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USA Today
4 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
You're not alone if you're frequently angry. But you should try and stop, for your health.
You're not alone if you're frequently angry. But you should try and stop, for your health. Show Caption Hide Caption Dating expert reveals signs a relationship is toxic Dr. Ramani explains how certain behaviors and conversations can indicate that your relationship is becoming toxic. Though a lot of us think of anger as a limiting or mostly negative emotion, there are times it can be useful. "Anger can be helpful when it signals that something isn't right or needs to change," says Raymond Chip Tafrate, a clinical psychologist and professor at Central Connecticut State University and the co-author of "Anger Management for Everyone: 10 Proven Strategies to Help You Control Anger and Live a Happier Life." Anger can reveal a problem that needs to be solved, motivate you to make a needed change or push you to have a tough conversation. Think becoming mad at a health condition like obesity and deciding to tackle it, participating in a public protest to affect social change or getting the courage to approach a friend or colleague to insist their treatment of you or others improve. At the same time, "anger can become a problem if it happens too often, is too intense or lasts too long," says Tafrate. And there's a big difference between anger helping motivate you to have a hard conversation in the first place and approaching someone in a state of anger instead of with measured words or behaviors. So what might it mean if you feel angry all the time and how can you go about managing the emotion to lead to more productive outcomes? What is anger? Anger is a common and often intense emotion that is characterized by feelings of frustration, friction, annoyance or conflict with another person, event or situation. It's an emotion that Tafrate says evolved as part of the body's fight -or-flight response to help our ancient ancestors survive a challenge or threatening situation. Today, though, "most of the things that make us angry aren't life-threatening situations," he says. Instead, we get upset about injustices in the world, poor treatment toward ourselves or others, the stressors of everyday life or concerns over one's social, physical or financial standing. Another perspective is that "anger is an emotion we experience when our view of what is right versus wrong has been violated and there's an opportunity for us to rectify the situation," offers Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology and the director of the self-control and emotion laboratory at University of Michigan. What is cortisol? All about the 'stress hormone' and what it does for the body Why am I always angry? What causes anger? It's because of this that some of the people who feel angry often are the ones more focused on these perceived violations or injustices – sometimes because they are surrounded by more of them in their day-to-day life and sometimes because they learn of them in the news or on social media. Other times, people commonly experience anger because they are in a profession or a family where they frequently feel attacked, treated unfairly or powerless. One might also experience anger more often because it was modeled as a go-to response in their childhood home or other environment. Anger can also be amplified by people or groups that use the emotion as a tool to energize or motivate others. "And various organizations and cultures have different standards for when and how it is acceptable or unacceptable to express anger," explains Heather Lench, professor of psychological and brain sciences at Texas A&M University – so some people may simply be more comfortable with confrontation or expressing anger than other people. Genetics may also play a role. Many people are born with a more reactive nervous system that can make them more prone to respond negatively to perceived threats, says Tafrate. Genes can also affect how we manage our emotional responses more generally, says Kross. Lack of sleep, a sickness or disease, drugs or alcohol, mental illness, and stress related to work, finances and relationships can also make some people more frequently prone to feeling anger or more likely to react to a situation angrily. Noted: What to know about cortisol, the hormone TikTokers say you need to balance How to manage anger issues No matter what's causing you to feel angry, learning to control and manage it can help you avoid hurting yourself and others and keep you out of trouble and embarrassing situations. Shouting, name-calling or using violence against another person or property, for instance, are all surefire ways to make an already intense situation even worse. It's also not good for your body to too often experience the flood of stress hormones associated with anger. While there are "no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to managing anger," says Kross, "there are lots of tools you can use." For instance, learning to wait until emotions calm down or distancing yourself from the source of frustration until you are ready to approach them thoughtfully is a great way to avoid problems. "Anger typically subsides with the passing of time," says Kross, so it can be helpful to do something else until it does. Running your hands under cold water, counting backwards from 10, taking deep breaths, going for a run, repeating an uplifting mantra, stepping outside, distracting yourself with an engaging task, venting to a friend or listening to calming music are all proven options. Another option to feel less angry is to change your mindset toward a person or situation. It can also be helpful, when possible, to avoid the person or situations that frequently cause you to feel angry, whether that's a friend or colleague who rubs you the wrong way, news stories or doomscrolling on social media. And because anger is more likely to arise when you're overwhelmed, offers Tafrate, "prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and avoiding excessive substances like alcohol or caffeine."
