Different perspective, better solutions.

  In 2022, over 49,000 suicides were reported in the U.S., making it one of the leading causes of death​.

CDC Globally, suicide accounts for more than 700,000 deaths annually, highlighting the severe mental and financial impact worldwide​. In the USA, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.8 million made a plan, and 1.6 million attempted suicide in 2022. 

 Over 150,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to excessive alcohol use each year, costing the economy around $249 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.​ CDC  

Social isolation has been linked to self-harm behaviors and worsened mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness doubled in the U.S., increasing mental health treatment demand and costing billions globally in lost productivity due to mental illness​.  Roughly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report feelings of loneliness, while 1 in 4 experience inadequate social or emotional support. Social isolation significantly increases risks for cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even early mortality. Young adults and seniors are especially vulnerable, with the CDC highlighting the importance of social support and connection to mitigate these effects​. CDC World Health Organization (WHO)

 Over 65% of U.S. children aged 2–17 spend more than two hours per weekday on screens beyond educational use, with screen time increasing to 80% for teens aged 12–17. High screen use is linked to poor sleep, weight gain, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, particularly when it exceeds recommended limits of two hours daily for recreational purposes​. CDC CDC

 The pressures of academic and professional success have led many to use performance-enhancing drugs. Misuse among students is significant, with up to 20% using stimulants illegally, contributing to physical and mental health issues and rising healthcare costs​. CDC

In the United States, approximately 20,000 deaths per year are attributed to alcohol-related cancers. Notably, alcohol accounts for about 6% of all cancer cases and 4% of all cancer deaths, making it one of the most significant preventable cancer risk factors alongside smoking and obesity​.  The most common cancer types among men being colorectal and among women, breast cancer. Alcohol use increases breast cancer risk in women even with small amounts due to its effect on estrogen levels. CDC Cancer Info & Resources  

 Adolescents who engage in over six hours of daily media use are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors, such as frequent nighttime eating, which contributes to weight gain and disrupts sleep patterns. Additionally, these dietary habits elevate the risk of chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Poor dietary quality, often tied to convenience and screen time, is another significant driver of health concerns in youth and adolescents​. CDC 

 Individuals under the influence are at heightened risk of suicide, with access to firearms leading to 50% of all suicides in the U.S. Preventable suicides cost the U.S. economy over $70 billion in healthcare, legal, and lost productivity.​ World Health Organization (WHO)

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugars, with some containing up to 27 teaspoons of sugar per can. Frequent consumption among adolescents is a significant concern, as up to 50% report using energy drinks regularly. Excessive intake has been linked to negative health outcomes, including heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. Among U.S. service members surveyed, those consuming three or more energy drinks per day reported severe sleep disturbances and impaired daytime performance​. CDC

 Opioid overdose deaths continue to surge, reaching over 80,000 annually in the U.S. alone. Opioid abuse leads to considerable healthcare costs, estimated at $78.5 billion per year, including healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses​. CDC 

 The CDC reports that nearly 25% of all drug overdose deaths involve the combination of opioids and other substances, costing millions in emergency response and healthcare resources each year​. CDC