Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), now referred to as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), is a significant topic for women going through menopause. Ovarian hormones, such as estrogens and progesterone, fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, particularly during the years leading up to menopause, when ovarian function declines. MHT is often prescribed to alleviate symptoms during this transition. While MHT can help relieve various menopausal symptoms, recent research shows that its effects on brain health are complex and depend on several factors, such as age, duration of treatment, and surgical history.

The research published in October as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife examines the links between MHT and brain health, using a solid model of brain aging in a large group of nearly 20,000 UK women.

Previous research on MHT has shown mixed results regarding brain health, raising questions about the impact of the treatment, explained lead author Claudia Barth from Diakonhjemmet Hospital in Oslo, Norway.

“In this study, we investigated links between MHT variables, different MHT regimes, genetic factors, and brain measures in middle-to older aged women,” she noted.

The study indicated that current MHT users had higher brain age gaps (meaning their brains appeared older than their chronological age) and smaller hippocampal volumes than non-users.

Conversely, women who had previously used MHT but no longer were, showed no significant differences compared to women who had never used it. Those who discontinued MHT later in life or used it longer tended to have larger brain age gaps, raising concerns about MHT’s impact on cognitive functions.

This suggests that the timing and length of MHT can significantly affect how the brain ages, reinforcing the complexity of its impact.

Women on MHT who had surgery to remove their womb and/or ovaries showed a smaller brain age gap than those without such surgeries. Surprisingly, no differences were found in MHT-related factors like dosage or method of administration.

One bit of great news, researchers also looked at the APOE ε4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and found no link to the effects of MHT on brain health indicators.

The work addresses a topic that the editors say is of grave importance since MHT and its effect on the brain need to be better understood to provide effective and individualized medical support to women going through menopause.

“Women worldwide face critical decisions regarding MHT use, yet the current lack of comprehensive research leaves them without the necessary evidence to make informed choices,” concludes senior author Ann Marie de Lange, Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland.

Given these findings, a one-size-fits-all approach to menopausal hormone therapy may not be ideal. The variability underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt personalized approaches when considering MHT for their patients. By tailoring MHT regimens to individual circumstances and health profiles, it may be possible to optimize benefits while minimizing potential risks to brain health.

Sources:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormone-replacement-therapy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
https://elifesciences.org/for-the-press/2925efa3/study-highlights-complexity-of-menopausal-hormone-therapy-s-impact-on-brain-health
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899323004390
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839141/

It’s Thanksgiving, and you know what that means!

It’s a fantastic time to pause and reflect on all the beautiful things we’re grateful for. Numerous studies have shown that gratitude can increase happiness, wisdom, social acceptance, and overall health.

Not only that, but gratitude helps us find meaning and coherence in life so that we can improve ourselves and elevate others.

However, we know that the holidays can be hard on some (actually, a lot). Sometimes, we just don’t feel grateful because we’ve been through the wringer. We would rather hibernate away from the world and the people, places, and things (much less the festivities) that are more challenging than charming.

We want to offer some practical suggestions to help you express gratitude (even if you don’t necessarily feel it):

1. **Share Three Good Things Daily**

Each day, take a moment to say three positive things that happened out loud. You can do this with your kids at bedtime or during dinner. It’s also empowering to express gratitude alone, even in tough times.

2. **Keep a Gratitude Journal**

Take note of small daily moments that matter to you, such as enjoying a few quiet minutes during your drive to work or being grateful that a rainstorm didn’t flood your basement. On challenging days, revisiting these entries can serve as a reminder of the blessings in your life.

3. **Express Thanks to Your Partner**

Couples who express gratitude toward one another create a powerful cycle of intimacy and trust, making both partners feel valued and understood.

4. **Cherish Joyful Moments**

When you experience happiness, take a moment to recognize that feeling. Focus on your emotions, what’s happening in your body, and thoughts for a few minutes. Later, when you recall this moment, it can help you reconnect with those positive feelings.

5. **Focus on Others, Not Yourself**  

People often feel more grateful when they concentrate on others instead of being caught up in their own thoughts. Cultivating empathy for others can enhance gratitude and result in more incredible benefits.

There are countless ways to develop your sense of gratitude. By practicing these, we hope you feel overwhelmed by the many blessings in your life. You are a significant blessing to us. We continue our work because of you; when we say, “From our family to yours,” we truly mean it.

