In honor of the power of mindful women leaders, a look back at our 2013 cover story on clothing designer Eileen Fisher.
I’ve known for some time that Eileen Fisher is a person who brings strong values to her business ventures, but she really caught our attention in 2012 during Hurricane Sandy, when her company’s headquarters in Irvington, New York, were flooded, putting a serious crimp in their year-end business shipments.
Despite having to haul a dozen dumpster-loads of damaged goods out of the offices and the nearby Lab Store, to the tune of $1.5 million, Eileen said at the time, “It was just stuff.”
You can only imagine the emotions that might arise in a chief executive if they saw their sewage-soaked products floating by. Eileen and her staff did not linger there. They mobilized quickly—organizing carpools, impromptu meeting spaces, and arranging interest-free loans for staff needing cash during the crisis. That kind of resilience and caring told us this was a company with a human face.
Mindful Leadership Matters
A year after Sandy, I was at the (partially) restored Eileen Fisher HQ, learning about the kind of care the company takes with its clothing: from helping a Chinese silk dyer use fewer chemicals and less water, to launching a recycled clothing program, where customers return garments they no longer use, with the proceeds going to an initiative that helps improve the lives of woman and girls. There is a yoga/meditation room. In another room, young women are cutting pictures out of magazines and learning about the stories they are told about themselves through the media—an exercise in the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute.
In an industry where fleeting trends and heavily marked-up products manufactured in overseas sweatshops are the norm, Eileen Fisher is paying attention to the life cycle of a garment, from cradle to grave, as well as the future of the people who wear them and the people who create them.
In most cases, doctors use special tools during a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to remove colon polyps. After doctors remove the polyp, they send it for testing to check for cancer. A pathologist will review the test results and send a report to your doctor. Doctors can remove almost all polyps without surgery.
If you have colon polyps, your doctor will ask you to get tested regularly in the future because you have a higher chance of developing more polyps.
Seek Care Right Away
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms after he or she removes a colon polyp:
Researchers don’t know a sure way to prevent colon polyps. However, you can take steps to lower your chances of developing colon polyps.
Eating, diet, and nutrition
Eating, diet, and nutrition changes—such as eating less red meat and more fruits and vegetables—may lower your chances of developing colon polyps.
Healthy lifestyle choices
You can make the following healthy lifestyle choices to help lower your chances of developing colon polyps:
Being physically active and losing weight if you’re overweight may lower your chances of developing colon polyps.
Aspirin
Taking a low dose of aspirin every day for a long period of time may help prevent polyps from developing into colorectal cancer in some people.5 However, taking aspirin daily may cause side effects such as bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Talk with your doctor before you start taking aspirin daily.
The debate around generic drugs vs brand drugs often centers on whether lower-cost medications can truly match the effectiveness of well-known brand-name prescriptions. Many patients notice differences in packaging, color, or price and wonder if those differences affect how the medicine works. In reality, both types of medications are designed to treat the same conditions using the same active ingredients.
Understanding the effects of medication choices is not the issue here, but rather how cost, regulation, and manufacturing influence treatment access. Generic medications must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure safety, quality, and performance. Because they avoid the high research and marketing costs of brand-name products, generics can provide significant cost savings while still delivering therapeutic equivalence for patients.
Generic Drugs vs Brand Drugs Differences?
The primary distinction in generic drugs vs brand drugs lies in their inactive ingredients and visual appearance rather than the medicine’s core function. Both versions contain the same active ingredients and dosage strength designed to treat the same medical condition. However, generic manufacturers may use different fillers, binders, or coloring agents because trademark laws prevent them from copying the exact look of a brand-name pill.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic medications must demonstrate FDA bioequivalence, meaning they deliver the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream at a similar rate as the original brand-name drug. These tests confirm that generic drugs work in the body in the same way as their reference medication.
Are Generic Drugs vs Brand Drugs Equally Effective?
One of the most common concerns in generic drugs vs brand drugs comparisons is whether generics provide the same therapeutic results as brand-name medications. In most cases, generics must demonstrate therapeutic equivalence, meaning they produce the same clinical outcomes when taken under the same conditions. This requirement ensures patients receive comparable treatment regardless of whether they use a generic or brand version.
Based on a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), research comparing brand-name medications with their generic counterparts found no significant differences in clinical effectiveness or safety for most treatments. The findings confirm that generic drugs can deliver the same health outcomes while maintaining strict manufacturing and quality standards.
Generic Drugs vs Brand Drugs Cost Safety?
Cost savings represent one of the biggest advantages when comparing generic drugs vs brand drugs. Generic medications are typically 80 to 85 percent less expensive than brand-name drugs because manufacturers do not need to repeat the costly research and development process required for new medications. After a brand drug’s patent expires, multiple companies can produce generic versions, increasing competition and lowering prices for patients.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the widespread use of generic drugs saves the healthcare system hundreds of billions of dollars each year while maintaining the same safety and effectiveness standards as brand medications. Generic manufacturers must follow strict production guidelines and undergo regular inspections to ensure quality and safety.
Choosing Between Generic and Brand Options
Choosing between generic drugs vs brand drugs depends on several factors, including medical history, physician guidance, and insurance coverage. While generics often provide the same therapeutic benefits at a lower cost, some situations may require a more personalized decision.
Understanding these factors helps patients choose medications that balance therapeutic equivalence, cost savings, and safety. Healthcare providers and pharmacists can help patients evaluate the best option based on individual health needs.
