Running May Work as Well as Antidepressants for Depression
A new study has found that running therapy can be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression and anxiety. The research, led by Brenda W.J.H. Penninx, PhD, included 141 adults with depression or anxiety. Participants were given a choice between a 16-week running program or taking an antidepressant (escitalopram). Some were randomly assigned to a treatment if they had no strong preference.
The findings showed that both running and the medication helped with depression equally. However, while the medication sometimes negatively affected physical health aspects like weight and blood pressure, running therapy improved overall fitness and heart health. This study suggests that running could be a viable alternative to medication for treating depression and anxiety, offering additional physical health benefits.
Another recent study has highlighted the significant mental health benefits of physical activity in adults, even at levels below current public health recommendations. Notably, engaging in half the recommended physical activity volume (about 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week) was associated with an 18% lower risk of depression. Those meeting the full recommendation saw a 25% reduced risk.
This research underscores the importance of even small doses of physical activity in substantially lowering the risks of depression. The findings are particularly relevant for health practitioners advising inactive individuals, as even modest increases in physical activity can improve mental health. While additional benefits were observed at higher activity levels, the most significant gains were seen at lower activity volumes. The study suggests that 11.5% of depression cases could have been prevented if everyone met the current physical activity guidelines.
This study reinforces the role of physical activity in mental health, emphasizing the substantial benefits that can be achieved even below the recommended levels of physical activity. Health professionals are encouraged to promote any increase in physical activity to improve mental health outcomes. My advice: just get started, every little bit counts.
Troubling Vaccine Hesitancy in Kindergartners
In recent years, there's been a slight but noticeable change in the vaccination rates among young children in the United States, specifically kindergartners. Between the school years of 2019–20 and 2021–22, the number of children receiving state-required vaccines slightly decreased. Initially, about 95% of kindergartners were vaccinated, but this number dropped to around 93%. This included key vaccines like the DTaP vaccine (for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and the polio vaccine.
A new report by the CDC adds more to this picture. In the 2022–23 school year, the trend of around 93% vaccination coverage continued. This was consistent across various vaccines, including the DTaP and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccines. An important change, however, was in the rate of exemptions - these are cases where children are not vaccinated due to various reasons, including medical, religious, or personal beliefs. Exemption rates went up slightly, by 0.4%, reaching 3.0%. This increase was seen in 41 states, and in 10 of these states, more than 5% of kindergartners were exempt from vaccinations.
From a public health perspective, this is significant. When more than 5% of children are exempt from vaccinations, it becomes harder to maintain a level of immunity in the community that can prevent outbreaks of diseases that are otherwise preventable through vaccination. This is a concern for public health officials, as it increases the risk of outbreaks of diseases like measles or whooping cough. The report suggests that encouraging vaccination before children start school, or during provisional enrollment periods, might help reduce these exemptions. This is especially relevant as some of these challenges in vaccination have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which created barriers to routine vaccinations for many families.
Caution About Energy Drinks, Especially for Your Kids!
A recent article detailed concerns about energy drinks, including the lawsuit involving the death of a 21-year-old with a heart condition after consuming a highly caffeinated lemonade at Panera Bread has raised concerns about the safety of energy drinks. The drink in question had caffeine levels comparable to five cans of Red Bull, and the victim's parents allege it wasn't clearly labeled as an energy drink.
Energy drinks contain high caffeine levels, added sugars, and stimulants. While occasional consumption is generally safe for most people, they can pose significant risks to individuals with heart conditions. Ingredients like taurine, when combined with caffeine, can stress the heart. These drinks are particularly dangerous for those with undiagnosed heart problems.
Excessive caffeine intake can strain the cardiac system even in healthy individuals. Symptoms like palpitations, headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden fatigue should prompt immediate cessation of consumption and possibly medical attention. Specific groups, including children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who rarely consume caffeine or are on stimulant medications, should avoid energy drinks.
According to the FDA, most healthy adults can tolerate up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, but children and teenagers should consume much less. The impact of caffeine also depends on the rate of consumption and individual sensitivity. Overconsumption symptoms include jitteriness, anxiety, nausea, or a racing heart.
