I remember the moment it hit me—I had spent more than an hour scrolling through Instagram, but I couldn't remember a single video I had watched. My mind was foggy, my concentration fragmented. Does this sound familiar to you? Then you are not alone. According to new research, our relentless screen use is making us stupid, impairing our memory, attention, and reasoning abilities. Is our tech addiction rewiring our brains in a negative way?

We are living in an era where information has never been more accessible. With a touch of a screen, we can get answers to nearly any question, watch an unlimited amount of entertainment, and be connected to a worldwide community of individuals. Instead of making us smarter and more intellectually competent, however, studies indicate that this ubiquitous digital presence is degrading our mental capacities. The same technology created to make us smarter could be dumbing us down.

Every generation carries its own distinct traits. Baby boomers resist change, Gen X is skeptical, millennials have been criticized for a lack of work ethic, and Gen Z has grown up glued to screens. Unlike previous generations, today's young adults and children have no memory of life before the internet. The constant bombardment of notifications, social media updates, and quick-hit entertainment has significantly altered how we think, communicate, and learn.

Is this an Attention Crisis?

Years ago, humans practiced deep reading, debate, and problem-solving. Today, the capacity for long periods of sustained attention is in sharp decline. Bite-sized videos, swift tweets, and clickbait headlines are conditioning our minds to want to receive quick, surface-level engagements rather than profound understanding. Research suggests that our attention spans have drastically decreased, with most individuals unable to sustain attention on activities demanding sustained cognitive activity. Critical thinking and reasoning capabilities are thereby eroding.

An increasing body of research points to a disturbing trend: levels of intelligence, as tested by IQ and other mental abilities, are falling in most developed countries. A study released in The Financial Times reported a consistent decline in reading, math, and science test scores among 15-year-olds in rich countries. Disconcertingly, cognitive difficulties are not confined to adolescents. The same patterns have been seen among adults of many different ages and imply that technology's influence penetrates far more deeply than into adolescence.

Excessive use of social media has been connected in one study with symptoms that mirror ADHD, even in adult individuals who have no clinical diagnosis. Another study concluded that long-term internet addiction might actually change the structure of the brain, especially in those regions that relate to memory, attention, and emotion control. The more individuals rely on search engines and computers to think for them, the less capacity they have to memorize and to deal with sophisticated problems.

Social Media and the Illusion of Intelligence

Social media, crafted to produce high levels of engagement and profits, are built upon algorithms that are optimized to reward sensationalism and instant gratification. As a result, there has been an atmosphere of easily spread misinformation, loss of nuance, and shallow debate as opposed to meaningful discussion among users. Being continually exposed to bites of information dismantles our capacity to synthesize knowledge and be independent in thought.

Flipping through TikTok, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for several hours might give some entertainment but is not helping us become intelligent at all. To the contrary, the high-speed switching among posts weakens the capacity for retention of information. The behavior of mindless reception of social media content habituates the brain into expecting instant rewards, enhancing the short span of attention and lower tolerance for rigorous thinking.

Physical and Psychological Costs of Screen Addiction

In addition to intellectual loss, too much screen time impacts mental and emotional health. Studies show that extended screen exposure leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant stream of notifications and social media interactions keeps our brains in hyperarousal, and it becomes challenging to unwind and manage emotions well.

Moreover, our smartphone dependency has diminished our face-to-face interactions, dampening our social cue reading skills, relationships, and deep conversations. Social skills once acquired through real human interactions are now being substituted with emoji-based communication and short texting, curtailing our emotional intelligence and empathy.

Illusion of Connectivity vs. the Reality of Isolation

One of the great paradoxes of the digital age is that despite being more connected than ever, people report feeling lonelier and more isolated. Watching influencers document their seemingly perfect lives on social media can create unrealistic expectations and a distorted sense of reality. Many people spend hours passively observing others instead of engaging in real-world activities that foster personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery.

How to Regain Your Intelligence and Mental Acuity

The better news is that although the trend is alarming, it can be reversed. Follow these steps to regain cognitive toughness:

• Restrict Screen Time: Establish limits for social media and entertainment screen time. Establish screen-free times, particularly at night and during meals.
• Read Deeply: Select books, lengthy articles, or comprehensive reports instead of brief, shallow content.
• Practice Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of what you read. Make education and critical dialogue the priority over scrolling for no reason.
• Build Memory and Problem-Solving Ability: Practice activities that push your brain, like puzzles, chess, or picking up a new language.
• Reconnect with the Actual World: Make in-person connections a priority, pursue hobbies, and get outside to rebuild mental equilibrium and emotional well-being.

Will We Adapt or Continue to Decline?

Technology itself is not evil; its effects are determined by the way we employ it. As long as we allow screens to control our mental routines, our intellectual capabilities will keep degrading. Yet by being deliberate in the way we engage with technology, we can take back our attention, cultivate deeper thought, and safeguard the intelligence that has driven humankind for millennia.