With that in mind, from our family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude. We sincerely pray that you find goodness in every moment and feel loved and acknowledged as you see others in a new light and appreciate them even more deeply.

Please feel free to share something you’re grateful for with us. Or, if you want to lift up a prayer for you or someone you are contending for, let us know that too. We would love to hold your arms up while you wait for your (and their) blessing to reveal itself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:

https://insightchicago.com/gratitude
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15427609.2018.1499350
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/soul-console/202312/holidays-are-not-always-the-most-wonderful-time
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/comfort-of-gratitude/202010/are-empathy-and-gratitude-linked-to-each-other

Last week, we talked about cleaning out your fridge. This week, let’s look at decluttering our brain… sort of.

You’ve probably had a parent, teacher, or boss that insisted on keeping a clean, clutter-free work environment. “The condition of your desk is a reflection of the condition of your mind!” is what my first boss used to say. It seems he may have been onto something! 

A study published on October 22 in the journal Neuron by Yale researchers revealed that visual clutter affects how information flows in the brain, depending on its location in the visual field. This research enhances our understanding of the visual cortex, the part of the brain that processes visual information from the eyes, and the neural basis of perception.

Anirvan Nandy, an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, noted that visual clutter can significantly impact our ability to perceive objects based on their position. For example, when trying to read the word “cat” from the corner of our eye, the letter “t” affects our identification of the letter “a” more than the letter “c” due to a phenomenon known as “visual crowding.”

In the study, macaque monkeys were trained to focus on a central point while visual stimuli were presented around them. Researchers recorded neural activity in the primary visual cortex. They found that while the position of visual clutter did not change the transmission sequence between neurons, it did affect the efficiency of that information flow.

Monika Jadi, another co-senior author, clarified that both the primary and secondary visual cortices perform complex computations. The study discovered that subunits within these areas further process and selectively share information, bridging a gap in vision research.

The researchers are now interested in exploring how clutter impacts information processing between brain regions and how attention influences this system. For example, a person might focus on a car ahead while also paying attention to a vehicle in another lane.

“When you’re driving, for instance, you may be looking at the car in front of you, but your attention could be focused on a car in the next lane as you try to determine if they’re about to merge,” Nandy explained.

Therefore, the detailed visual information you’re getting is from the car in front of you, but the information of interest is outside of your focus.

“How does that attention compensate for the fact that while you don’t have the best resolution information, you’re still able to perceive that attended part of the visual space much better than where you’re actually looking?” pondered Jadi. “How does attention influence information flow in the cortex? That’s what we want to explore.”

So, how can we apply this research to our productive lives?

1. Declutter Your Space: Remove non-essential items to create a more minimalist environment that promotes focus.
2. Organize Thoughtfully: Use storage solutions like bins and shelves to keep items organized and out of sight.
3. Limit Color Schemes: Choose a calming color palette to reduce visual chaos and promote tranquility.
4. Simplify Digital Interfaces: Streamline your digital workspace by organizing files and minimizing distractions.
5. Create Specific Zones: Designate areas for different activities to help mentally separate tasks and improve focus.
6. Incorporate Nature: Adding plants or natural light can enhance mood and cognitive function.

It may be common sense, but having research to back it up can help inspire us to actually make the change. Set aside a few minutes at the beginning and end of your day to clear away what isn’t absolutely necessary. It will improve your ability to focus and help you to get more of what’s actually important done!

Sources:
https://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273(24)00693-7
https://infovis-wiki.net/wiki/Visual_Clutter
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/visual-cortex
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3070834/

You know what November 15th is?

No, it’s not spicy guacamole day or national pickle day. (Those are actually today, by the way.)

But if you have leftover pickles and guac (who has leftover guac?) that have been in your fridge for way too long, you need to get prepared for

National Clean Out Your Fridge Day!

Yes, it’s a thing. And, yes, it is important.

As we prepare for family gatherings and festive feasts for the fast-approaching holiday season, one crucial yet often overlooked task is cleaning out the refrigerator. That’s where National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day comes into play. Celebrated annually on November 15th, this day serves as a timely reminder to declutter and sanitize our fridges, ensuring they’re ready for the influx of holiday ingredients and leftovers.

Cleaning your refrigerator is not just about tidiness; it’s a matter of health and safety. A study by Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International revealed that the meat and vegetable drawers tend to harbor the highest levels of bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, yeast, and mold. Over time, expired and forgotten food can lead to unpleasant odors and some serious health risks. With the holidays around the corner, now is an excellent time to tackle this chore, making room for fresh ingredients and leftovers.

