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  • Protein Powder 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Supplement for Your Fitness Goals

    Protein Powder 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Supplement for Your Fitness Goals

    She knows that getting started with a fitness routine can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the world of supplements. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of where to begin. But when it comes to protein powder, she’s in luck. This comprehensive guide will walk her through everything she needs to know to choose the best protein powder supplement for her fitness goals.

    Understanding the Importance of Protein
    Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in building and repairing muscles. When she’s working out regularly, her muscles are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, and protein is necessary to support this process. Without enough protein, she may find that she’s not seeing the results she wants from her workouts, or that she’s feeling fatigued and sore. By incorporating a high-quality protein powder into her routine, she can ensure that she’s giving her muscles the nutrients they need to grow and recover.

    Types of Protein Powder
    There are several types of protein powder available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most popular types of protein powder include whey protein, casein protein, pea protein, and plant-based protein blends. Whey protein is one of the most popular and fast-digesting proteins, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein, on the other hand, is slower-digesting and can help to promote muscle growth and recovery during sleep. Pea protein is a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as it’s hypoallergenic and easily digestible. Plant-based protein blends often combine multiple sources of protein, such as pea, rice, and hemp, to provide a complete amino acid profile.

    Choosing the Best Protein Powder for Her Fitness Goals
    When it comes to choosing the best protein powder, she needs to consider her specific fitness goals. Is she looking to build muscle, lose weight, or simply support overall health and wellness? Different types of protein powder are better suited to different goals, so it’s essential to do her research and choose a protein that aligns with her objectives. For example, if she’s trying to build muscle, she may want to opt for a whey protein or casein protein supplement. If she’s looking to lose weight, a plant-based protein blend or pea protein may be a better option.

    Factors to Consider When Selecting a Protein Powder
    In addition to considering her fitness goals, there are several other factors she should take into account when selecting a protein powder. These include the protein source, protein concentration, additives and fillers, flavor and texture, and brand reputation. She wants to choose a protein powder that is made from a high-quality source, such as grass-fed cows or non-GMO plants. She should also look for a protein powder that has a high protein concentration, typically around 20-25 grams per serving. Additionally, she should be wary of additives and fillers, such as artificial sweeteners and flavors, and opt for a protein powder that has a simple and natural ingredient list.

    How to Use Protein Powder
    Once she’s chosen a protein powder, she needs to know how to use it effectively. The timing and dosage of protein powder can vary depending on her fitness goals and schedule. Generally, it’s recommended to consume protein powder within 30-60 minutes after a workout, when her muscles are most receptive to nutrient uptake. She can also consume protein powder as a snack or meal replacement, or before bedtime to support muscle recovery during sleep. The recommended dosage of protein powder can vary, but a typical serving size is around 20-30 grams.

    Benefits of Protein Powder
    Incorporating a high-quality protein powder into her fitness routine can have numerous benefits. Some of the most significant advantages of protein powder include increased muscle growth and recovery, improved weight management, enhanced athletic performance, and support for overall health and wellness. By providing her muscles with the necessary nutrients, protein powder can help her to build lean muscle mass, recover faster from workouts, and support her overall fitness goals.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid
    While protein powder can be a valuable addition to her fitness routine, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include over-relying on protein powder, using low-quality protein powder, not considering her dietary needs, and not staying hydrated. She should remember that protein powder is a supplement, not a replacement for whole foods. She should also choose a high-quality protein powder that meets her dietary needs and preferences, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

    Conclusion
    Choosing the best protein powder can seem overwhelming, but by considering her fitness goals, researching different types of protein powder, and taking into account factors such as protein source and concentration, she can make an informed decision. With the right protein powder, she can support her muscle growth and recovery, manage her weight, and enhance her athletic performance. By avoiding common mistakes and using protein powder effectively, she can unlock the full potential of her fitness routine and achieve her goals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the best type of protein powder for building muscle?
      The best type of protein powder for building muscle is typically whey protein or casein protein, as they provide a complete amino acid profile and are quickly absorbed by the body.

