San Francisco state and city leaders announced a proposed legislative change Monday aimed at expanding the use of court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment as part of an effort to confront the city’s ongoing mental health crisis. The announcement was made during a morning press conference outside San Francisco City Hall, where officials described the proposal as a significant shift in how treatment for severe mental illness is handled in California. Mayor Daniel Lurie joined mem

What is food phobia?   Food phobia is an intense fear or strong refusal of certain foods. It can look like crying, gagging, panic at mealtimes, or insisting on only a few safe foods. It’s common in young children and often improves with calm, consistent help.  Common causes   Some kids develop fears after a scary experience such as choking, gagging, or vomiting. Sensory sensitivity to texture, smell, or

Every parent knows the challenges of toddler tantrums. One moment your child is happily playing, and the next, they are on the floor crying or screaming. Tantrums are a normal part of early childhood as toddlers learn to manage their emotions and express themselves. While it can be overwhelming, staying calm and understanding what your child needs makes a big difference. The first step in handling tantrums is recognizing the triggers. Hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, or frustrati

Children’s behavior can often seem unpredictable, but developmental psychology offers valuable insights into why kids act the way they do. By looking at how children grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively, parents can better understand their actions and guide them with patience. Recognizing that each stage of childhood has unique needs helps caregivers respond more effectively to challenges. In early childhood, much of a child’s

Early detection of autism or ADHD can make a big difference in helping children get the right support. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs parents and teachers can watch for. Why Early Detection Matters The earlier a child’s needs are recognized, the sooner therapies and support can begin. Early help improves learning, communication, and social skills. Common Early Signs of Autism in Children Limited eye

Most parents expect some moodiness or occasional emotional outbursts from their children, especially during times of stress or change. But what happens when those moods hide something deeper? Childhood depression doesn’t always look like sadness or crying—it can wear a lot of different masks. And because children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling, their struggle often goes unnoticed. It’s a common misconception that depression

Parenting is tough, and in the heat of the moment, many parents end up yelling at their children. Whether it's because of stress, repeated misbehavior, or simply being overwhelmed, shouting often feels like a quick fix. But while yelling might seem effective in the short term, it can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars on children. Children are especially sensitive to their environment and the emotional tone of their caregivers. When yelling becomes a regular form of

Establishing consistent routines for children is one of the most effective strategies for ensuring their well-being and development. Children thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Routines provide structure, security, and stability, which are essential for emotional growth and behavior management. Consistency helps children understand boundaries and feel more secure, as they can predict what happens next in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s a morning routine, a set be

In Houston, a growing concern around youth mental health is being met with action by the Ibn Sina Foundation, a community-driven organization that has provided affordable healthcare to underserved populations for over two decades. Founded to support low-income and uninsured residents, the foundation now runs multiple clinics across the city, offering both medical and behavioral health services. Anchor Rashi Vats rece

San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input. The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use tr

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of tomatoes across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall involves products from two separate companies: Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indiana, has recalled its 4-count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in plastic clamshell containers. These tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states

The imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese imports has triggered a noticeable change in consumer habits, particularly in the apparel sector. With the cost of imported clothing climbing, more consumers are now turning to secondhand and consignment shops for affordable and sustainable alternatives. As new clothing becomes less accessible due to price hikes, the secondhand retail market is benefiting from increased foot traffic and a surge in supply. Brittany Burton, co-owner of a co

  After over two decades in the health and wellness industry, Modere has officially announced it is closing its operations. The direct-to-consumer brand, which once had a significant presence in markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, shared a heartfelt farewell with its community, expressing gratitude for the support and loyalty of its customer base throughout the years. Founded 23 years ago, Modere built its identity around offering clean-label

  In the early months of 2025, U.S. consumer spending on air travel, hotels, and restaurants saw a notable decline, signaling a shift in spending habits amid economic uncertainty. According to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped by 10% in February 2025, while spending on hotels decreased by 6%, compared to the same time last year. In addition, restaurant spending saw a 3.5% decrease, further highlighting

The stock market suffered a sharp sell-off on Friday as fears over inflation, declining consumer confidence, and doubts about artificial intelligence investments combined to push major indexes lower. The S&P 500 dropped 2%, making it the second-worst trading day of 2025 for the broad-based index, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 2.7%, breaching its lowest point for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slumped, losing 1.7% as investors reacted to concerning economic signals.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur

Expansion of China's Trade-In Scheme China is extending its consumer trade-in program, originally launched in March 2024, to help stimulate demand in the struggling household sector. The scheme now includes additional home appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, and rice cookers. In an effort to boost the digital goods market, subsidies are also being offered for products like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers who trade in old products can receive subsidies

Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) has officially rejected recent reports claiming that Starbucks is planning to exit the Indian market, calling the rumors "baseless." These reports suggested that the American coffee giant might leave India due to high operating costs, mounting losses, and the growing competition from local, cheaper alternatives. However, TCPL, which operates Starbucks in India

Coffee prices have reached record highs, driven by a significant reduction in Brazil’s coffee crop. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil's struggles with adverse weather conditions have created a global supply shortage, pushing Arabica coffee futures up by 73% over the past year and 31% in the last month. Additionally, Robusta prices have also surged due to similar global supply constraints, with prices for Q2 rising 82% year-on-year. This price surge is im

E-commerce giant Amazon has appointed Samir Kumar as the new Country Manager for India, effective October 1, following the resignation of Manish Tiwary. Kumar, a 25-year veteran of Amazon, will take over operational responsibilities while continuing to lead consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey. This leadership transition comes as Amazon emphasizes the significance of the Indian market in its global strategy. Kumar joined Amazon in 1999 and played a pivota