"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.”

This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April.

The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN&nbsp;charter, to which China subscribes.

To hear US&nbsp;intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China.

Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US&nbsp;to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation.

Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China.

It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam.

The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China.

Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years.

As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance.

That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace.

“We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.”

It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America.

“Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.”

Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February.

The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania.

President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them.

Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.”

To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements.

Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system.

That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria.

While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include&nbsp;the world’s most populous countries, China and India.

As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has&nbsp;in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China. To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April. The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN charter, to which China subscribes. To hear US intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China. Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation. Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China. It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam. The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China. Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years. As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance. That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace. “We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.” It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America. “Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.” Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February. The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania. President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them. Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.” To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements. Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system. That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria. While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include the world’s most populous countries, China and India. As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Stress Awareness Month 2023: Doctor suggests 9 lifestyle changes to lower stress hormones | Exclusive

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/healthiest-cities/31072">report</a> by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US&nbsp;cities across 43 key metrics.

The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables.

"For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

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Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle.

San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86).

Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th.&nbsp;

Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20).

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The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House.

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent report by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US cities across 43 key metrics. The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables. "For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine. × Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle. San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86). Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th. Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data lab | San Francisco tops list as America's healthiest city

The Vatican on&nbsp;Friday confirmed that Pope Francis is likely to be discharged from hospital on Saturday in Rome, after receiving treatment for bronchitis.&nbsp;

Pope is responding well to the antibiotics given to cure his infectious bronchitis and his health has improved, the Vatican had earlier on Thursday said.

On Wednesday, the pope was admitted to Gemelli&nbsp;hospital after complaining about breathing difficulty, which raised fresh concerns over the 86-year-old pontiff's health, who is suffering from various ailments.

Quoting the medical team of Pope Francis, the Vatican said he is suffering from an infectious bronchitis virus which is a highly contagious respiratory disease and needed an intravenous infusion of antibiotics.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netizens-fooled-by-ai-generated-viral-images-of-pope-francis-in-white-puffer-jacket-576446">Netizens fooled by AI-generated viral images of Pope Francis in white puffer jacket</a>

"(This) produced the expected effects with a marked improvement in his state of health. Based on the expected progress, the Holy Father could be discharged in the coming days,” the statement said.

The Vatican informed that Pope France spent his afternoon "devoting himself to rest, prayer and some work".

On Thursday the Vatican, while conforming that Francis was not bedridden, said that he said his prayers in the small chapel which was within his hospital suite.

"I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer," wrote the pope on Twitter.

However, it still remains unclear if Francis will be able to take part in any of the Holy Week events which will start with Palm Sunday on April 2.

Cardinals to preside over Easter services

Cardinals have been informed by the Vatican that this year Pope would not preside over Easter services and that the ceremonies would be shared out between them.

Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, however, said that Francis was expected to attend Easter Day's main Mass, which falls on April 9.

Well-wishers present in St Peter's Square prayed for the pope's speedy recovery.

"We hope he will get well soon and celebrate the Easter Mass," said Sister Faustina, a nun from Tanzania. "We really love him," said Sister Michaela, a nun from Congo.

WATCH | Vatican: 86-year-old Pontiff recovering, working from hospital

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In his native Argentina, prayers were held for the good health of Pope Francis, where he never returned since he was elected as pope.

"Day by day, with intensive work, unique in a Supreme Pontiff, he wears out his life for the service of the Church," said Father Alejandro Russo, rector of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. "That is why we pray for the health of the pope without alarm, because we know that this is a slight pause,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Vatican on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis is likely to be discharged from hospital on Saturday in Rome, after receiving treatment for bronchitis. Pope is responding well to the antibiotics given to cure his infectious bronchitis and his health has improved, the Vatican had earlier on Thursday said.

The Vatican on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis is likely to be discharged from hospital on Saturday in Rome, after receiving treatment for bronchitis. Pope is responding well to the antibiotics given to cure his infectious bronchitis and his health has improved, the Vatican had earlier on Thursday said. On Wednesday, the pope was admitted to Gemelli hospital after complaining about breathing difficulty, which raised fresh concerns over the 86-year-old pontiff's health, who is suffering from various ailments. Quoting the medical team of Pope Francis, the Vatican said he is suffering from an infectious bronchitis virus which is a highly contagious respiratory disease and needed an intravenous infusion of antibiotics. ALSO READ | Netizens fooled by AI-generated viral images of Pope Francis in white puffer jacket "(This) produced the expected effects with a marked improvement in his state of health. Based on the expected progress, the Holy Father could be discharged in the coming days,” the statement said. The Vatican informed that Pope France spent his afternoon "devoting himself to rest, prayer and some work". On Thursday the Vatican, while conforming that Francis was not bedridden, said that he said his prayers in the small chapel which was within his hospital suite. "I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer," wrote the pope on Twitter. However, it still remains unclear if Francis will be able to take part in any of the Holy Week events which will start with Palm Sunday on April 2. Cardinals to preside over Easter services Cardinals have been informed by the Vatican that this year Pope would not preside over Easter services and that the ceremonies would be shared out between them. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, however, said that Francis was expected to attend Easter Day's main Mass, which falls on April 9. Well-wishers present in St Peter's Square prayed for the pope's speedy recovery. "We hope he will get well soon and celebrate the Easter Mass," said Sister Faustina, a nun from Tanzania. "We really love him," said Sister Michaela, a nun from Congo. WATCH | Vatican: 86-year-old Pontiff recovering, working from hospital In his native Argentina, prayers were held for the good health of Pope Francis, where he never returned since he was elected as pope. "Day by day, with intensive work, unique in a Supreme Pontiff, he wears out his life for the service of the Church," said Father Alejandro Russo, rector of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. "That is why we pray for the health of the pope without alarm, because we know that this is a slight pause,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pope health update: Pope Francis to get discharged from hospital on Saturday, confirms Vatican

