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  • FBI Asks Public for Tips on Medical Institutions Providing Gender-Affirming Surgeries on Kids

    FBI Asks Public for Tips on Medical Institutions Providing Gender-Affirming Surgeries on Kids

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking the public for any tips regarding medical institutions that are performing gender-affirming surgeries on children.

    President Donald Trump’s administration has placed gender-affirming care among transgender youth under scrutiny on the second day of Pride Month. “Help the FBI protect children,” the agency wrote, adding that they want to hold accountable those who “mutilate” kids under the guise of gender-affirming care.

    FBI Cracks Down on Gender-Affirming Surgeries on Children

    The Republican leader’s policies have continued to target the transgender community, restricting access to various services, such as gender-affirming healthcare. This comes as the procedure is rarely done in adolescents and is considered only on a case-by-case basis.

    Additionally, the majority of youth who receive these kinds of procedures report high levels of satisfaction, saying they have improved mental health and low levels of regret. Last week, Medicare wrote that selected hospitals sought billing codes and projected revenue from treating gender dysphoria in children, according to Axios.

    It asserted that gender-affirming care for minors has significant risks without providing substantial evidence to back up its claims. This caused it to draw scrutiny among major medical associations.

    A spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, Laurel Powell, said that healthcare for transgender youth is simply healthcare. She argued that trying to weaponize the FBI against American doctors who are doing their jobs is detrimental to parents who want their kids to thrive.

    The FBI’s request to the public comes as youth gender-affirming care has become illegal in 27 states across the country. Additionally, 17 states are facing legal challenges over the restrictions, putting them temporarily on hold, The Hill reported.

    Targeting the Transgender Community

    When Trump signed an executive order where he recognized male and female as the only two sexes, he also directed federal agencies to stop promoting the concept of gender transition. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the Republican leader’s directives, adopted the position that it “rejects gender ideology.”

    The development comes as the Trump administration passed a tax bill that bans Medicaid from covering transition-related care. Additionally, the legislation prohibits marketplace plans that are available under the Affordable Care Act from covering transgender care as an essential health benefit.

    The bill would have initially banned Medicaid from covering “gender transition procedures” for minors. However, House Republican leadership introduced an amendment that removed the word “minors” and the words “under 18 years of age.”

    The amendment later passed the GOP-led Rules Committee and the full House passed it the day after, as per NBC News.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

    © {{Year}} ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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  • Chemical Safety, Cultivated Meat, and Our Health 

    Chemical Safety, Cultivated Meat, and Our Health 

    More than 95 percent of human exposure to industrial pollutants like dioxins and PCBs comes from fish, other meat, and dairy.

    By cultivating muscle meat directly, without associated organs like intestines, the incidence of foodborne diseases “could be significantly reduced,” as could exposure to antibiotics, “pesticides, arsenic, dioxins, and hormones associated with conventional meat.” Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved seven hormone drugs to bulk up the production of milk and meat. “In the European Union, there exists a total ban on such use,” however. Even without injected hormones, though, animal products naturally have hormones because they come from animals. “Eggs, example given, contribute more to the dietary intake of estradiol [estrogens] than beef, whether the animal is legally treated with hormones or not.” After all, eggs come straight from a hen’s ovaries, so, of course, they’re swimming with hormones. But if you’re directly growing just muscle meat or egg white protein, you don’t need to include reproductive organs, adrenal glands, or any of the associated hormones.

    “Chemical safety is another concern for meat produced under current production systems.” There are chemical toxicants and industrial pollutants that build up in the food chain, such as pesticides, PCBs, heavy metals, and flame retardants, but there is no food chain with cultivated meat. We could produce all the tuna we wanted, with zero mercury.

    When the World Health Organization determined that processed meat was a known human carcinogen and unprocessed meat a probable human carcinogen, it wasn’t even talking about the carcinogenic environmental pollutants. When researchers tested retail meat for the presence of “33 chemicals with calculated carcinogenic potential,” like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides like DDT, and dioxin-like PCBs, they concluded that, in order to reduce the risk of cancer, we should limit beef, pork, or chicken consumption to a maximum of five servings a month.

    Why cultivate meat at all when you can just buy organic? Surprisingly, “consumption of organic meat does not diminish the carcinogenic potential associated with the intake of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).” A number of studies have recently compared the presence of environmental contaminants in organic meat versus conventional meat, and the researchers found, surprisingly, that organic meat was sometimes more contaminated. Not only organic beef either. Higher levels were also found in pork and poultry.