Physician recommendations – Doctors evaluate a patient’s condition, treatment history, and potential medication sensitivities before suggesting generic or brand-name drugs.
Cost savings – Generic medications usually cost significantly less, helping patients maintain long-term treatment without financial strain.
Insurance coverage – Many insurance plans include generics in preferred formularies, meaning patients pay lower copayments for these medications.
Chronic condition management – Patients with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol often benefit from affordable generics to maintain consistent treatment.
Pharmacist guidance – Pharmacists help explain the differences between medications and reassure patients about FDA bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence.
Inactive ingredient sensitivities – Some patients may react to specific fillers or dyes in generics, which may require switching to a brand version.
Narrow therapeutic index medications – Certain drugs require consistent dosing from the same manufacturer to avoid small variations in effect.
Practical treatment decisions – For most patients, generics offer the same therapeutic results while improving affordability and accessibility.
Make Informed Generic Drugs vs Brand Drugs Choices
Understanding generic drugs vs brand drugs helps patients make confident decisions about their medications. While brand-name drugs often dominate advertising and public recognition, generics provide the same active ingredients and therapeutic effects under strict regulatory standards. These medications are carefully tested to ensure they deliver consistent results while maintaining safety and quality.
For many people, the greatest advantage of generic drugs is improved access to treatment. Lower costs allow patients to continue essential medications without financial strain, especially for long-term conditions. By working closely with healthcare providers and pharmacists, patients can choose the option that supports both their health and financial well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between generic drugs vs brand drugs?
The main difference between generic drugs vs brand drugs lies in branding, appearance, and cost rather than the active ingredient. Both versions contain the same medicinal compound designed to treat the same condition. Generics may use different inactive ingredients such as fillers or coloring. Despite these differences, they are required to meet the same safety and quality standards.
2. Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes, generic drugs are considered just as safe as brand-name drugs. Regulatory agencies require them to meet strict manufacturing and quality standards. They must also demonstrate bioequivalence to the original medication. This means the body absorbs and uses the medicine in a similar way.
3. Why are generic drugs cheaper than brand drugs?
Generic drugs are cheaper because they do not need to repeat the expensive research and development process required for new medications. Once a drug patent expires, multiple companies can produce generic versions. Increased competition helps lower prices for consumers. These cost savings can make long-term treatments more affordable.
4. Can switching between generic and brand drugs affect treatment?
For most medications, switching between generic and brand drugs does not affect treatment results. Both types deliver the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect. However, patients taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic index may need consistent dosing from the same manufacturer. Doctors and pharmacists can guide patients if such cases arise.
Sugary drinks are woven into many children’s daily routines, from school lunches to weekend treats, and pediatricians are increasingly concerned about sugary drinks’ children’s health risks that come with this constant exposure.
These beverages may seem like harmless rewards, but evidence links regular intake to weight gain, dental problems, sleep and behavior issues, and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Because children’s bodies are smaller and still developing, the impact of added sugars can be especially significant.
Parents often focus on food and overlook the sugar in drinks, even though beverages can quietly add a large amount of calories without providing meaningful nutrients. Understanding why pediatricians worry about sugary drinks helps families make more informed choices that support children’s health now and in the future.
What Counts as a Sugary Drink for Children?
Sugary drinks include much more than soda. Pediatricians group together regular soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches, sweetened iced teas, lemonades, energy drinks, sports drinks, and many flavored milks as part of the same problem. They share a key feature: added sugars that increase sweetness and calories, but add little nutritional value.
Some products that appear healthier still contribute to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks. Juice boxes, fruit drinks marketed with “real fruit,” flavored waters, and certain smoothies can contain several teaspoons of sugar per serving.
Packaging that highlights vitamins or natural flavors can distract from the actual sugar content. Learning to read ingredient lists and nutrition facts helps caregivers spot added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, honey, and syrups.
Natural sugar in whole fruit comes with fiber and nutrients that slow absorption and promote fullness. In contrast, the sugars in most kids’ drinks, whether added or concentrated in juice, are absorbed quickly and can disrupt appetite and metabolism.
Why Are Sugary Drinks So Bad for Kids’ Health?
Sugary drinks are often called “empty calories” because they provide energy without important nutrients like protein, fiber, or essential vitamins and minerals. When children drink these beverages regularly, they can exceed recommended daily sugar and calorie limits without feeling full.
Liquids do not trigger satiety signals as effectively as solid foods, so kids usually eat the same amount of food on top of what they drink.
This pattern is central to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks. The body absorbs liquid sugar rapidly, causing spikes and dips in blood sugar that can affect energy, mood, and hunger.
Over time, regular exposure to high-sugar drinks can promote unhealthy eating patterns and metabolic changes that increase the likelihood of weight gain and other health issues.
How Sugary Drinks Drive Childhood Obesity
Rising childhood obesity rates are closely linked to sugary beverage intake. Children who consume sugary drinks frequently are more likely to gain excess weight than those who rarely drink them. Because these drinks do not satisfy hunger well, they often add calories on top of regular meals and snacks rather than replacing them.
In pediatric clinics, doctors see these patterns reflected in higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles and early signs of weight-related concerns. Reducing sugary drink intake is often one of the first and most effective steps recommended to families working to improve a child’s weight trajectory.
The widespread availability and aggressive marketing of sugary drinks make them a normalized part of childhood, which is why pediatricians repeatedly emphasize the sugary drinks’ children’s health risks during visits.