A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the&nbsp;ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC. The study which began in 1938, has gathered health records from hundreds of participants across the world.&nbsp;

The 85-year old research looked at some 700 participants from all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives every two years. The study found that jobs which require little human interaction and do not offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with co-workers tend to have some of the most miserable employees, the study found.&nbsp;

“It’s a critical social need that should be met in all aspects of our lives,” Robert Waldinger, MD and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School told CNBC. He added, “Plus, if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work.”&nbsp;

Waldinger who was also the director of one of the longest-running studies on happiness called Harvard Study of Adult Development also noted that some roles cannot reliably be correlated with dissatisfaction and burnout as certain job characteristics can be, reported CNBC.&nbsp;

Some of the most isolating jobs involve independent work like truck driving or night security. Additionally, more and more lonely jobs are emerging particularly in tech-driven industries like packaging or food delivery services where people have no co-workers at all, said the report, citing the Harvard professor.&nbsp;

Notably, loneliness is not limited to those involved in independent work as the study found that even people with busy, social jobs can feel isolated if they don’t have positive, meaningful interactions with their co-workers, said the CNBC report. Researchers also found that creating small opportunities for social interaction can be good for one’s health and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC.

A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC. The study which began in 1938, has gathered health records from hundreds of participants across the world. The 85-year old research looked at some 700 participants from all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives every two years. The study found that jobs which require little human interaction and do not offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with co-workers tend to have some of the most miserable employees, the study found. “It’s a critical social need that should be met in all aspects of our lives,” Robert Waldinger, MD and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School told CNBC. He added, “Plus, if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work.” Waldinger who was also the director of one of the longest-running studies on happiness called Harvard Study of Adult Development also noted that some roles cannot reliably be correlated with dissatisfaction and burnout as certain job characteristics can be, reported CNBC. Some of the most isolating jobs involve independent work like truck driving or night security. Additionally, more and more lonely jobs are emerging particularly in tech-driven industries like packaging or food delivery services where people have no co-workers at all, said the report, citing the Harvard professor. Notably, loneliness is not limited to those involved in independent work as the study found that even people with busy, social jobs can feel isolated if they don’t have positive, meaningful interactions with their co-workers, said the CNBC report. Researchers also found that creating small opportunities for social interaction can be good for one’s health and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study finds people with this type of job tend to be the unhappiest

The skincare market has been highly saturated with therapies, routines, and products which are sometimes hard to decipher. In fact, it is today easier to get into more skin trouble by trying to solve a skin problem. In the euphoric practice of both diverse clinically proven skin treatments and vague DIYs, the tendency to abuse skincare products is quite high thereby defeating the initial purpose of a skincare routine. There are too many to choose from and it's pretty easy to make the wrong choice.

One of the most troubling issues that people face with their skin is ageing signs which can manifest as wrinkles, lines, dark under the eye, and other skin conditions. For many years, the solution for many people was to rejuvenate. But have you ever tried "prejuvenation"? So, what exactly is prejuvenation, you may ask?

Prejuvenation: the skincare breakthrough

In trying to understand what prejuvenation is, it's important to state what it is not -- rejuvenation. The Oxford Dictionary describes rejuvenation as the process or action of giving new energy or vigour to something; or the restoration of a youthful appearance to something. Therefore, those steps you take to delay or avoid the need for skin rejuvenation is called prejuvenation. After all, prevention is still the best cure.

For obvious reasons, it makes more sense to take proactive measures toward delaying and, in some cases, preventing skin damage or complications like sunburn, dark spots, wrinkles, etc. This is why it is recommended that you start early; probably in your late teenage years or early adulthood, so that you can begin to combat early wrinkles and skin dryness even before they show their ugly heads. In today's world, one of the best and highly proven ways to do that is through the administration of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful, gooey gel that has the power to hydrate the skin and ensure it has the right amount of elasticity and flexibility. This is why it is a major ingredient in many creams and lotions in the market. However, many of these are reparative and they hardly work. In recent months, there has been a rush towards a therapy known as Profhilo. Thankfully, Profhilo is not just a superb choice for bio remodelling, but is also a dermatologically-tested and trusted prejuvenation therapy.

