I spent some time this morning catching up on the latest health news. I’m fascinated with reading the health sections in online newspapers – you might say I’m a bit of a junkie.
US on track for most measles cases in a decade
Already there have been 89 cases reported so far. The U.S. normally sees only about 50 cases of measles in a year thanks to vaccinations.
read the full article here
They also say that Europe is being hit hard due to a decrease in vaccinations in children. Being that I’ll be bringing a little one into the world soon, I’ve looked a little into vaccinations, and believe the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the risks. However, I’m interested in the topic because I find there are many conflicting points of view and people feel strongly about their choice.
I’m interested in hearing all sides.
Are you pro-vaccines or anti? Why?
Patterns: An Omega-3 Fatty Acid Shows a Risky Side
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects that may help protect against heart disease, studies have shown. But men with high blood levels of the omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid, or D.H.A., were at significantly greater risk for aggressive prostate cancer, a large study has found.
Read the full article here
The article actually sums up that the benefits of DHA most likely outweigh the risks associated with prostate cancer, but it isn’t the first time that a study has showed that a supplement or food deemed to be GREAT for us has shown an alternative side. That’s why I remain a bit skeptical in my view of supplementation. I think people with good health intentions can overdo it with supplementation. Again, why I prefer to try and get most of my nutrients from eating whole, nutritious foods.
Do you take supplements? Why or why not?
Most Young Adults Suffer from a ‘Quarterlife Crisis’
Research from London’s University of Greenwich found that people between the ages of 25 and 35 were as vulnerable to experiencing a period of panic and anxiety as older people suffering from midlife crises.
Read the full article here.
I feel like this phase began as a joke, but I’ve seen it morph into something very real among people my age (the ripe old age of 27). I believe there is too much pressure to reach the success level of your parents by age 30, which is an unrealistic expectation. Unfortunately I think it’s mostly the young people putting pressure on themselves to fall in love, get married, land their dream job and buy a house. Let’s give ourselves a break!
I think I’m an overachiever and went through my mini-quarter life crisis around 22 or so. Fresh out of college with a job in the big city of Atlanta, but unsure what road to take from there. Luckily things have a way of working out 🙂
Are you going through a quarter-life crisis? Have you ever? What was your main worry?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on one of these articles. I found them all to be interesting and conversation provoking!
Oh, and have a fabulous weekend 🙂
Brittany says
I think the 20’s are so hard – especially for our generation where, even if you went to college for your undergrad, you’re not guaranteed a good job. My boyfriend and I (27 and 26) are lucky and both got good jobs out of school but I’m still struggling with wanting to have a career I’m excited and passionate about. It’s difficult!
I LOVE your signature.
Brittany says
I think everyone struggles with wanting to find the perfect career, but that’s part of the fun of life… figuring it out along the way! At least that’s my outlook on Fridays… catch me on Monday and it may not be quite as a cheerful outlook 😉
Rachel @ Rachel's Recipes says
I went ahead with vaccinations. Most schools require them, and although I’ve thought about homeschooling, I’m DEFINITELY not ready to make that commitment! 😉
Brittany says
We’ve actually talked about homeschooling too. Nothing seriously, but I do think some aspects of it are pretty interesting.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
There are usually exemptions to vaccinating if there is a reason for not doing it, regardless of schooling choice. Likewise, even homeschoolers may be asked for vaccination paperwork for some of the activities that their children participate in.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I think that the quarterlife crisis is very legitimate. there is a lot of pressure on young people to make big decisions and achieve great things. Many twenty somethings are trying to transition into adulthood which can mean marriage, children, real estate while contending with new careers, student loans and other speed bumps. I commend everyone who has it figured out at 25 because I am not far from 30 and still working on it!
John J. says
In my work as a therapist I help clients realize that life is about developmental stages. It is important to develop an awareness of where you are at a particular stage, where you want to go personally and professionally, and then develop a strategy to reach said goals. Knowing your deepest self and finding your passion, aligned with your values, assists in this transition.
P.S. Statistically most people have three to four careers (not jobs) in their lifetime. For more info, check out my blog at http://www.drstathas.com.
