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PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid has missed 16 games this season because of left knee injury management, knee swelling, personal reasons and a three-game suspension. But after he misses his 17th contest against the Orlando Magic, the 2023 NBA MVP will start to wade into dangerous territory and be in jeopardy, once again, of being disqualified for regular-season awards. The NBA, in cooperation with the National Basketball Players Association, instituted a 65-game rule last season for awards, hoping it would deter players and teams from leaning on load management to take off games. The seven-time All-Star was disqualified last season after playing in only 39 games. The most games Embiid can play in this season is 65 if he participates in all of the remaining contests starting with Sunday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago. But that is highly unlikely since Embiid is not expected to play on back-to-back nights because of load management. Embiid, who has missed the last six games, is averaging career lows of 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 block. He’s also registering career lows of 37.9% shooting from the field and 16.7% on 3-pointers. While he’ll remain sidelined, Paul George will return after a one game of load management to face the Magic (16-8) at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, center Andre Drummond (sprained right ankle) was upgraded to questionable after being scheduled to miss the game. His status change could be tied with reserve center Adem Bona being sidelined with a bruised left knee. The Sixers (5-15) will look to avenge Wednesday’s 106-102 loss to Orlando. ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Sempra Named Among Newsweek's 'Most Responsible Companies' Sempra Logo (PRNewsfoto/Sempra) Sempra Named Among Newsweek's 'Most Responsible Companies' Sempra Logo (PRNewsfoto/Sempra) SAN DIEGO , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra (NYSE: SRE) (BMV: SRE) today announced it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" for 2025, earning this distinction for the sixth consecutive year. The annual list ranks companies based on their commitment to corporate responsibility in the areas of corporate governance and responsible social and environmental practices. Sempra has been included since the list's inception. "At Sempra, we believe our responsible business practices improve the value of our franchise. By strengthening governance and risk management and improving the safety and resiliency of our business operations, it allows us to better meet the needs and expectations of our customers, while also adding scale to our business," said Lisa Larroque Alexander , senior vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer for Sempra. "We will continue to approach global energy challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset, steadfast optimism and confidence in our vision of delivering energy with purpose." Newsweek's recognition of Sempra as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" is based on publicly available key performance indicators derived from the company's Corporate Sustainability Report and an independent survey that asked U.S. citizens about their perception of Sempra's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Details of Sempra's approach to responsible stakeholder engagement and corporate governance can be found in the company's most recent Corporate Sustainability Report, which is available here . In addition to being recognized on Newsweek's America's Most Responsible Companies list, Sempra is included in the FTSE4Good Index and JUST 100 list, has been named one of TIME Magazine's World's Best Companies and one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies , and earned a perfect score on the CPA-Zicklin Index of Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability , among other accolades. About Sempra Sempra (NYSE: SRE ) is a leading North American energy infrastructure company focused on delivering energy to nearly 40 million consumers. As owner of one of the largest energy networks on the continent, Sempra is electrifying and improving the energy resilience of some of the world's most significant economic markets, including California , Texas , Mexico and global energy markets. The company is recognized as a leader in sustainable business practices and for its high-performance culture focused on safety and operational excellence, as demonstrated by Sempra's inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and in The Wall Street Journal's Best Managed Companies. More information about Sempra is available at sempra.com and on social media @Sempra . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sempra-named-among-newsweeks-most-responsible-companies-302324298.html SOURCE SempraColts defense picks up the pace as offense continues searching for answers to red zone woes
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Israeli warplanes have carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict amid a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across Lebanon, according to local authorities. President Joe Biden said his administration now would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. What both sides are saying about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders. The truce that is set to take effect early Wednesday raised hopes and renewed difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities But the deal does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel last October. Trump vows tariffs over immigration. What the numbers say about border crossings, drugs and crime. WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on Mexico and Canada as he seeks to portray them as responsible for illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Over its tenure, the Biden administration has struggled with growing numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. But this year, the number of people crossing the border without documents has actually been falling. That's due in part to stricter enforcement by Mexican authorities as well as asylum restrictions announced earlier this year by the Biden administration. When it comes to fentanyl smuggling, much of the deadly supply comes from Mexico though statistics show more than 86% of those sentenced for fentanyl trafficking crimes in the 12 months ending September 2023 were U.S. citizens. AP finds that a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data Early this year, Pete Hegseth told a Fox News audience a new, Pentagon-funded study proved that the number of military service members and veterans involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection did not indicate a wider problem in the armed forces. Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Defense, wasn’t alone. The Wall Street Journal’s opinion page highlighted the same report as evidence that extremists in military communities were “phantoms” created by a “false media narrative.” The X account for Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee posted that the study showed the focus on extremism in the military was a “witch hunt.” But The Associated Press has found that the study relied on old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence that pointed to the opposite conclusion. How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith move to abandon two federal cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats Trump was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are re-evaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer on Monday followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The retreat from such programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, unsealed police report alleges SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election, according to a Federal Police report that has been unsealed. Brazil’s Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. Bolsonaro called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, that would have declared the vote fraudulent, to justify a possible military intervention. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants People with HIV who need a kidney or liver transplant will be able to receive an organ from a donor with HIV. That's according to a new rule announced Tuesday by U.S. health officials. Previously, such transplants could be done only as part of research studies. The new rule takes effect Wednesday. It's expected to shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status, by increasing the pool of available organs. The practice is supported by a decade of research, during which 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been done in the U.S. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision.
