Ozempic

By: Robert Regler

Ozempic is a drug intended to manage diabetes. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults with type two diabetes. It is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas create more insulin. However, there has been a trend in which people who do not have diabetes use it for weight loss. While weight loss is a side effect of Ozempic, it is not the intended purpose. Ozempic causes people to lose weight in a variety of ways. First, it mimics the hormone your body releases when it signals to your brain that it is full. When your brain believes your body is full, you are less likely to consume additional food and thus weight loss is natural. It also slows down the digestion process and increases the amount of time it takes for food to leave your body. Finally, Ozempic decreases your blood sugar levels, thus causing your body to burn through its fat stores for energy. Even though it is an appealing option for losing weight, Ozempic is not approved for weight loss.

Ozempic is not recommended for weight loss for a variety of reasons. First, your body may get used to it. Once your body loses weight due to the use of Ozempic, you are likely to gain the weight back once you stop using. This can create unhealthy habits by adding something into your daily routine that should not necessarily be there. There are also signs that using Ozempic for weight loss can lead to conditions such as hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and thyroid tumors. In addition, overuse can become detrimental to one’s mental health and can be connected to eating disorders.

While the quick fix of Ozempic may be appealing to many, there are a lot of risks associated. Weight loss is not the primary purpose of this drug and misuse can create a lot of problems. If you are looking to lose weight, you should consult with a medical professional. If you are interested more in this topic or anything similar, the Southwest Council provides free presentations for parents, community members, and schools. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011.

Sources:

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts recommend/2023/07

https://www.columbuspark.com/blog-articles/ozempic-for-weight-loss-non-diabetic

Lowering Nicotine Levels: Will it Work?

By: Alan Kagan

Good news! For those of you wanting to quit cigarette smoking, but find it difficult, or have loved ones in your lives who are battling this addiction - a new bill has just been passed that will supposedly lower the amount of nicotine in cigarettes and other smoking products!

Announced by the FDA on 1/15/2025, the plan has a goal of making cigarettes and similar smoking products LESS addictive. The new plan will limit nicotine levels to 0.7 mg per gram of tobacco, compared to the 17.2 mg per gram found in popular brands today. This change will apply to both cigarettes and cigars, as well as other smoking tobacco, making it one of the biggest attempts to reduce nicotine addiction in history. According to Dr Robert Califf (FDA commissioner), “this rule could save as many as 4.3 million lives by the end of this century”. By lowering nicotine levels, the goal is to make cigarettes less appealing, especially to young people who are more likely to become addicted (especially when in their teens). Many health experts also believe that reducing nicotine will make it easier for people to quit smoking and could prevent future generations from becoming addicted in the first place. With smoking-related health effects causing thousands of deaths each year, many hope this law could have a huge impact on public health. Many experts see this as a huge step toward reducing the dangers of tobacco use. Since nicotine is the main reason people get addicted to smoking, cutting it down could make a real difference in how many people continue to smoke.

While this bill does NOT ban cigarettes or other tobacco products altogether, which some people may prefer, it does focus on making them less addictive by limiting the nicotine levels. The FDA hopes that this change will encourage more smokers to quit without completely taking away their freedom to choose. The government has been working for years to reduce smoking rates, and this new bill is another big step in that direction. In the end, this could be one of the most important changes in the fight against smoking addiction. By reducing nicotine levels, the FDA is hoping to lower smoking rates and prevent future health problems caused by tobacco use. While it may take time to see the full effects, many experts believe this could lead to a healthier population and fewer smoking-related deaths in the future.

Sources:

FDA Proposes Significant Step Toward Reducing Nicotine to Minimally or Nonaddictive

Level in Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products

The Importance of Family Dinners in Preventing Youth Substance Abuse

By Karissa Hemberger

Family dinners are more than just a time to eat together; they are a powerful tool for building strong relationships and promoting healthy behavior among young people. When families consistently share meals, they create a supportive environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued. These regular gatherings foster open communication and trust, which are crucial in helping youth navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Studies have shown that teens who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use drugs or drink alcohol. This connection is largely due to the role of parental engagement during mealtime. When parents take the time to listen to their children, ask questions about their day, and offer guidance, they are more likely to detect early signs of risky behavior. This consistent check-in can serve as a protective factor, steering teens away from negative influences. Family dinners reinforce positive routines and a sense of responsibility. Youth who grow up with structured family habits are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors and respect family rules.

Mealtime becomes an opportunity to model good decision-making, discuss values, and set expectations. These small, everyday actions build a strong moral foundation that can help teens resist peer pressure and substance experimentation. The benefits of family dinners extend beyond just monitoring behavior; they also contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Young people who feel connected to their families tend to have higher self-esteem and lower levels of stress. This emotional stability makes them less likely to seek out drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with problems. Knowing they have a support system at home can give teens the confidence to make better choices.

In conclusion, family dinners play a critical role in shaping the behavior and values of young people. They offer a space for connection, guidance, and support that can help prevent drug and alcohol use. By prioritizing shared meals, families can strengthen their bonds and create a protective environment where youth feel safe and empowered to make positive decisions.