Each session of Profhilo guarantees the right concentration of undiluted amounts of hyaluronic acid into the skin layers, restoring hydration, stimulating collagen and elastin, restricting bonelessness, and bringing about an overall healthy skin. The logic is simple; because Profhilo delivers hyaluronic acid directly into the skin, it ensures the adequate presence of proteins, compounds, and acids that the skin and joints need to maintain proper structure, moisture, texture, complexion, and overall health.

The ability of the body to produce collagen begins to diminish from the age of 25 by one per cent each year, causing the skin to become thinner and sagging in texture. So, prejuvenation would mean doing what you need to do to keep collagen production at an optimum level and ensure your skin maintains proper health. With this, you can avoid or, at least, delay the need for rejuvenation or repairs. Rather than opting for products with a minimal fraction of hyaluronic acid, why not have the whole dose in your system?

Profhilo facilitates elastin and collagen production throughout the body, tightens and lifts the tissues of the sensitive areas significantly, remodels and hydrates ageing and sagging tissues, and restores youthful firmness to the skin as well as evens skin tone and discolouration.

Stay prejuvenated, stay confident

In a bid to rekindle the skin back to its youthful state, people tend to experiment with both safe and unsafe procedures leading to temporary or complicated health challenges. Prejuvenation with the right therapy and treatment helps to avoid that, as well as the accompanying harmful chemicals that have numerous side effects. Prejuvenating with Profhilo is a harmless way to boost your skin health, especially around your face, neck and hands.

(Inputs by Amit Luthra, Dermatologist, Ishira Skin Clinic)

The skincare market has been highly saturated with therapies, routines, and products which are sometimes hard to decipher. In fact, it is today easier to get into more skin trouble by trying to solve a skin problem.

The skincare market has been highly saturated with therapies, routines, and products which are sometimes hard to decipher. In fact, it is today easier to get into more skin trouble by trying to solve a skin problem. In the euphoric practice of both diverse clinically proven skin treatments and vague DIYs, the tendency to abuse skincare products is quite high thereby defeating the initial purpose of a skincare routine. There are too many to choose from and it's pretty easy to make the wrong choice. One of the most troubling issues that people face with their skin is ageing signs which can manifest as wrinkles, lines, dark under the eye, and other skin conditions. For many years, the solution for many people was to rejuvenate. But have you ever tried "prejuvenation"? So, what exactly is prejuvenation, you may ask? Prejuvenation: the skincare breakthrough In trying to understand what prejuvenation is, it's important to state what it is not -- rejuvenation. The Oxford Dictionary describes rejuvenation as the process or action of giving new energy or vigour to something; or the restoration of a youthful appearance to something. Therefore, those steps you take to delay or avoid the need for skin rejuvenation is called prejuvenation. After all, prevention is still the best cure. For obvious reasons, it makes more sense to take proactive measures toward delaying and, in some cases, preventing skin damage or complications like sunburn, dark spots, wrinkles, etc. This is why it is recommended that you start early; probably in your late teenage years or early adulthood, so that you can begin to combat early wrinkles and skin dryness even before they show their ugly heads. In today's world, one of the best and highly proven ways to do that is through the administration of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful, gooey gel that has the power to hydrate the skin and ensure it has the right amount of elasticity and flexibility. This is why it is a major ingredient in many creams and lotions in the market. However, many of these are reparative and they hardly work. In recent months, there has been a rush towards a therapy known as Profhilo. Thankfully, Profhilo is not just a superb choice for bio remodelling, but is also a dermatologically-tested and trusted prejuvenation therapy. Each session of Profhilo guarantees the right concentration of undiluted amounts of hyaluronic acid into the skin layers, restoring hydration, stimulating collagen and elastin, restricting bonelessness, and bringing about an overall healthy skin. The logic is simple; because Profhilo delivers hyaluronic acid directly into the skin, it ensures the adequate presence of proteins, compounds, and acids that the skin and joints need to maintain proper structure, moisture, texture, complexion, and overall health. The ability of the body to produce collagen begins to diminish from the age of 25 by one per cent each year, causing the skin to become thinner and sagging in texture. So, prejuvenation would mean doing what you need to do to keep collagen production at an optimum level and ensure your skin maintains proper health. With this, you can avoid or, at least, delay the need for rejuvenation or repairs. Rather than opting for products with a minimal fraction of hyaluronic acid, why not have the whole dose in your system? Profhilo facilitates elastin and collagen production throughout the body, tightens and lifts the tissues of the sensitive areas significantly, remodels and hydrates ageing and sagging tissues, and restores youthful firmness to the skin as well as evens skin tone and discolouration. Stay prejuvenated, stay confident In a bid to rekindle the skin back to its youthful state, people tend to experiment with both safe and unsafe procedures leading to temporary or complicated health challenges. Prejuvenation with the right therapy and treatment helps to avoid that, as well as the accompanying harmful chemicals that have numerous side effects. Prejuvenating with Profhilo is a harmless way to boost your skin health, especially around your face, neck and hands. (Inputs by Amit Luthra, Dermatologist, Ishira Skin Clinic)

