Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado

Smartwatches Show Big Promise in Fighting Burnout Among Colorado Doctors

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Aug 28, 2025

Research believe the results show that we can't just let our smartwatches collect the data. We must engage with it often.

Ten Best Places to Scream in Denver

By Tessa Guthrie and Kristen Fiore

Aug 27, 2025

Here's why you should be screaming in public (on purpose).

Colorado Among Top States to See Significant Drop in Alcohol Use

By Thomas Mitchell

Aug 25, 2025

Substance-abuse counselors still have a lot of work out here, but slow motion is better than no motion.

Six Inclusive Places Creating Community in Denver

By Shannon Tucker

Aug 22, 2025

Denver offers unique programs and gathering spots for people from all walks of life.

two ambulances parked in front of trees in the Colorado mountains

Colorado's Harsher Fentanyl Laws Aren't Working, Report Says

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Aug 18, 2025

Despite 2022 legislation that made possession of small amounts a felony, opioid overdose deaths are still rising

A Call for Mental Health Awareness

By Abel Laeke

Aug 10, 2025

We need a task force to help those who are suffering, as well as their families.

Gluten Free In Denver? There’s a Farmers’ Market for You Today

By Antony Bruno

Aug 6, 2025

“I wanted to create a safe space for folks with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders.”

People do yoga while puppies walk around

Ten Unique Yoga Classes in Denver: Kangaroos, Nudity, Puppies and More

By Shannon Tucker

Aug 4, 2025

From naked yoga to kangaroo yoga, there’s something for even the most skeptical yogi.

Want to Get High and Help Science? These Colorado Trials Pay You to Try Cannabis or Psychedelics.

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 29, 2025

"People choose to participate in clinical trials because they see this as giving back something great."

Naropa University president Charles Lief (right) speaks at a Naropa retreat in 2022.

Naropa University Spins Off Psychedelic Clinic Into Memoru Center

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 24, 2025

Memoru Center for Visionary Healing Arts will conduct psychedelic facilitation training, clinical care and research in a new Boulder campus.

Colorado Laws Protect Access to Birth Control...But More Work Is Needed

By Hannah Metzger

Jul 17, 2025

A new report says Colorado is one of sixteen "protective" states for contraception access, but improvements are needed in several important areas.

Psilocybin mushrooms and spores on display

Magic, Indeed? Psilocybin Mushrooms Might Extend Your Lifespan, Study Shows.

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jul 16, 2025

As psychedelic mushrooms hit their stride in mental health, a recent study showed they can extend the lives of human cells and mice, too.

Analysis: How Weather Changes Cause Migraines

By Danielle Wilhour

Jul 13, 2025

Feeling under the weather? A Colorado neurologist explains the triggers and what you can do to ease the pain.

Analysis: Colorado Tops Country in Nurse Burnout Thanks to High Patient Count, Little Support

By Catie Cheshire

Jul 9, 2025

“Colorado nurses face some of the harshest working conditions in the country."

Denver Police to Launch Program to Improve Encounters with People with Invisible Disabilities

By Hannah Metzger

Jul 9, 2025

The Denver Police Department will be the nineteenth Colorado agency to adopt a Blue Envelope program.

Navigating Sobriety in an Alcohol-Obsessed World

By Aspen Moore

Jul 6, 2025

Were you really a University of Colorado Boulder sorority freshman if you didn’t drink Thursday through Saturday?

How the Have Fun, Be Nice Tour Transforms Early Mornings Into Dance Parties

By Toni Tresca

Jun 26, 2025

Daybreaker's sober sunrise dance tour returns to Denver four more times this summer as part of its more than 100 events.

Pamphlets on preparation and integration — the before and after of psychedelic therapy — on display at Etc Hospitality

Golden Psilocybin Healing Center Excited to Start Therapy Sessions

By Brendan Joel Kelley

Jun 25, 2025

"We have a chance, in broad daylight, to show the safety and efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms."

Smokiez THC Gummies Recall Hits 85 Colorado Dispensaries

By Thomas Mitchell

Jun 18, 2025

The gummies were sold between April 26 and June 11 of this year.

Jay Shetty backdropped by a mountain scene on three digital panels while on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Review: Five Key Takeaways from Jay Shetty’s Debut Show in Denver

By Abigail Bliss

Jun 10, 2025

Celebrity guest Lilly Singh joined the former monk and life coach on stage during the On Purpose podcast tour finale.

Health & Wellness

Vape Shop Owners Fighting Against Flavor Ban

Balancing Kratom’s Potential Benefits and Risks

Health & Wellness

Vape Shop Owners Fighting Against Flavor Ban

Balancing Kratom’s Potential Benefits and Risks

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