The Marine Corps drill instructors (DIs) are undoubtedly the backbone of recruit training, shaping civilians into disciplined individuals for the US Military. However, behind this act of bravery, there lies an alarming mental health crisis. It is the suicide of Logan Sowell in 2021 along with six other among the DIs in the past five years which has raised concerns. It also sheds light on the psychological burden faced by those in such high-pressured roles. Reports also indicate that DIs face disproportionately high levels of suicidal ideation, addiction, and divorce compared to other fellow Marines.

DIs have a very demanding job. It requires them to work 90+ hours weeks, and they run on minimal sleep while maintaining extreme discipline. Their job demands physical endurance and unwavering authority, leaving little room for vulnerability. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of disciplinary action create a suffocating environment where mental health concerns are often ignored. Many, like Angel Acosta III, faced disciplinary action that compounded their stress, making them feel trapped in a downward spiral.

Help and Stigma

Despite the acknowledgment, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds mental health, especially when it is about those in such harsh services. Accessing mental health services thus remain a challenge for DIs. There is also a lingering fear that asking for help will harm their career or would be seen as a sign of weakness/ In fact, The Washington Post reports that a former DI recalled how colleagues distanced themselves after he admitted needing support, reinforcing the toxic belief that seeking help is sign of weakness.

The Consequences

Without the help that they need, many instructors have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope. This pattern has been noted and it worsens the mental health conditions. Chronic sleep deprivation further exacerbates these issues, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts. The Marine Corps has attempted to enforce work-hour limitations, but enforcement remains unclear, and many still suffer from the effects of prolonged stress and exhaustion.

Marine Corps is not just the only military sector where such a pattern is seen. Earlier in January, year Matthew Livelsberger, who was a Special Forces soldier also died by suicide. He served in the wartime service in Afghanistan died by a "self-inflicted gunshot" on New Year's Day.

Mental health issues, are often unnoticed, because these are the invisible wounds, which do not have any external signs. Though, mental health issues could be seen in the way the person behaves, however, more often, than not, these are ignored or just termed as "overreacting".

These invisible wounds can also hinder one's ability to regulate their behavior, could also lead to substance abuse, insomnia, and other serious issues. Experts believe, such issues, when unseen and unnoticed can lead to steps like suicide. Recent laws and Pentagon programs have also emphasized screening and self-reporting for such injuries, however, experts and critics doubt if the stigma could be broken and action could be taken?

What Could Be Done Instead?

There are many wellness resources available for the Marine Corps, however the accessibility and effectiveness remain key concerns. There is an urgent need for mental health screenings throughout an instructor’s tenure—not just before training begins. Additionally, reducing stigma, improving work-life balance, and ensuring confidential and immediate access to therapy could prevent further tragedies.

The deaths of these instructors highlight the urgent need for cultural and systemic change within the Marine Corps. Without prioritizing mental well-being, the institution risks losing more of its finest to a battle fought not on the field, but within their own minds.

For many people coffee is the beginning of their day. It tastes good, it's routine, and it gives a boost of energy. Coffee has good things in it, like antioxidants, and it can help you focus and even improve your mood. But now, more people are thinking about their hormones and how their body deals with stress and sleep. So, there's a growing interest in how coffee actually impacts our bodies as a whole.

Studies show that having coffee between 10 AM and 11 AM works better for most people. This way, it helps with energy without messing up your sleep later. The Cleveland Clinic explains that drinking coffee around 9:30 am and 11 am helps you reap the most benefits. People who wait about 90 to 120 minutes after waking up before having their first coffee often have more steady energy and better hormone balance throughout the day.

Some people find that drinking too much coffee can lead to high stress hormone levels. When they cut back to just one cup a day, their stress hormones got better, and they slept much more soundly.

Also, having coffee on an empty stomach might make your stress system work harder. This isn't good if you're already stressed or dealing with hormone imbalances, as you might be extra sensitive. So, it's a good idea to eat something before you have your morning coffee.

How Much Coffee Helps Your Health?

You might already know that drinking a moderate amount of coffee—around three to five cups a day—has been linked to living longer. Research has also hinted that when you drink your coffee could play a big role in these benefits. A study published in the National heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that adults who enjoyed their coffee before noon saw the biggest drop in their risk of dying early from any cause, including heart problems.

To figure this out, researchers looked at nutrition information from over 40,000 adults in the U.S. who were part of a long-term health study. About half of these individuals, 52%, drank coffee. Out of those, more than a third (36%) drank their coffee only in the morning, while the rest (16%) drank it throughout the day.