Brittany says
I think it’s important to hear that people have 3-4 careers- it relieves some of the pressure. People should check out your blog for more great insight! 🙂
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
Brittany – is that your dad?! just checked out his blog and love some of the articles I have read so far!
Brittany says
It is my dad! 🙂 Glad you checked it out!
Suzanne says
The talks you have to have when you’re bringing a new little one into the world are interesting. My husband and I had a talk about circumcision the other day. Talk about a topic that had never really even crossed my mind. I agree with what you are saying about the benefits outweighing the risks.
As far as the quarter life crisis, I think that I have twinges of one of those on a regular basis. I talk to more and more of my friends (ranging from early to late 20s) who say that they regularly struggle with anxiety these days.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I don’t know if I had a quarter life crisis but it felt like it at the time. I just felt so lost and unsure of what I should be doing (and I still feel that way from time to time)
I’m with you on wanting to know more about vaccinations — I don’t know much of the pros and cons but want to learn more — definitely before we have any children.
blackhuff says
I for vaccinations – in my opinion this is a 50/50 thing. It eithers work for you or it don’t. So I rather get the vaccinations.
Megan says
My quarter life crisis wasn’t major, but I think I went through it. I just kind of panicked on what I was supposed to be doing as my interests have changed since starting college 4 years ago. I went with a history degree, which I’m still in love with, but what can you do with it besides teach? Yeah. Nothing.
It’s interesting that it is happening to 20 somethings though.
Brittany says
I know, it’s amazing how the major you pick at 18 is expected to be your life long career- too much pressure! You could teach, or work at historical sites and museums! I’m fascinated with history, too.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I think supplements are very helpful. They also usually have low side effects, if any. I take a few for different reasons. I supplement with Vitamin C, D, Oregano Oil, & Fish oil. Each for different reasons that I have found help me. I think it’s great to get your nutrition from food but I would say most people in the US are lacking enough nutrients. I don’t believe in the flu vaccination but I believe my supplements help keep my immune system up. I was not sick this whole winter, even when I was around other sick people. Maybe it’s in my head, but I’m going to keep supplementing.
Brittany says
I’ve never heard of Oregano Oil, but I’m intrigued! What are the benefits of it?
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m using it for my skin. lol. Seems to help!
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
love all these topics!!
When my son was in his first year is when all the hype went up about how vaccinations were linked to autism. I got pretty scared but my doctor gave me seriously a stack of articles that proved otherwise. I went with my gut and stuck with the vaccinations. Think about it though, if it were fact that vaccinations did link to autism, wouldn’t you prefer that over death? It would be a challenge for sure but you would still have your child in this world! I feel Jenny McCarthy started it and then a couple years later that her son in fact didn’t have autism. Funny what celebrities can do!
I feel like I am kind of going through a crisis right now. In my 20’s I definitely felt after college that it was a rush to find a partner to marry so I can have kids by 30. I love my hubby but I only started getting to really get to know who I was when I first met him and then we had babies fairly quick. Now, I am questioning if I am in the right career and still figuring out what is important to me. I can’t really get into too much on my blog bc I have a couple readers from work.
Jen says
i am going through more of a quarter life shift than crisis. in the past year i’ve finally figured out what i want to do with my life and i’m doing anything and everything i can to get myself there as quickly as possible!
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
Love all the links and topics! I feel like I’m going through something at the moment (maybe not a crisis) but thoughts of “what am I doing” related to my career (honestly, I was in no rush to get married *luckily Forrest just happened to walk into my life* or have kids after college *still not ready for that commitment*). As you can probably tell from my blog, I LOVE writing and whompin’ up veggie dishes; however, I have an accounting degree and currently “stuck” in a jobby job that is making me feel “dead” inside. Forrest tells me to have patience and something will work out soon – I’m hoping he is right (for once, haha jokes). Happy Friday!!!!
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
I can relate to the quarter-life crisis! Graduating college and not knowing what to do next or not being able to get a job you really love, coupled with a time where a lot of relationships either end or move toward marriage, it’s just a time for so many changes and a lot of stress (even if it’s “happy” stress)!
