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The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Introduction

The advent of social media has revolutionized the way we interact, communicate, and share information. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become an integral part of our daily lives, with billions of users worldwide. However, a growing body of research suggests that excessive social media use can have a profound impact on mental health. In this article, we will delve into the complex relationship between social media and mental health, exploring the potential risks and benefits, and discussing ways to mitigate the negative effects.

The Risks of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media can have a significant impact on mental health, particularly in young people. Some of the potential risks include:
- Cyberbullying: Social media can be a breeding ground for bullying and harassment, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Unrealistic comparisons: Social media platforms showcase the highlight reels of other people’s lives, creating unrealistic expectations and promoting unhealthy comparisons.
- Sleep deprivation: Exposure to screens and the constant notifications from social media can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.
- Social isolation: While social media connects us to others, it can also create a false sense of connection, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem

Social media can have a profound impact on self-esteem, particularly in young women. The constant exposure to idealized and unrealistic images of beauty, fitness, and success can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction. A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that exposure to idealized images of peers on social media can lead to decreased self-esteem and life satisfaction.

The Role of Social Media in Anxiety and Depression

Social media can also play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of anxiety and depression. The constant stream of information, the pressure to present a perfect online persona, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can create a sense of anxiety and overwhelm. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day can lead to significant improvements in mental health, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Benefits of Social Media on Mental Health

While social media can have negative effects on mental health, it can also have numerous benefits. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Social support: Social media can provide a sense of connection and community, particularly for people who are isolated or have difficulty forming social relationships.
- Access to resources: Social media can provide access to mental health resources, including online therapy, support groups, and educational materials.
- Self-expression: Social media can provide a platform for self-expression, creativity, and self-promotion, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use

To mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health, it is essential to use social media in a healthy and balanced way. Some strategies for healthy social media use include:
- Setting boundaries: Set limits on social media use, including the amount of time spent on social media and the types of content consumed.
- Taking breaks: Take regular breaks from social media, including days or weeks without social media use.
- Practicing self-compassion: Practice self-compassion and self-kindness, including avoiding self-comparison and focusing on positive self-talk.
- Seeking offline connections: Seek offline connections and relationships, including face-to-face interactions and community activities.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in promoting healthy social media use in young people. Some strategies for parents and caregivers include:
- Monitoring social media use: Monitor social media use, including the amount of time spent on social media and the types of content consumed.
- Setting boundaries: Set limits on social media use, including the amount of time spent on social media and the types of content consumed.
- Encouraging offline activities: Encourage offline activities, including sports, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions.
- Modeling healthy behavior: Model healthy social media behavior, including responsible social media use and online etiquette.
The Role of Social Media Companies

Social media companies also play a critical role in promoting healthy social media use. Some strategies for social media companies include:
- Implementing age restrictions: Implement age restrictions, including minimum age requirements for social media use.
- Providing mental health resources: Provide mental health resources, including online therapy, support groups, and educational materials.
- Promoting responsible social media use: Promote responsible social media use, including responsible online behavior and digital citizenship.
- Reducing cyberbullying: Reduce cyberbullying, including implementing antibullying policies and reporting mechanisms.
Conclusion

The impact of social media on mental health is complex and multifaceted. While social media can have numerous benefits, including social support, access to resources, and self-expression, it can also have negative effects, including cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and social isolation. To mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health, it is essential to use social media in a healthy and balanced way, including setting boundaries, taking breaks, practicing self-compassion, and seeking offline connections. Parents, caregivers, and social media companies also play a critical role in promoting healthy social media use, including monitoring social media use, setting boundaries, and providing mental health resources.

FAQs

Q: What is the impact of social media on mental health?
A: The impact of social media on mental health is complex and multifaceted, including both positive and negative effects. While social media can provide social support, access to resources, and self-expression, it can also lead to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and social isolation.

Q: How can I use social media in a healthy way?
A: To use social media in a healthy way, it is essential to set boundaries, take breaks, practice self-compassion, and seek offline connections. This includes limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day, taking regular breaks from social media, and engaging in offline activities.

Q: What can parents and caregivers do to promote healthy social media use in young people?
A: Parents and caregivers can promote healthy social media use in young people by monitoring social media use, setting boundaries, encouraging offline activities, and modeling healthy behavior. This includes setting limits on social media use, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and promoting responsible online behavior.

