Category: Lifestyle

International Women’s Day is marked on March 8 every year across the globe. It is a day to honour and recognise women’s resilience, strength, and power. On this day, people also take time to consider the work still left to be done in the ongoing battle for gender equality. In 2024, the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, meaning that we must value and respect women of all backgrounds. Women feel more empowered when they have a sense of importance and belonging.

Women play important roles in many fields, such as homemaking, economics, education, engineering, and innovation. Through their determination and beliefs, they help to make the world a better place. One way to commemorate the occasion is to share inspirational quotes and messages that encourage and empower women.

International Women’s Day 2024: Quotes

1. “Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood… will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic.” –Indira Gandhi.
2. “I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” –Malala Yousafzai.
3. “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” –Serena Williams.
4. “You never have to ask anyone permission to lead. When you want to lead, you lead.” –Kamala Harris.
5. “Gender diversity is not just good for women; it’s good for anyone who wants results.” –Melinda Gates.
6. “Strong men, men who are truly role models, don’t need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful.” –Michelle Obama.

Source: https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/international-womens-day-2024-inspirational-quotes-every-woman-should-read-8788216.html

Do you really need to take 10,000 steps a day to stay in good health? Although several studies have shown that you can likely stay healthy taking half as many steps, a new report finds 10,000 is still a good goal for certain people. Specifically, those who sit all day long.

A comprehensive study involving more than 72,000 individuals has unveiled that increasing daily step counts could reverse the adverse health effects associated with prolonged sitting.

Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center reveal a compelling link between higher daily step counts and lower risk levels of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, each additional step taken towards the 10,000 step-a-day mark correlated with a 39-percent reduction in death risk and a 21-percent decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of how much time was spent being sedentary.

This research stands out as it combines the observation of the benefits of higher daily steps with an objective analysis of sedentary behavior’s risks through the use of wrist-worn accelerometers. These devices provided a reliable measurement of the participants’ physical activity and sedentary time, setting this study apart from previous inquiries into the subject.

“This is by no means a get out of jail card for people who are sedentary for excessive periods of time, however, it does hold an important public health message that all movement matters and that people can and should try to offset the health consequences of unavoidable sedentary time by upping their daily step count,” says study lead author Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, a research fellow at University of Sydney, in a university release.

Highlighting the implications of this study for public health, researchers emphasized the value of step count as a clear and easily measurable physical activity metric.

“Step count is a tangible and easily understood measure of physical activity that can help people in the community, and indeed health professionals, accurately monitor physical activity,” notes study senior author Emmanuel Stamatakis, professor and director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub at the Charles Perkins Center. “We hope this evidence will inform the first generation of device-based physical activity and sedentary behavior guidelines, which should include key recommendations on daily stepping.”

Source: https://studyfinds.org/10000-steps-daily-sitting/

Drinking two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages — the equivalent of a medium-sized fast-food diet soda a day — raised the risk of an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation by 20% when compared to people who drank none, a new study found.

Known as A-fib, atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat often described by many people who have it as a “quiver,” “flutter” or “flip-flop” of the heart in the chest.

Drinking a similar number of added-sugar beverages raised the risk of the condition by 10%, while drinking about four ounces of pure, unsweetened juices, such as orange or vegetable juice, was associated with an 8% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, the study found.

“This is the first study to report an association between no- and low-calorie sweeteners and also sugar-sweetened beverages and increased risk of atrial fibrillation,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor emeritus of nutritional sciences at the Pennsylvania State University, in a statement. She was not involved in the new study.

While the study could only show an association between sweetened drinks and A-fib, the relationship remained after accounting for any genetic susceptibility to the condition. A 2017 study found people with European ancestry had about a 22% risk of inheriting the condition.

“We still need more research on these beverages to confirm these findings and to fully understand all the health consequences on heart disease and other health conditions,” said Kris-Etherton, who is also an American Heart Association nutrition committee member.

“In the meantime, water is the best choice, and, based on this study, no- and low-calorie sweetened beverages should be limited or avoided,” she added.

Atrial fibrillation is dangerous and on the rise
Atrial fibrillation is the leading cause of stroke in the United States. In addition, strokes connected to A-fib tend to be “more severe than strokes with other underlying causes,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Atrial fibrillation can also lead to blood clots, heart failure and “can increase the risk for heart attack, for dementia, for kidney disease. All of those things are likely long term risks,” Dr. Gregory Marcus, professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and associate chief of cardiology for research at UCSF Health, told CNN in a prior interview.

Nearly 40 million people worldwide are living with atrial fibrillation, 6 million of those in the United States alone, according to the Heart Rhythm Society, who represents more than 7,000 specialists in cardiac rhythm disorders from more than 90 countries.

Many of those people suffer chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue. But for others, A-fib is symptomless, a potentially silent killer. Once detected, however, the condition can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes and if necessary, surgeries to slow or restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

The rate of atrial fibrillation in the US population is growing: The CDC estimates some 12 million Americans will have A-fib by 2030.

“Age is one of the most important risk factors, so with the aging of the population it’s becoming more common,” Marcus said.

A caring mid adult female home healthcare nurse uses a stethoscope to check the heart and lungs on a senior female patient.

The epidemic of obesity is also contributing to the growing numbers, along with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking and drinking alcohol.

“Previous research has shown high soft drink consumption to be association with increased risk of AF (atrial fibrillation),” said Naveed Sattar, a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in a statement. He was not involved in the new study.

“Risk of AF is well known to be associated with type 2 diabetes, binge drinking of alcohol (commonly called holiday heart) as well as illicit drug use (cocaine),” Sattar said.

Possible ‘additional health risks’
The study, published Tuesday in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, analyzed data on nearly 202,000 people participating in a large, biomedical database called the UK Biobank. Followed for an average of 10 years, people in the analysis ranged in age from 37 to 73 years old, and more than half were female.

Higher consumers of artificially sweetened beverages were more likely to be female, younger, weigh more and have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the study found. Those who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages were more likely to be male, younger, weigh more and have a higher prevalence of heart disease.

Mixed salty snacks. Flat lay table scene on a rustic wood background.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/05/health/diet-and-sugary-drinks-atrial-fibrillation-wellness/index.html

Coffee in the morning is a ritual for many people — but is it ever too early in the a.m. to indulge?

Brewing a cup or a pot of coffee as soon as you wake up might not give you the biggest energy boost throughout the day, according to sleep experts.

Dr. Deborah Lee, a U.K.-based doctor, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that drinking coffee first thing in the morning might not be the best bet.

“When you wake up, your stress hormone cortisol level, which is a hormone that enhances alertness and focus, as well as regulates your metabolism and immune system response, is at its peak,” said Lee, who works with bed manufacturer Get Laid Beds.

“Elevated levels of cortisol may impact your immune system, and if they’re already at their peak when waking up, drinking coffee as soon as your eyes open may do more harm than good, and may even make you immune to caffeine over a long period of time,” Lee added.

Cortisol follows a rhythm “specific to your own sleeping cycle,” the expert said, peaking within 30 to 45 minutes of waking up and slowly declining throughout the day.

“That explains why you may peak in the morning and get more tired at night,” she noted.

Taking this rhythm into consideration, Lee suggested that the best time to have caffeine would be at least 45 minutes after waking up, when “your cortisol rhythm starts to dip.”

“The best time to drink coffee would typically be mid-to-late morning, when your cortisol is a lot lower and you start to feel that energy slump,” she said.

“But of course, not too late in the afternoon — as it could affect your sleep.”

Someone who wakes up at around 7 a.m., for example, might wait until around 10 a.m. or noon to have the first cup of coffee, “when your body and mind will appreciate it the most, and you’ll get the most benefits from the caffeine,” Lee said.

A different take

Dr. Wendy Troxel, a Utah-based sleep expert and senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, had a different take on the matter. Delaying caffeine might not actually make a difference, she told Fox News Digital.

“There really is no scientific evidence that having caffeine first thing in the morning versus delaying it for a couple of hours after awakening has any differential effects on alertness,” she said.

Troxel suggested that coffee drinkers should experiment with what works best for them.

“For some people, waking up and having a glass of water to rehydrate and then having coffee works well — but for others, the morning ritual of having a cup of coffee first thing upon awakening is just too good to give up,” she said.

“So, I think it’s mostly a matter of personal preference.”

Since caffeine works by “blocking sleep-promoting receptors in your brain called adenosine receptors,” Lee said that people who drink coffee too late in the day may struggle to sleep at night.

“However, this is different for different people, and only you know your own caffeine tolerance,” she said.

The average half-life of caffeine is around six hours, according to Troxel, but it can remain in the body for up to 10 hours.

Source : https://www.foxnews.com/health/should-drink-coffee-first-thing-morning-wait-experts-caffeine-guidance

Trying to get the recommended amount of sleep is a nightmare for millions across the globe. In an awakening study, Australian researchers from Flinders University discovered that nearly one-third of adults worldwide are unable to get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Meanwhile, only 15 percent of people managed to sleep within the recommended range for five or more nights a week.

Even among those who did average seven to nine hours of sleep nightly over a nine-month period, about 40 percent of their sleep did not fall within this ideal range.

“This is crucial because regularly not sleeping enough — or possibly too much — are associated with ill effects and we are only just realizing the consequences of irregular sleep,” says study author Dr. Hannah Scott, a researcher at Flinders University, in a media release.

“Clearly getting the recommended sleep duration range frequently is a challenge for many people to achieve, especially during the working week.”

The study utilized data from sleep trackers placed under mattresses, analyzing the sleep durations of nearly 68,000 adults over nine months. The majority of the participants hailed from Europe and North America, providing a broad insight into sleep trends across these regions.

The findings also pointed to an association between sleeping less than six hours a night on average and an increased risk of mortality, alongside various health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Conversely, sleeping less than seven or more than nine hours was linked to adverse health outcomes, including digestive and neuro-behavioral issues.

The study revealed gender and age-related sleep patterns, with female participants generally sleeping longer than males, and middle-aged individuals recording shorter sleep durations compared to younger or older people.

“Based on these findings, public health and advocacy efforts need to support the community and individuals to achieve more regular sleep within the recommended range for their age,” notes study co-author Danny Eckert, an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) leadership fellow and director of Sleep Health research at Flinders University.

In addition to the findings on sleep duration, the study highlighted the relationship between regular snoring and hypertension, underscoring the myriad ways in which sleep quality and duration can impact overall health.

Source : https://studyfinds.org/adults-sleep-irregularity

SAN DIEGO — Who knew a Netflix binge or cushy desk job could be so hazardous? Researchers from the University of California-San Diego suggest that avoiding sedentary behavior (like sitting down all day) may be the secret to a longer life. Older women who sat for 11.7 hours or more daily saw their risk of death jump by 30 percent – even if they exercised vigorously!

It’s an alarming takeaway, but study co-author Steve Nguyen, a postdoctoral fellow at the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, used an impressive sample size for his work. His team examined time spent sitting and daily activity measurements collected from monitors worn for up to a week by 6,489 women (ages 63 to 99). Researchers also tracked the participants for eight years, monitoring if any of the women died.

That data was originally collected during a study led by Andrea LaCroix, Distinguished Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. It’s a larger long-term national project called the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which began in 1991 and is still ongoing today. This report is the first ever to utilize a novel and validated machine-learned algorithm (called CHAP) in order to analyze the relationship connecting total sitting time and length of sedentary activity with the risk of premature death.

“Sedentary behavior is defined as any waking behavior involving sitting or reclining with low energy expenditure,” Nguyen says in a university release. “Previous techniques for calculating sedentary behavior used cut points that identified low or absent movement. The CHAP algorithm was developed using machine-learning, a type of artificial intelligence, that enhanced its ability to accurately distinguish between standing and sitting.”

Exercise ‘incapable’ of reversing the damage
Fine-tuning “sitting” helped Nguyen separate and better assess total sitting time and usual sitting bout durations. Sedentary behavior, in general, isn’t healthy because it lowers muscle contractions, blood flow, and glucose metabolism.

“When you’re sitting, the blood flow throughout your body slows down, decreasing glucose uptake. Your muscles aren’t contracting as much, so anything that requires oxygen consumption to move the muscles diminishes, and your pulse rate is low,” Prof. LaCroix explains.

Unfortunately, and rather surprisingly, exercise appears incapable of reversing these negative effects. According to researchers, whether women participated in low or even high amounts of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity ultimately proved inconsequential if paired with excessive sitting; all patterns of exercise showed the same heightened risk if they also sat for long hours.

“If I take a brisk long walk for an hour but sit the rest of the day, I’m still accruing all the negative effects on my metabolism,” Prof. LaCroix continues.

So, what can you do if you sit too long?

Notably, Nguyen also says that not all sitting is the same.

“Looking beyond conditions like cardiovascular disease, we start thinking about cognitive outcomes, including dementia,” the researcher explains. “There are cognitively stimulating activities that can result in sedentary behavior, like sitting while studying a new language. Is sedentary behavior in that context overall bad for a person? I think it’s hard to say.”

Nguyen recently received a National Institute of General Medical Sciences K99 award entailing 12 months of mentored research focusing on protein signatures tied to physical activity and how they relate to dementia. Prof. LaCroix, meanwhile, while sympathetic to the challenges of changing sedentary behavior once habits set in, also stresses that the modifications are frequently necessary.

“We’ve created this world in which it’s so fascinating to sit and do things. You can be engrossed by TV or scroll on your Instagram for hours. But sitting all the time isn’t the way we were meant to be as humans, and we could reverse all of that culturally just by not being so attracted to all the things that we do while sitting,” Prof. LaCroix concludes.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/sitting-all-day-early-death/

By now, most people know that the candies, chips, cakes, and sodas aren’t healthy. Now, new research is helping drive the point home. Solid evidence shows that exposure to ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of 32 negative health outcomes, including cancer, mental health conditions, and early death.

Ultra-processed foods refer to sugary cereals, drinks, frozen TV dinners, and other foods that undergo heavy industrial processing and contain significant amounts of additives and preservatives. While it isn’t the case for all, most ultra-processed foods are typically low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while packed with added sugar and excessive amounts of fat and salt. In Western nations, they can account for nearly 58 percent of daily energy intake. As some low to middle income nations continue to advance, the intake of these foods also has gone up.

So far, studies have continued to show that highly processed food are linked to poorer health outcomes, but there has been no comprehensive review that broadly assesses the current evidence. The researchers of this study conducted an evidence review of 45 pooled meta-analyses from 14 articles associating ultra-processed foods with adverse health outcomes. The analyzed reviews were published within the past three years and included nearly 10 million participants. None of the works received funding from companies linked to the production of ultra-processed foods.

The team obtained estimates of exposure to ultra-processed foods by using a combination of food frequency questionnaires, diet history, and 24-hour dietary recalls. The researchers then graded the evidence on a scale of “convincing,” “highly suggestive,” “suggestive,” “weak,” or “no evidence.” Quality of the evidence was assessed on a scale of high, moderate, low, or very low.

The “convincing evidence” reveals that higher exposure to ultra-processed foods was consistently linked to an increased risk of these 32 harmful outcomes. More specifically, there was a 50-percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 48 to 53-percent higher risk of anxiety and other common mental disorders, and a 12-percent heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Meanwhile, the “highly suggestive evidence” shows that higher intake was associated with a 21-percent greater risk of death from any cause, a 40 to 60-percent increased risk of heart disease related death, obesity, sleep problems, and more. As far as asthma, gastrointestinal conditions, and certain cancers, the evidence isn’t as robust.

The team recognizes that the study design can only give an overview and doesn’t rule out the chance that confounding factors could affect the results. Still, the use of meticulous systematic methods to assess the quality and credibility of the analyses demonstrates that the results remain strong.

“These findings support urgent mechanistic research and public health actions that seek to target and minimize ultra-processed food consumption for improved population health,” the research team writes in a media release.

Additionally, they say that multidisciplinary investigations “are needed to identify the most effective ways to control and reduce ultra-processing and to quantify and track the cost-benefits and other effects of all such policies and actions on human health and welfare, society, culture, employment, and the environment.”

A Dietitian’s Take
It’s clear that what we eat impacts our health. There is a misconception that every food that comes in a box or can is ultra-processed and therefore drives disease, however that isn’t true.

Canned tuna and beans are examples of processed foods. However, foods that make up over 50 percent of the average American’s diet are ultra-processed foods like soft drinks, chips, chocolate, ice cream, sugary cereals, pizzas, chicken nuggets, and fries. This is what should be limited to help prevent chronic disease, such as those mentioned in this research.

Although there are some conditions with little research tying them to poor diet, there is mounting evidence linking the most prevalent diseases throughout the country, including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. So, here’s some advice:

Source: https://studyfinds.org/ultra-processed-foods-30-health-problems/

While teens listening to loud music through their headphones may be a common sight, a new report reveals that more and more younger children are also beginning to use headphones and earbuds, putting them at risk for hearing problems at earlier ages.

According to the latest University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, two in three parents report that their elementary or middle school aged children (ages 5-12) use these devices on a regular basis. Moreover, the national poll also notes that half of these children use their headphones or earbuds for at least an hour a day.

Another one in six parents admit a normal day for their child includes at least two hours of use.

“Over recent years we’ve mostly been concerned about teens overusing audio devices. But earbuds have become increasingly popular and prevalent among younger kids, exposing them to more intense noise on a regular basis,” says Susan Woolford, M.D., M.P.H., Mott pediatrician and co-director of the Mott poll, in a media release.

“Noise exposure risks to young children have historically involved loud singular events like concerts or fireworks, but parents may underestimate the potential harm from excessive use of listening devices. It may be difficult to know whether their child’s exposure to noise is healthy.”

Kids are most likely to use personal audio devices at home, at school, or in the car. Roughly a fourth of parents note their kids occasionally use the devices on airplanes and less than 10 percent add their children use them on the bus, outside, or in bed.

Half of parents in the survey believe their kids use headphones and earbuds so often because the devices keep them entertained. The American Academy of Pediatrics, meanwhile, released a statement in 2023 stressing the need to lower noise risks among children.

Unfortunately, more and more evidence has appeared in recent years pointing to both children and teens using personal listening devices much more often. Dr. Woolford explains that prolonged or extreme exposure to high volumes of noise can potentially lead to long term health issues like hearing loss or tinnitus.

“Young children are more vulnerable to potential harm from noise exposure because their auditory systems are still developing. Their ear canals are also smaller than adults, intensifying perceived sound levels,” Dr. Woolford adds. “Tiny hair cells inside the inner ear pick up sound waves to help you hear. When these get damaged or die, hearing loss is irreversible.”

