Tag Archives: United States

College Students Participating In Study-Abroad Programs Drink Twice More

American College Students Participating In Study-Abroad Programs Drink Twice As Much As They Did Before Going Abroad

College Students Students get a sense of freedom in universities and other higher learning institutions especially after spending most of their time learning close to their homes where parents will monitor everything they do. The fact that college students are considered old enough to make decisions on their own has only made students prone to problem drinking and use of other drugs. Students studying abroad meet people with different values that they trade and embrace, they will exploit the freedom they have in all manner of ways, they will engage in any pleasurable activity as the sense of camaraderie creeps in their mind. They do most of the things together and most decisions are made in groups. Those who left their homes when they were not taking alcohol fall victims in quest of belonging. They will do anything that will improve their cohesion and bonding even if it means breaking some barriers that one was bred with such as abstinence from alcohol and other drugs.

Colleges have been known as havens for drinking and merrymaking where students involve in all sorts of activities that may give pleasure however according to a new research it is evident that students who travel abroad to study will drink twice as much as they were drinking before travelling to study abroad. The study a broad campus has been given a perception that they are moments that you need to enjoy your liberties and have fun as opposed to studying in local campuses that seem more of a cage for many students.

In a study that was published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, a study that surveyed 177 students from the University of Washington about their drinking habits before, during and after their terms in an educational exchange program. Students studied overseas for 3-to-5-month stints, and during that time reported consuming an average of eight drinks per week, double the amount they drank while at home.

This study revealed that where students studied impacted their drinking behavior. Students who went to Europe, New Zealand and Australia drank the most, this is probably of the massive amounts of alcohol hat is generally consumed on social circles in these countries. Those who went to the Middle East or other places where drinking was not as widespread drank less. As known supply of alcohol in Middle East is not as much as in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Even the culture of those living in the middle east discourages alcohol and other drugs use therefore students who go to the middle east to study lose that opportunity of drinking as much and as frequent as they would have done when in Europe and other countries where the laws that regulate alcohol use is not as strict.

Apart from the place where students studied, another factor that influenced the drinking habits of students was legal age. According to a report published by The Los Angeles Times reports, Students under 21 drank less than their older peers before traveling, but once abroad they increased their drinking more. The students increased their rate of drinking by about 170%. They also drank more when they returned compared with before their trip abroad, and those numbers had no association with turning 21. It should be noted that in some countries the legal drinking age is under 21. So when students travel to a country where for example the legal drinking age is 18 he will begin drinking taking liberty with the loophole that has been created by traveling to study abroad.

The study also found out that students who had got into the habit of heavy drinking while on study abroad programs continued drinking heavily even when they got back home in the United States. However the other students who had not embraced heavy drinking when abroad returned to their normal drinking habits when they got back into the United States.

College drinking

Some of the reasons that led to the students drinking more than they did while at home may include; the students who went to study in Europe met a culture where wines are served with meals and that increased their alcohol consumption. Another reason is that study abroad programs are regarded by many students as outings and outings are synonymous to merrymaking where alcohol must feature to add spice into the experience.

How can these students be helped?

The students that have become heavy drinkers even after coming back to the United States should be helped so that they refrain from excessive consumption of the alcohol. However as known they will find it rather hard to quit this habit on their own and therefore input of professionals is needed to help them through a detoxification program that will restore the neuro endocrine functions and help them quit drinking the natural way. Dr. Dalal Akoury has been using NER and intravenous amino acid therapy to help addicts.  Intravenous amino acids and the NER are natural approaches to treating addicts that have so far bore juicy fruits. They are affordable, effective and are free from withdrawal symptoms that many people suffer after going through addiction treatment with pharmaceutical medicines. We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. These students who are struggling with addiction should just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

American College Students Participating In Study-Abroad Programs Drink Twice As Much As They Did Before Going Abroad

 

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Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

The biggest victim or culprit in causing skin problems is the excessive sun rays. Skin cancer is one of the most worrying skin health conditions to everyone. Therefore the experts’ advice that skin cancer prevention among many other health complications relating to the skin needs to be prevented by all means. It is always said that prevention is better than cure, meaning that we can do a lot more when we prevent such chronic conditions. It will not just keep our skin healthy, but it will also save us money, time and psychological problems. What actually goes in your mind at the mention of the disease cancer? I know that this is one of the most frustrating and traumatizing health condition one would not want to be associated with. It is because of its adverse effect on human life that doctor Dalal Akoury a medical professional of more than two decades of practice, founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to bring forth preventive solutions to everyone about skin care. Protecting your skin from the harms of the sun becomes the primary preventive measure anyone can take.