Cleaning out your refrigerator may sound daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process smoother. Here’s how to get started:

• Empty each shelf.
• Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
• Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
• Throw away all expired food.
• Throw away any moldy food.
• Get rid of anything that you do not use.
• Vacuum condenser coils.
• Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
• Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
• Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

Cleaning your refrigerator doesn’t just set you up for holiday success; it also benefits your overall kitchen hygiene. Regularly clearing out old food can help reduce waste, promote healthier eating habits, and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

.While cleaning out your fridge, take time to familiarize yourself with food labels and dates. The meanings behind “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” can be confusing. “Sell by” indicates store stock management, “best by” refers to quality rather than safety, and “use by” suggests when food should ideally be consumed. This knowledge can help you minimize food waste and make informed choices about what to keep.

National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day is more than just another date on the calendar; it’s a chance to ensure our kitchens are safe, sanitary, and well-organized for the upcoming holiday season. By dedicating a little time to this essential task, we can enjoy our meals knowing we’ve created a healthy environment for our food. So grab your cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work on that refrigerator!

Sources:
https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/clean-germiest-kitchen-items
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning/bacteria-and-viruses#salmonella
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keep_your_kitchen_free_from_listeria
https://www.airius.co.uk/all-resources/the-problems-caused-by-mould-and-yeast-in-homes
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
https://issuu.com/kanwal.fatima/docs/the_health_risks_of_not_cleaning_your_refrigerator/s/25370731
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/sell-by-best-by-use-by-dates–5-things-to-know.h00-159622590.html#:~:text=You%20can%20still%20buy%20these,consumed%20before%20a%20given%20date.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Estradiol Gel, 0.06%, for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause. This approval provides women experiencing menopause-related symptoms with a new option for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone that naturally declines during menopause. The Estradiol Gel, 0.06% formulation delivers estrogen through the skin, allowing for a controlled and consistent release into the bloodstream. This topical gel is applied once daily to clean, dry skin, typically on the arms or thighs, and it is designed to help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, which are common in postmenopausal women. The gel also relieves symptoms of ovary removal and breast cancer and helps prevent osteoporosis.

This approval is for the generic version of EstroGel Gel, 0.06%, originally approved in February 2004.

The FDA’s approval of this gel marks a significant advancement for postmenopausal women who are looking for relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause but may prefer not to use oral medications or other treatment options. Topical estradiol therapy provides the advantage of bypassing the digestive system, which can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral treatments. The gel is easy to use and can be more conveniently incorporated into daily routines compared to some other hormone therapy methods.

The approval was based on data from clinical trials that demonstrated the gel’s ability to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flashes. In one key study, women who used 0.75 mg of Estradiol Gel reported a significant improvement in the frequency of hot flashes compared to those who were given a placebo. The gel’s safety profile was also assessed, revealing a manageable risk when used as directed.

In a study of 24 non-dosed healthy postmenopausal women, there was no measurable transfer of estradiol one hour after direct skin-to-skin contact with those using estradiol gel.

A study in Sexuality, Reproduction, and Menopause found that among 890 menopausal women using estradiol gel, hot flash frequency decreased by about 75%, from 5.87 to 1.44 per day. The severity of hot flashes and vaginal dryness improved by approximately 55% and 50%. Notably, 75% of participants reported improvements within two weeks, 89% by three weeks, and 95% by four weeks.

The most common side effects (“adverse events” or “AE” as the FDA calls them) include headache, flatulence, and breast pain or tenderness. Other AEs were reported with very low levels of occurrence.

This generic option offers a more affordable alternative for patients than the previous EstroGel.

With the approval of Estradiol Gel, 0.06%, women now have another treatment option for managing postmenopausal symptoms. As with any new medication, it will be important for healthcare professionals to continue monitoring long-term outcomes and for patients to remain informed about both the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.

BONUS: Want a natural option to help limit hot flashes? Our brand new Meno-PRO is designed to do exactly that!

Sources:
https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/10/25/2969362/0/en/ANI-Pharmaceuticals-Announces-the-FDA-Approval-and-Launch-of-Estradiol-Gel-0-06.html
https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2012/06000/transdermal_estradiol_gel_for_the_treatment_of.9.aspx
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289311862
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous-thromboembolism-vte

Kids are awesome. What goes on in the mind of a child will, in many ways, always be a mystery to grown-ups. What we do know is that children are full of wonder, imagination, simple joy, purity, and innocence. Their brains are bristling with intrigue, questions, and worldviews waiting to be formed.

