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Hidden Danger? How Black Box Warnings Could Backfire!

A study suggests that “Black Box” warnings on antidepressants, introduced to highlight the risk of suicidal thoughts.

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Hidden Danger? How Black Box Warnings Could Backfire!

United States: The study you referenced suggests that the introduction of “Black Box” warnings on antidepressants might have had unintended negative consequences for young people. These warnings, which were designed to alert doctors and patients to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults using antidepressants, may have led to a reduction in the prescription of these medications.

This decrease in treatment could have contributed to worsening mental health outcomes, including an increase in suicide attempts and deaths, according to the reports.

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The warnings, initially mandated by the FDA in 2005 for individuals under 18 and later extended in 2007 to include those up to 24 years old, aimed to ensure close monitoring of young patients.

However, research suggests that the warnings led to a significant drop—between 20 and 50 percent—in the use of antidepressants among youth. At the same time, the rate of monitoring for suicidal thoughts remained low, with less than 5 percent of young patients receiving the recommended level of supervision.

Before the warnings, the use of antidepressants was steadily increasing, but it declined sharply after their introduction. The researchers, including Soumerai, argue that the reduction in treatment without corresponding benefits in suicide prevention raises serious concerns.

The study pointed out that 14 years of data indicate no improvement in outcomes and, in fact, a worsening of mental health conditions among young people following the issuance of these warnings, as per reports.

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Based on these findings, the authors of the study suggest that the FDA should reconsider the prominence of Black Box warnings. They recommend that these warnings either be minimized to avoid deterring treatment or possibly be removed altogether, as the risks highlighted may not justify the documented harm caused by reduced antidepressant use.

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Decades of Internet Impact on Global Well-Being and Mental Health Defy Conventional Wisdom

The recent study revealed a minimal and inconsistent change in global well-being and mental health.

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Over the past twenty years, there has been a modest and inconsistent shift in global well-being and mental health, as revealed by a recent investigation conducted by Professor Andrew Przybylski of the Oxford Internet Institute and Assistant Professor Matti Vuorre from Tilburg University, who also works as a Research Associate at the Oxford Internet Institute.

The comprehensive paper, titled ‘Global Well-Being and Mental Health in the Internet Age,’ is expected to be published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science. Despite widespread assumptions about the impact of the internet on psychological health, a study released on November 28th by the Oxford Internet Institute demonstrated that the connections between internet usage and mental health are predominantly inconsequential, at best.

Visual Representation | Credits: Google Images

Despite examining information from two million individuals aged 15 to 89 across 168 countries, the research team uncovered only faint and feeble links. These findings run counter to the presupposition that the internet might be a major contributor to severe psychological distress.

Professor Przybylski commented, “We scrutinized extensively for a ‘smoking gun’ linking technology and well-being, and we came up empty-handed.” The team subjected their findings to a more rigorous examination to identify any overlooked factors. They did find a marginal association, where increased mobile broadband adoption was linked to greater life satisfaction, though the practical significance of this association was deemed negligible.

Professor Vuorre added, “We delved into the most extensive data on well-being and internet adoption ever considered, spanning both time and population demographics. While we couldn’t establish causal effects of internet use, our descriptive results suggested minimal and inconsistent connections.”

Thus far, filtering internet users based on age and gender has not revealed any demographic predispositions, such as gender-specific vulnerabilities. Interestingly, female life satisfaction exhibited more substantial gains than the average for the countries studied.

Professor Przybylski emphasized, “We rigorously examined whether age or gender played a significant role, but there is no evidence supporting popular notions that specific groups are more vulnerable.”

Visual Representation | Credits: Shutterstock

In this investigation, the researchers juxtaposed two distinct datasets on well-being and mental health against per capita internet users and mobile broadband subscriptions and usage in various countries. The second study incorporated data on anxiety, depression, and self-harm rates from 2000 to 2019 across over 200 countries, analyzing their correlations with internet adoption.

Local interviewers conducted surveys in respondents’ native languages, and well-being was evaluated through face-to-face and phone surveys. Mental health statistics, encompassing depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and self-harm, measured the burden on 200+ countries from 2000 to 2019, using comprehensive health data from World Health Organization member states.

Nevertheless, the researchers underscore the need for more data to definitively establish whether internet use has any discernible impacts. The research also asserted, “Studies on the effects of internet technologies face obstacles because crucial data are kept confidential by technology companies and online platforms.”

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Modeling Healthy Habits: A Fit Dad’s Guide

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Modeling Healthy Habits: A Fit Dad’s Guide

As a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and dedicated father in Central Florida, I understand the importance of leading by example when it comes to health and fitness. In today’s fast-paced world, where screens compete for our attention and convenience often trumps nutrition, it’s more crucial than ever to prioritize wellness within the family unit. By modeling healthy habits and fostering a positive environment, we can instill lifelong values of well-being in our children.

Children are keen observers and imitators. They learn by watching the actions of those around them, particularly their parents. As a fit dad, I recognize that my behavior sets the standard for what is considered normal and desirable within our household. By consistently demonstrating healthy habits such as regular exercise, mindful eating, and self-care, I lay the foundation for my children to follow suit.

Making Fitness a Family Affair

One of the most effective ways to instill healthy habits in children is by involving them in your fitness routine. Whether it’s going for a family bike ride, playing a game of soccer at the park, or taking a nature hike, finding activities that the whole family enjoys can make exercise feel like a fun and natural part of everyday life. As a personal trainer, I’m passionate about creating workouts that cater to all fitness levels and ages, ensuring that everyone can participate and feel included.