The question is: Will we let ourselves be passive consumers of online content, or will we reclaim control of our minds and intellect? The destiny of human thinking is in the hands of our choices today.

In a controversial move with far-reaching health consequences, the U.S. House passed the Trump administration’s sweeping domestic agenda legislation—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—just before the July 4 deadline set by the president.

While its proponents claim it will make the country “stronger, safer and more prosperous,” leading health experts warn the bill is a dangerous and unethical setback for public health in the U.S.

With major cuts to Medicaid, significant changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and reduced access to basic nutrition and reproductive services, the legislation’s health implications are vast and immediate.

What’s at Stake

At the heart of the bill is a $930 billion cut to Medicaid funding over the next decade—the deepest reduction to the program in its history.

In addition, for the first time, work requirements will be imposed on certain able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 to retain their Medicaid benefits. Parents of children aged 14 and older must also meet this 80-hours-per-month rule through employment, training, volunteering, or school.

Dr. Jason M. Goldman, president of the American College of Physicians (ACP), as reported in healio.com, called the cuts “devastating” and warned they would cripple the U.S. health care system and worsen public health outcomes.

Similar concerns were echoed by the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Emergency Nurses Association, all of whom opposed the bill.

Dr. Arthur L. Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, called the bill “immoral, unethical, and tragic,” also reported in healio.com.

“Slashing Medicaid and imposing work requirements is punishing our poorest, most vulnerable, and mentally ill populations,” Dr. Caplan said.

“It’s unconscionable that the solution to economic reform is to cut basic health care.”

No Access To Affordable Care Act

The bill also weakens the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which could lower enrollment rates and disrupt access to care. One of the major changes is the elimination of automatic re-enrollment in ACA plans. Policyholders must now update their information annually, and the open enrollment window has been shortened by a month.

For individuals applying outside the open enrollment period—due to life events like job loss or family additions—advance premium subsidies will no longer be available immediately. Under current rules, applicants get up to 90 days of help while their paperwork is processed. The new law forces applicants to wait for full documentation approval before receiving assistance.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the result will be catastrophic: an estimated 11.8 million more uninsured Americans by 2034.

“These patients don’t disappear,” Dr. Caplan said. “They flood emergency rooms with preventable issues—headaches, infections, chest pain—overburdening a system already stretched thin.”

Emergency Rooms on the Brink

With millions projected to lose insurance, ERs may become the default safety net—a role they are not equipped to handle.

“Hospitals will close. Services will shrink. Waiting times will skyrocket,” Dr. Caplan warned. “And it won’t just affect the poor—it will affect everyone.”

He also criticized the bill for ignoring the root cause of health care costs in the U.S.

“We have the most expensive, inefficient system in the world. Yet instead of tackling pricing, this bill cuts access,” he said.

SNAP Benefits, Nutrition & Health Impact

The bill also drastically alters the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting roughly 42 million Americans. The age for work requirements has been raised from 54 to 64, and overall benefits will be reduced.

Many families will now receive less support—$292 for an individual and $975 for a family of four.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of preventive health, and public health experts say this rollback will contribute to higher rates of malnutrition, particularly among older adults and low-income families.

Reproductive Health and Planned Parenthood Defunded

In another blow to health access, the bill defunds Planned Parenthood, making it ineligible to serve Medicaid patients. According to the Contraceptive Access Initiative, 10% of Medicaid-covered women who received family planning services in 2021 did so through Planned Parenthood.

The move will severely limit access to contraception, STD testing, cancer screenings, and reproductive counseling, particularly in underserved areas.

Physician Payments, Rural Hospitals, and more

To soften the backlash, the bill includes a 2.5% temporary increase to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rates in 2026, and reinstates certain telehealth flexibilities, as noted by the American Telemedicine Association.

However, experts like Dr. Caplan argue that these are inadequate responses to a much deeper crisis.

“That’s like saying the ship is sinking, but we’ve added two lifeboats,” he said. “Increased reimbursement won’t matter if your patient population loses coverage.”

A new UK-based study published in ERJ Open Research, has found that women who work permanent night shifts face a significantly higher risk of developing moderate to severe asthma compared to those who work during the day.

The findings add to the growing body of evidence that shift work, particularly night shifts, can have adverse effects on health—this time, with a gender-specific warning.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study, conducted by researchers using data from over 280,000 participants in the UK Biobank, observed that 5.3% of the cohort had asthma, and 1.9% had moderate to severe asthma. Among these, female night shift workers stood out: those who worked permanent night shifts were found to have 50% higher odds of developing moderate-severe asthma than female day workers.

Interestingly, this association was not observed among male shift workers.

Circadian Disruption and Lung Health

Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explained how circadian rhythm disruption could increase respiratory risk.

“When our body’s natural rhythm is thrown off by night shifts or irregular sleep, it impacts not just our sleep cycles but also lung function,” he explained.

“The lungs don’t get the recovery time they need. Over time, this can impair breathing, reduce oxygen levels, weaken immunity, and elevate the risk of serious respiratory issues—especially in those already predisposed to asthma or COPD.”