Diabetes, Heart Health, and Long-Term Risks
Pediatricians also worry about how sugary drinks affect the body’s ability to manage blood sugar over time. Frequent spikes in blood sugar force the body to produce more insulin, and repeated strain can contribute to insulin resistance, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Doctors are seeing more children and adolescents with conditions once considered “adult” diseases, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While sugary drinks are only one factor, they are a concentrated and easily reduced source of added sugar, making them a practical target for prevention.
These long-term concerns underscore why sugary drinks’ children’s health risks are highlighted in professional guidelines and public health messages. Changing drink choices is a relatively simple step that can help lower a child’s risk for serious conditions later in life.
Impact on Kids’ Teeth, Sleep, and Behavior
Sugary drinks also affect oral health. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth pain.
When children sip sugary drinks throughout the day or fall asleep with sweet liquids in bottles or cups, their teeth face prolonged acid exposure. Both baby and permanent teeth can be damaged, affecting comfort, nutrition, and speech.
Behavior and sleep can be influenced as well. Rapid changes in blood sugar can contribute to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, which may show up as school and behavior challenges. Many sugary drinks, especially colas and energy drinks, also contain caffeine.
Caffeine can interfere with falling asleep, staying asleep, and overall rest quality, which in turn affects mood, learning, and even weight. These combined effects form another layer of sugary drinks’ children’s health risks that pediatricians discuss with families.
Are Supposedly ‘Healthier’ Sugary Drinks Any Safer?
Products marketed as healthier, such as fruit drinks with added vitamins, sports drinks with electrolytes, and flavored milks, can still carry significant amounts of sugar. The added nutrients do not eliminate the risks associated with excessive sugar intake.
Even 100% fruit juice, while free of added sugar, lacks the fiber in whole fruit and can still raise blood sugar quickly.
Sports drinks are rarely necessary for most children’s routine activities, and diet or zero-sugar drinks, while lower in sugar, introduce other ingredients and are not recommended as daily staples for kids.
From a pediatric perspective, many of these beverages still fit within the broader picture of sugary drinks’ children’s health risks when used frequently.
Practical Ways to Reduce Sugary Drinks’ Children Health Risks
Health experts routinely recommend water as the main drink for children. Plain milk, within age-appropriate portion and fat guidelines, supports growth and bone development. Limited amounts of 100% fruit juice may fit some diets but are often best kept small or diluted, as per Harvard Health.
Families can make progress by changing habits gradually. Helpful strategies include: not keeping soda and sweetened drinks at home, offering water with meals, serving smaller portions of juice, and slowly diluting sweet drinks with water.
Letting children choose a favorite refillable water bottle or adding fruit slices to water can make healthier choices more appealing. When adults also choose water and unsweetened drinks, they reinforce that these habits are normal rather than restrictive.
Supporting Children’s Health by Rethinking Sugary Drinks
Paying attention to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks gives families a manageable, high-impact way to support kids’ well-being. Sugary beverages contribute to obesity, dental decay, metabolic problems, and behavior and sleep issues, yet they are one of the easiest parts of the diet to change.
Simple steps, such as replacing one sugary drink a day with water, limiting juice to small portions, and reserving sweet drinks for special occasions, can add up over time.
By rethinking what children drink and making healthier options the default, caregivers help build a stronger foundation for growth, learning, and long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are flavored sparkling waters better than sugary drinks for kids?
Lightly flavored sparkling waters without added sugar or sweeteners are generally a better choice than sugary drinks because they avoid excess sugar and calories. Still, plain water is the best everyday option.
2. How quickly can cutting sugary drinks improve a child’s health?
Some changes, like more stable energy and fewer cavities, may appear within weeks, while weight and long-term disease risk improve gradually over months and years.
3. Is it okay for kids to have sugary drinks only on weekends?
Occasional sugary drinks, such as limited weekend treats, are usually considered more acceptable than daily intake, as long as portions stay small and water remains the main drink.
4. Do homemade smoothies count as sugary drinks?
Homemade smoothies can be healthier if they use whole fruit, milk or yogurt, and no added sugars, but large portions with lots of juice or sweeteners can still act like sugary drinks.
After years of talking with teens and their parents about substance use, here’s the single most important thing I’ve learned: Connection matters more than control.
I hear it from parents all the time:“I’m scared my teen might be using drugs, but I don’t know how to bring it up.” These fears are valid. Adolescence is a time of exploration and risk-taking, and today’s substances—from high-potency cannabis to counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl—are far more dangerous than in previous decades.
But here’s the good news: You have more influence than you think. Here, I’ll share what I often tell parents in my clinic: practical advice drawn from research and my experience having real-life conversations to help you keep your teen safe, supported and informed.
Start with connection, not control
When parents worry about substance use, the first instinct is often to tighten the reins: take away a teen’s phone, search their room and threaten punishment. But
research and experience show that what teens need most is connection, not control.
Start a conversation
Instead of jumping right to discipline, start a conversation. It’s best to have these talks early and often, long before you’re worried your teen has come home after using drugs or alcohol. Conversations are more productive when they happen outside the heat of the moment, when everyone is calm and open.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What have you heard about vaping at school?” or “How do your friends feel about drinking?” When teens feel judged, they shut down. But when they feel heard, they often open up.
Trust is protective. Scare tactics, on the other hand, can backfire. They can damage communication and make teens less likely to come to you when they’re in trouble.
Research shows that when teens feel mistrusted or
shamed, they’re more likely to hide their behavior rather than change it. Building a foundation of openness and honesty gives you more influence in the long run.