After accounting for various other health factors, the study found that adults who stuck to drinking coffee between 4 a.m. and noon were 16% less likely to die from any cause over nearly 10 years, compared to those who didn't drink coffee at all. Even more impressively, they were 31% less likely to die from heart disease. These benefits didn't apply to people who drank coffee all day long.

Coffee and Women's Cycles

For women, drinking coffee during the second half of their menstrual cycle (called the luteal phase) can make PMS symptoms worse. This is because coffee increases a stress hormone when the body should be relying more on a calming hormone. Many women say they feel much better hormonally if they stick to just one coffee a day during the first half of their cycle and completely cut it out during the second half.

The main point isn't just about coffee itself. It's about how coffee mixes with your own body, your stress levels, your sleep schedule, and your hormones. Some people can handle it fine, while others might feel worse over time without realizing coffee is part of the problem. So, like with many things, you should pay attention to what works and what doesn't work for your unique body and its hormones.

Why Morning Coffee May Be Better For the Body?

The researchers think there are two main reasons why morning coffee might be so beneficial:

Better Sleep

Drinking caffeinated coffee earlier in the day, instead of in the afternoon or evening, is less likely to disrupt your sleep. Good sleep is crucial for your overall health, especially for your heart.

Anti-Inflammatory Boost

Coffee has properties that fight inflammation. These effects might be strongest in the morning because that's when inflammation levels in your body can be at their highest.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a growing yet often overlooked crisis: loneliness. In its newly released report titled “From loneliness to social connection: charting the path to healthier societies,” WHO reveals that loneliness is linked to nearly 100 deaths every hour, translating to more than 871,000 lives lost annually to loneliness-related causes.

This revelation marks loneliness as more than a mere emotional experience—it is now recognized as a pressing public health concern with severe, measurable consequences.

One in Six People Affected Globally

According to the report, one in six people worldwide experiences loneliness. The impact is most severe among young people and those living in low- and middle-income countries, where systemic inequalities and lack of access to support services compound feelings of social disconnection.

WHO defines loneliness as “the distressing feeling that results from a gap between desired and actual social relationships,” while social isolation refers to the objective absence of social ties. Though distinct, both conditions significantly increase the risk of physical and mental health issues.

A Paradox in a Digitally Connected World

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” noted Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Her comments highlight a growing paradox: while technology allows unprecedented access to communication, it often fails to deliver meaningful connection.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom

Ghebreyesus echoed these concerns, stating, “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely.”

The report points to excessive screen time, poor quality of online interactions, and social media pressures as contributing factors to the emotional disconnect experienced by many—especially adolescents and young adults.

Health Risks Comparable to Smoking and Obesity

The consequences of prolonged loneliness and social isolation extend far beyond emotional distress. The report highlights links between loneliness and serious health outcomes, including:

• Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cognitive decline and dementia
• Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
• Early death

Lonely individuals are twice as likely to experience depression, and the overall impact on the body includes heightened inflammation and stress hormone levels—comparable to those found in people who smoke or are obese.

“Social connection offers protective benefits throughout life,” the report emphasizes, stating that strong interpersonal ties can improve immune function, boost mental resilience, and extend life expectancy.

Inequality and Infrastructure Worsen the Problem

The burden of loneliness is not distributed equally. WHO identifies several contributing factors that disproportionately affect people in low-resource settings. These include:

• Poor physical and mental health
• Low income and education levels
• Lack of inclusive public policies

Limited access to transportation, safe spaces, or community services

Without adequate infrastructure and inclusive social systems, people are more likely to remain disconnected, creating a cycle of isolation that is difficult to break.

WHO’s Roadmap for Action

In response to this urgent crisis, WHO is urging governments, communities, and individuals to treat social connection as a public health priority. The report outlines a five-part roadmap for coordinated global action:

Policy Development: Integrating social connection into national health and social strategies.

Research and Data: Improving the measurement of loneliness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

Scalable Interventions: Supporting local programs that promote engagement and inclusion.

Public Engagement: Raising awareness through campaigns and community involvement.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Uniting healthcare, education, transportation, and technology sectors to build supportive environments.

“As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not weakens—human connection,” Mpemba said.

A new trend is taking over TikTok and Instagram, but it's not a dance challenge or a viral skincare hack—it's people injecting themselves at home with Innotox, a South Korean version of Botox that has never been approved for use in the U.S.

