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions cause premature death and substantial disability. Read more.

Do you know why it’s important to BE FAST when it comes to stroke? Stroke doesn’t discriminate. In 2019, countless people from recognized celebrities to next door neighbors have been in the news after experiencing a stroke. That’s why it’s important for everyone to learn the signs and call 911 if you or someone you know experiences a sudden onset of symptoms. Taking immediate action can help prevent brain damage and long-term disability following a stroke. The signs of stroke can be subtle and hard to recognize, so educating yourself and others is key to noticing and responding quickly. The acronym BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time.  If you notice a sudden loss of balance or vision, an uneven smile, arm weakness or slurred speech, call 911 to get immediate medical attention. Read more.

A degree from a college or university leads to better employment opportunities and benefits. College graduates have 50 percent less the unemployment rate compared to those with just a high school diploma and it is also easier to find employment due to the numerous job opportunities for college graduates than high school graduates. With the first “early decision” college-application deadline looming on Nov. 1 and tuition costs having more than doubled since the 1980s, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its 2020’s Best College & University Rankings, in addition to separate rankings for colleges and universities. See more.

As most recently seen with Hurricane Dorian, the impact of devastating natural disasters continues to grow every year. But with the help of the global developer community and open source technologies, we have the potential to significantly improve preparedness for natural disasters and accelerate relief when they hit. Now in its second year, the Call for Code program has engaged 24 million developers around the world. Joining us now is Chief Technology Officer of Call for Code, Daniel Krook. Read More