This is one point that when you visit this facility will be emphasized to you because it forms the basis of the problem. Therefore, the most important way of skin cancer prevention is to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This article’s objective is to give you tips on how you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. And most importantly, it is very imperative to protect children from the sun. Remember that the skin of a child is more delicate and sensitive to sun damage than the skin of an adult. Proper care needs to be exercise at that tender age to avert any possibilities of contracting skin cancer in later when they become adults. This does not necessarily mean that you and your children won’t enjoy the warmth of the sun, no the sunlight has some benefits and so you can still enjoy sunshine and the outdoors. This article only aims to help you to do so in a manner that encourages skin cancer prevention.

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Sun and Skin Damage

I have never seen anybody who doesn’t want to have a perfect skin complexion. Because this is a common denominator to all, doctor Akoury is explaining certain facts to put more emphasis on the effects of sun rays to the skin. Too much exposure to sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin. Some of this damage is short-term like sunburn. However, permitting your skin to burn consistently in such unfriendly weather can lead to future complications like skin cancer. The damage is often caused by the two main types of ultraviolet (UV) sunlight namely UVA and UVB.

  • UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging the skin dermis (the middle layer).
  • The dermis contains the elastic tissues that keep the skin stretchy.
  • UVA rays therefore have the effect of ageing the skin and causing wrinkles.
  • UVB rays are absorbed by the epidermis (the top layer of skin). This causes sun tanning but also burning.

It is important to note that both UVA and UVB rays will intensify your risk of developing skin cancer. Receiving sunburnt is a pointing sign that you are putting yourself at risk of contracting skin cancer. Also remember that damaged skin cells also points out that you’re at greater risk of becoming abnormal and cancerous.

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays: Melanin

Melanin is the colour pigment in our skins. When skin is exposed to sunlight, more melanin is produced to help protect the skin against the UV rays. This makes the skin darker what people refer to as a suntan. Although melanin stops your skin burning so easily, it does not prevent the harmful effects of UV rays.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun. This includes:

  • The non-melanoma type of skin cancer
  • The melanoma type of skin cancer

Non melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Sun damage can also cause other skin problems to develop. For example, it can cause premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. It can also cause non-cancerous growths on the skin, such as solar keratosis

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Who is at risk of skin cancer?

People of all ages should protect their skin, but it is even more vital to protect children. Although skin cancer is rare in children, the amount of sun exposure during childhood is thought to increase the risk of developing skin cancer in adult life. Children who have had episodes of sunburn are more likely to develop skin cancers in later life. The skin of children is more delicate and more prone to damage. Therefore, take extra care with children, and keep babies out of the sun completely.

If you have pale skin, red or fair hair, and freckles, you have the type of skin which burns most easily. This puts you at increased risk of sun-related skin damage and you should take extra care to protect your skin NEVER allow yourself to burn. If you have pale skin, you do not have as much protective melanin. Skin cancers, especially melanoma, are less common in non-white skin types. However, they can still occur, and sun protection is still important.

Other factors which can put you at more risk of developing skin cancer are:

  • Having lots of moles.
  • Having a history of a skin cancer of any type.
  • Someone in your family having a history of skin cancer.
  • Having albino skin. This is very white skin which has no melanin at all.
  • Having vitiligo. This is patches of very white skin with no melanin.
  • Scars on your skin from burns or ulcers.
  • A weakened immune system (being immunosuppressed.) This can be from an illness such as HIV or AIDS, or from certain medication which affects the immune system.
  • A job which involves you being outdoors most of the time.
  • Living in a hot country, particularly if you have naturally pale skin.
Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

 

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Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS among Urban Minority Youth

How to Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS among Urban Minority Youth

