Melody Jacob
EVERYTHING

Published online on May 6, 2020, by JAMA Psychiatry, the study delved into the self-reported religious service attendance of 110,000 white, middle-aged men and women over about 30 years. Surprisingly, the findings showed that those who attended religious services at least once a week had significantly lower risks of death from despair – a staggering 68% lower for women and 37% lower for men, compared to those who never attended.
Embarking on the journey to overcome addiction can be tough, and having a roadmap can make a significant difference. Research indicates that the following steps can guide you toward your recovery goals. Success is more likely when you embrace all five steps.
1. Set a meaningful quit date: Choose a date tied to a special event, birthday, or anniversary to mark the beginning of your journey.
2. Change your surroundings: Clear your home and workplace of any reminders of your addiction. Distance yourself from influences that might encourage your involvement with the substance or behavior you're trying to leave behind. Whether it's alcohol, drugs, or a specific behavior, eliminate related items from your space. If it's about quitting drinking, bid farewell to alcohol, bottle openers, wine glasses, and corkscrews. If it's gambling, remove playing cards, scratch tickets, or poker chips. Ensure others around you also respect your decision.

The talk of the town revolves around the latest wave of anti-obesity drugs, which are gaining popularity not just for their remarkable weight-loss outcomes but also for unexpected additional benefits. One standout medication, Semaglutide, originally introduced as Ozempic for diabetes and later as Wegovy for obesity, is causing a stir due to its potential to lead to a significant 15% to 20% reduction in body weight.
However, beyond mere weight loss, these medications, including others in the same category that mimic the natural hormone GLP-1, seem to possess an intriguing capability: curbing cravings for more than just food. People using GLP-1 drugs have reported decreased inclinations toward addictive and compulsive behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive shopping, gambling, and even nail-biting.
Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, has heard similar anecdotes from her patients, particularly regarding reduced cravings for alcohol and sweets. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is not entirely clear, but it appears that GLP-1 drugs, in addition to suppressing appetite, may influence the brain's reward pathways, typically activated by substances like food, alcohol, and nicotine, as well as pleasurable activities such as gambling or shopping.
The potential advantages of GLP-1 medications go beyond weight loss, with Wegovy showing promise in lowering the risk of serious heart issues by 20%, according to a report from the drug's manufacturer in August 2023. This groundbreaking trial involving 18,000 people could mark the first instance of GLP-1 drugs providing cardiovascular benefits to overweight individuals without diabetes.
Yesterday, I attended a friend's graduation ceremony, and it was enjoyable. He attended Glasgow Caledonia University. It's a well-known university that features students from different countries—quite a diverse university and population.
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.
While seated, the graduation took some time to start, but it was a lovely ceremony that began with the school staff working in and opening speeches, followed by the PhD graduates being called out to the bachelor students.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?
I got my white lace dress from Rosewe: Use code “ KOL10 ” for 10% off over $49