Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, primarily for managing depression. While SSRIs emerged as antidepressants during the late 1970s, it drastically revolutionized the therapeutic practice regarding other psychotrophic agents for various mental illnesses by establishing them as effective yet a good tolerated alternate for antidepressive agents earlier produced. At present, they are often the first pharmacological therapy for depression along with other mental health conditions.

SSRIs, are a type of antidepressant medication designed to alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter which plays a critical role in mood regulation, memory, sleep, digestion, and sexual function. Often, scientists termed the chemical as the "feel-good" chemical because its release is closely associated with happiness and emotional well-being. Low levels of this chemical have been associated with mood disorders, including depression.

SSRIs are able to work because they selectively inhibit the reabsorption, or reuptake, of serotonin into nerve cells in the brain. The higher level of serotonin that becomes available promotes the betterment of mood and diminishes anxiety. Older antidepressant classes were found to cause many side effects. That's why this new generation is often used and appreciated by both the patients and doctors themselves.

How Do SSRIs Work?

The mechanism of SSRIs is hidden in their name- selective serotonin reuptake inhibition. When serotonin is released by neurons, it transmits signals to other neurons before being reabsorbed. SSRIs block this reabsorption process, making more serotonin available in the brain. This increase in serotonin levels is thought to help regulate mood and enhance responsiveness to complementary treatments, such as CBT.

Conditions Treated by SSRIs

While SSRIs are primarily prescribed for depression, their benefits extend to several other mental health and medical conditions, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): The reduction of excessive and persistent worry.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The reduction of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Panic Disorder: The management of sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The processing and coping with traumatic experiences.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Increasing comfort in social interactions.

Bulimia Nervosa: Controlling binge-eating and purging behaviors.

SSRIs are also prescribed off-label for disorders such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and symptoms of menopause. They can also be used to treat premature ejaculation and other forms of chronic pain.

Potential Side Effects of SSRIs

As with any medication, SSRIs have the potential for side effects. Most people tolerate them well, but some may experience symptoms, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and indigestion
• Headaches
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm)

Most side effects subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. However, patients should contact their healthcare provider if symptoms do not subside or worsen.

Precautions and Contraindications

SSRIs are not appropriate for everyone. People with specific medical conditions or situations need to exercise extreme caution or avoid these medications altogether. These include:

Pregnancy: Most SSRIs are considered safe during pregnancy, but some, such as paroxetine, carry risks, including birth defects, postpartum hemorrhage, and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

Drug Interactions: SSRIs can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain supplements.

Preexisting Conditions: People with liver disease, seizure disorders, or bipolar disorder should discuss potential risks with their doctor before starting SSRIs.

Risks of Untreated Depression During Pregnancy

For pregnant individuals, untreated depression poses significant risks, including poor prenatal care, preterm birth, and developmental issues for the baby. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider can help weigh the benefits and risks of continuing SSRIs during pregnancy.

Starting and Managing SSRI Treatment

When beginning an SSRI, patients are typically started on the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. Gradual dose adjustments may follow, based on the patient’s response and tolerance. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns.

One of the challenges with SSRI treatment is that its effects are not instant. The mood and symptoms might take weeks to show significant improvement. Abrupt discontinuation of SSRIs results in withdrawal symptoms, dizziness, irritability, and flu-like sensations. Patients should always consult their doctor before stopping or changing their medication.

SSRIs have changed the landscape of treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. These drugs have brought hope and relief to millions of people all over the world. Although not free of risks and side effects, the benefits often outweigh them if used appropriately. This is because SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, restoring balance to emotions and quality of life. As with all medication, informed discussion with a healthcare provider is critical in ensuring safe and effective treatment.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2393-14-333

Antidepressant during pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review

Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy: A Review of Current Evidence, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-016-0338-3

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, https://doi.org/10.1159/000516031

Prenatal exposure to antidepressants and increased risk of psychiatric disorders, https://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3950

Showering is not just for hygiene for many people; it is about self-care, downtime, and relaxing. From a health perspective, showers can have benefits and some downsides, like the cleanliness of the washroom, the products you are using, etc. Sometimes, a neglected shower soap or an expired shampoo bottle could be the reason you fall sick.

Another thing you must be careful about is the porcelain floors and slippery tiles as they can be a health hazard. In a recent post, a doctor pointed out another thing that could be a surprising factor of health concern in the showers: urinating.