Marketed as a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative to Botox, Innotox is gaining popularity among beauty DIYers lured by its convenience and affordability. But medical experts are growing increasingly alarmed, warning that what might seem like a harmless wrinkle fix could result in long-term facial paralysis—or worse.

The rise of self-injecting “Korean Botox” is raising serious red flags across the health community, especially given the unregulated nature of these purchases and the lack of professional oversight.

What Exactly Is Innotox?

Innotox is an injectable treatment made in South Korea that contains botulinum toxin type A, the same neurotoxin used in FDA-approved products like Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. The substance works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, reducing contractions that lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

What makes Innotox different is its formulation. Unlike traditional Botox, which is shipped as a freeze-dried powder that must be carefully reconstituted with a sterile saline solution before injection, Innotox comes as a pre-mixed, ready-to-inject liquid. This makes it easier to use—and far more appealing to non-medical users looking to inject themselves at home.

But this convenience is also the source of much concern. The fact that it’s pre-diluted raises questions about what’s really in the vial and whether it has been properly stored and handled.

Why People Are Turning to Innotox?

The motivations behind the Innotox trend are familiar: cost, convenience, and cosmetic pressure.

Botox, though effective, is expensive. According to GoodRx, the average cost of a Botox session in the U.S. was $528 in 2022. By contrast, Innotox can be found on online third-party sites for as low as $60 to $100 per vial, depending on the supplier.

Social media users also claim Innotox acts faster and lasts longer. While Botox typically takes four to seven days to kick in and lasts about three to four months, Innotox users report results in as little as two days with effects lasting up to six months.

For those trying to reduce the signs of aging on a budget, Innotox feels like a dream solution. But experts say that dream can quickly become a nightmare.

What's The Big Red Flag?

Innotox has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning it’s not subject to the same rigorous safety and efficacy standards required of American cosmetic injectables. That alone should give users pause.

What’s more troubling is how it’s being sourced. Many of the people self-injecting Innotox admit they bought it through unverified online sellers or TikTok Shop, where authenticity can’t be guaranteed.

“Don’t inject yourself with fake Botox products from the internet, I beg of you,” said Molly O’Rourke, a licensed clinical nurse injector, in a viral Instagram video. “This is coming from a safety standpoint because these medications are not regulated. It already comes pre-diluted, which should frighten you—because what is that?”

O’Rourke added that, unlike changing your own oil or fixing a bike, injecting neurotoxins into your face requires deep anatomical knowledge and clinical training. “Sure, you can change the oil in your car, but are you going to rip out the alternator with no education? Absolutely not.”

What Could Go Wrong?

Self-injection isn't just unsafe because of potential contamination or fake product. Even when the product is real, injecting it incorrectly can cause severe side effects.

Facial muscle weakness, eyelid drooping, asymmetry, and even temporary facial paralysis lasting up to a year have been reported on platforms like Reddit by users who misjudged the depth or placement of their injections.

In extreme cases, if the neurotoxin spreads beyond the intended area, it can cause breathing difficulties, difficulty swallowing, and systemic symptoms that require emergency medical attention.

And if complications occur? Many of these users are completely unequipped to recognize or respond—and may not seek help until it’s too late.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously warned against using counterfeit or improperly sourced botulinum toxin products, citing multiple reports of hospitalization and severe illness following their use.

Medytox, the South Korean pharmaceutical company that manufactures Innotox, told Today.com that it sells its product only to licensed medical professionals and authorized distributors. It added that it is “unaware” of how the product is being offered directly to consumers online in the U.S.

“Medytox certainly does not endorse the self-injection of botulinum toxins by consumers,” the company emphasized.

Social Media’s Role in the Rise of DIY Injectables

This isn’t the first time social platforms have helped normalize risky DIY procedures. From at-home filler kits to unregulated skin treatments, the line between professional care and cosmetic experimentation continues to blur.

But Innotox is different, say medical professionals, because it involves injecting a neurotoxin. And while users may brush off warnings in pursuit of plumper skin or a smoother forehead, the risks are far from superficial.

“This one goes out to my DIY girlies,” O’Rourke says. “I see you. I hear you. I am one of you. But this is not the place to experiment. Pick up crochet. Try scrapbooking. Just don’t inject your face with a toxin you bought on the internet.”

The promise of smoother skin for less money and effort is tempting—but self-injecting any form of botulinum toxin is never a safe option, no matter how many influencers promote it. In the beauty world, shortcuts often come with steep consequences. And when it comes to neurotoxins, those consequences could last far longer than your latest skincare trend.

For now, the message from health professionals is loud and clear: leave the syringes to the experts.