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Articles by Cole Purvis
Eat This First: How Food Order Can Affect Blood Sugar, Fullness and Energy
When it comes to healthy eating, most of us focus on what goes on the plate. More vegetables. Lean protein. Whole grains. Less added sugar. But researchers are beginning to ask a different question: Does the order you eat those foods matter, too? Surprisingly, the answer might be yes.
What Your Food Cravings Are Really Trying to Tell You
We’ve all been there. It’s 9 p.m., dinner was only a couple of hours ago and suddenly all you can think about is a handful of chips, a chocolate bar or that pint of ice cream in the freezer. Many people joke that cravings mean your body is “asking” for a specific nutrient, but the science tells a much more interesting story. While certain nutrient deficiencies can occasionally influence appetite, most cravings are driven by a complex mix of biology, psychology and everyday habits.
Feed Your Mind: How Whole Grains Support Better Mental Health
When we think about eating for better health, the conversation usually centers around the heart, waistline or blood pressure. But what if your next meal could benefit your brain, too? Researchers are continuing to uncover the connection between nutrition and mental health, and one group of foods consistently stands out: whole grains.
'Wait, You Didn't Know You Were Pregnant?' All About Cryptic Pregnancies
Imagine heading to the hospital because you think you have a really bad stomachache, only to find out you’re actually in labor. It sounds like something out of a movie, but it can happen. In rare cases, a pregnancy can go unrecognized until the very end — even until labor begins. Medical researchers use terms like pregnancy denial, cryptic pregnancy or unperceived pregnancy to describe situations in which someone genuinely does not realize they are pregnant.
What Your Cravings Are Really Trying to Tell You
We’ve all been there. It’s 9 p.m., dinner was only a couple of hours ago and suddenly all you can think about is a handful of chips, a chocolate bar or that pint of ice cream in the freezer. Many people joke that cravings mean your body is “asking” for a specific nutrient, but the science tells a much more interesting story. While certain nutrient deficiencies can occasionally influence appetite, most cravings are driven by a complex mix of biology, psychology and everyday habits.
When Should You Open a Teen Bank Account? A Parent’s Guide
There comes a point in almost every child’s life when the “piggy bank” starts to feel a little limiting. Maybe they’re earning money from chores, receiving birthday cash or getting their first paycheck from a summer job. Suddenly, parents are faced with a new question: Is it time for a real bank account? The answer depends on a child’s age, maturity and financial goals, but experts say introducing banking tools early can help build healthy money habits that last well into adulthood.
The Most Common (and Most Surprising) Food Allergies to Know
When most people think of food allergies, peanuts, shellfish and dairy are usually the first foods that come to mind. They’re certainly among the most well-known, but they’re far from the only culprits. Today, more than 33 million Americans are living with food allergies, including about one in 13 children, according to the nonprofit Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Free Educational Adventures for Kids in Gainesville
The fall welcomes new opportunities to learn and explore beyond the classroom, and not all of them come with a price tag. From museums and nature centers to libraries and hands-on workshops, Alachua County is home to plenty of free experiences that can keep curious minds engaged long after the school bell rings. Whether your child loves art, history, science or simply exploring something new, these six local spots offer educational fun without stretching the family budget. LOCATION: 513 E.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Teens?
When school ends, structure often goes with it. Late mornings, looser routines and more free time can quickly turn screens into the default summer activity for tweens and teens. Whether it’s gaming, TikTok, streaming or nonstop group chats, summer often means more digital time … but how much is too much? For parents, the answer is rarely simple. Unlike younger children, there is no universal daily screen-time limit for teens.
The "Healthy" Travel Foods Most Likely to Make You Sick
When traveling internationally, plenty of people try to make healthier food choices. Think fresh fruit, salads, smoothies, lightly cooked seafood — what you think sounds like the “safe” option compared with fried or processed foods we see a lot of at home. Ironically, those choices can sometimes carry the greatest risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food and water contamination remain one of the most common causes of illness among travelers.
How to Talk to Kids About Strangers
Summer often brings more freedom for kids — vacations, camps, sleepovers, neighborhood bike rides and family outings to busy parks or airports. It’s a season filled with adventure, but it can also bring more moments when children may interact with unfamiliar adults. For many parents, teaching stranger safety can feel tricky. The goal is to protect children without making them fearful of everyone they do not know.
Silence Is the New Standard: The Luxury of a Quiet Travel Experience
For years, the concept of luxury travel was easy to recognize. Infinity pools overlooking oceans. Rooftop cocktails. Private beach access. Five-star restaurants with reservations booked months in advance. Now, increasingly, the most sought-after travel amenity is something much harder to photograph… silence. Across the travel industry, quiet is becoming its own form of luxury.