Prejuvenation is the next best thing for anti-ageing

A recent study published in the journal Nature Microbiology found that people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus might experience changes in their genome structure that could explain their immunity-related symptoms and risk of long Covid. According to the study, the virus can attack chromatin which is a structure where genetic materials in our cells are stored.&nbsp;

Studies have suggested that some viruses can hijack or change our chromatin, to reproduce in our cells but whether or how SARS-CoV-2 may affect our chromatin was previously unknown. “We found that many well-formed chromatin architectures of a normal cell become de-organised after infection,” said Wenbo Li, senior author of the study and associate professor at the United States-based University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, as per PTI.&nbsp;

He gave an example of one type of chromatin architecture termed A/B compartments that “can be analogous to the yin and yang portions of our chromatin.” However, after a person was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 they found that the yin and yang portions of the chromatin lose their “normal shapes and start to mix together,” said Li. Furthermore, not only can the shape but also the chemical composition of chromatin be altered by SARS-CoV-2, the study found.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beethovens-locks-of-hair-reveal-a-long-hidden-family-secret-574979">DNA study of Beethoven’s hair reveals his ailments, long-hidden family history secret</a>

According to a scientist who was a part of the study, Xiaoyi Yuan, the changes in “chemical modifications of chromatin were known to exert long-term effects on gene expression and phenotypes”, reported PTI. Therefore, their research might provide an “unrealised new perspective to understand the viral impacts on host chromatin that can associate with long Covid,” Yuan added.&nbsp;

The mixing of chromatin might be the cause of some key genes like interleukin-6 to change, the study suggests. The interleukin-6 is a significant inflammation gene and this mixing and change can cause a cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 patients. A cytokine storm is a severe immune reaction where the body releases too many cytokines very quickly. While they play an important role in normal immune responses, a large amount released in the body at once can be harmful.&nbsp;

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“This study elucidated to us how SARS-CoV-2 can uniquely alter our chromatin to cause COVID-19 symptoms. Future work will focus on understanding the mechanisms of how SARS-CoV-2 can achieve this” said Li, as per PTI. Researchers also hope that these findings can pave the way for future research and understanding of the long-term effects of the virus.&nbsp; 
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A recent study published in the journal Nature Microbiology found that people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus might experience changes in their genome structure that could explain their immunity-related symptoms and risk of long Covid.

A recent study published in the journal Nature Microbiology found that people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus might experience changes in their genome structure that could explain their immunity-related symptoms and risk of long Covid. According to the study, the virus can attack chromatin which is a structure where genetic materials in our cells are stored. Studies have suggested that some viruses can hijack or change our chromatin, to reproduce in our cells but whether or how SARS-CoV-2 may affect our chromatin was previously unknown. “We found that many well-formed chromatin architectures of a normal cell become de-organised after infection,” said Wenbo Li, senior author of the study and associate professor at the United States-based University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, as per PTI. He gave an example of one type of chromatin architecture termed A/B compartments that “can be analogous to the yin and yang portions of our chromatin.” However, after a person was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 they found that the yin and yang portions of the chromatin lose their “normal shapes and start to mix together,” said Li. Furthermore, not only can the shape but also the chemical composition of chromatin be altered by SARS-CoV-2, the study found. ALSO READ | DNA study of Beethoven’s hair reveals his ailments, long-hidden family history secret According to a scientist who was a part of the study, Xiaoyi Yuan, the changes in “chemical modifications of chromatin were known to exert long-term effects on gene expression and phenotypes”, reported PTI. Therefore, their research might provide an “unrealised new perspective to understand the viral impacts on host chromatin that can associate with long Covid,” Yuan added. The mixing of chromatin might be the cause of some key genes like interleukin-6 to change, the study suggests. The interleukin-6 is a significant inflammation gene and this mixing and change can cause a cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 patients. A cytokine storm is a severe immune reaction where the body releases too many cytokines very quickly. While they play an important role in normal immune responses, a large amount released in the body at once can be harmful. ALSO READ | Study suggests high caffeine levels may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes “This study elucidated to us how SARS-CoV-2 can uniquely alter our chromatin to cause COVID-19 symptoms. Future work will focus on understanding the mechanisms of how SARS-CoV-2 can achieve this” said Li, as per PTI. Researchers also hope that these findings can pave the way for future research and understanding of the long-term effects of the virus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

SARS-CoV-2 virus can alter our DNA, lead to long Covid: Study

In some relief to the parents who have lost their children due to contaminated cough syrup, an Indonesian court has allowed them to file a class action lawsuit, said a report by BBC. The lawsuit has sought compensation of $195,000 for every child killed and about $130,000 for every child injured, said the lawyer of a mother who lost her daughter due to the cough syrup.&nbsp;

Nur Asiah, whose four-year-old daughter died last year due to the contaminated cough syrup told BBC that she and the relatives of 24 other victims will file a case against the Indonesian government as well as eight pharmaceutical companies. Notably, more than 200 children in the country have lost their lives due to acute kidney injury since 2022. &nbsp;

