Bruce Feiler recounts a pivotal moment when a phone call about his father’s suicide attempts reshaped his understanding of life transitions. His father, a Navy veteran, faced severe depression after developing Parkinson’s. In an effort to help, Feiler engaged his father in storytelling, prompting him to reflect on his childhood memories, which ultimately revitalized his sense of purpose. This personal experience led to a broader exploration of life transitions.
Through a research project collecting hundreds of life stories, Feiler discovered that the traditional idea of a linear life is outdated. Instead, life is marked by frequent disruptors, with major upheavals—“lifequakes”—occurring three to five times in an average person’s lifetime. The speaker emphasizes that transitions are nonlinear and involve phases of loss, adaptation, and renewal, but can be navigated successfully through intentional strategies. These include embracing emotions, seeking guidance, engaging in creative pursuits, and rewriting one’s life narrative. Ultimately, he argues that storytelling is a powerful tool for resilience, allowing individuals to reclaim agency over their life’s direction.
The Hidden Crisis: Insulin Resistance and the Future of Metabolic Health
by David Cornaby
Not long ago, I had a conversation that challenged my understanding of metabolic health. As someone who has been borderline diabetic, I thought I understood the basics—blood sugar control, insulin levels, the necessity of diet and exercise. But what if the real problem starts long before the first symptoms of diabetes appear?
I was introduced to Dr. Ben Bikman, a researcher at Brigham Young University, who has spent his career unraveling the mysteries of insulin resistance. His work suggests that by the time someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the underlying issue—insulin resistance—has been silently developing for years. It’s a condition where the body becomes less responsive to insulin, forcing the pancreas to work harder and harder until, eventually, it can’t keep up. The result? Blood sugar spikes, metabolic dysfunction, and, ultimately, diabetes.
The conversation then turned to solutions, and this is where things got interesting. Our company, Cornaby's Specialty Foods, is developing products designed to make the body more insulin-sensitive rather than just managing blood sugar levels. One of the key discoveries? Allulose—a sugar alternative that doesn’t act like sugar in the body.
Unlike other non-caloric sweeteners, allulose doesn’t spike insulin, doesn’t contribute to weight gain, and, according to animal studies, actually helps reduce insulin resistance, abdominal fat, and liver fat while improving mitochondrial function. That’s a big deal. The body processes it differently, and early studies show that it may not just be a neutral substitute for sugar—it might actively help reverse some of the damage done by years of metabolic dysfunction.
One particularly striking experiment involved a woman wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). She tested her blood sugar response to white bread alone and then to the same bread topped with a jam made using allulose. The result? A negative glucose response—her blood sugar actually dropped after eating the jam. This was something she had never seen before.
I couldn’t help but think about the implications. What if we’ve been focusing on the wrong problem? Instead of simply avoiding sugar, what if we need to address insulin resistance at its core? What if a shift in how we sweeten our foods could fundamentally change how our bodies process energy?
For emergency responders, healthcare workers, and others in high-stress professions, metabolic health is more than just a personal issue—it affects performance, endurance, and long-term resilience. The idea that small, strategic changes in diet could help improve energy levels, cognitive function, and long-term health is compelling.
Our company plans to release a line of products built around allulose in the coming months, with the goal of helping people reclaim their metabolic health without giving up the foods they love. I’ll be following this closely, both as a researcher and as someone personally invested in health and wellness.
For those interested in diving deeper into insulin resistance, I highly recommend looking up Dr. Ben Bikman’s Metabolic Classroom series on YouTube. His research provides a fascinating look into why insulin resistance matters and how we can reverse it before it’s too late.
Change begins with knowledge—and perhaps, with the right tools, we can start to shift the conversation from diabetes management to true metabolic health.
David Cornaby is President and CEO of Cornaby's Specialty Foods in Payson, Utah.