    • Can I use protein powder if I’m lactose intolerant?
      Yes, there are many lactose-free protein powder options available, such as pea protein, rice protein, and plant-based protein blends.

    • How much protein powder should I take per day?
      The recommended dosage of protein powder can vary, but a typical serving size is around 20-30 grams. She should consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best dosage for her specific needs.

    • Can I use protein powder as a meal replacement?
      While protein powder can be used as a snack or meal replacement, it’s generally recommended to consume whole foods as much as possible. Protein powder should be used to supplement her diet, not replace whole foods.

    • Is protein powder safe for everyone?
      While protein powder is generally considered safe, she should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if she has any underlying health conditions or is taking medication.

    protein-powder-101-a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-best-supplement-for-your-fitness-goals

  • Osteoporosis: What you need to know

    Osteoporosis: What you need to know

    Did you know that our bones are living tissue? To keep them strong, our bodies break down old bone and replace them with new bone. When we are young, we build more bone than we break down. But as we get older, bone can break down more often than it gets replaced. This can lead to osteoporosis.

    Osteoporosis can develop if your bone mass decreases or the structure of your bones changes. Osteoporosis makes your bones weak and more likely to fracture (break).

    Osteoporosis is called a “silent” disease because it doesn’t show any obvious symptoms. Many people do not know they have it until they break a bone after a minor injury or movement. Something as simple as falling from standing height, bending, lifting, or even intense coughing may cause a fracture. Osteoporosis can develop in any bone, but it’s most common in the bones of your hips, wrists, and vertebrae in the spine.

     

    Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

    While anyone can develop osteoporosis, the risk increases as you get older. Osteoporosis is more common in people with any of these risk factors:

    • Sex. Women are more likely to have osteoporosis than men, especially after menopause. White and Asian women are at the highest risk. African American and Hispanic women are at a slightly lower risk. While men are less likely to have osteoporosis, White men are at a higher risk than other groups of their sex.
    • Age. As you age, you lose more bone than you build. Women over age 65 are recommended to get screened for osteoporosis by their health provider. There are no official screening recommendations for men, but their risk increases after age 70.*
    • Family history. Having a parent with osteoporosis or hip fracture increases risk.
    • Body type. Being slim or thin-boned increases risk because there is less bone to lose.
    • Hormones. Hormone levels can affect risk for both men and women. Low estrogen levels in women due to menopause, hormone disorders, or extreme physical activity can weaken bones. Low levels of testosterone in men also raises their risk for osteoporosis.
    • Nutrition. A diet low in calcium, vitamin D, or protein can raise risk.
    • Lifestyle factors. These include heavy alcohol use, smoking, not being physically active, or being on bedrest for extended periods of time can all raise risk.
    • Medications. Long-term use of some medications may increase risk. These include corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, and medicines to treat epilepsy. Some cancer medications and glucocorticoid steroids can also increase risk.
    • Medical conditions. Some medical conditions increase risk, including:

    How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

    A health care provider can usually diagnose osteoporosis with a routine screening. They may ask you about your medical and family history and whether you have ever broken a bone. They may also want to know if you have lost height or weight or if you are losing muscle strength. Talk to your doctor if your posture, balance, and gait (how you walk) have changed.

    The most common test for osteoporosis is a bone mineral density test, which measures how strong your bones are and predicts your risk of bone fractures.

    How is osteoporosis treated?

    If you have the disease, your doctor will likely recommend treatment designed to slow or stop bone loss and help prevent fractures. They may recommend eating a balanced diet with enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein. They may also recommend other lifestyle changes or prescribe medicine to slow bone loss or rebuild bone. Medications can cause side effects, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what you’re taking.