When kids experience tons of noise, it can also impact sleep, academic learning, language, stress levels and even blood pressure, researchers note. More parents of children between nine and 12 years-old report their children use headphones or earbuds than moms and dads raising five to eight-year-olds. Daily use was also more likely to be higher among older adolescents.

Interestingly, just half of parents say they’ve attempted to limit their child’s use of audio devices. Parents who have tried to do so cite strategies including asking the child to take a break, having set hours for use, and using a timer. Caregivers with a child using headphones for more than two hours daily are less likely to set any time or volume limitations in comparison to other parents reporting less headphone use among their kids.

Monitor volume levels

Monitoring and adjusting the volume and time spent on such devices can minimize the negative impact of audio device use. Dr. Woolford suggests the 60/60 rule: kids should have no more than one hour of audio device use daily at no more than 60 percent of the maximum volume. Sound levels on listening devices that are less than 70 dBA (relative loudness of decibels heard) are unlikely to result in noise-related damage.

Big abs could be bad for a man’s health. Body composition, which is typically defined as the amount of fat, bone, and muscle in the body, is a concept frequently used by health professionals in relation to heart health. However, researchers from the University of California-San Diego are challenging this, suggesting that more muscle doesn’t automatically mean a lower risk of heart problems.

Britta Larsen, PhD, explains that men with a larger abdominal muscle area have a greater risk of heart disease. As far as muscle density goes, the prognosis is much different. Men with the densest muscle within the abdominal cavity had nearly one quarter of the risk of heart disease later in life.

“And the other really important thing to note is that we didn’t find this with women. It was just in men,” says Larsen, the study’s lead author and associate professor in the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, in a media release.

The data comes from computed tomography of participants in the National Institutes of Health Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Study authors explored the thickening of the arteries starting in 2000, examining participants in their mid-60s recruited from around the country. Follow-up visits took place after 20 years. Larsen notes that her research group also followed each person’s medical records for 12 years.

The team found that the large-muscle group’s heart disease risk was nearly six times higher than the group of men with the smallest abdominal muscle area. The team wasn’t expecting to see such a strong correlation between increased muscle area and coronary heart disease.

“Muscle has been overlooked in health for a long time,” explains Larsen. “Researchers have really just focused on fat. But muscle is a large, active metabolic tissue, and it’s finally getting a little bit more attention.”

According to the researcher, the difference between muscle area and muscle density comes down to quantity versus quality.

“Density is a little bit trickier. It’s sort of our proxy measure of muscle quality,” Larsen adds. “It’s really a measure of how much fat has infiltrated the muscle cavity. Within the muscle itself, how much is pure muscle? And how much is fat content?”

Additionally, the team did not find a correlation between muscle and stroke in either men or women. For the research, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease were distinguished because the latter includes a risk of stroke.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/big-abs-heart-disease-men/

I was born in Poland and grew up in Germany, but my family and I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 14 years.

When I first discovered the concept of “niksen,” or the Dutch art of doing nothing, I was fascinated. I even wrote a book about it. When I applied it to my own life, my perspective about happiness shifted in a significant way.

I believe niksen is one of the reasons why the Dutch are consistently ranked as some of the happiest people in the world. Niksen might seem selfish or boring at first glance, but it’s actually a service to you and your community.

Here’s how it make it work for you:

1. If you’re doing nothing, own it

When someone asks you what you’re doing during your niksen time, simply respond, “Nothing.”

Be unapologetic about taking breaks or holidays. Think of niksen not as a sign of laziness, but as an important life skill that might help you regain some composure, find calm, and prevent burnout.

Tony Crabbe, the author of “Busy,” says that resisting cultural pressures is easier when done with other niksen-minded people.

Or you can do what my mom does and hang a sign on your office door that reads: “I bite.” (She doesn’t bite, but it’s clear that she doesn’t want to be disturbed.)

2. Work and rest according to your natural rhythm

People have different chronotypes, which means they need to sleep and work at different times of the day to achieve maximum productivity. Some of us are at our best in the morning, while others feel the most productive in the afternoon.

“Every one of us should figure out when we’re at our most creative. Most productive. And niksen is part of this,” says Dutch psychoanalyst Manfred Kets de Vries. He suggests drawing a diagram like the one below:

Then look at your activities, tasks, and obligations and decide where they fit on the diagram.

3. Do nothing, together

I always thought of niksen as something you do alone in your home, by yourself. But those sweet nothing moments can become more special when they are shared.

For many parents, the best thing in the world can be reading to their children or playing with them. To me, it’s hugging. When I’m in a great mood, I’ll ask, “Who wants a hug?”

And if I’m lucky, at least one of my three kids will be willing to put their little arms around me and give me a cuddle. Sometimes, I’ll lie down with them on the floor and do nothing but put my arms around them.

When the kids are in bed, my husband and I often watch a TV series together. I’m usually snuggled into my husband because he is soft and warm, and I often think that the series is secondary. I’m simply niksening up against him.

Source : https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/24/the-netherlands-is-one-of-the-happiest-countries-in-the-worldwhat-they-do-differently-than-everyone-else.html

Many people have compared the addictive nature of social media to cigarettes. Checking your likes, they say, is the new smoke break. Others say the unease over social media is just the next round of moral panic about new technologies.

We are a pair of researchers who investigate how social media affects the mental health of young people. More than 75% of teens check their phone hourly, and half say they feel like they’re addicted to their devices.

Here are some of the things they’ve told us:

“TikTok has me in a chokehold.”

“I would 1,000% say I am addicted.”

“I feel completely aware that it is hijacking my brain, but I can’t put it down. This leaves me feeling ashamed.”

Maybe you’ve had similar feelings yourself, no matter your age. Although it’s true social technologies offer clear benefits – unlike smoking – many people still feel uncomfortable with how much time they spend online and often wonder if they’re addicted.

Years of investigation have led our team to this conclusion: Perhaps a better approach is to view your media consumption as a diet. Just as there are many ways to have a healthy diet, there are also a variety of ways to develop healthy and personalized social media habits.

The search for answers

A deluge of research on social media usage that began in the early 2010s shows negative impacts in areas related to body image, eating disorders and social comparison. Conversely, other studies point to the mental health benefits of social media, including social well-being, strong friendships and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Still other studies show conflicting results. In fact, inconclusive or mixed results seem to be a recurring pattern when researching this subject.

The inconsistencies in these studies highlight the very hard problem of characterizing healthy interaction between two complex systems – social media technologies and human behavioral psychology.

One issue is that the stress, anxiety and challenges to self-esteem experienced by users may vary from moment to moment, depending on what they are viewing. Consider that not all time spent on social media is equal. For example, messaging distant friends for one hour a day will likely leave you feeling more fulfilled than spending 30 minutes a day doomscrolling, which refers to an excessive amount of time consuming negative media.

That’s why researchers are trying to distinguish between the active and passive use of social media. “Active use” refers to social exchanges, like sending messages or posting content, while “passive use” is strictly the consumption of social media content without participation, contribution or engagement with others.

But even this distinction is too simplistic and has come under scrutiny. Some active behaviors, such as trolling on Reddit, are likely unhealthy for everyone involved. And some passive behaviors, like consuming educational videos, are beneficial.

Because healthy media consumption varies considerably from person to person, our research takes a different approach and focuses on users developing personal agency with respect to their media consumption.

Source : https://studyfinds.org/hijacking-brain-people-addicted-to-social-media-seek-help

In a little-known mountainous area called Hunza Valley, located far north of Pakistan, people seem to defy all medical odds.

It is primarily home to the Burusho and Wakhi people, who for centuries have survived and thrived in remote villages — with minimal amenities and rudimentary health facilities. Studies have found that the average life expectancy here is around 100 years.

My husband was born and raised here, and is from the Burusho indigenous community. After we got married, I left the U.S. and we settled down in the Central part of the valley.

Here are some intriguing habits that help the people of Hunza live longer:

1. They consume apricot seeds and oil

Apricot trees are one of the most important local crops in the valley. Studies have shown that apricot seeds can help fight cancer and other sources of inflammation in the body, in part due to a compound called amygdalin.

Nearly every traditional Hunzai dish includes apricot oil. Back in the day, it was made by hand, but now locals use machines to extract it from their harvested kernels.

My mother-in-law told me that 50 years ago, it was all anyone used to cook food with, even meat. Dried versions of the fruit also help with altitude sickness, and are boiled into a soup come winter.

2. They never stop moving

People here are healthy and active throughout their lives, well into old age. It’s very common to see folks in their 80s outside, even in the winter. Elderly family members still graze their cows and sheep, collect wood, and do other household tasks.

They also participate in community activities like “rajaki,” which involves cleaning out the elevated water canals when spring arrives.

Locals of all ages cycle, skate, and play sports like soccer and cricket every day.

3. They drink glacier water

Hunza is filled with dozens of glaciers, all of which melt throughout the summer.

A shiny, dark-grey liquid, “Hunza water” has long held the interest of scientists. Unlike other water sources, this glacial water is naturally filtered by layers of ice and rock and contains precious minerals.

Some argue that the water contains quartz (sillica) minerals in colloid form, which are considered to be powerful antioxidants.

The runoff generally lasts from May to October each year, which is when you’ll find it served at restaurants and in homes. Locals swear by it, and prefer it to filtered water.

4. They rarely eat processed foods

Almost every piece of meat eaten in Hunza comes from a locally sourced animal that’s been recently killed.

People rarely eat processed foods, and you certainly won’t find any fast food spots here. Meals are typically prepared fresh in the home daily, and almost every household grows some kind of vegetable.

Spinach is especially popular, and other favorites like tomatoes and potatoes are grown locally and organically.

Source : https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/17/people-in-remote-region-of-hunza-valley-live-to-100-years-old-heres-how.html

Miss World pageant returns to India for its 71st edition between February 18 and March 9 – Here’s everything you need to know about ‘Beauty With Purpose.’

71st Miss World Pageant: The Miss World Organization has announced that the 71st Miss World Festival will take place between February 18 and March 9, 2024, spanning some of the most stunning sites in India, just as excitement for the global extravaganza is building. A stunning lineup of Miss Worlds, including the current Miss World Karolina Bielawska and previous Miss World winners Toni Ann Singh, Vanessa Ponce De Leon, Manushi Chillar, and Stephanie Del Valle, came together for the first time to set the stage for the Grand Finale, marking a remarkable moment in the event’s history. The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will host ‘The Opening Ceremony’ and ‘India Welcomes the World Gala’ at the majestic Hotel The Ashok in New Delhi on February 20th to kick off the 71st Miss World event.

The big finale, which will take place on March 9 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, is set to be an incredible event that will be broadcast on television and streamed globally. Renowned superstars will add even more glamour to the event with their outstanding performances during the majestic climax of this star-studded extravaganza unlike any other.

The 21-day Festival will feature a variety of events that will empower these young women as change agents and future leaders, all while adhering to its poignant theme of ‘Beauty with a Purpose.; Each competitor will have a special media channel on the Miss World.com website where they may showcase their skills and compete for a spot among the top 20.

Source : https://www.india.com/lifestyle/india-to-host-71st-miss-world-pageant-check-date-time-venue-and-other-details-6716267

If it fetches that asking price, the roughly 9-acre compound in Naples, Fla., would shatter the U.S. home sale record

Financier John Donahue was flying above Naples, Fla., in the 1980s when, according to family lore, he spotted an uninhabited piece of land along the Gulf of Mexico. He pointed to the tip of a peninsula known as Gordon Pointe and told his wife, Rhodora Donahue, “I want to go there.”

That’s just what he did, paying $1 million in 1985 for a roughly 4.3-acre parcel with nothing on it but a small fishing cottage surrounded by mangroves.

Over the next decade, the Donahues amassed roughly 60 acres, where they built a beachfront retreat for themselves and their burgeoning family of 13 children and 84 grandchildren, according to their son Bill Donahue.

Now, after John and Rhodora’s deaths, the family is listing the crown jewel of the estate—a roughly 9-acre compound in Naples’ Port Royal neighborhood with three houses and a private yacht basin—for a potentially record-setting $295 million.

With about 1,650 feet of waterfront, the property is the highest-priced listing in the U.S., and would set a record for the most expensive residential sale in the country if it fetches close to its asking price, according to Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker Realty, who is marketing the property with Leighton Candler of the Corcoran Group and Rory McMullen of Savills.

A Pittsburgh native, John Donahue graduated from West Point in 1946 and served in what is now the Air Force until 1950, when he enrolled in a Forbes magazine stock-market correspondence course. In 1955, with two high school buddies, he started the Pittsburgh-based investment-management firm Federated Investors. Now known as Federated Hermes, the company is run by Donahue’s son J. Christopher Donahue and manages $668.9 billion in assets, according to its website.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/americas-most-expensive-home-for-sale-naples-florida-81535a6b?reflink=integratedwebview_share

Maintaining a healthy heart might be the secret to staying young, according to a new study. Researchers working with the American Heart Association discovered that following the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” checklist could help someone slow their aging by as much as six years.

The study’s focus is on how a healthy heart might keep our bodies feeling and functioning younger than our actual chronological age. Researchers used the checklist to measure heart and brain health during their experiments. This checklist factors in lifestyle choices and health measures like sleep, diet, and blood pressure to gauge an individual’s cardiovascular well-being.

Specifically, the Life’s Essential 8 checklist includes:

1. Eat Better
2. Be More Active
3. Quit Tobacco
4. Get Healthy Sleep
5. Manage Weight
6. Control Cholesterol
7. Manage Blood Sugar
8. Manage Blood Pressure

Biological age, in this context, is determined by something called phenotypic age, a concept that goes beyond the traditional calendar to assess our body’s true wear and tear. Phenotypic age is calculated by adding up your chronological age (how old you are according to your birth date) with the results of nine different blood tests that check various markers like sugar levels, inflammation, and kidney function. When someone’s phenotypic age is higher than their actual age, it suggests that their body is aging faster biologically.

“We found that higher cardiovascular health is associated with decelerated biological aging, as measured by phenotypic age. We also found a dose-dependent association – as heart health goes up, biological aging goes down,” says study senior author Nour Makarem, Ph.D., an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in a media release. “Phenotypic age is a practical tool to assess our body’s biological aging process and a strong predictor of future risk of disease and death.”

The research team discovered that people with better heart health had a younger biological age compared to those with poor heart health. For instance, people with high cardiovascular health had an average chronological age of 41 but their bodies appeared to be 36 years-old biologically. On the flip side, individuals with low cardiovascular health were, on average, 53 years-old but had a biological age of 57.

Adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic differences, the researchers noted that the best scores on the Life’s Essential 8 checklist correlated with a biological age that was, on average, six years younger than the actual age.

The study underscores the benefits of following the Life’s Essential 8 guidelines which include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking, among other things.

“Greater adherence to all Life’s Essential 8 metrics and improving your cardiovascular health can slow down your body’s aging process and have a lot of benefits down the line. Reduced biologic aging is not just associated with lower risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, it is also associated with longer life and lower risk of death,” Makarem says.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/8-healthy-habits-slows-down-aging/

When heading off for a night’s slumber, does your pet follow? Perhaps the cat curls up at the end of your bed. Maybe the dog dives under the duvet or pops their head on your pillow. Alternatively, your pet might have their own devoted sleeping space. But if you do share your bed with Fluffy or Fido, what does science suggest is best practice?

Pets increasingly have new roles and expectations in society. Dogs, cats and a multitude of other companion animal species have become family members, a role far removed from their original purposes as protectors, hunting partners, pest exterminators and in some cases, food sources.

Owners now spend much more time in close contact with their pets, which confers many benefits. Positive associations with pets are linked with improved health, social contact, physical activity, and decreased perceptions of loneliness.

While people typically share living spaces with their pets, sharing beds is a much more intimate proposition. Nevertheless, research shows that of the estimated 90 million European households who own a least one pet, 45% of dogs and 60% of cats are allowed on the bed – and 18% of dogs and 30% of cats sleep with their owner inside the covers.

While it might be enjoyable and relaxing to share resting time with your pet, it could come with risks to pet and human health, not to mention impacts on sleep hygiene and human relationships too.

Disturbed Sleep

One challenge of sharing your bed with your pet could be disturbed sleep. The movement of sleeping partners (two or four-legged) may lead to reduced sleep efficiency, although a bed large enough to accommodate all can mitigate this.

Encouraging your pet to sleep elsewhere, but within the bedroom could also be beneficial if sleep disturbance is affecting your well-being. Our pets also need quality sleep, so their own sleeping space might be good for them too.

But shared sleeping areas can have positives. Many owners like to sleep with their pets, who can offer companionship, security and even warmth. More than 80% of dogs examined in studies preferred to be close to people at night, suggesting a mutual benefit. Different species of pets also appear to spend time resting together, so if you have a multi-pet household, all might enjoy shared sleeping.

Bed bugs

Pets sometimes bring unwanted guests into our homes such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice. These ectoparasites might hop from our pets to us and either cause transient or more prolonged irritation. In extreme cases, they can transmit other, potentially serious diseases such as plague or “cat scratch disease”, an infection caused by bacteria in cat saliva.

Pets often also harbor internal parasites such as the roundworm Toxocara canis – a parasite that affects both cats and dogs – some of which can be passed to humans, resulting in illness. Microscopic eggs that can cause infection can be carried on the fur of our pets and close contact increases the potential of spread between pets and people.

The potential for other disease-causing organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi to spread between our pets and us is also of concern, especially antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Indeed, we can even share infections with our pets – including COVID-19 – so it’s not all one-sided.

Allergies and injuries

Sharing intimate contact with pets does raise the potential for increasing allergic responses or injury risk. Minor, unintentional injuries such as scratches can occur. Contact with dust and dander from pet hair can be prolonged when in close proximity. This material can also accumulate in the environment, potentially increasing the risk of allergic reactions.

Less than a fifth of millennials, specifically those between 26 and 35, are certain that they want to become parents one day. This inclination further diminishes among individuals with pronounced environmental concerns. Simply put, four in five young millennials want to remain childless, especially if they dwell on climate change concerns.

The study, conducted by the University of Southampton and the Generations and Gender Program, gathered insights on attitudes toward children, family, and various political issues. It involved a sample of 7,000 individuals ranging from 18 to 59 years-old in the U.K.

The findings revealed a correlation with the nation’s declining birth rates, highlighting a drop in the number of young adults planning to have children. Only 19 percent of younger millennials expressed a definitive desire to have children, while 30 percent leaned towards probably wanting children. Among older millennials, between 36 and 41, 36 percent were certain they will not have children, and 20 percent were leaning towards not having them.