Doctors have issued a warning for people who may be in the habit of urinating while standing in the shower. While it may seem like a harmless activity, may be a bit uncomfortable to talk about, it can have health consequences you may not have considered.

How Does Urinating In The Showers Put Your Health At Risk?

American urogynaecologist Dr. Teresa Irwin, a board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS), took to the social media platform TikTok to advise people against this practice, which polls suggest is quite common, with 60-80% of the public reportedly admitting to it. In her video, Dr Irwin explained that peeing while showering can train the brain to associate the sound of running water with the urge to urinate.

Running Water Can Trigger Unwanted Urge

Speaking to her followers, Dr Irwin drew comparisons between this habit with the Pavlov's dog experiment, where the sound of a bell triggered salivation. She explained that over time, every time you hear running water – whether washing hands, showering, or doing dishes – your bladder might start to feel the urge to empty, even if it's not truly full.

Dr Irwin cautioned that this learned association could disrupt the body's natural internal control over the bladder in the long run. This disruption might lead to more frequent and unnecessary trips to the toilet as the bladder becomes overly sensitive to the sound of running water.

Dr Irwin also pointed out potential health hazards specifically for women who urinate while standing in the shower. She mentioned an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and, in more severe scenarios, even kidney failure.

Why Shouldn’t Women Urinating Standing Up?

Unlike men, whose bladder is supported by the prostate when urinating while standing, women lack this anatomical support. Dr Irwin explained that women who try to urinate while standing put extra strain on their pelvic floor muscles, which can hinder the bladder from emptying completely.

Dr Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist who shares informative videos on social media explains that there can be more consequences for women urinating upright. She explains a pelvic floor therapist based in Boston, has previously supported the idea that women's bodies are "not designed to pee standing up." She explained that the pelvic floor muscles won't relax correctly in that position, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder.

While the primary concerns are related to bladder control and potential UTIs, there's also a minor risk of skin infection. If there are open wounds on the lower body, bacteria present in the urine could potentially cause an infection. However, experts suggest this risk is relatively low as the shower water should wash the urine away.

As anti-obesity medications like Ozempic and Wegovy become increasingly popular, American employees are making career choices based on access to them. A recent poll found that 1 in 5 Americans would be willing to switch jobs to get insurance coverage for these in-demand medications. But as the craze for GLP-1 drugs takes hold of the workforce, the question is—are we becoming a healthier society, or merely taking a medically approved shortcut?

In a world where job benefits such as remote work, unlimited time off, and child care allowances drive the benefits discussion, there's a new player in the mix: weight loss drugs. A 2024 survey by 9amHealth found that 67% of Americans would remain at a job they disliked if it included retaining access to drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. And if workplaces don't pay for them? 20% of respondents would actively seek another job.

This behavior is not without purpose. Out-of-pocket expenses for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic can run over $1,000 monthly. Confronted with this expense, some users report skimping on necessities such as food and entertainment in order to pay for their monthly supply. Coverage under employer-sponsored insurance, thus, becomes not only a benefit—but a necessity.

What is the Frenzy of GLP-1 Drugs?

Contrary to older weight loss drugs that normally achieve a 5% drop in body weight, newer GLP-1 medications provide up to 20% weight loss or more. Their impact has been so significant that Science identified GLP-1 medications as the 2023 "Breakthrough of the Year." The medications act by emulating a hormone that controls blood glucose and hunger, leading to both enhanced metabolic function and reduced hunger.

Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic and other medications such as Mounjaro have been used extensively off-label for weight loss, driving stratospheric demand. In February 2023 alone, over 373,000 prescriptions for Ozempic were filled—a 111% increase from the year before.

Ozempic: High Demand, Higher Costs, and Potential Misuse

But with increasing demand comes increasing expense. Ozempic and Mounjaro were among 800 drugs that experienced a median list price increase of 4.5% this year, the Wall Street Journal reported. Some large institutions, such as Ascension Health and the University of Texas System, have even withdrawn coverage in light of skyrocketing prices—reporting a 233% increase in expenditures related to them.

There's also an increasing worry about the abuse and stigma surrounding these medications. Although Ozempic is now a cultural buzzword and an alleged "magic bullet" for rapid weight loss, physicians warn that it's not a sustainable solution in and of itself. "Without robust support for behavior change, weight loss is generally short-term and tends to be followed by weight regain," experts in endocrinology and metabolic care stated.

