Dalgarno Institute - Health Education Charity

Stop Targeting Kids with Alcohol Ads Now! #alcoholawareness #childrenshealth and #wellbeingmatters As an Australian social media summit convenes, Catherine Earl calls for increased transparency in how algorithms target young people with advertising. A staggering 72 million data points are collected on Australian children by the time they turn 13, allowing digital advertisers to exploit their likes, dislikes, and vulnerabilities. This data is often used to push adverts for harmful products, such as alcohol, at a time when young people may be particularly susceptible. ( for complete story https://lnkd.in/g5uHevCb )

The Poison in Your Pot: Unchecked Pesticides in Marijuana #cannabisindustry #poison As cannabis legalisation spreads across the US, a disturbing pattern has emerged that threatens to undermine the safety of both medical and recreational marijuana: the widespread presence of dangerous pesticides. The problem becomes particularly acute with concentrated cannabis products. Studies have shown that pesticide levels in concentrated forms, such as oils and waxes used in edibles or dabbing, can be approximately ten times higher than in the original plant material. This intensified toxicity in concentrated products poses a significant public health threat, especially considering the growing popularity of these consumption methods. Exposure and Health Risks: The method of consumption significantly affects pesticide exposure levels. While filtered cigarettes only transmit about 10% of pesticides to the user—a rate comparable to using cannabis in a water pipe with attached filters—the story changes dramatically with common consumption methods. Regular bong use allows approximately half of the pesticides to reach the lungs, and glass pipes present even greater exposure risks. (for complete article https://lnkd.in/ggEUcm4u )

"Holiday Heart Syndrome” is no ‘holiday’ for the heart! Acute Alcohol Consumption and Its Impact on Heart Rate and Arrhythmias #alcoholawareness #hearthealth Acute alcohol consumption has long been associated with various cardiac arrhythmias, a phenomenon often referred to as “holiday heart syndrome.” This term describes the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, following episodes of excessive alcohol intake. The specific effects of acute alcohol consumption on the heart, however, remain under- explored. A prospective cohort study, as detailed in Practice Update, sheds light on the temporal progression of cardiac arrhythmias in young adults subsequent to binge drinking episodes. https://lnkd.in/gHepRed3

Profit Over Health: The Role of Industries in Drug Addiction #addictionawareness #addiction for #profit Commercial interests are increasingly recognised as significant contributors to drug use and addiction. These interests are part of the broader social determinants that influence health behaviours and outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies these determinants as the conditions in which people live and work, which are heavily influenced by commercial forces. The Impact of Key Industries: The alcohol, tobacco, and ultra-processed food industries are major contributors to global health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol consumption results in over 178,000 deaths annually in the United States. Tobacco use is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year. Additionally, unhealthy diets rich in ultra-processed foods lead to approximately 678,000 deaths annually from nutrition- and obesity-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Collectively, these industries significantly impact mortality rates, contributing to the 3.27 million deaths recorded annually in the U.S. https://lnkd.in/g7KSRFEE

Manipulation and Power: Drugs and Alcohol in Domestic Violence #violenceprevention needs #drugfree environments Research spanning over three decades has consistently highlighted how the frequency, severity, and impact of violence escalate in the presence of alcohol and drugs. It’s all too common for domestic violence and substance use to be treated as separate issues, which often leads to patchy solutions. We really need to start looking at these problems together, creating strategies that keep victims and children safe. By focusing on comprehensive policies, we can tackle these complex challenges head-on. (for more https://lnkd.in/g6hBNaqi ) (also see Lawmakers Discuss Family Violence Crisis https://lnkd.in/gBngDTHn

Study Links Teen Cannabis Use to Academic Decline  #cannabisculture #StonerFam A comprehensive study involving data from 63 studies and nearly 440,000 youths has indicated a significant association between marijuana use and poor academic outcomes among teenagers. According to the research, teens who use cannabis are more likely to experience lower school grades, a reduced likelihood of completing high school, and decreased chances of enrolling in or graduating from university. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, also notes that chronic marijuana use during adolescence can lead to long-term changes in brain architecture, impairing cognitive and memory functions. This analysis provides “moderate-certainty” evidence linking adolescent cannabis use to a 39% higher probability of lower grades and more than double the odds of school dropout and absenteeism. (for more https://lnkd.in/gtZVZbYe

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Emotional Responses in Families Facing a Relative’s AUD #alcoholawareness and #MentalHealth Alcohol Use Disorder isn’t just a personal struggle. It touches the lives of everyone around the individual, especially family members. The stress and worry they feel can lead to serious emotional challenges, making it vital to support not only those with AUD but also their loved ones. Understanding this ripple effect is crucial for creating effective support systems. https://lnkd.in/gjTANJ9Y

Cannabis and Stroke: Uncovering the Hidden Risks #cannabisindustry and #strokeawareness need to be understood. As more jurisdictions move towards legalising cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, the perception of its risks has notably diminished. However, recent studies suggest that users may need to reassess these risks, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. Dr. Angelos Katramados, a neurologist and director of the acute stroke unit at Henry Ford Health, underscores the urgency for comprehensive research into the implications of cannabis use on stroke risk. Study Highlights Increased Risks: A pivotal study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has brought attention to the potential dangers of regular cannabis consumption. The research indicates that daily users may face a 25% higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. This study analysed data from over 434,000 respondents between 2016 to 2020, revealing a striking correlation between frequent cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. (for more https://lnkd.in/gii9ZnNA )

#MentalHealth and workplace