Q: What can social media companies do to promote healthy social media use?
A: Social media companies can promote healthy social media use by implementing age restrictions, providing mental health resources, promoting responsible social media use, and reducing cyberbullying. This includes implementing antibullying policies, providing online therapy and support groups, and promoting digital citizenship.

Q: How can I seek help if I am experiencing negative effects from social media use?
A: If you are experiencing negative effects from social media use, including anxiety, depression, or cyberbullying, it is essential to seek help. This includes talking to a mental health professional, seeking support from friends and family, and accessing online resources and support groups.
October 5, 2025
Unlock a Stronger You: How Functional Training Improves Everyday Life (Target keywords: functional training, everyday life)
As people go about their daily routines, they often overlook the importance of incorporating physical activity into their lives. While hitting the gym or going for a run can be beneficial, there’s a specific type of exercise that can have a significant impact on everyday life: functional training. This approach to fitness focuses on exercises that mimic real-life movements, helping individuals build strength, endurance, and flexibility in a way that translates to their daily activities.

What is Functional Training?

Functional training is a type of exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once, using movements that are similar to those performed in everyday life. This can include actions like squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and rotating. By training the body to perform these movements efficiently, individuals can improve their overall functional ability, making it easier to tackle daily tasks and activities. Whether it’s carrying groceries, playing with kids, or simply getting up from a chair, functional training can help build the strength and resilience needed to take on everyday challenges.

How Functional Training Improves Everyday Life

One of the primary benefits of functional training is its ability to enhance everyday life by improving physical function. When individuals engage in functional training exercises, they’re building strength and endurance in a way that directly applies to their daily activities. For example, exercises like squats and lunges can help improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Similarly, exercises that target the core muscles, such as planks and rotations, can help improve posture and reduce back pain.

In addition to physical benefits, functional training can also have a significant impact on mental well-being. Exercise has long been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive function, and functional training is no exception. By challenging the body and pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones, functional training can help build confidence and self-esteem, leading to a more positive and resilient mindset.

Real-Life Applications of Functional Training

So, how exactly does functional training apply to everyday life? The answer is everywhere. From simple tasks like carrying groceries or playing with kids, to more complex activities like hiking or gardening, functional training can help individuals build the strength and endurance needed to take on a wide range of challenges.

For example, a busy parent might find that functional training helps them keep up with their energetic kids, whether that’s playing catch, riding bikes, or simply running around the backyard. Similarly, an outdoor enthusiast might find that functional training improves their hiking or camping experiences, allowing them to tackle more challenging trails and enjoy the great outdoors with greater ease and confidence.

Incorporating Functional Training into Daily Life

The good news is that incorporating functional training into daily life is easier than ever. With a little creativity, individuals can turn everyday activities into functional training exercises. For example, carrying groceries can become a strength-training exercise by using proper lifting techniques and engaging the core muscles. Similarly, playing with kids can become a cardio workout by incorporating games like tag or hide-and-seek.

Individuals can also incorporate functional training exercises into their daily routines, such as doing a set of squats or lunges during commercial breaks while watching TV, or doing a few minutes of planks or rotations during their morning coffee break. The key is to find ways to make functional training a natural part of daily life, rather than something that feels like a chore or an added burden.

Common Functional Training Exercises

Some common functional training exercises include:
- Squats: standing with feet shoulder-width apart, then bending the knees and lowering the body down
- Lunges: standing with feet together, taking a large step forward with one foot, and lowering the body down
- Push-ups: starting in a plank position, lowering the body down until the chest nearly touches the ground, then pushing back up
- Rows: holding a weight or resistance band, pulling the elbows back and squeezing the shoulder blades together
- Planks: starting in a plank position, engaging the core muscles and holding for 30-60 seconds
These exercises, and others like them, can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals, making functional training accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Benefits of Functional Training for Different Age Groups

Functional training is beneficial for individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. For younger individuals, functional training can help improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. For older adults, functional training can help improve balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence.

In addition, functional training can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals, making it an ideal approach for individuals who are just starting out with exercise, as well as those who are more experienced. Whether the goal is to improve overall health, increase strength and endurance, or simply feel more confident and capable, functional training can help.

Overcoming Common Obstacles to Functional Training

One of the biggest obstacles to functional training is a lack of motivation or time. With busy schedules and multiple demands on our time, it can be hard to find the energy or enthusiasm to engage in physical activity. However, the key is to start small and find ways to incorporate functional training into daily life, rather than trying to set aside large blocks of time for exercise.

