Publications

A collection of articles, white papers and long-form essays exploring health, policy, and sustainability. Grounded in academic research, each piece is designed to inform, engage, and inspire while prioritizing resilience, equity, and dignity.

The Dual Legacy of Pesticides: Health, Environment, & Chemical Regulation
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

The Dual Legacy of Pesticides: Health, Environment, & Chemical Regulation

This paper examines the historical evolution of pesticide use, the health effects documented in toxicological and epidemiological research, and the regulatory divide between the United States and the European Union. In particular, the U.S. model under FIFRA allows widespread use of chemicals until harm is demonstrated, whereas the EU’s REACH framework requires manufacturers to prove safety prior to approval. These structural differences affect how quickly risks are addressed and have global implications. Regulatory gaps in higher-income countries often facilitate the continued export and use of hazardous pesticides in the Global South—regions where oversight is weaker, protective equipment is scarce, and the burden of exposure disproportionately falls on vulnerable agricultural populations.

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The Case of Dr. Edward Simmer and the Shifting Role of Evidence-Based Leadership in South Carolina
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

The Case of Dr. Edward Simmer and the Shifting Role of Evidence-Based Leadership in South Carolina

In the wake of South Carolina’s restructuring of public health leadership, the rejection of Dr. Edward Simmer offers a revealing case study in how science, symbolism, and politics now collide in public service. This article explores how leadership once praised for calm, evidence-based guidance has become a vessel for unresolved public frustration—and what that shift means for the future of health governance.

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Beyond "Healthy" and "Unhealthy": A Behavioral and Nutritional Framework for a Sustainable Food Relationship
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Beyond "Healthy" and "Unhealthy": A Behavioral and Nutritional Framework for a Sustainable Food Relationship

This white paper challenges the binary food narratives of “healthy” and “unhealthy,” offering a multidimensional framework rooted in behavioral science, neuroscience, and nutrition research. By examining the psychological, cultural, and biological roles of food, it critiques the unintended consequences of rigid dietary messaging and proposes a more sustainable model for public health. Practical recommendations for policy, education, and clinical care emphasize flexibility, food autonomy, and equity-driven reform.

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Conservation in Action: Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s Role in Preserving Biodiversity
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Conservation in Action: Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s Role in Preserving Biodiversity

In an era of unprecedented biodiversity loss, the delicate balance between protecting species, ensuring their welfare, and fostering meaningful public engagement has never been more critical. My visit to Tanganyika Wildlife Park this year offered a profound reminder of how ethical leadership, scientific innovation, and community collaboration can shape a sustainable future for wildlife and ecosystems. While Tanganyika excels in forging powerful human-wildlife connections, this article explores how they could expand their impact further through cutting-edge strategies like augmented reality and citizen science—tools that could inspire deeper engagement and shared responsibility for conservation.

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Restoring Gut Health After Antibiotics
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Restoring Gut Health After Antibiotics

The gut microbiome is a vast and intricate ecosystem comprising trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. These tiny organisms play essential roles in digestion, immune defense, and overall health. Antibiotics, while critical in fighting infections, can inadvertently disrupt this balance, leading to a condition called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis occurs when the beneficial microbes in your gut are depleted, which can result in digestive discomfort, inflammation, and even weakened immunity. Restoring this delicate ecosystem is key to ensuring long-term health and resilience.

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Reframing Disease: Pathology, Morphology, and the Art of Integration
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Reframing Disease: Pathology, Morphology, and the Art of Integration

Pathology and morphology often evoke images of sterile laboratories and clinical diagnostics, but their true essence lies in their ability to connect science and philosophy. By examining the physical and conceptual dimensions of disease, these disciplines offer profound insights that transcend the confines of modern medicine. This exploration reveals how integrating emotional, social, and environmental systems can expand our understanding of health and the interconnected forces that shape it.

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Cultivating Equity: Urban Agriculture as a Solution to Food Insecurity and Health Disparities in the Southeastern U.S.
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Cultivating Equity: Urban Agriculture as a Solution to Food Insecurity and Health Disparities in the Southeastern U.S.

