Ice Bucket Challenge returns in 2025 with a new cause
The viral challenge that benefited ALS is returning in 2025 to raise money for Active Minds, a nonprofit that carries the mission of mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society.
The revival was brought about by a group of students at the University of South Carolina to benefit Active Minds.
"The majority of mental health conditions are diagnosed, are happening to young people. It's students in college and high school," Brett Curtis, the director of community fundraising with Active Minds said. "Active Minds has found actually that 70% of youth and adults don't know how to speak with a friend about mental health. It's something that deserves to have recognition and conversations every day. The data shows us that 50% of all Americans will face a mental health condition in our lifetime."
Aaron Ellis was just 4-years-old when the challenge went viral in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. He said it helped educate him about mental health.
"At first, I didn't know anything about it. And then once I got tagged, I started reading about it. And then later on that day, I just, I just did it," he said.
While the Ice Bucket Challenge trend is fun, he said its message speaks volumes.
"I write through a journal. Sometimes, you know, I play basketball, so I'll use that as an outlet," Ellis said. "I talk to my parents sometimes about whatever I'm going through. So that's the best way that I go through that."
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Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNMany people with insulin resistance assume there are lots of foods they can't eat. This may cause them to avoid many healthy foods, including cheese. Small servings of calcium- and protein-rich cheese can be part of a healthy meal plan for insulin many as 40% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 44 are living with insulin resistance. If you're one of them, there's probably a long list of foods you think you can't eat, including cheese. But there's good news. According to dietitians, cheese can have a place in a healthy diet, even if you have insulin resistance. We hear about insulin resistance a lot. But what, exactly, is it? 'Insulin resistance is when someone builds up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective,' says Toby Amidor, M.S., RD. 'This results in the need for more insulin to take up blood sugar.' Over time, the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin can stop working effectively. Eventually, this can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and may increase the risk of heart disease. Modifying your diet and lifestyle habits can help prevent the progression of insulin resistance. However, that doesn't mean you still can't enjoy some of your favorite foods in moderation, like cheese. To find out the best of the best, we asked registered dietitians to share their top choices for people with insulin resistance. Here are their four favorites. Research has linked dairy products, particularly low-fat dairy, to a reduced risk of insulin resistance. Low-fat Cheddar is an outstanding pick. This reduced-fat cheese is especially rich in calcium and protein, two nutrients that may help protect against insulin resistance by enhancing the body's ability to burn fat, including highly volatile abdominal—aka visceral—fat. That's not all, though. Protein also helps promote satiety, further protecting against weight gain that may also contribute to insulin resistance. One ounce of low-fat Cheddar gives you 7 grams of high-quality protein and roughly 9% of your daily calcium requirement. As its name hints, it's also low in fat, with only 2 grams of total fat and 1 gram of saturated fat per ounce. So, it's heart-healthy, too. Cultured dairy products, like Gouda cheese, boast a unique nutrient and amino acid profile that's particularly beneficial for insulin resistance, says Amidor. Research also suggests that Gouda's rich live bacteria may lead to favorable changes in gut bacteria for an extra layer of protection. 'In addition, these and most cheeses have a low glycemic index, which means that when eaten on their own they don't spike blood sugar,' explains Amidor. One ounce of Gouda has 7 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate. However, with roughly 230 milligrams of sodium per ounce, it's higher in sodium than some other cheeses. 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