    Regular physical activity is important if you have osteoporosis, but certain activities may put a strain on high-risk parts of the body. Avoid high-impact exercise and movements that twist your spine (like swinging a golf club) or heavily bend the waist (like sit-ups and toe touches). A physical therapist, rehabilitation medicine specialist, or physiologist can help you make a safe exercise program. Caregivers can also help someone with osteoporosis exercise in a safe way.

    Can it be prevented?

    Keeping bones strong throughout your life can help lower your risk for osteoporosis, so eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, get regular physical activity, limit alcohol intake, and don’t smoke. It’s also important to have regular checkups and tell your doctor if you’ve had a fall or broken a bone.

    Living with osteoporosis

    Whether you have osteoporosis or are trying to prevent it, proper nutrition and certain exercises are good for bone health. Strong muscles help you balance and reduce your risk of falling or breaking bones. People tend to lose muscle as they age, but a combination of weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and balance training can help. Talk to your health care provider about what’s best for you before starting any exercise program.

    The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also has information on exercising for bone health.

    If you have osteoporosis, talk with others who have it and reach out to family and friends for support. Learning about the disease can equip you to participate in decisions about your care and help preserve your mobility and independence!

    *Editor’s note: As of this publication, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s osteoporosis screening recommendations are under review. Learn more about the review process and updates here.

    Image credit: Getty Images, National Institute on Aging

    November 21, 2024

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  • Parents Express Concern After President Donald Trump Brings Back Presidential Fitness Test

    Parents Express Concern After President Donald Trump Brings Back Presidential Fitness Test

    President Donald Trump’s decision to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test has sparked intense debate among parents nationwide.

    The test, which was phased out in 2013 during former President Barack Obama’s administration, will once again require students to perform physical challenges, including the mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, and flexibility tests. Many parents remember their own experiences with the test and express serious concerns about its impact on their children’s mental health and self-esteem.

    The announcement came in July 2025 when Trump signed an executive order surrounded by professional athletes in the White House Roosevelt Room. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will oversee the program as part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. The order states that declining physical fitness poses “a threat to the vitality and longevity of our country” and weakens America’s economy, military readiness, and national morale, according to Cronkite News.

    Concerns Among Parents

    Parents across the country are sharing their own childhood experiences with the test, and many memories are far from positive. “I remember how hurtful this program was when we were in school. Traumatic and bullying. Hopeless,” wrote Mike from Salem, New Hampshire, in response to media polls about the test’s return. Similar sentiments are echoing through social media platforms and parent groups nationwide.

    The original Presidential Fitness Test, which ran from 1966 to 2013, required students to meet specific benchmarks to earn awards. For example, a 14-year-old girl needed to run a mile in under eight minutes, complete 40 sit-and-reaches, shuttle-run in about 10 seconds, and do 47 curl-ups to qualify for recognition, among other things, 29News reported.

    Physical education expert Judy LoBianco, who worked in New Jersey schools for over two decades, believes the test can embarrass less athletic kids, make them anxious, and discourage them from pursuing fitness. She argues that modern physical education should focus on joy, social interaction, and life skills rather than competitive testing.

    Implementation Questions Remain

    Parents are also questioning the practical aspects of the revived program, as many wonder whether schools with lower-performing students will receive additional resources, better meals, and improved physical education equipment.

    The Trump administration has positioned the test as part of a broader focus on youth health, citing concerning statistics about childhood obesity and physical inactivity. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” report highlights that more than 70% of children ages six to 17 fail to meet federal guidelines for daily physical activity, as per NPR.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

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

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  • The Pineal Awakening – Home

    The Pineal Awakening – Home

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  • A Meditation for Kids: Coming Back to the Positive

    A Meditation for Kids: Coming Back to the Positive

    What went well today? Kids and teens can explore this eight-minute guided meditation for noticing the positive.

    Summary

    • Children often focus on scary or unpleasant thoughts, which can effect their mental health.
    • This short kids’ meditation uses conscious breathing and happy thoughts to help them notice the good and feel more positive.