Food insecurity in the Southeastern United States remains a pressing issue, disproportionately impacting low-income communities and exacerbating health disparities. Urban agriculture offers a transformative solution, turning vacant spaces into thriving hubs for fresh, nutritious food while addressing systemic barriers like limited food access, economic inequities, and public health challenges. Programs like the Atlanta Urban Agriculture Alliance (AUAA) and Grow West Tennessee demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to enhance food sovereignty and foster resilience. By prioritizing equity and inclusivity, urban agriculture can serve as a catalyst for healthier, more sustainable communities across the Southeast.

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Understanding Microbiome Diversity and Its Impact on Immune Health
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Understanding Microbiome Diversity and Its Impact on Immune Health

A healthy and diverse microbiome is crucial for maintaining immune function, metabolic regulation, and disease protection. However, in today’s world, modern lifestyles and environmental factors are increasingly disrupting this delicate balance. Diets high in processed foods, overuse of antibiotics, and lack of exposure to natural environments are just a few of the challenges contributing to a decline in microbiome diversity. This reduction can lead to chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic disorders. Despite the growing body of research showing the importance of microbiome diversity, many individuals and healthcare systems struggle to adopt strategies that promote its health. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, responsible antibiotic use, and greater public awareness of the microbiome’s impact on overall health.

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The Vital Role of Atlantic Salmon: A Keystone Species for Health and Ecosystems
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

The Vital Role of Atlantic Salmon: A Keystone Species for Health and Ecosystems

Atlantic salmon are more than just a nutritious fish; they are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. From community-driven habitat restoration to cutting-edge technologies and robust policy protections, the efforts to conserve this keystone species demonstrate the power of collaboration between science, communities, and legislation. Learn how you can make a difference and help ensure a thriving future for Atlantic salmon and the ecosystems we all depend on.

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Reclaim Your Nights: Proven Strategies for Better Sleep
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Reclaim Your Nights: Proven Strategies for Better Sleep

Struggling to get a good night's sleep? Whether you're battling chronic insomnia or dealing with the challenges of conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI), restful sleep is vital for physical and mental well-being. This guide offers evidence-based holistic strategies—from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to mindfulness techniques and dietary adjustments—that help improve sleep naturally. Dive into the science of sleep, explore the risks and benefits of sleep medications, and discover how small changes can lead to big improvements in your sleep quality. Your journey to better rest starts here!

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Neuroprotective Strategies for Combating Burnout and Enhancing Cognitive Resilience
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Neuroprotective Strategies for Combating Burnout and Enhancing Cognitive Resilience

Chronic stress and burnout are more than just buzzwords—they represent a crisis that impacts cognitive function, physical health, and overall performance. High-stakes demands require strategies that go beyond temporary relief. This post explores how integrative neuroprotective solutions such as mindfulness, yoga, and chiropractic care can mitigate stress-induced damage and restore cognitive resilience, fostering a balanced, high-performing mindset in today’s fast-paced world.

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Enhancing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Therapy with Nutrition & Holistic Approaches
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Enhancing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Therapy with Nutrition & Holistic Approaches

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit from a holistic approach that integrates nutrition, nature therapy, mindfulness, and sensory integration. Nutritional strategies—rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, and other key nutrients—help address behavioral and cognitive challenges common in ASD. Combined with other holistic methods, these interventions create a nurturing environment that fosters resilience, self-regulation, and improved quality of life for individuals with ASD.

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Nutritional Strategies for Heart Health: A Comprehensive Review
Kelly Mahony Kelly Mahony

Nutritional Strategies for Heart Health: A Comprehensive Review

This article reviews key findings from the literature, focusing on nutritional recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention and symptom reduction. It summarizes the pathology and risk factors associated with heart disease and examines peer-reviewed literature, exploring dietary patterns, individual food items, and additional nutrients and supplements related to cardiovascular health outcomes. I also share nutritional strategies and kitchen tips that have the potential to reduce symptoms and improve health outcomes.

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