Jessica Tisch sworn in as second female NYPD commissioner — vows to improve quality of life in NYCIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingPercentages: FG .373, FT .667. 3-Point Goals: 4-15, .267 (Lee 1-2, Shogbonyo 1-3, Akins 1-4, Addo-Ankrah 1-5, Pickett 0-1). Team Rebounds: 3. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Lopez-Sanvicente 2). Turnovers: 11 (Shogbonyo 3, Craig 2, Akins, Bowen, Lee, Lopez-Sanvicente, Mani, Pickett). Steals: 5 (Lee 5). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .431, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 4-16, .250 (Gonsalves 2-6, Bieker 1-1, Riley 1-1, Rainwater 0-1, Turay 0-1, Berrett 0-3, Byrd 0-3). Team Rebounds: 8. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Ariyibi, Berrett, Rainwater, Riley). Turnovers: 9 (Byrd 3, Ariyibi 2, Rainwater 2, Riley, Schenck). Steals: 6 (Gonsalves 3, Hutchings, Riley, Turay). Technical Fouls: None. A_102 (4,779).
Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talkOutbrain Shareholders Vote to Support Teads Acquisition
AI in Medical Imaging Market to Explode: Revenue to Grow from $2.80 Billion to $29.28 Billion by 2029 - Arizton 11-21-2024 10:02 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire AI in Medical Imaging Market Research Report by Arizton According to Arizton's latest research report, the AI in medical imaging market [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-market ] is growing at a CAGR of 47.84% during 2023-2029. Looking for More Information? Click: [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-market ] Report Scope: Market Size (2029): $29.28 Billion Market Size (2023): $2.80 Billion CAGR (2023-2029):47.84% Historic Year: 2020-2022 Base Year: 2023 Forecast Year: 2024-2029 Market Segmentation: Technology, Application, Modalities, End-User and Geography Geographical Analysis: North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Diagnostic Imaging Centers the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 48.75% The AI-driven transformation of diagnostic imaging centers is accelerating, enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of diagnostic processes through technologies like deep learning and natural language processing. Outpatient diagnostic centers, equipped with advanced imaging systems and staffed by credentialed technologists and board-certified radiologists, are benefiting from AI integration, offering cost-effective imaging services-2 to 6 times more affordable than hospital-owned centers-without compromising care quality. These centers also benefit from high utilization rates of imaging machines, helping to lower operational costs. However, the market faces challenges such as declining reimbursements and rising demand for services. In response, the industry is witnessing consolidation, with large players like Affidea in Europe and Radnet in the US emerging as key operators. As these companies expand, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and meet the growing demand for imaging services. The ongoing integration of AI is expected to drive the continued growth of the medical imaging market, offering substantial improvements in diagnostic capabilities and patient care. Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Role of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Medical Imaging Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies are transforming the healthcare industry, particularly in medical imaging. By integrating VR/AR with 3D imaging data, healthcare professionals gain powerful tools for visualization and procedural planning. Augmented reality, in particular, overlays digital information onto the real-world environment, enhancing a clinician's ability to see and interpret medical data in relation to a patient's anatomy. For example, during surgeries, AR can project 3D medical images directly onto the patient's body, providing real-time guidance and improving surgical precision. This allows surgeons to navigate obstacles like tissues or organs and perform operations with greater accuracy, reducing risks. AR also enables the overlay of critical patient information, such as diagnostic data and real-time physiological parameters, directly into the surgeon's view, supporting better decision-making during complex procedures. As VR/AR technologies advance, their integration with medical imaging holds the potential to revolutionize healthcare, improving patient outcomes and redefining care