Author: Alerts CC

Despite recent rumors within the hair loss industry, products that combat hair loss are not linked to risk of suicide.

Roughly 40% of men end up having noticeable hair loss by the time they turn 35 years old. Many of these men often seek cosmetic alternates in order to prevent hair loss and keep themselves looking young. Recently, a few rumors have emerged that link hair loss medications to an increased risk in self-harm.

CTV News reports that a common class of medications used to treat both hair loss (in minor doses) and urinary symptoms in men can lead to depression and thoughts of self-harm, although in very rare circumstances.

Although the study does not link these medications to an increased risk of suicide, it resulted in a link between thoughts self-harm and depression.

“It is concerning that we found a small but significant increase in the risk of self-harm and depression,” said Dr. Blayne Welk, a urologist at Western University in London, Ontario, and lead other of the study. “If that depression does happen, it’s something you should talk to your doctor about.”

According to WebMD, the male pattern baldness medications may only result in the risk of depression and increased self-harm thoughts in older men.

“There have been concerns raised by patients and regulatory agencies regarding serious psychiatric adverse effects [in users of 5ARIs], added Welk.

The study, published online in JAMA Internal Medicine, showed no elevation in suicide risk for men using any of these products and was never intended to prove any kind of cause-and-effect.

The researchers did find an 88% increase of risk of self-harm within the first 18 months of using the medications, as well as a risk of depression increase of 94% during the first 18 months of treatment. However, after the 18 month time period, the risk virtually disappeared.

Researchers concluded that the findings should be discussed in certain cases, but the benefits of the 5ARIs medications outlay the low risk of psychiatric effects.

It’s no secret that many fast food restaurants are infamous for serving abused animals. However, Burger King recently announced that it will stop buying chickens from farms that blatantly and grossly mistreat them.

The chain plans to only buy chickens that were raised according to the welfare standards set by Global Animal Partnership, an animal advocacy group. Burger King said they will reduce the suffering of millions of chickens with this effort.

“Chickens raised for meat, also known as ‘broilers,’ are among the most abused animals on the planet…They are bred to grow so unnaturally fast that they are often crippled under their own weight. Many suffer from constant leg pain so severe they cannot stand, and so spend nearly all their time sitting in their own waste,” GAP said in a statement.

According to GAP’s website, certified farmers must provide chickens with access to light and keep their living conditions more sanitary. One nesting box for every four to five hens is generally the minimum for hens to feel comfortable laying in them, but it’s not uncommon to see twice that amount on farms where chicken abuse is rampant. Chickens should also be given adequate medical care. Vets suggest twice-yearly checkups for older household pets, but chickens should be treated anytime they seem ill.

GAP said in the statement that its standards “will require chicken suppliers to breed only higher-welfare strains of chickens, reduce the stocking density of the birds, improve light levels and litter quality inside barns, and use controlled atmosphere stunning to render the birds unconscious before slaughter, dramatically improving slaughter methods and the birds’ living conditions.” GAP worked alongside Mercy For Animals, another animal advocacy group, to develop the policy.

Not only will these efforts improve the lives of millions of chickens, but they could actually improve the health of humans as well, considering the fact that each year, one in six Americans gets sick by consuming contaminated foods or beverages, according to the CDC. Healthier chickens ultimately lead to less contamination and increased overall well-being for both humans and our feathered friends.

GAP said Burger King will utilize third-party auditors to assure that its suppliers remain compliant with the GAP standards.

Other popular chain restaurants have made similar efforts in recent years to improve the treatment of animals in their supply chains. Chipotle, Red Robin, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Quiznos are just a few examples. One can only hope that more restaurants will continue to make the transformation to more animal-friendly practices.

Florida’s population, thanks to nice weather, recreational opportunities, and job growth, has continued to increase across the state.

Every single day, 1,000 people move to one of Florida’s popular cities. According to U.S. News, three metro areas across The Sunshine State were among the nation’s 10 biggest population gainers during 2016.

Tampa, Florida had the country’s fourth-highest gain last year with 58,000 new residents moving there; South Florida had the seventh highest with a population increase of 48,000; and Orlando added nearly 47,000 new residents during 2016, coming in at the seventh-highest metro increase in the United States.

“I could have moved anywhere, and I have family in Colorado, New York, and California. But the only place I feel comfortable is in Florida,” said Ismael Perdomo, who moved from Colombia to Orlando in 2015. “I found the right job in Orlando.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Perdomo, who cited the nice weather and a large Spanish-speaking population as two of the main reasons he relocated, lives in the booming North Orange Avenue area of downtown Orlando. Over the last few years, thousands of apartment units have been built in high-rise buildings along the North Orange Avenue strip.

Although the culture and nice weather play a major contributing factor in the population growth of the area, so does entertainment.

Desiree Siegel was very clear about why she chose to relocate to Orlando five years ago.

“I’m a huge fan of Disney, and the amusement parks here mean there’s always something to do,” Siegel added. “Living downtown gives me lots of options, too.”

Along with Austin, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Raleigh, North Carolina, Orlando was one of four metro areas in the U.S. that rank in the top 25 for both sheer numbers gained and population growth.