Another common obstacle is a lack of knowledge or experience with functional training exercises. However, there are many resources available, from online tutorials and videos to fitness classes and personal training sessions. By seeking out guidance and support, individuals can learn how to perform functional training exercises safely and effectively, and start seeing the benefits for themselves.

Conclusion

Functional training is a powerful approach to fitness that can have a significant impact on everyday life. By incorporating exercises that mimic real-life movements, individuals can build strength, endurance, and flexibility in a way that translates to their daily activities. Whether the goal is to improve overall health, increase athletic performance, or simply feel more confident and capable, functional training can help. By starting small, seeking out guidance and support, and finding ways to make functional training a natural part of daily life, individuals can unlock a stronger, more resilient version of themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is functional training, and how is it different from other types of exercise?
A: Functional training is a type of exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once, using movements that are similar to those performed in everyday life. This approach to fitness helps build strength, endurance, and flexibility in a way that translates to daily activities, making it a unique and effective way to improve overall health and well-being.

Q: How can I incorporate functional training into my daily life?
A: There are many ways to incorporate functional training into daily life, from turning everyday activities into strength-training exercises to doing a few minutes of planks or rotations during commercial breaks while watching TV. The key is to find ways to make functional training a natural part of daily life, rather than something that feels like a chore or an added burden.

Q: What are some common functional training exercises, and how can I modify them to suit my fitness level?
A: Some common functional training exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, rows, and planks. These exercises can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals, such as reducing the depth of squats or lunges, or using a resistance band instead of free weights.

Q: Is functional training suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
A: Yes, functional training is beneficial for individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. This approach to fitness can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals, making it an ideal approach for individuals who are just starting out with exercise, as well as those who are more experienced.

Q: How can I overcome common obstacles to functional training, such as a lack of motivation or time?
A: The key is to start small and find ways to incorporate functional training into daily life, rather than trying to set aside large blocks of time for exercise. Additionally, seeking out guidance and support from fitness classes, personal training sessions, or online resources can help individuals learn how to perform functional training exercises safely and effectively, and stay motivated to continue.

unlock-a-stronger-you-how-functional-training-improves-everyday-life-target-keywords-functional-training-everyday-life
October 5, 2025
Understanding Parkinsonism | Parkinson’s Foundation
Parkinsonism: A set of movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other disorders. It is important to understand that parkinsonism describes symptoms rather than a specific disorder.

Symptoms include:
- Slow Movements
- Stiffness
- Walking and balance problems
- Tremor
Parkinsonism is a name for a group of movement symptoms found in several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms include slow movements, stiffness, tremor and problems with walking and balance. Parkinsonism disorders can also involve non-movement symptoms, such as changes in mood and thinking, sleep problems and issues with automatic body functions, like blood pressure.

Types of Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s Disease
- A progressive brain disorder with movement and non- movement symptoms
- Symptoms worsen slowly over time
- Movement symptoms tend to improve with levodopa
Atypical Parkinsonism
- A group of progressive brain disorders with some of the symptoms seen in PD
- Symptoms are often more serious early on and progress quicker
- Movement symptoms improve less or not at all with levodopa
Secondary Parkinsonism
- Conditions that mimic PD but are not always progressive
- Symptoms may improve by treating the underlying cause
- Movement symptoms usually do not improve with levodopa
Atypical Parkinsonism Disorders

Atypical parkinsonism disorders have specific traits that may help set them apart from each other.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
- Progressive short-term memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty focusing or staying alert
- Seeing things that are not there, like shadowy figures in your side vision
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- Lightheadedness when standing up or wide swings in blood pressure
- Difficulty controlling the bladder
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Slow or limited eye movements, both upward and downward
- Serious balance problems and frequent falls early on
- Early changes in thinking and behavior
- Slurred or hoarse speech
Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)
- Muscle tightness and jerking movements
- Abnormal hand and feet postures (called dystonia)
- Trouble with coordination
Diagnosing Parkinsonism

There is no single test for diagnosing parkinsonism disorders. Your neurologist will review your medical history, symptoms and medications, perform a neurological exam and may order brain scans (like an MRI or DaTscan) or a skin biopsy. How your symptoms respond to levodopa can also provide helpful clues.

Since these disorders share similar symptoms, getting the right diagnosis can sometimes be tricky. It is important to work with a neurologist experienced in parkinsonism. Certain neurologists, known as movement disorders specialists, have extra training in this area. For help finding a specialist, contact our Helpline.