This also comes as countries Gambia and Uzbekistan reported around 100 deaths after children consumed toxic cough syrup. However, the Indonesian authorities have not found evidence that the two incidents are linked.&nbsp;

The investigation did find that the local chemical companies used industrial-grade solvent materials named Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol which are typically used in antifreeze solutions for air-conditioners or as brake fluid, amid a global shortage of pharmaceutical-grade solvents.&nbsp;

The cases have also prompted World Health Organization (WHO) to issue warnings about six cough syrups made in India and Indonesia. “We have tried our best by quickly finding causes, exchanging information with other countries, the WHO, and bringing in antidotes to treat toxic substances,” said an Indonesian Health ministry spokesperson as per BBC, adding that they are working on a compensation plan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“No amount of compensation will make up for what has happened. It won’t bring back my child,” Asiah told BBC. Meanwhile, a lawyer from PT Afi Farma, one of the eight companies which are being sued that made the cough syrup used by the majority of children in this case said that it is “not appropriate” for the blame to only be placed on the pharmaceutical industry and that the government should also be held accountable.&nbsp;

“Honestly, pharmaceutical companies are also victims - victims of a crime by the suppliers of the raw materials,” said a lawyer from PT Universal Pharmaceutical Industries told BBC. The company said that it had been using the same Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (FDA), certified system for three decades now which included its buying the ingredients from an FDA-approved supplier. 
 
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In some relief to the parents who have lost their children due to contaminated cough syrup, an Indonesian court has allowed them to file a class action lawsuit, said a report by BBC.

In some relief to the parents who have lost their children due to contaminated cough syrup, an Indonesian court has allowed them to file a class action lawsuit, said a report by BBC. The lawsuit has sought compensation of $195,000 for every child killed and about $130,000 for every child injured, said the lawyer of a mother who lost her daughter due to the cough syrup. Nur Asiah, whose four-year-old daughter died last year due to the contaminated cough syrup told BBC that she and the relatives of 24 other victims will file a case against the Indonesian government as well as eight pharmaceutical companies. Notably, more than 200 children in the country have lost their lives due to acute kidney injury since 2022. This also comes as countries Gambia and Uzbekistan reported around 100 deaths after children consumed toxic cough syrup. However, the Indonesian authorities have not found evidence that the two incidents are linked. The investigation did find that the local chemical companies used industrial-grade solvent materials named Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol which are typically used in antifreeze solutions for air-conditioners or as brake fluid, amid a global shortage of pharmaceutical-grade solvents. The cases have also prompted World Health Organization (WHO) to issue warnings about six cough syrups made in India and Indonesia. “We have tried our best by quickly finding causes, exchanging information with other countries, the WHO, and bringing in antidotes to treat toxic substances,” said an Indonesian Health ministry spokesperson as per BBC, adding that they are working on a compensation plan. “No amount of compensation will make up for what has happened. It won’t bring back my child,” Asiah told BBC. Meanwhile, a lawyer from PT Afi Farma, one of the eight companies which are being sued that made the cough syrup used by the majority of children in this case said that it is “not appropriate” for the blame to only be placed on the pharmaceutical industry and that the government should also be held accountable. “Honestly, pharmaceutical companies are also victims - victims of a crime by the suppliers of the raw materials,” said a lawyer from PT Universal Pharmaceutical Industries told BBC. The company said that it had been using the same Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (FDA), certified system for three decades now which included its buying the ingredients from an FDA-approved supplier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia court allows lawsuit over cough syrup-related deaths: Report

World Oral Health Day 2023:&nbsp;Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel.

Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled&nbsp;The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?&nbsp;suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health!&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-fitness-coach-shares-tips-to-combat-obesity-and-aid-weight-loss-571827">Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION,&nbsp;Dr Pratibha Mahajan,&nbsp;Oral &amp; Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following:

<ol>
	<li>All types of food affect dental health.&nbsp;Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws.</li>
	<li>Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them&nbsp;in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their&nbsp;antioxidant-rich nature.</li>
	<li>"How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay.&nbsp;Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided.</li>
</ol>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-debunked-eye-doctor-talks-about-5-common-glaucoma-myths-570858">Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths</a>

"Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan.

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World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health? suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health! Also read: Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Pratibha Mahajan, Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following: All types of food affect dental health. Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws. Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their antioxidant-rich nature. "How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided. Also read: Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits

Stress, workload or sometimes, even parties affect our sleeping patterns and schedule. And, we often forget that getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and overall well-being. Sleeplessness doesn't just give us nasty-looking eye bags and dark circles but also increases our risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), according to research published in the European Heart Journal – Open, an ESC journal. It says that sleeping less than five hours each night is linked to a 74 per cent increased risk of clogged leg arteries.

"Our study suggests that sleeping for seven to eight hours a night is a good habit for lowering the risk of PAD," claims study author Dr Shuai Yuan of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

The study also states that over 200 million people globally have peripheral artery disease (PAD),&nbsp;which causes arteries in the legs to clog, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Dr Yuan added, "Insufficient night-time sleep and daytime napping have previously been associated with a raised risk of coronary artery disease which, like PAD, is caused by clogged arteries. In addition, sleeping problems are among the top-ranked complaints in PAD patients. There are limited data on the impact of sleep habits on PAD and vice versa, and our study aimed to fill that gap."