    Our brains are hardwired to notice the negative. It’s part of how our ancient ancestors were able to survive in constantly threatening environments.  

    But this negativity bias can also make it difficult for us and our kids, even in our comparatively less threatening environments, to navigate other daily stressors, like big tests, arguments, or disappointments. 

    In this practice specifically designed for younger meditators, Dr. Mark Bertin shows kids how to gently guide their attention back to the positive things they might have missed, in order to help soothe the nervous system. 

    A Meditation for Kids: Coming Back to the Positive

    1. Lie down somewhere comfortable. Let your arms and legs fall to the ground. Close your eyes gently.
    2. Start to notice how your body changes with each breath you take. Each time you breathe, your belly moves up, and your belly moves down. If it is easier, put a hand on your belly. Or if you want, put a stuffed animal there.
    3. Each time you breathe, your belly moves. Your hand, or your toy, rises, and then falls. See if you can count ten breaths that way. Breathing in, one, breathing out, one. (Repeat for nine more inhales, and nine more exhales.)
    4. When you lose count, don’t worry about it. That’s normal, and happens to everyone. Come back to whatever number you last remember.
    5. Now, shift your attention to your day. Breathing in, focus on your breath as your belly goes up. Breathing out, focus on something that went well today.
    6. With each breath: breathing in, noticing your belly move, and with each breath out, noticing something that went well today.
    7. Now, picture something about yourself that makes you proud. Breathing in, focus on your belly moving. Breathing out, picture something that makes you proud about yourself. If nothing comes to mind, that sometimes happens. If that’s how you feel, picture what you’d wish for yourself instead.
    8. Finally, bring someone to mind who makes you happy. Before we end, try one more practice. Breathing in, notice your belly move. And now, breathing out picture someone who makes you happy.
    9. As you come to the end of this practice, take a few deep breaths, and start to wiggle your arms and legs. Pause and decide what you’d like to do next.
    10. It’s normal to have thoughts that make us feel scared or bad. We should never ignore anything important, but it’s useful to focus on the rest of our lives too. Take a few minutes every day to notice what has gone well, and see what happens next.



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  • Screen-Free Sunday: Why You Should Try a Weekly Digital Detox

    Screen-Free Sunday: Why You Should Try a Weekly Digital Detox

    In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and endless scrolling. Our lives are dominated by screens, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. While technology has many benefits, excessive screen time can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, relationships, and productivity. That’s why implementing a Screen-Free Sunday, a weekly digital detox, can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a Screen-Free Sunday, provide tips on how to implement it, and discuss the potential challenges and solutions.

    The Benefits of a Screen-Free Sunday

    A Screen-Free Sunday can have numerous benefits for individuals and families. Some of the advantages include:

    • Improved mental health: Reducing screen time can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.

    • Increased productivity: Without the distractions of social media and notifications, individuals can focus on tasks, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.

    • Better sleep: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep patterns. A screen-free day can help regulate sleep schedules and improve the quality of sleep.

    • Enhanced creativity: A digital detox can stimulate creativity, as individuals are forced to think outside the box and engage in activities that don’t involve screens.

    • Strengthened relationships: Spending quality time with family and friends, without the distraction of screens, can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

    Preparing for a Screen-Free Sunday

    To make the most of a Screen-Free Sunday, it’s essential to prepare in advance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    • Plan ahead: Decide on activities, games, and hobbies that don’t involve screens, such as reading, board games, or outdoor activities.

    • Set boundaries: Communicate with family and friends about your Screen-Free Sunday plans, and ask for their support and participation.

    • Find alternative entertainment: Instead of watching TV or scrolling through social media, try listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

    • Get the whole family involved: Make it a fun, family affair, and engage in activities that everyone can enjoy.

    Activities for a Screen-Free Sunday

    There are countless activities that can be enjoyed on a Screen-Free Sunday. Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Outdoor activities: Go for a hike, have a picnic, or engage in sports, such as soccer, basketball, or tennis.

