Jetey’s latest music video for ‘Goosebumps’ is an artistic masterpiece that perfectly complements the infectious rhythms and soaring vocals of the track. Directed by the talented, Fif Wilson, the video is a stunning work of art that transports viewers into the world of Jetey and his beautiful melanin-rich lover, played by model and poet, Foxie Silver. (more…)

If you visit Florida, you may find that you like it. If you go there on vacation, you might feel that it offers a lot. You may like it so much that you decide living there makes sense. (more…)

Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organization, today announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious Global Citizen Prizeand the Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The awards honor young, trailblazing changemakers who are profoundly impacting their local communities in the fight to end extreme poverty, demand equity and protect the planet, in line with Global Citizen’s campaign to End Extreme Poverty Now.

The award recipients will be honored at a prestigious ceremony taking place during the Global Citizen NOW action summit at The Glasshouse in New York City on Thursday April 27, 2023. The ceremony will be hosted by Actress, Humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha and feature appearances by Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Chair of Global Citizen’s European Board of Directors and United Nations IFAD Goodwill Ambassador; Padma Lakshmi, Producer, TV Host, Author and Activist; Bridget Moynahan, Global Citizen Ambassador; and Erna Solberg, Former Prime Minister of Norway, and will feature performances by Natasha Bedingfield, Chloe Flower, and Samara Joy.

The Global Citizen Prize celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to achieving the United Nations Global Goals by keeping the world’s poor at the forefront of their campaigns, and recognizes unsung activists who champion and elevate the most vulnerable in their local communities. This year, the Global Citizen Prize highlights activists across four categories: Climate Change, Civic Space, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Food Security. The recipients will receive a year-long programme of support from Global Citizen, together with a donation to their organization. Proud Global Partners of the Global Citizen Prize 2023 include Cisco, Citi and P&G.

The Global Citizen Prize 2023 awardees are:
Deja Foxx, Activist and Founder of GenZ Girl Gang, from the U.S.,
Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Global Coordinator and Cofounder, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, from Rwanda;
Pashtana Durrani, Social and Political Rights Activist, Executive Director, LEARN Afghanistan, from Afghanistan;
Wangari Kuria, Founder and CEO of Farmer on Fire Ltd, from Kenya.

The Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established in 2018 by Cisco and Global Citizen to celebrate an individual aged between 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending extreme poverty in their community, through their leadership, dedication, and innovation. The prize winner will receive a US$250,000 grant to their organization to enable its continued growth. Candidates were judged, by a panel including representatives from Global Citizen, Cisco, esteemed activists and leaders in the international development field, against five equally-weighted criteria, including impact, vision, catalyst, global citizenship, and technology innovation.

This year’s Cisco Youth Leadership Award recipient is Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku, Founder and CEO of Phenomtech-Sciency Learning, from Zimbabwe. A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher working at a rural school, Nkosana created Sciency Learning as a result of the lack of resources for teaching STEM in Zimbabwe’s rural communities. Sciency’s objective is to provide low-cost STEM education to students across Zimbabwe in a bid to reduce dropout rates and advance STEM development across the country. Nkosana is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and an award-winning entrepreneur.

“STEM education is critical for opening doors of opportunity, and Nkosana’s vital work utilizing innovative technology to offer STEM learning to rural schools across Zimbabwe is transformative,” said Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer of Cisco. “Investing in education reaps a lifetime of benefits, not only for children but also for their communities. The work of young leaders like Nkosana is helping to usher in a more inclusive future by empowering youth in Africa and around the world to thrive in the digital economy.”

“It is an honor to recognize these inspirational, young changemakers who are advancing the fight to end extreme poverty,” said Liza Henshaw, President, Global Citizen. “The world needs innovators who will courageously pursue positive change in their local communities, and inspire others to action through their ingenuity.”

For more information about the Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award 2023, Cisco Youth Leadership Award, and Global Citizen NOW visit www.globalcitizen.org/prize and follow @GlblCtzn Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #GlobalCitizen.

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Numerous studies have revealed the deep relationship between our gastrointestinal system and our emotional well-being, igniting interest in the connection between gut health and mental health in recent years. In this article, we investigate how taking care of your stomach can have a good impact on your mental health and dig into the intriguing world of the gut-brain axis.