    If you look at the micropollutants and chemical residues in both organic and conventional meat, several environmental contaminants, including dioxins, PCBs, lead, and arsenic, were measured at significantly higher levels in the organic samples. As you can see below and at 2:56 in my video, The Human Health Effects of Cultivated Meat: Chemical Safety, the green is organic meat, and the blue is conventional. 

    Cooking helps to draw off some of the fat where the PCBs are concentrated, as shown here and at 3:01.

    Seafood seems to be an exception. Steaming, for example, generally increases contaminant levels, increasing contaminant exposure and concentrating mercury levels as much as 47 percent, as you can see here and at 3:15 in my video. Better not to have toxic buildup in the first place.

    More than 95 percent of human exposure to industrial pollutants like dioxins and PCBs comes from foods like meat, including fatty fish, and dairy, but the pollutants don’t appear magically. The only way the chicken, fish, and other meat lead to human exposure is because the animals themselves built up a lifetime of exposure in our polluted world, from incinerators, power plants, sewer sludge, and on and on, as you can see here and at 3:40 in my video.

    Unlike conventional meat production, a slaughter-free harvest would not only mean no more infected animals, but no more contaminated animals either. In terms of pollutants, it would be like taking a time machine back before the Industrial Revolution.

    Doctor’s Note:

    Cultivated meat means less contamination with fecal residues, toxic pollutants, antibiotics, and hormones; up to 99 percent less environmental impact; and zero pandemic risk. Cultivated meat allows people to have their meat and eat it, too, without affecting the rest of us.

    This is the final video in this cultivated meat series. If you missed the first two, check out the videos on Food Safety and Antibiotic Resistance.

    I previously did a video series on plant-based meats; see the related posts below.

    All videos in the plant-based meat series are also available in a digital download from a webinar I did. SeeThe Human Health Implications of Plant-Based and Cultivated Meat for Pandemic Prevention and Climate Mitigation.



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  • GOP Senator Ridiculed for Insisting Americans ‘Transitioning From Medicaid’ Will Get Insurance From Employers: ‘Do Employers Know?’

    GOP Senator Ridiculed for Insisting Americans ‘Transitioning From Medicaid’ Will Get Insurance From Employers: ‘Do Employers Know?’

    A Republican Senator is being ridiculed online for stating that the millions of people that will be removed from Medicaid if President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” passes will then transition to employer-provided healthcare.

    Oklahoma Senator James Lankford appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ in conversation with host Rebecca Quick on Thursday, where he discussed the potential impacts of the Trump-back GOP spending bill.

    “People are screaming and saying, ‘It’s kicking people off Medicaid.’ It’s not kicking people off Medicaid. It’s transitioning from Medicaid to employer-provided healthcare. So yes, we’ve got 10 million people that are not gonna be on Medicaid, but they then are gonna be on employer-provided healthcare,” said Lankford.


    Social media users reacted incredulously, mocking Lankford for assuming that millions of people would immediately have access to employer provided healthcare options.

    “Do the employers who don’t provide health insurance know??” said one user.


    “Except when your minimum wage job has no healthcare,” said another.


    “So it’s kicking people off medicaid,” wrote a third.


    “That’s IF the employer provides healthcare that is affordable! These are working poor who live paycheck to paycheck and have little left to afford healthcare!” concurred a fourth.


    Lankford, who is a member of the Finance Committee, met with Trump to discuss the tax and spending bill on Wednesday. He continued to outline what exactly legislators discussed with Trump in the meeting.

    “About a two hour conversation about what’s happening on taxes, what are agreements going to be, what direction we’re going to try and take. It was broad in many areas. The House has already passed their piece, the Senate has got to pass our piece then that’s going to line up with the House and the President has got to sign. It’s very important that we align all three right now, so it was a coordination meeting yesterday quite frankly,” said Lankford.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • About Tourette Syndrome | Tourette Syndrome

    About Tourette Syndrome | Tourette Syndrome

    What it is

    Tourette syndrome (TS) is a condition of the nervous system. TS causes people to have “tics”.

    Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things. For example, a person might keep blinking over and over. Or a person might make a grunting sound unwillingly.

    Having tics is a little bit like having hiccups. Even though you might not want to hiccup, your body does it anyway. Sometimes people can stop themselves from doing a certain tic for a while, but it’s hard. Eventually the person has to do the tic.

    Parents sit on park bench with their daughter, looking and smiling at a cell phone.

    Knowing when tics started and how long symptoms have lasted can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis.

    Types

    There are two types of tics—motor and vocal.

    Tics can be either simple or complex.