    • Creative pursuits: Paint, draw, write, or engage in any other creative activity that brings you joy.

    • Cooking and baking: Try out new recipes, experiment with new flavors, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious.

    • Board games and puzzles: Challenge yourself or play with family and friends, and enjoy some friendly competition.

    • Reading and learning: Catch up on your favorite book, learn a new skill, or explore a new topic of interest.

    Overcoming Challenges on a Screen-Free Sunday

    While a Screen-Free Sunday can be a rewarding experience, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common obstacles and potential solutions:

    • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Plan ahead, and let friends and family know that you’ll be unavailable for the day. You can also set up auto-responses on your phone or social media accounts.

    • Boredom: Prepare a list of activities, games, and hobbies to keep you engaged and entertained.

    • Withdrawal symptoms: It’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or restlessness, when disconnecting from screens. Try engaging in relaxing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

    • Temptation: Remove temptations by turning off notifications, logging out of social media, and finding alternative activities to fill the time.

    The Importance of Consistency

    To make the most of a Screen-Free Sunday, consistency is key. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

    • Schedule it in: Treat your Screen-Free Sunday as a non-negotiable appointment, and schedule it in your calendar.

    • Make it a habit: Try to make a Screen-Free Sunday a regular occurrence, and aim to do it at the same time every week.

    • Be flexible: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Instead, learn from your mistakes, and try to do better next time.

    • Find a community: Connect with others who are also practicing a Screen-Free Sunday, and share tips, advice, and experiences.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, a Screen-Free Sunday is a great way to reduce screen time, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen relationships. By preparing in advance, finding alternative activities, and overcoming challenges, individuals can make the most of this weekly digital detox. Remember, consistency is key, and making a Screen-Free Sunday a regular habit can have long-term benefits. So, take the challenge, and try a Screen-Free Sunday today. Your mind, body, and relationships will thank you.

    FAQs

    Q: What if I need to use my phone for emergencies?
    A: It’s understandable to want to be available for emergencies. Consider setting your phone to "do not disturb" mode, and only checking it for urgent messages or calls.
    Q: How can I make a Screen-Free Sunday fun for my family?
    A: Involve your family in the planning process, and find activities that everyone can enjoy. Make it a fun, game-filled day, and create lasting memories.
    Q: What if I get bored or experience withdrawal symptoms?
    A: Prepare a list of activities, games, and hobbies to keep you engaged and entertained. Try relaxing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
    Q: Can I still use my phone for music or podcasts?
    A: While it’s tempting to use your phone for music or podcasts, try to find alternative ways to listen, such as using a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.
    Q: How can I make a Screen-Free Sunday a regular habit?
    A: Schedule it in your calendar, make it a non-negotiable appointment, and try to do it at the same time every week. Find a community, and share tips, advice, and experiences with others who are also practicing a Screen-Free Sunday.

  • The Real Benefits of Statins and Their Side Effects 

    The Real Benefits of Statins and Their Side Effects 

    A Mayo Clinic visualization tool can help you decide if cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are right for you.

    “Physicians have a duty to inform their patients about the risks and benefits of the interventions available to them. However, physicians rarely communicate with methods that convey absolute information, such as numbers needed to treat, numbers needed to harm, or prolongation of life, despite patients wanting this information.” That is, for example, how many people are actually helped by a particular drug, how many are actually hurt by it, or how much longer the drug will enable you to live, respectively.

    If doctors inform patients only about the relative risk reduction—for example, telling them a pill will cut their risk of heart attacks by 34 percent—nine out of ten agree to take it. However, give them the same information framed as absolute risk reduction—“1.4% fewer patients had heart attacks”—then those agreeing to take the drug drops to only four out of ten. And, if they use the number needed to treat, only three in ten patients would agree to take the pill. So, if you’re a doctor and you really want your patient to take the drug, which statistic are you going to use?

