Health Updates: Brief Insights into Today's Health-Related News
Rewritten Article:
Yo, holiday season's here, and it's gonna be a wild ride! But let's be real, not everyone's here for the jingle all the way. Even if you're a die-hard Christmas fan, ready to bake those sugar cookies and blast the tunes, the season can still bring on stress, anxiety, and even depression.
So kick back, grab a cup of nog, and let's dive into this issue, giving you some strategies to cope. Oh, and I'll sprinkle some health news bits for good measure.
But first, let's spill some tea on Gwynnie (or should I say, Gwyneth Paltrow). The gal who brought us the v-jay-jay candle reappears with a Netflix show called "Sex, Love & goop." And boy, it's goopy, alright. The good news is she seems to be embracing pleasure for vulva owners. In fact, the show even features a vulva puppet. Couples pair with sexologists to work through intimacy issues, fostering a positive view of sex and pleasure.
However, as always with Gwynnie and goop, a word of caution. She's notorious for hawking shady products and wellness practices for the nether regions. (Jade eggs, anyone?) Remember, a healthy dose of skepticism never hurts, especially when science is missing from the equation.
On a more serious note, let's discuss holiday stress and how to avoid it. While it's easy to get lost in the holiday whirlwind, remember it's okay to establish boundaries. It's perfectly fine to skip toxic family gatherings or old traditions that no longer serve you. Put yourself first and make this season worthwhile.
Here's a 'Holiday Bill of Rights' to inspire you:
- Your right to enjoy the holiday from the comfort of your own home.
- Your right to create new traditions.
- Your right to choose which old traditions to keep and which to toss.
- Your right to reject old family dynamics that harm you.
- Your right to decline food and drink that don't appeal.
- Your right to limit exposure to toxic people.
- Your right to opt-out of gift exchanges that burden your wallet.
- Your right to steer clear of drama and assert your boundaries when needed.
In sadder news, the U.S. has seen a staggering surge in drug overdose fatalities. Over the course of the pandemic, between April 2020 and April 2021, more than 100,000 people died from overdoses. This is the first time such numbers have crossed the six-figure mark in a single year, indicating a devastating crisis gripping the nation.
For a deeper understanding of the opioid crisis in America, check out the nonfiction book "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America" by journalist Beth Macy. Looking for a quicker read? Catch the miniseries based on the book on Hulu. And for a comprehensive overview of the opioid overdose epidemic, this Washington Post piece features some important graphics and information.
Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S:
- In 2021, the number of opioid overdose deaths from fentanyl surpassed that of overdose deaths for all drugs in 2016.
- The U.S. overdose death rate is 21.1 per 100,000 people.
- Other wealthy countries all have overdose death rates of 5 or less.
- The states that have been hit hardest by overdose deaths during the pandemic include West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.
Lastly, remember that the U.S. is grappling with misinformation, particularly about COVID-19. A recent study found that 78% of adults believe false information about the pandemic. So stay informed, do your research, and don't fall for fake news. Stay healthy, safe, and happy this holiday season!
Greatist gift guides:
- Top 10 Gift Ideas Perfect for Music Fans Like You
- Indulge in Luxury: 19 Splurge-Worthy Gifts for the Extravagant at Heart
- Cook Up a Storm with These 33 Unique Kitchen Gifts for Food Lovers
- 19 Skin and Beauty Gifts Tailored for You This Year
- If you're struggling to cope during the holiday season, you might consider getting vaccinated as a way to protect yourself from potential stressors.
- Don't let toxic holiday traditions or family dynamics ruin your peace of mind. Try establishing new traditions or setting boundaries to prioritize your mental health.
- To understand the complexities of microaggressions in the vaccination process, you can check out various guides and resources online that discuss the topic in detail. For instance, look for articles or research on how certain language or behavior can unintentionally perpetuate bias or discrimination in vaccine distribution.