    Symptoms

    The main symptoms of TS are tics. A person can have tics ranging from simple, temporary tics lasting a few weeks or months, to having many complex tics that are long-lasting. Symptoms of TS usually begin when a child is 5 to 10 years of age. The first symptoms often are motor tics that occur in the head and neck area.

    The types of tics and how often a person has tics changes a lot over time. Even though the symptoms might appear, disappear, and reappear, these conditions are considered chronic.

    In most cases, tics decrease during adolescence and early adulthood and sometimes disappear entirely. However, many people with TS experience tics into adulthood and, in some cases, tics can become worse during adulthood.1

    Although the media often portray people with TS as involuntarily shouting out swear words (called coprolalia) or constantly repeating the words of other people (called echolalia), these symptoms are rare, and are not required for a diagnosis of TS.

    Risk factors

    Scientists do not know the exact cause of TS. Research suggests that it is an inherited genetic condition.23 That means it is passed on from parent to child through genes.

    Mom stands behind her daughter, hugging her.

    Genes play an important role in a person’s risk of Tourette syndrome.

    Scientists are studying other possible causes and environmental risk factors that might contribute to TS. Some studies have shown that the following factors might be associated with TS, but additional research is needed to better understand these associations:456

    • Smoking during pregnancy
    • Pregnancy complications
    • Low birthweight
    • Infection

    Diagnosis

    There is no single test, like a blood test, to diagnose TS. Health professionals look at the person’s symptoms to diagnose TS and other tic disorders. The tic disorders differ from each other in terms of the type of tic present (motor or vocal, or combination of the both), and how long the symptoms have lasted. TS can be diagnosed if a person has both motor and vocal tics, and has had tic symptoms for at least a year.

    Did you know?

    Depending on the type of tics a person has, and how long the tics last, a person might be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome or another type of tic disorder.

    A stethoscope rests on a stack of books.

    There are three types of tic disorders.

    Other concerns and conditions

    TS often occurs with other conditions. Most children diagnosed with TS also have been diagnosed with at least one additional mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is important to find out if a person with TS has any other conditions and treat those conditions properly.


    Children’s Mental Disorders: A Journey for Parents and Children

    Meet two families and hear about their experiences living with Tourette syndrome and ADHD. Watch the video. [Closed captions available]

    Treatment and recovery

    Father giving his son a piggyback ride

    Although there is no cure for TS, there are treatments available to help manage the tics.

    Many people with TS have tics that do not get in the way of their daily life and, therefore, do not need any treatment. However, medication and behavioral treatments are available if tics cause pain or injury; interfere with school, work, or social life; or cause stress.

    What CDC is doing

    CDC works with partners to better understand TS, including the prevalence of TS, the quality of life among people affected by TS, and the impact of TS on parenting, relationships, and education.

    Funded partners are helping CDC to track persistent tic disorders (PTD) including TS among children, adolescents, and young adults. This will allow us to better understand the public health impact of these disorders (such as healthcare costs and physical health outcomes) and provide data that can be used to inform education and outreach activities to improve the health and well-being of individuals with tic disorders and their families.

    CDC is also conducting studies of screening and diagnostic tools to improve identification of children with tics. Results from this research are used to better inform public health efforts to improve the lives and health outcomes of people affected by TS, to implement education programs to help improve the quality of life of those with TS and their families, and to inform future research.

    An image of particles streaming to represent data flows.

    CDC’s latest data on Tourette syndrome.

    School boy and doctor have consultation in hospital room

    Learn about identifying TS and other tic disorders.

    Resources and tools

    Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults.

    Information and resources for individuals living with TS and tic disorders and their families.

    Information and resources about TS and tic disorders for healthcare providers.

    Information and resources about TS and tic disorders for educators and support staff.

    Articles icon.

    Key findings, feature articles, and scientific articles about TS.

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  • MannaFlux

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  • The Science and Practice of Staying Present Through Difficult Times

    The Science and Practice of Staying Present Through Difficult Times

    Research suggests that when we turn towards pain and discomfort, we can experience less of it. Plus, Ed Halliwell offers a guided meditation for being mindful when things get tough.

    Research into mindfulness has shown the benefits of staying present, and of gently turning towards difficulty. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) trains people with addictive habits to manage their cravings mindfully by staying present to the sensations of craving, rather than trying to distract from them, avoid them or defeat them.