The Hormonal Link

The researchers also suggested that hormone levels—specifically testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)—may play a protective role against asthma. Women, especially post-puberty, tend to have lower levels of these hormones, possibly explaining their greater vulnerability.

Dr. Sunil noted that recent studies have reinforced the protective role of testosterone in reducing airway inflammation, which is a key concern in asthma management. “This could explain why asthma tends to be more severe in women after puberty,” he said. While hormone testing is not standard in asthma diagnosis yet, he believes that advancing research may soon shift clinical protocols.

Gender-Specific Vulnerability

The study further found that women who had undergone hysterectomies—with or without oophorectomies—also faced a higher risk of moderate to severe asthma, suggesting that hormonal changes could further exacerbate vulnerability.

“Female biology is more sensitive to circadian disruption,” Dr. Sunil pointed out. “Estrogen may worsen airway inflammation when sleep cycles are disturbed, while testosterone seems to offer some protection—something men naturally benefit from.”

He added that these findings should encourage workplaces to consider flexible schedules or regular lung health screenings for female night shift workers.

Underdiagnosed, Underdiscussed

Women working night shifts also reported more frequent symptoms such as wheezing or chest whistling and had greater odds of obstructed lung function compared to their male counterparts.

“In practice, we often see female patients with wheezing and breathlessness, but the link to lifestyle factors like night shifts is rarely discussed,” Dr. Sunil said. “These patterns are crucial for early diagnosis and management but remain under-addressed.”

Could HRT Be a Solution?

Given the hormone connection, researchers suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be explored as a preventive measure for postmenopausal women doing night shifts.

“HRT could help balance hormone levels, protect lung function, and reduce inflammation,” Dr. Sunil said. “But it must be approached cautiously, given known risks like blood clots or heart disease. Tailored care strategies and careful risk assessment are key.”

As you prepare for the long-awaited Fourth of July weekend, a perfect blend celebrations is on the horizon. Whether you're hitting the beach, planning a cross-country road trip, or enjoying fireworks from your front porch, staying healthy and safe should be part of your celebration plan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have issued updated health guidance to help travelers prepare for a worry-free Independence Day weekend.

Rising Measles Concerns: Check Your Vaccination Status

This summer, one of the top travel health concerns in the U.S. is the resurgence of measles.

As of June 2025, the CDC has reported a sharp rise in cases, with children under five and unvaccinated adults being particularly vulnerable.

ALSO READ: Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

According to the CDC, this is the highest number of measles cases the country has seen in recent years.

The outbreak is especially concerning in parts of the Midwest and Southeast, where clusters of infection have been reported.

If you’re planning to travel to or through these regions, or internationally to areas such as Europe, Africa, or Asia where measles is also spreading, it's critical to confirm that your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date.

The CDC urges all travelers over the age of 12 months to receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, and in some cases, an additional dose may be recommended for added protection. Carrying proof of vaccination, especially for international travel, is strongly advised.

Sun Protection For Beach Celebrations

With sunshine expected across much of the country, sun safety is more important than ever. The CDC recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, but not all sunscreens are created equal.

There are two main types: chemical sunscreens, which contain ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone to absorb UV rays, and mineral sunscreens, which rely on physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect rays off the skin.

READ MORE: Why Your Sunscreen Isn’t Enough—Skincare Rules You Should Follow This Summer

According to dermatologists cited by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), mineral sunscreens are often better for sensitive skin or for individuals with skin conditions such as rosacea or acne.

Regardless of which type you choose, reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Other smart sun safety habits include wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

A CO Detector, Your Travel Essential

While sunscreen may top the list of travel must-haves, a portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector is an often overlooked but important safety tool—especially for those staying in cabins, older rentals, or poorly ventilated accommodations.

The CDC warns that carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly and hard to detect since the gas is odorless and colorless.

Wichita-based traveler Kathryn Gillett recommends carrying a compact, battery-powered CO detector—available for around $20—as part of your travel kit. The device, about the size of two stacked smartphones, can provide peace of mind, particularly when venturing into remote or unfamiliar lodging environments.

Eat Healthy

Traveling often throws a wrench in healthy eating habits, but it doesn’t have to. For a budget-friendly and nutritious solution, the CDC suggests packing pulses—a group of foods that includes beans, lentils, and peas.

These fiber- and protein-rich foods are easy to prepare, affordable, and support gut health and blood sugar regulation. They also have a low environmental impact, making them a smart, sustainable choice for eco-conscious travelers.

YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: With Fourth Of July Around The Corner, Are You Making These Food Safety Mistakes At Your Cookout?

Options like canned chickpeas, lentil salads, or homemade bean wraps are simple to prepare and travel well. They also double as high-energy snacks to keep you going between fireworks shows and road trip stops.

READ: Healthier Popcorn Alternatives You Can Try For Your July 4 Movie Nights