NewsFeed

December 13, 2024

Siblings Forever: The Unresolved Issues That Divide

Ms Singh and family therapist Lilian Loo from Promises Healthcare discussed the dynamics between siblings in families. They noted that oldest children often feel a strong sense of responsibility due to automatic approval from their parents, while sibling conflicts are common during childhood but can improve with age. However, unresolved issues such as parental favouritism or past rivalries can cause distance and tension between adult siblings, leading to feelings of jealousy and resentment.

https://channelnewsasia.com/today/adulting/there-she-goes-again-wrong-cut-ties-sibling-falling-out-4791076

December 12, 2024

Canadians Fear for Future of Their Children

A survey of 1,000 Canadians found that parents are concerned about the skills and habits their children aged 10 to 21 are developing, citing social media, excessive screen time, lack of development, social/peer pressure, video games, and helicopter parenting as major concerns. The survey also revealed that many parents are not confident in their children's ability to secure jobs in the future and become successful adults, with only a third expressing confidence. Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents believe that parents from Gen X, Millennials, and Generation Z have been too lenient on their children. The top skills lacking in young Canadians include stress coping mechanisms, basic etiquette, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to express gratitude.

https://globalnews.ca/news/10915205/canadians-children-too-soft-no-coping-skills-survey/

December 12, 2024

Caregiving Stress Raises Blood Pressure in Black Women

A recent study published in the journal Hypertension found that high caregiving stress increases the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 40% among Black women aged 21 to 44. The study, led by Milla Arabadjian at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, analyzed data from over 5,300 Black adults in Mississippi and found that 52% of young Black women who reported moderate or high caregiving stress developed high blood pressure, compared to 41% of those with low caregiving stress. The researchers suggest that addressing the root causes of caregiving strain, such as lack of affordable childcare or communication challenges, could be a solution to reducing this risk.

https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/caregiving-stress-can-raise-blood-pressure-for-young-black-women/article_5d7db396-fe82-54bf-9639-b3ab1db47552.html

December 12, 2024

Exercise Boosts Brain Health in Older Adults

A new study suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness can help mitigate the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, particularly those with fewer years of education or taking beta blockers for high blood pressure. The research found that individuals who were more physically fit had a lower risk of brain decline, and that this benefit was most pronounced among those with less education. The study's authors speculate that exercise may promote brain health by improving blood flow to the brain, stimulating neuron growth, and enhancing brain chemical systems. They also note that other benefits of cardio fitness, such as improved mood, reduced fatigue, and better sleep, may contribute to its protective effects on brain health.

https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/staying-fit-can-keep-seniors-brains-sharp/article_22141b52-d572-55fc-9c11-f195849b7965.html

December 12, 2024

Fentanyl Fears Spread from Estonia to Finland

Fentanyl is increasingly becoming a concern in Estonia, with experts warning it may soon spread to neighboring Finland. The synthetic psychoactive drug Flakka, also known as alpha-PVP, has already been found in Finland and can cause severe paranoia and hallucinations. Osku, an individual with a history of addiction, expressed the devastating consequences of substance abuse, stating that those struggling with addiction lose everything that is dear to them.

https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/fears-for-the-future-as-drug-deaths-among-young-finns-soar/article_12893ed8-94f6-57f7-a068-e00c652cc879.html

December 12, 2024

Finland Grapples with Fentanyl and Flakka Epidemic

Fentanyl and other synthetic drugs such as Flakka, also known as alpha-PVP, have been found in Finland. These substances can cause severe paranoia and hallucinations. Osku, an individual with a history of addiction, has witnessed the devastating effects of these drugs on people's lives, stating that they lead to the loss of loved ones and relationships.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/europe/fears-for-the-future-as-drug-deaths-soar-among-young-finns

December 12, 2024

Indonesia's Jokowi Offers Amnesty to Papuan Prisoners

The President of Indonesia announced at a press conference that he plans to grant amnesty to several prisoners, including those with long-term illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and mental disorders, as well as individuals convicted under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law for insulting the head of state. The move is aimed at reducing overcrowding in correctional institutions and promoting reconciliation efforts in Papua, where 18 prisoners will receive amnesty.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/338107/prabowo-to-pardon-prisoners-in-drug-papua-related-cases

December 12, 2024

Max George Faces Heart Surgery Over Christmas

Max George, the singer from The Wanted, is facing a new health challenge as he requires heart surgery over Christmas. This comes after he has publicly spoken about his struggles with depression and alcoholism in the past. Specifically, Max had previously revealed that he drank excessively to cope with anxiety during his lowest point, admitting to consuming ten pints and three bottles of wine in one night. His mental health issues were so severe that they manifested physically, causing him to experience debilitating symptoms including nausea that made it difficult for him to leave his apartment.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14189447/curse-Wanted-Max-George-tragedy.html

December 12, 2024

NDIS Reverses Art Therapy Funding Cuts Plan

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has paused plans to cut subsidies for art and music therapy after receiving backlash from parents and practitioners. The agency will reassess pricing and re-evaluate the evidence behind creative therapies, which proponents say help develop communication skills and regulate emotions. The decision comes after NDIS Minister Bill Shorten revealed that funding for these treatments would be reduced from $194 an hour to a lower rate due to concerns over their effectiveness. Gemma Ryan and Winnie Choy, a registered music therapist, had campaigned against the cuts, citing the benefits of creative therapies in helping individuals with disabilities.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/families-to-keep-music-and-art-therapy-funding-as-shorten-pauses-cuts-20241213-p5ky91.html