    The Science of Staying Present

    In a large trial of MBRP, mindfulness-trained patients drank and used drugs significantly less than those who were treated with cognitive-behavioural approaches, and a control group who attended twelve-step and psycho-education groups. The authors of the study conclude that mindfulness was the most successful approach, especially over the longer term, because it enabled patients to “monitor and skilfully cope with discomfort associated with craving or negative affect.” A similar study with smokers found that mindfulness training was more than five times as effective as a standard smoking cessation programme, as measured by abstinence from cigarettes after four months (31 per cent compared to 6 per cent). Another study has suggested that mindful people are more able to tolerate their own distress, rather than react in harmful ways.

    There are benefits to staying present with physical, as well as emotional, discomfort. Fadel Zeidan and colleagues suggest that meditation practice is associated with brain changes that indicate and reflect shifts in people’s experience of, and relationship with, pain. Meditators show decreased activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (an area of the brain involved in registering pain) and increased activity in three areas involved in the regulation of pain—the anterior insula, the anterior cingulate cortex and the pre-frontal cortex. When gently turning towards pain, people report that they experience less of it, and their resistance usually decreases. They may not get so caught up in the negative stories and evasive reactions that tend to accompany pain but do nothing to stop it (and, indeed, may increase the mind’s perception of it). This may be why people with chronic conditions have reported reductions in pain after training in mindfulness, even though they still suffer from the illness.

    When gently turning towards pain, people report that they experience less of it, and their resistance usually decreases.

    As far back as 1971, Robert Wallace and Herbert Benson found that meditation reduced activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the “fight or flight” reaction. More recently, attending a mindfulness course has been shown to reduce activity and grey matter volume in the amygdala—a key indicator of how strongly this reaction is triggered. With mindfulness training also comes a thickening in parts of the pre-frontal cortex—the region directly behind the forehead—which may be connected to a strengthening of the body’s capacity to regulate stress. Connections between the amygdala and other parts of the brain weaken after mindfulness training.

    One part of the pre-frontal cortex associated with stress regulation is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Poor ACC function tends to correlate with impulsive behaviour and mental inflexibility—which are both common among people who are under stress. Experienced meditators display more activity in the ACC, and better stress regulation. The capacity to self- manage during difficult situations may be trainable at a very young age. One study that tracked a group of pre-school children who attended a mindfulness programme over six months found that they were less impulsive (more able to regulate) than a group of children who did not receive the training.

    The Benefits of Leaning Into Discomfort

    Just the act of describing unpleasant experiences mindfully can have a positive effect on stress levels. In one study, people with a fear of spiders were asked to walk towards and try to touch a live tarantula. Some were invited to reassure themselves as they approached the spider, while others were advised to distract themselves from what they were trying to do. A third group was encouraged to acknowledge and turn towards their fear, saying something like: “I am frightened by the big ugly spider.” The members of this third group—those who openly stayed present to their fear— got closest to the tarantula, felt least upset by the experience, and had the least sweaty palms.

    Staying present to difficulties seems to have a significant impact on well-being. In Matt Killingsworth’s studies of wandering minds, he has found that people are less happy when their minds are distracted, even when they are engaged in an activity that we would usually describe as unpleasant. So, for instance, even though most people are not keen on commuting, they tend to be happier if their minds turn towards the experience of the journey rather than wander away from it. Other studies have suggested that setting oneself the goal of avoiding stress increases the long-term risk of depression. By contrast, if we view stress as a normal, helpful indicator—something we can handle and from which we can learn—rather than as something to eliminate, we are more likely to experience good health and emotional well-being.

    Try This 15-Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation

    When you’ve established a stable foundation with mindfulness of breath and body you can experiment with turning towards difficulty.

    Sometimes our experience is painful and difficult. And there may be little or nothing we can do about the arising of the pain or difficulty. In these cases, we may be able to work with what’s happening skillfully by exploring our relationship to it. Most of us have a habitual pattern of turning away from problems or trying to get rid of unpleasant events. Unfortunately this often seems to increase our sense of stress, because if pain is already present, you can’t get rid of it by trying to run away from it. In mindfulness practice we gently experiment with reversing this habit by turning gently towards difficult experiences that come up in our meditation.

    This practice is usually best done in small doses at first. Preferably working with difficulties that aren’t likely to be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you’re in charge of how you undertake this experiment. You can return to mindfulness of breathing as an anchor at any time or let go of this practice for a while if you need to, being kind to yourself.

    Note that this practice includes longer pauses of complete silence for reflection and presence. If you want more time, feel free to pause the recording as you go.

