Heart n' Social

The science behind our sweet tooth, why candy can be so tempting, and how to enjoy Halloween treats without overthinking every bite. Halloween has a funny way of bringing out our sweet tooth. Maybe it's the bowl of chocolate sitting by the front door. Maybe it's the candy you haven't eaten since childhood. Or maybe you weren't thinking about sweets at all until you spotted your favorite in the trick-or-treat stash. So why can a little piece of candy be so hard to resist? As it turns out, your...

There’s something comforting about finally getting home. Your own bed. Your favorite chair. Familiar faces without visiting hours. But once the bags are down and everyone settles in, you may realize that being home feels a little different than you expected. Getting dressed takes more effort. You’re unsure about stepping into the shower. A family member wants to help, but neither of you knows quite how. You can be happy to be home and still need support. Returning home is a step in recovery,...

Walking through the house while carrying a cup of coffee. Answering a question while heading down the stairs. Bringing groceries inside while watching for a pet underfoot. These activities feel ordinary, but each asks the brain and body to manage more than one task at a time. When walking is combined with talking, remembering, carrying, scanning the environment, or making a decision, it becomes a form of dual-tasking. For many people, this happens without much thought. After an illness,...