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Biles, Osaka, Phelps Spoke on Mental Health Issues: Has Anything Changed for the Paris Olympics?

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Lydia Jacoby was a star in the U.S. pool at the last Summer Olympics, winning gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and silver in the relay. What involves mind from those heady days in Tokyo? “People talking about post-Olympic depression,” she said.

She was 17 at the time, and her first response when other athletes brought up the subject was, “Well, that doesn’t apply to me.”

“I didn’t really understand depression,” she said. “It wasn’t until after the Games that I was like, ‘Oh… OK. Yeah, I feel that a little bit.’”

Jacoby, who didn’t qualify for the 2024 Olympics, is now fully aware of the phenomenon, has lived through it, overcome it and speaks freely about it. All of this is a sign of how much the mental health landscape has modified in only a number of years.

As the Paris Olympics begin Friday and the Paralympics begin Aug. 28, athletes have more access than ever to resources on this once-taboo sphere, and so they seem more willing than ever to make use of them. That seems especially significant provided that Jessica Bartley, senior director of psychological services for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, says about half of the nation’s athletes at the past two Olympics have been flagged as having a minimum of one in every of the following conditions: anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, substance use or abuse.

“Now we’re really just part of the conversation,” Bartley said, “not something on the back burner or something we think about when someone’s struggling.”

Among the key questions now: Will everyone seek the help they need? And is there enough help available?

As for the former, Bartley said: “I’d prefer to think we have gotten past that time, but we’re not quite there yet. I feel like there’s still some stigma. I believe there’s still some associations with ‘weakness.’

And the second? “I think there could be more,” said track and field star Gabby Thomas, “but, I mean, they are.”

Olympians Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps opened the door

Three Olympians — Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, who competed in the last pandemic-delayed Summer Games and are returning, and former swimmer Michael Phelps, who has more medals than anyone else in any sport — are amongst the loudest voices in an evolving global conversation in sports and society about the importance of protecting, evaluating and improving the mind as much as the body.

Phelps has spoken about having suicidal thoughts at the height of his profession and helped produce a documentary about depression amongst Olympic athletes. He has also called on the International Olympic Committee and the USOPC to do more.

“I think there’s something to be said for a lot of really, really good athletes talking about the same issue. I know not all athletes feel the same way; you have to be a certain type or have a certain state of mind. Some people just feel things differently,” said Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1-ranked player who lit the pot in Japan.

She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and was one in every of the first sports figures to take a break from competition for mental health reasons, paving the way for others to do the same.

Osaka, for her part, said she felt “very heard” when listening to Biles and Phelps.

“I’m sure a lot of different athletes felt heard as well,” Osaka said. “They didn’t feel like it was a weakness or anything like that, so I’m really glad we all talked about it.”

Biles, who redefined excellence in gymnastics and won seven Olympic medals along the way, drew attention, and a few criticism, for withdrawing from the Tokyo competition due to a mental block — known in the gymnastics world as “the twisties” — that left her afraid to perform certain dangerous moves.

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The indisputable fact that her explanation of what went improper got here in such a public setting as the BIGGEST star in Tokyo made all of it the more meaningful to other athletes.

“She didn’t have to,” said WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. “She used her position to help others.”

What Biles did resonated with athletes like Tokyo gold medalist kayaker Nevin Harrison, who said that “anxiety, fear, stress… are going to play a huge role in competing at that level.”

Biles showed them that a way out of the situation was possible.

“I was in that situation once,” said boxer Morelle McCane, “when I just thought, ‘Do or die! Do or die!'”

How different is that this from the Olympic Games today?

Janet Evans won 4 gold medals in swimming at the 1988 and 1992 Games and recalls the relentless pressure to prove herself. In her day, she says, there was nowhere near the empathy or support available to Olympic athletes today.

“We didn’t talk about struggle. Nobody taught me that it’s OK to lose, right? You know, I was Janet Evans, and when I went to the swim meet, I was going to win,” said Evans, the chief athlete officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. “We’re talking about it now and recognizing it in our athletes. And I think that’s an important first step.”

That means even 38-year-old rugby player Perry Baker has noticed changes since his Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“You had to wait it out. You felt a little lonely. You felt like you couldn’t talk to anybody,” said Baker, who played briefly for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.

Evans admitted that national Olympic committees have to search out a balance between caring for athletes as people and ensuring that medals accumulate, which is a “difficult task”.

“We should go to the Olympics and Paralympics and win medals. But I don’t think that should come at the expense of how we prepare our athletes for the future,” Evans said. “Both can happen.”

That’s where Bartley and her counterparts from other countries and the IOC are available in.

The Beijing Winter Olympics two years ago were the first to provide national Olympic committees additional powers to ask athlete welfare employees—registered mental health professionals or qualified safeguarding experts. More than 170 representatives from greater than 90 countries can be in Paris.

“We didn’t have that in Tokyo, and now it’s going to be implemented at every Games,” said Kirsty Burrows, head of the IOC’s unit on athletes’ mental health. “Because we’re really seeing the impact.”

There can be a 24-hour mental health hotline with counselors who speak greater than 70 languages, a program that was launched for the Beijing Games but is now available to each Olympian and Paralympian for as much as 4 years after the event, artificial intelligence that monitors athletes’ social media for cyberbullying, and a “mind zone” in the athletes’ village with a yoga space, dim lighting, comfortable seating and other tools “dedicated to disconnecting, to decompressing,” Burrows said.