Resources

https://thefamilydinnerproject.org

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2011/09/22/140705512/can-frequent-family-dinners-help-teens-resist-drugs

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18639788/

Harm Reduction: More Than Meets the Eye

By: Robert Regler

When it comes to drug prevention, the concept of harm reduction is polarizing. While prevention itself aims to stop people from abusing drugs in the first place, harm reduction attempts to reduce the harmful effects. This could come in the form of safe injections sites, Narcan kits, or needle exchange sites. People who back harm reduction believe that people are going to continue to abuse drugs. Rather than try and stop them outright, they offer ways to lower the harmful side effects of drug use. For example, those who inject have a higher chance of spreading diseases if they use dirty needles. However, if they are given clean ones to use, the chance of spreading diseases goes down. While there are numerous benefits to harm reduction strategies, there are many who oppose them and feel they are enabling behaviors. However, harm reduction can open many doors for positive change people are not aware of.

Injection sites are a form of harm reduction focused on preventing overdoses. These sites provide users with clean needles and supervision. In the event they overdose, there will be someone there to provide medical attention. Not only do safe injection sites lower the risk of spreading diseases, but they also lower the risk of a fatal drug overdose. Some believe that providing these sites enables drug use, however employees do not provide the drugs, and they do not inject the people who come in. They also provide resources for those who come in and encourage them to go to treatment. Safe injection sites not only reduce the spread of diseases and overdose, they also provide users with outlets for treatment.

Another form of harm reduction that has become increasingly popular has been the distribution of naloxone. Naloxone is a chemical that binds to the opioid receptors and reverses an overdose. This brings someone back long enough to give them proper medical attention. Naloxone has been distributed to people like police officers and other people who have an increased chance of encountering someone who has overdosed on opioids. In addition, if one is prescribed prescription opioids, pharmacies have been distributing naloxone in the event one overdoses. Many agencies offer training on the administration of naloxone and what to do if they encounter someone who had overdosed. Most trainings also provide naloxone for those who participate, this increasing the chances it is administered in the right situation.

One strategy for harm reduction that many do not realize fits into that category is rehabilitation facilities. These facilities allow someone to break their addiction, but in a safe, controlled environment. When someone is facing addiction, there is a chemical shift in their body. Many do not realize that this is not something you can easily and safely tackle on your own. If done improperly, one can get sick or even lose their life. Rehabilitation facilities utilize medication as well as therapy to help someone get over their addiction and on the road to recovery. While this strategy differs from other harm reduction strategies, the harm reduction stems from the monitoring and scientific approach to recovery.

Harm reduction comes in all shapes and sizes. Some seek to reduce collateral damage to users, some seek to provide treatment, and some look to reduce the negative impact of drugs. While polarizing, they are in fact productive. If you are interested more in this topic or anything similar, the Southwest Council provides free presentations for parents, community members, and schools. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011.

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

By: Jenny Hunt

In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of adolescents' lives, providing platforms for socialization, self-expression, and entertainment. However, its widespread use has raised concerns about its effects on adolescent mental health. While social media offers significant benefits, such as fostering connections and offering educational resources, it also brings potential risks that can negatively impact the emotional and psychological well-being of young people.

One of the most prominent concerns is the role of social media in exacerbating feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these issues as they navigate the complex process of self-identity and seek social validation. Social media platforms, with their curated content and constant comparison culture, often present an unrealistic depiction of people's lives. This can lead to "comparison anxiety," where teens feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own lives, bodies, or accomplishments when compared to the highly polished versions they see online. Studies have shown that adolescents who engage in heavy social media use tend to report higher levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms.

Another significant concern is the prevalence of cyberbullying on social media platforms. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying occurs in a space where it can be constant and pervasive, following victims beyond school hours and into their homes. The anonymity of the internet can empower perpetrators to engage in harmful behavior, often with little fear of consequences. For victims, the impact can be devastating, leading to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The psychological scars from cyberbullying can last long after the bullying itself has ended.

Sleep disturbances are another direct consequence of excessive social media use. Adolescents often use social media late into the night, disrupting their sleep patterns. Poor sleep can negatively affect mental health, contributing to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and higher stress levels. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase the risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety, further complicating the mental health challenges that many adolescents face.

On the flip side, social media can also offer benefits for adolescent mental health when used in a positive way. Online support groups and communities provide spaces for teens to discuss their mental health struggles, seek advice, and find others who share similar experiences. These virtual connections can help reduce feelings of isolation, especially for those who might not have access to in-person support. Social media can also serve as a platform for mental health awareness, promoting conversations about self-care, coping strategies, and seeking professional help.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on adolescent mental health is complex and multifaceted. While it can provide opportunities for connection and support, it can also contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The key to mitigating these negative effects lies in promoting healthy social media habits, encouraging open dialogue about the realities of online life, and offering support for those struggling with the psychological challenges exacerbated by digital platforms. As the role of social media continues to evolve, it will be crucial to find ways to ensure it serves as a positive force in the lives of adolescents rather than a source of harm.

References

Anderson, Monica, and Jingjing Jiang. Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018. Pew Research Center, 31 May 2018, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/.

Common Sense Media. "The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families." Common Sense Media, 4 Jan. 2017, www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-impact-of-social-media-on-children-adolescents-and-families.

Twenge, Jean M., et al. "Has the Smartphone Destroyed a Generation?" The Atlantic, 9 Aug. 2017, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/.

Vannucci, Anna, et al. "Social Media Use and Anxiety in Adolescents: The Role of Contingent Self-Worth and Fear of Missing Out." Psychiatry Research, vol. 273, 2019, pp. 223-229, www.journals.elsevier.com/psychiatry-research/.