By Jess Jennings
Apr 5, 2021
America’s stress levels are on the rise, but while we’ve always been told stress can be bad for our health, a new study suggests that’s not always the case.
A National Health Survey conducted in 1998 asked people about their stress levels, with 55% saying they had been under moderate-to-severe stress in the 12 months prior. Of those people, 34% said that stress had some affect on their health, while 25% said it made their health worse. Well, now scientists used that data to see whether such stress did in fact cause issues with health and they came to some surprising conclusions.
A national survey reveals first responders are struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic. By Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
First responders reveal they are shouldering tremendous stress, especially due to the unique demands of the past year, and say they could use more positive support, according to a new, in-depth nationwide survey now underway.
The National Wellness Survey for Public Safety Personnel, which originated in Virginia and was first reported here by Changing America, received feedback from 5,000 first responders from 26 public safety agencies across the state, some of whom courageously spoke about struggles with PTSD and contemplation of suicide due to the trauma-filled demands of their jobs. Now public safety agencies from all across the U.S. are also participating in the survey, which includes responses from all branches of public safety.
NITI Aayog s Proposal to Cut Food Subsidies Will Worsen India s Rising Hunger Problem
A number of indicators have shown that India is still reeling under the adverse impact of lockdowns and job losses necessitated by the pandemic. Any cut in food subsidies will push millions into starvation.
A boy eats at an orphanage run by a non-governmental organisation on World Hunger Day, in Chennai May 28, 2014. Photo:Reuters/Babu/Files
Rights12/Mar/2021
On February 28, 2021, it was widely reported that Niti Aayog put out a paper arguing for lowering coverage in food security law in order to cut the subsidy bill. The paper prescribes curtailment of food subsidy to people from 75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas to 60% and 40% respectively. This curtailment, the Niti Aayog estimates, will result in savings of Rs 47,229 crore. This very straight proposition needs to be looked at from the point of view of several factors.