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What is a ‘road diet’? City officials hope the idea will answer safety concerns on Soutel Drive – FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A deadly crash that took the lives of two elderly women on Soutel Drive in January has sparked renewed concerns of safety on the road in Northwest Jacksonville, while city staff move ahead with plans to reduce lanes.
Family members of the late Edna Holton gathered Wednesday evening at the intersection where the fatal crash occurred, advocating for change ahead of a community meeting spearheaded by Councilwoman Brenda Priestly Jackson at the Legends Center.
"People are speeding on this road all the time," said Edna Holton's daughter Latasha Holton. "There really needs to be a turn signal."
Della Laliberte, 92, was a longtime resident of the Sherwood Forest neighborhood off Soutel, and a neighbor of Edna Holton. She was driving south on Soutel with Edna Holton as a passenger, both heading to a community association meeting at the Legends Center on January 16 when the crash happened.
Laliberte went to make a left turn to enter the parking lot of the Legends Center at Leander Shaw Jr. Street when her car was hit by a driver heading in the opposite direction. There is a left turn signal for the northbound lanes of Soutel at that intersection, but not for the southbound lanes.
Edna Holton passed on January 25, and Laliberte on February 24.
"To lose two faithful members doing what they loved to do and being there for their community to me is really kind of senseless," said Eunice Barnum of the Sherwood Forest-Paradise Park Community Association. "I think the light would have made a great deal of difference."
The meeting the two would have attended was to discuss other issues, most revolving around safety, along Soutel Drive.
"I was very shocked and hurt," said Leola Williams, a member of the community association. "If there had been a turning arrow and she had been able to turn, she would not have had to worry about oncoming traffic. It should not have happened."
Meanwhile, the city is working on a wide-ranging plan that could totally transform Soutel Drive. Staff and officials are looking at a concept called a "road diet" that they hope will improve safety by reducing lanes and adding improvements.
As the road currently operates, there are two lanes in each direction with no medians. Under the new model, there would be one lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bike lanes along the sides.
City planners said the new model would allow for bike lanes, raised medians for safer pedestrian crossings and would cut down on speeding and left-hand turn crashes.
"If we do this lane repurpose, [drivers] only have to cross one lane of traffic," said Laurie Santana, Chief of Transportation Planning for Jacksonville. "They don't have to turn against two lanes of traffic."
Santana and other city staff are calling the plan "traffic calming," saying that the improvements would slow drivers down. She said the way the road is designed now discourages people from walking along or crossing it.
"People are just speeding through there and its dangerous," she said.
The Federal Highway Administration refers to road diets as improvement projects that "remove travel lanes from a roadway and utilize the space for other uses and travel modes."
Many renderings of completed road diet projects include added bicycle lanes and a greater distance between vehicles and pedestrians. Other common features include turn lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian refuge islands and landscaping improvements.
Before and after photos of a road diet project in Orlando.
FHWA
But some road diet projects have been faced with criticism, with opponents saying planners are attempting to "make it so miserable to drive that people will have no choice but to choose other ways to travel," according to the Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
Table of Contents Improving safety is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) remains committed to reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries on our Nation's roadways through the use of proven safety countermeasures, including Road Diets.
The FHWAsaid benefits of road diets include "crash reduction of 19 to 47 percent, reduced vehicle speed differential, improved mobility and access by all road users, and integration of the roadway into surrounding uses that result in an enhanced quality of life."
City staff referenced the 19 to 47 percent statistic in their own presentation Wednesday, adding that left turns are a particular area of concern on Soutel.
Barnum and others have expressed concerns about how the lane decrease could impact businesses along the corridor, which would stretch from Lem Turner to New Kings Road.
"There are other elements of that road diet that we could utilize to make the street a lot safer without reducing the lanes," Barnum said.
At Wednesday's meeting, city staff said studies showed Soutel's current traffic count is 1,169 vehicles per hour at its peak, and that the new design would have a capacity of 1,700 per hour. Priestly Jackson noted that the width of the road would not be changed, allowing for a return to four lanes in the future if needed.
