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Our new study shows that vaping among teenagers is linked to childhood trauma. Here’s why quitting smoking can be harder

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If you experience childhood trauma, you might be more likely to use substances resembling alcohol, tobacco AND other medicines Later. But what does the evidence say about vaporizers?

Our new study was the primary to examine the links between childhood trauma and vaping habits among Australian teenagers. Those who had a traumatic experience before age 12 were more likely to have tried vaping, vaped repeatedly, or intended to achieve this in the long run.

Despite bans on the import and sale of vaporizers containing nicotine, labeling gaps meant they were still easily accessible. A study of 423 vaporizers confiscated from New South Wales retailers in 2022 found that 98.8% contained nicotine.

While quitting nicotine is a challenge for most individuals, our research suggests that young individuals who have experienced trauma may face additional challenges and wish tailored support.

Trauma and substance use

For individuals who experience trauma early in life, the results can go far beyond the event itself. Trauma is a form psychological harm brought on by experiences that pose a serious threat to your life or the lifetime of others. These may include emotional, physical and sexual abuse or exposure to natural disasters and serious accidents.

Research links childhood trauma to negativity physical AND sanity results. This covers it higher rates substance use and addiction.

The reasons for this are complex and should involve numerous aspects, including social and environmental influences. For example, young individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely be exposed to using psychoactive substances by people around them.

But trauma also affects brain development, which can impact whether we’re more likely to use substances.

Traumatic experiences can lead to greater ones impulsiveness AND dangerous behavior. Trauma can also disrupt the way in which you take care of stress, lift our response to future stressors.

Despite the restrictions, nicotine-containing vaporizers are still available.
Sophon Nawit/Shutterstock

Self-medicating is dangerous for the developing brain

This is more often experienced by individuals who experienced trauma in childhood difficulty identifying, understanding and expressing emotions (so-called alexithymia). This is why we regularly speak about substance use as self-medication – a way to cope with emotional pain and stress.

However, self-medication is particularly problematic for young people. An adolescent’s brain is still developing, so it is more susceptible to the harmful effects of external aspects nicotine, alcohol and other medications.

Young people develop into addicted to nicotine faster than adults – and stronger cravings may make it harder for them to quit.

We found a link between early trauma and teenage vaping

A handful of studies I discovered consistent links between childhood trauma and vaping. But tests focused mainly on adults fairly than asking teenagers about vape use. It was only one study about trauma and vaping in Australia and involved adult women.

But we all know there are young people in Australia exposed to vaporizers early – and that the variety of teenagers who vape is growing.

Our new study examined self-report surveys of two,234 Year 7 and eight students from 33 schools in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, collected as a part of the study Health4Life study. The surveys assessed history of trauma at age 12 and vaping use three years later.

We found that individuals who experienced a traumatic experience at age 12 were more likely to say at age 15 that that they had tried vaping (64%), vaped repeatedly (63%), or intended to vape in the long run (44%).

Challenges of quitting smoking

Our new findings show a good younger group of Australians are prone to vaping and nicotine addiction. Many people may already be addicted.

Nicotine is there highly addictive and quitting smoking often takes multiple attempts due to difficult withdrawal symptoms. People often require a mix of behavioral support – resembling counseling – and pharmacological support, which can include nicotine alternative therapy or therapeutic vaporizers.

Current guidelines for primary care physicians emphasize the shortage of research on supporting teenagers in quitting smoking. The available evidence is based on studies conducted in adults or on smoking.

New federal laws we now have made therapeutic vaporizers – used to treat nicotine addiction – available on prescription to people under 18 years of age. However, this is subject to state and territory laws.

Other challenges

A history of trauma may increase the challenges of quitting smoking.

We know family AND social support are strong protective aspects for young people – for instance, when in search of help quit smoking.

However, this support is less likely to be available to children who’ve experienced violence and abuse given: more than likely the perpetrators they’re their circle of relatives.

Childhood trauma can also lead to a scarcity of trust in health care professionals.

In addition to GPs and counsellors, young people exposed to early trauma are likely to need specialist psychological support to develop healthier coping strategies.

A teenage girl with the hood of her sweatshirt pulled up holds her head in her hands and looks at the floor.
Trauma can change the way in which our brains develop and the way in which we take care of stress and emotional pain.
fizkes/Shutterstock

What young people need

We need a mix of universal and targeted prevention strategies.

In 2022-23, we now have developed a universal school prevention program, the so-called OurFutures vaping program. It is currently being evaluated with over 5,000 students in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, and refined in response to student and teacher feedback.

We also need strategies that recognize childhood trauma as a risk factor for vaping and give attention to harm reduction. We must do more to reduce childhood trauma evidence-based methods break cycles of abuse.

Consistent AND culturally secure These methods can help discover young individuals with trauma early and supply them with access to comprehensive support trauma-informed care.

Not all young people exposed to trauma will experience negative effects, but many will – and Australia must be higher prepared to respond.

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

Phenergan is no longer recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the risk 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 shouldn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted side effects akin to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may turn 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 occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns about the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions akin 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 side 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 about the serious unwanted side effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not recommended 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 12 months.

Over the last ten years, there have been 235 cases of serious unwanted side effects from promethazine 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 side 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 akin to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the risk of sedation and other disturbing unwanted side 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 child’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

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


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

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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