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Students showcase knowledge of history during statewide competition
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — Over 400 students from local middle and high schools took to Central Connecticut State University for a history contest on Saturday. Participants spent months researching, analyzing and creating projects demonstrating their knowledge of history. Students compete in welding competition at Grasso Tech in Groton 'I did a senior individual exhibit about Mila Pavlichenko, she was a Soviet sniper during World War II, and she fought for the rights of women to serve in combat positions and the responsibilities of other allied nations to support the Soviet Union,' siad Neila Feeney from Conard High School. Students were able to look into the past, while keeping an eye on the future. 'The great thing about history day is students can explore their passion,' said Rebecca Taber, the director of secondary education programs at the CT Democracy Center. Winners from Saturday's event will compete in the National History Day competition in Maryland next month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walkers gear up for the Greater New Haven Heart Walk
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) —This weekend, walkers will take part in the Greater New Haven Heart Walk, all for a good cause. The walk will take place on Sunday at Lighthouse Point Park. Participants are raising money and awareness for heart disease and heart conditions, including Jio Rodriguez. Greater New Haven Heart Walk returns to Lighthouse Point Park on May 4 Rodriguez was a student at Central Connecticut State University last year, when he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed. Thankfully, three officers were nearby to begin CPR and AED treatment, saving Rodriguez's life. 'My situation was kind of a perfect storm, I only got so lucky because here was someone who was trained in CPR and trained to use an AED,' Rodriguez said. 'It's really such a simple process and you never know when it could change someone's life, like you, yes, save it like mine.' The Connecticut chapter of the American Heart Association's mission is getting more people to learn CPR and how to use an AED. The walk is Sunday morning at 9 a.m. at Lighthouse Point Park. News 8's Lisa Carberg will be emceeing the event. More information can be found on the organization's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
State pilot program exploring use of Artificial Intelligence in education
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — A state pilot program is exploring the use of artificial intelligence in education. The program was highlighted at an AI Summit at Central Connecticut State University Tuesday. Governor Ned Lamont, who spoke at the event, said he thinks AI plays to Connecticut's strengths. South Windsor High School embraces Artificial Intelligence in classrooms 'Whether you're in physics, whether you're in biology, whether you're in manufacturing, AI can be a compliment or minor to what your major is because it could be part of everything we do,' Lamont said, referring to college students. When it comes to grade schools, the AI pilot program is currently being tested at seven Connecticut school districts. 'We have a Google Chrome extension called Brisk and we're able to do a lot with it,' Smalley Elementary School teacher Rachel Cunningham said. When asked if the tool helped with students' learning, Cunningham said it definitely does. Lawmakers weigh benefits of artificial intelligence in classrooms 'I feel it definitely assists with their learning because we're really able to individualize the instruction for them,' Cunningham said. Education experts at the event said AI could also aid students in special education or students that don't speak English as their first language. However, Jeff Riley, director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Day of AI lab said regulation is crucial. He said educators must also ensure students wouldn't be over-dependent on the tool. 'We just have to have a policy that focuses on our values of academic integrity, where a kid would disclose if they're using it,' he said. The Department of Education said seven school districts in the state are currently participating in the AI pilot program. Lamont said lawmakers are going to see how successful it is this year and then they will determine if they should deploy the technology more broadly across Connecticut. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mass. gave the U.S. its Constitution. Why it matters more than ever