Other elements of the plan include improved lighting, traffic signal reconfiguration and a new turn lane at New Kings Road.
The city has estimated construction could start in around a year, but Edna Holton's family and friends are hoping for some changes to arrive sooner than that. In particular, the turn light at the intersection where the crash happened.
"You have other communities that don't have to go through what we go through here on the Northside," Williams said. "When we drive around we see all these improvements in these other communities, we're saying 'Why not us?"
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What is a 'road diet'? City officials hope the idea will answer safety concerns on Soutel Drive - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX
Diet versions of fizzy drinks aren’t necessarily better for your health – the science explained – West Sussex County Times
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Many people choose beverages with artificial sweeteners rather than the so-called 'full fat' sugary versions for health reasons. However, new research suggests that drinking a diet fizzy drink while eating carbohydrates might do you more harm than drinking a full sugar version.
The study found that, while artificial sweeteners used to replace sugar have no impact on their own, when consumed with a carbohydrate they decrease the brains response to sweet tastes.
This could lead to eating more food to try to satisfy those sugar cravings, which could, in turn, lead to weight gain.
Scientists examined how the brain responds to sweet tastes
Scientists at Yale University examined 45 volunteers of a healthy weight, who consumed seven beverages over a two week long period.
The investigators conducted studies before, during and after the testing period, including performing MRI scans to look at how the brain responds to sweet tastes. Some participants drank fruity soft drinks with added table sugar, while others had beverages with the carbohydrate maltodextrin.
The latter group showed more changes in the brains response to sweet taste, as well as the bodys insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Tricking the brain about the number of calories present?
"When we set out to do this study, the question that was driving us was whether or not repeated consumption of an artificial sweetener would lead to a degrading of the predictive ability of sweet taste," explained Professor Dana Small, director of the modern diet and physiology research centre at Yale University.
This would be important because sweet-taste perception might lose the ability to regulate metabolic responses that prepare the body for metabolising glucose or carbohydrates in general.
Perhaps the effect resulted from the gut generating inaccurate messages to send to the brain about the number of calories present. The gut would be sensitive to the sucralose and the maltodextrin and signal that twice as many calories are available than are actually present."
'Drinking diet sodas with carbohydrates is not advised'
The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, concluded that while it is okay to have diet fizzy drinks once in a while, drinking them with carbs is not advised.
"If youre eating french fries, youre better off drinking a regular Coke or better yet water. This has changed the way that I eat, and what I feed my son. Ive told all my friends and my family about this interaction, Professor Small concluded.
Reported in the Metro, the Calorie Control Council, which reviews low-calorie sweeteners and sugar replacements, responded to this study, commenting, "The Calorie Control Council is reviewing the small studys findings and methodology but stands by the overall safety and benefits of sucralose and other commonly used low-and-no-calorie sweeteners which have been confirmed through decades of scientific research."
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Diet versions of fizzy drinks aren't necessarily better for your health - the science explained - West Sussex County Times
A diet plan turned this man’s life around and now runs his own business – Wales247
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Diet and lifestyle change leads to dramatic quality of life improvement and staggering entrepreneurial success.
Richard Smith was plagued for years with debilitating migraines, anxiety and depression. No longer willing to continue to suffer, Richard switched to the Keto diet to see if this would help.
Within the year, Richard managed to loose over 100lbs, which gave him a major improvement in his quality of life.
Continuing to live in the Ketogenic state has brought health and lifestyle improvements that seemed unimaginable a few short years ago.
This change was so profound that Richard decided to launch Keto-Pro.co.uk which provides a range of products and advice on how to live in the ketogenic lifestyle. In year 1 turnover was 130,000 with year two on course to generate 250,000 worth of sales.
Richard Smith MD of Keto-Pro.co.uk said:
Ketogenesis has changed my life beyond all recognition. Not only has it given me back my life, but it has created business opportunities that have changed the lives of my family and team. We are now moving towards our own range of Keto-Pro.co.uk products and have plans to rapidly expand the business.
Again, not only we can see the power of fitness and how it can improve someones health, but the power that it can unleash elsewhere for people.