The percentage of millennials who are disinclined to have children increases among those with stronger environmental concerns. However, the trend appears different for Generation Z — ages 18 to 24. Data shows that those in this age group who are more likely to desire children are also more concerned about environmental and climate issues.

“Whilst we found that environmental concerns are a factor for older millennials intending to remain childless, our study suggests this isn’t the case for Gen Z,” says Professor Brienna Perelli-Harris, from the University of Southampton who led the UK Generations and Gender Survey, in a media release.

“This may be because some younger people do not intend to have children for other reasons, or it could be that Gen Zers who would like to have children are more worried about the planet that their children will inherit.”

The study also highlights a declining trend in the desire for children among Generation Z, compared to previous generations. Specifically, 15 percent of Generation Z respondents stated a definite lack of interest in having children. This contrasts with the 10 to 15 percent of individuals of the same age group who expressed similar sentiments between 2005 and 2007.

Additionally, 11 percent of Generation Z participants indicated they probably will not have children, and 22 percent were uncertain about it. According to the study, these findings suggest that birth rates in the U.K. may continue to decrease.

“More young adults planning to remain childless suggests the recent decline in fertility rates at young ages isn’t just about individuals delaying parenthood until they are older,” Prof. Perelli-Harris says, according to SWNS.

“Instead, it suggests a growing trend of individuals intending not to have children. If this is the case, then we can expect UK birth rates to decline further from their current level.”

The study also delves into a significant challenge for those who choose to have children: the high cost of childcare.

Researchers found that parents typically spend an average of $711 per month on childcare. A quarter of these parents pay over $1,016, and 15 percent spend more than $1,270.

For lower-income households, childcare expenses account for a substantial 20 to 30 percent of their income. This is a larger proportion compared to higher-income households, which allocate around 10 percent of their salary to childcare.

The survey also uncovered varied childcare approaches among parents. About a fifth exclusively utilize formal childcare options, such as nurseries. In contrast, a quarter depend solely on assistance from parents, relatives, or friends.

Notably, a third of parents do not use any formal childcare, a trend most prevalent among the lowest income groups. Families with higher incomes are more inclined to use formal childcare exclusively. Meanwhile, middle-income families tend to rely on a mix of both formal and informal childcare solutions.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/childless-millennials-parents/

Caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive compound in the world. Even if you don’t drink coffee or tea, you probably still regularly consume caffeine since it’s found in everything from soft drinks and cold remedies to decaf coffee and chocolate.

When caffeine is consumed, it’s rapidly absorbed by the body – reaching peak effects within two hours (though it may take up to nine hours to leave your body). It’s also water and fat-soluble, so it gets into all body tissues, which explains why caffeine can affect many different parts of the body.

It’s recommended that adults consume no more than 400mg of caffeine a day (approximately four cups of coffee). More than this may lead to muscle tremors, nausea, headaches, pounding heart and even death (in extreme cases).

But even people who only consume a couple cups of coffee or tea daily may feel it still has adverse effects – such as irritability, difficulty falling asleep and feeling jittery. This is why a growing number of people are deciding to give up caffeine.

If you’re thinking about giving up caffeine and are wondering what benefits it may have, here’s what the research says:

Brain function
Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, fatigue and tiredness. This is because the body develops a tolerance to caffeine.

Caffeine binds to a receptor in the brain used by adenosine. The binding of caffeine to these receptors causes the body to delay the onset of fatigue. But over time the brain cells produce more adenosine receptors to enable normal adenosine binding to happen.

So, when you stop consuming caffeine, there are excess adenosine receptors to bind to. This allows fatigue and tiredness to kick in as normal, with the person feeling more tired than before.

Headaches happens as a result of the absence of caffeine. In the head and neck, caffeine causes the blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to the brain. When you stop drinking caffeine, after approximately 24 hours it causes the blood vessels to return to normal, causing an increase in blood flow to the brain and triggering headaches. They may last up to 9 days on average.

And because caffeine binds to adenosine receptors (which also modulate pain) quitting caffeine may temporarily increase your perception and sensitivity to pain because there’s more receptors available.

Caffeine really only affects sleep when consumed in the late afternoon and evenings. This is because caffeine delays the release of melatonin (a hormone which makes us tired) by 40 minutes. Caffeine also reduces the overall time you sleep and shortens the period of deep sleep.

This can increase your tiredness the next day, leading to cycle of using caffeine to wake you up but having trouble sleeping later on as a result. When you stop caffeine, you may find your sleep improves. Some evidence suggests improvements are seen in as little as 12 hours.

Caffeine has also been linked to increased anxiety and panic attacks – and not just in those with a pre-disposition to mental health issues. Reducing or eliminating caffeine may improve your mood. This may partly be because it improves sleep. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety and other mood disorders.

But the adenosine receptors that caffeine bind to are also involved in the modulation of other neurotransmitters that have a role in stress, happiness and fear.

Cardiovascular health
Reducing or eliminating caffeine might also cure heartburn and indigestion. Caffeine induces acid secretion in the stomach and weakens the oesophageal sphincter, which controls reflux of stomach contents up the oesophagus – triggering heartburn and indigestion.

Quitting caffeine may also lower your blood pressure and reduce your heart rate – although other studies have shown little change.

This is because if someone consumes caffeine daily for many years, their body adapts to the exposure – and it becomes the new norm with its stimulant effects on the nervous system, bowels and heart.

There also appears to be genetic component to caffeine tolerance and metabolism. This could mean some people are more affected by caffeine over others – though more research is needed on this link.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/break-the-grind-find-your-flow-why-ditching-caffeine-might-be-best-for-health/

Siggi’s Dairy is offering a prize of $10,000 if you’re willing to give up your smartphone for one month.

The New York-based company, which is known for selling an Icelandic yogurt called skyr, announced the contest on Wednesday.

“We’re introducing a NEW kind of ‘Dry January’ this year,” the company’s website read. “Instead of abstaining from alcohol for a month, we challenge you to ditch your smartphone!”

“We believe in the power of living a simpler life with fewer distractions. One of the biggest distractions in our lives today is our phone,” Siggi’s added.

Ten participants will be selected based on the essays they submit to Siggi’s. To make sure the contest entrants don’t use their smartphones, Siggi’s will send participants a lockbox and a flip-phone with a one-month prepaid SIM card.

In the end, the 10 participants could walk away with $10,000 and 60 cups of Siggi’s yogurt.

Kristina Drociak, Siggi’s director of PR and digital strategy, told FOX Business that the contest was inspired by the idea of digital detoxing.

“At Siggi’s, we believe in simplicity and that less is what truly sets you free,” she said. “Our brand ethos is all about stripping away the unnecessary, and just like fewer ingredients in yogurt, we believe fewer digital distractions can make for a more satisfying life.”

“We recognize the increasing screen time and phone usage in our society and the negative effects this can have, which inspired us to launch Siggi’s Digital Detox Program for this new year,” Drociak added.

“The goal of the program is to show people the benefits of going digital-free in hopes that this can start new healthy habits in 2024 and beyond.”

Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/ditch-cell-phone-entire-month-company-pay-thousands-if-you-do

‘You don’t have to love your body to be kind to it.’ – Alissa Rumsey

Body positivity is a major topic of conversation these days. From social media to commercials on TV, there has been a growing effort to push a more inclusive image of the human body. While the concept of accepting our individual flaws is a generally positive idea, when does it go too far and start endangering your health? From a medical standpoint, the line should be drawn at embracing obesity — because the condition can lead to life-long health problems if left untreated.

Body positivity is about how our perception of body image (our own and others) shapes our concept of self, mental health, well-being, and relationships. It refers to how you feel about your own appearance, and how you feel about your height, weight, and shape.

Moreover, the term body positivity describes a mindset that the shape or size of someone’s body does not determine their worthiness of love. It challenges the roles of cultural, social, and media influences in the development of our relationship with our body, ourselves, and how we perceive others. Body positivity can also refer to cultivating confidence and self-love, and appreciating your body for all that it can do, despite its flaws. It’s about inclusivity and acceptance of all physical traits.

If the goal of body positivity is to encourage the media to present images of “real” people, rather than idealized images, the movement is succeeding. It’s my unscientific observation that more television ads and programming, as well as print media, feature more overweight models and actors.

When does body positivity cross a line into harmful self-indulgence?
Weight is just one aspect of body positivity, but let’s use it to examine the movement.

For children and adolescents between two and 19 years-old, almost 20 percent are obese – that’s about 15 million kids. The older the child, the higher obesity rates rise.

It’s 12.7 percent among kids two to five, and 22.2 percent and children 12 to 19. About 26 percent of Hispanic children are obese, as are 25 percent of Black children in this age group.

We are seeing diseases in these young people which previously were seen almost exclusively in adults. This includes cases of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems. There is more obesity in proportion to decreasing education among parents and lower household incomes.

Obesity in children is associated with:

• Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression
• Lesser self-esteem
• Lesser quality of life
• Bullying and stigmatization
• Obesity in adulthood

Obesity in adults is associated with:

• Increases in all causes of death
• High blood pressure
• Higher LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), lower HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Joint problems
• Sleep apnea
• Increases in many types of cancer
• Lesser quality of life
• Mental illness
• Generalized body pain
• Poor physical conditioning

These negative consequences are increasing in frequency as the incidence of overweight and obesity in our culture, while the body positivity movement gains attention.

Body positivity purports loving your body. You care for what you love. Does that make being overweight, or self-indulgence, body negativity? Let’s just get rid of the positive vs. negative and replace them with wellness.

How Can You Practice ‘Body Wellness’?
There are several ways to discover what “being healthy” means to you – physically, mentally, and emotionally. This includes cultivating a realistic perception of your body, including its flaws.

1. Practice positive self-talk: It can increase your confidence and self-esteem. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and focus on your strengths. Use statements such as “I am courageous,” and “My body is capable of great things.” You can put these on sticky notes and post them on your bathroom mirror.

2. Seek out community: Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Join online communities or groups that promote body positivity and self-love.

3. Add more physical activity: Move in ways that make your body feel good, such as yoga, dancing, or walking. Focus on how your body feels during these activities, rather than how it looks.

4. Write a gratitude list: List things about your body and yourself you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones.

5. Nourish yourself with nutrient-rich food: Eat whole foods that make you feel good and provide energy. Avoid restrictive diets.

6. Wear clothing that builds confidence: Be comfortable, and bold with color. Don’t worry about following fashion trends or certain sizes.

7. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same compassion and love you would show to a friend.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/body-positivity-obesity/

Americans have been leaving big cities in droves in recent years, and now a new study is giving older adults another reason to move. Scientists from Washington State University have found that even small, seemingly insignificant, differences in the availability of green and blue spaces across urban areas may contribute to improved mental and physical health. In other words, the more nature near your home, the better you’ll likely feel.

Study authors found that just 10 percent more forest space in a person’s residential ZIP code contributes to a reduction in serious psychological distress, which refers to mental health problems that require treatment and may interfere with one’s social life, work, or school. Meanwhile, another 10 percent increase in green space, tree cover, water, or nature trails also appeared to lower the odds that older individuals reported their general health as either poor or fair.

“Our findings suggest that loss of our urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization may not just have an environmental impact but could have a public health impact as well,” says first study author Adithya Vegaraju, a medical student in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, in a university release.

These findings are based on health survey data collected from over 42,000 people 65 and older who lived in urban regions of Washington state between 2011 and 2019. During the analysis, researchers compared each person’s general and mental health to various measures that reveal their access to green and blue spaces within their residential ZIP codes. While close to two percent of the participants displayed signs of serious psychological distress, 19 percent reported dealing with fair or poor general health.

This work focused solely on the relationship between serious psychological distress and distance to the closest green and blue space. However, the final report expanded the scope of the study by adding several additional measures, such as the percentage of green space, tree canopy, forest area, and open space within ZIP codes in addition to the length of trails. Researchers were also sure to expand their analyses to include how each measure related to self-rated general health. This also helped account for differences in survey respondents’ demographics (race, education level, etc).

While prior projects have analyzed how proximity to nature might impact health, Vegaraju believes this study is among the first ever to assess this relationship in older U.S. adults. Older individuals are especially vulnerable to mental health issues such as depression, which can also increase one’s risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Older adults are also generally less likely to undergo treatment for mental health conditions.

“Older adults with depression, anxiety or mental health issues are known to be more resistant to medical interventions or talk therapy, which are the go-to treatments for these conditions,” Vegaraju explains. “If exposure to green or blue spaces could help prevent, delay or even treat poor mental health in older adults, we need to look at that more closely as a way to improve mental health outcomes in this population.”

Researchers believe a potential solution may be nature prescriptions, which is a growing trend in healthcare that involves doctors giving patients written recommendations to spend time outdoors.

Senior study author Solmaz Amiri adds more research is necessary to understand exactly how exposure to green and blue spaces promotes better mental and general health. Moving forward, she wants to study the possible link between nature exposure and cognitive decline, which is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/living-closer-nature-older-adults/

The honeymoon is over for the longtime Honeymoon Capital of the World — several disillusioned globetrotters took to Reddit last week to rate Dubai, Niagara Falls, Disney World and other surprising locations as overhyped travel destinations.

The list comes as US airports completed their busiest travel season in years.

AAA had predicted that 115.2 million travelers would hit the road or take flight for the holidays.

Many of them likely visited the tourist traps that made Reddit’s no-fly list.

Dubai

The so-called City of Gold seems to be an Arabian nightmare for Redditors who ranked it the No. 1 most overrated destination with 10,000 upvotes on the forum.

“Dubai has always sounded like a holiday in materialistic hell,” sniped one. Another griped, “It sucks so bad, there is nothing to do and no culture. Unless you like gaudy designer bulls—t or laying by the pool.”

Even former expatriates expressed distaste for the allegedly Disneyfied Middle Eastern metropolis.

“I worked there for years and looked behind the fancy veneer,” wrote one. “Dubai has nothing by my abject contempt. It’s deplorable.”

Like a naturally beautiful celeb tarnished by plastic surgery, some argued that Dubai has transformed from a dream desert destination to a soulless labyrinth of commercialism.

“It was a beautiful place with nomadic tribes and culture,” lamented one Redditor. “Now it’s a shopping hellhole.”

This alleged materialism is perhaps best personified by Linda Andrade, a Dubai millionaire’s wife who frequently flaunts her conspicuous adventures on TikTok.

Those include enjoying a luxurious 24-k gold cup of coffee and having her hubby light up the Burj Khalifa skyscraper with a birthday message.

Others insisted that Dubai bashing has become trendy and is not reflective of the locale.

“Dubai gets s—t on harder than any other travel destination on Reddit (maybe with the exception of Cairo),” one defender declared. “It’s always at or near the top of threads like these. Honestly though? I thought it was completely fine.”

The poster added, “It’s one of those places where you have to have the appropriate expectations. Dubai is NOT the place to go if you’re interested in culture and history. But it can be a fun destination if you want to go dune bashing, sit on a beach or if you’re into futuristic-looking architecture.”

Disney World

Another universally reviled destination on Reddit? Disney World. Some believe the House of Mouse has become far too expensive and congested to deserve the moniker “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

“You turn into a human cash dispenser the moment you step foot in those parks,” rued one Redditor.

“Disney is and always has been a pretty cool experience,” wrote another. “But reduced staffing and increased cost overshadows the magic these days unfortunately.”

“I had to wait in line just to type this,” quipped one Reddit wit.

After its stock price hit a nine-year low last year, Disney hiked admission prices at its Florida and California theme parks by as much as 10%.

Some Disney buffs claim that VIP is the only way to go when making a pilgrimage.

“Disney World is pay to win. I got a $10,000 bonus at work one year and went. I paid for the nice hotel that gets early park access and you can walk to the parks,” one recalled. “Gets you on rides with short lines. Also paid for the enhanced dining stuff, several optional fun stuff (like light saber building) and paid for the line skipper. It was a very different experience than just showing up 2-3 hrs after the park opens and planning to wait in line.”

“I agree. You kind of need to go big if you go at all. You can’t just show up and buy a ticket anymore,” seconded another.

Niagara Falls

Redditors don’t seem to want to go chasin’ waterfalls.

“Niagara Falls, NY is NOT a nice place,” declared one critic.

Another wrote, “As someone from western New York, the city of Niagara Falls is the victim of boom and bust tourism economy, corruption in the local and state governments over decades. The unfortunate reality is that the city is left behind to pick up the pieces.”

Cataract City was recently ranked the 44th most dangerous city in the US — up five places from last year.

Some feel that tourists are better served experiencing the falls from our neighbor to the north.

“The State Park is great, but yeah that’s about the only thing worth seeing on that side of the Falls,” said one. “We always stay on the Canadian side.”

Another wrote, “The Canadian side is the one with the views. The American side is just kind of a sad decaying town.”

Source : https://nypost.com/2024/01/03/lifestyle/dubai-niagara-falls-disney-world-named-overrated-travel-spots

What if the best way to treat your chronic back pain is by retraining your brain?

That’s the premise of a novel approach to chronic pain. Many people feel pain even after a physical injury has healed or when doctors can’t find a physical cause. The approach, called “pain reprocessing therapy,” tries to train the brain not to send false pain signals. Some early results are promising.

In a study published last year in JAMA Psychiatry, 66% of a group of people who did the therapy for a month were pain-free or nearly pain-free up to a year later.

The treatment is still largely in the research stages and typically not covered by insurance, but is being performed in a growing number of centers, including the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, which plans to start two clinical trials of the technique next year.

“Most physicians are taught in medical school that pain is biomechanical in nature,” says Alan Gordon, founder of the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles, who conducted many of the PRT treatments for the patients in the JAMA study. “This idea that the brain could… actually misinterpret the signals from the body as dangerous when they’re not is relatively new.”

A search for new approaches

Doctors and researchers have long been on a quest for effective treatments for chronic pain. Chronic back pain in particular is notoriously difficult to treat and experienced by millions of Americans. With doctors more wary of prescribing opioids, patients often now cycle through physical therapy, steroid injections and acupuncture, with surgery sometimes used as a last resort.

Some patients use techniques borrowed from mental-health therapy to try to manage pain symptoms, but researchers hope pain reprocessing therapy can go a step further by actually eliminating pain caused by off-kilter brain signals.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/chronic-back-pain-reprocessing-therapy-treatment-54d1e141?reflink=integratedwebview_share

The secret to a happy life? SLEEP! Going to bed just one hour later than usual is enough to make you miserable, study suggests

Getting less sleep than usual makes people feel less positive and happy
Researchers looked at 154 studies that spanned more than 50 years

Staying up too late could make you feel less enthusiastic about life the next day, even if you only lose an hour of sleep.