Understanding Mortality Trends in the United States
by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
Mortality trends provide essential insights into public health challenges and priorities at different life stages. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight significant causes of death in the United States, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce preventable fatalities. From congenital conditions affecting infants to heart disease in older adults, understanding these statistics can help shape healthcare policies, preventative measures, and awareness campaigns (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).
Key Findings: Leading Causes of Death by Age Group
Infants (0-1 Year Old)
Congenital anomalies: 4,930 deaths
Short gestation and low birth weight: 3,900 deaths
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): 1,400 deaths
Congenital anomalies remain the leading cause of infant mortality, highlighting the importance of prenatal care and early medical interventions. Premature birth and low birth weight also pose significant risks, underscoring the need for maternal health support (CDC, 2024).
Children and Teenagers (1-18 Years Old)
Unintentional injuries: 4,500 deaths
Homicide: 1,800 deaths
Cancer: 1,200 deaths
Accidental injuries, including car crashes and drowning, account for most deaths in this age group. Homicides, often linked to gun violence, also remain a concern, along with childhood cancer, which continues to be a major public health challenge (CDC, 2024).
Young Adults (19-30 Years Old)
Unintentional injuries: 15,000 deaths
Suicide: 5,000 deaths
Homicide: 3,000 deaths
Unintentional injuries, particularly drug overdoses and motor vehicle accidents, take a devastating toll on young adults. Suicide remains alarmingly high, emphasizing the need for better mental health resources. Homicide rates also point to ongoing concerns about violence in this demographic (CDC, 2024). Statistics for young adults also appear in the Adults under 50 Years Old section.
Adults Under 50 Years Old
Unintentional injuries: 40,000 deaths
Suicide: 14,000 deaths
Heart disease: 12,000 deaths
Accidents and overdoses are leading causes of premature death in adults under 50. Suicide rates continue to rise, indicating a growing mental health crisis. Heart disease, though typically associated with older adults, also claims many lives in this age group, emphasizing the need for lifestyle changes and early screenings (CDC, 2024).
Heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death in older adults, accounting for over a million fatalities. Chronic respiratory illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also significantly impact this age group, often linked to long-term smoking and environmental factors (CDC, 2024).
Conclusion
These mortality statistics paint a sobering picture of the health challenges faced by Americans at different life stages. While congenital conditions and accidents claim the lives of the youngest, chronic illnesses dominate in later years. The data underscores the need for improved healthcare access, preventative measures, and mental health support. Addressing these issues through policy changes, awareness campaigns, and medical advancements can help reduce premature deaths and improve overall life expectancy.
Murphy, S. L., Kochanek, K. D., Xu, J., & Arias, E. (2024, December). Mortality in the United States, 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 2, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db521.pdf
Keywords: mortality trends, public health, leading causes of death, healthcare policy, disease prevention
The Interconnection of Mental and Physical Health: Insights from Health Science Students at UVU
Image created by chatGPT.
By John Fisher (assisted by AI)
Mental health plays a critical role in overall well-being, influencing physical health, emotional stability, and daily functioning. In a recent discussion among Health Science students at Utah Valley University, key themes emerged about the relationship between emotional and physical health, effective coping strategies, and the importance of social and psychological support. Students shared personal experiences, explored psychological theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and provided practical recommendations for managing mental health. This analysis highlights the discussion’s key takeaways, including the role of exercise, mindfulness, and emotional expression in maintaining a healthy balance between mind and body.
Key Themes in the Discussion
Interconnection Between Emotional and Physical Health
Many students highlighted the strong connection between mental and physical health, emphasizing how stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to physical issues such as high blood pressure, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and immune system suppression.
Example: "When you are depressed, your motor functions slow. Anxiety can cause a stopping of the digestive system, leading to constipation."
Example: "Poor emotional health, such as anxiety or depression, often leads to sleep disturbances. Inadequate sleep affects everything from energy levels and concentration to heart health and metabolism."
Coping Strategies for Emotional Well-being
Students discussed various methods for managing emotions effectively, including exercise, journaling, mindfulness, meditation, seeking social support, and engaging in hobbies.