    The use of relative risk stats to inflate the benefits and absolute risk stats to downplay any side effects has been referred to as “statistical deception.” To see how one might spin a study to accomplish this, let’s look at an example. As you can see below and at 1:49 in my video, The True Benefits vs. Side Effects of Statins, there is a significantly lower risk of the incidence of heart attack over five years in study participants randomized to a placebo compared to those getting the drug. If you wanted statins to sound good, you’d use the relative risk reduction (24 percent lower risk). If you wanted statins to sound bad, you’d use the absolute risk reduction (3 percent fewer heart attacks).

    Then you could flip it for side effects. For example, the researchers found that 0.3 percent (1 out of 290 women in the placebo group) got breast cancer over five years, compared to 4.1 percent (12 out of 286) in the statin group. So, a pro-statin spin might be a 24 percent drop in heart attack risk and only 3.8 percent more breast cancers, whereas an anti-statin spin might be only 3 percent fewer heart attacks compared to a 1,267 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Both portrayals are technically true, but you can see how easily you could manipulate people if you picked and chose how you were presenting the risks and benefits. So, ideally, you’d use both the relative risk reduction stat and the absolute risk reduction stat.

    In terms of benefits, when you compile many statin trials, it looks like the relative risk reduction is 25 percent. So, if your ten-year risk of a heart attack or stroke is 5 percent, then taking a statin could lower that from 5 percent to 3.75 percent, for an absolute risk reduction of 1.25 percent, or a number needed to treat of 80, meaning there’s about a 1 in 80 chance that you’d avoid a heart attack or stroke by taking the drug for the next ten years. As you can see, as your baseline risk gets higher and higher, even though you have that same 25 percent risk reduction, your absolute risk reduction gets bigger and bigger. And, with a 20 percent baseline risk, that means you have a 1 in 20 chance of avoiding a heart attack or stroke over the subsequent decade if you take the drug, as seen below and at 3:31 in my video.

    So, those are the benefits. In terms of risk, that breast cancer finding appears to be a fluke. Put together all the studies, and “there was no association between use of statins and the risk of cancer.” In terms of muscle problems, estimates of risk range from approximately 1 in 1,000 to closer to 1 in 50.

    If all those numbers just blur together, the Mayo Clinic developed a great visualization tool, seen below and at 4:39 in my video.

    For those at average risk, 10 people out of 100 who do not take a statin may have a heart attack over the next ten years. If, however, all 100 people took a statin every day for those ten years, 8 would still have a heart attack, but 2 would be spared, so there’s about a 1 in 50 chance that taking the drug would help avert a heart attack over the next decade. What are the downsides? The cost and inconvenience of taking a pill every day, which can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, muscle aching, and stiffness in about 5 percent, reversible liver inflammation in 2 percent, and more serious damage in perhaps 1 in 20,000 patients.

    Note that the two happy faces in the bottom left row of the YES STATIN chart represent heart attacks averted, not lives saved. The chance that a few years of statins will actually save your life if you have no known heart disease is about 1 in 250.

    If you want a more personalized approach, the Mayo Clinic has an interactive tool that lets you calculate your ten-year risk. You can get there directly by going to bit.ly/statindecision.



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  • Did COVID Lockdowns Doom Britain’s Youth? Inquiry Reveals Childhood ‘Torn Apart’ – Lasting Harm Was No Secret

    Did COVID Lockdowns Doom Britain’s Youth? Inquiry Reveals Childhood ‘Torn Apart’ – Lasting Harm Was No Secret

    In a stark revelation shaking Britain’s pandemic response, the UK COVID-19 Inquiry on 29 September 2025 exposed how lockdowns inflicted grievous harm on children, tearing at the very fabric of childhood through school closures and enforced isolation.

    Witnesses detailed severe, long-lasting impacts on education, mental health, and social development, with government decisions prioritising adults over youth despite known risks. As testimonies unfolded, it became clear that lasting harm to Britain’s youth was no secret, yet officials proceeded, dooming a generation to profound consequences.