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The study&nbsp;was conducted in two parts and assessed more than 650,000 participants. In the first part, the researchers analysed the associations of sleep duration and daytime napping with the risk of PAD. In the second part, the researchers used genetic data to perform naturally randomised controlled trials to examine the causality of the associations. The trials were&nbsp;called Mendelian randomisation.

Dr Yuan noted, "Observational analyses are limited by reverse causality – meaning that if an association between sleep habits and PAD is found, we cannot be certain if sleep habits caused PAD or having PAD caused the sleep habits. Mendelian randomisation is a robust method for evaluating causality and provides more certainty about the results."

In an observational analysis of over fifty thousand&nbsp;adults, sleeping less than five hours a night was associated with an increased risk of PAD, as compared to seven to eight hours. The findings were&nbsp;further supported by analysing 156,582 and 452,028 individuals.&nbsp;

Dr Yuan said, "The results indicate that brief night-time sleep can raise the chance of developing PAD and that having PAD increases the risk of getting insufficient sleep."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-world-oral-health-day-2023-dentist-reveals-chocolates-arent-causing-tooth-decay-573343">Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits</a>

Meanwhile, sleeping eight hours or more each night was linked to a 24 per cent higher risk of PAD, as compared to seven to eight hours.&nbsp;However, no causal relationships were found between long sleep and PAD.

Daytime nappers, however, had a 32 per cent higher risk of PAD, as compared to those who did not nap during the day.

"More studies are needed on the relationships between lengthy night-time sleep, daytime napping and PAD," said Dr Yuan.

To conclude, he stated, "Although we found associations in the observational studies, we could not confirm causality. More research is needed on how to interrupt the bidirectional link between short sleep and PAD. Lifestyle changes that help people get more sleep, such as being physically active, may lower the risk of developing PAD. For patients with PAD, optimising pain management could enable them to have a good night’s sleep."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Stress, workload or sometimes, even parties affect our sleeping patterns and schedule. And, we often forget that getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and overall well-being.

Stress, workload or sometimes, even parties affect our sleeping patterns and schedule. And, we often forget that getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and overall well-being. Sleeplessness doesn't just give us nasty-looking eye bags and dark circles but also increases our risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), according to research published in the European Heart Journal – Open, an ESC journal. It says that sleeping less than five hours each night is linked to a 74 per cent increased risk of clogged leg arteries. "Our study suggests that sleeping for seven to eight hours a night is a good habit for lowering the risk of PAD," claims study author Dr Shuai Yuan of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The study also states that over 200 million people globally have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes arteries in the legs to clog, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Dr Yuan added, "Insufficient night-time sleep and daytime napping have previously been associated with a raised risk of coronary artery disease which, like PAD, is caused by clogged arteries. In addition, sleeping problems are among the top-ranked complaints in PAD patients. There are limited data on the impact of sleep habits on PAD and vice versa, and our study aimed to fill that gap." Also read: How AI could upend the world even more than electricity or the internet The study was conducted in two parts and assessed more than 650,000 participants. In the first part, the researchers analysed the associations of sleep duration and daytime napping with the risk of PAD. In the second part, the researchers used genetic data to perform naturally randomised controlled trials to examine the causality of the associations. The trials were called Mendelian randomisation. Dr Yuan noted, "Observational analyses are limited by reverse causality – meaning that if an association between sleep habits and PAD is found, we cannot be certain if sleep habits caused PAD or having PAD caused the sleep habits. Mendelian randomisation is a robust method for evaluating causality and provides more certainty about the results." In an observational analysis of over fifty thousand adults, sleeping less than five hours a night was associated with an increased risk of PAD, as compared to seven to eight hours. The findings were further supported by analysing 156,582 and 452,028 individuals. Dr Yuan said, "The results indicate that brief night-time sleep can raise the chance of developing PAD and that having PAD increases the risk of getting insufficient sleep." Also read: Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits Meanwhile, sleeping eight hours or more each night was linked to a 24 per cent higher risk of PAD, as compared to seven to eight hours. However, no causal relationships were found between long sleep and PAD. Daytime nappers, however, had a 32 per cent higher risk of PAD, as compared to those who did not nap during the day. "More studies are needed on the relationships between lengthy night-time sleep, daytime napping and PAD," said Dr Yuan. To conclude, he stated, "Although we found associations in the observational studies, we could not confirm causality. More research is needed on how to interrupt the bidirectional link between short sleep and PAD. Lifestyle changes that help people get more sleep, such as being physically active, may lower the risk of developing PAD. For patients with PAD, optimising pain management could enable them to have a good night’s sleep." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Not getting enough sleep? Research shows sleeping less than 5 hours doubles risk of clogged leg arteries

Restaurants are adding the calorie count to every dish on their menu. Will this make people pay attention to their health? or will foodies continue to care less about what they eat?

