‘Inner Child’ is Health and Me's new mental health series where we deep dive into lesser-known aspects of child psychology and how it shapes you as you grow up. Often unheard, mistaken, and misunderstood, in this series we talk about the children’s perspective and their mental health, something different than you might have read in your parenting books. After all, parenting is not just about teaching but also unlearning.

Children may not know the concepts of self-esteem and self-worth, but they understand and own the things they are told, even at a very young age. “Growing up, I was not the brightest student in class, and it was something teachers, my classmates as well as adults in my life used to constantly hold against me. I found, rather than helping me be better, my teachers focused more on painting me as the ‘worst kid in class’.” Radha opened up about her first experience with bullying, explaining how the people who should’ve made her feel stronger and worthwhile, turned into her first bullies.

“If I was going to be vilified for my lack of studying capacity, I’m no longer keeping quiet. I started talking back to my teachers and the kids who used to eco their words. I just built a guard around myself, that would only come down for a few friends. I knew I was a victim and should have been treated better. My friends agreed with me, helping me realize my own self-worth.” Coming to the understanding and re-learning to love herself wasn’t easy, but Radha was determined to find the strength in herself.

“I had grown and felt I that I had been doing much better, noticing people around me, I didn’t care if they thought of me rude or worthless, because I knew myself. But did I? It was not until I was called out one day by my closest friend, that I realized I had done the same thing I despised others for doing to me. I found that in my journey of standing up to my bullies, I had turned into one to a girl in my class, who was nothing but kind to me and others. Looking back, while I thought I was defending myself, I ended up hurting someone who could not stand up to me.”

Bullying And Formative Years of A Child

Teenage bullying can deeply affect everyone involved, not just the victims. Understanding why some teens become bullies could help us recognize signs and get them better help. Speaking to Healthandme, Manvi Khurana, Founder, CEO and Senior Counselling Psychologist at Karma Care, we delved into the deeper psychology of how bullies turn into who they are and where they are victims themselves.

Empty Space Inside: What Drives a Bully?

Bullying isn't usually random. Therapist Manvi Khurana explains it often comes from a place of personal struggle and a strong desire for control. She notes that what kids are going through in their own lives often shows up in other ways, like bullying. It's often about trying to "fill a void" or an empty space inside them.

"What are they trying to fill? What discomfort are they showing this way?" This might be a need to feel powerful by putting someone down, or to look tough, especially in a group. Things that can create this "void" include:

• Abuse or trauma at home
• Family problems
• Trouble in school with grades or learning
• General stress

Even without deep trauma, Khurana says some kids become bullies because they feel too entitled or haven't been taught "no" at home. Their upbringing can shape their behavior, even if it's not from a traumatic past.

Basically, bullies often target those who don't fit in or aren't considered "normal." This is why education is so important—it helps people understand and accept differences, making them more common and less likely to be targeted.

From Victim to Bully

A tough part of bullying is when someone who was once a victim later becomes a bully themselves. This makes us wonder if there are similarities between how a victim thinks and how a bully thinks.

Khurana clarifies that a "victim mentality" often means someone always feels like they're suffering, even when they're not at the center of a problem. But with kids, there's good news: "Children's behavior is much more capable of change than adults," she says. Their minds are still flexible, so a bully doesn't have to be a bully forever. With education and support, they can change.

However, Khurana warns that not every victim becomes a bully. "Everyone responds differently." Some victims might keep their pain inside, perhaps leading to self-harm or eating disorders (which are often about control). Others might show their pain through aggression. How a person copes depends on many things, including their culture.

What Bullying Leaves Behind

A key part of understanding bullying that's often missed is its long-term impact on the victim. Khurana emphasizes that the humiliation and pain from bullying can stay with people for years, leading to:

• Specific fears or feeling paranoid
• Damaged self-worth and self-esteem
• A lack of confidence

Is Bullying a Way to Cope?

Can bullying be a way for someone to deal with their own problems? Khurana confirms that for some, it absolutely can be a coping mechanism. She explains it might be about survival, showing dominance, creating a pecking order, or establishing a position of power. In short, it's a way for some to handle difficult feelings or situations by trying to control others.