You can see Keto-pro.co.uk at booth 4 at the Welsh Fitness Expo on June 6 at Cardiff City Stadium. To find out more go to http://www.Keto-Pro.co.uk or The Welsh Fitness Expo https://welshfitexpo.com
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A diet plan turned this man's life around and now runs his own business - Wales247
Things That Delay Weight Loss While On Keto Diet – msnNOW
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Pixabay Keto diet mainly promises to support weight loss. Advocates claim the very low-carb, high-fat diet helps burn fat more effectively and improves overall health at the same time.
Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian and Vanessa Hudgens are just some of the famous names who have been on keto and experienced incredible results. The celebrities claimed the eating plan helped them shed some pounds and achieve their desired physique, according to Health.com.
However, to some people, weight loss is not one of the visible effects of keto diet. Despite following the same rules and avoiding high-carb foods, there are simple mistakes that could slow down progress and even cause unintentional weight gain.
Reasons Why Keto Fails To Promote Weight Loss
Too Much Keto Sweets
Keto-approved brownies and other sweets can be the reason why your weight changes slowly or does not change at all. This food contains high amounts of calories and so eating one or two each day may delay your weight loss.
I would recommend people limit keto friendly treats or desserts to only a few times per week, Drew Manning, New York Times best selling author of "Fit2Fat2Fit," said. There isn't really a best or worst keto dessert; the problem is that they are calorie dense and can trigger more cravings, which can lead to over-consuming.
Too Much Fake Sugars
Another common mistake by people on keto diet is relying on artificially sweetened foods and drinks to limit their intake of carbs and get more fats. But it is important to know that some foods marked as "low" or "no sugar" can still contribute to increase in blood glucose levels, according to Melanie Boehmer, a dietitian at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
She recommends that people replace artificially sweetened products with whole, unprocessed foods. Such healthier alternatives could help avoid overeating and provide more nutrients while on keto diet.
Hidden Effects Of Dairy Products
Some dairy products, particularly flavored yogurt and 2 percent milk, could contain high amounts of carbs. Eating such products may stop ketosis, the metabolic state that gives most of the health benefits of keto diet, according to Mens Health.
Eating High Calories
Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet that requires a calorie deficit to see results. However, some people consume more calories when trying to cut carbs and increase their fat intake.
Meeting a dietitian before trying the keto eating plan could help determine the right amount of calories you should consume each day.
A ketogenic diet is designed to use fat for fuel ... but if you're consuming too many calories for your needs, it is still possible that you'll be storing fat just as you would on any dietary pattern, Ginger Hultin, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said.
Medical Condition
In some cases, people may have an undiagnosed condition that blocks the weight loss effects of keto diet. These health problems include food allergies and intolerances that could trigger inflammation.
Another condition is hypothyroidism that has been linked to weight gain, fatigue and muscle aches.
Your Diet Is Not Causing Ketosis
Achieving ketosis is very important. However, your body may not be fully in ketosis because of miscalculated carb intake per day.
There are different ways to confirm ketosis. You can try testing strips for urine and a blood test to see that your body is in such metabolic state.
Related video: Is Fiber the Secret Ingredient to Weight Loss? (Provided by Shape)
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Things That Delay Weight Loss While On Keto Diet - msnNOW
Here’s how including probiotics in your diet improve your health – Firstpost
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One word that pops up often in conversations around digestive health is probiotics. If you're unsure of what that term means and whether or not you should be including them in your diet, you're in the right place. Probiotics are live microbes (usually bacteria and occasionally yeast) that are consumed or applied to the body for their intended health benefits.
Representational image. Image by Elias Sch. from Pixabay.
Most of us think of infections and diseases when someone uses the word bacteria. And why not, these tiny organisms have a reputation for spreading sickness. So if someone tells you that you need to consume millions of bacteria at once, the idea may seem a bit too out there.
Then again, probiotics are not a recent discovery. We have been consuming curd since forever.
Fermented foods are the best source of probiotics. However, probiotics are also available in the form of tablets and capsules. Such pills usually contain specific bacteria either one or a mix of two or more types of bacteria which can be taken as per individual needs. Probiotic skincare is a fairly new trend and there isn't much evidence when it comes to their clinical benefits. Though, there is some proof that topical application of probiotics can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Here is an easy guide to probiotic foods and oral supplements.