Gravitas | Calorie count on menu cards: A bane or a boon?

A heart-healthy diet is likely to bring to mind images of food that's boiled and bland. On the contrary, a heart-healthy diet is one that is interesting, flavourful, and colourful as it should include an abundance of deep-coloured veggies and fruits, coarse grains like millets, legumes of all kinds (soy, nuts, and seeds), low-fat dairy, along with some portions of fish or poultry.

Among all the foods required to keep the heart healthy, the ones that are eaten in far less quantity than recommended are vegetables and fruit.

This is a matter of concern that has been highlighted in various reports like "What India Eats" by ICMR-NIN, 2020. A heart-friendly diet must include at least five servings per day of this food group.

Other than eating diverse ingredients, the cooking process also plays a role in terms of the taste, texture, colour, digestibility, absorption, and nutritive value of the dish.

"Preferred cooking methods such as stewing (cooking in a covered pan using a small quantity of liquid that is simmering) and steaming (surrounding the food with steam produced by boiling water) score well. Among the methods of frying - stir-frying or sauteing (tossing food in a small amount of fat in a frying pan) is acceptable and healthy," says Neelanjana Singh, a dietitian and wellness consultant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-exercise-during-menstruation-yes-you-can-work-out-during-your-period-571107">Exercise during menstruation: Yes, you can work out on your period</a>

"Even though each of the cooking methods has its set of advantages and limitations, it's useful to remember these overarching guidelines for ideal heart health," Neelanjana tells IANSlife:

1 - Short cooking time: Overcooking should always be avoided, no matter what the cooking method. Overcooking destroys the nutrients as well as colours and textures of the food. Methods that employ shorter cooking time is preferred - pressure cooking and microwaving are prime examples.

2 - Minimal use of water: When cooking in water, use as little as needed. This will minimise the leaching out of water-soluble nutrients. Try to use the leftover water in a sauce or gravy. Also, avoid adding baking soda to veggies when cooking. They may retain the colour but the Vitamin C content drops.

3 - Avoid very high temperatures: This is particularly important in the case of dry heat methods like grilling, baking, broiling, and frying. Cooking at very high temperatures (above 180 degrees Celsius) can form acrylamide, a compound that has been linked to cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. The fat dripping onto the meats/paneer/potatoes at high temperatures causes such chemicals to form.

4 - Use multi-source cooking oil: One of the most commonly asked questions about diet pertains to cooking oils and which of these is the best for our health. Multi-source cooking oils have the added advantage of low-absorbance technology and better heat stability, which is desirable for high-temperature cooking methods like baking and frying. Fried foods are very much part of our celebratory menus, which we can enjoy occasionally in limited portions, without increasing the risk of disease.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-is-the-future-of-fashion-growing-in-ponds-571061">Explained: Is the future of fashion growing in ponds?</a>

This brings us back to the fact that diet can play a big role in preventing disease conditions. The importance of using ingredients that are minimally processed and nutrient-dense cannot be overemphasized.

While the focus of a heart-friendly diet is on what we should do but being cognisant of the don'ts is crucial too. Excess salt, sugar, and saturated fat should be on the 'watch out for' list. Trans fats, ultra-processed foods, and processed meats fall in the category of 'to avoid' foods. All in all, the dietary choices you make can go a long way in preventing not only heart disease but many other chronic conditions.

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A heart-healthy diet is likely to bring to mind images of food that's boiled and bland. On the contrary, a heart-healthy diet is one that is interesting, flavourful, and colourful as it should include an abundance of deep-coloured veggies and fruits, coarse grains like millets, legumes of all kinds (soy, nuts, and seeds), low-fat dairy, along with some portions of fish or poultry.

