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… Most people have felt picked on, put down, or left out by peers at some point in their life. Conflict between children, even friends, can be a normal part of development. But some aggressive behaviors cross the line into bullying. “Bullying is a type of aggression,” says Dr. Jamie Ostrov, a psychologist who studies child development at … 1 in 5 high school students are bullied every year. Bullying can have life-long consequences. NIH research is yielding new insights into how to prevent and stop bullying behaviors. … A Cycle …

… more. Despite the links between our social ties and health, there’s been a troubling increase in social disconnection around the world. About 1 in 3 adults nationwide report feeling lonely. … a social species. We are highly dependent on others from birth,” says Dr. Elizabeth Necka, an NIH expert on social and behavioral science. “So feeling socially isolated can make you feel as … adults are also vulnerable. “Over the course of the adult lifespan, we found that loneliness is higher in young adulthood and older adulthood. It dips during mid-life,” says psychologist Dr. …

… body’s filters. These two organs clear out toxins and compounds that would otherwise build up in your blood. This keeps the rest of your body running smoothly. Your kidneys filter around 150 quarts of blood each day. This blood is circulated around your entire body. “So when the kidneys aren’t working well, every cell and … chronic kidney disease,” says Dr. Meryl Waldman, who studies nutrition and kidney health at NIH. Avoiding foods and drinks high in certain nutrients may prevent or delay some health …

… and may even help you bond with loved ones. Your ability to smell also plays a key role in your health. If your ability to smell declines, it can affect your diet and nutrition, … brain of a particular smell. “It’s estimated that the number of odors that people can detect is somewhere between 10,000 and 100 billion, or even more,” says Dr. Gary Beauchamp, a taste and … they have a problem with their sense of smell,” says Howard Hoffman, a public health expert at NIH. A national health and nutrition survey recently revealed that 12% of adults have a smell …

… simple daily activities. Balance problems also increase the risk of dangerous falls. “Balance is really your sixth sense,” says Dr. David Newman-Toker, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins … throw off your balance. These may include infection, stroke, or a tumor. Usually, a disruption in balance is temporary. But some things can cause long-term balance problems. So how do you know … to have things checked out,” says Dr. Michael Hoa, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NIH. “Pay attention to things that aren’t normal for you.” You may feel like you’re moving, …