But not all brains are wired the same way.

According to a study published in Autism Research in September by the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, children with autism have “different” brains than kids without autism, all the way down to the structure and density of their neurons.

Neuron density is the number of neurons in a specific area of the brain. Research has shown that differences in neuron density can affect cognitive function and behavior.

The first author of the study, Dr. Zachary Christensen, said in a statement, “People with a diagnosis of autism often have other things they have to deal with, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. But these findings mean we now have a new set of measurements that have shown unique promise in characterizing individuals with autism.”

Roughly 1 in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, according to data on 8-year-olds collected in 2020 by the CDC.

According to the CDC study, the condition is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls. However, research on autism in girls and adults is still evolving.

People with autism often face challenges with social interaction and communication. They may prefer sticking to routines and habits and can become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, and uncomfortable clothing.

For the study, neuroscientists analyzed brain imaging data from over 11,000 children aged 9 to 11 to examine neuron structures. They compared images of nearly 150 children with autism to those of almost 9,000 without neurodevelopmental diagnoses and more than 1,400 with psychiatric disorders like anxiety or ADHD but not autism.

The research found that children with autism have a lower density of neurons in the cerebral cortex, which plays a crucial role in memory, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Interestingly, in other areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, which is associated with processing emotions and emotional reactions, there was an increased density of neurons in the brains of children with autism.

Neuroscientists found that the trends in children with autism are unique, even in the presence of other psychiatric conditions, concluding that these differences are, indeed, specific to autism.

“If characterizing unique deviations in neuron structure in those with autism can be done reliably and with relative ease, that opens a lot of opportunities to characterize how autism develops, and these measures may be used to identify individuals with autism that could benefit from more specific therapeutic interventions,” Dr. Christensen said.

“We’ve spent many years describing the larger characteristics of brain regions, such as thickness, volume, and curvature,” explained Dr. Christensen. “However, newer techniques in the field of neuroimaging for characterizing cells using MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] unveil new levels of complexity throughout development.”

The University of Rochester neuroscientists used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study database, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States.

“We are at the beginning of understanding the true impact that the extraordinary data collected by the ABCD study will have on the health of our children,” said John Foxe, senior author of the study and the director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, in the same statement.

“It is truly transforming what we know about brain development as we follow this group of children from childhood into early adulthood.”

With all that we know about the brain, it’s humbling to realize just how much we still can’t comprehend. This marks another step along the path toward understanding the incredible complexity of the fearfully and wonderfully designed creatures that we are!

Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aur.3239
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105381191930010
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/neuroscience/research-finds-neurons-look-different-in-children-with-autism
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm?s_cid=ss7202a1_w
https://abcdstudy.org/

Recent research indicates a curious trend among females regarding the onset of menstruation. Girls born in the 2000s start their periods approximately six months earlier than previous generations.

A study published in JAMA Network Open (May, 2024) reveals that the average age of menarche—the first menstrual period—has decreased from 12.5 years in the 1950s and 60s to 11.9 years for those born between 2000 and 2005.

The study analyzed data from over 71,000 females in the United States using the Apple Research App on their smartphones.

Because age at menarche is a pivotal indicator of health, this shift is alarming.

Researchers also found that the prevalence of early menarche (when it occurs before age 11) increased from 8.6% in the 1950s and 1960s to 15.5% in the early 2000s.

And, the percentage of girls starting their period “very early”—before age 9—increased from 0.6% to 1.4%.

But wait, there’s more… Periods now take longer to become regular.

In the 50s and 60s, 76% of females had a regular cycle within 2 years. It has dropped to 56% in those born in the early 2000s.

While the changes are being seen in every demographic, they are especially pronounced in non-white girls and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Lifelong Consequences

But what difference does it really make when a girl begins her period?

The timing of menarche is linked to a higher risk of disease later in life.

For example, research indicates that abnormal timing of menstruation—whether it starts early or late—can be linked to a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization due to heart failure. Early onset of menstruation is also associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including endometrial and breast cancer.

On a behavioral level, girls who experience early menarche are at higher risk of becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) before age 18. Likewise, their risk of miscarriage also increases throughout life.