Getting less sleep than usual, regardless of the number of hours, makes people feel less positive and happy, a scientific review has found.

Researchers looked at 154 studies, spanning more than 50 years, and including more than 5,000 people aged seven to 79, on sleep deprivation.

Sleep restriction, where people got less sleep than normal, was found to significantly reduce their positive feelings, like enthusiasm and happiness.

People’s positive emotions appeared to take the biggest hit if they got four hours less sleep than normal – but they felt less positive from any reduction in sleep at all.

Source : https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12889817/The-secret-happy-life-SLEEP-Going-bed-just-one-hour-later-usual-make-miserable-study-suggests.html?ito=native_share_article-top

Nicolas Puech has allegedly already initiated the adoption process with the gardener

Nicolas Puech, the 80-year-old heir to the French luxury brand Hermès fortune, is reportedly planning to distribute his wealth to his 51-year-old gardener, who he also intends to legally adopt.

According to Swiss publication Tribune de Genève, cited by the New York Post, the heir of the luxury brand is planning to pass his wealth to his “former gardener and handyman” from a “modest Moroccan family.”

Puech, who has allegedly already initiated the adoption process with the gardener, hopes to pass down billions of dollars of the Hermès fortune since he is unmarried and has no children of his own.

Puech, the fifth-generation descendant of Thierry Hermès, stands to pass down billions of dollars of the Hermès fortune, currently valued at over $220 billion.

Puech reportedly owns between 5% and 6% of the house, which puts his net worth between $10-11 billion.

Puech also hopes to pass down $5.9 million in properties in Marrakesh, Morocco, and Montreux, Switzerland.

The Swiss publication reported that he could pass on half of his inheritance to his former gardener.

The gardener is reportedly married to a woman from Spain and has two children.

Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/hermes-heir-plans-give-seven-billion-dollar-fortune-gardener

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2023: The world observes Human Rights Day every year on December 10. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this important day, which aims at promoting and celebrating the fundamental rights and freedoms every individual is entitled to, regardless of their gender, nationality, race, religion, or background.

Human Rights Day History
Human Rights Day traces its roots to the year 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This document, comprising 30 articles, served as a landmark commitment to safeguarding the inherent dignity and equal rights of all human beings. The formal recognition and celebration of Human Rights Day began in 1950 with the adoption of resolution 423 (V) by the UN General Assembly, designating December 10 as an annual day of observance.

The UDHR, though not legally binding, has inspired over 60 human rights instruments, creating an international framework for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Human Rights Day Significance
The aftermath of world war two underscored the need for a global commitment to human rights. The UDHR emerged as a beacon of hope and justice, emphasizing that human rights are not a privilege but a universal entitlement.

The UDHR, with its comprehensive articulation of fundamental rights and freedoms, serves as a compass guiding nations toward meeting the basic needs of their citizens, whether they be of a socioeconomic or political nature.

Human Rights Day 2023 Theme

The theme for the 2023 Human Rights Day is ‘Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future.’

Celebration of Human Rights Day
In India, the National Human Rights Commission is organising a programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on December 10, 2023, at 10 am. The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chief Guest, will deliver an address to the audience.

Various dignitaries, including NHRC Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra, and representatives from diplomatic circles, civil society, academia, NGOs, and human rights defenders, will also be in attendance.

Source: https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/human-rights-day-2023-history-significance-celebrations-and-key-facts-8694912.html

White lung syndrome is emerging as a new health concern among children. From symptoms to preventive measures, all you want to know about the outbreak.

After the outbreak of mystery pneumonia among China’s paediatric population, a similar illness has been raising child hospitalisation cases in Ohio, US. Referred to as the White Lung Syndrome, the illness is characterized by white patches all over the lungs and children affected by it have been experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever and fatigue. Kids under five may reportedly have sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, vomiting and diarrhoea. Health officials in Ohio feel the current outbreak isn’t due to a novel respiratory virus and could be due to Covid, flu, RSV, or mycoplasma. Experts have advised to get children vaccinated in order to prevent them from the outbreak apart from healthy lifestyle measures like balanced diet, physical activity and good sleep.

What is white lung syndrome?
“The term was coined to describe a mysterious respiratory illness that began to be seen among patients in China primarily with pneumonia-like symptoms. In China, it was found to be due to a combination of various respiratory illnesses, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), Respiratory syncytial (RSV), and mycoplasma pneumoniae. Although it’s not considered a new disease, the world which has still not forgotten Covid-19 is in a state of alert! And rightly so, as the number of cases has seen a huge spike,” says Dr Ravi Dosi, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore.

“White lung syndrome is emerging as a new health issue of global concern. The term was first associated with an outbreak of a respiratory illness in China. It now describes a similar wave of pneumonia that is affecting children across the U.S. Since August this year, around 150 paediatric pneumonia cases have been reported especially in Warren County, Ohio, mirroring a similar outbreak in China. This is once again raising concerns among health officials globally and the exact cause of this outbreak is currently under investigation by health authorities,” says Dr Dosi.

“It’s a respiratory infection caused by multiple microorganisms (influenza, mycoplasma etc) leading to development of pneumonia.

On CXR it appears as white patches in lungs. Since it’s a sudden outbreak (in China) and rapidly spreading, hence the name white lung syndrome is coined to identify this outbreak quickly,” says Dr S Vidya Nair, Sr. Consultant, Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.

Symptoms of white lung syndrome
“In this, white patches in the lung are formed all over the organ. It can be called as a white lung pneumonia or white lung syndrome. At the moment, we are seeing this in China. Many of the children are having both lungs’ involvement because of pneumonia and the symptoms start from upper respiratory infection and then it moves to lower respiratory tack that is lung. Patient start having infection, fever, cough, other symptoms, sore throat, watery eye skin rash or symptoms like diarrhoea,” says Dr Vikas Maurya, Director and HOD Pulmonology, Fortis Shalimar Bagh.

“The most common symptoms among affected children include cough, fever, and fatigue. We must visit a doctor promptly as early medical intervention helps to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr Dosi.

“The clinical symptoms and signs are similar to previous respiratory infections caused by influenza and other atypical pneumonia causing bugs. The symptoms start with flu like symptoms and then progressing to cough, wheezing breathlessness and development of pneumonia,” says Dr Maurya.

“White lung syndrome is emerging as a new health issue of global concern. The term was first associated with an outbreak of a respiratory illness in China. It now describes a similar wave of pneumonia that is affecting children across the U.S. Since August this year, around 150 paediatric pneumonia cases have been reported especially in Warren County, Ohio, mirroring a similar outbreak in China. This is once again raising concerns among health officials globally and the exact cause of this outbreak is currently under investigation by health authorities,” says Dr Ravi Dosi, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Amabani Hospital, Indore.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/what-is-white-lung-syndrome-signs-symptoms-and-preventive-measures-of-mystery-pneumonia-101701606304045.html

Can eating yogurt help stave off mental disorders? Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine believe so. In a new study, scientists discovered that a common bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, called Lactobacillus, plays a crucial role in managing stress, potentially aiding in preventing conditions like depression and anxiety.

This discovery could pave the way for innovative therapies targeting mental health.

For the study, researchers isolated Lactobacillus from the vast array of microorganisms present in our bodies, collectively known as the microbiota. This distinct focus on a specific bacterium marks a significant advancement in the effort to decipher the roles of individual microbes, presenting new avenues for developing treatments and cures for various mental and physical diseases.

“Our discovery illuminates how gut-resident Lactobacillus influences mood disorders, by tuning the immune system,” says Alban Gaultier of UVA’s Department of Neuroscience, the Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG Center), and the TransUniversity Microbiome Initiative, in a university release. “Our research could pave the way towards discovering much-needed therapeutics for anxiety and depression.”

The human gut is naturally inhabited by a myriad of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively forming the microbiota. Despite the initial alarm at the sheer number of microorganisms within us, scientists recognize their crucial role in immune system health, mental well-being, and overall health. Disruptions in the microbiota due to illness, poor diet, or other factors have been linked to numerous diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding and regulating these microscopic inhabitants.

Attempts to manipulate gut flora using beneficial bacteria (probiotics) have shown mixed results due to the complexity of the microbiome. With an estimated 39 trillion microorganisms within each individual, comprehending the specific roles and interactions among these organisms remains a daunting challenge for researchers.

How does Lactobacillus protect mental health?
Dr. Gaultier’s team used an innovative approach to focus on Lactobacilli. Previous research hinted at its potential to alleviate depression in lab mice, prompting further investigation. By utilizing a collection of bacteria called Altered Schaedler Flora containing Lactobacillus strains, the team could create mice with and without Lactobacillus, bypassing the need for antibiotics.

“We were aware from our prior research that Lactobacillus was beneficial in improving mood disorders and was lost following psychological stress, but the underlying reasons remained unclear, primarily due to the technical challenges associated with studying the microbiome,” says Dr. Gaultier.

The results were compelling. Researchers identified how Lactobacilli, specifically in the Lactobaccillacea family, regulate the immune mediator interferon gamma, which is vital in stress response regulation and depression prevention.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/eating-yogurt-mental-disorders/

Tension headaches and migraines are the most common types of head pains, yet the exact source of those conditions has alluded experts — until now.

A research team in Germany studied magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) of 50 patients to analyze connections between headache frequency, neck pain and facial muscle trigger points.

They specifically focused on the trapezius muscles, a pair of large, triangular tissues extending over the back of the neck and shoulders and leading to the head and shoulder blades.

Researchers found that those suffering from both tension-type headaches and migraines showed a higher strain in those neck muscles.

In other words, headaches result from a literal pain in the neck.

MRI scans taken by researchers showed that on the days the participants suffered head and neck pain, they also exhibited greater levels of stress on their necks, which suggested that those muscles were inflamed.

That led the experts to conclude that inflammation in the neck — which could develop for several reasons, including bad posture, lack of sleep, injury and stress — may be linked to tension headaches and migraines.

“Our findings support the role of neck muscles in the pathophysiology of primary headaches,” Dr. Nico Sollmann said in a statement, additionally sharing possible solutions for tackling them.

“Therefore, treatments that target the neck muscles could lead to a simultaneous relief of neck pain, as well as headache.”

Sollmann noted that non-invasive treatment options that directly target the site of pain in the neck muscles — such as massage or acupuncture — could be highly effective and safer than medications.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/11/29/lifestyle/what-causes-headaches-and-migraines-experts-think-they-finally-know/

Locals in other ‘blue zones’ also live long and prosperous lives

A REMOTE Greek island is home to locals who “live forever” thanks to a stress-free life and sex into old age.

Those searching for the fountain of youth should look no further than the 99-square mile island of Ikaria.

Known as the island of longevity, one in three of its residents make it to their 90s.

And the picturesque haven claims to have more nonaganerians than any other place on the planet.

They not only live longer, but better than the majority of other nations, where it concerns their health.

But what is the secret to their long and prosperous life?

Ikarians follow a different lifestyle compared to most people in big cities.

A University of Athens School of Medicine study analysed the diet of hundreds of Ikarians, finding they consumed plenty of beans and fish – and ate meat only about five times a month.

They also found that Ikarians consumed pesticide-free greens grown in their own gardens.

The Ikaria Study also found the elderly islanders had a diet low in refined sugar but high in olive oil.

They noted the islanders consumed two to three cups of coffee and two to four glasses of wine a day.

And residents lived longer before they were beset with cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and depression.

Backed by National Geographic, bestselling author and longevity Dan Buettner visited the island and uncovered another clue to their long-lasting, happy lives.

During their interviews conducted with Ikarians over 90, most claimed to still be sexually active.

Mr Buettner described the picturesque paradise as an “island of gods and immortals” where people “don’t count the years”.

Scientific studies have also found that locals were also found to nap often and drink herbal tea.

And the islanders’ use of unheated olive oil was thought to raise good cholesterol.

They often consumed goat’s milk used in feta which contained tryptophan, which boosts the so-called “happy chemical” serotonin.

And one of the simplest reasons as to why Ikarians lived so long was that the islanders were simply relaxed and happy in life, according to scientific studies.

Ikarians also benefit from an outdoor lifestyle in tune with nature where “stress and loneliness are almost non-existent”, reports National Geographic.

Their tight-knit communities and self-sufficient lives have also contributed to the islanders famed health.

The island is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, which are regions of the world where people routinely surpass average global life expectancies.

The Japanese island of Okinawa, claimed to be home to the world’s longest-lived women is one.

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Pensinsula and Italian tourism beauty spot Sardinia also make the list.

And Loma Linda in California is also renowned for its healthy living.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/9610761/remote-greek-island-locals-live-forever

Maintaining a healthy heart might be the secret to staying young, according to a new study. Researchers working with the American Heart Association discovered that following the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” healthy habits to slows down aging could help someone slow their aging by as much as six years.

The study’s focus is on how a healthy heart might keep our bodies feeling and functioning younger than our actual chronological age. Researchers used the checklist to measure heart and brain health during their experiments. This checklist factors in lifestyle choices and health measures like sleep, diet, and blood pressure to gauge an individual’s cardiovascular well-being.

Specifically, the Life’s Essential 8 checklist includes:

1. Eat Better
2. Be More Active
3. Quit Tobacco
4. Get Healthy Sleep
5. Manage Weight
6. Control Cholesterol
7. Manage Blood Sugar
8. Manage Blood Pressure

Biological age, in this context, is determined by something called phenotypic age, a concept that goes beyond the traditional calendar to assess our body’s true wear and tear. Phenotypic age is calculated by adding up your chronological age (how old you are according to your birth date) with the results of nine different blood tests that check various markers like sugar levels, inflammation, and kidney function. When someone’s phenotypic age is higher than their actual age, it suggests that their body is aging faster biologically.

“We found that higher cardiovascular health is associated with decelerated biological aging, as measured by phenotypic age. We also found a dose-dependent association – as heart health goes up, biological aging goes down,” says study senior author Nour Makarem, Ph.D., an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in a media release. “Phenotypic age is a practical tool to assess our body’s biological aging process and a strong predictor of future risk of disease and death.”

The research team discovered that people with better heart health had a younger biological age compared to those with poor heart health. For instance, people with high cardiovascular health had an average chronological age of 41 but their bodies appeared to be 36 years-old biologically. On the flip side, individuals with low cardiovascular health were, on average, 53 years-old but had a biological age of 57.

Adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic differences, the researchers noted that the best scores on the Life’s Essential 8 checklist correlated with a biological age that was, on average, six years younger than the actual age.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/8-healthy-habits-slows-down-aging/

According to a recent study, the number of daily steps covered in a day and at what pace you are walking matters the most for long life. 2,700 daily steps can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases to 11 per cent.

A secret to a long life is always said to be linked with indulging in regular physical activities. A sedentary lifestyle is the leading cause of the most serious diseases in the world. Physical activities just not include exercising but regular walking also plays an important role. According to a recent study, the number of daily steps covered in a day and at what pace you are walking matters the most.

A report published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology revealed that walking faster may have better benefits to health, regardless of the number of steps taken every day. The study has been conducted by researchers from the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States. It provided new insights on the importance of daily step counts which is beneficial to cardiovascular health and longevity.

As per the study’s analysis, over 111,000 people who participated in the study made significant revelations which could change the way we think about physical activities.

They found:

25,00 daily steps reduce the risk of death

If you are planning to be healthy and improve your health, taking 2,500 daily steps is an important milestone. The common goal should be 2,000 steps

Source: https://www.news9live.com/health/walking-9000-steps-a-day-may-reduce-risk-of-death-by-60-study-2334692

Multivitamins could increase the risk of cancer by as much as 30 percent and should carry a health warning, a doctor from a British charity warns. The controversial suggestion goes against the widely-held belief that taking multivitamins could help boost health by ensuring people receive adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals each day. As a result, Dr. Mohammad Muneeb Khan from the United Kingdom’s “Killing Cancer Kindly” says that multivitamin products should include labels with tobacco product-style warnings due to the dangers tied to taking certain supplements.

Dr. Khan, a National Health Service (NHS) oncologist, contends that supplements “bombard the body with huge doses of wholly unnecessary nutrients,” which may enable cancerous cells to grow and multiply. Natural vitamins found in foods, meanwhile, pose no danger because they are absorbed slowly, and the body takes only what it needs before flushing out the rest.

On the other hand, synthetic pills flood the bloodstream with up to twice the recommended daily dosage of nutrients, becoming a “superfood” for cancers, according to the doctor. Multivitamin supplements could also increase the risk of developing other cancers such as prostate cancer, bowel cancer, and breast cancer, the representative from Killing Cancer Kindly adds.

The risk may be so substantial that the charity is now calling for a change in legislation to force manufacturers of multivitamins to include warning labels on their packaging. The warnings appear in Dr. Khan’s new research book “You’ll Wish You Were an Elephant (Killing Cancer Kindly).”

“Synthetic pills contain obscenely high and wholly unnecessary volumes of micronutrient that far exceed what the average human body requires,” Dr. Khan says, according to a statement from SWNS.

“These tiny organic compounds are so numerous that our organs struggle to use them, and they’re left, in effect, to float about the body. The problem is that these excess multivitamins are readily available to feed the hundreds of cancer cells that are made in our body every day. Normally, our body has the capability to destroy these cancer cells effectively but this becomes a challenge when they are well-fed and able to increase in number quickly,” the doctor continues.

“Imagine hundreds of ravenous little Pac-Men running around and gobbling everything up and then multiplying in number exponentially over time until they are able to completely overrun our body’s anti-cancer defenses such as the immune system. The solution, as controversial as it may at first appear, is to reclassify multivitamins as a drug and make people aware of their side effects. A health warning and prescription would work best alongside the general advice that most people, children and adults alike, do not need additional vitamins in their diet, period.”

According to the CDC, nearly six in 10 adults take a daily supplement, which usually contains a broad spectrum of what manufacturers call “essential” organic compounds. These are said to help maintain normal metabolic function – the chemical reactions in our cells that change food into energy.

Our bodies need this energy to do everything from moving and thinking, to growing and repairing. Until now, supplements have been considered safe to use but unnecessary for anyone except those with recognized nutritional deficiencies.

Studies have long shown that a varied, balanced diet, provides all the vitamins the average person needs. However, KCK says that there is a growing body of “compelling” research that suggests a direct link between synthetic vitamin consumption and increased rates of lung cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, and breast cancer.

The risk is said to be the same for all adults regardless of whether they live an otherwise healthy lifestyle. Cancer cells have up to 10 times the capacity of normal healthy cells to absorb nutrients floating around the body – including vitamins.