Foods are considered to be the best way to take probiotics. Most people consider any fermented food to be a probiotic. This includes yoghurt, curd, miso, tempeh, kefir, some types of cheese and many south Indian foods like dosa, idli and vada.
However, it is important to note that the probiotic action of these foods depends on the number and type of probiotic microbes present in them, which is almost nil in cooked products since most bacteria die due to heat or processing.
On the other hand, commercially sold fermented foods like pickles, beer and wine have their live microbes removed and are hence not considered to be probiotics. However, certain foods such as yoghurt are now being fortified with probiotic microbes to improve its health benefits.
Unlike probiotic foods, probiotic supplements contain specific microbes and are generally given to improve specific health conditions.
Most probiotic supplements contain one or the other strain of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus or Lactococcus). Other bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus are also taken as probiotics. Every strain acts differently and thus the action of a specific probiotic would depend on what bacteria you are consuming.
While you cant control the number of bacteria in probiotic foods, there is a set limit of bacteria in probiotic supplements. According to the National Institute of Health, USA, probiotics are measured in terms of colony-forming units (CFU) that refers to the number of live bacteria that can divide and form a new colony. Most supplements have anywhere between 1 to 50 billion CFU. However, more bacteria does not equal to more health benefits. The CFU is usually mentioned on the label.
Probiotics primarily affect the natural flora of the gut. They have both generalised effects and more strain-specific effects. Experts are still trying to find exactly how probiotics work but they have some of the following effects on your gut:
Certain species and strains of probiotic bacteria also help in the production of vitamins, improving barrier function in intestines and neutralisation of toxins. But if you are immunocompromised, probiotics are not recommended for you. Consult a doctor before you start taking any probiotics.
Research suggests that probiotics may help manage various health conditions that include, but are not limited to, diarrhoea (especially if it occurs due to an infection or prolonged use of antibiotics), lactose intolerance, constipation, colic in infants and irritable bowel syndrome.
A 2013 review indicated that administration of probiotics in childhood can help reduce the risk of food allergies later in life.
A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study published inClinical and Experimental Allergy, a journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, showed that intake of certain strains of probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, can improve the symptoms of eczema in breastfed infants. A total of 27 infants were included in the study with an average age of 4.6 months.
For more information, read our article onProbiotics.
Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.
Updated Date: Mar 05, 2020 14:23:18 IST
Tags : Curd, Healthy Diet, Improved Immunity, NewsTracker, Probiotic Foods, Probiotic Supplements, Probiotics, Yoghurt
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Here's how including probiotics in your diet improve your health - Firstpost
High Levels of Genetically Determined Testosterone Lead to Adverse Metabolic Effects in Women – Medical Bag
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Higher levels of genetically derived testosterone are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women but play a protective role against type 2 diabetes in men, according to a study in Nature Medicine.
Researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe examined testosterone levels and genetic data from 425,097 patients in the UK Biobank. The researchers investigated 2571 genome-wide significant trait/signal pairs, which ranged from 22 signals for estradiol in men to 658 signals for sex hormone-binding globulin in a sex-combined cohort. The findings from the analyses were verified in the EPIC-Norfolk and Twins UK studies, which demonstrated a high level of agreement with the UK Biobank analysis. Mendelian randomization was also used to identify potential causal associations between testosterone levels and disease risk.
The investigators found differences in genetic determinants of testosterone levels between men and women, with higher testosterone showing harmful and protective effects on women and men, respectively. In women, a genetically determined, per 1-standard deviation (SD) higher level of bioavailable testosterone was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22-1.53) and PCOS (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.33-1.72). Conversely, a 1-SD higher testosterone level was associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes risk in men (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.98). Testosterone was also associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
A limitation of the study was the use of a single large study enriched for healthy, older people to determine genetic variants. According to the investigators, this may have underestimated the effect size of the associated variants.
The investigators concluded that while these findings relating to adverse metabolic effects of testosterone in women may inform clinical practice, it is premature to infer wider beneficial metabolic effects in men.
