Different perspective, better solutions.

 More than 65% of American children aged 2 to 17 spend over two hours each weekday on screens for non-educational purposes. This figure jumps to 80% for teens aged 12 to 17. Excessive screen time, especially exceeding the recommended two-hour daily limit for recreation, is associated with sleep disturbances, weight gain, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression. 1  (Source: CDC) 

 The year 2022 saw over 49,000 reported suicides in the U.S., placing it among the top causes of death.  Globally, suicide claims over 700,000 lives each year, underscoring its devastating impact on mental health and the economy.  Within the U.S. alone, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously contemplated suicide in 2022, with 3.8 million making plans and 1.6 million attempting to take their own lives. 

 Social isolation is a serious concern, linked to self-harm and declining mental health.  Loneliness doubled in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing demand for mental health services and costing billions in lost productivity worldwide.  Approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults report feeling lonely, and 1 in 4 lack adequate social or emotional support. This isolation raises the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, depression, and premature death. Young adults and seniors are particularly vulnerable. . CDC World Health Organization (WHO)

 Adolescents who use media for more than six hours daily are more prone to unhealthy eating habits, like frequent nighttime snacking. This disrupts sleep and contributes to weight gain, increasing the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.  Furthermore, poor dietary quality, often linked to convenience and excessive screen time, significantly impacts the health of children and adolescents. CDC 

 Energy drinks are packed with caffeine and sugar, some containing up to 27 teaspoons of sugar per can.  Frequent consumption by adolescents is alarming, with up to 50% reporting regular use. This excessive intake is linked to negative health outcomes, including heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.  In a survey of U.S. service members, those consuming three or more energy drinks daily reported severe sleep problems and impaired daytime performance.  CDC

 Excessive alcohol use claims over 150,000 American lives annually, costing the U.S. economy roughly $249 billion each year in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. CDC.   Alcohol is responsible for about 20,000 cancer deaths in the United States each year, accounting for 6% of all cancer cases and 4% of all cancer deaths. It is a major preventable risk factor, comparable to smoking and obesity. The most common alcohol-related cancers are colorectal cancer in men and breast cancer in women.  Even small amounts of alcohol increase breast cancer risk in women due to its influence on estrogen levels.  CDC Cancer Info & Resources  

 The pressure to succeed academically and professionally has driven many to misuse performance-enhancing drugs.  This is particularly prevalent among students, with up to 20% illegally using stimulants. This trend contributes to physical and mental health problems, ultimately driving up healthcare costs.  CDC

 Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol are significantly more likely to attempt suicide. This risk is compounded by access to firearms, which account for 50% of all suicides in the U.S.  The tragic consequences of these preventable deaths extend beyond the individual, impacting families and communities, and costing the U.S. economy over $70 billion annually in healthcare expenses, legal costs, and lost productivity.  Restricting access to firearms, particularly for individuals struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, is a crucial step in reducing suicide rates.  World Health Organization (WHO)

  The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the United States, with overdose deaths exceeding 80,000 annually.  This epidemic carries a staggering economic burden, estimated at $78.5 billion per year. These costs encompass not only healthcare expenses for treating overdoses and addiction, but also lost productivity due to disability and premature death, and the strain on the criminal justice system.  Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including expanding access to treatment, harm reduction strategies, and stricter regulation of opioid prescriptions.  CDC 

  The CDC reports a disturbing trend: nearly 25% of all drug overdose deaths involve a combination of opioids and other substances. This poly-substance use not only increases the risk of fatal overdose but also places a significant strain on emergency response and healthcare systems, costing millions of dollars each year.  This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive addiction treatment programs that address the complex interplay of multiple substances and underlying mental health conditions.  CDC