Know the substances teens are using
Substance use looks
different now than it did a generation ago. While alcohol is still the most commonly used substance among teens, high-potency cannabis use—especially in the form of vapes or edibles—is increasingly common. Nicotine vaping has also surged in recent years.
One of the biggest concerns today is the risk of
counterfeit pills. Some teens experiment with pills that they believe to be Xanax, Percocet or Adderall—when in fact, they may contain fentanyl or other drugs. Even one pill can be fatal because these contaminants are often highly potent and can cause an overdose quickly.
Staying informed about what teens are actually using can help you have more meaningful conversations. When teens sense that you’re up to date on what’s happening in their world—from the slang they use to the risks of vapes and edibles—they’re more likely to take you seriously. It also shows them that you care enough to understand, not just to judge.
When to involve your pediatrician or another professional
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether a teen is experimenting or truly struggling. If you notice changes in mood, sleep, appetite, school performance or friendships, bring it up with your pediatrician.
Pediatricians are trained to screen for substance use and mental health concerns. In addition, teens often feel more comfortable talking to a doctor than to a parent. In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend a counselor, therapist or substance use specialist.
For teens who are dealing with true addiction, it’s more
common than not that they’re also facing another mental health condition like anxiety, depression, ADHD or trauma. Treating both mental health and substance use problems together is essential—and help is available.
Focus on delay and safety, not perfection
One of the most important goals in adolescence is delaying substance use for as long as possible. The earlier a teen starts using, the more
likely they are to develop a substance use disorder (addiction) later in life. For example, teens who start using cannabis before age 18 are twice as likely to go on to have a problem with substance use disorder than if they start after they turn 18.
That said, the goal shouldn’t be perfection—it’s protection. Even if your teen has experimented, you can still make a difference. Be curious, and ask questions like, “How might you respond if someone at a party offers you a drink?”
Play to a teen’s strengths. For example, if your teen has an independent streak, tap into that. You might say, “You’ve never been someone who follows the crowd—how do you think that could help you make decisions if friends start using drugs or alcohol?“
Be clear about your values & set expectations.
There is a lot of positive messaging about alcohol and drugs on TV and in social media; sometimes you might be the only voice sharing that you think it’s important not to use substances.
Make a clear recommendation that you don’t want your teen to use. You might say, for example, “I care so much about your health and safety. I don’t want you using alcohol or other drugs, especially while your brain is still developing.” Teens may roll their eyes—but research shows they still
hear you, and it matters.
Don’t forget that parents can and should set limits and establish clear boundaries on a teen’s behavior. Read more about that here.
Safety first: rides & overdose prevention
One of the most important family rules to establish is about never driving under the influence—or riding with someone who is.
Let your teen know they can always call or text you (or another trusted adult) for a ride, no questions asked.
If you’re not available, ride share services like Uber or Lyft can be a good backup option—but only if your teen knows how to use them
safely. (Talk in advance about how to check the driver’s name, license plate and rating before getting in. Also remind them to sit in the back seat and share their trip status with you or another trusted adult.)
It’s also worth talking about
naloxone (Narcan), a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and available in most pharmacies without a prescription. Every household—especially those with teens—should have it on hand.
Keep talking—it’s never just one talk
The most powerful prevention tool you have is your ongoing relationship with your teen. Don’t worry about giving one perfect lecture. What matters most is having lots of small conversations over time.
Talk during a car ride, while doing dishes, over Sunday family breakfast or at bedtime. Be curious. Be calm. Let them know you’re always there to talk—about anything. Even if your teen has already experimented, it’s never too late to help guide them.
Remember
Your relationship with your teen is the best protection against substance use. Stay curious. And reach out for support when you need it. We pediatricians are here to help.
More information
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors.
Mind Armor – The Brain Defense System is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.
The way we consume goods and services has a profound impact on our lives, the environment, and the economy. In recent years, a growing movement of minimalists has emerged, advocating for a more intentional approach to consumption. At its core, intentional consumption is about being mindful of the products we buy, the resources we use, and the waste we generate. This approach prioritizes quality over quantity, durability over disposability, and experiences over material possessions. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of intentional consumption and why minimalists choose this path.
The Environmental Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of intentional consumption is its positive impact on the environment. The production, packaging, and disposal of consumer goods are major contributors to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste management issues. By choosing to buy fewer, higher-quality items, minimalists reduce their carbon footprint and help mitigate these environmental problems. For instance, buying second-hand clothing or investing in timeless, well-made pieces reduces the demand for fast fashion, which is notorious for its high environmental cost. Similarly, opting for durable, long-lasting electronics instead of the latest models can significantly decrease electronic waste.
The Financial Benefits
Intentional consumption also has financial benefits. While it may seem counterintuitive, spending more on a few, high-quality items can be more cost-effective in the long run than constantly buying cheaper, lower-quality alternatives. This approach reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving money over time. Additionally, adopting a minimalist lifestyle can lead to a reduction in clutter, which in turn can lead to a clearer mind and more focused priorities, potentially leading to better financial decision-making. Furthermore, the emphasis on experiences over possessions can lead to a more fulfilling life, as experiences are often remembered and cherished more than material goods.
The Psychological Benefits
Beyond the environmental and financial benefits, intentional consumption has profound psychological advantages. The constant pursuit of material possessions can lead to a never-ending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, a phenomenon known as the “hedonic treadmill.” Minimalists, by focusing on what truly adds value to their lives, break free from this cycle. They find contentment in simplicity, reducing stress and anxiety that can come from clutter and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends. Intentional consumption also fosters gratitude, as each possession is valued and appreciated, rather than taken for granted.
