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Strong Core: Getting Fit from the Inside Out

If you're striving to be the best version of yourself and give 100% in every area of your life, building a strong core is essential. A strong core is more than just defined abs or the ability to power through sit-ups and planks; it serves as a protective shield around your spine and organs, supporting nearly every movement your body makes. Core strength plays a crucial role in your physical abilities and overall fitness, no matter your age or current fitness level. Strengthening your core can lead to better physical performance, fewer injuries, less pain, and an improved quality of life. Here are five compelling reasons to focus on building a stronger core: 1. Reduces Pain and Injury A strong core helps prevent back pain by providing better support and protection for your spine. This means you’re less likely to move in a way that could cause pain or injury. Whether you spend your days sitting at a desk or constantly on the go, a strong core can reduce discomfort and help you stay p...
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The issue of young people's mental health is finally receiving the necessary recognition it deserves.

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According to the latest report from UNICEF, approximately 13% of individuals aged 10 to 19 worldwide have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. This marks the first time UNICEF's flagship report has addressed the challenges and opportunities surrounding the prevention and treatment of mental health problems among young people. The report reveals that understanding adolescent mental health is complex and remains insufficiently studied and funded. These findings are supported by a series of review articles published in various Springer Nature journals.

Among mental health disorders affecting young people, anxiety and depression account for over 40% of cases. UNICEF further highlights that globally, suicide ranks as the fourth most common cause of death among adolescents aged 15 to 19, following road injuries, tuberculosis, and interpersonal violence. In specific regions such as eastern Europe and central Asia, suicide is the leading cause of death among young people within this age group. It ranks as the second-highest cause in western Europe and North America.

Unfortunately, there is evidence indicating a rise in psychological distress among young individuals. One study revealed that the prevalence of depression among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents aged 12 to 17 increased from 8.5% to 13.2% between 2005 and 2017. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated this trend in certain countries. For instance, an Icelandic nationwide study demonstrated that adolescents aged 13 to 18 reported significantly higher levels of mental health symptoms during the pandemic compared to before it, with girls being more affected than boys.

Despite the fact that most mental health disorders emerge during adolescence, only one-third of mental health research funding is allocated to young people, according to UNICEF. Furthermore, research in this area suffers from fragmentation, with scientists primarily working within specific disciplines such as psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology, and epidemiology. The lack of strong connections between research and healthcare services limits the development of effective prevention and treatment approaches, as well as a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness and contextual relevance.

The collection of review articles published this week focuses on interventions for preventing and treating anxiety and depression among young people aged 14 to 24. Notably, some projects involved young individuals with personal experience of anxiety and depression as co-investigators, participating in the design, implementation, and interpretation of the reviews.

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