Why the Beach Makes Us Feel Better
People have always described the beach as calming or therapeutic almost instinctively. Now, researchers say there may actually be science behind that feeling. From air quality and sunlight exposure to the neurological effects of water itself, experts continue uncovering why a beach trip can positively impact mood, breathing, stress and overall well-being. One of the biggest factors is simply the air itself.
Understanding 529 Plans: What Parents Need to Know About Saving for College
For many parents, the thought of paying for college can feel overwhelming long before their child ever fills out an application. With tuition costs continuing to rise, it’s no surprise families often start looking for smart ways to save early. One of the most talked-about options is the 529 plan. However, while it can be a powerful financial tool, it’s not automatically the right fit for everyone. Here’s what parents should know.
Kids and Phones: Shaping the New Age of Phone Users
In an era dominated by technology, the age at which children receive their first phone has steadily decreased. In fact, a 2021 report by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that provides entertainment and technology recommendations for families, revealed that a staggering 42% of kids now have their own phones by the tender age of 10.
Syracuse men's lacrosse falls to Notre Dame in NCAA semis Original
The Syracuse men's lacrosse team fell in the final four for the second year in a row. The Orange were upended by Notre Dame 15-7 in the NCAA tournament semifinals on Saturday in Charlottesville. SU found themselves in a 4-0 deficit early. A first-half hat trick by Finn Thomson put Syracuse back in the fight. The Fighting Irish led 7-4 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Orange cut the deficit to two goals, but three-man-up goals by Notre Dame to open the fourth quarter put the game out of reach.
Hitting the Brakes: Why Less Teens are Getting Their Licenses
There are few moments that ignite a sense of freedom and excitement quite like your first time driving alone as a teen with your license. That initial journey from your childhood driveway marked a commencement into the (somewhat) liberated world of near adulthood. No more would you be at the mercy of someone else’s schedule for transportation. Now, you were free to drive anywhere you wanted and at any time, within reason of course. For a long time, this sentiment rang true for many.
What Every Florida Homeowner Should Know About Their Roof
For most homeowners, the roof is easy to forget … until there’s a leak, a storm or an insurance notice that suddenly brings it into focus. But in Florida, where heat, humidity and hurricanes are part of life, your roof is more than just a finishing touch. It’s one of the most important (and oftentimes, expensive) parts of your home.
HOA 101: What Homeowners Associations Actually Do
If you’ve lived in an apartment complex, condo building or planned neighborhood, chances are you’ve encountered a homeowners association (HOA). Maybe it meant monthly fees, landscaping standards or notices about parking. For many people, HOAs become a part of daily life long before they fully understand what they are paying for or why these organizations exist in the first place. At their core, homeowners associations are designed to manage shared spaces and maintain community standards.
Items in Your Living Space That Could Be Affecting Your Health
Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), yet this space is often overlooked when it comes to promoting good health. Gases are colorless, odorless, invisible substances that can creep into your home without your awareness. In particular, carbon monoxide and radon are common culprits that can cause illness such as headaches, dizziness and severe poisoning at high levels.
Maternity & Paternity Leave: What Parents Need to Know
Welcoming a baby should be about bonding, healing and adjusting to a new rhythm, not scrambling to decode workplace policies. But in the United States, parental leave can feel complicated. Between federal protections, short-term disability, paid time off and employer-specific benefits, many parents are left wondering what’s available and what’s not. Here’s what families, especially those in Florida, should understand before the baby arrives.
The Magic Behind The Game of Scrabble
Every April 13, word lovers quietly celebrate National Scrabble Day, a nod to one of the most enduring board games in American homes. But Scrabble isn’t just a rainy-day pastime or a competitive battle over triple-word scores. It’s a game with a fascinating history and real cognitive and educational benefits for families. A Game Born During Hard Times Scrabble was invented during the Great Depression by architect Alfred Mosher Butts.
Why Creative Play is Good For Lifelong Health
When we hear the word “play,” most of us picture children building forts, dressing up or making up wild stories. But research shows that play, especially creative, imaginative play, is not just a childhood luxury. It’s a powerful tool for mental, emotional and even physical health at every stage of life. From toddlers to teens to adults juggling work and family, creative play supports well-being in ways that science is only beginning to fully appreciate.
Essential Health Checkups by Age: A Complete Guide for World Health Day
April 7 marks World Health Day, a global reminder from the World Health Organization that health is one of our most valuable assets. When many people think about being “healthy,” they picture marathon runners, green smoothies and six-pack abs. They imagine gym memberships, step counters and intense fitness routines. But real health is often much quieter than that. It’s keeping routine appointments. It’s updating vaccines. It’s getting blood work done before something feels wrong.
Getting the Most From Your Vitamins
Vitamins are meant to support health, not complicate it. But if you’ve ever stared at a supplement label wondering whether to take it with breakfast, dinner or not at all, you’re not alone. The truth is that when and how you take vitamins can affect how well your body absorbs them and whether you get the benefits you expect. Vitamins A, D, E and K are known as fat-soluble vitamins. That means they dissolve in fat and are best absorbed when taken with a meal that includes healthy fats.