In fact, 38% of respondents to the 9amHealth poll confessed to exploring black market sources prior to settling on FDA-accepted treatments—courageous behavior that reveals the desperation and lack of education about obesity management.

Why Obesity is an Expensive, Long-Term Health Problem Employers Can't Dismiss?

Over 40% of American adults qualify for the CDC's definition of obesity, a BMI of 30 or more. The disorder is a significant cause of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease—a combination frequently called "cardiodiabesity." Alone, obesity costs the U.S. healthcare system $173 billion per year and accounts for $6.38 billion in lost productivity in the workplace.

With these daunting numbers, employers are finally realizing that managing obesity up front may be cheaper in the long term. In 2023, only 25% of employers were covering GLP-1s, but this might increase to 43% in 2024, says health consulting company Accolade.

But selling prescription medications without complementing them with health support is a lost chance. Specialists recommend a combined approach—of accessible pharmaceuticals along with dietary advice, exercise routine, psychiatric help, and regular medical follow-up.

Medical Experts Call for Balanced Approach

While the temptation of GLP-1 medications can be tempting, specialists advise against its use as a single solution. Pills can trigger weight loss, but long-term health is derived from behavioral modification. Fitch and others suggest addressing obesity as any chronic illness, with long-term, multidimensional management.

Employers who are seriously interested in tackling obesity in the workplace need to look beyond providing coverage. They must make available comprehensive health packages that consist of individualized interventions, ongoing tracking, and lifestyle change support systems for enduring change.

For the time being, it appears GLP-1 medications are not only changing waistlines, but also workplaces. Workers are willing to make drastic life adjustments—including job-hopping—for access to these drugs. Whether this is a significant shift in corporate healthcare priorities or a troubling shortcut remains to be determined.

One thing is certain: the workplace is emerging as a central front in the battle against obesity. And as the stakes grow higher, so does the onus on employers to provide intelligent, sustainable, and equitable solutions for the long-term health of their employees.

A baby's first steps are one of the biggest newborn milestones for parents. It is a sign that your baby is growing healthily and happily. However, when these steps are delayed over the period of time kids are expected to walk, that is a cause of great concern for parents. Many worries like whether the kid had an injury, or does it have any cognitive or motor disability that could be causing this delay?

Usually, it is not a big concern for there to be a little delay; consult your pediatrician and follow their advice. Not all delays are bad, and a new study shows that babies who take a little more time to walk actually do better academically. According to the study published in the Nature Human Behaviour journal, late steps could be linked to better academic performance in kids.

Why Is Taking Longer To Walk Better?

Researchers have made a significant discovery about why some babies walk earlier than others. They've found a strong link between the age at which a baby takes those first wobbly steps and the genes they get from their parents. Even more surprisingly, their research shows that the very same genes that decide if a baby walks early or late might also play a part in how well they perform in their schoolwork. This means that our bodies' blueprints could influence both our physical development, like learning to walk, and our brain development, which helps us learn at school.

The study also hints at another possible good thing about taking a bit longer to start walking. The researchers found that babies who walk later might have a lower chance of developing something called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. This is a condition that can make it hard for kids to focus and sit still. So, it seems that taking your time to walk might have some unexpected benefits for how kids' brains develop and how they behave as they grow up.

What Role Do Genes Play In A Baby’s Growth?

Researchers found that the same body instructions that make some babies walk later are also linked to doing better in studies and being less likely to have ADHD. She said that this was the first time scientists had looked at so many body instructions and how they relate to when babies start walking and other things like learning and attention.

Experts also pointed out that there's a big range in when babies start to walk. Some start as early as eight months, while others take as long as two years, and most start around 18 months. Until now, scientists didn't really know all the reasons why some babies walk much earlier or later than others. This new study helps us understand some of the things that cause these differences in when babies take their first steps.

Strong Link Between Genetic And Baby Development

For a long time, scientists knew that things around a baby, like having space to move, affect when they walk. But this new study gives us strong proof that the instructions inside our bodies, our genes, are also very important. The scientists looked at the body instructions of over 70,000 babies and found 11 specific parts that seem to be connected to when a baby starts to walk. This shows us that both what's inside us and what's around us help shape how we grow and develop, even when it comes to taking those first steps.