standards across medical specialties. The United States Dominating the AI in Medical Imaging Market In 2023, the US accounted for a dominant 95.47% share of the North American AI in medical imaging market, contributing $1.2 billion in revenue globally. The growing preference for AI-based medical imaging software among radiologists and hospitals, along with the US's advanced healthcare system, has significantly driven this market's expansion. AI is increasingly adopted across the healthcare sector, automating workflows, improving accuracy, and enhancing patient outcomes. Favorable reimbursement policies, such as those introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), have further incentivized AI adoption. New procedural codes for AI tools like IDx-DR and Viz.ai have streamlined payment systems, boosting AI integration. As AI continues to reduce treatment costs and improve efficiency, its role in medical imaging is set to expand further in the US. Looking for More Information? Click: [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-market ] Key vendors * General Electric * Siemens Healthineers * Koninklijke Philips * IBM Watson Health * Fujifilm * Agfa-Gevaert * Avicenna.AI * AZmed * Butterfly Network * CellmatiQ * dentalXrai * Digital Diagnostics * EchoNous * Gleamer * iCAD * Lunit * Mediaire * Microsoft * NVIDIA * Intel * Nanox Imaging * Paige AI * Perimeter Medical Imaging AI * Autodesk * Aidence * ContextVision * Exo * Predible Health * Paragon Biosciences * 1QB Information Technologies * Qure.ai * Quantib * Quibim * Vista.ai * Renalytix * Tempus * Therapixel * Ultromics * Viz.ai * VUNO * Merative * Google Cloud * InformAI * HeartFlow * Enlitic * Brainomix Segmentation & Forecast * Technology * Deep Learning * Virtual AI & Context-Aware Computing * Natural Language Processing * Application * Neurology * Respiratory & Pulmonary * Cardiology * Breast Cancer * Orthopedic * Others * Modalities * CT Scan * Magnetic Resonance Imaging * X-Ray * Ultrasound * Nuclear Imaging * End-User * Hospitals * Diagnostic Imaging Centers * Others Geography * North America * The U.S. * Canada * Europe * Germany * The U.K. * France * Italy * Spain * APAC * Japan * China * India * Australia * South Korea * Latin America * Brazil * Mexico * Argentina * Middle East & Africa * Turkey * South Africa * Saudi Arabia The Arizton Advisory & Intelligence market research report provides valuable market insights for industry stakeholders, investors, researchers, consultants, and business strategists aiming to gain a thorough understanding of the AI in medical imaging market. Request for Free Sample to get a glance of the report now: [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-market ] What Key Findings Our Research Analysis Reveals? How big is the global AI in medical imaging market? What are the key drivers of global AI in medical imaging market? Who are the major players in the global AI in medical imaging market? What is the growth rate of the global AI in medical imaging market? Which region dominates the global AI in medical imaging market? Looking for Customization According to Your Business Requirement? https://www.arizton.com/customize-report/4327 Other Related Reports that Might be of Your Business Requirement U.S. Picture Archiving & Communication System (PACs) Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029 [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/us-picture-archiving-and-communication-system-market ] MRI Contrast Media Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029 [ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/mri-contrast-media-market ] Why Arizton? 100%Customer Satisfaction 24x7availability - we are always there when you need us 200+Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report 80%of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry 100%more data and analysis 1500+reports published till date Post-Purchase Benefit * 1hr of free analyst discussion * 10% off on customization About Us: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Media Contact Company Name: Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Contact Person: Jessica Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ai-in-medical-imaging-market-to-explode-revenue-to-grow-from-280-billion-to-2928-billion-by-2029-arizton ] Phone: +1 3122332770 Country: United States Website: https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-market This release was published on openPR.