    1. Begin by settling into a dignified sitting posture. Upright, steady, grounded. Feeling the feet on the floor, bottom on the chair, spine erect shoulders dropped. Feel a sense of openness at the chest, muscles un-tensed, centered, feeling the breath in the belly. Attuning attention to sensations of the breath as it moves in and out. Being with the breath. Being in the body.
    2. And now expanding awareness to experience throughout the body. Being in the present moment with the body. Noticing what you find and allowing what’s here to be here. Especially noticing sensations in the body that are more unpleasant and difficult to be with. Maybe there’s an aching, throbbing, churning, or a tightening somewhere. There may be a physical or a more emotional tone to the sensations. If it feels helpful to label this for yourself, you could mentally say some words describing the experience: anger, pain, or restlessness, for example. Perhaps also noticing where in the body you’re feeling these tones of sensation and emotion.
    3. Now inviting you to experiment with gently taking your attention towards a region of more intense sensation. Turning towards the intensity. Being interested in the qualities of and changes in sensation from moment to moment. What increases or decreases in intensity are there? What shifts in location or texture? As best you can, staying with the direct experience of sensation and letting any thoughts about what’s happening or urges and impulses to react be held in kindly awareness in the background of the mind. Letting go of any need to try and get any kind of result here or for anything to have to change. Just gently turning towards what’s going on. And noticing what happens without an agenda. Riding the waves of experience, moment by moment.
    4. If you like you could offer a sense of breathing with the sensations, feeling them together with the rising and falling of the breath. Breathing in with sensations, breathing out with sensations.
    5. Noticing: are there any impulses to resist or pull away? Perhaps you find your attention drawn into thoughts. Rumination maybe or distraction. Maybe you find your thoughts trying to make sense of the difficulty or problem solving it or judge the success or failure of the practice by whether the intensity decreases or changes. As best you can, seeing if you can include these reactions in your noticing, allowing space for them to be experienced along with the sensations themselves—without having to buy into them or reject them.
    6. If it feels too much to be doing this it’s always okay to continue with or return to mindfulness of breathing or body or to stop practicing for a time. Gentleness is paramount here and there are no right or wrong things to happen when you try this. Just being interested in what does happen when you take your attention into a region of difficulty, moving towards it, letting the experience be observed and awareness without needing to do anything else.
    7. And experimenting now if this feels okay for you with breathing into the region of intensity. Opening further to the sensations on the in-breath and having a sense of softening on the out-breath, of letting go. This isn’t to try and change what’s happening but rather to offer a skillful relationship to it. Flowing with it. Offering space to it, allowing it. Breathing into the sensations on the in-breath, breathing out from them on the out-breath, softening, letting be, allowing.
    8. Staying present with the intensity only for as long as feels manageable for you right now. If you like you can gently move your attention away from and then back towards the intensity noticing what happens each time you work with redirecting your attention in and out. Inviting you to be like a scientist undertaking a laboratory experiment. Being interested in what happens rather than seeking a particular outcome. Coming back to mindfulness of breath or body as and when that feels right for you.
    This post was adapted from Into The Heart of Mindfulness, by Ed Halliwell, published by Piatkus). Download a set of 14 guided audio meditation practices from Ed’s books here.



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  • Healthy Habits: How to Make Them Stick Forever

    Healthy Habits: How to Make Them Stick Forever

    Introduction to Healthy Habits

    Adopting healthy habits is a crucial step towards achieving overall well-being and quality of life. Healthy habits encompass a wide range of practices, from regular physical activity and balanced nutrition to sufficient sleep and stress management. The benefits of these habits are well-documented, including reduced risks of chronic diseases, enhanced mental health, and increased longevity. However, the challenge for many lies not in starting these habits but in making them stick forever. This article explores the strategies and techniques that can help individuals incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle in a sustainable manner.

    Understanding the Psychology of Habit Formation

    To make healthy habits stick, it’s essential to understand the psychology behind habit formation. Habits are automatic responses to specific cues that are triggered by environments, emotions, or other signals. The process of forming a habit involves a cue, a routine, and a reward. For instance, if every morning after waking up (cue), you drink a glass of water (routine), and feel refreshed (reward), this sequence can form a habit over time. Understanding this cycle can help in designing strategies that effectively integrate new habits into daily life.

    Setting Realistic Goals and Tracking Progress

    Setting realistic and achievable goals is the first step towards adopting a healthy habit. It’s crucial to be specific about what you want to achieve, making sure your goals are measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, instead of saying "I will exercise more," a SMART goal would be "I will exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for the next 3 months." Additionally, tracking progress through journals, apps, or spreadsheets can provide motivation and help in identifying patterns or obstacles that need to be addressed.