Disclosure: Several study authors declared affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.
Reference
Ruth KS, Day FR, Tyrrell J, et al. Using human genetics to understand the disease impacts of testosterone in men and women. Nat Med. 2020;26(2):252-258.
Read More..HSD3B1 May Be Associated with Earlier Castration Resistance, Shorter OS in Prostate Cancer – Cancer Network
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The testosterone-related genetic variantHSD3B1was found to be associated with earlier castration resistance and shorter overall survival (OS) in men with low-volume metastatic prostate cancer, according to a study published inJAMA Oncology.
Given these findings,HSD3B1may help identify more men who are likely to benefit from escalated androgen receptor axis inhibition beyond gonadal testosterone suppression according to the researchers.1
These findings lay the groundwork for more personalized and effective treatments for prostate cancer, senior author Nima Sharifi, MD, of Cleveland Clinics Lerner Research Institute, said in a press release.2If men carry this specific testosterone-related genetic abnormality we may be able to individualize their therapy.
Using the phase III E3805 Chemo-hormonal Therapy vs Androgen Ablation Randomized Trial for Extensive Disease in Prostate Cancer (CHAARTED), researchers analyzed 527 available DNA samples and retrospectively determined theHSD3B1germline genotype in 475 white men. The patients were then randomized to castration plus docetaxel (Taxotere) at 75 mg/m2every 3 weeks for 6 cycles or castration alone, and clinical outcomes were evaluated by genotype.
Of the study cohort, 270 patients (56.8%) inherited the adrenal-permissive genotype (1HSD3B1[1245C] allele). Freedom from castration-resistant prostate cancer at 2 years was diminished in men with low-volume disease with the adrenal-permissive (51.0% [95% Ci, 40.9%-61.2%]) compared to the adrenal restrictive genotype (70.5% [95% CI, 60%-80.9%]) (P= 0.01).
At 5 years, OS was worse in men with low volume disease with the adrenal-permissive genotype (57.5% [95% CI, 47.4%-67.7%] vs 70.8% [95% CI, 60.3%-81.3%] [P= 0.03]). Moreover, hazard ratios were 1.89 (95% CI, 1.13-3.14;P= 0.02) for castration-resistant prostate cancer and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.01-3.00;P= 0.045) for death.
There was no association found between genotype and outcomes in men with high-volume disease. Further, there was no interaction between genotype and benefit from docetaxel.
These findings represent a 7-year research story that started at the lab bench and has now reached the patient bedside, said Sharifi. As the team has shown here, incorporating genetic testing in prostate cancer as part of routine care has significant potential to improve treatment success and quality and length of life for men with prostate cancer who carry theHSD3B1(1235C) variant. This work is another step in that direction.
Researchers indicated that further studies are warranted to evaluate whether potent androgen receptor antagonists might directly overcome the tumor growth advantage transmitted by theHSD3B1(1245C) allele and yield particular benefit for patients with low-volume disease who have the adrenal permissive genotype. Moreover, a notable limitation of the study is that the analysis was restricted to white men given that white patients accounted for 85% of all of the trial participants.
This information could assist clinicians in counseling patients and guide researchers in identifying those for whom escalated androgen receptor axis inhibition beyond mere gonadal testosterone suppression is most warranted, the authors wrote. Accordingly,HSD3B1genotype could be used as a stratification factor for patients with low-volume disease in future clinical trials.
References:
1. Hearn JWD, Sweeney CJ, Almassi N, et al.HSD3B1Genotype and Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.JAMA Oncology; 2020. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.6496.
2. Researchers Validate Link Between Genetic Variant and Poor Outcomes in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer [news release]. Cleveland, Ohio. Published February 13, 2020. newswise.com/articles/researchers-validate-link-between-genetic-variant-and-poor-outcomes-in-men-with-advanced-prostate-cancer?sc=mwhr&xy=10021790. Accessed March 4, 2020.