    Inquiry Exposes Grievous Harm

    The inquiry’s major research report, published 15 September 2025, drew from interviews with 600 children aged 9-22, highlighting disrupted routines and missed milestones as an ‘empty time‘ of pandemic effects.

    Participants described family tensions and emotional drain, with one noting: ‘That was, like, very difficult having my mum, my auntie, my uncle; my brother was there as well and my cousin. So it was a very crowded place. It was also very, like, emotionally draining with kind of like family stuff. So I did end up, like, developing anxiety… I was very sad a lot of the time…’ This underscores how COVID lockdowns amplified home-based vulnerabilities for Britain’s youth.

    School Closures Chaos

    Government planning for school closures began only on 17 March 2020, the day before the announcement, despite earlier focus on keeping schools open. Former education secretary Gavin Williamson described the shift as a ‘discombobulating 24-hour sea change,’ highlighting inadequate preparation across UK nations. This failure exacerbated education disruption, with children missing crucial learning and social interactions.

    Online learning challenges included limited device access, as one child said: ‘I learn best when I have a physical thing in front of me …’ Exam cancellations and grade frustrations affected university aspirations, compounding long-term impacts.

    Vulnerable children suffered most, with schools as ‘constant eyes‘ for safeguarding; closures led to declined referrals and increased exposure to harm. The National Crime Agency noted rises in online abuse due to more time spent digitally during lockdowns.

    Mental Health Crisis Unveiled

    Post-lockdown readjustment proved tough, with one participant stating: ‘Not leaving the house… and then having to try and get used to being in public again, and going to school… definitely contributed to, like, my anxiety being a lot worse.’ Mental health issues surged, including body image worries and first-time service access among secondary-aged youth.

    Inquiry counsel Clair Dobbin KC emphasised: ‘The reality is that there were children who suffered grievous harm at the hands of their carers during the pandemic. The carers of those children bear responsibility for the violence and neglect inflicted on children, and these children stand as the starkest examples of what adults are capable of doing to children behind closed doors.’

    This highlights how lockdowns removed protective layers, leading to abuse and neglect.

    In an X post from LBC, it was shared: ‘Some children suffered “grievous harm” at the hands of those who should have been caring for them in the pandemic, the UK COVID-19 Inquiry has heard.’ Such public reactions amplify the inquiry’s findings.


    Baroness Heather Hallett noted the impact was ‘severe and, for many, long-lasting,’ urging lessons for future crises. Children’s rights groups called for apologies and prioritisation of youth in decisions.

    The four-week hearings, starting 29 September 2025, probe physical health, long COVID, and high absence rates, revealing systemic oversights. Stories from parents like Aisha illustrate ongoing struggles, with her son lacking education and facing trouble post-lockdown.

    Originally published on IBTimes UK



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  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Menorrhagia

    ClinicalTrials.gov: Menorrhagia

    Source: National Institutes of Health – From the National Institutes of Health
    Related MedlinePlus Pages: Menstruation

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  • Cytotoxic Drug Exposure, Genotoxicity, and the Unseen Risk to Autism

    Cytotoxic Drug Exposure, Genotoxicity, and the Unseen Risk to Autism

    For more than two decades, Jim Mullowney has been sounding the alarm about a problem many don’t want to confront: the hidden risks associated with human waste from cytotoxic drugs. As the founder of Pharma-Cycle, a company dedicated to providing safe collection and disposal systems for the urine, feces, and vomit of patients containing cytotoxic drugs, Mullowney has devoted his career to preventing birth defects, including autism, childhood cancer, and others.

    “I first realized what we were dealing with when I saw syringes full of chemotherapy drugs being mishandled at a hazardous waste facility,” recalls Mullowney. “These were not ordinary chemicals; many of them are cytotoxic, designed to alter the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, such as a child being born. They are life-saving in the right medical context, but their second-hand exposure is disastrous.”