The Social Benefits
The benefits of intentional consumption extend into the social sphere as well. By valuing quality over quantity, minimalists often support local, sustainable businesses and artisans, contributing to the preservation of traditional skills and the strengthening of local economies. This approach can also lead to a stronger sense of community, as people come together over shared values of simplicity, sustainability, and the appreciation of craftsmanship. Moreover, the decision to live with fewer possessions can lead to a more equitable distribution of resources, as the focus shifts from individual accumulation to collective well-being.
Implementing Intentional Consumption
For those looking to adopt a more intentional approach to consumption, there are several strategies that can be employed. First, it’s essential to define personal values and priorities, understanding what truly adds value and joy to one’s life. Next, implementing a “one in, one out” policy can help maintain a balanced level of possessions, ensuring that each new item is carefully considered. Practicing mindfulness in daily consumption, whether it’s avoiding impulse purchases or choosing products with minimal packaging, can also make a significant difference. Finally, embracing the concept of enough, recognizing when desires are driven by genuine need versus societal pressure, is a powerful step towards a more intentional lifestyle.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the benefits, transitioning to a lifestyle of intentional consumption can come with its challenges. One of the most common obstacles is the societal pressure to consume, driven by advertising and social norms. Overcoming this requires a strong sense of self and a clear understanding of one’s values. Another challenge can be the higher upfront cost of quality items, which can be daunting for those on a tight budget. However, considering the long-term savings and the reduced need for frequent replacements can help in making more informed purchasing decisions. Lastly, the emotional attachment to possessions can be a barrier, necessitating a process of reflection and possibly seeking support from like-minded individuals or professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of intentional consumption are multifaceted, spanning environmental, financial, psychological, and social realms. By choosing quality over quantity, durability over disposability, and experiences over material possessions, minimalists find a more fulfilling, sustainable way of living. This approach not only contributes to a healthier planet and economy but also leads to a more contented, clutter-free life. As the world grapples with the challenges of consumerism, adopting a mindset of intentional consumption offers a promising path forward, one that values simplicity, sustainability, and the well-being of both individuals and the planet.
FAQs
Q: Is being a minimalist the same as intentional consumption?
A: While related, minimalism and intentional consumption are not exactly the same. Minimalism focuses on reducing the number of possessions, whereas intentional consumption is about being mindful of the products you buy and use, regardless of the quantity. You can practice intentional consumption without being a minimalist.
Q: How do I know if a product is of high quality?
A: Determining the quality of a product involves considering several factors, including the materials used, the craftsmanship, the brand’s reputation, and reviews from other users. High-quality products are typically those that are durable, functional, and made with attention to detail.
Q: Is intentional consumption only for the wealthy?
A: No, intentional consumption is not limited to any income bracket. While it’s true that some high-quality items may cost more, the focus is on value rather than price. Second-hand shopping, renting, or buying during sales can make quality products more accessible to those on a budget.
Q: How can I apply intentional consumption to digital products and services?
A: Applying intentional consumption to digital products involves being mindful of app subscriptions, digital purchases, and the time spent on devices. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, ensuring that each digital product or service adds value to your life, and being aware of digital waste and privacy implications.
Q: Can children be taught intentional consumption?
A: Yes, teaching children the principles of intentional consumption from a young age can help them develop healthy consumption habits and values. This can be done through open conversations about needs versus wants, involving them in purchasing decisions, and modeling intentional consumption behaviors yourself.
We often hear about inner calm, but it can be so much more than a fleeting moment of peace after yoga or the perfect massage. Inner calm is actually our ability to let go of attachments and reactions to life’s events, resulting in ease and clarity.
As a mindfulness skill, inner calm is the ability to let go of attachments and reactivity based on an understanding of impermanence—the changing nature of our thoughts, emotions, and desires. When we find ourselves rushing and reacting, we can remind ourselves, This too shall pass. The purpose is not to negate what we’re feeling but to put brakes on accelerated feelings. Once we return to our inner stillness, we can look at the source of our reactivity, intimately seeing its changing nature: This right here is what frees us.
Once we return to our inner stillness, we can look at the source of our reactivity, intimately seeing its changing nature: This right here is what frees us.
As a practice, inner calm is the art of stopping, looking and letting go for purposes of healing and clarity. It involves physical composure and mental tranquility. It can be seen as the ultimate balm for your soul—like a cool breeze on a hot day. Inner calm brings ease to body and mind alike. In the body, composure is experienced in the muscles and as an overall feeling of ease. In the mind, inner calm creates the space to hold everything without attachment and resistance. Conversely, the absence of inner calm may show up as restlessness in the body and agitation or reactivity in the mind.
Seeking inner calm can often leave us wanting more, but it’s ironic that true inner calm is achieved when we let go of our desires, even the desire for inner calm itself—a catch-22 if there ever was one. This paradox becomes evident when we consider the case of a client dealing with anxiety who turned to meditation as a way to ease his mind. Surprisingly, he found himself even more anxious post-meditation. He had hoped that meditation would improve his sleep, but he was left frustrated when he observed his restlessness during a body scan meditation, which only seemed to worsen his sleep problems.