While other types of nutrients, such as protein, fats, and minerals, also help them to grow, vitamins are, as with normal cells, essential for their survival and reproduction. Natural vitamins, obtained from “healthy” foods such as fruits and vegetables, do not pose the same dangers because of the relatively small quantities released into the body during the digestion process, the author explains.

Unlike their synthetic counterparts, they are “locked away” in the food, with only a fraction being broken down and absorbed before undigested food is excreted – typically within 24 hours. Being concentrated, supplements are rapidly and readily absorbed, leaving an excess of vitamins circulating the bloodstream and just waiting to be “mopped up” by cancer cells before they can be processed or excreted.

Describing the situation as a “ticking health timebomb,” Dr. Khan is now calling for urgent action to curb their use. He wants to see manufacturers add mandatory health warnings on the front and back of packaging — like those found on tobacco products. Khan adds that the government also needs to reclassify multivitamin supplements as a medicine to make them available by prescription only.

“There is a growing body of scientific research pointing to synthetic multivitamin supplements increasing the risk if used daily over a prolonged period. In one flagship study, the CARET trial, the increased risk of developing lung cancer from taking a daily supplement, including vitamins B6, B9, and B12, was estimated to be nearly 30 percent,” Dr. Khan says, according to SWNS.

“Studies looking at the daily use of supplements including vitamin A and vitamin B complex (including vitamins such as B1, B6 and B12) have, likewise, shown a correlation in increased risk for different types of cancer, though more research is required to confirm by how much. And while research is likewise lacking at present for other vitamins, it’s fair to assume they will also have similar effects,” he continues.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/multivitamins-increase-cancer-risk/

Mukesh and Nita Ambani expressed immense pride and joy at the opening of Jio World Plaza, led by their daughter Isha Ambani, praising her and her team for redefining luxury in Mumbai, and foreseeing it as a global exemplar.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation Chairman Nita Ambani were proud parents beaming with joy during the opening night of the Jio World Plaza in BKC, under Isha Ambani’s leadership.

Mukesh Ambani said he was very proud of the work the Reliance Retail team had done under Isha’s leadership. “This evening is a very special evening for both, Nita and me as parents. It is our time today to applaud the work Isha has done in Reliance Retail. I think she and her luxury retail team have redefined what luxury means in Mumbai,” he said, adding that it made him very proud and was sure it would also make the citizens of Mumbai and India very proud as well.
Nita Ambani too couldn’t stop gushing over Isha’s achievements. “I am just a proud mother of my multi-talented daughter Isha. She and her team have worked so had to put this together. I don’t think the Jio World Plaza is only going to be the best mall in India, but I hope it will be the best mall in the world,” she said at the opening of the Plaza on Tuesday, October 31.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/lifestyle/jio-world-plaza-isha-ambani-reliance-retail-mukesh-nita-proud-parents-18205641.htm

Experts reveal how alcohol and other beverages could be detrimental to your overall health

Before you hit the liquor store or place an order at a coffee shop or restaurant, think twice.

You may want to beware of additives and sugar that may be lurking in your favorite drinks.

A number of nutritionists have weighed in about which beverages to avoid if you’re looking to put your health first.

Keep reading for important nutritional and health-focused insights regarding many popular drinks today.

Energy drinks and pre-workout drinks
Kylie Ivanir, a New York-based registered dietitian who runs her own private practice called Within Nutrition, said pre-workout drinks and energy drinks can lead to “increased blood pressure, stress and compromised sleep,” since they contain excess caffeine and stimulants.

“Other side effects of excess stimulants found in pre-workout and energy drinks are headaches and nausea,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Pre-workout and energy drinks also contain artificial sweeteners and flavors, which disrupt gut health and brain health,” she said.

“The supplement industry is also notoriously unregulated, which leads to contamination with toxins or banned substances that are detrimental to our health.”

Instead of pre-workout or energy drinks, Ivanir recommended opting for coffee or matcha tea.

Sweet alcoholic cocktails

Ivanir said the combination of alcohol and fructose syrup, which are sometimes found in cocktails, are not good for your liver — the organ in which those liquids are processed.

“This compromises the liver’s ability to filter out toxins and hampers its conversion of fructose to glucose,” Ivanir said.

“As a consequence, we can’t detox as well, and we also end up storing that excess fructose as fat. This can then cause a rise in triglycerides, a harmful blood lipid — and is one of the causes of a fatty liver.”

Traditional soda

Soda is bad for your health due to its added sugar, experts say.

“I recommend instead opting for seltzer or sparkling water and adding a squeeze of lime, lemon or orange juice for flavor,” said Amy Gorin, an inclusive plant-based registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Master the Media in Stamford, Connecticut.

Gorin said that — according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 — people ages two and older should limit their intake of added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories consumed.

“For someone following a 2,000-calorie daily diet, for example, this means no more than 200 calories from added sugar — or about 12 teaspoons,” she said.

“A 12-ounce can of cola contains about 10 teaspoons worth of added sugar.”

Iced tea

Jinan Banna, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at the University of Hawaii, said not only does iced tea contain added sugar but bottled or commercially prepared teas may have the same amount of sugar as soda.

“A high consumption of sweetened drinks such as iced tea has been shown to be associated with development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes,” she said, referencing a 2010 meta-analysis on sugar-sweetened beverages and type 2 diabetes.

Drinks sweetened with agave nectar
Agave syrup is made from agave plant sap, which has increased in popularity as a substitute for traditional sweeteners (like table sugar and honey), according to a chemical analysis and nutritional profile on agave syrup published in the National Library of Medicine.

But beware of agave-sweetened drinks, as “agave is pretty much high fructose corn syrup with a glorified label,” Ivanir said.

“Agave nectar can contain between 55% to 90% fructose — that’s higher than the amount of fructose in high fructose corn syrup,” she also said.

As Ivanir pointed out, most agave nectar sold in supermarkets contains about 80% to 90% of fructose.

“The problem with taking in a lot of fructose is that your body must convert it to glucose in the liver, but if you have too much, it gets stored as fat. Specifically, belly fat,” she said.

“Excess fructose is also pretty bad for your gut. Your gut bacteria don’t like large doses of fructose. For those with a sensitive gut, this can cause bloating, diarrhea and discomfort. It leads to increased LDL (your bad cholesterol) and decreases insulin sensitivity.”

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/worst-drinks-health-according-nutritionists

Scientists conclude it only takes a short while to undo the damage a sedentary lifestyle causes, and increase the chances of living longer.

A 22-minute brisk walk, jog or cycle every day is enough to offset the negative health effects of too much sitting down, research has suggested.

Experts found that people who sit for long periods – such as in an office job or watching TV – are more likely to die earlier, but moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) eliminates this risk.

The study backs up the UK chief medical officers’ recommendation that people aim for 150 minutes of MVPA per week – roughly 21 minutes per day.

Examples of moderate activity include very brisk walking (4mph or faster), heavy cleaning such as washing windows or mopping, cycling at 10-12mph, or badminton.

Vigorous activities include hiking, jogging at 6mph or faster, shovelling, fast cycling, football, basketball or tennis.

UK guidelines say: “For good physical and mental health, adults should aim to be physically active every day. Any activity is better than none, and more is better still.”

In the new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, experts examined data for 11,989 people over 50, with a 50/50 split male and female, from Norway, Sweden and the US.

People in the study had worn activity trackers which measured their MPVA.

In all, 5,943 people spent fewer than 10.5 hours sitting down every day while 6,042 spent 10.5 or more hours being sedentary.

Over a five-year follow-up, 6.7% (805) of the people died.

The research showed MPVA for 22 minutes each day offset the negative effects of being sedentary and eliminated the risk of dying early due to prolonged sitting.

Author Edvard Sagelv, from the Arctic University of Norway, said: “In our study, we found that only those people doing more than 12 hours per day sitting had a higher risk of death.

“We are talking about any sitting behaviour – such as being in the office or watching TV for long periods of time.

“In our study, every minute higher MVPA showed a lower risk of death – meaning if people were doing less than 22 minutes (such as 10 minutes) there was still a lower risk of death.

“However, doing 22 minutes eliminated the higher risk of death from sedentary time.

“This means that if doing 22 minutes or more per day, there was no excess risk from sedentary time.

“And, if doing more than 22 minutes per day, there was a lower risk of death overall. Basically, the more the better.”

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/just-22-minutes-moderate-exercise-a-day-can-offset-negative-effects-of-sitting-down-study-finds-12992038

Dozens of U.S. states are suing Meta Platforms (META.O) and its Instagram unit, accusing them of fueling a youth mental health crisis by making their social media platforms addictive.

In a complaint filed on Tuesday, the attorneys general of 33 states including California and New York said Meta, which also operates Facebook, repeatedly misled the public about the dangers of its platforms, and knowingly induced young children and teenagers into addictive and compulsive social media use.

“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens,” according to the complaint filed in the Oakland, California federal court. “Its motive is profit.”

Children have long been an appealing demographic for businesses, which hope to attract them as consumers at ages when they may be more impressionable, and solidify brand loyalty.

For Meta, younger consumers may help secure more advertisers who hope children will keep buying their products as they grow up.

But the states said research has associated children’s use of Meta’s social media platforms with “depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other negative outcomes.”

Meta said it was “disappointed” in the lawsuit.

“Instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path,” the company said.

Eight other U.S. states and Washington, D.C. are filing similar lawsuits against Meta on Tuesday, bringing the total number of authorities taking action against the Menlo Park, California-based company to 42.

Meta shares fell 0.6% on the Nasdaq.

TIKTOK, YOUTUBE ALREADY FACE LAWSUITS
The cases are the latest in a string of legal actions against social media companies on behalf of children and teens.

Meta, ByteDance’s TikTok and Google’s (GOOGL.O) YouTube already face hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of children and school districts about the addictiveness of social media.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, has defended in the past his company’s handling of content that some critics find harmful.

“At the heart of these accusations is this idea that we prioritize profit over safety and well-being. That’s just not true,” he posted in October 2021 on his Facebook page.

In Tuesday’s cases, Meta could face civil penalties of $1,000 to $50,000 for each violation of various state laws — an amount that could add up quickly given the millions of young children and teenagers who use Instagram.

Much of the focus on Meta stemmed from a whistleblower’s release of documents in 2021 that showed the company knew Instagram, which began as a photo-sharing app, was addictive and worsened body image issues for some teen girls.

The lawsuit by the 33 states alleged that Meta has strived to ensure that young people spend as much time as possible on social media despite knowing that they are susceptible to the need for approval in the form of “likes” from other users about their content.

“Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose state includes Meta’s headquarters.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/dozens-us-states-sue-meta-platforms-harming-mental-health-young-people-2023-10-24/

The Mediterranean diet could be the key to blasting belly fat.

A new study from the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) revealed that the Mediterranean diet, partnered with physical activity, can counter aging-related body changes suchh as fat gain and loss of muscle mass.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open on Oct. 18, was designed to determine whether the diet could prevent cardiovascular disease — but in the meantime, a subgroup was evaluated to measure the impact on body composition after a three-year period.

The results showed that an energy-reduced (lower-calorie) Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity appeared to reduce aging-related weight gain and muscle loss.

A total of 1,521 middle-aged and older participants, who were either overweight or had obesity and metabolic syndrome, were separated into two groups.

The first group followed a Mediterranean diet while reducing their calorie intake by 30% and increasing their physical activity.

The second group followed a Mediterranean diet without calorie restrictions or changes in physical activity.

The participants in the first group experienced “clinically meaningful” changes in body composition throughout the three-year experiment, according to the researchers.

This included a 5% or greater improvement in fat mass, visceral (belly) fat mass and loss of lean muscle mass after only one year of following the diet.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Nutritionist and registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that the Mediterranean diet has been “touted for many years as the healthiest diet in the world.”

She added, “And while that may be true, it is extremely arbitrary advice for a health professional to give to an average person.”

The diet encompasses a “broad array of advice” beyond just emphasizing whole foods, Muhlstein said.

The “great aspects” of the diet include beans, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats, seeds, nuts and fish-centered entrées, the nutritionist said.

An energy-reduced Mediterranean diet differs from the original by incorporating more protein, having less added sugars and containing higher volumes of fresh vegetables or fruit instead of dried fruit.

“Yet the healthiest part of the Mediterranean diet that so many Americans overlook is the absolute obsession with veggies and fresh herbs,” Muhlstein said.

“These high-volume, nutrient-dense, low-calorie ingredients are the heart and soul of the true Mediterranean diet that sadly get dismissed.”

Countries that have a “much better cardiovascular health status compared to America,” like Israel or Greece, have an “abundance” of vegetables present at every meal, according to the dietitian.

“These countries don’t just eat vegetables — they celebrate them and would never think to have a meal without them,” she said.

“When they serve dips, like hummus, and tzatziki, they are always accompanied by a tray of sliced cucumbers or a mixed salad.”

She added, “However, in the United States, I see people devour high-calorie Mediterranean delicacies, like pita, shawarma and falafel, with almost no veggies in sight, which misses the point.”

Muhlstein said people in these other countries “tend to live healthier” since they “easily maintain a healthy body weight by filling up on lots of low-starch veggies every single day.”

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/10/22/mediterranean-diet-can-blast-belly-fat-caused-by-aging-new-study-finds/

Can’t put down that bag of potato chips? Science says it’s not you, it’s the junk food.

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are just as addictive as nicotine, cocaine or heroin, experts say — and more than 1 in 10 people are hooked.

A new analysis of 281 studies across 36 different countries has uncovered that a staggering 14% of adults are hooked on UPFs.

The finding is shocking, given that UPFs — think: sausage, ice cream, biscuits, soft drinks, and sugary cereals — have previously been linked to cognitive decline, cancer, psychological distress and even an early death.

The analysis was led by University of Michigan professor Ashley Gearhardt, who previously created the Yale Food Addiction Scale by applying the same criteria that experts use to diagnose substance addiction.

That criteria includes uncontrollable and excessive consumption, cravings, and continued intake despite potential negative health effects.

“The combination of refined carbohydrates and fats often found in UPFs seems to have a supra-additive effect on brain reward systems, above either macronutrient alone, which may increase the addictive potential of these foods,” Gearhardt and the study’s authors wrote in their new findings, published in The BMJ.

“Many UPFs for many people are addictive,” author Chris van Tulleken told The Guardian in an article about the new study. “And when people experience food addiction, it is almost always to UPF products.”

But exactly why largely remains a mystery to experts, some of which believe that it may not be a single ingredient that makes candy or crackers addicting — unlike nicotine in tobacco — but rather the contraindications of multiple.

Naturally sourced foods tend to have more carbohydrates or more fats, but not high levels of both, whereas UPFs have disproportionately higher levels of both.

If an apple has 55 kcal from carbs and less than 2 kcal from fat, a chocolate bar as 237 kcal from carbs and 266 kcal from fat.

Past research has also found that sugary or fatty foods make healthier alternatives less appealing, and the brain rewiring could have health-related consequences, such as over-indulging and weight gain.

Eating ultra-processed foods triggers a rush of dopamine followed by a sudden drop-off, resulting in an endless cycle of craving, getting a fix and crashing — similar to that of someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/10/14/ice-cream-and-potato-chips-are-just-as-addictive-as-cocaine-or-heroin-research/

Stroke cases are increasing even in young people. Know risk factors and lifestyle habits that can help you prevent stroke.

Stroke deaths may rise exponentially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) by the year 2050 from 86 per cent to 91 per cent, said studies by World Stroke Organization and the Lancet Neurology Commission. The report states that stroke deaths are expected to surge from 6.6 million in 2020 to a daunting 9.7 million by 2050. Stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced and the brain tissue doesn’t get blood and oxygen. Trouble in walking, speaking and understanding as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg are symptoms of stroke. Stroke is treatable if detected early and can be prevented with certain lifestyle measures.

“Stroke is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Stroke leads to sudden loss of ability to speak, move limbs, vision problems and loss of consciousness. There are almost 1.25 crore new cases of stroke and more than 10 crore people are living with stroke at any point of time in the world. The number of new stroke patients have increased by almost 70 per cent from 1990s to 2020. The stroke numbers have increased by around 20 per cent in people less than age 70 years. Stroke is a disease which occurs commonly with advancing age but stroke can be seen in any age group,” says Dr Kapil Singhal, Director – Neurology, Fortis Hospital Noida in an interview with HT Digital.

Risk factors for stroke
Most of the brain strokes are associated with risk factors as detailed below and many of them can be prevented.

The major reasons for stroke according to Dr Singhal are:

1. High blood pressure: High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke both due to clotting (ischemic) or bleeding (haemorrhagic) in the brain. Blood pressure effects vessels of brain and heart which can cause clotting or obstruction in brain.

2. Heart disease including irregular heart rhythm: Irregular heart rate can lead to clot formation in heart which can move to brain and lead to obstruction of blood vessels.

3. High body mass index or obesity: One of the leading causes of stroke is lack of physical activity. A regular exercise regime with at least 30 minutes of physical activity for 4-5 days a week is essential to cut down the stroke risk.

4. High fasting sugars or diabetes: Diabetes if not controlled puts you at high risk of brain attack and associated complications.

5. Smoking: Smoking both active and passive is harmful and can increase stroke risk.

6. Ambient particulate matter pollution: We all are living in a polluted world, ambient pollution in our houses is also harmful and can cause stroke.

Lifestyle habits to prevent stroke
“Diet plays a very important role in our health. What we eat, reflects in our body. A diet rich in red meat is very harmful. Whereas diet rich in green vegetables and fruits is associated with reduced risk of stroke. A simple formula of one major meal consisting of fruits and vegetables can go a long way in increasing our longevity,” says Dr Singhal.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/stroke-could-cause-10-million-deaths-by-2050-what-causes-stroke-and-lifestyle-habits-to-reduce-risk-101696939926725.html#lnldwk5s6khimi57din

It’s clear now more than ever that living longer is heavily influenced by lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, but a recent unpublished study found that certain habits can add more than 20 additional years to your life.

The research, presented last month at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, found that practicing eight healthy habits at age 40 was associated with an additional 24 years of life for men.

Women saw similar benefits from incorporating the practices in their lives at age 40, with 21 extra years added to their lives.

“We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors,” said Xuan-Mai Nguyen, lead study author and health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in a press release.

“The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.”

8 habits that could add up to 24 years to your life

People plunged their hands into cold water to test their pain tolerance

Even walking for four hours a week can improve your tolerance for pain, a study suggests, which experts hope could potentially mean less need for painkillers to cope with everyday health issues like headaches and back pain.

Researchers looked at more than 10,700 people, who were asked to select one of four categories for their average physical activity in the past year.

If they did training or sporting competitions several times a week, they could select the vigorous activity category, or they could select the moderate activity category if they did things like tennis or heavy gardening for at least four hours a week.