Bullying is not a straightforward phase, learning about the ups and downs of it could help us understand why some people venture down this path. It shows how personal struggles, how society works, and the chance for growth all play a part for both victims and bullies. It truly highlights the need for empathy, getting help early, and creating school environments where all children can thrive.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its official recommendations for dealing with high blood pressure, replacing the old rules from 2017. These new guidelines are the result of a deep look into the latest research, providing doctors and patients with better information on how to understand, prevent, and treat high blood pressure. They are designed to be a clearer, more effective guide for everyone.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest silent killers globally. Although many people suffer from it, most do not make the necessary changes to ensure that their health doesn’t deteriorate. A global estimate of about 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years has hypertension, according to the World Health Organizations (WHO). It is also estimated that 46% of these people are unaware that they have the condition.

To ensure that people keep their health in check, government and health institutions issue health guidelines that help people take care of their health.

What Are The Latest Changes To High Blood Pressure Guidelines?

The new guidelines highlight several key points:

Brain Health

There is now stronger evidence linking high blood pressure to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Managing your blood pressure now may help protect your brain in the future.

Leading Risk Factor

High blood pressure remains the top risk factor for serious health problems like stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and AFib.

Pregnancy-Related Hypertension

The new guidelines feature specific blood pressure categories for pregnant individuals to help detect serious risks, such as preeclampsia. Regular blood pressure checks are now considered crucial. It's important for expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure closely before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure their health and the safety of their baby.

• Normal blood pressure is when your top number is less than 140 and your bottom number is less than 90.
• Hypertension in pregnancy is when your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher.
• Severe hypertension is when your top number is 160 or higher, or your bottom number is 110 or higher.

Tips for Managing Your Blood Pressure

You can take steps to manage or prevent high blood pressure through a combination of lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication. For the most accurate reading, sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arm extended at heart level.

Dietary Changes

• Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt). The ideal goal is less than 1,500 mg.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH eating plan, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
• Drinking less or no alcohol can help lower your blood pressure.
• Losing even a small amount of weight (at least 5% of your body weight) can help lower blood pressure. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, losing just 9 pounds can make a difference.
• Activities like meditation, controlled breathing, or yoga can help.
• Ask your healthcare professional about other conditions that can cause high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

What Does General Blood Pressure Look Like?

It's important for everyone to understand their blood pressure numbers. The new guidelines classify blood pressure into these categories:

Normal: Your top number is less than 120 and your bottom number is less than 80.

Elevated: Your top number is between 120 and 129, and your bottom number is less than 80.

Stage 1 Hypertension: Your top number is between 130 and 139, or your bottom number is between 80 and 89.

Stage 2 Hypertension: Your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher.

A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that occurs when your blood pressure is higher than 180/120. If your blood pressure reaches this level and you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, you should call emergency services. If you need a health and diet guide, you can follow the ‘Life’s Essential 8’, the guideline that helps keep our health a priority by the American Heart Association.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been touting its “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative as a turning point in public health. Framed as one of Kennedy’s signature achievements, the report promised bold action to address America’s chronic health crises: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and the overprescription of pharmaceuticals.

A draft version obtained by reporters tells a different story. Instead of sweeping reforms to food, farming, or pharmaceutical regulation, the MAHA report leans heavily on additional research studies, awareness campaigns, and incremental policy suggestions. For a coalition that expected Kennedy to challenge entrenched interests—from pesticide manufacturers to Big Food—the document feels less like a revolution and more like a compromise.

What Are The Four Problem Areas?

The draft report identifies four main drivers of chronic disease in the United States:

• Poor diets dominated by ultraprocessed foods, sugars, and additives.
• Chemical exposure from pesticides and environmental pollutants.
• Lack of physical activity, worsened by sedentary jobs and urban lifestyles.
• Overuse of prescription medications, particularly among children and older adults.

These themes mirror Kennedy’s longstanding critiques of America’s health system. Yet, the policies outlined in the draft stop short of mandating aggressive reform. Instead, they recommend more studies, more definitions, and more “public awareness” campaigns.

Where the Bold Promises Fall Short In MAHA Report?

Kennedy built his reputation criticizing chemicals like glyphosate, high-fructose corn syrup, and ultraprocessed snacks that dominate the American diet. Farmers and food manufacturers braced for the MAHA report to recommend bans or new regulations. Instead, the draft calls for a public “confidence-building” campaign to reassure Americans about pesticides.

This pivot has disappointed many in Kennedy’s own coalition. Public health experts like Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition at NYU, argue the draft contradicts the urgency of America’s chronic disease crisis. “The first report promised bold policies to protect children’s health. No such luck here,” she told reporters.