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HSD3B1 May Be Associated with Earlier Castration Resistance, Shorter OS in Prostate Cancer - Cancer Network
State courts stand up to woke America and gender therapy – Hillsdale Collegian
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The tide is turning against gender reassigning procedures for minors. I Wikimedia Commons
Judges and legislators across the country are taking up pediatric gender treatment. Finally, our government is prioritizing the protection of children, one of its most important duties, above a parents right to wokeness.
In October, Sydney Wright, an ex-trans man, wrote her story for the Daily Signal called I Spent a Year as a Trans Man. Doctors Failed Me at Every Turn. Embarrassed by the looks shed receive in public while holding hands with girlfriends in high school, Wright became envious of the happy transgender men on Instagram who could.
Without her parents consent, Wright found a therapist who helped her acquire the letter needed to begin a testosterone regimen. When she handed the letter to her doctor, he didnt even open it before writing her prescription. When she asked with surprise if he wasnt going to give her the shot himself, he told her to figure it out at home and to consult YouTube if she needed help.
Six months and 50 pounds later, with pre-diabetes and heart problems, Wright felt trapped. She hadnt found the happiness she sought and was too embarrassed to change her mind about such a grave decision. Wrights grandpa was the first person to ask her to stop the treatments. She quit cold turkey and is finally regaining a sense of normalcy after months in and out of the hospital from withdrawal symptoms.
Wrights story unfortunately isnt special. She tells the story of all those sacrificed on the altar of American wokeness.
Thankfully, judges and legislators are taking notice of stories like Wrights, and the tide is turning. Brave adults are finally daring to admit that they see and hear the voices of the children whose lives are on the line.
Last month, Ohio representatives Ron Hood and Bill Dean introduced the Vulnerable Child Protection Act. If passed into law, the bill would criminalize any medical professional who performs treatment on a minor which changes a childs reproductive anatomy, delays or prevents puberty, or disrupts production of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, among other more widely-accepted violations of medical ethics, like restraining or inflicting pain on a minor.
Rob Hoogland is an Alabama father of a 12-year-old. Last year, his daughters school counselor told her that she was a boy, and the school picked out a boys name and treated her as a boy without informing her parents. Two years later, Hoogland was fighting his 14-year-old in court over the initiation of testosterone treatments. The courts ruled, all too typically, against the will of the parents. Hoogland speaks out now and warns other parents against complacency: Dont think it cant happen to you.
After hearing stories like the Hooglands, the house and senate of Alabama are working to pass a bill similar to Ohios, called the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act.
It is time for parents, not just lawmakers and judges, to rise to the occasion to fight for the family.
Society has crumbled under the weight of its inverted priorities. A healthy society is structured like a pyramid: first, personhood; then, the family; then, the neighborhood, the community, the state, and finally, the country. This arrangement is called subsidiarity, taken from the Latin subsidias, meaning help. It makes sense, too: the entire structure is ordered toward the priority of the person. The larger orders, like the government, only interfere with the smaller orders, like your local community, when the smaller orders cannot solve the problem on their own.
The entire structure is aimed not at financial equity or distributing privilege, but far more importantly at the dignity of each person. Subsidiarity looks like individuals helping themselves first, and parents protecting their dependent children, and communities helping when parents cant. In the rare circumstances that exceed the abilities of a community, the state will step in. And finally, when all else has failed, the federal government will help.
In our current state of affairs, the individual often turns immediately to federal welfare. The perverse concept of seeking help first from a stranger rather than those closest to us is bolstered by the effects of social media; a major influence in Wrights gender transition were the Instagram snapshots of apparently happy transgender men. Meanwhile, her parents stood by and despaired as they watched their daughter destroy herself. It is easy to see how personal dignity is being smothered, not empowered, by this unstable upside-down pyramid.
The stances taken in Ohio and Alabama are a promising start, but laws wont change the heart of our nation. If we want to protect the youth of America, its up to local communities: Parents ought to stand up for their children, and friends ought to stand up for their friends.
Gender treatment therapy is bad for kids, and its about time we admit it.
Reagan Cool is a senior studying philosophy and religion. She is a columnist on faith and culture.