The Gut-Brain Axis: An Overview

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network that connects the gastrointestinal tract with the brain, involving the central and enteric nervous systems. It plays a critical role in regulating digestion, immune function, and even mood, highlighting the intimate relationship between gut health and mental health.

How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health

The Role of the Microbiome

The gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play a vital role in maintaining overall health. These microbes can produce various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that influence mood and behavior. An imbalanced gut microbiome has been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Inflammation and Mental Health

Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to increased levels of inflammatory cytokines that can cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to neuroinflammation and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

The gut produces around 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation. Imbalances in gut-derived serotonin and other hormones can lead to emotional disturbances and mental health issues.

Factors Affecting Gut Health

For general well-being as well as for mental health, a healthy gut is crucial. But a variety of variables can affect gut health, which then affects mental health. Making decisions to support gut health and emotional wellbeing can be facilitated by an understanding of these variables.

Diet and Lifestyle

Poor dietary habits are one of the primary factors affecting gut health. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing the population of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance can contribute to inflammation, poor digestion, and impaired nutrient absorption, negatively impacting mental health.

However, a well-balanced diet full of whole foods, fiber, and fermented goods can support gut health and enhance mental wellness. Consuming a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can assist maintain a balanced intestinal environment by supplying important nutrients.

Gut health is also greatly influenced by lifestyle choices like exercise and stress reduction. By enhancing the variety of the gut microbiota and lowering inflammation, regular exercise helps to promote gut health. Additionally, persistent stress can have a deleterious effect on the gut-brain axis, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms and aggravating mental health conditions.

Medications

Certain medications, particularly antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to imbalances and potentially affecting mental health. Antibiotics can wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, creating an opportunity for harmful bacteria to overpopulate the gut. NSAIDs, on the other hand, can cause inflammation in the gut lining, leading to leaky gut syndrome and increased permeability. This can contribute to systemic inflammation and negatively impact mental health.

Genetics

Genetic factors can influence the composition of the gut microbiome, making some individuals more susceptible to imbalances and gut-related mental health issues. While we cannot change our genetics, understanding our predispositions can help us make targeted lifestyle and dietary changes to support gut health.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, including exposure to toxins, pollutants, and harmful bacteria, can also affect gut health. These factors can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and contribute to inflammation, which can negatively impact mental health. Maintaining a clean living environment, consuming organic foods when possible, and limiting exposure to harmful substances can help support gut health and overall well-being.

Sleep

Poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation can negatively impact gut health. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can alter the gut microbiome, leading to imbalances that can contribute to inflammation and mental health issues. Establishing healthy sleep habits, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can help improve gut health and support mental well-being.

Strategies to Improve Gut Health and Mental Health

Optimize Your Diet

A diverse and balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and fermented products can help nurture a healthy gut microbiome, support gut health, and promote mental wellbeing. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide essential nutrients and maintain a balanced gut environment.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

By fostering the development of advantageous bacteria, lowering inflammation, and strengthening the barrier function of the gut, probiotic and prebiotic supplements can improve gut health. Live bacteria known as probiotics are found in fermented foods including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They can also be taken as supplements. Contrarily, prebiotics are indigestible fibers that provide probiotics with meals. They are present in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus.

Stress Management

Stress can negatively affect the gut-brain axis, potentially causing gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbating mental health issues. Implementing stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and proper sleep hygiene can help maintain gut health and support mental wellbeing.

Exercise

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve gut health by increasing the diversity of the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. Additionally, exercise can help alleviate stress and improve mood, further contributing to better mental health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

Limiting Medications

While medications can be necessary for treating certain conditions, it is essential to use them judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If possible, work with your doctor to minimize the use of medications that can negatively impact gut health, such as antibiotics and NSAIDs, and explore alternative treatments when appropriate.

Summing Up

The link between gut health and mental health is undeniable, and understanding the gut-brain axis can help us take control of our emotional wellbeing. By nurturing our gut through a balanced diet, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, effective stress management, regular exercise, and limiting medications, we can support not only our digestive health but also our mental health. Start paying attention to your gut today and reap the benefits for your mind and body.