Good Monday morning, all. If you were up early and found yourself in Lexington over the weekend, you might have mistakenly thought you'd fallen into a tear in the space-time continuum, what with all the folks in Revolutionary War cosplay, and all. The reenactment of the battle that sparked America's fight for independence is an annual occurrence on Lexington's Battle Green. And this year, with the nation's 250th birthday looming, it comes freighted with some additional meaning. And with this Monday being Patriots' Day here in the Bay State (and Marathon Monday!), it seemed like a good idea to review another of Massachusetts' key contributions to the founding of the Republic. Namely, that the Bay State's Constitution, drafted in 1780 by Quincy's own John Adams, was the template for the U.S. Constitution, written seven years later, by James Madison. For that refresher, MassLive turned to Jerold Duquette, a Central Connecticut State University professor, who tracks Massachusetts politics. Here are 3 things to know about the Bay State's founding document, and why we wouldn't be the country we are now without it. Duquette, the co-editor of 'The Politics of Massachusetts Exceptionalism,' took a few minutes to share his thoughts last week. This conversation has been lightly edited for content and clarity. Q: It's Patriots' Day in Massachusetts. What's the one big thing we need to know about the Massachusetts Constitution? Duqette: 'Given what we're now experiencing in [the] state and nation ... the most significant thing about the Massachusetts Constitution that should be heralded from the top of Beacon Hill is the very clear existence of legislative supremacy, both … in theory and in practice .... legislative supremacy was invented in Massachusetts. The framers of the Massachusetts Constitution had spent a century-and-a-half as legislators beating the s**t out of royal governors.' Q: Why does that matter? A: 'In Washington today, we're seeing the [poison] fruits of legislative supremacy, [it] having been dashed incrementally. Basically, for our last 100 years, Congress has gradually, sometimes not so gradually, surrendered power to the executive. And now we have an executive running all over the Constitution and a [legislative branch] doing nothing.' Q: If you're looking for through-lines between the Massachusetts and U.S. constitutions, what are the most obvious drop-and-drags? A: 'The most important things, I would contend, are these two concepts, which are legislative supremacy and separation of powers." 'Now, not a lot of people want to talk about legislative supremacy ... it's kind of tricky, right? If you're talking about legislative supremacy, I'm talking about a concept of principle. And I'm certainly talking about how it has worked out in Massachusetts.' 'But what you hear lawyers and even constitutional law professors sometimes say is that the Constitution of Massachusetts, as well as the Constitution of the United States, envisioned separation of powers [and] coequal branches.' 'However, they're always careful to say that only one of the branches is really completely independent and is preeminent — or the first among equals — and that is the legislature. I call that legislative supremacy." 'Lots of American historians and constitutional experts in the 20th century did as well, but it's clearly not the case in the United States. Right? The American Constitution has, in fact, no longer has legislative supremacy, because the Congress and the courts have essentially ceded authority to the president.' Q: What do you think the framers would make of this creep of the unitary executive, which has been a bipartisan phenomenon? A: 'They would be terrified ... There were two ... big fears. Well, maybe it's the same fear, but it's two sides of the coin. 'They were very much afraid of the average person. In a sense, they were afraid of any kind of direct democracy. But they were also afraid of the kind of person who would be able to exploit the opinions of those masses, and that would be the demagogue. They were afraid of demagogic leaders being able to inflame the passion. So, mob rule is a fear of the people. But it's also a fear of the people who would strike fear in the people.' 'You don't really have to be a scholar to recognize that we have a demagogic president who is taking full advantage of the power of public opinion .... Executives are very, very comfortable now claiming an electoral mandate. That's not really something the framers would ever have wanted. They would not have wanted any president ... to be claiming that they are the people's president.' Q: What should people be reflecting on today? What will you be reflecting on during Patriots Day? A: 'I think I'll be reflecting on the dangers of the unitary executive theory, and how we're seeing it at the national level. You know that danger is imminent.' As if we needed further confirmation that driving in Massachusetts is, indeed, a bloodsport, this new data