The Hidden Dangers of Kratom
There’s growing alarm among parents and health experts: Minors are increasingly using kratom, an over-the-counter herbal substance that carries serious risks, including addiction, poisoning and long-term harm. Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in the U.S. it is sold as powder, tea, capsules or extracts. In small amounts it can act as a stimulant.
How to Build Stronger Relationships Through Family Meals
In a world where schedules are packed and screens constantly demand attention, the act of sharing a meal with the people you live with can feel like a luxury. But mounting research shows that family meals are far more than just convenient moments to refill plates — they are powerful opportunities for connection, communication and relationship building that resonate well beyond the dinner table. It’s no secret that family meals often mean healthier food choices.
Syracuse men’s basketball welcomes SMU to the Dome for the first time ever
Syracuse men’s basketball (14-11, 5-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts SMU (17-7, 6-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) for the first time ever on Saturday afternoon. SU is fresh off a thrilling 107-100 double overtime win over California on Wednesday. It was a memorable game for several reasons. There were 28 lead changes, the most in a Syracuse game all season, and neither squad led by more than seven at any point.
No. 14 Syracuse women’s lacrosse outlasted by No. 1 North Carolina in 13-9 loss
For three quarters, No. 14 Syracuse women’s lacrosse (0-2, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) was step-for-step with No. 1 North Carolina (2-0, 1-0 ACC). However, the Tar Heels showed their championship mettle to pull ahead in the late stages and take it 13-9. It drops the Orange to 0-2 for the first time in 25 years. After back-to-back top-10 defeats to begin the season, ‘Cuse is still searching for its first win under head coach Regy Thorpe.
The Benefits of Bone Broth
In recent years, bone broth has gained popularity as a health-conscious culinary trend. While it may seem like just another food fad, bone broth is anything but. This age-old elixir, often touted as a superfood, has a rich history and an impressive list of health benefits. Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, along with herbs, vegetables, and sometimes vinegar, in water for an extended period — typically 12 or more hours.
12 Days of Savings Challenge
This year, try a 12-day family challenge to save money and give a little to those in need or to a cause that matters to you and your family. Each day brings one small savings act and one act of generosity. The goal isn’t deprivation — it’s building financial mindfulness and a giving spirit together. Money habits start young. According to the University of Michigan, children as early as age 5 form emotional patterns around spending and saving that shape future behavior.
Preventing Spending: What to Buy Now to Save On Later
Health care costs continue to rise, but a growing number of experts argue that one of the smartest financial moves happens long before a medical bill arrives. The idea is called preventive spending: investing earlier in tools, screenings and habits that reduce the likelihood of chronic disease, injury and burnout later on. Unlike reactive health care, preventive spending focuses on lowering risk.
Rebuilding Your Social Network This Year
After years of remote work, digital overload and fractured routines, many adults are quietly realizing something is missing. It is not productivity or ambition. It’s connection. As the new year gets on its way, health experts are reframing social wellness as a core pillar of longevity, not a soft lifestyle add-on. The science is clear: strong relationships, regular social contact and even brief moments of connection can meaningfully influence how long and how well we live.
Syracuse men’s basketball plays first of two matchups with Pittsburgh Saturday
Fresh off its first conference win of the season, Syracuse men’s basketball (10-5, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) battles Pittsburgh (7-8, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) for its first of two contests against the Panthers this season. SU enters this clash coming off an 82-72 victory over Georgia Tech in Atlanta on Tuesday, a game in which the Orange controlled from the get-go, leading by as much as 20 points early in the second half.
The Rise of Slow Mornings
For years, productivity culture framed mornings as a race. Wake up early, check your phone, answer emails, squeeze in a workout and get ahead. But as burnout, anxiety and sleep disruption continue to climb, a quieter countertrend is taking hold. In 2026, more people are embracing “slow mornings,” calm-first routines designed to regulate the nervous system before the demands of the day begin.
The Reality of Roughhousing
Parents sometimes recoil at scenes of roughhousing — kids wrestling, tumbling, chasing — yet that kind of play may be one of childhood’s unsung developmental powerhouses. According to recent research, rough-and-tumble play (commonly referred to as roughhousing) is more than chaos. When guided well, it brings big benefits, teaches important life skills and builds stronger family bonds.
The Emotional Power of What We Eat
Ever notice how a meal can lift your mood or sharpen your focus? Turns out, food does more than fuel your body — it feeds your mind, your feelings and even your social radar. Welcome to the world of mood meals, where what’s on your plate can boost empathy, calm your mind and help you eat with intention. There’s a powerful connection between what you eat and how you feel. Researchers call this nutritional psychiatry, or the gut-brain connection.
