Cannabis use increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, including among young people with no prior history of cardiovascular issues, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data on 200 million people aged 19 to 59 and found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attack and 30% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers. Cannabis users were also twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

Young women are now binge drinking more than young men, according to a new study in JAMA. Binge drinking for a typical adult is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women (five for men) within two hours. Researchers found that between 2021 and 2023, more women ages 18-25 reported binge drinking in the last month compared to men in their age group, a reversal of higher binge drinking rates among men from 2017–2019. A separate study found that women in their 30s and 40s reported...

In honor of National Women’s Health Week (May 11–17), social workers can discuss unique health risks from alcohol with clients. In these conversations, it’s important to share that there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol can be harmful, including wine, beer, and liquor. If a client who is pregnant is using alcohol, the safest thing to do is to stop drinking. Every day...