If they walked, cycled or did similar exercise at least four hours a week, they selected the light exercise category, and if they typically did sitting activities, they fell into the sedentary group.

It is well known that exercise reduces everyday aches and twinges, by keeping joints supple. But the results suggest fitter people may feel any pain they do suffer less intensely

All these people plunged their hands into cold water, for as long as they could stand it, to test their pain tolerance.

The most active people, in the vigorous activity category, could keep their hand in the water for more than 16 seconds longer than people in the sedentary group.

But even those in the light activity category could stand the pain for almost seven seconds longer than sedentary people.

It is well known that exercise reduces everyday aches and twinges, by keeping joints supple.

But the results suggest fitter people may feel any pain they do suffer less intensely.

Anders Arnes, who led the study from University Hospital of North Norway, said: ‘Exercise may have an effect on the same pathways in the brain as painkillers like morphine, although to a far smaller degree.

‘Our results suggest regular physical activity can help improve pain tolerance, just like the so-called “runner’s high” we get after a jog can make pain seem less painful.

‘There are studies suggesting people who are more active use painkillers less often, and we wonder if these effects from being active could even make things like childbirth feel a bit less painful, although far more research would be needed to establish that.’

Previous studies have suggested that athletes have a higher tolerance to pain compared to other people.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12120403/More-gain-no-pain-Walking-4-hours-week-improve-pain-threshold.html

If you’re like me and tend to prioritize meditation, journaling, and therapy for your mental health, let’s talk about why you may want to add anxiety affirmations to that list, too. Not only does science say that affirmations can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and worry after just a month of use, but they’re also just a really great way to keep you grounded.

If you’ve never tried them before, affirmations are brief phrases that you say repeatedly to boost positive thoughts and self-talk. Therapist Rebecca Phillips, MS, LPC, of Mend Modern Therapy, describes affirmations as a “powerful tool used to challenge negative thought patterns” — the kind of thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. She says that since anxiety is the result of the brain’s natural inclination to focus on negative aspects of ourselves and our lives, positive affirmations can counteract these feelings to help us gain a more realistic perspective. In other words, “positive affirmations are the antidote to negative self-talk,” Phillips explains.

And because people with anxiety usually “try to avoid feeling anxious,” positive anxiety affirmations can “help the person acknowledge and feel their feelings rather than avoid them,” according to Kristin Miyoko Papa, LCSW. They also direct your attention to the present moment instead of the future or past, says psychologist Lori L. Cangilla, PhD. “This kind of mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression, and other kinds of emotional distress,” she explains.

All that to say, if you are wanting to manage your anxiety more efficiently or just want to add another tool to your anxiety-fighting arsenal, you’ll want to keep reading for some helpful anxiety affirmations to try.

Positive Affirmations For Anxiety

If you want to start saying affirmations for your anxiety, know that the most successful affirmations are the ones that resonate the most with you, Roslyn Guzman, LCSW, says. This means you should select some positive affirmations that seem relevant and specific to your particular life. After all, you have to “believe in [your] core the truth of these words” in order for them to be most effective, says Jennifer Grant Schliessman, LCSW.

To get the most out of your affirmations, experts recommend repeating them out loud three times a day (morning, midday, and evening) for five minutes at a time. If this frequency isn’t feasible, try starting with once or twice a day for three minutes at a time. You can also write the affirmation down in a journal instead of saying it out loud, if that feels more comfortable than speaking.

Here are some expert-recommended affirmations you can start with, but feel free to customize as you see fit.

• Thank you, anxiety, for trying to protect me, but today, I think I can handle the challenge.
• I can live comfortably and well, even while I feel anxious.
• I am learning to accept life exactly as it is at this moment.
• I have self-compassion for my anxiety, but I choose not to let my anxiety limit my actions.
• Feel the fear [or anxiety, self-doubt, etc.] and do it anyways.
• I will focus my energy on what I am able to control.
• This is my body’s response. I am not in danger.
• These thoughts too shall pass.
• I am safe.
• I am strong and capable of handling whatever comes my way.
• I trust myself to navigate difficult or stressful situations because I have already overcome so much.
• It’s OK to feel the way I’m feeling right now.
• I recognize that I am feeling anxious, and I am working to improve it.
• Even if I notice I am feeling anxious, I can still [fill in the blank for whatever task you’re trying to do].
• I recognize I am feeling anxious, but today I am choosing to embrace my values of [courage, patience, perseverance, etc.] so I can do what I need to do.

Now, if you’re someone who has a hard time believing positive things about yourself, Yara Heary, an AHPRA-certified psychotherapist in Australia, recommends trying affirmations that are framed as a “what if” question. Framing these affirmations as questions makes it harder for your critical self-talk to shut the affirmation down, Heary says. Instead of a concrete statement of fact, “it’s a gentle suggestion of an alternative positive scenario,” she explains. “It’s sowing the seed of a positive mindset or view of their experience.”

Source: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/anxiety-affirmations-48820847

Extinctions are preceded by progressive species population declines over time, which leave traces that can alert scientists to imminent extinction.

Human destruction of global wildlife is occurring at an alarming rate, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Reviews last week.

Defaunation, defined as “the global-scale decline of animal biodiversity” is a disturbing consequence of human life on Earth, the authors of the peer-reviewed study posited.

Extinction has traditionally been tracked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List conservation categories.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was established in 1964 to be a widely-accessible and reliable indicator of the health of global biodiversity. Per the IUCN website, the Red List is used by government agencies, wildlife departments, conservation-driven nonprofits, educational organizations, students and businesses. It is also cited in peer-reviewed journal articles about wildlife conservation.

According to the IUCN, approximately one-quarter of the world’s animal species are under threat of extinction and about 1% have been declared extinct. However, the new study claims that the IUCN report does not show the full picture.

Extinctions are preceded by progressive species population declines over time, which leave traces – “demographic footprints” that can alert scientists to the possibility of imminent extinction, study authors claim. Thus, only using IUCN data without considering population trends may result in a gross underestimate of how many populations are going extinct.

Using population data from over 70,000 species of animals spanning all five vertebrate groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish), study authors were able to demonstrate a large-scale erosion of species across the board.

Per the data, 48% of species examined are currently undergoing population decline, 49% are stable and 3% are increasing. It was also found that 33% of species defined by the Red List as “non-threatened” are actually in decline.

Source : https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-744003

Can the right foods really improve your chances of having a baby? Here are the facts.
V
Visit any online fertility chat room, and one of the main topics of debate will probably be what to eat to maximise your chances of conceiving. In addition to the wealth of supplements promoted as being fertility-boosting, there is also an array of foods that are supposed to help achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Amid all the myths and marketing, what is the actual evidence for using certain foods to enhance male and female fertility, and support the developing fetus?

For a start, when it comes to supporting a healthy pregnancy and fetus, certain nutrients really can make a difference – such as folic acid. When taken before and during pregnancy, it has been shown to help prevent both anencephaly, a birth defect of the baby’s brain, and spina bifida, which affects the baby’s spine.

Because these defects develop very early in the pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. Fortifying staple foods such as cereals with folic acid may offer even more powerful protection, because many pregnancies are unplanned. It is estimated that, in 2019, effective fortification programmes prevented 22% of potential cases of folic-acid-preventable spina bifida and anencephaly, worldwide.

Folic acid may have an additional benefit: when taken as a supplement by women trying to conceive, it may increase the chance of getting pregnant, though there is a need for further trials to confirm this.

What about other foods and supplements? Is there such a thing as a “fertility diet” that will maximise your chances of conceiving?

A study of couples undergoing IVF found that men’s meat consumption, and especially the type of meat they ate, affected the outcome
To answer that question, it helps to break down the main reasons for infertility. In the United States, after one year of having unprotected sex, 15% of couples are unable to conceive. There are many potential causes. On the female side, the ovaries may be unable to produce healthy eggs, or the egg may not be able to move from the ovaries to the womb – for example, due to blocked fallopian tubes. Even if the egg makes that journey successfully, it may then not attach to the lining of the womb, or not survive once it has attached.

On the male side, the quality of sperm cells is crucial for fertility. This includes their ability to move efficiently (motility), their shape and size (morphology), and how many there are in a given quantity of semen (sperm count). A range of factors can threaten sperm quality, including environmental problems such as pollution (read BBC Future’s report on the global decline in sperm quality). Even after tests, the cause of infertility may not always be clear: about 15% of infertility cases remain unexplained.

While no individual food or supplement will be a quick fix for any of these potential issues, experts say diet can play a beneficial role throughout the process of trying to conceive and beyond.

Most obviously, being well-nourished is crucial. The consequences of malnutrition can be devastating for prenatal health.

Arguably the best-known findings in this area come from a study of babies conceived during the so-called “Dutch Hunger Winter” of 1944; an eight-month famine that occurred when the Nazis cut off food supplies into the Netherlands at the end of World War II. The mothers-to-be were surviving on only 400 calories a day, a fraction of the intake necessary for a healthy pregnancy. The babies conceived during that time faced a range of adverse health consequences, including being shorter and thinner than those born before or after them, and having smaller heads. As adults, they had higher rates of obesity, diabetes and schizophrenia, and tended to die younger.

For those who do have access to sufficient food, it is still important to obtain the right mix of nutrients. While discussions around beneficial foods often focus on female fertility, there has been a growing awareness of how diet can also affect male fertility.

A 2015 study of couples undergoing IVF found that men’s meat consumption, and especially the type of meat they ate, affected the outcome, as measured by fertilization rates. Eating more poultry had a positive impact on fertilisation rates, whereas eating processed meat (such as bacon and sausages) had a negative impact. Men who ate the least processed meats, averaging fewer than 1.5 servings a week, had an 82% chance of achieving pregnancy with their partner – while men who ate the most processed meats, with an average of 4.3 servings a week, had just a 54% chance.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230510-can-food-boost-fertility

Hailey Bieber has established herself as one of the most sought-after models of today, appearing in campaigns for brands like Versace, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent. Adding yet another feather to her cap, last year she stepped into the world of beauty with the launch of her skin-care brand, Rhode.

“From a young age, the idea of looking after my skin was instilled in me—my mom and grandmother both had strong interests in skin care, so I grew up in a home where creams and beauty products were frequently discussed,” Hailey tells Vogue. “But the time when I became truly aware of the need to take care of my skin was when I was a teenager—because at that point your skin and body are changing fast—so when I was 15, I developed more of a regimen and had the patience to explore what worked best for me.”

Below, the model-turned-mogul shares her ultimate skin-care secrets.

Be Gentle With Your Skin

“I used to think drying out my skin and applying harsh products was going to help with breakouts, but I’ve definitely learned that you need to approach your skin in the most gentle way possible. Treat it like baby skin. You need to stay gentle before working your way up to stronger products, should you wish to.”

Less is More

“Less is definitely more, and that’s the approach that we take at Rhode. I don’t think it takes a lot to have a good skin-care routine—you just need to have a few products that you know work for you, and that are great at hydrating with simple, effective ingredients.

“When I started modeling at 17, I was traveling all the time. Since then—from working with different people in the beauty space, including makeup artists, aestheticians, and facialists—I’ve learned to hone my own skin-care philosophy. And because my skin used to get so disturbed when I was on the move, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have three products that I can’t live without: a great moisturizer, a hydrating serum, and a lip balm.”

From Amla to apple cider vinegar there are plenty of simple ingredients in everyday use that can bring positive outcomes and enhance the healing process of damaged liver. Here is the list.

Having some amount of fat in the liver is normal, but when more than 5 to 10% of the liver’s weight is fat, it is known as fatty liver or hepatic steatosis. This condition increases the risk of liver injuries, inflammation, and scarring. Unlike liver infections like hepatitis, fatty liver may be completely asymptomatic, however, it still impacts your physiological and metabolic health drastically. Well, we can heal the damaged liver at home with some kitchen ingredients. Have a look.

Effective home remedies for fatty liver
1. Amla
Amla is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for treating fatty liver. Being intrinsically rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant helps in eliminating toxins from the liver and shielding it from further damage. Apart from this, phytonutrient quercetin reduces oxidative stress on the liver cells, burns fat cells, improves the digestion process, and safeguards the liver from alcohol-induced fatty liver.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a sure-shot natural remedy to heal the fatty liver. Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies disclose that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessens inflammation, and uplifts the overall health of the liver.

3. Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric helps protect the liver cells from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) when appropriately administered. Imbued with ample amounts of bioactive compound curcumin turmeric shields the liver cells from hepatic steatosis when taken in the right doses.

4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has strong anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in bringing down inflammation in the liver.

Source: https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/amla-to-apple-cider-vinegar-know-how-to-enhance-healing-process-of-damaged-liver-at-home-2023-05-03-868732

McDonald’s USA’s World Famous Fries ‘taste so good’ because of what they’re made with, says Jordan Howlett, a TikTok fast food influencer

A TikTok content creator who prides himself on knowing “fast food secrets” has shared another viral video about McDonald’s, and this time it’s about the American restaurant chain’s “World Famous Fries.”

Jordan Howlett, a self-employed social media director from San Diego, uploaded a video to TikTok claiming McDonald’s employees have asked him where he learns his fast food facts and if he knows of any other “secrets.” This appears to have prompted Howlett’s video about fries.

“I know why McDonald’s fries taste different from everybody else’s fries, and I’m gonna tell you guys today,” Howlett said in his video, which he uploaded Friday for his millions of followers.

“It’s because McDonald’s cooks their fries with beef flavoring mixed within their vegetable oil, right,” Howlett continued. “So, that’s why the fries taste so good but also so different from everybody else’s.”

Howlett noted that the cooking method might be “bad news for vegetarians.”

Fox News Digital reached out to McDonald’s and Howlett for comment.

Marketing materials published by McDonald’s USA have long acknowledged that the fast food chain makes its fries with beef flavoring.

In a FAQ response webpage from March 2021, the chain restaurant confirmed that flavorings are added to its fries.

“When our suppliers partially fry our cut potatoes, they use an oil blend that contains beef flavoring,” McDonald’s website states. “This ensures the great-tasting and recognizable flavor we all love from our World Famous Fries. The fries are cooked in our kitchens, seasoned with salt, and served hot to you.”

Allergen information noted on McDonald’s USA’s nutrition fact sheets have long disclosed that the fry oil’s “natural beef flavor” is made with hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk.

Other notable ingredients that are used to make the brand’s fries include potatoes; a vegetable oil made from canola, corn and soybean oil; dextrose (a sugar substitute); and sodium acid pyrophosphate (an inorganic salt), which is used for color maintenance, according to McDonald’s.

Howlett told his TikTok followers that McDonald’s Canada, McDonald’s U.K. and McDonald’s Australia don’t cook their World Famous Fries with beef flavoring, so there’s ordering potential for vegetarian customers who wish to consume McDonald’s fries.

“They cook it with regular oil,” he said in his video. “So, if you’re vegetarian, you can eat the fries at those places.”

Marketing materials published by McDonald’s Canada, McDonald’s U.K. and McDonald’s Australia don’t list beef flavor as an ingredient or allergen on their World Famous Fries menu, but the corporate offices warn that suppliers may manufacture fries at facilities where common food allergens are also handled, such as eggs, milk, soy, tree nuts, wheat and other cereal grains containing gluten.

Each of the McDonald’s headquarters also warn that World Famous Fries may be cooked using the same oil or equipment as meat menu items, which means customers with dietary restrictions or severe allergies should take precautions before ordering.

Howlett’s TikTok video about McDonald’s fries has been viewed more than 10.2 million times.

The video has also received over 1.5 million likes, over 103,800 shares, over 86,900 saves and more than 12,700 comments.

It appears that many of Howlett’s followers weren’t aware that McDonald’s USA uses beef flavor in its fries, according to comments left under Howlett’s video.

“This makes me wonder what American McDonald’s fries taste like,” one TikTok user wrote.

“Ok when I go on holidays I need to see the differences cause all I’ve been having is Aussie ones,” another TikTok user wrote.

“If this is true I feel for all my Hindi friends that eat them,” another commenter wrote.

Some TikTok commenters wrote that Howlett’s fast food secret is common knowledge and has been long shared by McDonald’s kitchen employees, vegetarians who have strict non-meat diets and vegans who make sure they don’t purchase any product with animal byproducts.

Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/mcdonalds-fries-flavor-secret-shared-tiktok-shocks-customers-bad-news-vegetarians

Andrew Garfield and Janelle Monáe also toast their tastemakers in THR’s annual list, which celebrates megawatt glamour (J. Lo’s 3 wedding gowns), sustainability (thank you, Cate Blanchett) and drama on and off the red carpet (farewell, Law Roach, for now).

Rewear, repeat, three-peat … The verbiage summing up what’s new on the red carpet in the past year happens to center on what’s old, or at least previously worn. Sustainability and vintage were at the forefront of Hollywood fashion throughout awards season.

THR‘s Stylist of the Year Elizabeth Stewart worked with Tár best actress nominee Cate Blanchett to create a red carpet campaign with the smallest environmental footprint possible. “The theme is Cate’s closet and celebrating it,” says Stewart, “and being as conscious as possible of the impact our choices can have.” Law Roach, who made worldwide headlines when he announced his retirement from styling March 14, outfitted Zendaya in internet-shattering 2002 Versace for the NAACP Image Awards. Also trending? A return to megawatt glamour, as evidenced by both Anne Hathaway with stylist Erin Walsh and Gucci glamazon Jodie Turner-Smith, who turned the Venice International Film Festival canals into her own catwalk, courtesy of stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald. THR presents a return to its full list, unranked and alphabetized, of the 25 Most Powerful Stylists in Hollywood.

Sandra Amador

“A lot of our inspiration came from images of Serge Gainsbourg and Paul Newman,” says Amador of Austin Butler’s Elvis press looks, which included mixing old with new pieces. Gucci blazers, vintage jeans, Cuban-heeled boots, pleated trousers, Cartier timepieces and vintage leather jackets, often sourced from Topanga Canyon’s vintage mecca Melet Mercantile, all helped to cement the Oscar-nominated actor’s status as a modern prince of seamless, eclectic style. “Austin loves vintage,” says the Los Angeles-based stylist, who also works with Lady Gaga. One unexpected standout on the red carpet was a custom burgundy Gucci suit at the SAG Awards that was reminiscent of one Presley himself wore for NBC’s Elvis 1968 Comeback Special. Recalls Amador: “It was bolder than what we would normally go with, but when incorporated into a three-piece suit, it felt authentic to Austin’s aesthetic.”