Treating Atypical Parkinsonism

Levodopa may not be effective for all types of atypical parkinsonism, but other medications and lifestyle changes may help reduce symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy, regular exercise and speech therapy are key to staying as active and independent as possible.

Look for a neurologist who can help you build a care team tailored to your needs, including rehabilitation specialists and, if necessary, a social worker, psychiatrist, sleep doctor, urologist or other health professionals.

Secondary Parkinsonism

Some types of parkinsonism may improve if the underlying cause is treated. For example, drug-induced parkinsonism, a type of secondary parkinsonism, often improves after stopping the medication. Drugs commonly linked to this include antipsychotics, anti-nausea medications and some blood pressure drugs. Normal pressure hydrocephalus, which causes memory loss and walking issues, can be treated with a tube to drain excess fluid. Treatment for other forms of secondary parkinsonism depends on the specific cause.

Tips for Navigating Parkinsonism
- If unsure about your diagnosis, ask your doctor for clarification. Keep in mind that a specific diagnosis may take time.
- Stay informed. Understanding your treatment options and available resources can help improve quality of life.
- Connect with others with a similar diagnosis to share experiences, coping strategies and resources.
- Focus on what you can control, like exercise, nutrition, sleep and staying engaged in activities and relationships that are important to you.
Resources
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October 5, 2025
Dolly Parton Scraps Vegas Shows Over Health Issues

Dolly Parton, 79, has postponed her upcoming Las Vegas concerts due to “health challenges,” the American country music legend announced, although she stressed she is not yet ending her glittering career.

“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” the singer-songwriter posted on social media late Sunday, without disclosing specifics.

The “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” hitmaker kept her trademark humor intact, quipping that “it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”

“In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that you want to see.”

Parton was set to perform six nights of sold-out shows in December at Caesars Palace. She revealed that the new dates are set for September of 2026.

She told her millions of followers that she would continue her projects in Nashville but would need “a little time to get show ready, as they say.

“And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”

Parton became a major star in the 1970s, with singles including “Coat of Many Colors,” and followed up with smash hits like “I Will Always Love You,” famously covered by Whitney Houston, and “9 to 5.”

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October 5, 2025
Dr. Rahul Bansal’s Journey from Clinical Care Provider to CEO in Redefining Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care

When Dr. Rahul Bansal left India to continue his research at one of the universities in Pittsburgh, he carried with him not only a passion for medicine but also a deep desire to make a positive impact in the world. That commitment has shaped his career as a respected child and adolescent psychiatrist and inspired him to create MindWeal, a company aiming to redefine how America responds to the growing mental health crisis.

Dr. Bansal’s path has been rooted in both scholarship and service. Over the years, he has treated patients from diverse backgrounds. He has also worked at some of the nation’s leading hospitals. His wide-ranging experience across inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential care settings gave him unique insight into the systemic gaps in mental health delivery.

“Everywhere I practiced, I saw the same problem: demand for child psychiatry was overwhelming, and supply was painfully limited,” Dr. Bansal explained. “We cannot bridge the gap unless we empower mid-level providers with the right training and tools.”

That conviction became the foundation of MindWeal. Founded in 2020, the organization was born from Dr. Bansal’s earlier outpatient practice, BanCAPs, and has since evolved into a comprehensive platform that blends technology, training, and clinical care. At its core is the 1300-touch-point diagnostic tool designed to help nurse practitioners achieve the same level of diagnostic accuracy as psychiatrists. The tool has been used in clinical settings and has shown promising results in improving diagnostic consistency.

But for Dr. Bansal, innovation is not just about numbers; it’s about people. “Families don’t come to me asking about the latest treatment trend,” he said. “They come asking what’s wrong with their child. Diagnosis is the first and most important step, and we built a tool to get it right.”

Beyond technology, Dr. Bansal has also prioritized education and training. Recognizing that nurse practitioners often receive limited exposure to child psychiatry during their schooling, MindWeal developed structured rotations and mentorship programs. Providers are supported in learning how to use the tool and in developing confidence around prescribing, managing medications, and engaging with families in meaningful ways.

“You cannot build a sustainable system without empowering providers,” Dr. Bansal emphasized. “Mid-level providers are the backbone of mental health care. By giving them the right resources, we give children and families better outcomes.”

Dr. Bansal’s influence extends beyond the clinic. He has authored multiple papers in psychiatry and is known for his research in autism and developmental disorders. His academic background continues to inform his vision for MindWeal, where evidence-based practice is a guiding principle.