Thanks for posting these, Brittany!
Layne says
Wonderful article here:
http://m.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/22864-what-to-know-when-youre-25ish
LOVED it, hope you will too!!
Allison says
I dont think I have gone through a quarter life crisis yet but it will prob happen at some point. Maybe I haven’t have crisis yet bc my life is pretty settled for the moment. I am sure if something falls off track Ill start freaking!
Donna@Love,Run&Travel says
I totally had a quarter life crisis at 21!
Only supplement i take is a womens daily vitamin
Thats crazy about the measles!
Maria says
Oh I’ve been struggling with the mini quarter life crisis. I finally admitted to myself. I feel like I’m in such a huge rush to buy a house, find that perfect career and settle down, despite the fact that I don’t really want to – I just feel the pressure of it. I’m hoping it will pass soon. Plenty of 30 year olds still rent apartments, right? 🙂
Brittany says
Yes, plenty rent, and usually they are the smart ones 🙂 You’re probably just feeling all of that because you’ll be getting married soon- EEE SO exciting! I just love your wedding posts
Tina says
I dont think I’ve gone through a quarter life crisis, but then again I know I get really anxious about the future and wanting to know if I’m on the right path with what work I will end up doing.
Have a great weekend!
Kelly says
I love reading health news too! Although sometimes I laugh at the over-dramatization of some things. And I question some studies, like the first one, probably because research methods were drilled into my head in grad school.
Brittany says
I know, I try and read about the study a little bit before I accept it as truth. Some ‘studies’ find such a weak correlation then blow it up!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I totally went through a quarter life crisis when I was graduating from college. I just had NO idea what I was going to do with my life! But it totally worked out, and I’ve calmed down since then 😉
I do take supplements! I take B-12, Calcium, Omega 3, and a Multivitamin! I don’t eat meat or drink milk, so I just like to make sure I’m getting everything!
Katie H says
I am pro-vaccine, though I need to do more research before I can state the reasons why.
Right now, I’m only taking a pre-natal. Pre-pregnancy I took fish oil tablets every day- love them!
Interesting articles!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
We do vaccinate our children. My son had an allergic reaction to one of his shots, but thankfully it wasn’t life-threatening. To be on the safe side, the next time he was due, the doctor split them out and gave them one by one with some extra monitoring. I have to say, I was really concerned for him and struggled with the decision to continue vaccinating him. I wondered if he would have a more severe reaction the next time. Overall, I think the benefits outweigh the risks, but I think there are some cases where the risk is too great for certain children based on their medical conditions/history.
I also think that getting nutrients from food is the best way to go, but I am not opposed to supplementing.
I would not say I had a quarter-life crisis, but I have reevaluated things at various points along the way. I doubt I’ll ever have it all figured out.
Roz says
OK…I’m officially feeling old. I’m past the “quarter life crisis age” and am heading toward the “mid life crisis time”. I was a bit of a “late bloomer” (went back to university a bit later and graduated at 30) and maybe because I was a bit “behind” many of my peers, I had a bit of a crisis trying to “catch up” (they already were establishing themselves in careers and marriages earlier). I’m not sure if I ever did catch up, but I seem to always be wondering “is this it?” and “what’s next” these days. Thanks for this post, it certainly gives food for thought. Have a great day.
Baking Serendipity says
I definitely had a quarter life crisis. I freaked at the thought of being a teacher and wanted to change my major my senior year of college…to dietetics. Turns out chemistry is ridiculously difficult…furthering my crisis.
pawsitivelife says
I am definitly pro vaccine, as a microbiologist I think it is irrisponsible to not vaccinate, the anti vaccine research out there is complete croc. In order to be safe and not vaccinate yourself you have to count on EVERYONE else to be vaccinated (herd immunity).
I had a huge quarter life crisis but my 27th bday was the worst because I red somewhere that your body goes downhill biologically speaking at that age. sigh…
Natalie says
I’m an immunizing pharmacist and couldn’t agree more!