    Cytotoxic drugs are indispensable in cancer care. They aim to target rapidly dividing cancer cells. But their second-hand potency has an enormous duality. While essential in treatment, their genotoxic nature means they can affect other fast-growing healthy cells, such as those in hair, skin, or the reproductive system of men and women of childbearing age, a known risk to fertility. This presents a major public health challenge because these hazardous agents can be shed by patients not just in urine and feces, but also in sweat, vomit, and saliva. That duality, which is at the heart of their therapeutic power yet makes them hazardous outside strict controls, is the undeniable reality at the core of Mullowney’s mission.

    “The reality is that hospitals handle these substances with extraordinary caution,” he explains. “You will see pharmacists working behind multi-million-dollar systems with robots mixing doses in sealed environments. Nurses wear protective gear. But after a patient receives treatment, they go home, and just like the vitamin you took this morning, where your urine looks like you ate a highlighter, the drugs continue to leave their system. That’s where the oversight drops off.”

    Mullowney also raises questions about potential connections between environmental exposures and conditions such as autism. While autism is widely understood as a complex neurodevelopmental condition with both genetic and environmental influences, Mullowney believes the role of hazardous drugs in shaping DNA deserves closer examination. “If autism has a genetic component, and we know certain chemicals are designed specifically to alter DNA, then it’s at least worth asking what impact secondhand exposure to cytotoxic drugs could have,” he says. Although no definitive link has been established, he argues that the issue highlights the need for expanded research into how these substances may affect future generations.

    Scientific literature has documented for decades that cytotoxic drugs are hazardous even in small amounts. The United States Pharmacopoeia, known as USP800, has long recognized the risks to healthcare workers under USP Chapter 800 exposed during preparation or administration. Mullowney believes the same awareness needs to extend beyond the hospital walls.

    “We know these drugs are excreted in sweat, urine, and stool,” he says. “Once outside controlled settings, they don’t just disappear. They can end up in wastewater, septic systems, and even on household surfaces. That raises questions about who else could be exposed, and what the long-term consequences might be.”

    While research has shown increased rates of miscarriage and birth defects among healthcare workers exposed to cytotoxic drugs, the broader impact on families and communities is less well studied. “Nobody disputes the toxicity of these substances,” he notes. “The gap is in connecting that knowledge to how we manage drug waste once patients leave the hospital.”

    Pharma-Cycle was founded to address precisely that gap. The company develops collection systems that aim to safely capture hazardous pharmaceutical waste before it contaminates our families and future generations, as well as enters the environment. “The simplest way to put it,” Mullowney explains, “is that we can’t treat these drugs like ordinary trash. They need a closed-loop system, collected, contained, and destroyed in a way that protects public health.”

    The challenge, he admits, is not technological but political. “The science is there. Various well-known safety and health agencies have recognized the dangers of cytotoxic drugs for decades. What’s missing is the will to standardize and enforce proper collection. Too often, regulatory agencies pass responsibility back and forth, and the result is inaction.”

    Mullowney believes broader change requires public awareness. “Most people don’t know this issue exists,” he says. “Hazardous cytotoxic drug waste rarely makes headlines.”

    That’s why he continues to advocate, not only as a business owner but as a father. “I’m not doing this for money,” Mullowney says. “I’m doing it because I have seen what these chemicals are and how poorly they have been handled. If we know these drugs can be harmful in microdoses, why aren’t we taking every step to prevent unnecessary exposure?”

    For Mullowney, the path forward is clear: improve public understanding, strengthen regulations, and implement proven systems for safe disposal. “We put a car on the moon,” he says, “but we still have not figured out how to consistently keep cytotoxic drugs out of our environment. That needs to change.”

    The urgency of his message is not rooted in alarmism but in precaution. As he says, “These are lifesaving medicines, and we will always need them. But if we don’t handle the waste responsibly, we could risk creating problems for future generations, including autism and other birth defects. Prevention is always better than repair.”

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