The moral here? To find peace, he had to let go first of his expectations around finding peace. In order to let go, he learned to see the three hindrances to his achieving mindfulness: running in circles (a restless mind), pulling (striving to sleep), and pushing (frustrated with his restlessness). With practice, he learned to accept his restless mind, which softened the striving and frustration, and he was able to find ease, even when he couldn’t sleep, which ultimately allowed him to sleep.
Letting go of attachments to certain outcomes doesn’t, however, mean that we’re suppressing or evading challenging situations. Instead, this release occurs organically when we comprehend that emotions arise and dissolve—all within ninety seconds.
The Ninety-Second Rule
Inner calm is not about suppressing, denying, or avoiding our emotions. When we don’t give in to the urge to react, we’re cultivating the ability to stay with unpleasantness (knowing that emotions are physiological responses in the body that will arise and dissolve). Just as happiness triggered by external events doesn’t last, negative emotions also don’t last. Have you heard of the ninety-second rule? Neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor reveals in her book My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey that all emotions have a beginning, middle, and end—all within ninety seconds from when they first arise.
The reason we continue to experience negative emotions, sometimes for days, weeks, and even years, is that we continue to fuel these feelings with our narratives. Instead, if we stop and let the emotion move through our body, we’ll create space in our minds to better understand what they are trying to tell us. Rather than suppressing or using positive thinking to bypass our experience, we can form an alliance with our feelings. By doing this, we can uncover how they’re trying to protect us, address our unmet needs, or draw our attention to new information in the environment.
The ninety-second rule is a helpful reminder to ride the waves of our emotions, but emotions can sometimes be so powerful that they hijack our rational thought processes. It’s helpful in these situations to remember where those emotions come from—deep in the past, when we were hunter-gatherers facing real tigers!
How Inner Calm Supports Resilience
So much of our lives are marked by perceived threats to our identity, career, or relationships. Our primal reactions—fight-flight-freeze—can be unhelpful when it comes to navigating these everyday psychological and social stressors. What’s needed to resolve problems common to the modern world is clarity and creativity, but our reaction is the opposite—to fight, flee, or freeze. This evolutionary response to any threat is automatic and unconscious.
What’s needed to resolve problems common to the modern world is clarity and creativity, but our reaction is the opposite—to fight, flee, or freeze.
When our emotions are triggered such that we can’t think or see clearly, it’s called an “amygdala hijack”—a term popularized by emotional intelligence expert Daniel Goleman. The amygdala is the emotional center of the brain. One of its functions is to scan the environment for threats and prepare the body for an emergency response. When it perceives a threat, such as a tiger lurking in the bushes, it sends an immediate signal to release stress hormones—adrenaline and cortisol—that ramp up an emergency response. Blood stops flowing to the organs and instead floods into the limbs to prepare us for fight or flight. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex (which is responsible for thinking and executive decision-making) shuts down because there is no time to think and analyze when we’re facing what the brain perceives as a life-threatening situation.
During an amygdala hijack, it is said that our IQ temporarily drops by ten to fifteen points. Maybe this explains that feeling after we’ve reacted to a verbal trigger: What was I thinking when I said that? That’s exactly the point. We stop thinking rationally. It also compromises memory, which is why we can’t remember a single good thing about a person with whom we have a conflict or why we can’t find our keys in the middle of a panic attack. Being in a continuous state of fight or flight from modern threats also compromises the integrity of other systems, like immunity and digestion.
Cultivating inner calm is an important step in avoiding the amygdala hijack so we can think clearly even in highly charged situations. Using practices to promote inner calm—like breath awareness—helps slow our escalating emotions and allows the parasympathetic nervous system to kick back in so we can once again think clearly. Another activity that nudges the prefrontal cortex to start thinking again is “noting” or “labeling.” The act of noting or labeling our emotions gets the prefrontal cortex to regain healthy communication with the amygdala and avoids the hijack. Inner calm offers opportunities to learn and improve or for us to provide a deeper understanding of the “what” and the “why” behind our actions. We can replace tension and misunderstanding with harmony and understanding. Inner calm is key for resilience in relationships and life in general.
Where Are You on the Inner Calm Continuum?
You can strengthen your ability for inner calm, regardless of your circumstances. First, pay attention to when you’re calm and when you’re not. Next, notice the causes and conditions that promote calm and what stops you from being calm. By cultivating a habit of calming the mind and body, you’ll develop the ability to access this place more quickly and easily.
Daily Practice: One-Minute Rest
Rested, we care again for the right things and the right people in the right way. —David Whyte
Take time in your day, several times a day, if possible, to empty your cup and make space for what matters. You can do this very quickly by checking in with your body.
Any tension or tightness in the body is a clue that you’re holding on to something that needs your loving attention. You can’t let go without knowing what it is you’re trying to let go. Just turning your attention to places you’re holding tension can help you uncover the emotions and thoughts associated with that tension.
Once you can see the cause of your tension, you can figure out the solution. It’s also clarifying to realign with your intentions as you’re emptying your cup—what is it you’re clearing the space for?
Return. Take a one-minute rest and return to your body. Rub the palms of your hand and place them on your eyes, allowing them to rest. Move your hands to your jawline, neck, shoulders, chest, or wherever feels good in your body.
Listen. Listen within. What can you let go of at this moment to make room for what matters?
Begin. Begin your activities with a relaxed body and mind aligned with what matters.
Try practicing and playing with this reminder with your family, with team members, and in your community before beginning a meeting or activity together.