Under his leadership, MindWeal has grown into four practices across Illinois and Missouri, with plans to expand nationally. The company offers in-person, hybrid, and virtual care, balancing local trust with scalability. Patients and families have responded positively to MindWeal’s approach.

Despite his success, Dr. Bansal remains grounded in his mission. “My inspiration is simple, I want to make a positive difference every day,” he reflected. “If we can bring clarity to families, empower providers, and create better outcomes for children, then we are doing something that truly matters.”

Colleagues and collaborators echo his impact. Dr. Bansal’s efforts have begun to draw interest from healthcare systems and insurers, who see the potential of the new tool and MindWeal’s ecosystem to transform psychiatric care delivery at scale.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bansal is focused not only on expanding MindWeal’s reach but also on shaping the national conversation about mental health. He is a vocal advocate for closing the gap between traditional psychiatric care and the innovative solutions emerging from technology and training. “The system is fragmented,” he said. “But we have the opportunity to rebuild it in a way that prioritizes accuracy, accessibility, and compassion.”

From his early days training in child psychiatry in Michigan to his current role as CEO and thought leader, Dr. Rahul Bansal’s journey has been defined by vision, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to children’s well-being. With MindWeal, he is demonstrating how individual determination can contribute to broader change, and that the future of mental health care can be both innovative and deeply human.

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October 4, 2025
Driving | Parkinson’s Foundation
Driving allows personal freedom, control and independence. Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) continue to drive safely long after their diagnosis.

While Parkinson’s progression and medication side effects may affect a person’s driving ability, the diagnosis alone does not tell the whole story. The ability to drive with Parkinson’s depends on a person’s specific symptoms, as well as the presence of other age-related changes.

Though Parkinson’s may present driving challenges, there are many ways to maintain independence. If you are facing driving challenges, the below information can help you take control of your transportation needs.

How can Parkinson’s affect my driving?

Driving is a complex skill. Parkinson’s-related physical, emotional and mental changes may affect your ability to drive safely.
- Parkinson’s can cause your arms, hands or legs to shake even when you are relaxed. PD can also make it harder for you to keep your balance or start to move when you have been still.
- You may not be able to:
  
  React quickly to a road hazard.
  
  Turn the steering wheel, push down on the gas pedal or brake as quickly as you may need or with precision.
- Depth perception can affect your ability to change lanes, park, etc.
- Changes to cognition may affect your ability to process all the complex actions that occur in order to drive safely.
Many Parkinson’s medicines can also reduce your ability to drive safely. Common medications — including carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet), amantadine, dopamine agonists and anticholinergics — may produce side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision and confusion. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and they may be decreased by simple medication adjustments.

Can I still drive with PD?

The ability to drive with Parkinson’s depends largely on your individual circumstances. Driving with PD tends to be safest in the early stages of the disease. Taking medications that control your symptoms can also improve your driving ability and staying active can help you keep the muscle strength you need to drive.
How do I know if I can drive safely?

It may be difficult to determine when, or if, you should limit your driving. Resources are available to help you better understand your own driving ability:

Ask a trusted friend or family member for honest input about your driving skills.

Take a driving assessment. Here’s how:
- Assessments are available through your local DMV.
- Your doctor also may recommend a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist’s (DRS) assessment. These professionals give on- and off-road tests to see if, and how, PD affects your driving. The specialist may offer driving skill improvement training if you can still drive safely. Call the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at 866-672-9466, check the directory for a DRS near you, or ask your doctor for a referral to a DRS.
What can I do if I have to reduce my driving?

If you must cut back on or give up your driving, you can still maintain your independence. Consult these driving alternatives to help identify which form of transportation best suits you:
- Take public transportation such as a bus, subway or train. Bus passes are often offered for a reduced fee to the elderly and people living with disabilities. Call your local public transportation office to get information on discounts and find out what routes to take.
- Take a taxi or car service, especially for quick or spontaneous errands. There are many apps you can download to your smartphone to request transportation.
- Ask family and friends to drive you. One person may be willing to take you to the grocery store weekly and another might volunteer to pick up your medications from the pharmacy.
- Ask about the ability of van service if you live in an independent or assisted living facility. Many facilities offer this service to take residents to appointments. Be sure to reserve this service in advance.
- Check for alternative transportation options with your local city/town government and the local community center. Special shuttle or van services may be available for people with disabilities.
- Contact your local religious organization to find out if they have a committee of volunteers who drive community members to different destinations.
Who can help with transportation?

