The teen birth rate in the U.S. continued its steady decline in 2022, dropping by 2% from the previous year, as per the latest final report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2022, there were 13.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19, down from 13.9 in 2021. This amounts to nearly 3,200 fewer births in that age group compared to the year before.

The rate has reached a new record low each year since 2009. Overall, it has declined by 67% since 2007 and 78% since 1991 — a trend the CDC attributes to reduced sexual activity among teens and increased use of contraception by those who are sexually active.

The annual drop also witnessed a 3% rate decline to 25.8 per 1,000 among women 18 to 19 years old. The rate among girls 15 to 17 years old in 2022 remained unchanged from the last year at 5.6 per 1,000.

In 2022, teen birth rates declined across several racial and ethnic groups. The rates dropped by 7% among both Black and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) females, and by 3% among white females, reaching 9.1 births per 1,000. Rates remained largely unchanged for Asian teens as well as Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI), while Hispanic teens saw a slight 1% increase. The highest birth rates were recorded among AIAN (22.5 per 1,000), NHOPI (20.5), and Black (20.3) females.

2022 also witnessed a decline in birth rate in 13 states in 2022. It has ranged from a 3% drop in Florida, to a 12% drop in Oklahoma. However, it essentially remained unchanged in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the teen birth rates among the states have ranged from a low of 4.6 births per 1,000 to a high of 26.4 per 1,000.

Here's a list of top 10 states with the highest teen birth rates in 2022

10. New Mexico

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 19.7 per 1,000

9. West Virginia

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 19.8 per 1,000

8. Texas

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 20.4 per 1,000

7. Alabama

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 20.9 per 1,000

6. Tennessee

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21 per 1,000

5. Oklahoma

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21.2 per 1,000

4. Kentucky

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 21.8 per 1,000

3. Louisiana

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 23.7 per 1,000

2. Arkansas

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 24.6 per 1,000

1. Mississippi

The teen birth rate here was recorded at 26.4 per 1,000

Why Is This Concerning?

Having a high teen birth rate means the number of teen pregnancy is also high. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent pregnancies are those between the age of 15 to 19, also known as teen pregnancies. WHO notes that adolescent mothers (aged 10–19 years) face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis and systemic infections than women aged 20–24 years, and babies of adolescent mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth and severe neonatal condition.

As per a 2022 report presented at the Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, titled, Complications of Pregnancy in Adolescents, teen pregnant mothers are at increase risks of poor obstetric outcomes including preterm delivery, low birth weight, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, and infant, as well as maternal morbidity.

Good sleep is one of the foundational traits of good health, and our activities, thoughts as well as what we eat, has an effect on it. What many people do not know is that certain foods have been associated with insomnia as well, for example alcohol can alter the circadian clock and worsen our sleep quality as well as spicy and hot foods have been associated with insomnia. So, what about foods that promote good sleep?

A doctor suggests a simple, natural solution: chia seeds. Dr. Alan Mandell, a chiropractor known as "Motivationaldoc" on social media, claims that just one tablespoon of this superfood before bed could help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling completely refreshed.

Sleep-Boosting Power of Chia Seeds

According to Dr. Mandell, chia seeds are a powerhouse when it comes to improving sleep quality. Here's why:

Tryptophan for Sleep Hormones

Chia seeds have something called tryptophan. This helps your body make serotonin, which calms you, and melatonin, which tells your body it's time to sleep. This means you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Magnesium for Relaxation

These tiny seeds are full of magnesium. This important mineral helps calm your nerves, reducing stress. If you're restless before bed, magnesium can help you get deeper, more restful sleep.

Omega-3s and Hydration

Chia seeds contain omega-3s, which can reduce inflammation, or swelling, that sometimes makes it hard to sleep. Also, when mixed with water, they form a gel that keeps you hydrated all night, stopping sleep problems caused by being thirsty.

Fiber for Satiety

The high amount of fiber in chia seeds makes you feel full. This can stop those late-night snack cravings that often interrupt your sleep.

Other Benefit of Chia Seeds

Beyond their sleep-enhancing properties, chia seeds offer a wealth of health advantages:

Nutrient-Dense: These little seeds are packed with good stuff! They're a great source of fiber, protein, healthy fats like omega-3s, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and antioxidants. They help your body work well.

Heart Health: The omega-3s and fiber in chia seeds are excellent for your heart. They help lower your blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and other fats, which significantly cuts down your risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Management: The impressive fiber in chia seeds helps keep your blood sugar levels steady. This is super helpful for people with diabetes, as it prevents big ups and downs in blood sugar.

Digestive Health: Because they're so high in fiber, chia seeds are wonderful for your gut. They help your digestion run smoothly, ensuring regular bowel movements and keeping your stomach comfortable.

Weight Management: The fiber in chia seeds also makes you feel full. This means you're less likely to overeat, which can really help you with your weight loss goals in a healthy way.

Complete Protein Source: Amazingly, chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This makes them a complete protein, which is especially great if you're vegetarian or vegan.