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What Help Is Available for Low Sex Drive in Women? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic
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Is your idea of getting hot and steamy taking a shower afterspin class? Join the club. Many women discover their libido is lacking,especially as they get older.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
Thats not necessarily a problem, as long as yourecomfortable with the (in)frequency of your romantic dalliances. But it can befrustrating if you miss the intimacy that goes along with sex. And if you andyour partner have mismatched libidos, that can be a big source of relationshipstrife.
Luckily, treatments are available to rev up a sluggish sex drive, says womens health specialist Holly Thacker, MD.
There are all sorts of reasons your sex drive might have shifted into neutral. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can do a number on your hormones. Stress, illness, medications and relationship challenges can also interfere with sexual desire.
If you notice a dramatic dip in your arousal level, firstrule out any medical causes. Yes, it might feel weird talking to your doctorabout getting frisky, but medical professionals have heard it all. Your Ob/Gynor primary care doctor or womens health specialist can pinpoint problems suchas medication side effects or hormonal changes (like perimenopause) that mightbe interfering with intimacy.
Yet many women experience reduced sexual desire for no obvious reason a condition sometimes called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). And in the last few years there has been more research and medical options for this condition. We now have some excellent options, Dr. Thacker says.
Several treatments are available to turn up a womans arousal:
This prescription pill has been available to treat HSDD since 2015. Flibanserin is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, says Dr. Thacker. It may cause drowsiness and shouldnt be taken within 2 hours of drinking alcohol.
The downside is it takes about 2 months for the medicationto start working. But for many women (and their satisfied partners), thetreatment is worth the wait.
This on-demand prescription medication was approved totreat HSDD in 2019. Women inject it under the skin at least 45 minutes beforethey anticipate getting frisky.
Dr. Thacker notes that as many as 40% of women experiencenausea after taking the drug. So she suggests this workaround: Take it rightbefore bed and cancel your morning meetings. Since the medication lasts 16hours, youre likely to sleep through any discomfort and can enjoy the amorouseffects when the sun comes up.
This hormone suppository can ease vaginal dryness and discomfort in postmenopausal women. Some women with low libido find it increases genital sensitivity (in a good way).
Testosterone can treat low libido in women but its not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so this off-label use is controversial. It can cause side effects, including acne, hair loss, facial hair growth and mood changes.
Medications arent always the best way to deal with a limp libido. Sometimes, low sex drive is related to psychological issues, such as poor body image, past negative sexual experiences, trust issues or relationship problems. In those cases, it can help to work through your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional.
And some women just need a crash course in sex education,Dr. Thacker says. Learning the ins and outs of your sexual anatomy includingthe importance of clitoral and G-spot stimulation can also improve desire,she adds. After all, if it doesnt feel good, you wont crave it.
And remember that you can have a healthy sex drive withoutbeing a seductress. Most women just arent thinking about sex that often. Theyhave a more responsive reaction to sex, Dr. Thacker says.
You dont have to be the initiator to enjoy a roll in thehay. You just have to be open to it, she adds. Its like exercise: You may notfeel like doing it, but once you start, youre usually glad you did.
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What Help Is Available for Low Sex Drive in Women? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic
The Wondrous World Of Shilajit Five Health Benefits And Side-Effects – SCOOP EMPIRE
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If you havent heard of shilajit before, dont be distressed; you are not the only one. This superfood has been gaining traction and popularity just recently, and a lot of us are still oblivious to the amazing benefits of shilajit.
So, what exactly is shilajit? The name might sound unusual and unfamiliar, but the health benefits are nothing short of a wonder. Shilajit, also sometimes called mineral pitch, is found mainly in the rocks of Himalaya, the Tibet mountains, Altai, and Caucasus mountains. But you dont have to go so far in the mountains to find this wonderful product; you can easily order from Superfoods Australia.
How is the shilajit formed? This wonderful substance is the result of a long process of decomposition of plant matter and minerals over centuries. It was traditionally sourced from India and Tibet, but the range of sources has widened to many countries. It looks like black tar and feels sticky, gooey, and glutinous. Even though the sight might be unseemly and unwelcoming, if taken properly, shilajit promotes better strength and endurance.
