Mental Health

A woman sits in her bed as the night sky dances above her

Sleep 101: Why Sleep Is So Important to Your Health

Erica Jansen

What is sleep and how is it related to our overall health? How much sleep do we need? When should the school day begin? As we approach daylight saving time 2020, nutritional sciences expert Erica Jansen talks about sleep, nutrition, mental health, and how to catch more ZZZs.

family canoeing down flooded road in Houston, Texas

Disease in the Era of Climate Change: Human Disease Burdens in a Dynamic World

Introduced by John Meeker

In the field of public health alone, climate change will in some way impact every area of this broad, diverse discipline. How will human health adapt to a rapidly changing world and to rapidly evolving disease burdens as climate change threatens natural environments and already vulnerable populations?

A man holds his head in his left hand while sitting on a leather chair.

Is Your Mood Disorder a Symptom of Unstable Blood Sugar?

Isa Kay, MPH '18

Many people may be suffering from symptoms of common mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, without realizing that variable blood sugar could be the culprit. Michigan Public Health alumna Isa Kay explores a growing body of evidence that suggests a relationship between mood and blood-sugar.

Solitary Confinement in a Prison

Solitary Confinement of Adolescents: A Mental Health Crisis

Madison Polay, BS '19

Though an Obama-era executive order prohibits solitary confinement of juveniles in the federal prison system, in part because of negative mental health implications, state prison systems not subject to federal regulation continue to isolate minors. Michigan Public Health graduate Madison Polay explores the issue and the need for critical policy change.