Antioxidant Power: Chia seeds are rich in powerful antioxidants. These help protect your body's cells from damage, contributing to your long-term health.

Skin cancer is much more common than people think it is. It is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissue of the skin. The National Cancer Institute explains that there are different types of skin cancer. While it is treatable, any cancer diagnosis comes with the understanding that your chances of survival are declining. A big reason why it is so treatable is because of early diagnosis. This particular symptom of skin cancer becomes much more apparent with just 15 minutes in the sun.

As many enjoy the recent sunny weather, it's crucial to be aware of the risks of sun exposure. Cancer UK is urging everyone to monitor their skin for signs of skin cancer, which can develop after as little as 15 minutes in the sun. Even with sunscreen, you can still get burned if the SPF isn't high enough or if it's not reapplied regularly.

Link Between Sunburn and Cancer Risk

Getting a sunburn is a clear indication of skin damage caused by too much UV radiation, which harms the DNA in your skin cells. While one sunburn doesn't guarantee skin cancer, the more often you get burned, the higher your risk. To protect yourself, remember to:

Seek shade

Stay in the shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. This greatly lowers your exposure to harmful UV radiation, making it safer to be outside during these peak hours.

Cover up with loose clothing

Wear loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. These items create a barrier, shielding your skin and eyes from direct sunlight and reducing your overall sun exposure.

Apply sunscreen

Use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and 4 or 5 stars, and put on plenty of it, often. Regular and correct sunscreen use creates a protective layer, significantly lowering your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage from UV rays.

Spotting the Early Warning Signs

Non-melanoma skin cancer often shows up on skin exposed to the sun. To catch it early, it helps to know how your skin normally looks so you can spot any changes. Regular self-checks are key for early detection. Here's how to check your skin:

Use a handheld mirror for hard-to-see areas, or ask a friend or partner for help. This ensures you don't miss any suspicious spots on your back or other less visible parts of your body.

Take photos of anything that seems unusual. Include a ruler or tape measure in the photo to track its size and changes. These pictures are important for your doctor to assess any evolving skin concerns. They might look like:

• A new spot or sore that doesn't heal within a few weeks. Persistent, non-healing lesions are a significant warning sign that warrant immediate medical attention to rule out cancerous growth.
• A new lump that is firm, growing, or has an unusual color. Any new, unexplained lump on your skin should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it changes in appearance.
• A red or dark patch that might be scaly or crusty. Discolored patches, particularly those with rough textures or irregular borders, can be indicators of skin cancer and require medical assessment.
• Something that is itchy, crusty, or bleeding without obvious injury. These symptoms, especially when persistent, suggest that a skin lesion might be abnormal and necessitate a doctor's examination for proper diagnosis.

After many people reported problems with their pancreas post taking weight loss and diabetes injections, the UK health officials launched a study to look into side-effects of these drugs.

Cases of pancreatitis, which causes inflammation of the pancreas, which is a gland located behind the stomach, has been fatal. These cases have been linked to GLP-1 medicines, also the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Acute Pancreatitis: The Background

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is investigating a rise in reports of acute pancreatitis potentially linked to GLP-1 weight-loss medications. This follows an increase in submissions to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, which tracks adverse reactions to medicines and medical devices.

What Happens In Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive gland behind the stomach, and often requires hospitalisation. Symptoms include intense abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide), and liraglutide, list pancreatitis as an “uncommon” side effect, estimated to affect up to one in 100 users.

To date, nearly 400 cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported in relation to these drugs, with 181 linked to Mounjaro. Alarmingly, over a quarter of those reports have emerged in 2025 alone. This year, the Yellow Card scheme has recorded 101 cases related to tirzepatide and 22 tied to semaglutide.

Also Read: Commonwealth Swimmer Archie Goodburn And His Journey With A Rare Cancer That Kills Before 40

Acute Pancreatitis: What Did The Authorities Say?

An MHRA spokesperson noted: “With increased usage, we’re seeing more Yellow Card reports involving GLP-1 medicines and acute pancreatitis.” While there’s currently no known genetic link, the MHRA is exploring whether genetics might influence susceptibility to such side effects. It has called on both patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected drug-related pancreatitis.

The Study on Acute Pancreatitis: Who Can Be Part Of It?

Those affected may be invited to join the Yellow Card Biobank study, conducted with Genomics England. Participants will provide health information and saliva samples to help researchers investigate genetic factors that may affect drug reactions.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, said nearly a third of all medicine side effects could be preventable with genetic testing, which may also help reduce the estimated £2.2 billion annual cost of adverse drug reactions to the NHS.

Drug manufacturers have responded to the concerns. Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, stated that patient safety remains a top priority and noted that pancreatitis is already listed as a known side effect. Novo Nordisk UK, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, also stressed the importance of using GLP-1 medications only under medical supervision, while continuing to monitor safety data closely.

Also Read: World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

The MHRA’s ongoing investigation aims to improve understanding of these side effects as GLP-1 medications become more widely used for managing obesity and diabetes.