Substance abuse and HIV/AIDs are major problems that the urban minority youth have to face daily. Substance abuse among the urban minority youths has been linked to many societal ills including theft and robbery, the urban youth minority that are involved in substance abuse face some of the toughest life choices especially after becoming dependent on the drugs of abuse . once they have got dependent on the drugs of abuse they will find it hard to supplement most of their daily needs as in most cases drug addicts are avoided by employers, once jobless and the heightening cravings for the substances of abuse they will turn to some other ways of finding their daily supply of the drugs that they use. Turning to robbery has become one of the immediate choices that they bump into and hence they become a problem that the whole society suffers from. In most cases the youths may be felled by police bullets while escaping from crime scenes and some who are lucky will be sent to rehabilitation centers and that in itself affects the economy of a country as the country will spend more on these centers sometimes having to forego other expenses just to cater for the youths.

The biggest problem with the urban minority youths is their environment. Most of the people they interact with especially through the media lead lives of drug abuse, most of these youths are driven by their love for certain genres, they therefore idolize such artists so much that they will want to lead a life like theirs, this is a great problem having drug users as role models therefore there is need for educating the youths to stay away from drug use through the use of messages that may be sent through broadcast media such as radio and television. The urban minority youths needs to access relevant information that may help them stay away from drug abuse.

HIV and Youth Statistics

The urban minority youths are also involved in active sex. In most cases these youths do not get serious with their relationships, these relationships are sex based and having one night stands with different women is something that these youths take pride of. It is the involvement of these youths with multiple sexual partners that put them at high risk of contacting HIV/AIDS.  The urban minority youths need access to drug abuse and HIV/AIDS preventing messages in their immediate environment. Painting walls and having these messages artistically inscribed on the walls can be a good way to market this ideology and help the youths know of the dangers of drug abuse and involving oneself in risky sexual behaviors such us having multiple sexual partners. Other ways that can help these youths to stay away from drug abuse and HIV/AIDS may include:

Evidence-based prevention protocols

In a research study done to assess whether evidence-based prevention protocols could positively influence substance abuse and HIV/AIDS knowledge and reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors among urban minority youth by the by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) dubbed Be Proud! Be Responsible! CASASTART; Focus on Youth; and Street Smart. This research study that involved sessions comprised of six, 50-minute modules that incorporated role-plays, discussions, and multimedia formats to actively educate and engage youth in prevention activities.

This study used the National Minority Substance Abuse / HIV Prevention Initiative Cohort 7 Youth Questionnaire. The National Minority Substance Abuse / HIV Prevention Initiative Cohort 7 Youth Questionnaire was developed by CSAP as part of a national cross site evaluation of all Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) funded programs throughout the United States. Sexual risk behavior served as the outcome variable, with the following ten predictors being assessed for the study: disapproval / alcohol use, school importance, delinquency/crime, disapproval / tobacco use, disapproval / marijuana use, illicit drug use, stress- related alcohol and drug use, HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV/AIDS testing, and negative peer attitudes.

The findings of the study showed changes in pre and posttest measures which revealed that participants who were at heightened risk were also more inclined to get tested for HIV/AIDS after receiving the intervention (95% confidence level). At posttest, an increase in HIV/AIDS knowledge seemed to have a buffering effect against risky sexual behaviors. Additionally, participants who thought of school more favorably were less likely to engage in sexual risk taking behaviors at posttest (95% confidence level). This study therefore showed the importance of educating the urban minority youths and creating awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS as paramount to fighting these two vices in the urban minority youths.  The intervention used the pretest-posttest design and worked with four urban high schools and five summer camp programs located in the Northeastern United States having a total of 653 African American and Hispanic/Latino youth, ranging in ages from 13 to 18.

hiv

Promoting Talent

The youths have talents that need to be exploited in a bid to find avenues though which the drug abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention messages can be spread. Apart from using their talents as a media through which this message reach many people it also keeps them occupied and gives them a reason to focus more in their own developments other than indulging in drug abuse and risky sexual behaviors.

Finally, Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict chained to any behavior. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

How to Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS among Urban Minority Youth

 

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Substance Abuse Promotes Violence Against Women

Women with Substance Abuse Problems Exposed to Violence Against Women by Men

substance abuseWomen are type vulnerable lot. They are the victims of most violence against women cases that happen in homes and even outside home in clubs and public places. However when a woman engages in substance abuse she even become more vulnerable. It is not strange to see a woman who has got drunk being dragged away by men who do not even know her, in most cases women are raped when they are drunk by people who are closest to them. In this society women who have become dependent on alcohol are an easy prey to men who insult and use them for all their benefits; their handbags snatched, they get physically harmed and in extreme cases where they drink too much to contain the have been victims of gang rape.