Many services are available to help you locate transportation in your area. Consult these organizations to get started:

Learn More

Watch the DriveWise® program videos: Driving with Parkinson’s 1 and Driving with Parkinson’s 2, produced by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Ask about any similar programs at hospitals, driving schools, rehabilitation facilities and state motor vehicle departments in your area.

Page reviewed by Dr. Bhavana Patel, Movement Disorders Neurologist at the University of Florida, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.
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October 4, 2025
Thriving Through Menopause – 12-Week Holistic Weight Loss Course

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October 3, 2025
Beyond Self-Help Books: The Real Power of Personal Coaching
Introduction to Personal Coaching

In today’s fast-paced world, individuals are constantly seeking ways to improve themselves, their relationships, and their overall well-being. While self-help books have been a popular resource for personal growth, they often lack the personalized approach and guidance that individuals need to achieve lasting change. This is where personal coaching comes in – a powerful tool that goes beyond the limitations of self-help books, offering tailored support, guidance, and accountability to help individuals achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.

The Limitations of Self-Help Books

Self-help books can be a great starting point for personal growth, providing valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration. However, they often fall short in providing the personalized support and guidance that individuals need to overcome specific challenges and achieve their goals. Self-help books are typically written with a general audience in mind, making it difficult for readers to apply the advice and strategies to their unique situations. Furthermore, self-help books lack the interactive and dynamic approach that personal coaching provides, making it harder for individuals to stay motivated and accountable.

What is Personal Coaching?

Personal coaching is a collaborative and customized process that helps individuals identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. A personal coach works closely with clients to understand their strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations, creating a tailored plan to help them overcome obstacles and achieve success. Personal coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it is a highly individualized and flexible process that adapts to the unique needs and circumstances of each client.

The Benefits of Personal Coaching

Personal coaching offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond what self-help books can provide. Some of the key benefits of personal coaching include:
- Increased clarity and focus: Personal coaching helps individuals clarify their goals, values, and priorities, providing a clear direction and focus for their personal and professional lives.
- Improved self-awareness: Personal coaching increases self-awareness, helping individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and how these impact their behavior and decision-making.
- Enhanced motivation and accountability: Personal coaching provides ongoing support and guidance, helping individuals stay motivated and accountable as they work towards their goals.
- Customized strategies and solutions: Personal coaching offers tailored strategies and solutions that are specifically designed to address the unique challenges and obstacles of each client.
- Improved relationships and communication: Personal coaching helps individuals develop more effective communication skills, leading to stronger, more meaningful relationships in both their personal and professional lives.
The Process of Personal Coaching

The process of personal coaching typically begins with an initial consultation or assessment, where the coach works with the client to understand their goals, values, and motivations. From there, the coach and client work together to create a customized coaching plan, which may include regular coaching sessions, homework assignments, and progress tracking. Personal coaching sessions may be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video conference, providing flexibility and convenience for clients.

Types of Personal Coaching

There are several types of personal coaching, each with its own unique focus and approach. Some common types of personal coaching include:
- Life coaching: Focuses on helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals, and improve their overall well-being.
- Career coaching: Helps individuals identify and pursue their career goals, and develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed in their chosen field.
- Executive coaching: Designed for business leaders and executives, executive coaching focuses on developing leadership skills, improving performance, and achieving business goals.
- Wellness coaching: Focuses on helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals, such as weight loss, stress management, or improved nutrition.
The Role of the Personal Coach

The personal coach plays a critical role in the coaching process, providing guidance, support, and accountability as clients work towards their goals. A good personal coach is:
- Non-judgmental and empathetic: Providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
- Knowledgeable and experienced: Possessing the skills, training, and experience needed to provide expert guidance and support.
- Flexible and adaptable: Able to adjust their approach to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each client.
- Results-oriented: Focused on helping clients achieve their goals and celebrate their successes.
Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges

Personal coaching is not a magic solution that can instantly solve all problems. Instead, it is a process that requires effort, commitment, and dedication from both the client and the coach. With personal coaching, individuals can overcome obstacles and challenges by:
- Identifying and addressing limiting beliefs: Personal coaching helps individuals identify and challenge negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that hold them back.
- Developing coping strategies and resilience: Personal coaching teaches individuals how to manage stress, build resilience, and develop coping strategies to deal with adversity.
- Building a support network: Personal coaching helps individuals build a support network of friends, family, and colleagues who can provide encouragement and guidance.
Measuring Success in Personal Coaching