How Improper Lighting Effects Our Sleep
In our modern world, lighting does more than just illuminate our spaces — it profoundly influences our mood, sleep quality and overall well-being. The bedroom, our sanctuary for rest, is especially susceptible to the effects of lighting. Understanding how different lighting choices impact our sleep can help us create an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm, an internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle over a 24-hour period.
Syracuse men’s basketball tips off a new season against Binghamton
Following two exhibition wins, Syracuse men’s basketball begins its 2025-26 regular season at home on Monday against Binghamton. Head coach Adrian Autry starts his third season at the helm, after finishing last year with a losing record, and missing the NCAA Tournament for a fourth consecutive season. However, SU’s offseason consisted of keeping two significant pieces from last year’s team, acquiring six transfers, and adding two highly-touted freshmen.
Syracuse football heads to Atlanta for its most potent test yet in No. 7 Georgia Tech
Syracuse football (3-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) tries to snap a three-game losing skid this weekend against No. 7 Georgia Tech (7-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) in Atlanta Saturday. SU enters this matchup off a 30-13 loss to Pittsburgh at home last week, and now faces its highest-ranked foe of the year. The Yellow Jackets sit atop the ACC as its only unbeaten team, with the program ranked the highest it's been in 11 years.
How Allowances Are Evolving
When was the last time a child held a dollar bill, counted coins or saved loose change? Increasingly, allowances are moving from wallets to apps. Platforms such as Greenlight, Cash App and Venmo are reshaping how parents teach kids about money. But what do children lose, and gain, when they never touch real cash? A 2025 study by Wells Fargo found that 71% of U.S. parents with children ages 5-17 give a weekly allowance, averaging $37 per week.
Navigating an ACL Injury
If you’ve played sports, or even just watched enough of them, you’ve probably heard someone groan, “Ugh, it’s an ACL tear.” The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a small but mighty band of tissue inside your knee that connects your thigh bone to your shinbone. Its main job? Keep your knee stable and stop your lower leg from sliding forward or twisting too far.
Are Supplements Actually Worth It?
Walk into any gym or scroll through fitness Instagram, and it can feel like everyone has a supplement stack. Powders, capsules, gummies, drops — each promising more energy, better recovery or faster results. But how much of it actually works, and how much is just hype? The short answer: some supplements can be worth your time and money, but most people don’t need an overflowing cabinet. The long answer depends on your diet, your health and your goals.
Syracuse football clashes with No. 24 Tennessee in Atlanta to begin its season
Syracuse football’s first season under head coach Fran Brown injected life into its fanbase and program, going 10-3, with three ranked wins and a victory in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl. But all the reminiscing on last season comes to an end, and a new campaign begins this Saturday, as Syracuse (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) plays No. 24 Tennessee (0-0, 0-0 Southeastern Conference) in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Understanding Meningitis
Meningitis might not be on every teen’s radar, but it should be. Though relatively rare, this illness can become dangerous and even life-threatening within hours. The good news? It’s also highly preventable with the right knowledge and a little proactive care. Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes (called meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. It’s typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, though in rarer cases, fungi or parasites can be the culprits.
Who are the top new targets for Syracuse Football in 2025?
With the calendar flipping to August, Syracuse football (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) plays its first game this month. After the Orange won ten games for the first time since 2018 a year ago, 2025 brings high expectations and even bigger shoes to fill. That theme could not be more true when looking at the wide receiver room for next season. A big reason why the team had a lot of success last season was the plethora of experienced wide outs Quarterback Kyle McCord had at his disposal.
Hacking Your Human Battery
Let’s face it, some days, just making it to lunchtime feels like a marathon. Whether it’s the 3 p.m. slump or the morning fog that just won’t lift, low energy can sneak in and derail your focus, mood and motivation. But here’s the good news: You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel more energized. A few smart, science-backed tweaks to your daily routine can give you a noticeable lift, no mystery powders or 10-step wellness routines required.
Summer Safety
Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activity and some fun in the sun. However, it also brings a host of hazards that families should be aware of. From sunburns to choking, there are a variety of potential dangers that can cause harm to children. Therefore, it is important to discuss some of the most common summer safety concerns and provide tips on how to avoid them.
At Home Muscle Remedies
You’ve crushed your home workout, the sweat is still drying and your muscles are already whispering (or screaming) about tomorrow’s soreness. Before you reach for the foam roller or pop an ibuprofen, consider this: recovery is where the real gains happen. And the tools you choose post-workout — like infrared saunas and cold plunges — can supercharge the process.
Staying Safe Around Lightning
Let’s talk about lightning — Florida-style. As a resident of the Sunshine State, you already know the afternoon storms roll in like clockwork, especially during the summer. But while the dark clouds and thunder can feel routine, there’s nothing casual about lightning. In fact, Florida leads the nation in lightning-related injuries and deaths, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
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