Read below to find out more about the health benefits of shilajit.
One of the most common types of nutrient deficiency, iron deficiency, is the most common type of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by a low-iron diet or the bodys inability to absorb iron and blood loss.
Iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells in the form of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the tissues of the body, and myoglobin stores the oxygen for use when there is a shortage, especially during exercises.
Along with other minerals, shilajit is rich in iron and humic acid. Shilajit supplements can slowly increase the level of iron in the blood. It also contains fulvic acid, which helps in better absorption of vitamins and minerals. Not only does it help in better absorption, but it also increases the potency of vitamins and minerals.
If you are not sure whether you suffer from iron deficiency anemia or not, watch out for these symptoms: fatigue, headache, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cold hands and feet. Before you decide to take shilajit supplements for iron deficiency anemia, its advisable to consult a doctor.
Shilajit is a powerful ayurvedic medicine or supplement for boosting endurance and strength. As we mentioned above, it is rich in fulvic acid, and this compound contains almost 45% oxygen. The high oxygen content can offset the increase of lactic acid and carbon dioxide during exercise.
Shilajit can also help prevent the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is a long-term condition that causes fatigue and tiredness. Even the simplest task can be a challenge when you suffer from CFS.
CFS occurs when your cells dont make enough energy due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Research on lab rats has shown that shilajit can help reduce fatigue and restore energy.
Fulvic acid is a powerful antioxidant, and the amount of it in shilajit makes it a powerful ally of the brain. Our nervous system is composed of many important proteins, and one of them is Tau protein, but an accumulation of Tau protein can trigger damage to brain cells. Fulvic acid prevents the buildup of tau protein and improves cognitive health.
The accumulation of tau protein and inflammation in the brain are the leading causes of diseases like Alzheimers. Drug treatments are available for Alzheimers, but shilajit can prevent or reduce the symptoms. More research and clinical trials need to be carried out before a solid conclusion can be reached.
We are all well aware that testosterone is primarily a male sex hormone, but did you know it is found in both men and women? Apart from the development of male sexual organs, it is also needed for the development of bone mass and muscles in both men and women. Its also a source of energy and brain function.
As we grow old, the testosterone level normally decreases. The signs of a low level of testosterone are low libido or low sex drive, reduced production of semen in men, hair loss, fatigue, mood fluctuations, loss of sleep, increased body fat, and loss of muscle mass.
One study on healthy men of ages 45-55 years showed a significant rise in the level of total testosterone after taking purified shilajit for ninety consecutive days.
Rich in fulvic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, shilajit is potent in reducing free radicals and cellular damage. These two factors are important in reducing the effect of aging. Regular use of shilajit can boost longevity and slow down the aging process.
Side-effects
This is a natural and safe herb, but like any other herb, you shouldnt consume unprocessed and raw Shilajit. Raw and unprocessed shilajit contains heavy metal ions, fungus, free radicals, and other harmful substances that can make one sick. You should only buy purified shilajit to reduce any side-effects.
Also, keep in mind that shilajit is not yet FDA approved, and it isnt monitored for quality, strength, and/or purity. Before you decide to buy shilajit, be sure to meticulously research your options and choose a reputable source like Superfoods Australia.
Dont take this supplement if you suffer from any of these diseases: sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or hemochromatosis. Theres also a chance of a small percentage of people to be allergic to shilajit. If you show signs of rash, dizziness, and/or an increased pulse, immediately stop taking shilajit.
How to use
Instructions will obviously come with every pack that you buy. Shilajit can be bought as powder supplements or in liquid form. For a liquid supplement, mix pea size in liquids and drink at least one to three times a day. For powder supplements, you can take it with milk twice daily. Check the instructions before you decide on how much to consume every day, but it shouldnt exceed 300 to 500 mg per day.
Shilajit has more health benefits to offer than just the five listed above. You can also use it as a pre-workout supplement and for enhanced sports performance. Try shilajit for at least 2 weeks before you see any results, and make sure to consult a doctor before you decide to take shilajit.
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The Wondrous World Of Shilajit Five Health Benefits And Side-Effects - SCOOP EMPIRE