Is your teenager skipping breakfast? Why is that happening and what can you do? As per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which surveyed adolescent health and well-being found that 1 in 4 students in high school ate breakfast, which means 3 in 4 high school students are not eating their breakfast. This data is as per the 2023 survey.

What Did The Study Intend?

The report describes a 10-year long trend and also recent changes among the two years. The study delved deeper into adolescents' dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviors. The study is also based on a national youth risk behavior survey of a representative sample of students from grade nine to 12.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that while high school students drank slightly less soda and sports drinks and consumed more water, other healthy eating habits declined. In 2023, only 27% of students ate breakfast every day in the past week. The numbers were even lower for female students, with just 22% eating breakfast daily, compared to 32% of male students. Boys were also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables daily and drink water at least three times a day. Poor mental health and lack of physical activity have also been linked to skipping breakfast.

The other findings included a survey across 10-year period, where a decrease in the percentage of students eating fruits from 65% to 55%, eating vegetables, from 61% to 58%, and having breakfast daily from 38% to 27% was noted.

However, there was a positive trend among this, which was in children drinking plain water at least three times a day, which increased from 49% to 54% from when the survey began in 2015.. There were fewer students who also said that they drank soda in 2023 than in 2013. On an average, in 2013, around 22% students avoided soda, whereas in 2023, 31% students avoided it.

The report also emphasized that a healthy diet, along with daily physical activity and sufficient sleep further contributes to a healthy lifestyle. “The 10-year trends from 2013 to 2023 also show a decline in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” the survey reported.

Why Do High School Students Skip Breakfast?

While there is no one straightforward answer to it, psychologists and those who study children, believe that for many high school going kids, it is the easiest time to skip a meal. This is because they are caught between rushing to school, or not just that hungry in the morning. So for them, to sit down to have a breakfast may seem hassle and something they would have to take time out from their busy schedule. They at this age also prioritize their extra-curricular activities.

There has also been a shift in their circadian rhythm, and most teens cannot fall asleep before 11 pm, or even at midnight. Which means they wake up tired and struggle to do things right in the morning, which is why they choose to skip breakfast or give extra minutes to any other activities.

There is of course another, more popular reason, to lose weight. While experts and studies, like the one published in the Journal of Nutrition that found skipping breakfast leads to higher levels of hunger hormones, the students still feel the need to do this. However, it could lead to a slow metabolism, prompt the body to conserve energy and burn fewer calories, weight gain and deprive yo off the essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

Without a morning breakfast, your blood sugar might drop too, which can increase irritability and stress, along with including the risk of depression in teenage.

A dangerous heat dome is expected to engulf much of the eastern United States this week, exposing more than 220 million people to extreme heat as Americans prepare for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

After scorching parts of Europe with record-breaking temperatures, the heatwave is now forecast to bring dangerously high daytime temperatures, oppressive humidity and unusually warm nights across much of the US, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

"Dangerous, record-breaking heat will intensify across most of the central and eastern U.S. this week. Heat indices will likely exceed 100 degrees. Severe thunderstorms are forecast from parts of the central High Plains into the Upper Midwest, and across parts of the Northeast. Critical fire weather conditions will continue across portions of the Four Corners and Great Basin," the NWS said.

Which Areas Will Be Most Affected?

Also read: Europe Heatwave Shatters June Records: Paris Limits Alcohol Sales, F1 Declares Heat Hazard

The heat dome is expected to expand across the central and eastern United States, with the most intense heat peaking over the Midwest and Mississippi Valley by Thursday before spreading into the Ohio Valley and the East Coast through the holiday weekend.

Cities including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are forecast to see temperatures climb into the 100s°F (38°C and above).

Forecasters expect more than 100 daily temperature records and about 250 record-warm overnight temperatures through Saturday.

The heatwave will also extend into Canada, particularly southern Ontario and southern Quebec.

According to Environment Canada, millions of Canadians are under yellow and orange heat alerts, with advisories issued across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

Temperatures in parts of Ontario and Quebec are expected to reach 34°C to 37°C on July 1 and July 2, coinciding with the Canada Day

holiday and the FIFA Club World Cup match in Toronto.

Heat Alerts In Effect

Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued for several major US cities, including:

• Nashville
• St. Louis
• Cincinnati
• Kansas City
• Des Moines
• Chicago
• Detroit

Extreme Heat Watches cover much of the Northeast, where temperatures are expected to exceed 100°F (38°C) through Saturday.

Southern cities including Dallas, Little Rock and Memphis are also expected to face dangerous heat.

Meanwhile, the Four Corners region—covering parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona—remains under critical fire weather conditions.

Read More: Heading to FIFA World Cup 2026? Here's How to Stay Safe From Measles, Heatstroke

How Are Authorities Preparing?

Temperatures between 95°F and 105°F (35°C to 40.6°C), combined with high humidity, are expected to push the heat index to 100°F-115°F (38°C-46°C). Some areas could also break monthly or all-time temperature records.

Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces or cooling centres.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has activated the city's heat emergency plan, with hundreds of cooling centres opening across the city.

In Detroit, where temperatures could reach 100°F (38°C), officials have opened a dozen air-conditioned recreation centres for residents.

The extreme heat could also affect the FIFA Club World Cup, with some matches expected to exceed the heat-index threshold considered unsafe by the global players' union FIFPRO. Texas is expected to experience the hottest conditions, particularly affecting fans travelling to and from stadiums in Houston and Arlington.

In Canada, the heatwave has prompted officials to establish mobile drinking water stations in parks and extend public swimming pool hours to help residents cope with the extreme temperatures.

