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When most people hear the word “creatine,” they think of bodybuilders or athletes looking to bulk up. But a growing body of research says: wait, there may be more to it than just muscle gains. The 2022 review by Forbes and colleagues looked at the effects of creatine supplementation on brain function and health (not just muscles). It examines how creatine (and a related compound called GAA) may influence cognitive performance, mood, the brain’s energy systems, and recovery a

When we think about blood pressure, we often focus on the heart. But the brain may be the organ most affected by how well, or poorly, blood pressure is regulated. The brain depends on a constant, well-controlled blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste. Even modest disruptions in blood pressure can influence cognition, mood, and long-term brain health How Blood Pressure Supports the Brain Although the brain represents only about 2% of total

As the calendar turns, millions of people commit to New Year’s resolutions centered on healthier living, eating better, exercising more, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being. In fact, over 60% of adults set health-related resolutions each year , with physical health and mental wellness consistently ranking at the top. Yet by February, nearly 80% of resolutions have already been abandoned . What if one simple practice could improve both physical and mental health a

Mold exposure is often discussed in terms of respiratory symptoms, allergies, or asthma. Far less attention is given to its effects on the brain and nervous system, despite growing evidence that mold and mycotoxin exposure can significantly impair neurocognitive functioning and influence behavior. In environments such as schools, workplaces, and homes, these effects can have serious implications for learning, emotional regulation, and safety. How Mold Affects the Brain Certai

Injuries from violent acts, whether by sharp instruments like knives or by firearms, are a major global public health issue. While overall violence accounts for millions of deaths annually, the modes by which those deaths occur vary widely around the world . Firearm Injuries & Deaths: The Global Toll Global Summary Firearm mortality has shown little decline over recent decades and remains a major source of fatal violence Estimated global firearm deaths (all causes) ≈ ~250,

The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform report— Toledo, Ohio Cost of Gun Violence paints a stark picture of the human and economic toll that firearm violence imposes on our community. According to recent data, Toledo continues to grapple with high rates of fatal and nonfatal shootings, averaging dozens each year with skyrocketing costs to taxpayers, public services, and neighborhood wellbeing. However, this report did not address another underlying problem Toledo

Today, courts are being called to do more than adjudicate cases, they are becoming integral to prevention , early intervention , and successful reintegration . As communities face rising concerns about violence, complex behavioral health needs, and recidivism, the judicial system is uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between public safety and public health. By adopting behavioral threat assessment frameworks and strengthening reentry and reintegration strategies , courts can

School safety has traditionally been framed around hardware and emergency responses, cameras, controlled entrances, lockdown drills, and rapid notifications. Featured in a recent publication by the Campus Safety Magazine , ten school districts in Wood County, Ohio are embracing a new model that recognizes a deeper truth: students are safest when they are supported, connected, and seen early. Through a countywide pilot program led by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Hea

Across the State of Ohio, juvenile justice and community-supervision programs are searching for strategies that do more than manage risk, they want to transform it. The pilot fitness program at the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Residential Center (JRC) demonstrates that physical activity is not just a wellness add-on. It’s a structured, evidence-supported intervention that strengthens resilience, emotional regulation, and prosocial behavior, all essential components of behavioral

Across schools, public safety, healthcare, and behavioral threat assessment teams, one foundational factor consistently influences well-being, performance, and safety: sleep . Adequate sleep is a biological reset system that supports emotional regulation, cognition, and decision-making. When sleep breaks down, behavioral health, and sometimes safety, often deteriorates. This blog and the following resources guide ( Toolkit here !) outlines the shared importance of sleep acros

Communities across the country are looking for ways to better support individuals with behavioral health needs, before a crisis leads to violence or criminal justice involvement. Two powerful frameworks are helping professionals connect the dots between prevention, intervention, and care: the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) . Understanding the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) The Sequential Intercept Model provides a ro

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) frameworks are designed to identify, assess, and manage individuals who may pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. While traditionally focused on behavioral and psychological factors, an emerging area of innovation lies in integrating whole-person health approaches —including naturopathic medicine—into the broader continuum of care. At a time where multidisciplinary collaboration has become central to behavioral health

In the evolving landscape of targeted violence and terrorism prevention, local jurisdictions are increasingly taking proactive, community-based approaches. A recent evaluation out of Wood County, Ohio offers valuable, grounded lessons for practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Why this matters As the article notes, unlike many counter-terrorism functions which are covert or intelligence-driven, prevention efforts—particularly those that focus on youth and b

The Connection Between the Gut and the Mind For decades, mental health was largely seen as a product of the brain alone. But recent scientific discoveries have reshaped that view, revealing that our gut, often called our “second brain” plays a vital role in regulating mood, stress, and cognitive function. This intricate relationship between the gut and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis , a bidirectional communication network linking the central nervous system (CNS) a

In today’s environment, the question facing schools and law enforcement isn’t if a threat will arise, but how prepared we are to recognize and manage it before it escalates . Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) offers a structured, evidence-based approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats of violence, long before a crisis occurs. What Is Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management? Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management is a syst

In today's world, safety is a top priority for communities everywhere. Whether it is about crime prevention, emergency preparedness, or...

In today's world, communities face numerous challenges. From natural disasters to economic downturns, the ability to bounce back is...