Pomegranates are put to the test for weight loss, diabetes, COPD, prostate cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The case of POM Wonderful (the pomegranate juice company) vs. Federal Trade Commission made it all the way up to the U.S. Court of Appeals before being denied review by the Supreme Court. In that landmark case, a panel of judges concluded that many of POM’s ads made false or misleading claims and the company “touted medical studies ostensibly showing that daily consumption of its products could treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.” The U.S. First Amendment does not protect misleading and deceptive ads. Striking a blow to its billionaire owners, the Court ruled that at least one randomized clinical trial would be required to substantiate claims of treating or preventing disease.
If you look at the medical literature on pomegranate in general, you’ll see reviews touting its many benefits, with diagrams like the one below on the medicinal effects of pomegranates (which you can also see at 1:01 in my video Pomegranate: A Natural Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis).
But if you dig a little deeper, you see this is based on studies like one that talks about the “antiobesity effects of pomegranate leaf extract in a mouse model.” First of all, who eats pomegranate leaves? And second, who’s a mouse?
Does pomegranate consumption affect weight in humans? If you look at all the randomized controlled clinical trials (meaning human trials), pomegranates have no significant effect on body weight, BMI, belly fat, or even body fat percentage in those randomized to consume pomegranate products. What about the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases? Researchers reviewed 25 clinical trials, looking at cholesterol, blood pressure, artery function, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and platelet function, and did not find significant indications of benefit even in the best studies.
POM Wonderful helped fund a study on pomegranate juice and erectile dysfunction, but it failed as well. Other studies found no benefit for diabetes markers and observed no benefit for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema. They were banking on the antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice to help, but that’s antioxidant activity in vitro (meaning in a test tube or petri dish). To my surprise, a meta-analysis of data from 11 randomized controlled trials “did not support convincing evidence” of pomegranate intake having a significant effect on increasing the total antioxidant capacity in the bloodstream because some of the most potent antioxidants don’t even seem to be absorbed into the human body. No wonder pomegranate supplementation didn’t seem to affect oxidative stress in tissue samples taken from prostate cancer patients. But, of course, what we care about is whether it affects the cancer itself.
The strongest evidence for the anticancer activity of pomegranates is said to come from studies on prostate cancer. Unfortunately, early promising results were not confirmed when they were actually put to the test. For example, daily pomegranate intake was found in a randomized controlled trial to have no impact on PSA levels, a marker of tumor progression. Additionally, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found essentially no difference when it came to prostate cancer disease progression, as you can see below and at 3:19 in my video.
They were banking on the anti-inflammatory activity of pomegranate juice to help, but again, that had been demonstrated in vitro. In people, a meta-analysis based on five randomized controlled trials published in 2016 concluded that pomegranate juice did not have a significant effect on C-reactive protein levels, a key marker of inflammation. If you look at the forest plot, though, you’ll see all five trials tended towards lower C-reactive protein levels such that the data combined almost reached statistical significance, as you can see below and at 3:53 in my video.
Indeed, an updated meta-analysis published in 2020 based on seven studies crossed the threshold into statistical significance and found a significant drop in two other inflammatory markers as well.
Perhaps pomegranate juice could help in the control of inflammatory diseases after all. But you don’t know until you put it to the test.
Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of the cushioning cartilage within joints, particularly the knees. Dripping a pomegranate extract on human osteoarthritic cartilage samples appears to show cartilage-protective effects. As you can see below and at 4:43 in my video, compared to baseline levels of cartilage disintegration, adding inflammation triples the damage. However, with increasing amounts of pomegranate extract, the breakdown starts to calm down.
But again, that’s in a petri dish. How do we know that when we eat pomegranates, the active components actually get into our bloodstream so they can find their way into our joints? Cartilage-protecting components were found to be bioavailable (at least in rabbits), raising the possibility that pomegranates could be a safe and non-toxic treatment with no side effects, as opposed to the drugs currently in use. But is it effective?
The first clinical trial on pomegranate juice and osteoarthritis was not a placebo-controlled trial, but instead randomized people to pomegranate juice or nothing at all. Those drinking the juice did report less stiffness and impairment of physical function, but not significantly better than just doing nothing. Shoot.
Just as I was about to give up on pomegranates, I saw a study titled “Consumption of Hydrolyzable Tannins-Rich Pomegranate Extract Suppresses Inflammation and Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” But it turned out to be from the POM “Not-So-Wonderful” company, inducing joint damage in a mouse as a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Come on!
There was an open-label study, where the patients knew what they were getting. Eight people with active rheumatoid arthritis took pomegranate extract every day, and the six who stuck with it reported fewer tender joints. But as we learned from the osteoarthritis study, if you don’t have a control group, you have no sense of what role, if any, the treatment actually plays.
Finally, we come to this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It’s about time! Half the study participants unknowingly got some pomegranate extracts; the other half unknowingly got the equivalent of a sugar pill. There appeared to be a significant improvement in the number of swollen joints, tender joints, pain intensity, a disease activity score, a health assessment questionnaire, and morning stiffness compared to placebo. So, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, I would indeed recommend you start eating pomegranates. Why not just pop pomegranate pills? After all, it was a pomegranate extract that alleviated disease activity. One good reason to stick to the fruit is that when 19 pomegranate supplements were tested in a laboratory, most didn’t actually appear to have any pomegranate in them at all! Only 6 out of 19 appeared to be authentic.
Are birth control pills safe to take for years, or does long-term use gradually increase health risks? Overall, evidence suggests that the pill is safe for many healthy users when properly prescribed and monitored, but it carries specific risks and benefits that should be reviewed regularly.
