June 16, 2021 | 1 min read

Why we Must Talk About E-cigarettes with Teen Patients

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Proactively counseling adolescents about the risks of e-cigarette use is essential. The message should acknowledge both the health implications and the pressures that they may feel from their peers.

December 10, 2024 | 1 min read

A breath of fresh air

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals can prioritize ongoing conversations about the risks of smoking and vaping with young patients, tailoring their approach to address specific concerns and misconceptions.

May 7, 2026 | 2 min read

“Are e-scooters really that dangerous?” 

Serious e-bike and e-scooter injuries are surging. A conversation about helmets and safe riding habits can save a life. 

August 10, 2026 | 2 min read

School absence as a vital sign

Frequent absence from school may reflect unmet health needs. Routinely asking about school attendance can allow clinicians to optimize care for younger patients. 

June 7, 2021 | 2 min read

It’s Not About Weight

By Nicole Cifra, MD, MPH, University of Rochester

Approaches employed by eating disorder specialists can be applied to support all patients. This includes emphasizing healthy behaviors and acknowledging your own assumptions about weight.

June 22, 2022 | 1 min read

Explaining The Risks of Vaping

Prioritize discussions about the long-term consequences of smoking. Be aware that just because someone has quit doesn’t mean that they won’t relapse.

May 2, 2022 | 3 min read

The Alarming Rise in Pediatric Suicide

By Elizabeth Reynolds, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Rates of childhood suicide have been rising steadily and this is now the second leading cause of death for youth. It's critical to screen children for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.   

November 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Minimizing the risks of teen social media use

By Sarah Radtke, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritize open dialogue with patients about social media use, focusing on its impact on mental and emotional well-being. 

January 31, 2023 | 1 min read

Brain Candy

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Because we don't know yet how social media affects our brain, it needs to be consumed in moderation. Scheduling times to spend time with friends and family may make it easier to get offline. 

November 15, 2021 | 1 min read

Healthy Social Media Use

By Nicole Cifra, MD, MPH, University of Rochester

Talk with patients about their social media use. Remind them to limit screen time before bed in order to sleep well and stay healthy.

October 13, 2021 | 2 min read

Social Media During The Pandemic

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While social media is contributing to increased rates of depression during the pandemic, it also keeps us socially connected during challenging times.

August 25, 2025 | 4 min read

Reset, refocus, relieve  

Mindfulness can be a simple yet powerful tool for patients, especially those feeling anxious or stressed. Here are some tips on how to introduce brief practices to get them started. 

September 28, 2021 | 1 min read

Considerations When Talking With Patients About Cannabis

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The medical literature on cannabis use is not clear, making it difficult to know what to tell patients. Share both positives and negatives about using marijuana, and help your patient make the best care plan for them.

April 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Creating a Safe Space For Teen Well Visits

By Barry Solomon, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Providing excellent care for adolescents includes creating a safe space for confidential discussions. The clinically excellent pediatrician is able to help support the teen to share sensitive concerns with parents and caregivers.

October 9, 2019 | 3 min read

Return to Play

By John Wilckens, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While research findings are critical for clinical decisions, they only support the human art of empathizing with and understanding your patients.

May 5, 2026 | 2 min read

Seize this social media moment  

Clinicians can use recent headlines about social media as a timely opening to discuss digital habits with patients. Healthcare professionals can suggest practical limits and safety strategies.  

April 24, 2026 | 3 min read

Bedtime reboot 

Assess sleep as a modifiable contributor to presenting symptoms—briefly screen and ask about bedtime habits and sleep timing. Start with simple fixes—consistent schedules and bed for sleep only—and refer to a specialist if problems persist. 

August 9, 2021 | 4 min read

Hiding in Plain Sight: Just Ask, or You’ll Miss Most Eating Disorders

By Angela Guarda, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Although five percent of the population has a clinically significant eating disorder, most aren't detected because clinicians don’t ask. Simply asking,“What is the MOST you would be comfortable weighing?” can help identify a restrictive eating disorder.

April 8, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Support Teens’ Mental Health During The Pandemic

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Now more than ever, it's critical for parents to check in with their teens on a regular basis. Encourage parents to ask their children directly how they’re doing and to validate that these are hard times.

October 15, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Talk About Firearm Safety During the Pandemic

By Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

With a surge in gun sales during the pandemic, exposure to firearms has increased for all. It’s imperative that clinicians give comprehensive firearm safety counseling to patients during these challenging times.

November 14, 2024 | 3 min read

A surgeon’s wakeup call: Learning about helmet safety the hard way 

By James Harris Jr., MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals can do more than treat injuries; they can help prevent them. Educate patients and their loved ones about safety gear, share real-life stories, and empower people to make wise choices. 

October 17, 2024 | 2 min read

Gaming for mental health 

By Barry Bryant, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Understanding the therapeutic potential of video games is important. Clinicians may elect to recommend them for certain young patients struggling with mental health challenges.

September 26, 2024 | 3 min read

Under the influencers 

By Adam Schiavi, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The social media "Black out challenge" promotes asphyxia that can result in irreversible brain damage or death. Healthcare professionals should warn patients and caregivers to be cautious about social media trends and provocations. 

March 21, 2024 | 2 min read

Young LGBTQ+ patients deserve more 

By Brady Hanshaw, medical student, Harvard Medical School, Thara Nagarajan, MD, UCSF

36% of LGBTQ+ youth are unsure they’ll live until the age of 35. These mental health outcomes are even more severe for LGBTQ+ youth of color. It’s critical that clinicians create a safe space to talk about anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. 

September 13, 2023 | 1 min read

Firearm Suicides on The Rise

By Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Paul Nestadt, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To stem the increase in self-inflicted gun deaths, we must work toward early and accurate diagnosis of mental illness, as well as advocate for better firearm laws.

January 23, 2023 | 2 min read

Young People And Mental Health Concerns

By Mackenzie Sommerhalder, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The decision to bring a young patient to the ER for mental health concerns versus what can wait is challenging. As a general rule, a young person should be taken to the ER if the caregiver has any concern about their safety and/or the safety of others. 

January 4, 2023 | 2 min read

Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can benefit from relationships with those of different ages. Encourage patients to consider joining a community group with people from across generations. 

May 16, 2022 | 1 min read

Sharing Mental Health Diagnoses With Patients

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For some patients, a mental health diagnosis brings relief. For others, it doesn’t. Regardless, we must take the time to educate patients and caregivers about symptoms, what to expect during the course of illness, and warning signs that suggest the need for attention. 

December 2, 2021 | 3 min read

TikTok: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For patients who are on social media, encourage them to engage with pro-mental health content on TikTok by watching, liking, and sharing.

October 28, 2020 | 1 min read

Preventing Dry Eye in the Zoom Era

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Increased online activities during the pandemic has caused higher rates of dry eye for many. All clinicians should encourage their patients to take regular short breaks from screens.

October 9, 2025 | 2 min read

When anxiety steals the spotlight

Performance anxiety is common, and healthcare providers are sometimes the first people patients turn to for help. Clinicians can normalize it, offer coping strategies, and refer when appropriate to reduce distress and improve well-being.