Measuring success in personal coaching is critical to evaluating progress and achieving goals. Some common ways to measure success in personal coaching include:
- Goal achievement: Tracking progress towards specific goals and celebrating successes.
- Increased self-awareness and self-confidence: Noticing improvements in self-awareness, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
- Improved relationships and communication: Observing positive changes in relationships and communication skills.
- Increased motivation and accountability: Noticing increased motivation and accountability, and a greater sense of purpose and direction.
Conclusion

Personal coaching is a powerful tool that goes beyond the limitations of self-help books, offering tailored support, guidance, and accountability to help individuals achieve their goals and unlock their full potential. By providing a collaborative and customized approach, personal coaching helps individuals overcome obstacles and challenges, and achieve lasting change. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, advance your career, or simply find more purpose and fulfillment in life, personal coaching can provide the support and guidance you need to succeed.

FAQs
- What is personal coaching, and how does it work?: Personal coaching is a collaborative and customized process that helps individuals identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. A personal coach works closely with clients to understand their strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations, creating a tailored plan to help them overcome obstacles and achieve success.
- How is personal coaching different from self-help books?: Personal coaching is different from self-help books in that it provides a personalized and interactive approach, offering tailored support and guidance to help individuals achieve their goals. Self-help books, on the other hand, are often written with a general audience in mind, making it difficult for readers to apply the advice and strategies to their unique situations.
- What types of personal coaching are available?: There are several types of personal coaching, including life coaching, career coaching, executive coaching, and wellness coaching. Each type of coaching has its own unique focus and approach, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
- How do I find a personal coach, and what qualities should I look for?: To find a personal coach, you can search online, ask for referrals, or check with professional coaching organizations. When looking for a personal coach, consider qualities such as non-judgmental and empathetic, knowledgeable and experienced, flexible and adaptable, and results-oriented.
- How long does personal coaching typically last, and what is the cost?: The length and cost of personal coaching can vary depending on the coach, the client’s goals, and the type of coaching. Some coaching relationships may last several months or even years, while others may be shorter-term. The cost of personal coaching can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the frequency and type of coaching sessions.
October 3, 2025
A Longer Life on Statins?

What are the pros and cons of relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat, and average postponement of death when taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs?

In response to the charge that describing the benefits of statin drugs only in terms of relative risk reduction is a “statistical deception” created to give the appearance that statins are more effective than they really are, it was pointed out that describing things in terms of absolute risk reduction or number needed to treat can depend on the duration of the study.

For example, let’s say a disease has a 2% chance of killing you every year, but some drug cuts that risk by 50%. That sounds amazing, until you realize that, at the end of a year, your risk will only have fallen from 2% to 1%, so the absolute reduction of risk is only 1%. If a hundred people were treated with the drug, instead of two people dying, one person would die, so a hundred people would have to be treated to save one life, as shown below and at 1:01 in my video How Much Longer Do You Live on Statins?.

But there’s about a 99% chance that taking the drug all year would have no effect either way. So, to say the drug cuts the risk of dying by 50% seems like an overstatement. But think about it: Benefits accrue over time. If there’s a 2% chance of dying every year, year after year, after a few decades, the majority of those who refused the drug would be dead, whereas the majority who took the drug would be alive. So, yes, perhaps during the first year on the drug, there was only about a 1% chance it would be life-saving, but, eventually, you could end up with a decent chance the drug would save your life after all.

“This is actually the very reason why the usage of relative risk makes sense…” Absolute risk changes depending on the time frame being discussed, but with relative risk, you know that whatever risk you have, you can cut it in half by taking the drug. On average, statins only cut the risk of a cardiovascular “event” by 25%, but since cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women, if you’re unwilling to change your diet, that’s a powerful argument in favor of taking these kinds of drugs. You can see the same kind of dependency on trial duration, looking at the “postponement of death” by taking a statin. How much longer might you live if you take statins?

The average postponement of death has some advantages over other statistics because it may offer “a better intuitive understanding among lay persons,” whereas a stat like a number needed to treat has more of a win-or-lose “lottery-like” quality. So, when a statin drug prevents, say, one heart attack out of a hundred people treated over five years, it’s not as though the other 99 completely lost out. Their cholesterol also dropped, and their heart disease progression presumably slowed down, too, just not enough to catch a heart attack within that narrow time frame.