As the high school football season winds down, only the three traditional Thanksgiving morning games remain, along with Bonner & Prendergast, Delaware County’s last team standing in the state playoffs competing in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals Friday. It’s been a memorable season from a local standpoint, one that has seen numerous records shattered, both at the team level and across the county. Before the helmets and shoulder pads are put away until next summer, it’s time for a Daily Times tradition: By The Numbers, our annual look at the season in statistical form. 1 >> Number of wins each for Chichester and Sun Valley. The bright side? Before the turkey’s out of the oven Thursday, one of these teams will have doubled its win total. 3 >> Philadelphia Catholic League teams that have advanced to the PIAA semifinals: Bonner & Prendergast (4A), Roman Catholic (5A) and St. Joseph’s Prep (6A). While the Catholic League has had multiple state champions in the same season – most recently in 2019 with Prep and Archbishop Wood – it has never crowned three champions in one year. 3 >> Single-season team records for Garnet Valley senior Caden Koehler: receptions (52), receiving yards (1,038) and touchdown catches (12). 5 >> Delco teams that achieved double-digit win seasons: Springfield (12), Bonner & Prendergast (10), Chester (10), Haverford High (10) and Strath Haven (10). 5 >> Wins for Upper Darby under second-year coach Darrell Dulany, who has made significant progress with the program. Taking over a team in disarray and coming off a two-win season in his first year, Dulany has the Royals positioned to finish with a winning record ... if they can pull off an upset against Haverford Thursday. 6-5 >> Height of Haverford School senior lineman Josh Williams, a 305-pound Stanford commit who helped the Fords to a 7-3 record and second-place finish in the Inter-Ac League. Williams was the anchor of an offensive line unit that averaged roughly 150 yards on the ground per game. 17 >> Career interceptions for Chester’s Daron Harris. The previous school record of 15, held by Jimmy King, had stood for 40 years. 27 >> Passing touchdowns this season for Chester’s Jalen Harris, who has 86 career touchdown passes, the most by any quarterback in Delco history. His 5,882 career passing yards rank fifth all-time, and he needs 1,707 yards next year to break the county record held by Desman Johnson Jr. of Penn Wood since 2019. 28 >> Touchdowns for Daron Harris this fall, which is another Chester record that belongs to him. Daron had 14 receiving TDs and seven on special teams returns (four kicks and three punts). Daron also had two interception returns for scores. He is, undoubtedly, one of the best all-around players in Delco over the last decade. 30.5 >> Average margin of victory by West Chester Rustin over its two Delco opponents, Chester and Springfield, in the District 1 Class 5A tournament. Can’t say enough about the Golden Knights. They are the real deal, absolutely manhandling two of the top programs in the area, and two wins away from a state title. 66 >> Receptions for Episcopal Academy junior Jackson Orcutt. That is good for seventh all-time in the county. He set single-season program records in catches, receiving yards (1,132) and TD receptions (15). 87 >> Sum total of career passing (43) and rushing (44) touchdowns for Sam Dixon, the awesome playmaker for Delaware County Christian School’s eight-man squad. Dixon spearheaded the Knights’ run to the Keystone State Football League championship game, ending his career with 2,843 passing yards and 2,572 rushing yards. With Dixon showing the way, DC posted an 8-1 record, its best season since 2015, back when the Knights competed in the Bicentennial Athletic Conference as one of the smallest PIAA programs in the area. 92 >> Yards Haverford High junior Liam Taylor needs Thursday to become Delco’s greatest single-season rushing champion. Taylor, who has 2,741 yards, is closing in on the record of 2,832 yards set by Interboro alum and current Yale star Abu Kamara during his Daily Times Player of the Year campaign in 2022. 875 >> Rushing yards for Interboro sophomore Momodu Rogers, who has had an outstanding season despite the Bucs’ 2-8 record, and he accomplished this while missing two games due to injury. Rogers averaged over 100 yards against five tough opponents – Strath Haven, West Chester Rustiin, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Wissahickon and Upper Moreland – all of which finished with at least five wins. He has a chance to hit the 1,000-yard mark Thursday at Ridley. 2,019 >> Passing yards for Garnet Valley quarterback Luke O’Donoghue, setting a single-season team record. Known for their run-heavy offense, the Jaguars’ success through the air this season was fun to watch and O’Donoghue was the driving force behind it. 2,396 >> Passing yards for Bonner & Prendergast sophomore Noel Campbell, who broke the 23-year-old single-season school record during the Friars’ 35-7 victory over Pope John Paul II in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals. Campbell’s total ranks seventh in Delco history, 501 yards from breaking the record. 2,785 >> Rushing yards in the career of Strath Haven’s Shane Green, the fourth-highest mark in program history. This year Green amassed 1,447 yards, sixth most by a Haven player, en route to helping the Panthers claim a share of the Central League title. Contact Matt Smith at msmith@delcotimes.comNone
Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — On a damp Wednesday night with temperatures dipping into the 30s, fans in sparsely filled stands bundled up to watch Buffalo beat Eastern Michigan 37-30 on gray turf. The lopsided game was not particularly notable, but it was played on one of the nights the Mid-American Conference has made its own: A weeknight. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.
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