In family setting, in a home where a woman is a drunkard there will always be fights between her and her husband, women increase their chances of being physically hurt by their husbands when they get drunk and hence are unable to reason well as they would without the influence of alcohol and other drugs. The drugs taken often interfere with the cognitive abilities of the people who use them and women are no exception, with this impaired cognitive abilities in a person nothing happens the same and for women it places them at risk of assault not only from their spouses but also from the general public. Some  have also turned to substance abuse or alcohol, as a result of exposure to violence against women perpetrated by men . When someone is exposed to violence the will suffer Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms which is majorly characterized by emotional numbing, intrusion, hyper arousal and even avoidance, a woman experiencing PTSD will turn to alcohol and other forms of substance abuse to escape these memories but this will only make her even more vulnerable. Women who might have also been brought up by parents who constantly fought face a problem in the future as the woman has the syndrome in her, she grew up seeing her mother being victimized by the father and that in itself is a myriad dosage of inferiority complex, making her view herself as a someone to be subjected to a man’s control hence giving in to constant harassment by men. This problem can be light in normal circumstances but if she also takes alcohol or uses other drugs then the risk of substance abuse is greatly escalated.

Research study in Stockholm

Between March 2009 and April 2010, 79 women with substance misuse in Stockholm were interviewed; 35 WwH (WwH) participating in outpatient treatment for substance misuse, and 44 HW (HW) with or without treatment for substance misuse in contact with Social Services. When in contact with Social Services, there is a standing offer to participate in treatment for substance abuse problems, though not mandatory for receiving help. Women were asked to participate in the study by the staff at the respective units or by a researcher when visiting each participant unit.

HW in the present study were individuals without a residence, owned or rented, had no permanent address, had to rely on temporary housing options, or were living rough. Women in shelters or temporarily living in institutions were also included.

There were some missing data on items randomly distributed over the measurements for one of the subjects included in the HW group.

A shortened version of the World Health Organization questionnaire of male violence against women – experience of men’s physical and psychological violence, sexual abuse, number and incidence of assault, and domestic violence between the adults during childhood was completed by the subjects. Questionnaires concerning relation to male perpetrators like partner, father, acquaintance, etc., if the violence against women was reported to the police, if the report passed to prosecution, any help they got and from whom, and experienced satisfaction with this help/support, were formulated for this study by the authors. ASI, Addiction Severity Index, was also used to seek information about substance misuse problems, physical and psychological health, family situation, marital status, children, and experience of the justice system.

The results of the study

In total, 91% (72 of 79 women; WwH 29; HW 43) had experienced  violence against women by men. In total 99% (WwH 97%; HW 100%) reported experiences of emotional/psychological violence against women, 90% (WwH 83%; HW 95%) physical, and 61% (WwH 59%; HW 63%) sexual violence. Nearly two fifths (WwH 18%; HW 82%) of the women had been assaulted during the past year and about one-fifth (WwH 10%; HW 33%) from their current partner, most exposed by numbers and times were the HW. About a third of the women (WwH 34%; HW 28%) had been abused by the father or another male relative, for further information about the number of women in the respective group subjected to violence against women during childhood.

substance abuseThe study, on substance abuse, also found out that alcohol dependence was a contributor to the injustices that women were put through. The mean score for the WwH alcohol consumption days during the last 30 days was 6.8 days (SD=9; range 0-30). Most frequent substance abuse during the last 30 days was amphetamine used by 24 of the HW in mean 7.3 days (SD=12.2; range 0-30). Both groups were suffering from physical ill health as prolonged physical damage/illness (WwH 51%; HW 82%), receiving medication for physical problems (WwH 43%; HW 45%), and had Hepatitis C virus infection (WwH 6%; HW 70%).