Girls who take longer to settle into regular menstrual cycles may face reduced fertility and a higher risk of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol.

They also have a higher rate of all-cause mortality.

In other words, deviations from the norm come with substantially increased risk.

Why is this happening?

According to the study’s authors, almost half of this change in timing — 46% — is due to the meteoric rise of childhood obesity in the U.S.

Higher body fat in young girls is associated with earlier periods.

Body fat, or “adipose tissue,” is metabolically active and produces hormones, including sex hormones, which can influence the age of menarche.

In an editorial published alongside the current study, Lauren C. Houghton, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University, wrote:

“In general, countries with a mean age of menarche above 12 years reflect populations facing undernutrition and higher infectious disease burden; countries with ages younger than 12 years reflect populations with over-nutrition and higher risk for chronic diseases.”

Although the rising weight of children in the U.S. is a significant factor, it does not provide a complete explanation. It also does not clarify why girls from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as Black, Asian, and people of other or mixed races, are experiencing even greater shifts in the age of menarche.

Interestingly, the study’s authors explain that previous research “showed that the biggest decrease in age at menarche occurred before the obesity epidemic in the U.S.”

They outlined some other possible explanations.

The researchers believe that metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and air pollutants may be affecting the age of menarche. Studies have linked early menarche to exposure to phthalates and triclosan, especially in overweight or obese individuals. It is speculated that certain minority groups face higher exposure to these pollutants, potentially explaining the observed racial disparities.

Diet is a key component, too.

Previous studies revealed that young girls who drink caffeinated and artificially sweetened soft drinks are more likely to get their period earlier. This result remained significant even after the researchers adjusted their analysis to account for BMI.

The sugar in soda triggers insulin release, which can affect sex hormone levels. Although scientists do not understand the precise mechanism, soda’s rise in popularity over recent decades makes it another likely culprit.

Alongside obesity, pollution, and diet, stress and adverse childhood events (ACEs) may play supporting roles, but there is currently less evidence to support these factors.

What can be done?

How can parents and young girls navigate this?

You can start by teaching your children to eat a balanced diet, avoid fast foods, and encourage regular exercise and stress management as part of their routine.

Regardless of when the changes occur, communication is crucial.

Make sure the girls in your life feel seen, heard, and valued. Let them know that they aren’t going crazy when all the hormones start revving up.

Help them understand what they are going through. Educate them on hormones and what their body is doing. Have age-appropriate conversations about what they may be feeling and experiencing. And most importantly, do not leave any room for shame or guilt. This is what our bodies are designed to do. It should be cause for celebration, not shame!

This is supposed to be a sacred, beautiful time in a girl’s life. But it seems as though it’s getting more difficult to explain and express how beautiful and sacred our precious girls are. If you have a (grand)daughter, sister, niece, aunt, or friend who needs to be reminded of just how intricately and wonderfully designed she is, take the time to remind them of how beautiful they are.

When these conversations happen, be sure to listen to her. That will tell you a lot about what’s going on inside.

Also, it’s a great excuse to eat some dark chocolate.

Sources:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819141
https://www.healthline.com/healthy/what-is-menarche
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012406
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33820799/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7386450/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1570677X18302429
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819142
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6603611/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325672/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10426011/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6720214/

Is it ADHD or are we expecting too much from young children?

A recent study has found that there is a “relative age effect” (RAE) on the diagnosis and prescription of medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The relative age effect refers to the impact of a child’s age relative to their peers within the same school year. In many educational systems, children born in the same year are grouped together in the same grade, resulting in potential age differences within the same class.

ADHD is characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD have been the subject of ongoing research and debate, particularly in relation to the relative age of children within their school year.

The study found that teachers tend to attribute signs of immaturity in children to ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The results show that the youngest students in a class, who have birth dates close to the school entry cut-off date, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or given medication for it.

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, two separate searches were conducted to investigate the effect of relative age within a school year on symptoms, diagnosis, or medication for ADHD or ASD in participants up to 18 years of age. All observational studies were included, regardless of the dates conducted, if they reported on these measures in relation to the participants’ age within a school year, including their month of birth.

In the analysis of 32 studies, younger relative age was linked to higher rates of ADHD diagnosis and medication prescription. Younger children were about 38% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and 20% more likely to be prescribed medication compared to their peers. This trend was consistent across most studies, except for a few conducted in Denmark and Scotland.

