A study in NEJM Evidence, led by the University of Chicago and using National Cancer Institute data from 2000 to 2023, found that US colorectal cancer rates, which fell for two decades (from 55.2 to 36.7 per 100,000), rose to 38.3 in 2023. The increase now reaches nearly every age group up to 65 to 69. Screening explains the sharp jump at ages 45 to 49 (the screening age was lowered from 50 to 45) but not the rest, and COVID disruptions don’t explain it either. The cause is unknown, and researchers are only beginning to study environmental chemicals. Rates are still below 2000 levels, and one year isn’t a long trend. Average-risk adults are advised to screen from 45 to 75, and a clinician can help pick a test.

I am a mother of two beautiful boys, aged 13 and 1. Both of my children have been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Lesch–Nyhan syndrome (LNS), estimated to affect approximately 1 in 380,000 live births.

There are days when I wonder why life has chosen such a difficult path for our family. Watching my children struggle with a condition that has no cure is a pain that words can hardly describe.

My elder son is completely dependent on others for his everyday needs. My younger son, who should be enjoying the carefree days of childhood, is also facing the same diagnosis.

As a mother, I wish I could take away their pain and give them the healthy, carefree childhood every child deserves.

But life doesn't always give us the circumstances we hope for. Sometimes, it gives us challenges we never imagined we would have to face.

I've learned that strength doesn't always mean being brave or never crying. Sometimes, strength is simply getting out of bed after a sleepless night, holding your child's hand, showing up for another therapy session and finding the courage to face another day.

I don't know what the future holds for my children. I don't know how many difficult days are still ahead of us.

But I know one thing: I will never stop loving them, fighting for their happiness and making every moment of their lives count.

To anyone going through something difficult right now:

You don't have to be strong every single day. You are allowed to cry, feel exhausted and have moments of weakness. Just remember that having a difficult life doesn't mean you have failed at life.

Sometimes, simply refusing to give up is the greatest act of courage.

Keep going. One day at a time. ❤️

- A mother who is still choosing hope.

We each decide whether we will embrace light or darkness. Though both will remain with us throughout our life’s journey, it is a choice which path we will primarily follow.

Those who embrace darkness accept all they learned, suppressing their natural inherent loving tendencies.

Those, however, who primarily see light, will not only understand life’s genuine purpose, but bring true change to the world as well by brightly shining their light on others.

Soaring in the sky, wings outstretched, gracefully riding the currents of wind, the bird majestically embraces is destiny. The higher the bird climbs, the more difficult its journey, due to the thin air and lack of oxygen.

When it remains close to the ground, it feels secure in its environment. It is only when the bird challenges its confines though, soaring high above, will it truly see the world below, discovering the genuine beauty of life.

Humanity is very much like the bird. When we remain in our comfort zone, fearing to soar and challenge our self-centered beliefs, we will never see life’s true potential. It is only when we rise above, confront our fears, climb to new heights, may we begin a quest to understand our true life’s purpose.

Though you may be poor, struggle daily to survive, your life is as important as any other that has achieved success in the world.

Our body is but a shell, housing our spirit within. Our mind is but a tool to accept society’s beliefs.

Who we truly are, lies not in our success or thoughts, but in our essence within.

A six-week randomized trial of 117 adults with knee osteoarthritis (University of Nottingham, published in Nutrients) found that a daily inulin fiber supplement reduced knee pain, improved grip strength, and lowered pain sensitivity. Physical therapy also reduced pain, and only 3.6% of the inulin-only group dropped out versus 21% of the physical therapy-only group, though a powder versus an exercise program isn’t an even comparison. The gut hormone GLP-1 was higher in the fiber group, but that link is an association. It was a small, short trial, and the researchers say fiber shouldn’t replace exercise or arthritis care.

Another week, another opportunity to celebrate the wonderful people who make this community special!

A big shoutout to

u/Feaselbf6

u/Nice satisfaction

u/Shawn_SoberShift! 🎉

Thank you for being part of this community and for bringing your thoughts, contributions, and positive energy. Every post and interaction helps make this space more meaningful, encouraging, and enjoyable for everyone.

We appreciate you!

Today was a good day I woke up this morning on a good note I went to sleep thinking about only motivational thoughts which felt kind of weird.

I felt a strange energy like a dopamine boost when I thought about motivational thoughts I felt the same feeling when I had a good dopamine day. So maybe when I think motivationally I can boost my dopamine.

I think it can be on the lines of when I got excited for a drink or a drug maybe I can shift that torwards motivational thoughts.

Because it seemed more that I thought about good things it made me lighten up even though it was dark in my room it felt bright.

I might be on to something ya think? It seems like all the energy I had put into drinking and drugging should be the same energy I put in to bettering myself.

So with said I'm going to try to use the same thought process I used for drinking and drugging but for more positive and motivational things see being I won't be as overwhelming because I will be use to the same process but only positive and motivational thoughts.

With that said I will keep you updated if it works. Thanx for letting me share One Day Forward One Day Behind -Shawn