In conclusion, it is clear that women who engage in are more exposed to violence against women than those who are not. It is therefore necessary for women addicted to drugs to seek treatment. We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Women with Substance Abuse Problems Exposed to  Violence Against Women by Men

 

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Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System

Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System

Nervous System NutrientsThe nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and all the nerve endings throughout your body. This system is very fundamental as most activities are channeled through this system.  All the essential functions of life such as breathing, heartbeat, locomotion and cognitive functions are dependent on this system. This system however needs to be nourished and replenished by nutrients from our daily meals. Proper functioning of your nervous system relies on a number of factors, including nutrients obtained from your diet. Consuming essential minerals and vitamins can help ensure the continued health of your nervous system which will result in your overall good health.

Calcium– Calcium is a mineral that is present in the foods we eat. It is responsible for maintain bone density and strength. It is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system as well. However use of some substances like caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to deplete calcium. Particularly caffeine has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Depressed calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. For this reason it is advisable that a recovering addict should take 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.

Magnesium-Magnesium is a crucial mineral in the nervous system.it works together with calcium in keeping the nervous system strong and healthy. Most abused substances contribute to diminished magnesium levels in the blood. This is unhealthy since it is magnesium that also regulates the amounts of mineral calcium in the whole system. This is how magnesium regulates the amounts of mineral calcium in the system. It is good to note that in the body these two minerals are positively charged. When they come into contact with negatively charged particles, an electrical current is formed. It is believed that fatty acids comprising the major portion of nerve tissue are negatively charged. Therefore to maintain a good electrical status the minerals calcium and magnesium supplies must be constantly renewed without this the flow of current by the nerves cannot be maintained.

Just like a battery works only when there is a positive and a negative electrode that maintains an electrical current. In case the positive plates become exhausted, will no longer function well. By this same mechanism, small amounts of electrical currents flow from the calcium ion to the negatively charged nerve lipids. When magnesium levels are low, the calcium supply becomes exhausted, and in the absence of adequate calcium, the nerve cells cease to function. It is advisable that a recovering addict should consider taking 500-1000 mg of elemental magnesium daily in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – DLPA is composed of two amino acids, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine. It is the raw material that the nervous system uses to make PEA (Phenyl ethylamine) which increases the body’s ability to utilize endorphins. DL- Phenylalanine is most useful for cocaine addicts because it helps to restore norepinephrine levels, a neurotransmitter that is depleted by cocaine use. DLPA is also effective in lessening cravings and reducing depression, pain, and irritability. One double-blind study by Dr. Abram Hoffer compared the effect of D-Phenylalanine with imipramine which is a commonly prescribed anti-depressant, in 60 patients. Those given D-Phenylalanine had a higher rate of improvement, without the side effects of the anti-depressant. For good health and strong nervous system 500-750 mg dose, two times daily is recommended.

Nutrients  for The Nervous System

Potassium

The mineral potassium helps in proper nervous system function by regulating nerve impulses. This mineral plays a role in action potentials, the electrochemical impulses your nerve cells use to transmit a signal throughout the cell. Over the course of an action potential, sodium and potassium flood into and out of the cells, providing a temporary electrical signal that elicits a response within a nerve cell. The University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine explains that potassium signaling is important in turning off these nerve impulses when appropriate, preventing uncontrolled nerve signaling that can lead to diseases like epilepsy. Eating foods rich in potassium, like bananas, prune juice and oranges can help you consume an adequate level of potassium each day, supporting proper nervous system functioning.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that helps the functioning of the nervous system. This vitamin is part of the B-class vitamins and its main function is to help in the body’s metabolism. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates to produce glucose which fuels all the brain functions. This vitamin also supports nervous system functioning by helping to maintain healthy myelin, a nerve insulator that allows nerve transmission. A study by The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reveals that vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause a breakdown of myelin within the brain, which can in turn lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Consume foods like shellfish, poultry, beef and eggs to ensure proper vitamin B-12 consumption and support nervous system functioning

Thiamine-Thiamine or Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. This vitamin is needed so that our bodies can use carbohydrates as energy. It is a necessity for glucose metabolism. Thiamine also plays an important role in nerve, muscle and heart function. B1 (thiamine) optimizes cognitive activity and brain function. It also enhances the utilization of the glucose supplemented to form ATP and prevent the generation lactic acid that may accelerate cell damage in the brain

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System

 

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