The other two studies investigating Autism Spectrum Disorders found that children who were the youngest in their school year increased the likelihood of being diagnosed with ASD. One study also showed a significant drop in diagnosis rates from a high amonst students with a birthday in August (just before the cutoff) to September (just after the cutoff).

There are several potential explanations for this relative age effect. One theory is that younger children in the same grade may exhibit behaviors that are developmentally appropriate for their age but are mistakenly interpreted as symptoms of ADHD. Likewise, younger children may face challenges in meeting academic and behavioral expectations compared to their older classmates, leading to a higher likelihood of being referred for ADHD evaluation.

It’s important to note that the study’s findings do not imply that all, or even most ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions are unwarranted. ADHD is a legitimate neurodevelopmental disorder that can have significant impacts on a child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. However, the study underscores the need for careful consideration of age-related factors when evaluating and treating children for ADHD.

Senior author Kapil Sayal, MSc, PhD, professor, School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, said in a news release, “This review shows that adults involved in identifying or raising concerns over a child’s behavior—such as parents and teachers—may be inadvertently misattributing relative immaturity as symptoms of ADHD. The child’s age in relation to their classmates—their ‘relative’ age—needs to [be] considered when making this kind of diagnosis.”

The authors warn that the analysis has limitations, including potential overlaps in study populations, wide variability in assessment tools used in ADHD studies, potential publication bias, and lack of information on teacher training and experience in identifying ADHD symptoms and how long teachers have known the students.

Teachers are crucial in identifying ADHD symptoms in children. Research shows they may be more likely to identify ADHD symptoms in younger students compared to older ones. Lead study author Eleni Frisira, MBBS, from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine, hopes the study serves to underscore the importance of considering a child’s relative age in the classroom when ADHD is being considered.

The researchers’ findings begin to shed light on the complex connection between relative age and ADHD diagnosis and treatment in children. Hopefully, continued research and awareness in this area can contribute to more clarity in accurately identifying actual symptoms of ADHD in children, ensuring that those who genuinely require support receive timely and appropriate interventions.

Sources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_age_effect
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02459-x
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1047361

What is it good intentions pave the way to?

A U.S. government report that will likely incite serious debate has concluded that fluoride over double the recommended limit in drinking water is linked to lower IQ in children.

The report, based on an analysis of previously published research, has concluded with “moderate confidence” that higher levels of fluoride exposure are linked to lower IQ in children. The report acknowledges a potential neurological risk from high fluoride levels even though it wasn’t explicitly intended to assess the health effects of fluoride in drinking water alone.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in water and soil, strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost over time. Scientists found that people with higher natural fluoride in their water had fewer cavities, leading to a push for more Americans to use fluoride for better dental health. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

Ashley Malin, a University of Florida researcher who has studied the effect of higher fluoride levels in pregnant women on their children, said,

“I think this (report) is crucial in our understanding” of this risk.” She proclaimed it to be the most rigorously conducted report of its kind.

The much-anticipated report from the National Toxicology Program, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, summarizes a review of studies conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. The report concludes that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter is consistently associated with lower IQs in kids.

The report didn’t attempt to specify the exact number of IQ points that might be lost at various levels of fluoride exposure. However, some studies reviewed in the report indicated that IQ was 2 to 5 points lower in children with higher exposures.

In 2015, federal health officials lowered the recommended fluoridation level in water to 0.7 milligrams per liter from the previous 1.2 milligrams per liter. The World Health Organization considers 1.5 milligrams per liter as the safe limit for fluoride in drinking water. A report shows that around 0.6% of the U.S. population, approximately 1.9 million people, are served by water systems with naturally occurring fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a long-standing requirement that water systems contain no more than 4 milligrams of fluoride per liter. This standard aims to prevent skeletal fluorosis, a disorder that can cause weaker bones, stiffness, and pain.

Malin said that the report raises questions about how to protect people and what makes the most sense. The 324-page report didn’t reach a definitive conclusion about the risks of lower levels of fluoride, stating that more study is needed. It also did not address what high fluoride levels might do to adults.

The American Dental Association, which supports water fluoridation, criticized earlier versions of the new analysis and Malin’s research. A spokeswoman stated that the organization’s experts were still reviewing the report.

A growing body of research indicates a potential link between elevated fluoride levels and brain development. Researchers are particularly concerned about the effects on developing fetuses and young children who consume water mixed with baby formula. Animal studies have shown that fluoride may affect neurochemistry and cell function in brain areas associated with learning, memory, executive function, and behavior.

