We all enjoy light drinking during gatherings, social events and celebrations. Social drinking is quite common and widely accepted in all cultures, but it is your own duty to not push past your limits and end up so inebriated that you lose control over your own actions. But what if you were to find out, the reason you have trouble controlling yourself with alcohol consumption is because of your genes? Like many other chronic diseases and conditions, studies have shown that alcoholism can also be genetic. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has been recognized by WHO and it is a condition that affects many people.

How Do Your Genes Affect AUD?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While genetics can play a significant role, it's not the sole determinant. Certain genes can increase an individual's susceptibility to alcohol addiction by affecting how the body processes alcohol. However, it's important to note that having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of AUD.

According to WHO alcohol is a harmful substance that can lead to serious health problems. It can cause addiction, and excessive drinking can lead to death. In 2019, millions of people died from alcohol-related causes, including accidents, diseases, and injuries. Men are more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than women. Millions of people worldwide struggle with alcohol use disorder, a condition characterized by excessive alcohol consumption and a loss of control over drinking.

Even moderate drinking can have negative health consequences, but heavy drinking is particularly harmful. To reduce the risks associated with alcohol consumption, it's important to be aware of the dangers and to drink responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, seek help from a healthcare professional.

What Are Some Health Risks Of Alcohol Abuse?

American Addiction Centre reports that alcohol consumption is a major public health concern worldwide. It is linked to a wide range of health problems, including,

Noncommunicable Diseases

Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions like liver diseases, heart diseases, and various types of cancer, including breast, liver, and esophageal cancer.

Mental Health Issues

Alcohol can contribute to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder.

Injuries and Accidents

Alcohol is a leading cause of accidents, including car crashes, falls, and violence.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm a developing fetus, leading to severe birth defects and developmental disabilities.

Treatment Options For Alcohol Use Disorder

A 2016 study published by Alcohol and Alcoholism showed that genes increase the risk if developing AUD by 50% and the rest comes from surrounding and the environment you live in. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to help individuals recover. Here are some treatment options that are availabel for you according to National Institute on Alcohol ABuse and Alcoholism

Medication

Several medications have been approved to help people reduce or stop drinking. Naltrexone, for example, can reduce alcohol cravings and block the pleasurable effects of drinking. Acamprosate can help you reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Disulfiram can cause unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed, which makes them not want to drink

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, can be effective in helping individuals change their drinking behaviors. These therapies can help people develop coping skills, and teaches them how to challenge negative thoughts, and build motivation to change.

Mutual-Support Groups

Mutual-support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups provide a safe space to share feelings, learn from others, and develop coping strategies.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.