Nutrition Education Starts at Home

As a nutrition coach, I believe in the power of education when it comes to making informed food choices. I involve my children in meal planning and preparation, teaching them about the importance of eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. By exposing them to a variety of nutritious foods and involving them in the cooking process, I empower them to make healthy choices both at home and when dining out.

Being a fit dad isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. It’s about embodying values of discipline, perseverance, and self-care. By prioritizing my own health and well-being, I show my children that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather a necessary foundation for a fulfilling life. Whether it’s waking up early to squeeze in a workout before the day begins or setting boundaries around screen time to prioritize family activities, I strive to lead by example in all aspects of my life.

Building a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is key to fostering a culture of wellness within the family. This means celebrating achievements, no matter how small, and offering encouragement and support during times of struggle. As a fit dad, I’m there to cheer my children on as they reach new milestones in their fitness journey and to lend a listening ear when they encounter obstacles along the way. By fostering an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and support, I empower my children to believe in themselves and to strive for their personal best.

As parents, we have the power to shape the future through the values we instill in our children. By prioritizing health and fitness within our families, we not only improve our own quality of life but also lay the groundwork for a healthier, happier future generation. As a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and fit dad located in Central Florida, I’m committed to leading by example and inspiring others to join me on this journey toward greater health and wellness—for ourselves, for our children, and for generations to come.

If you would like to learn more about healthy habits and how we can help you with your fitness goals, contact us today.

coach taz deltona personal trainer

“Coach Taz” aka Taylor Rodriguez is the owner and head coach of Taz Fitness & Nutrition. He is a Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach located in Deltona, FL that coaches individuals online and in person. Taylor was a former partying pro wrestler turned fitness enthusiast after the economic downturn of 2008-2010. After losing almost 70 lbs, his new passion is to help struggling individuals find new confidence within themselves to achieve any goal that they see possible. To begin coaching with Taylor or to request a free consultation, contact us today.

Source link: https://www.coachtaz.com/post/modeling-healthy-habits-a-fit-dad-s-guide by Taylor Rodriguez at www.coachtaz.com

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Fitness

How To Shut Your Brain Off & Improve Sleep (4 Simple Tips)

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How To Shut Your Brain Off & Improve Sleep (4 Simple Tips)

Did you know that it should be normal to feel energized in the mornings and gradually get more fatigued as the day goes on as stress hormone and energy levels taper off throughout the day?

However, due to poor sleep, which typically stems from stress and our inability to shut our brains off at night; many of our relationships, job performances, goals, and personal health suffer as a result.

Now, if you just can’t find a way to get your brain to turn off at night, what can you do? Below are a few tips, but, an important note to add here; I guarantee you that none of these tips are particularly mind-blowing and if you’re anything like me when checking out blogs, you’ll probably say to yourself, “ugh, I already know these!” So, my question would be – if you know these tips already, have you introduced them to your regular routine AND done them consistently over time so your mind and body have time to adjust to these habits? THAT is where most people struggle – it’s never with a lack of knowledge, but with the lack of implementation!

Without further ado, here are those tips…

Establish a nightly routine this is the most crucial as our body naturally desires and adapts well to consistency. Try to begin winding down at the same hour each night and give your body “cues” it can begin to recognize so it knows when you’re getting close to bedtime. This may involve periodically turning off more lights in your house to make it darker, taking a warm shower, stretching, etc.

Watch what you drink – caffeine has been known to stay in our systems up to 8 hours after consumption so if you’re trying to go to bed at 10pm and you drink pre workouts or energy drinks late in the day…guess what, you’re probably gonna have a hard time falling asleep. The recommended daily allowance of caffeine for a healthy adult is around 300mg p/d, however, tolerance varies amongst each individual.

Take a sleep enhancer – be sure to consult with your PCP, Dietician, or certified Nutrition Coach before consuming any supplements. Melatonin being the most popular sleep aid, however, there are also sleep enhancers such as “Sleepy-Time Tea,” valerian root, essential oils, CBD, and more. Depending upon the product used, our bodies can get familiar with particular dosage amounts and begin to adapt, resulting in less of an overall positive effect that we are typically use to. This entices us to consume a higher dosage which may become dangerous. In my experience, sleep aids should be used on a temporary process under the right dosage amounts.

Reduce technology – blue light exposure via phone/tablet/TV screens has been linked to increased stress hormones. I recommend reducing technology 2-3 hours before bed and performing activities to unwind such as journaling, taking a warm shower, chatting with family or friends, stretching, etc. If you are going to continue to expose yourself to screens before bed, reduce the blue light frequency on your device (found in the option menus in most modern devices) or wear a high-quality pair of blue-light blocker glasses (not the $20 cheap ones on Amazon).

Speaking from experience as a parent, struggling to get sleep can really have a negative effect on multiple aspects of life. Most of the time, having one or two bad nights won’t lead to any major health concerns, but when not sleeping for long periods of time (weeks or months), it may become something serious so making our nightly routines optimal should always remain a high priority. I don’t mean to come off as preachy, but your favorite show or YouTube video will still be there for you to watch in the morning 😉

If you have any health or nutrition questions, don’t forget to send them in via our contact form on our website.

coach taz personal training

“Coach Taz” aka Taylor Rodriguez is owner and head coach of Taz Fitness & Nutrition. He is a Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach located in Deltona, FL that coaches individuals online and in person. Taylor was a former partying pro wrestler turned fitness enthusiast after the economic downturn of 2008-2010. After losing almost 70 lbs, his new passion is to help struggling individuals find a new confidence within themselves to achieve any goal that they see possible. To begin coaching with Taylor or to request a free consultation, contact us today.

Source link: https://www.coachtaz.com/post/how-to-shut-your-brain-off-improve-sleep-4-simple-tips by Taylor Rodriguez at www.coachtaz.com

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