In 2006, the National Research Council found limited evidence from China suggesting neurological effects in people exposed to high fluoride levels, prompting a call for more research.

Subsequent research prompted the National Toxicology Program to begin reviewing existing studies in 2016 to determine whether new fluoride-limiting measures were necessary.

“Since fluoride is such an important topic to the public and to public health officials, it was imperative that we made every effort to get the science right,” said Rick Woychik, director of the National Toxicology Program, in a statement.

Malin suggested that pregnant women reduce their fluoride intake from water and certain types of tea. She also proposed policy discussions about mandating fluoride content on beverage labels.

If you’re curious about how much and what kind of fluoride your state puts in its water, this site has details.

Sources:

https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2818858
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/about-fluoride.html
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/documents/fluoride-risk-assess-factsheet.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6704756/#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8700808/
https://fluoridealert.org/researchers/states/

We’ve been saying it for years!

And finally, Congress is listening… maybe.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) hosted a Congressional “roundtable” discussion with a dozen doctors and other experts from the health & wellness world. Max Lugavere, Dr. Casey Means, Dr. Marty Makary among them.

But it was Jillian Michaels, best known for her role as a tough-love trainer on “The Biggest Loser,” that received a standing ovation after delivering her passionate speech about the epidemic of chronic diseases linked to obesity impacting multiple generations of Americans.

In her speech, she brazenly called out the companies behind ultra-processed foods (UPFs) for promoting harmful products that have spawned a tidal wave of long-lasting devastating health effects, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer, particularly breast and colorectal, digestive issues, and cognitive decline.

In 2020, approximately 71.5 million Americans, 50 and older, had at least one chronic disease. By 2050, this number is projected to nearly double, increasing by more than 99% to reach 143 million.

Currently, more than 42% of Americans are obese. 

“If this current trend is allowed to persist, the stakes will be untenable. We are in the middle of an extinction-level event,” Michaels sternly warns.

She believes the epidemic stems from the combination of Big Pharma, Big Food giants, and industrial agriculture, which use pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, and additives. Michaels argues that these entities have betrayed public trust by promoting products that have perpetually fueled the obesity epidemic.

“It seemed unthinkable to question whether a corporation would poison us for profit [and] it was this betrayal of trust that allowed them to insidiously infiltrate every part of our lives. These monster corporations have mastered the art of distorting the research, influencing the policy, buying the narrative, engineering the environment, and manipulating consumer behavior.”

UPFs undergo multiple stages of processing, adding synthetic ingredients with little nutritional benefit. According to a report in the British Medical Journal, consuming large amounts of highly processed food can increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50%. The research also suggests that eating UPFs raises the risk of obesity by 55%, sleep disorders by 41%, type 2 diabetes by 40%, and depression by 20%.

If that’s not enough, people who ate a diet of primarily UPFs were 9% more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, and Huntington’s disease. A different study in the BMJ  found that people who ate a diet of mostly UPFs had an overall 4% higher risk of death for any reason, at all times.

But that’s not all! UPFs can also disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Changes to the microbiome can promote inflammation, spur tumor growth, hinder carcinogen clearance, and impair the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.

Michaels stressed the importance of making lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and healthy eating, to combat the growing epidemic.

She also called for greater awareness and education about the impact of diet and physical activity on overall health, urging people to prioritize preventive measures to reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

She ardently cautioned, “While I have been fortunate enough to pull many back from the edge, over the course of my 30-year career, I have lost just as many, if not more than I have saved. I have watched them slip through my fingers, mothers that orphaned their children, husbands that widowed their wives. I have even watched parents forced to suffer the unthinkable loss of their adult children.”

“They were literally sacrificed at the altar of unchecked corporate greed.”

The entire 4-hour roundtable is available here.

While actual congressional action is unlikely anytime soon, individual action can happen NOW. Take steps today to move more and replace UPFs with whole, single ingredient foods like poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables. It’s not an easy change, but we owe it to the people who love us to take steps to improve our health, one day at a time. We want you to live better, longer.

Sources:

https://rumble.com/v5g8w5x-jillian-michaels-talks-about-americas-chronic-disease-epidemic-and-its-an-e.html
https://askjoedimatteo.com/garbage-in/
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/28/ultra-processed-food-32-harmful-effects-health-review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9881650/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/big_pharmas_business_model_report.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296687/
https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310
https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476