Jennifer Austin

Leave it to Angela Bassett and her longtime stylist to debunk the fashion myth that black is the only elegant hue. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Oscar nominee makes everything from canary yellow to fuchsia regal. “Jennifer wanted to create a story of us exploring different colors and silhouettes on the carpet, from lilac tulip sleeves to a dreamy yellow and the magnificent ultra-violet Moschino gown designed by Jeremy Scott” for the Oscars, says Bassett. “Each look was so beautiful and different for me, and honestly, they’re all favorites.” Austin, a Los Angeles native who started working with Bassett in 2013, explains: “I want to change the perception of what women of a particular age should look like and to create a new narrative in fashion, especially on the carpet. I dress the spirit and energy of Angela, not her age.” Perhaps most dazzling of all was the silver sequin Pamella Roland halter gown that Bassett wore to accept her Golden Globe, a historic victory as the first performer to win a Globe in an acting category for a Marvel film. Says the designer, “Angela was the epitome of Hollywood royalty and glamour that evening.”

Warren Alfie Baker

“It was a great fashion moment that still felt wearable,” says Baker of Under the Banner of Heaven actor Andrew Garfield’s Gucci floral-embellished velvet suit at the LACMA Art + Film gala, one of his daring but never forced stylistic choices. “It had an elevated vintage feel without being too much.” The Los Angeles-based stylist, who got his start modeling and working in fashion PR, says his favorite look was Garfield’s all-white Zegna tuxedo, sans bow tie, at the Emmys. “It was a color we hadn’t done before, and it just felt effortlessly cool,” says Baker. When it comes to double-breasted suit jackets — a Garfield staple — Baker says the style exudes timeless confidence when done right. “There’s no getting away from an image of a well-tailored, beautiful-looking double-breasted suit on a handsome man,” says Baker, who also has dressed Matt Bomer (Ralph Lauren Purple Label at the Golden Globes) and Glen Powell (Brunello Cucinelli at the Critics Choice Awards) in the classic style. And Garfield has come to enjoy the styling process with Baker: “He wants the person to have space to come through and be expressed. And we aren’t precious about any of it. It’s loose and fun and creative, and it’s a rare lucky connection.”

Wayman Bannerman & Micah McDonald

British actress and Gucci ambassador Jodie Turner-Smith turned the Venice International Film Festival into her own fashion show, with the styling duo calling in pieces from the Italian house, plus Harbison and Balmain in September. “Jodie is extremely fearless when it comes to her style,” says Bannerman, who loved her multicolored Christopher John Rogers corset and ball gown skirt at the amfAR gala. Another wow moment was Turner-Smith at the Bardo premiere in a paint-splattered Christopher John Rogers gown, which the actress calls her “crayon-colored showstopper.” Says McDonald, who notes that he and Bannerman (who count Tessa Thompson, Keke Palmer and Thuso Mbedu among their clients) have been working with her for the past 18 months: “It felt different from what you’d usually see in Venice. It was a Black designer. There was the modernity of the vibrant paintbrush print, and we layered it with Bulgari jewelry for next-level Hollywood glamour.” Another favorite for Turner-Smith, who co-stars with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2, out March 31: “I simply cannot leave off the blue Harbison that I wore to see The Whale. I felt like a dream in it!”

Jason Bolden

The Los Angeles-based stylist continued his winning streak with actor turned director Michael B. Jordan, most recently for a whirlwind of international press around Creed III. “Sidney Poitier was a reference,” says Bolden, who culled Ralph Lauren, Chanel and Gucci pieces. “We zeroed in on how easy and relaxed Mr. Poitier’s fashion choices have always been, with a modern sensibility for Michael.” No doubt Poitier would have approved of Jordan’s layered white T-shirt and tailored Louis Vuitton coat on the streets of Paris and an easy Versace cardigan and undershirt in New York City, both in line with the movie legend’s knack for nonchalant layering. One of Bolden’s favorites was an updated Prada tux with Tiffany & Co. accents for the London premiere. “I used two Schlumberger Bird on a Rock brooches to signify the father-daughter bond that Creed illustrates so beautifully. As a dad, that was important to me,” notes Bolden, who repeated the same Tiffany’s brooch motif in different colored precious stones for the presenter’s Oscar look. When he’s not dressing clients like Jordan, Yara Shahidi, Trevor Noah and Cynthia Erivo for the red carpet, the veteran stylist keeps Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s fashion game strong. “Ayesha is a secret wild fashionista with an insane closet and amazing personal style. She’s tomboy chic, but in the blink of an eye, she’s comfortably rocking a couture gown,” says Bolden, who met the Golden State Warriors point guard’s wife on a shoot for her magazine, Sweet July. “Steph has a quintessential ’90s ease when it comes to fashion,” adds the stylist. “Some of his best moments are when it isn’t a fashion moment — it’s just him being relaxed.”

Kollin Carter

Cardi B and her stylist won the Grammys with a sculptural Gaurav Gupta gown. The rapper made a splash when she hit the carpet at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena in a full-length version of the Indian designer’s cobalt blue couture runway look — originally a minidress — topped with Messika diamonds. “Her custom look was made and flown to Los Angeles from India all within a matter of three days,” Gupta says. “When the Grammys looks started coming out on social media, we were all eagerly waiting for Cardi to electrify the red carpet with that gorgeous electric blue.” The music artist later paid tribute to Paco Rabanne, who died in February, in an archival chain-mail top and skirt with a metal mesh hood, Tiffany & Co. jewels and metallic Jimmy Choo platforms while presenting the award for best rap album.

Rebecca Corbin-Murray

Don’t Worry Darling‘s Florence Pugh out-dressed and outshone the media frenzy surrounding casting shake-ups and Spitgate for the film’s hotly anticipated Venice premiere. Pugh skipped daytime press at the festival but later breezed in from the set of Dune: Part Two dressed in all-purple Valentino — a now-iconic video of Pugh sipping an Aperol spritz on Instagram was posted by Corbin-Murray — only to be outdone by herself later that evening in Pierpaolo Piccioli’s glitter-printed tulle Valentino dress, proving that, for the star, the only drama worth pointing to was her couture. “We first saw the gown coming down the Spanish Steps in Rome at the Valentino Haute Couture show and fell in love with it. It captured the magic and atmosphere of the city,” says Corbin-Murray. The London-based stylist, who also outfits Lily James (notably in Versace metal-mesh), Bridgerton‘s Simone Ashley and Gemma Chan, had several major Valentino moments with Pugh, including a sheer pink tulle ball gown for the Italian house’s show in Rome that went viral with an ultra-revealing top. “When you push boundaries, it will draw attention, and Florence doesn’t shy away from making a statement,” says Corbin-Murray, who has been working with Pugh for five years. All bets are on a certain new Valentino brand ambassador being announced at any moment.

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/best-celebrity-stylists-2023-1235360354/

The 2023 Michelin Guide awarded 20 new British and Irish restaurants with one star, with a further three granted two stars for the first time

A raft of British and Irish restaurants have been recognised in the latest edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Twenty new restaurants were awarded one star and three were granted two stars, while a further four were given a green star for sustainability.

The famous Michelin Star system has been in place for almost a century, and the awarding – or removal – of one can have a dramatic effect on the fortunes of fine dining restaurants.

Michelin Three Star Restaurants in the UK and Ireland

Three Michelin stars denotes “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”.

There were no new three-star additions to the guide in the UK and Ireland this year, with the full list of eight restaurants as follows:

• Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London
• CORE by Clare Smyth, London
• Fat Duck, Bray
• Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
• L’Enclume, Cartmel
• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London
• Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library), London
• Waterside Inn, Bray

Michelin Two Star Restaurants in the UK and Ireland

Two Michelin stars signifies “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”.

There are three new two-star restaurants for the UK and Ireland this year, which are highlighted in bold below, out of a total of 25:

• A.Wong, London
• Aimsir, Celbridge
• Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, London – New
• Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder
• Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, Dublin
• Claude Bosi at Bibendum, London
• Da Terra, London
• dede, Baltimore – New
• Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London
• Hand and Flowers, Marlow
• Ikoyi, London
• Kitchen Table, London
• La Dame de Pic London, London
• Le Gavroche, London
• Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, a Belmond Hotel, Great Milton
• Liath, Blackrock
• Midsummer House, Cambridge
• Moor Hall, Aughton
• Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin
• Raby Hunt, Summerhouse
• Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham
• Story, London
• The Clove Club, London
• The Ledbury, London – New
• Ynyshir, Machynlleth

Michelin One Star Restaurants in the UK and Ireland

One Michelin star indicates simply “a very good restaurant”.

There are 20 one-star restaurants appearing in the 2023 guide for the UK and Ireland, which are highlighted in bold below, out of a total of 173:

• Àclèaf, Plymouth – New
• Adam’s, Birmingham
• alchemilla, Nottingham
• Allium at Askham Hall, Askham
• Aniar, Galway

Source : https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/food-and-drink/michelin-star-restaurants-list-2023-uk-one-two-three-stars-new-guide-2239610

FIFA’s compensation paid to clubs that release players for the men’s World Cup has been increased by nearly 70% to $355 million for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, the global soccer governing body and the European Club Association (ECA) said on Monday.

The Club Benefits Programme affords clubs a share of national team competition revenues in return for releasing players and also protects clubs in case their players are injured on international duty.

The previous amount earmarked for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was $209 million. A renewed Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday at the ECA General Assembly in Budapest, Hungary.

“We are delighted to have signed this landmark agreement,” ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said.

“The MoU recognises the central role of clubs in football globally and ensures that they are properly represented in decision making around issues which affect them.”

This year, resolve to create a stable fitness routine out of whatever you enjoy most.

If you’re looking for a way to get fit, there is no shortage of opinions about clever regimens to try. There are HIIT workouts, barre sessions, boot camps, Peloton influencers and Pilates gurus. But there is one piece of advice that almost every athlete and fitness expert points to as the key to success: Find an activity you like, and do that activity. That’s it.

If you love to bike, run, swim, dance, golf, climb mountains or play pickleball, then build a fitness plan to support that hobby. Basketball, squash, underwater hockey – whatever your jam – make time to do it. No amount of discipline or body-hacking can replace genuine passion for a sport or exercise.

As we head into a new year, it’s the perfect time to find one (or a few) you could get into. Why not try…

TESTING YOUR SKILLS

• BALANCE: Long-term fitness isn’t just about building speed and strength, it’s also about balance. Maybe you can run a six-minute mile and do 10 pull-ups, but how long can you stand on one foot? According to a recent research paper, about 20 per cent of older adults struggle to balance on one leg for 10 seconds or more. What’s more, those who could not do it were twice as likely to die within the next 10 years. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your balance.
• FLEXIBILITY: Too easy? Test your flexibility. Experts say that flexibility is also a skill that can be improved just like strength or cardio endurance. And developing it can better your quality of life, so long as you put in the work. There are five tests you can do to find out if you are appropriately flexible, and, if you come up lacking, those same movements can help you improve.

SWITCHING UP YOUR GYM ROUTINE

• ROWING: Want a good upper body workout but don’t like weights? Hope to combine strength and cardio to save time? Like the feeling of rowing but hate actually being on water? Try erging.
  Once known as using a rowing machine, erging is one of those rare exercises where you can get upper body, lower body and cardio exercise all at once. Classes are cropping up around the country, and this year, Peloton even created its own line of rowing machines. It’s not hard to learn, but there a few tips you should know to get the most out of the workout.
• BATTLE ROPES: Want to make a little noise? Try battle ropes. That’s right, those heavy ropes in the corner of the gym that look like they were dragged in from a pier provide a great full body workout while avoiding injury. Jesse Grund, a personal trainer in Orlando, Fla, told The Times: “If I was on a deserted island and I could only pick one piece of exercise equipment, I’d take the battle rope.”

  Just attach them to the floor, grab the ends and start moving them up and down or side to side to create waves in the ropes. Not only will you build strength in your arms, you can get a solid cardio workout at the same time.

• PILATES: We all have that neighbour, cousin or co-worker who just can’t stop talking about Pilates. We get it, you really like your instructor. But how healthy is it really? Is it actually as good for you as devotees say? Yes, it turns out, it really is.
  While it is especially beneficial for pregnant and postpartum women or those recovering from injury, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who couldn’t benefit from doing Pilates once or twice a week. It’s possible to do through online videos, but better to start with an instructor whom you trust. And while most classes involve some form of wooden contraption, you don’t need one to get into it.

HITTING THE WATER

• SWIMMING: There are plenty of ways to turn a pool – or even a lake, river or ocean – into a gym. For one thing, you can get into lap swimming. But hang on, it’s more complicated than it sounds, and it’s easy to waste your precious pool time. Plan out your intervals beforehand for either speed or endurance, and be sure to learn the lingo so that you know how to do a 4×50 followed by a 8×50 and then maybe a 4×25 cool down.
• PADDLEBOARDING: For those who don’t like chlorine, consider paddlesports. One of the most popular these days is stand-up paddleboarding, where you stand on a large foam board and paddle along like a gondola driver in Venice. It’s an excellent workout for both the arms and legs, and it’s a great way to explore the lakes and rivers around you.

  “If only your arms hurt, then you weren’t doing it right,” Curt Devoir, director of the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association told The Times.

PUSHING YOUR BOUNDARIES

• GRAVEL BIKING: The real fun is discovering a sport that you never thought you could do or one you had never even heard of. For example: Gravel biking, a hybrid sport that blends the best of road biking and mountain biking. America has a shocking 2.2 million miles of gravel roads that go through some of the prettiest country imaginable. While a road bike can’t take the bumps and a mountain bike is maddeningly slow, a gravel bike allows you to explore the countryside at the perfect speed.
• BOULDERING: For another adventure, learn to rock climb without ever leaving the city or even tying into a rope. Bouldering gyms, which allow you to climb artificial rock walls close to the ground over soft mats, are all the rage in many cities. Partly that’s because short, 15-foot walls fit better into urban areas than huge climbing gyms, and partly it’s because bouldering is an exhilarating and social full-body workout that doesn’t require much gear.

  Don’t be intimidated, just start with the easy routes and learn how to tumble a bit.

Source : https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/start-year-strong-here-are-12-workouts-try-2023-345346

Raise a glass to that! Well-hydrated adults who drink water each day can slow down the ageing process and develop fewer chronic health conditions, new study suggests

• Researchers have found drinking enough water each day may slow down ageing

• Adults who are well-hydrated also appear to develop fewer chronic conditions

• Sodium levels, which can cause long-term issues, can increase with dehydration

• Dehydration causes long-term problems such as constipation and kidney stones

Researchers found that drinking enough water each day ‘may slow down ageing’. The study of more than 11,000 over-30s tracked sodium levels in their blood, which increase with dehydration.

They found adults with higher levels of sodium were 64 per cent more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart failure and strokes, lung disease, diabetes and dementia, and to die at a younger age. The US team suggested restricting water leads to DNA damage and inflammation, speeding up the ageing process.

Dehydration causes short-term problems including dizziness, tiredness and headaches. Over the long term, it can also raise the risk of other issues including constipation, kidney stones and poor skin.

The study did not specify exactly how much water is needed, but the NHS Eatwell Guide recommends adults drink between six and eight cups a day – approximately two litres.

Lead author Dr Natalia Dmitrieva, from the National Institutes of Health in the US, said: ‘The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down ageing and prolong a disease-free life.’ The findings, published in the journal eBioMedicine, back up results from previous studies suggesting lower-than-normal hydration levels can cause a variety of factors known to increase age-related diseases.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11593417/Well-hydrated-adults-drink-water-day-slow-ageing-process.html?ito=native_share_article-top

MEGHAN Markle wore a strapless white dress to receive an award for her and Prince Harry’s stance against “structural racism” in the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Sussex , 41, and Harry, 37, who wore a blue suit, were due to pick up the Ripple of Hope award at a lavish New York ceremony where tables were sold for up to $1million.

Meghan wore an off-the-shoulder white dress by Louis Vuitton, complete with thigh-high slit, after the Princess of Wales wore a similar style of dress design at the Earthshot gala in Boston.

The gown was paired with a black clutch and long gold earrings, while her hair was slicked back into a low bun.

The couple arrived in the rain with Harry holding a brolly over his wife’s head as they made their way into the event.

They then made their appearance in front of photographers with Meghan seen wearing a large blue ring, which appeared to be an emerald-cut aquamarine once owned by Princess Diana.

But Megan and Harry refused to answer questions from assembled journalists as they posed for photos with Kerry Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s niece.

Earlier the eco-warrior couple arrived in New York after flying in by private jet from their California home.

The award honours “exemplary leaders” who have demonstrated “an unwavering commitment” to social change.

The star studded event was attended by celebrities including Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/6858583/meghan-markle-anti-racism-award-prince-harry-netflix/

Japan, who had also shocked Germany in their opener in Qatar, finished top of Group E to reach the last 16, a stage where they have faltered three times before.

They will play 2018 runners-up Croatia for a place in the quarter-finals.

“Doha Delights Again!” one newspaper headlined its online edition, evoking memories of what the media called the “Miracle in Doha” after Japan’s win over the Germans.

Fans chanting “Nippon” poured into Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya crossing before sunrise, jumping up and down and shouting “Fight, fight, fight!” as police struggled to control the crowd.

“I never thought Japan would advance first place in the group. Thank you Japan! I love you guys!” said 19-year-old Yusei Sato, wearing Japan’s Samurai Blue national team jersey.

Takuya Kudo, 23, was in tears as soon as he saw Japan win.

“I’m just so happy,” he said. “Honestly, I never thought Japan would do this well. I’m just really thrilled.”

Fans lingering in Shibuya pressed high-fives on bleary commuters making their way to work from one of Tokyo’s busiest stations.

But today’s fashion inspiration has a strong root in traditions. Even before the western trends took over, national dresses of different nations across the world were gender agnostic and all about comfort.

At the Berlin premiere of his 2022 film Bullet Train in July, Hollywood actor Brad Pitt stole the show as he came dressed in a brown linen kilt paired with a creased pink shirt. However, he received both flak and support for his choice of fashion. While some criticised the creased, untidy look, others praised him for wearing a skirt.

This was not the first time the two-time Academy Award winner was playing along the gendered lens of fashion. He was way ahead of his times, when in the 1990s, he made a case for androgynous fashion by posing in mini body-hugging dresses on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine—at a time when ‘androgynous’ was a term not even heard of too often.

In recent times, the flagbearers of androgynous styles—Ranveer Singh, Jim Sarbh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber and Billy Porter— have often donned bright coloured clothes, skirts and jewelry pieces like pearls, gowns and nose rings to set a bold statement.

Modern western trends introduced gender agnostic fashion like jeans, jackets, shirts, T-shirts and so on and high fashion led to mass adaptation of fashion trends across the globe.