Example: "Writing down my thoughts and feelings in a journal provides an outlet for expressing emotions. It helps me process what I’m experiencing and gain insights into my emotional patterns."
Example: "When I am stressed, I go play basketball or take a drive. Physical activity helps me release built-up tension."
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Psychological Support
Several students referenced Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, stating that meeting basic needs (food, shelter, safety) is crucial before addressing emotional and psychological well-being.
Example: "The first step to supporting another's psychological health is to make sure their physical needs are met. Once those are secured, fostering social connections and self-esteem becomes the next priority."
Balancing Self-Esteem and Humility
Students emphasized the importance of self-awareness, recognizing one’s strengths while remaining open to growth.
Example: "Too much confidence can lead to arrogance, while too little can lead to self-doubt. Finding a balance between self-esteem and humility allows for personal growth."
Spirituality as a Source of Resilience
Some students discussed spirituality as a coping mechanism for emotional struggles, grief, and personal loss.
Example: "Spirituality gave me a sense of peace during my hardest times, allowing me to find purpose and strength despite personal tragedies."
Mental Health Situations Identified
The discussion included several personal experiences reflecting different mental health challenges:
Depression and Loss of Motivation
Many students mentioned struggles with depression and its impact on their daily lives.
Example: "During a crisis, I failed to take care of my body, gained weight, and lost self-confidence."
Example: "When my emotional health was at its lowest, I stopped exercising, ate unhealthy, and even neglected my hygiene."
Stress and Anxiety
Students shared how stress affected their physical health and academic performance.
Example: "I used to bottle up emotions, which led to constant stress and tension. Journaling helped me release these feelings."
Example: "Stress triggers hormones that can lead to breakouts, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping."
Emotional Suppression and Therapy
Several students reflected on how they struggled with expressing emotions and later found coping strategies.
Example: "I couldn’t cry for years due to societal pressure, but therapy helped me process emotions in a healthier way."
Example: "I learned grounding techniques to control anxiety and stay present in difficult moments."
Grief and Resilience
A few students shared experiences of loss and how they coped with grief.
Example: "Losing close friends to suicide was devastating, but my spiritual beliefs helped me find strength and resilience."
Recommendations Made by Students
Students provided multiple strategies for managing mental health and supporting others:
1. Strategies for Managing One’s Own Mental Health
Exercise and Physical Activity: Running, basketball, dance, and yoga were mentioned as helpful activities.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Used to control stress and gain self-awareness.
Journaling and Writing: Helps in processing emotions and organizing thoughts.
Talking to a Trusted Person or Therapist: Essential for emotional release and gaining perspective.
Creative Outlets: Art, music, and writing as forms of emotional expression.
Setting Realistic Goals: Breaking tasks into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
Maintaining a Routine: Keeping a structured schedule to balance emotions.
2. Strategies for Supporting Others
Ensuring Basic Needs Are Met: Helping individuals with housing, food, and financial security before addressing emotional needs.
Encouraging Social Connections: Building strong relationships and providing a sense of belonging.
Recognizing Achievements: Boosting self-esteem through encouragement and praise.
Being a Good Listener: Offering a non-judgmental space for people to share emotions.
Destigmatizing Mental Health Issues: Encouraging open discussions to reduce shame.
Integrating Mental Health Education: Teaching self-care and resilience strategies from an early age.
Balancing Self-Esteem and Humility: Promoting self-awareness while maintaining a growth mindset.
Conclusion
The discussion highlights a strong awareness of the connection between mental and physical health. Students shared personal experiences and coping mechanisms, emphasizing strategies such as exercise, journaling, mindfulness, and social support. They also explored Maslow’s hierarchy as a framework for mental health intervention, the role of spirituality in resilience, and the importance of self-esteem and humility.
This discussion underscores the need for proactive mental health management, both individually and within communities, promoting awareness, support systems, and emotional intelligence as vital components of well-being.