How To Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says extreme heat can affect anyone. Warning signs include muscle cramps, dizziness, heavy sweating, headaches, nausea, weakness and shortness of breath.

To stay safe one must:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
• Dress for the heat: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ before going outdoors.
• Seek cooler spaces: Stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible.
• Cool your body: Use wet towels, misting fans or cool water to lower body temperature.
• Recognize heat illness: Seek medical help immediately if symptoms such as confusion, dizziness or nausea worsen.
• Take extra precautions: People with chronic medical conditions or those taking regular medications should consult their doctor on staying safe during extreme heat.

Researchers at a Florida-based university claim that a tiny marine animal found in Antarctica can help scientists develop a new treatment for melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. These marine animals are ascidians, invertebrates known as sea squirts. Belonging to the group of tunicates, they mostly thrive in icy water.

Sea Squirts May Help Treat Melanoma

Certain species of marine animals have proven to be useful in the treatment of various types of cancer. The latest ones are ascidians or sea squirts.

Researchers from the University of South Florida (USF) claim that sea squirts, small tube-shaped marine animals that produce protective chemicals, can help fight an aggressive form of skin cancer called melanoma.

Scientists say that these sea squirts have a bacterium that makes a toxic compound. In the early stages of the study, it was found that this compound is capable of killing melanoma cells without harming healthy cells.

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The Study Addresses A Significant Challenge In Cancer Treatment

One of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment is finding drugs that destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. With this study, scientists say this compound produced by the bacteria inside Antarctic sea squirts can do exactly that, marking a significant milestone in cancer research.

In experiments conducted on mice, it was seen that the compound killed melanoma cells without causing serious harm to the rodents, making it a promising candidate for future drug development.

Even though it shows immense promise, the research is still in its early stages. Before the compound can be tested in people, scientists need to confirm that it is safe and effective in larger animal studies. Clinical trials on humans may still take a while.

Also read: How Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Transforms Lives After Trauma And Cancer

There is also a challenge of harvesting large numbers of sea squirts from Antarctica, as it would damage the fragile ecosystem. To avoid that, researchers are now working on creating the compound in the laboratory instead.

Despite encouraging results, it remains an experimental approach, and several years of research and clinical testing will be needed before it can become a trusted and proven therapy for melanoma.

Marine Animals’ Contribution In Cancer Treatment

Ecteinascidia turbinata, a colonial marine invertebrate, commonly called the golden sea squirt, has contributed to the development of Trabectedin, a chemotherapy drug, used to treat soft tissue sarcoma and ovarian cancer.

One of the significant cancer breakthroughs was due to sea sponges. They led to the development of Cytarabine, a chemotherapy medication that has been significant in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and certain lymphomas for decades.

Sea cucumbers contain natural substances that can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. Although research is still in its early stages, the results have been promising.

Researchers also found a powerful anti-cancer compound called dolastatin in sea hares. It inspired targeted cancer drugs that deliver treatment directly to cancer cells while reducing harm to healthy cells.

For the first time, starting July 1, people in the US will be able to access GLP-1 drugs for weight loss through a new pilot program offered by the federal health insurance program Medicare.

Until now, Medicare covered GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic only for certain conditions like diabetes, but not for weight loss.

The new 18-month Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, which will run till the end of 2027, aims to make these high-cost weight-loss medications more accessible to eligible beneficiaries.

According to a KFF analysis of 2023 Part D enrollment data, an estimated 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for the program.

More than 70 per cent of adults in the United States are considered to have obesity or screen as overweight. Studies have proven that GLP-1s are an effective tool in weight reduction, as well as improving other markers of good health, such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, and blood sugar levels.

What Drugs Will Be Covered?

Eligible beneficiaries will be able to access the following GLP-1 weight-loss medications:

• Novo Nordisk's Wegovy injections and tablets
• Eli Lilly's Foundayo tablets
• Eli Lilly's Zepbound KwikPen

The medications will be covered only when prescribed for weight management and when beneficiaries meet the program's medical eligibility criteria.

Who Will Be Eligible?

The program is available only to certain members of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans who want to lose excess weight and maintain weight loss.

Although the program operates outside standard Medicare Part D coverage, beneficiaries can participate only if they are enrolled in:

• An eligible stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan under Original Medicare, or
• An eligible Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

People enrolled in certain less common Medicare plans, including the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), may also qualify if they also have a stand-alone Part D plan, Washington Post reported.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), most of Medicare's approximately 57 million Part D enrollees are in eligible plans.

However, coverage is not automatic. Providers and pharmacists will identify eligible patients, submit the required forms and obtain prior authorization before treatment can begin. Claims, prior authorization requests and pharmacy payments will be handled by Humana, while Part D plans will not be involved in the process.

How Much Will It Cost?

Eligible beneficiaries will pay a $50 monthly copay for the covered medications.

However, because the program operates outside Medicare Part D coverage:

• The $50 copay will not count toward a beneficiary's Part D deductible.
• It also will not count toward the 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket spending cap of $2,100.
• The copay is not eligible for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows beneficiaries to spread prescription drug costs throughout the year.

What Happens After 2027?

The pilot program is temporary and is scheduled to end in December 2027, unless it is extended.

"It's certainly good news for Medicare beneficiaries who have been essentially shut out of the market for GLP-1s for weight loss if they wanted to use insurance coverage. However, it is a temporary program. It is not a permanent change in Medicare coverage," said Juliette Cubanski, Vice President and Director of Medicare Policy at KFF.

If the program is not extended, beneficiaries who rely on the medications may have to pay higher out-of-pocket prices or discontinue treatment beginning in January 2028, which experts said could lead to weight regain based on current GLP-1 therapies, the Post reported.