    Creating an Environment that Supports Healthy Habits

    The environment plays a significant role in habit formation and maintenance. Surrounding yourself with cues that remind you of your healthy habits can be beneficial. For instance, keeping a gym bag by the door can serve as a daily reminder to go for a run or visit the gym. Similarly, clearing your pantry of unhealthy snacks and stocking up on fruits and vegetables can encourage better eating habits. Making healthy choices easier and more accessible can significantly increase the likelihood of sticking to healthy habits.

    Building Accountability and Support Systems

    Having a support system in place can be a powerful motivator for maintaining healthy habits. Sharing your goals with a friend or family member and asking them to hold you accountable can provide an added incentive to stick to your habits. Joining a fitness class, cooking group, or online community centered around health and wellness can also offer support, advice, and camaraderie, making the journey to adopting healthy habits more enjoyable and sustainable.

    Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining Motivation

    Despite the best intentions, obstacles and setbacks are inevitable. It’s crucial to anticipate these challenges and have strategies in place to overcome them. Identifying potential obstacles, such as lack of time or motivation, and planning alternatives, such as home workouts or finding a workout buddy, can help in navigating these challenges. Moreover, celebrating small victories and rewarding oneself for milestones achieved can help in maintaining motivation and enthusiasm for healthy habits.

    The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

    Mindfulness and self-compassion are essential components of maintaining healthy habits. Practicing mindfulness can increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, helping in making more informed choices about health and well-being. Self-compassion, on the other hand, involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and patience, especially when faced with setbacks or failures. This approach can foster a more positive and resilient mindset, crucial for long-term adherence to healthy habits.

    Conclusion

    Making healthy habits stick forever requires a multifaceted approach that includes understanding the psychology of habit formation, setting realistic goals, creating a supportive environment, building accountability, overcoming obstacles, and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can successfully adopt and maintain healthy habits, leading to improved health, happiness, and quality of life. Remember, the journey to healthy habits is a marathon, not a sprint, and every step taken towards wellness counts.

    FAQs

    • Q: How long does it take to form a habit?
      A: The time it takes to form a habit can vary significantly from person to person, but research suggests it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with 66 days often cited as a benchmark for habit formation.

    • Q: What is the most effective way to stick to healthy habits?
      A: Consistency and patience are key. Setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and having a support! system in place can significantly increase the chances of sticking to healthy habits.

    • Q: How can I overcome the temptation of unhealthy habits?
      A: Understanding your triggers and planning ahead can help. For example, if you know you tend to crave sweets after dinner, having a healthy alternative ready can help in resisting the temptation.

    • Q: Is it necessary to make drastic changes to adopt healthy habits?
      A: No, small and gradual changes can be more sustainable and effective in the long run. Starting with small, manageable changes can help in building confidence and momentum.

    • Q: How can I ensure I maintain my motivation for healthy habits?
      A: Celebrating small victories, rewarding yourself for achievements, and reminding yourself of your why (the reasons behind adopting healthy habits) can help in maintaining motivation and enthusiasm for healthy habits.

  • Clip of RFK Jr Being Called Out for Lying on Live TV Resurfaces Amid Concerns Over MAHA Report Citing Fake Sources

    Clip of RFK Jr Being Called Out for Lying on Live TV Resurfaces Amid Concerns Over MAHA Report Citing Fake Sources

    A resurfaced clip of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. being called out for lying during a live CNN interview has fueled new concern after his department repeatedly cited fabricated sources in multiple versions of its “transformative” Make American Healthy Again report.

    In the trending snippet from 2024, CNN anchor Kasie Hunt asks RFK Jr, who was running as an independent presidential candidate at the time, whether he still believed “there’s no vaccine that is, you know, safe and effective,” quoting an earlier interview response.

    “I never said that,” RFK Jr quickly asserted.

    “So, stop me, we have the clip. Please play the clip,” Hunt demanded before a clip of RFK Jr making the word-for-word claim is played.


    The clip’s resurgence has left many wondering whether the Make America Healthy Again Commission, led by Kennedy, intentionally miscited and misrepresented studies and research in its landmark report.

    Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to blame the errors on “formatting issues,” raising more questions than answers.

    RFK Jr has long been a critic of vaccines, despite all of his children being fully vaccinated. Most recently, he announced on X that his department no longer recommended the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.


    “Last year the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children,” Kennedy claimed in the 58-second video.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • Fasting 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Beginners

    Fasting 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Beginners

    She had always been curious about the benefits of fasting, but didn’t know where to start. With so many different types of fasting diets and conflicting information online, it was hard to know what to believe. That’s why she decided to dive in and learn everything she could about intermittent fasting for beginners. In this article, we’ll explore the world of fasting 101, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your own intermittent fasting journey.

