The Arizona Healthy Schools Act (HB 2164) seeks to improve school meals by banning ultra-processed foods and harmful additives. Introduced by Rep. Leo Biasiucci, the bill targets ingredients linked to health concerns, including potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and various artificial dyes.
Lawmakers argue that processed, nutrient-depleted foods are fueling childhood obesity and other health issues. The bill mandates that taxpayer-funded school meals prioritize whole, minimally processed foods.
At a “Cut the Chemicals” press conference, Arizona education officials and wellness advocates emphasized the urgency of passing the bill. Biasiucci, inspired by his time in Italy, noted the stark contrast in food quality. “I realized that despite eating pizza, pasta, and bread daily, I felt great—because these foods lacked the additives found in U.S. products,” he said.
Advocates warn that many banned ingredients in other countries remain common in American school lunches. Calley Means, a healthcare reform advocate, stated, “These chemicals are crude oil derivatives linked to behavioral and neurological issues.”
Supporters, including actor Rob Schneider, stress community involvement in improving school meals. HB 2164 is now set for a full vote in the Arizona House of Representatives, signaling potential change for student nutrition.
Revolutionary Eye Test May Detect Diabetes, Dementia, and More Before Symptoms Start
Researchers have conducted one of the largest eye studies to date, revealing how retinal thickness could serve as an early indicator of diseases like type 2 diabetes, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. Led by WEHI, the study utilized artificial intelligence to analyze over 50,000 eye scans, generating highly detailed retinal maps that link changes in retinal thickness to various health conditions.
The study underscores the potential for routine eye imaging to function as a disease screening tool, similar to how mammograms aid in early breast cancer detection. Since the retina is part of the central nervous system, its health reflects broader neurological and metabolic conditions. With over 3 billion people worldwide affected by brain-related disorders, early detection through non-invasive eye scans could significantly improve disease management.
The research also identified 294 genes associated with retinal thinning, offering new insights into genetic factors influencing retinal health. AI-powered analysis provided unprecedented detail, mapping over 29,000 locations across the retina to track disease-related changes.
This study strengthens the emerging field of oculomics—using eye health to predict broader medical conditions. With AI-driven advancements, retinal imaging could soon become a routine diagnostic tool, allowing earlier detection and better disease management across a range of conditions.
The Best Time to Tackle Tough Emotional Tasks? Science Says Late Morning
Your parents were onto something when they told you to “sleep on it.” New research suggests that people tend to feel better in the morning compared to late at night.
“Our study suggests mental health and well-being fluctuate throughout the day,” said Dr. Feifei Bu, a research fellow at University College London. “On average, people feel best in the morning and worst at night.”
The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, analyzed data from over 49,000 people surveyed multiple times between March 2020 and March 2022. Findings showed that people generally reported better moods, higher life satisfaction, and fewer depressive symptoms earlier in the day.
However, while a clear trend emerged, researchers couldn’t say for sure that the time of day directly affects mental health. Other factors, like when people choose to respond to surveys, could play a role.
A media psychology expert, Dr. Pamela Rutledge, pointed out that mental health and well-being are related but distinct. Well-being includes factors like quality of life and sense of purpose.
Should you wait until morning to tackle emotional challenges? Research suggests late morning might be ideal for problem-solving when moods are more stable. And given the rise in mental health concerns at night, experts suggest increasing support services during those hours.
So next time you’re struggling, maybe just sleep on it instead of fighting through it.
Why Waking Up with Your Phone Could Be Hurting Your Sleep
We use our phones for everything-messages, maps, cameras, and even alarms. But relying on your phone to wake up might be interfering with your sleep.
The Problem with Phone Alarms
Late-night scrolling: Having your phone nearby makes it easy to lose sleep to endless scrolling. The bright screen stimulates your brain, delaying rest.
The snooze trap: Hitting snooze feels good, but it interrupts deep sleep cycles, leaving you groggy instead of refreshed.
Notification temptation: Just knowing your phone is within reach can make you want to check messages, disrupting quality sleep.
A Simple Fix
Using a traditional alarm clock helps you avoid distractions, fall asleep faster, and wake up more refreshed. Many options include gentle light alarms, vibrations, or even puzzle-based wake-ups.
Sleep Better, Wake Up Happier
For quality sleep, aim for 7–9 hours per night, get natural daylight, exercise regularly, avoid caffeine before bed, and create a calming nighttime routine. Keeping screens away an hour before bed also helps.
If you’re still waking up tired despite enough sleep, consult a sleep specialist to rule out conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia.
A small change like ditching your phone alarm—can make a big impact on your energy and well-being!
The Ultimate Vacation Hack for Your Well-Being (And What Not to Do!)
If you’re already daydreaming about your next getaway, you’re not alone, 2025 is set to be the year of long vacations! But if you want to maximize your time off, science has some advice: get moving and unplug completely.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that vacations do more for your well-being than previously thought. The best way to boost the benefits? Engage in physical activities like hiking, snorkeling, or even a quick 10-minute workout. Movement enhances mental and physical health while creating unique, mood-boosting experiences.
On the flip side, the worst thing you can do on vacation is stay plugged into work. Checking emails or taking calls ruins the mental reset you need. Researchers found that those who fully disengage from work experience the most restoration. So, set clear boundaries before you leave, mute notifications, or—better yet—delete work apps entirely.
Other pro tips: Use all your vacation days (Americans waste over 600 million each year!). Give yourself time to pack, plan, and schedule a day to transition back to reality. Rest hard, play hard, and leave work where it belongs – at the office!
Kansas Zoo Unites Orphaned Wolf Pup and Shelter Dog in a Heartwarming Friendship
In a heartwarming tale of friendship and mentorship, an orphaned maned wolf pup named Amora found an unlikely companion in Slinky, a three-month-old brindle mix from the Kansas Humane Society. Their story began the same day Amora was born at the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Wichita-based shelter took in Slinky. When Amora’s mother passed away, the zoo sought a special companion to guide the wolf pup through her development, and Slinky was the perfect match.
After a precautionary quarantine period, Slinky was introduced to Amora. Despite their differences, their bond flourished. Amora’s feisty spirit matches Slinky’s playful, easygoing nature, helping the young pup develop essential social skills for life in the wild.
“Things are going well!” shared the Humane Society, adding that Slinky’s companionship helps Amora maintain her natural instincts while reducing dependence on human caretakers. Maned wolves may be solitary by nature, but young pups like Amora require companionship to grow properly.
When Amora is old enough to live among other wolves, Slinky will retire from his mentorship role and live happily with a zoo staff member who has adopted him. The Kansas Humane Society expressed pride in being part of their journey, calling it a “perfect pairing” and a beautiful example of shelter animals finding purpose and love.