The Charged Lemonade at the center of the lawsuit contained 390 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-ounce serving. In contrast, a 16-ounce can of Monster Energy has 160 milligrams. While most energy drinks disclose their caffeine content, there's no FDA requirement or legal limit on caffeine levels in these drinks.
To mitigate risks, limit the consumption of energy drinks, avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol after consumption, and give time for caffeine to metabolize in the body. The long-term effects of regular consumption of energy drinks are still largely unknown.
During the Pandemic, the Number of Children Visiting Emergency Rooms for Firearm Injuries Increased Twofold.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, America has witnessed a sharp increase in firearm-related injuries among children, doubling emergency room visits, especially in urban hospitals. These incidents, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic children from disadvantaged neighborhoods, are due to accidents, self-harm, and assault, linked to higher gun purchases, economic stress, and children's mental health issues. Despite hopes for improvement post-pandemic, high injury rates persist, leading the American Academy of Pediatrics to emphasize harm reduction strategies like safer gun storage and support programs for at-risk children. Additionally, a study revealed that many children killed in firearm homicides were exposed to intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for public health approaches to address this pediatric health crisis.
In another study, researchers looked at health insurance records from 2007 to 2021, and compared over 2,000 children and teens who survived gunshot injuries with 10,000 who weren't shot. Key findings include:
Survivors faced significantly more health issues: 117% more pain, 68% more mental health problems, and a 144% higher likelihood of substance use issues.
Their healthcare costs increased by an average of $34,884, usually covered by insurance or their parents.
Parents, especially mothers, of injured children experienced a 30-31% increase in mental health issues, with mothers seeking 75% more mental health care.
Families of the 265 children who died from gun injuries saw an even greater surge in mental health problems, with parents seeking mental health support over 15 times more frequently.
So, getting shot doesn’t just hurt the person who's shot; it deeply affects their whole family. It leads to more health problems, more visits to the doctor, and a lot of money spent. It's a big issue that impacts not just individuals but society as a whole.
How Parents Can Foster Gratitude in Children
A recent article discusses the important role parents play in fostering gratitude in children, a concept that extends far beyond basic manners. Gratitude is about noticing what we have, understanding and feeling about it, and enacting grateful behaviors. This understanding of gratitude helps children find supportive people in their environment, strengthening relationships and building social support networks.
Research suggests four key ways parents can help children develop gratitude: modeling gratitude themselves, creating opportunities for children to experience gratitude, discussing gratitude with children, and responding constructively when children lack gratitude. She notes that gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"; it involves understanding the intent behind gifts and appreciating connections with others.
The article also addresses how the concept of gratitude evolves as children grow. Younger children might appreciate concrete things, while older children and teens develop the ability to appreciate more abstract concepts. An expert warns against using social comparison to foster gratitude in privileged children, as it may inadvertently reinforce a sense of inequality.
In terms of mental health, while there's no clear evidence yet that gratitude alone can buffer the impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, it's believed that gratitude, which connects people to others, could potentially help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Parents are advised to be patient and realistic in fostering gratitude, suggesting that parents acknowledge and discuss gratitude when it occurs naturally, rather than forcing it as a daily practice.
Even Infrequent Reading Can Be Absorbing for Kids
A new study examines children's reading absorption. The research, focusing on 9 to 11-year-olds, found that all children, regardless of how frequently they read, can become deeply immersed in stories. Particularly, 10 and 11-year-olds showed similar levels of absorption regardless of reading frequency. This challenges the notion that reading frequency impacts absorption and underscores the importance of engaging content in fostering reading interest. The study highlights the need for captivating stories in educational settings to encourage lifelong reading habits.
Teens Can Readily Access Delta-8 Cannabinoid Products Online
Delta 8, a psychoactive cannabinoid similar to traditional THC, is easily accessible to teens online, often without stringent age verification. A study presented at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics meeting highlighted that many of these products are sold in colorful, kid-friendly packaging and are inexpensive, with prices often under $10. Only 2 out of 45 websites selling Delta 8 had robust age verification processes.