    What is Intermittent Fasting?

    Intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating, is an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting in order to promote weight loss, improve metabolic health, and extend lifespan. There are several different methods of intermittent fasting, including the 16:8 method, the 5:2 diet, and alternate-day fasting. Each method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and health goals.

    Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

    She had heard that intermittent fasting could have a range of benefits, from weight loss and improved blood sugar control to increased energy and improved mental clarity. And it’s true – studies have shown that intermittent fasting can have a positive impact on a range of health markers, including insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, many people find that intermittent fasting helps them feel more focused and productive, and can even improve their mood and reduce stress levels.

    How to Get Started with Intermittent Fasting

    If you’re new to intermittent fasting, it’s a good idea to start with a gentle approach. One popular method for beginners is the 12-hour window, where you eat all of your meals within a 12-hour period, and fast for the remaining 12 hours of the day. For example, you might eat between 7am and 7pm, and then fast from 7pm to 7am the next day. This can be a good way to ease into the practice of fasting, and can help you get used to the feeling of going without food for extended periods.

    Choosing the Right Intermittent Fasting Method

    As she delved deeper into the world of intermittent fasting, she realized that there were many different methods to choose from. Some people prefer the 16:8 method, where you eat all of your meals within an 8-hour window, and fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day. Others prefer the 5:2 diet, where you eat normally for 5 days of the week, and restrict your calorie intake to 500-600 calories on the other 2 days. And then there’s alternate-day fasting, where you alternate between days of normal eating and days of calorie restriction or fasting.

    Tips for Successful Intermittent Fasting

    She quickly learned that there were a few key tips to keep in mind when it comes to successful intermittent fasting. First, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during your fasting periods. You can also consume black coffee, tea, and other zero-calorie beverages to help curb hunger and support overall health. Additionally, it’s a good idea to plan your meals carefully, and make sure you’re getting enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support your energy needs.

    Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

    As she embarked on her own intermittent fasting journey, she encountered a few common challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was hunger – especially in the first few days of fasting, when your body is adjusting to the new eating pattern. To overcome this, she made sure to drink plenty of water, and consumed healthy fats and protein-rich foods during her eating windows. She also found that staying busy and focused on work or other activities helped to take her mind off of food.

    Nutrition and Intermittent Fasting

    She was curious about how intermittent fasting would affect her nutrition, and what kinds of foods she should be eating during her eating windows. The good news is that intermittent fasting can be combined with a range of different diets, from keto and low-carb to vegan and vegetarian. The key is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By prioritizing these foods, you can support your overall health and wellbeing, while also achieving your weight loss and health goals.

    Intermittent Fasting and Exercise

    As she got more into intermittent fasting, she wondered how it would affect her exercise routine. The good news is that intermittent fasting can be combined with a range of different exercise routines, from cardio and strength training to yoga and Pilates. In fact, many people find that intermittent fasting helps them feel more energized and motivated during their workouts, and can even improve their overall athletic performance. Just be sure to listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed – especially in the first few weeks of fasting, when your body is adjusting to the new eating pattern.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for achieving weight loss, improving metabolic health, and extending lifespan. By incorporating intermittent fasting into your lifestyle, you can experience a range of benefits, from improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation to increased energy and improved mental clarity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced faster, there’s an intermittent fasting method out there to suit your needs and goals. So why not give it a try, and see the benefits of intermittent fasting for yourself?

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the best intermittent fasting method for beginners? The 12-hour window is a great place to start, as it’s gentle and easy to follow. You can also try the 16:8 method, which involves eating all of your meals within an 8-hour window, and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day.

    • Can I drink coffee and tea while intermittently fasting? Yes, you can consume black coffee and tea during your fasting periods, as they are zero-calorie beverages. However, be mindful of adding sugar, cream, or other calorie-rich ingredients, as they can break your fast.

    • How long does it take to see results from intermittent fasting? The amount of time it takes to see results from intermittent fasting can vary depending on your individual goals and starting point. However, many people start to notice improvements in their weight, energy levels, and overall health within the first few weeks of fasting.

    • Is intermittent fasting safe for everyone? While intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to improve your health, it may not be suitable for everyone – particularly those with a history of eating disorders, certain medical conditions, or who are taking certain medications. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen.