from the folks at should do the trick. First, the good news: Car accident rates declined in every state except Vermont and New York from 2023 to 2024. Those states had a 2% and 10% increase, respectively, according to the industry website's analysis. But before Bay State drivers stop leaning on their horns long enough to take a bow, here's some sobering perspective: Massachusetts had the highest crash rate (6.07%) of all 50 states, according to that same analysis. Insurify analysts calculated the accident rate based on the number of accidents and the total number of drivers in each state. If it's any consolation, nearly all of our fellow New England drivers are also menaces on the road. New Hampshire had the second-highest crash rate at 5.81%, followed by Rhode Island, which finished third at 5.63%. Maine finished fourth at 5.38%. And while Bay Staters like to mock Connecticut, the Nutmeg State finished 29th, at 4.22%, according to the Insurify analysis. 'People are struggling, and too many of the folks in charge are out of touch or out of reach. I've seen what it's like when rent eats half your paycheck. When schools go underfunded year after year. When entire neighborhoods feel like they're being pushed out. And I know I'm not alone — that's the Boston too many of us are living in." The call is coming from inside City Hall. Kerry Augustin, 26, a receptionist for Boston's Age Strong Commission, jumped into the crowded field of candidates who are looking to challenge incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu. US-Canada relations tested as border library faces new restrictions | John L. Micek Layoffs begin amid 'budget crisis' at Harvard's Chan School of Public Health Western New England Law prof fighting Trump's ban on trans people from military Kerry Augustin, City Hall employee, joins Boston mayoral race Mass. House Speaker Mariano resists calls for indicted Cape Cod rep. to resign Trump admin cancels $90 million in disaster prevention aid for 18 Mass. communities Why Harvard was willing to risk $9B to fight Trump Springfield Democrats huddle on May 10 at Springfield Central High School (and virtually) to pick their slate of delegates to this year's Democratic State Convention. Democrats from the City of Firsts have home-field advantage for the party conclave, which is being held at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. on Sept 13. The May 10 event gets rolling at 10:30 a.m., with registration closing at 10:45 a.m. The caucus will also feature speeches by local elected officials and party leaders. Japanese Breakfast, the nom de rock for singer-songwriter Michelle Zauner, plays the MGM Music Hall in Boston on May 7 (Tickets and more info here). The band has an outstanding new record out, 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women),' that builds on an already impressive discography. From that LP, here's 'Orlando in Love.' From name and likeness rights to the transfer window, the big-money business of college football has seen some equally big changes over the last few years. Another biggie: The rise of the college football general manager. Sam Khan Jr., writing for The Athletic, explains why you need a GM if you intend to be a serious player. One caveat though: This change has been underway for years. Here's the germane part: Across college football, employing a general manager has become table stakes for programs that are serious about talent acquisition. A GM's role can vary, but in most cases, that person oversees all aspects of roster construction: high school recruiting, the transfer portal, name, image and likeness compensation and — once the House v. NCAA settlement is approved — a revenue-sharing Some programs have prioritized hires with NFL experience to help navigate an offseason that looks more professionalized by the day, especially with contract negotiations and NFL-style holdouts playing out in increasingly public forums. In 2025, the GM has become one of the most important athletic department hires a school can make. But college football GMs aren't an overnight invention. They're a movement nearly 20 years in the making, with the largest roots tracing to some of the sport's most storied programs. Major rule changes accelerated general managers' evolution from back-office grunts to one of the most influential people in the building. And their profile is only rising. One more caveat: The full story is subscription-only. That's it for today. As always, tips, comments and questions can be sent to jmicek@ Have a good week, friends. US-Canada relations tested as border library faces new restrictions | John L. Micek 3 UMass poll numbers that could worry Republicans. And 1 for Democrats | John L. Micek Mass. Gov. Healey has a GOP challenger. 3 big questions we're asking | Bay State Briefing