How Do Birth Control Pills Work?
Birth control pills contain synthetic estrogen, progestin, or both, which prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. When taken at the same time every day, they are highly effective, though missed pills can reduce protection.
Combined pills (estrogen and progestin) are most common, while progestin-only pills are often used when estrogen is not advisable, and each type carries its own profile of birth control pill risks.
Are Birth Control Pills Safe to Take Long-Term?
Decades of research indicate that many healthy, nonsmoking people can safely use birth control pills for years when they are regularly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Safety depends on age, smoking status, blood pressure, migraine history, weight, and existing conditions like diabetes or clotting disorders. Long-term pill use is not a one-time decision; it requires periodic reassessment as health and risk factors change.
What Are the Long-Term Birth Control Pill Risks?
Long-term use can involve both mild side effects and a small increase in serious complications. Common, usually manageable effects include nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and irregular spotting, particularly in the first months.
More serious birth control pill risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and some cancers, especially with estrogen-containing pills and in people who have additional risk factors.
Do Birth Control Pills Increase the Risk of Blood Clots?
One of the most discussed birth control pill risks is venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the legs or lungs). Estrogen increases clotting tendency, raising clot risk slightly compared with non-users, though the absolute risk for healthy young nonsmokers remains relatively low.
Smokers, people over 35, those with obesity, inherited clotting disorders, or prolonged immobility face higher risk and may need alternative methods.
Do Birth Control Pills Increase Cancer Risk?
Hormonal exposure can influence cancer risk, and birth control pill risks here are nuanced. Some studies link current or recent combined pill use to a small, temporary increase in breast and cervical cancer risk.
At the same time, long-term pill use clearly lowers the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, with protection lasting years after stopping, and may modestly reduce colorectal cancer risk.
Can Birth Control Pills Cause Other Health Problems Over Time?
Other potential long-term birth control pill risks include higher blood pressure, worsening of migraines (especially with aura), changes in cholesterol, and rare liver issues, according to the World Health Organization.
Some users report mood changes, altered libido, or weight fluctuations, though research results vary. Because responses to hormones are individual, persistent or severe side effects should prompt a discussion about changing formulations or methods.
Do Birth Control Pills Affect Fertility in the Long Run?
Long-term pill use does not permanently damage fertility. Most people resume ovulation within weeks to a few months after stopping, and many conceive within a year if no other fertility problems exist.
Temporary cycle irregularity can occur after long-term use, but if periods or conception do not return after several months, evaluation is recommended to look for other causes unrelated to prior pill use.
Is It Bad to Take Birth Control Pills Every Day Without a Break?
Continuous or extended-cycle regimens, where withdrawal bleeding is skipped or minimized, are increasingly common and are considered safe for most healthy users.
They do not appear to add major new birth control pill risks beyond those already linked to combined pills. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is common with continuous use, especially early on, but is usually not harmful unless bleeding patterns change suddenly.
How Long Is Too Long to Be on Birth Control Pills?
There is no fixed maximum number of years that fits everyone. Instead, clinicians weigh birth control pill risks against benefits at regular intervals, often yearly.
A healthy nonsmoker in their 20s may safely use combined pills for many years, while someone in their 40s who develops high blood pressure or migraines with aura might be advised to switch to progestin-only or nonhormonal methods.
Who Should Avoid Long-Term Use of Certain Pills?
Combined estrogen-containing pills are generally unsuitable for people with a history of blood clots, certain heart or liver diseases, migraines with aura, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or some hormone-sensitive cancers.
In these cases, progestin-only methods or nonhormonal contraception are usually safer choices. An accurate personal and family history is critical to assessing individual birth control pill risks, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How Can Someone Lower Birth Control Pill Risks?
Lifestyle plays a key role in keeping long-term use safer. Not smoking, staying active, managing weight, and controlling conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can reduce cardiovascular and clotting risks associated with the pill.
Regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and age-appropriate cancer screening help catch problems early, and alarming symptoms such as chest pain, severe headaches, sudden leg swelling, or shortness of breath warrant immediate medical attention.
Long-Term Birth Control Pill Risks and Informed Choices
Over time, birth control pill risks must be balanced against reliable pregnancy prevention, cycle control, and treatment of conditions like endometriosis, PCOS symptoms, and heavy or painful periods.
For many people, the benefits outweigh the risks when the pill is chosen thoughtfully and reviewed regularly. For others, changing health factors make it safer to shift to progestin-only or nonhormonal methods as they age or develop new conditions.
By keeping an open, ongoing dialogue with a healthcare professional, individuals can navigate birth control pill risks while maintaining effective contraception and supporting overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can long-term birth control pill use affect bone health?
Most standard-dose combination pills do not significantly weaken bone density in healthy adults, but very low-dose or progestin-only methods may need closer monitoring in teens or those at high osteoporosis risk.
2. Is it safe to use birth control pills while recovering from surgery?
Because surgery and immobility increase clot risk, many providers advise stopping estrogen-containing pills several weeks before major surgery and using another contraceptive temporarily.
3. Do birth control pill risks change during perimenopause?
As people age and cardiovascular risks rise, combined pills may become less suitable; doctors often reassess pill use in the late 30s and 40s and may recommend switching methods.
4. Can someone with a family history of breast cancer safely use birth control pills?
Some individuals with a family history can still use the pill, but they usually need a personalized risk assessment, careful choice of formulation, and strict adherence to recommended cancer screenings.