The USOPC has gone from six mental health providers 3 1/2 years ago to fifteen now; 14 can be in France. Last 12 months, 1,300 Team USA athletes participated in greater than 6,000 therapy sessions organized by the USOPC.

“I expect the numbers to be even higher,” Bartley said, “particularly in an Olympic year.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Via Griffin/Getty Images

Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Phenergan for children under 6 years of age is currently banned due to fear of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products mustn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted effects similar to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may additionally change into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may additionally occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns concerning the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions similar to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known concerning the serious unwanted effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not beneficial for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this yr.

Over the last ten years, 235 cases of serious unwanted effects from promethazine have been reported in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines similar to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the chance of sedation and other disturbing unwanted effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the kid’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

7 things you can do if you think you’re sweating too much

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Sweating is a way for the body to chill down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

When your body temperature rises (since it’s hot outside or you exercise), sweat glands throughout your skin secrete a watery fluid. When the liquid evaporates, it takes heat with it, protecting us from overheating.

But sweating can vary from individual to individual. Some people could get a bit of dew under their arms, others may feel like they may fill a swimming pool (perhaps not as dramatically, but you get the thought).

So what’s a traditional amount of sweat? And what’s too much?

Why do some people sweat greater than others?

How much you sweat depends upon many aspects aspects including:

The average person sweats at a rate of approx 300 milliliters per hour (at a temperature of 30°C and humidity of roughly 40%). However, because you can’t measure the quantity of your individual sweat (or weigh it), doctors use a unique measure to evaluate the impact of sweating.

They ask if sweating interferes with on a regular basis life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes due to sweat stains or you feel embarrassed, so you don’t go to social events or work.

If so, it’s a so-called disease state excessive sweatingwhat affects tens of millions of individuals everywhere in the world.

As you might expect, people affected by this condition most frequently report problematic underarm sweating. However, sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin might also be an issue.

Excessive sweating could also be a symptom of one other disease, e.g hyperthyroidism, fever or menopause.

But excessive sweating cannot have an obvious cause, and the causes of this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are somewhat mysterious. People have a traditional variety of sweat glands, but scientists consider they simply produce excessive amounts of sweat when exposed to triggers reminiscent of stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and spicy spices. There might also be a genetic link.

Okay, I’m sweating loads. What can I do?

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants, especially those with aluminumThey are the primary line of defense and have been designed to scale back sweating. Deodorants only stop unpleasant body odor.

Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate, aluminum chloride or weaker tetrachlorohydrex aluminum and zirconium glycinate they react with sweat gland proteins to form a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, limiting the quantity of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

These products may contain as much as 25% aluminum. The higher the proportion, the higher these products work, however the more they irritate the skin.

Make sure you buy antiperspirant, not deodorant.
Okrasiuka/Shutterstock

2. Beat the warmth

This could seem obvious, but staying calm can make an enormous difference. This is because you have less heat to lose, which causes your body to provide less sweat.

Avoid highly regarded and long showers (you’ll have more heat to lose), wear loose clothing fabricated from breathable fabrics reminiscent of cotton (this can help sweat evaporate more easily), and carry a small hand-held fan to assist your sweat evaporate.

When exercising, try it ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a shawl or cloth after which applied to the body) or wet towels. They can be worn across the neck, head or wrists to lower body temperature.

Also try to switch when or where you exercise; If possible, try to seek out cool shade or air-conditioned places.

If your sweating remains to be affecting your life after taking the primary two steps, consult with your doctor. They will help you find the most effective strategy to cope with this problem.

3. Medicines

Some medicines may help regulate sweating. Unfortunately, a few of them can also cause uncomfortable side effects reminiscent of dry mouth, blurred vision, abdominal pain or constipation. So consult with your doctor about what’s best for you.

Your GP might also refer you to a dermatologist – a health care provider like me who makes a speciality of skin conditions – who can recommend a wide range of treatments, including among the following.

4. Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections usually are not used solely for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including: they block the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for months.

The dermatologist normally gives injections. But they’re only subsidized by Medical care in Australia under the arms and if you suffer from primary hyperhidrosis that can not be controlled with the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given as much as thrice a yr. It just isn’t subsidized within the case of other diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism or other areas, e.g. face or hands.

If you don’t qualify, you can get these shots privately, but it would cost you a whole bunch of dollars for treatment that can last as long as six months.

A healthcare worker giving a man a Botox injection under his arm
In some cases, injections can be found under Medicare.
Satyrenko/Shutterstock

5. Iontophoresis

This involves using a tool that passes a weak electric current through water to the skin decreased sweating in your hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure how exactly it really works.

But it’s the one way to manage sweating within the hands and feet, which doesn’t require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

This treatment just isn’t subsidized by Medicare and never all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy your individual device and use it, which is frequently cheaper than using it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if that is the proper option for you.

6. Surgery

There is a procedure where the nerves within the hands are cut, which prevents them from sweating. This is very effective however it may cause sweating somewhere else.

There are also other surgical options that you can talk to your doctor.

7. Microwave therapy

This is newer treatment which stimulates the sweat glands to destroy them in order that they can now not work. This just isn’t quite common yet and is kind of painful. It is out there privately in several centers.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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