As I was crossing the road to enter the graduation hall, I spotted the first person with a graduation gown, and I felt anxious in a good way. I called my friend to come pick me up from the front of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall so I could take some photos of him before the graduation ceremony started.
I took lots of lovely photos, and he was pleased with them. We entered inside, showed a pass to the security guide, and I found my way to my seat with the guidance of my friend, who was graduating.
It was such a beautiful sight; they all walked out, holding their certificates and diplomas like they were the keys to a whole new world. I sat there, soaking it all in and enjoying every bit of the ceremony. People were buzzing with excitement. I could hear the laughter and cheers of invited friends and family, and everyone was eager to capture the perfect moment on video. The energy skyrocketed when names were called—screams, cheers, and the sweet chaos of celebration filled the air. It was a genuine outpouring of pride and happiness for each graduate.
After the graduation, we headed to the university building. Lots of students continued taking photos while the social media team of the university was trying to gather students for photos that would be used on the university website.
Having taken some photos of my dress, I entered the library area to warm myself up because it was a very cold day. At that moment, I found myself pondering:
1. How many of these students genuinely require this degree?
2. Will they make practical use of the knowledge gained?
3. Could the funds spent on tuition have been invested in more innovative pursuits?
4. Are some of these students on a celebratory path that might not align with their true destinies?
5. How many of these students would never use this certificate?
6. How many of these students does the UK actually provide job opportunities for?
I kept thinking about these questions as I watched students come and go in the library area.
The UK takes in lots of students each year for educational purposes, and lots of them leave their jobs and high-ranking positions with the mindset of getting a decent job after studying in the UK, but for most foreign students, this is far from reality.
Why would the UK admit students into master's programmes only to find them often starting at the lowest job levels in the real world? If they meet the qualifications for a master's degree, shouldn't the knowledge imparted enable them to attain roles at a corresponding level?
To what extent have these foreign students truly achieved success? This was the question that kept coming to mind as I looked at all of them dressed in their beautiful outfits.
I read an article before sharing this post, which states that international graduates encounter a significant challenge in securing graduate-level employment in the UK. Currently, only 7% of all international graduates succeed.
If the UK stands by the quality of education it imparts to foreign students, why the struggle for these graduates to secure well-paying jobs? It's more straightforward for a UK citizen with a bachelor's degree to secure employment than it is for a foreigner armed with a PhD. This stark reality demands scrutiny and explanation.
How much have these foreign students accomplished?
Diving into the larger picture, it's essential to recognize that sluggish digestion is just one piece of the puzzle. Older adults, in particular, might find themselves grappling with conditions that can trigger regular indigestion, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and food sensitivities such as lactose intolerance. Chronic indigestion is also often linked with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, both of which entail persistent symptoms without a specific cause.
Fortunately, indigestion usually fades away on its own over time. Over-the-counter aids like antacid pills, liquids, or stomach-soothing medicines such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) can offer relief. Acid blockers like proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole or lansoprazole) or H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) are also potential options for managing heartburn.
Navigating the culinary landscape can also play a role in taming indigestion. Here's how you can make a difference:
- What: Pay attention to what you eat and drink when indigestion strikes, and consider cutting back on or avoiding problematic items like spicy and highly acidic foods, coffee, citrus- or tomato-based beverages, and processed or fatty foods.
- How: Opt for smaller servings and eat at a more leisurely pace. Avoid multitasking while eating, as it hinders mindful consumption. Experiment with more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day.
- When: If indigestion tends to haunt your evenings or disturb your sleep, consider having dinner earlier and refraining from eating within two hours of bedtime to prevent overloading your stomach when digestion slows down.
While drugstore remedies can be helpful, they come with some caveats. Magnesium-containing antacids might lead to loose stools, while calcium carbonate (Tums) or aluminum-based antacids could result in constipation. Occasional use is generally fine, but if reliance on these medications surpasses three times per week, it's advisable to consult with your doctor, as it might indicate an underlying digestive issue.
Keep an eye out for red flags like rectal bleeding, black stools, difficulty swallowing, or sudden weight loss, as these could signal more serious problems like inflammation in the digestive tract, ulcers, or gastrointestinal cancers.
If recurrent indigestion is your woe, there's much you can do to alleviate its frequency and intensity without resorting to medication. Consider these lifestyle adjustments:
- Reduce stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive issues through the brain-gut axis. Activities like exercise and meditation can aid in stress management, and in more challenging cases, your doctor might suggest a low-dose antidepressant.
- Address smoking and drinking: Smoking elevates the risk of reflux and digestive cancers, while excessive drinking amplifies the chances of various gastrointestinal diseases. Even occasional drinking can trigger underlying digestive problems.
- Lose excess weight: Overweight individuals, especially those dealing with acid reflux, are more susceptible to indigestion due to increased abdominal pressure. Shedding even a modest amount of weight can have a significant impact on digestion.
So, don't let indigestion ruffle your feathers; tackle it with a multifaceted approach that includes mindful eating, lifestyle adjustments, and, if needed, a chat with your healthcare provider
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Did you know that over 58 million American adults, which is more than one in five, live with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder? Surprisingly, more women than men seek treatment for these challenges.
However, there's a lingering stigma around mental health, making it difficult for those dealing with these issues. Dr. Arthur Barsky from Brigham and Women's Hospital explains that this stigma can affect people's morale and recovery. Feeling labeled and isolated can worsen depression or anxiety, leading to problems like substance abuse or social withdrawal.
The good news is that science is helping break down these old beliefs. Advances like brain imaging show that certain mental disorders cause structural changes in the brain, reducing the stigma around mental health.
For those dealing with mental health challenges, here are some strategies to overcome stigma:
1. Embrace Treatment: Don't let labels stop you from seeking the help you need, whether it's therapy, medication, or both. There are effective treatments available.
2. Separate Yourself from Your Illness: Remember that your condition doesn't define you. Instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder."
3. Don't Take Comments Personally: People might say the wrong things, but it often says more about them than you. Consider their perspective rather than internalizing their words.
4. Share Your Story: If comfortable, share your experiences to correct misinformation and help others understand better. It might be challenging, but it can be incredibly beneficial.
Additionally, if you're considering therapy, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
1. Choose Your Therapist Wisely: Look for someone who specializes in your specific problem and with whom you feel comfortable.
2. Treat Therapy as Teamwork: It's a collaboration where you lead initially, but over time, your therapist provides guidance.
3. Be Vulnerable: Open up about your experiences and feelings, even if it's uncomfortable.
4. Take Prescribed Medications: If your therapist recommends medication, take it as prescribed. Ask about side effects and work with your clinician to make the best choice.
5. Define Success: Set goals with your therapist to create a framework for progress, understanding that therapy is a process, not a quick fix.
6. Be Patient: Effective therapy takes time, and it's okay if progress is gradual. Be patient with yourself throughout the journey.
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The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.
Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.
The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!