Industry Relief, Activist Frustration

For the agricultural sector, the draft report is a relief. It proposes partnerships with major farm companies and research into “precision technology” to help reduce pesticide use—steps that industry leaders see as constructive rather than combative.

But health advocates feel sidelined. Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and agriculture at Friends of the Earth, warned that without funding, the report’s recommendations won’t translate into healthier outcomes. “This is not going to transform our food and farming system. They need to put resources behind their recommendations,” she said.

Processed Foods and the Unfinished Fight

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the draft is its limited attention to ultraprocessed foods. The MAHA movement originally spotlighted processed snacks and additives as central culprits in the nation’s obesity epidemic. But the draft only mentions that government agencies will “define” ultraprocessed foods and continue education campaigns.

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler has argued that ingredients like refined sugars and flours should be declared unsafe. Yet the draft sidesteps any such regulatory proposals, leaving critics frustrated. Dr. Jim Krieger of Healthy Food America noted: “What about removing them from schools? Restricting marketing? Labeling packages? None of that is here.”

Research Without Teeth

The draft MAHA document devotes significant space to research priorities. It calls for the National Institutes of Health (already facing severe budget cuts under the Trump administration) to study vaccine injury, autism, infertility, prescription drug use, and nutrition. It also proposes AI-driven tools to accelerate research on pediatric cancers.

While these initiatives sound ambitious, they are contingent on funding that may never materialize. Without resources, they risk becoming yet another set of unfulfilled promises.

The Political Undercurrent

The White House has been cautious about the report’s release. A spokesperson called the draft “speculative literature” until officially endorsed. But insiders suggest the policies align closely with what was already previewed to the administration.

That alignment may explain the softened language around pesticides and ultraprocessed foods. For an administration prioritizing farmer support and deregulation, MAHA’s original vision of challenging chemical companies and processed food giants was politically untenable.

Is The New MAHA Report Building Bridges or Losing Focus?

Calley Means, one of Kennedy’s advisers, urged supporters to “build bridges” with farmers and agribusiness rather than treat them as enemies. It’s a pragmatic strategy, but critics argue it dilutes the urgency of tackling the systemic causes of poor health.

David Murphy, a former Kennedy finance director and now founder of United We Eat, framed the debate succinctly: “No one’s trying to take away farmers’ rights to grow food. We’re asking companies whose products cause harm to be held liable.” That principle, however, is largely absent from the draft.

What This Means for The People of America?

For everyday Americans grappling with obesity, diabetes, or high medical bills, the draft report offers little immediate relief. It encourages healthier diets, more exercise, and reduced reliance on medications—but without meaningful changes to food policy, medical regulation, or funding streams, these remain aspirational goals.

In essence, the report acknowledges the crises but avoids decisive confrontation with the industries fueling them. The result is a strategy that risks being too cautious to make a measurable impact.

The MAHA Commission’s final report is expected soon, but public health advocates are already voicing skepticism. Hundreds have signed letters urging the administration to address chemical exposures and ultraprocessed foods more directly. Whether those appeals shape the final draft remains to be seen.

What’s clear is that America’s chronic health problems—rising obesity, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions—demand more than “awareness campaigns.” Without stronger action, the “Make America Healthy Again” slogan risks becoming another empty political catchphrase.

There was a time when skincare felt like a competitive sport. People layered acids, scrubbed their faces raw, and measured success in stings, peels, and redness. But times are changing. A new, science-backed wave is sweeping in, one that values results without leaving your skin feeling like it has been through a survival reality show.

From Shelf Overload to Skincare Simplicity

The modern approach is a gentler, more measured one: using well-formulated products that are kind to the skin barrier but still pack enough punch to make a visible difference. And the best part? You only need a few steps, not a 12-item shopping list.

The Four Steps That Actually Work

Malini Adapureddy, Founder of Deconstruct Skincare, swears by a routine that’s simple enough to remember before coffee and effective enough to see results in weeks. Designed for Indian skin and climate, this four-step method covers the essentials: cleansing, treating, moisturising, and protecting.

Step 1: The Clean Slate

Step 2: The Targeted Glow Shot

Unlike some actives that feel like they’re burning through your soul, this combination is gentle enough for daily use.

Step 3: The Barrier Hug

Step 4: The Non-Negotiable

Why Gentle Works Better Than You Think

Consistency is the secret here. When your skin isn’t constantly fighting irritation, it can focus on repairing itself, building resilience, and looking better over time.