So, what’s the effect of statins on average survival? According to an early estimate, if you put all the randomized trials together, the average postponement of death was calculated at maybe three or four days. Three or four days? Who would take a drug every day for years just to live a few more days? Well, let’s try to put that into context. Three or four days is comparable to the gains in life expectancy from other medical interventions. For example, it’s nearly identical to what you’d get from “highly effective childhood vaccines.” Because vaccines have been so effective in wiping out infectious diseases, these days, they only add an average of three extra days to a child’s life. But, of course, “those whose deaths are averted gain virtually their whole lifetimes.” That’s why we vaccinate. It just seems like such a small average benefit because it gets distributed over the many millions of kids who get the vaccine. Is that the same with statins?

An updated estimate was published in 2019, which explained that the prior estimate of three or four days was plagued by “important weaknesses,” and the actual average postponement of death was actually ten days. Headline writers went giddy from these data, but what they didn’t understand was that this was only for the duration of the trial. So, if your life expectancy is only five years, then, yes, statins may increase your lifespan by only ten days, but statins are meant to be taken a lot longer than five years. What you want to know is how much longer you might get to live if you stick with the drugs your whole life.

In that case, it isn’t an extra ten days, but living up to ten extra years. Taking statins can enable you to live years longer. That’s because, for every millimole per liter you lower your bad LDL cholesterol, you may live three years longer and maybe even six more years, depending on which study you’re reading. A millimole in U.S. units is 39 points. Drop your LDL cholesterol by about 39 points, and you could live years longer. Exercise your whole life, and you may only increase your lifespan by six months, and stopping smoking may net you nine months. But if you drop your LDL cholesterol by about 39 points, you could live years longer. You can accomplish that by taking drugs, or you can achieve that within just two weeks of eating a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as seen here and at 5:30 in my video.

Want to know what’s better than drugs? “Something important and fundamental has been lost in the controversy around this broad expansion of statin therapy.…It is imperative that physicians (and drug labels) inform patients that not only their lipid [cholesterol] levels but also their cardiovascular risk can be reduced substantially by adoption of a plant-based dietary pattern, and without drugs. Dietary modifications for cardiovascular risk reduction, including plant-based diets, have been shown to improve not only lipid status, but also obesity, hypertension, systemic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, endothelial function, thrombosis, and cardiovascular event risk…The importance of this [plant-based] approach is magnified when one considers that, in contrast to statins, the ‘side effects’ of plant-based diets—weight loss, more energy, and improved quality of life—are beneficial.”

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October 3, 2025
Over A Dozen Sunscreens Pulled From Shelves After Watchdog Exposes Major Flaw

The makers of over a dozen suncreams have halted sales in Australia after a consumer advocacy group analysis found many of them did not provide the sun protection factor their makers claimed.

Long, hot days in the sun are a fixture of daily life in Australia, famous for its good weather and outdoors-loving lifestyle.

But the country also has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world — almost 19,000 Australians were estimated to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024, official data shows.

And an investigation in June by consumer group CHOICE found that of 20 popular brands of suncream tested, only four accurately matched their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) claims.

A follow-up investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration released on Tuesday identified 21 suncreams that may fall short of their protection claims.

In some cases, products that claimed to have sun protection factors of 50+ “were unlikely to have an SPF greater than 21”, the authority said.

Of the flagged suncreams, eight have been voluntarily recalled, 10 have suspended sales, two are being reviewed and one is not sold nationally, according to the authority.

“You may wish to consider using an alternative product until the TGA completes its review,” the agency warned.

AFP has reached out to a number of the firms named for comment on the claims.

Under current testing standards, things like how much suncream is applied and the degree of skin redness observed can impact the variability of results.

Australia classifies suncreams under therapeutic goods — health-related products for human use rather than cosmetics — and are therefore regulated to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Firms can face heavy penalties for inaccurate labelling.

Anne Cust, acting director of cancer research institute Daffodil Centre, said suncream was “just one of the forms of protection”.

She said people should apply suncream “as a last resort” and use it alongside other protective measures like seeking shade and wearing long sleeves.

“The most important thing with sunscreen is to apply enough of it,” she said. “What is important is to put enough on your skin and reapply after a couple of hours.”

The issue was particularly pressing given the looming summer season, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association Julian Rait told national broadcaster ABC.

“People should still have confidence in the vast majority of suncream products, and they should still provide adequate protection from the sun, especially if used frequently,” he said.

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October 3, 2025