    • Can I eat anything I want during my eating windows? While it’s tempting to indulge in your favorite treats during your eating windows, it’s essential to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support your overall health and wellbeing. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and try to limit your intake of processed and sugary foods.

    fasting-101-a-step-by-step-guide-to-intermittent-fasting-for-beginners

  • Dyssynergic Defecation: About a Common Cause of Chronic Constipation

    Dyssynergic Defecation: About a Common Cause of Chronic Constipation

    Introduction

    Constipation is defined as the experience one of more problems with bowel movements (BMs) such as

    • infrequent bowel movements,
    • hard and difficult to pass bowel movements,
    • incomplete bowel movements,
    • straining to have a bowel movement,
    • prolonged duration of time needed to evacuate a bowel movement,
      use of digital maneuvers (use of fingers) to assist bowel movement.
    • A number of factors can cause constipation that is persistent or long-lasting (chronic constipation).

    Among the most common is a condition called dyssynergic defecation. About 40% of chronic constipation is caused by this condition.

    What is Dyssynergic Defecation?

    Dyssynergic Defecation

    Dyssynergic defecation is an acquired condition in which there is a problem coordinating the abdominal, rectal and anal muscles (Pelvic Floor) to achieve a normal and complete bowel movement.

    The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the lower part of the abdomen, between the hip bones, that supports pelvic organs such as the rectum, uterus, and urinary bladder. One of its most important functions is to help make possible our ability to have orderly bowel movements.

    Working together, the pelvic floor nerves and muscles help maintain the ability to control movements of the bowels and bladder (also known as continence) until we have a bowel movement. Failure of this to happen can lead to problems of constipation

    When do People Develop Dyssynergic Defecation?

    A survey of 100 patients with the condition found that in nearly one-third (31%) the problem began in childhood. About an equal number (29%) appeared to have developed the problem after a particular event, such as pregnancy or an injury. In the remaining 4 out of 10 persons (40%), no cause was identified that may have brought on the condition in adulthood.

    It may be that too much straining to expel hard stools over time is a factor that may lead to dyssynergic defecation.

    Why do People Develop Dyssynergic Defecation?

    Muscles in the abdomen, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor must all work together in order to facilitate defecation.

    Most patients with dyssynergic defecation show an inability to coordinate these muscles. Most often this problem of coordination consists either of impaired abdominal or rectal muscle contraction together with tightening rather than relaxing of the anal muscles during defecation, or not enough relaxation of the anal muscles. This lack of coordination (dyssynergia) of the muscles that are involved in defecation is primarily responsible for this condition.

    In addition, at least one-half (50-60%) of patients with dyssynergic defecation also show evidence of a decrease in sensation in the rectum. In other words, their ability to perceive the arrival of a bowel movement in the rectum is abnormal. This condition is also known as rectal hyposensitivity.

    What are the Symptoms of Dyssynergic Defecation?

    People with dyssynergic defecation have a variety of bowel symptoms. As with many conditions involving the bowel, individuals may hesitate to speak plainly about these symptoms. Some may feel embarrassed to even mention bowel or stool-related matters. Others may simply not know how to describe their symptom experiences, or know what to discuss.

    It is important for individuals to keep in mind that anything out of the ordinary, rather than being a source of embarrassment, is often the very reason for the visit to their doctor.

    It is necessary to speak plainly to the healthcare provider so they can most effectively diagnose and treat the problem. It is not unusual, for example, for a person with long-term constipation to find it necessary to use their finger to move stool out of the anus (providers call this disimpacting stool with digital maneuvers).

    Another common example is for women to use their fingers to press on their vagina to move stool (providers call this vaginal splinting). In other words, these are medical signs that are meaningful to a healthcare provider.

    Patients and doctors both benefit from establishing a relationship of comfort and trust. Open communication is essential. It may be easier to write down the troublesome signs and symptoms before the doctor visit. The use of a symptom questionnaire or stool diary is a helpful way to communicate and identify the exact nature of a bowel problem.

    A number of studies have found that the following are common symptoms or signs associated with dyssynergic defecation, with 2 out of 3 or more of individuals reporting:

    • Excessive straining
    • A feeling of incomplete evacuation
    • The passage of hard bowel movements
    • A stool frequency of less than 3 bowel movements per week
    • The use of digital maneuvers (fingers) to help have a bowel movement.
    • Prolonged duration of sitting on the toilet.
    • Making multiple visits a day to have a bowel movement.

    Backache, heartburn, and anorectal surgery have been noted as more likely in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, symptoms alone are usually not enough to predict dyssynergic defecation.

    Learn More about Dyssynergic Defecation

    Adapted from “Dyssenergic Defecation: Questions and Answers About a Common Cause of Chronic Constipation”– An IFFGD Publication #237 by Satish S.C. Rao, MD, PhD, FRCP(LON), AGAF, Chief, Section of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Director, Digestive Health Center, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA.

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