These Delta 8 products, including e-cigarettes, can contain harmful byproducts and contaminants. The ease of access and the appeal of the packaging raise concerns, especially since minors might underestimate the strength and potential risks of Delta 8. Despite traditional THC being federally banned, Delta 8 is legal at the federal level and faces fewer state restrictions.
The study also found that a significant number of sites selling Delta 8 don't require age confirmation. Most sites offer edibles and vaping or smoking products, with a smaller proportion selling tinctures. Concerningly, a substantial portion of these products contain high doses of Delta 8, and some do not even specify the dosage, increasing the risk of accidental exposure and adverse effects, particularly in minors.
Nicotine Toothpicks?!
Online nicotine toothpick sellers often don't check buyers' ages, unlike physical stores. These toothpicks, popular among teens for their discreet use and fun flavors, often contain more nicotine than a cigarette. Most online sellers don't properly verify age, making it easy for young people to buy them. The study urges more research and regulation to prevent youth access to these products.
Abortion Ban Medical Exceptions Typically Do Not Cover Mental Health Issues.
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, over a dozen states have implemented almost total abortion bans, with exceptions mainly for medical emergencies that threaten the health or life of the patient. Notably, Alabama is the only state among these that explicitly allows exceptions for "serious mental illness." Conversely, 10 states (Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming) specifically exclude mental health conditions from these exceptions.
Abortion rights advocates and mental health professionals warn that these restrictions could endanger women's lives. A CDC report highlighted that between 2017 and 2019, mental health issues, including suicides and substance use disorder-related overdoses, were the leading causes of death for pregnant women and new mothers, accounting for 23% of maternal deaths with an identified cause.
Alabama's exception requires a psychiatric diagnosis, but does not precisely define "mental illness," and insists on "reasonable medical judgment" for the diagnosis to be considered valid. In contrast, Florida's law demands the confirmation of two physicians to justify an abortion for avoiding substantial physical impairment, explicitly excluding psychological conditions.
Tennessee's legislation similarly disallows abortions based on mental health reasons.
In a related debate, Iowa Republican Rep. Shannon Lundgren argued against mental health exceptions, suggesting that abortion isn't a treatment for mental illness and advocating for immediate referral to inpatient care for life-threatening cases.
The National Right to Life Committee's stance is that mental health exceptions are impractical, arguing that conditions like anxiety and depression are treatable and should not justify abortion.
Dangerous Red Meat Allergy
Alpha-gal syndrome is an unusual allergy triggered by a tick bite, mostly found in the U.S. South, Midwest, and mid-Atlantic regions. This allergy, surprisingly, makes people allergic to red meat (like beef, pork, and venison), dairy, and gelatin. It's due to a reaction to a sugar called alpha-gal, found in these foods but not in humans. When someone with this allergy eats meat or products containing alpha-gal, their immune system attacks the sugar, leading to symptoms ranging from mild (like diarrhea and hives) to severe (like anaphylactic shock). Unfortunately, there's no cure, so people with this allergy often have to change their diets.
Interestingly, many doctors in the U.S. aren't aware of this allergy. From 2010 to 2022, over 110,000 people in the U.S. tested positive for alpha-gal antibodies. Experts recommend preventive steps like checking for ticks after being outdoors, removing any ticks immediately, using tick repellents, and staying in the middle of trails to avoid tick bites.
Medical Risks of Regular Marijuana Use
Two recent studies have found that regular marijuana use can significantly increase the risk of heart problems. The first study showed that daily marijuana users have a 34% higher chance of developing heart failure, mainly due to plaque buildup in heart arteries. This study analyzed data from 157,000 people. The second study found that older adults (over 65), especially those with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, who use marijuana have a 20% higher risk of serious heart or brain events, such as heart attacks or strokes. These studies, which will be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023, highlight the potential dangers of marijuana on heart health, especially for older adults with existing health issues. The findings call for increased public awareness and monitoring of heart risks linked to marijuana use.
Have a great week.