But today’s fashion inspiration has a strong root in traditions. Even before the western trends took over, national dresses of different nations across the world were gender agnostic and all about comfort.

Pitt’s Scottish inspiration for the premiere is a reminder of how traditional dressing has always been very androgynous in nature. The wrap-around knee-length skirt called kilt emerged in fashion in the 16th century for men to wear on formal occasions. Today, it has also become a part of informal clothing and even been adopted as women’s wear for certain sports events in that part of the world.

Source : https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/gender-bender-androgynous-amp-gender-fluid-fashion-is-making-its-presence-felt-globally-now-more-than-ever/2892968/?utm_source=whatsapp_web&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialsharebuttons

A 46-year-old suspect has been detained but the motive for the attack in a supermarket was not clear.

Carabinieri police said one person had died, a 47-year-old Bolivian national who worked at the supermarket. Another employee was injured along with four customers, including Mari whose agent said his injuries were not serious.

Monza Chief Executive Adriano Galliani told Sky Italy: “Pablo Mari had a fairly deep wound on his back, which fortunately did not touch his vital organs such as the lungs or others. His life is not in danger, he should recover quickly,” .

The 29-year-old centre back is on loan at Serie A club Monza from Premier League club Arsenal, who said in a statement: “We have been in contact with Pablo’s agent who has told us he’s in hospital and is not seriously hurt.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I just found out. I know (technical director) Edu has been in touch with his relatives. He’s in hospital but he seems to be okay.”

Ukraine is set to join Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 soccer World Cup, The Times reported on Monday.

Ukraine would host one of the groups in the tournament under the plan which is understood to have been sanctioned by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the governments of Spain and Portugal, The Times said.

The new partnership is due to be announced by Spain and Portugal soccer chiefs during a news conference at European governing body UEFA’s headquarters on Wednesday, the report added.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/ukraine-join-bid-2030-world-cup-report-2022-10-03/

As 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins next month (October 16 to November 13), here are some restaurants and cafes owned by IPL teams, fans of crickets and cricketers themselves.

Cricket remains one of the most popular games in India. Undoubtedly, both brands and cricketers have realised the vast opportunity in the market for cricket fans and introduced restaurants, bars and cafes in their names. As 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins next month (October 16 to November 13), here are some restaurants and cafes owned by IPL teams, fans of crickets and cricketers themselves.

one8 Commune

Italian fashion giant Gucci has lost a trademark lawsuit to a Japanese T-shirt manufacturer that has a track record of mimicking internationally renowned logos.

This is despite the specialist patent lawyer who won the case on behalf of Osaka-based clothing firm Parodys admitting he feels the present law needs work.

In July 2021, Gucci filed an opposition motion against Parodys, owned by one Nobuaki Kurokawa, after noting that he had trademarked the name “CUGGL” in October 2020. The trademark permitted Kurosawa to apply the name to clothing, belts, footwear and athletic clothing.

The letters CUGGL appeared in a similar font as those used in Florence-based Gucci’s logo and with similar spacing. However, Kurosawa’s firm used them with a thick, coloured stripe obscuring the bottom half of each letter.

The letters CUGGL appeared in a similar font as those used in Florence-based Gucci’s logo and with similar spacing. However, Kurosawa’s firm used them with a thick, coloured stripe obscuring the bottom half of each letter.

Source : https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3192586/gucci-loses-trademark-lawsuit-japanese-firm-known

World number one Iga Swiatek swept to a 6-2 7-6(5) victory over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the U.S. Open final on Saturday to clinch her maiden trophy at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam crown.

Poland’s Swiatek fell on her back and covered her face with her hands after prevailing in the tight second-set tiebreak, having sealed the win when fifth seed Jabeur’s shot sailed long.

It was twice French Open champion Swiatek’s first Grand Slam title on a hard court and the 21-year-old is the first Polish woman to win the U.S. Open.

“I really needed to stay composed and focused on the goals, and at this tournament it was really challenging,” Swiatek said during the on-court trophy ceremony.

“It’s New York, it’s so loud, it’s so crazy. There were so many temptations in the city … I’m so proud I could handle it mentally.”

In addition to the trophy, Swiatek also leaves New York with a $2.6 million winner’s check.

“I’m really glad that it’s not in cash,” she said to laughs from the sold-out crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Of late, the consumption of energy drinks has been on the rise among the younger population. Doctors reveal whether non-alcoholic drinks are a ‘healthier’ alternative to sugary soft drinks or associated with increased odds of severe diabetic eye complications

Of late, the consumption of energy drinks also has been on the rise among the younger population and caffeine, a major content of these, is said to reduce choroidal thickness and blood-flow in the eye leading to a risk of retinal degeneration. The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t recognise addictions to artificial sweeteners or diet soda but plenty of people have tried, and failed, to give them up although studies suggest such detrimental effects with overconsumption, minor indulgences may not harm.

Non-Alcoholic beverages have become the usual accompaniment with meals worldwide that is by and large, a result of shift in consumption from fresh food and drinks to ultra-processed products due to heavy marketing strategies opted by the industry. Numbers suggest that worldwide consumption of soft drinks was around 43.15 litres per person per year in 2010 and these figures have been exponentially increasing ever since, especially among the younger population.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shashi Prabha Prasad, Professor and HOD, Department of Ophthalmology at Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, highlighted, “What makes non-alcoholic drinks so palatable is the combination of spices and intense sweet taste of the sweeteners either in the form of sugars or artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Moreover, these are served in perfectly cooled carbonated cans making for a very satisfying drink.”

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/diabetic-eye-do-non-alcoholic-or-energy-drinks-increase-the-risk-of-progressive-retinal-disease-doctors-answer-101662691309449.html?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site

Kerala in India has been put on high alert following the detection of a second monkeypox case and the Union Health ministry ordered strict screening of all international passengers arriving at airports and ports to minimise the threat of its importation. The symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headaches, muscle aches, backache, chills, tiredness and even swollen lymph nodes while one can also notice a rash on the face and other areas of the body.

Monkeypox virus was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease were seen in lab monkeys kept for the study and also the name was derived from them. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae and is not life-threatening but there can be human-to-human transmission or animal to human transmission.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, Senior Doctor, MBBS, MD- Internal Medicine at Connect and Heal, revealed, “Typically symptoms may start within 5-13 days but can range from 3-21 days from exposure. First 2-5 days are usually characterized by fever, intense headache, back ache, muscle pains, enlarged lymph nodes and severe fatigue. Skin rash usually appears within 1 to 4 days and continues for 2-3 weeks. Typically concentrated on face, palms and soles, but may also affect oral mucosa, eyes and genitalia. Lesions are usually 2-5mm in size to begin with, then become raised and fluid or pus filled and eventually crust over. These crusts then dry up and fall off in 1-2 weeks.”

How is Monkeypox transmitted?

Dr Amit P Gawnde, Consultant Pulmonologist at Sujay Hospital, explained, “Monkeypox can be spread through several ways that includes direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It can spread through prolonged respiratory secretions, skin-to-skin contact and during physical intimacy among partners. Touching items used by an infected person such as clothes and linen can result in infection. A pregnant person can spread the disease to their fetus through the placenta. Additionally, it may get transmitted through animal like rodents or dead animals, bite or scratch of monkeys and bushmeat but we haven’t seen any such cases yet.”

Echoing the same, Dr Tanu Singhal, Consultant, Paediatrics And Infectious Disease at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, said, “Monkeypox is caused by a Monkeypox virus and it is transmitted between humans through closed contact. Therefore, most of the patients who get this virus are those who have a family member with the disease, and it is generally not transmitted by casual contact. If we have to reduce human-to-human transmission, it is advisable to avoid close contact with patients who have suspected Monkeypox virus. Usually this virus is seen in patients who have a history of foreign travel to the various kinds of Monkeypox endemic countries.”

Adding to the list, Dr Rituja Ugalmugle shared:

1. Person-to-person transmission:

· Primarily through direct contact with sores, scabs and bodily fluids usually through close physical contact as in sexual activity

· Indirect transmission can occur through contact with material like clothing and linen contaminated with infectious material from bodily fluids or sores

· Virus can cross the placenta thus transmitting it from mother to foetus

2. Animal to human transmission:

· Primarily through physical contact with infected animal’s bodily fluids or sore or through bite

When to seek medical advice?

Complications may arise when in severe cases, it may lead to lung infection, sepsis, infection of the cornea of the eye, etc. According to Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, anyone with the symptoms and history of travel to areas where outbreaks of Monkeypox have been reported or history of close contact with suspected or confirmed Monkeypox cases should seek medical advice.

Precautions and preventive measures

Dr Amit P Gawnde suggested, “Although Monkey Pox is at its nascent stage, it is important to be careful so that it does not spread rampantly. Anyone associated with the patient or meet people who have any form of rash should avoid tactile contact. Abstain from sexual intercourse or close intimacy with an infected person. Ideally the patient should be given different plates and cutlery to eat and sleep on a different bed to prevent spreading of the disease. For care givers, it is recommended that they wash their hands with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.”

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/monkeypox-person-to-person-transmission-animal-to-human-transmission-precautions-and-preventive-measures-101658283461286.html?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site

A TOAST, a clink of champagne glasses, and a “bon appetit” at a high-end restaurant – nothing could be classier, right?

Actually, wrong. Etiquette coach Myka Meier reveals to The Sun that there are common mistakes you might be making at restaurants that could make you look unsophisticated – but luckily, they’re easy to fix.

CLINKING GLASSES
What’s a “cheers!” without the glass clink?

Classier, it turns out, if you’re at a fine dining establishment.

“Avoid the embarrassing mistake of clinking fine glassware or crystal champagne flutes provided at a high-end restaurant, where an overzealous cheer may easily chip the glass,” says Meier, who trained under a former member of the Queen’s royal household.

“Instead, simply raise a glass to your dining companions, make eye contact, and then drink.”

SAYING “BON APPETIT”

Another faux pas? Saying “bon appetit” before digging into your dish.

“While this age-old restaurant signal for one to tell their guests to begin the meal may seem commonplace, it’s actually incorrect in French to say this before eating,” Meier explains.

“It actually implies for one to have good digestion,” she says.

“Instead, simply saying ‘please enjoy’ to your guests if you are the host at a restaurant is suggested.”

U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner has made a direct plea to President Joe Biden to stand up for her in an emotional letter sent to the White House on Monday as she remains detained in Russia on drug charges.

Griner, who was held at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed multiple cannabis oil vape cartridges, went on trial on Friday and could face up to 10 years in a Russian jail.

The case takes place against a backdrop of high tension between Moscow and Washington over the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. officials say Griner has been detained wrongfully.

“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” she wrote in a letter, excerpts of which have been shared by her representatives.

“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran.

“It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

Griner, who competes in the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) but has also played regularly in Russia, was formally told at the first hearing that she was charged with intentionally importing narcotics into Russia.

 Playing her first singles match for a year after injury, Serena Williams’ opening-round Wimbledon loss to Harmony Tan on Tuesday was hardly her most unexpected defeat, but there were plenty of signs it could be the most portentous yet.

Of course nobody goes on for ever, not even Williams who has performed numerous near miracles throughout a career spanning three decades.

Still, it made for uncomfortable viewing seeing the rusty seven-times champion a faded shadow of the player who has won 23 Grand Slam singles crowns.

On this day in 1975 an Emergency was imposed in India by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Emergency remained in effect for a 21-month period from June 25 1975 to March 21 1977. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed Emergency due to internal disturbances under Article 352 of the Constitution of India on the recommendations of the government led by PM Indira Gandhi.

The Emergency is often regarded as a dark phase in the history of India’s democracy as the period marked suspension of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, state censorship on media and crackdown on civil liberties.

WHAT IS EMERGENCY?

The Article 352 of the Indian Constitution proclaims that the President of India can declare a National Emergency if the security of the country is at stake and is threatened by either war, external aggression, or internal disturbance/armed rebellion.

On the night of June 25, within hours of dialogue between PM Gandhi and President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, a National Emergency was declared. Multiple opposition leaders were arrested.

Source: https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/on-this-day-in-1975-a-state-of-emergency-was-declared-in-india-5421685.html

BTS has announced a hiatus as a group to focus on solo projects. The members assured fans that they are taking some time apart, and not disbanding.

K-pop group BTS has officially announced a hiatus as a group during their FESTA dinner that premiered on YouTube. Shocking the entire world on Tuesday, BTS announced that they will now be beginning the second chapter of their journey and focus more on solo projects, as they discover themselves as artists. An emotional Bangtan also reiterated that they are taking this time apart to come back stronger. Rapper Suga clarified, “BTS is not disbanding.”

GROUP NOT DISBANDING
Members RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook touched upon the subject, 20 minutes into their dinner. Suga mentioned, “We’re going on a hiatus now. Should we talk about why we’re not doing the FESTA or making content?” Speaking about the next direction for the members, RM mentioned how as a group they feel lost. He said, “I started music and became BTS because I had a message for the world.” However, with the pandemic hitting and things changing, RM said, he realised, “the group has definitely changed.”

“We have to accept that we’ve changed. For me, it was like the group BTS was within my grasp until ‘On’ and ‘Dynamite,’ but after ‘Butter’ and ‘Permission to Dance,’ I didn’t know what kind of group we were anymore.” He mentioned that as a group and as individual members they don’t want to succumb to the K-pop culture that doesn’t allow artists to mature.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/what-s-hot/story/bts-announces-hiatus-as-a-group-to-focus-on-solo-project-1962489-2022-06-14?utm_source=washare&utm_medium=socialicons&utm_campaign=shareurltracking

Text description provided by the architects. Every project is a response to several parameters- some physical, some metaphysical, some tangible, and some intangible. Today the idea of sustainability is imperative, but its definition has many interpretations. One such response and interpretation is this house we fondly named- House of Concrete Experiments.

Any client would be hesitant to experiment with new ideas and materials for their home, but not the owner of this house. A true patron; himself having studied at MIT, a thinking progressive mind with an attitude towards innovation and an understanding that failure is only one of the many steps to success. He understands that the environment and its care are primary that costs towards anything new is not quantified in its direct outcome, but in what it does for years ahead and that architecture is the highest form of art.

I have been blessed, not once but twice with this patron, for whom this is his second home we built; the House of Concrete experiments. To avoid being pedantic over a detailed description of the house, below are its salient features.

The House of Concrete Experiments is a residential project, located in the coastal town of Alibaug, near Mumbai. Set on the foothills of Deotalai in Zirad, the house is amidst a mango orchard.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/981498/house-of-concrete-experiments-samira-rathod-design-associates

The term mirror decor might seem odd to many, especially to those who consider home decor to be confined to just furnishings and wall accents. For all those late bloomers, here we are deciphering an important home décor—mirror decoration.

For years, mirrors have been confined to bedrooms and powder rooms. However, with time, many people are realising the potential this simple piece of decor possesses.

Every well-designed home should have mirrors, not just to check the fitting of a dress or to correct your makeup, but as a décor item that adds life and colour to the house. However, just a plain mirror will not add any character or appeasement. That’s why we are listing seven home decor mirror ideas that will help you spruce up your home:

1. Spice it up with plants

Embellishing a mirror with planters is an ingenious décor idea that is yet to be explored by many. However, the few who have explored it would agree that it is a style choice worth trying.

2. Hang it on the gallery wall

Artwork and photos are not the only things that can be placed on a gallery wall. Mirrors, too, can look sleek here. Find a vintage decorative mirror and add it to your gallery wall. It serves as a focal point for the wall decoration.

3. Mirror door

Instead of hanging a mirror on a wall, you can place it on a door. Not an indigenous idea, but it is worth a try. This decor advice is ideal for people with smaller homes. This way, you will save space, and the mirror will make your space look larger than it is.

4. Matte metal frame

If you have an affinity for modern décor ideas, then a matte metal framed mirror will surely impress you. These kinds of metal-framed mirrors are trending, and people prefer them over traditional vanity mirrors. They are also ideal for small spaces. Furthermore, they are light and easy to install.

5. Large, accent mirrors

If you are into minimalistic interiors and prefer fewer décor items in your house, then consider installing a large mirror on the accent wall of your living room. The mirror will single-handedly add a unique character to the space.

6. Artsy headboard

Find a giant mirror, install it behind the bed, instead of the headboard, and voila! You have found an artsy, one-of-a-kind headboard for your home. It is aesthetic and inexpensive.

7. Small and mighty

People assume that only large mirrors can spurn magic. However, many don’t know that tiny mirrors can add to the charm as well. Small, square-shaped mirrors can be a mighty addition to your mirror interior design.

Source: https://zeezest.com/homes/7-decor-ideas-with-mirrors-to-spruce-up-your-apartment-1729

Sunlight and refreshing connections with Mother Nature make these modern dining rooms into irresistibly inviting spaces in which to gather, break bread and linger for a good while longer. In this varied collection of 51 dining rooms that connect with light and nature, we’ll take a look at botanical dining spaces that are filled with living greenery, dining rooms with linked courtyard designs, glass walls that break open indoor eating spaces to lush gardens and poolside terraces, plus outdoor dining rooms for an authentic al fresco experience. We’ll cover many different aesthetics too, from boho and rustic to modern and industrial style, plus global inspiration from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and Brazil.

Stack it. Double-banked windows pull the sky into this modern dining room interior, where the rich wood tone of a stunning live edge dining table is complemented by walls of exposed red brickwork. A grey concrete floor cools the combo.

Multifaceted connections. Dual aspect windows and roofline windows crack open this large and light-filled dining space to different views of the garden and skyscrape. Glass walls retract to allow a through-breeze to flow freely, bringing with it the sounds and scents of the environment.

A nature sandwich. With open views of the environment on one side of the house, constructing an internal courtyard will sandwich your dining space between enriching natural scenery. More images of this home here. This double-sided, nature kissed dining space features a majestic tree that pushes up through a centrally situated courtyard. This courtyard design also gives the dining room a solid connection with the rest of the home.

Dramatically draped. This sophisticated dining spot features a wide woodland view that’s flanked in heavy, dramatic drapes. A bold linear suspension light adds to the framed effect.

Take it to the water’s edge. If you don’t live by a lake, then create the waterside experience for yourself with a wraparound pool design. The water will make magical light reflections of walls, ceiling and floors.

Sheltered and shaded. Outdoor eating areas have a special draw, bringing us closest to nature when we’re caring for ourselves in the most natural way. Adding a shelter over top means that we can continue the experience even in light rain showers or searing sunlight.

Another sheltered outdoor dining area, this time with a landscaped border to bring nature right to the fingertips.