A heart-healthy diet is likely to bring to mind images of food that's boiled and bland. On the contrary, a heart-healthy diet is one that is interesting, flavourful, and colourful as it should include an abundance of deep-coloured veggies and fruits, coarse grains like millets, legumes of all kinds (soy, nuts, and seeds), low-fat dairy, along with some portions of fish or poultry. Among all the foods required to keep the heart healthy, the ones that are eaten in far less quantity than recommended are vegetables and fruit. This is a matter of concern that has been highlighted in various reports like "What India Eats" by ICMR-NIN, 2020. A heart-friendly diet must include at least five servings per day of this food group. Other than eating diverse ingredients, the cooking process also plays a role in terms of the taste, texture, colour, digestibility, absorption, and nutritive value of the dish. "Preferred cooking methods such as stewing (cooking in a covered pan using a small quantity of liquid that is simmering) and steaming (surrounding the food with steam produced by boiling water) score well. Among the methods of frying - stir-frying or sauteing (tossing food in a small amount of fat in a frying pan) is acceptable and healthy," says Neelanjana Singh, a dietitian and wellness consultant. Also read: Exercise during menstruation: Yes, you can work out on your period "Even though each of the cooking methods has its set of advantages and limitations, it's useful to remember these overarching guidelines for ideal heart health," Neelanjana tells IANSlife: 1 - Short cooking time: Overcooking should always be avoided, no matter what the cooking method. Overcooking destroys the nutrients as well as colours and textures of the food. Methods that employ shorter cooking time is preferred - pressure cooking and microwaving are prime examples. 2 - Minimal use of water: When cooking in water, use as little as needed. This will minimise the leaching out of water-soluble nutrients. Try to use the leftover water in a sauce or gravy. Also, avoid adding baking soda to veggies when cooking. They may retain the colour but the Vitamin C content drops. 3 - Avoid very high temperatures: This is particularly important in the case of dry heat methods like grilling, baking, broiling, and frying. Cooking at very high temperatures (above 180 degrees Celsius) can form acrylamide, a compound that has been linked to cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. The fat dripping onto the meats/paneer/potatoes at high temperatures causes such chemicals to form. 4 - Use multi-source cooking oil: One of the most commonly asked questions about diet pertains to cooking oils and which of these is the best for our health. Multi-source cooking oils have the added advantage of low-absorbance technology and better heat stability, which is desirable for high-temperature cooking methods like baking and frying. Fried foods are very much part of our celebratory menus, which we can enjoy occasionally in limited portions, without increasing the risk of disease. Also read: Explained: Is the future of fashion growing in ponds? This brings us back to the fact that diet can play a big role in preventing disease conditions. The importance of using ingredients that are minimally processed and nutrient-dense cannot be overemphasized. While the focus of a heart-friendly diet is on what we should do but being cognisant of the don'ts is crucial too. Excess salt, sugar, and saturated fat should be on the 'watch out for' list. Trans fats, ultra-processed foods, and processed meats fall in the category of 'to avoid' foods. All in all, the dietary choices you make can go a long way in preventing not only heart disease but many other chronic conditions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Heart healthy cooking methods to choose right now

Obesity is&nbsp;a lifestyle disorder, not a&nbsp;disease!&nbsp;And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise. It is a major challenge for millennials and&nbsp;is ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the world. Surprisingly, obesity didn't exist 50 years ago, presumably because people at the time&nbsp;led more active lives, and did not have access to high-calorie, processed foods.

Before we check out some tips to manage our body weight, let's decode&nbsp;the primary causes of obesity!

One of the primary reasons the current generation is dealing with obesity is the absence of physical activity&nbsp;on a day-to-day basis. People have become increasingly lethargic and lazy.

Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganised eating habits. There isn't adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health.

Today, people&nbsp;consume more calories than their body requirements, which results in weight gain and gradual obesity.

Despite the significant challenges our lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, we can transform our lives with some simple strategies.&nbsp;Aminder Singh, Fitness Guru and founder of Team Aminder, spoke to IANS and revealed the following:

<ol>
	<li>Keep your calorie intake in check</li>
	<li>Aim for natural weight loss</li>
	<li>Look for a proficient fitness coach</li>
	<li>Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle</li>
</ol>

Keep your calorie intake in check

To combat obesity, our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. If we lead a more active lifestyle, we must consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two main pillars - good nutrition and proper exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence your health.

Aim for natural weight loss

Look for&nbsp;natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction. While these surgeries yield quick results, they can be detrimental in the long run. So, try to focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy.

Look for a proficient fitness coach 

Another important element of combating obesity is choosing a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. It is also crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While many claims to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to direct you on the right path.

Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle

An efficacious method&nbsp;to fight obesity is to enlighten yourself about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health.

"A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks," the fitness coach shared.

(With inputs from agencies)

Obesity is a lifestyle disorder, not a disease! And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise.

Obesity is a lifestyle disorder, not a disease! And, this lifestyle disorder emerges from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise. It is a major challenge for millennials and is ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the world. Surprisingly, obesity didn't exist 50 years ago, presumably because people at the time led more active lives, and did not have access to high-calorie, processed foods. Before we check out some tips to manage our body weight, let's decode the primary causes of obesity! One of the primary reasons the current generation is dealing with obesity is the absence of physical activity on a day-to-day basis. People have become increasingly lethargic and lazy. Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganised eating habits. There isn't adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health. Today, people consume more calories than their body requirements, which results in weight gain and gradual obesity. Despite the significant challenges our lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, we can transform our lives with some simple strategies. Aminder Singh, Fitness Guru and founder of Team Aminder, spoke to IANS and revealed the following: Keep your calorie intake in check Aim for natural weight loss Look for a proficient fitness coach Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle Keep your calorie intake in check To combat obesity, our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. If we lead a more active lifestyle, we must consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two main pillars - good nutrition and proper exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence your health. Aim for natural weight loss Look for natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction. While these surgeries yield quick results, they can be detrimental in the long run. So, try to focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy. Look for a proficient fitness coach Another important element of combating obesity is choosing a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. It is also crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While many claims to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to direct you on the right path. Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle An efficacious method to fight obesity is to enlighten yourself about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health. "A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks," the fitness coach shared. (With inputs from agencies)

Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss

We've heard a lot of people say "don't work out during your periods",&nbsp;"it will strain your body", "you will not have energy, it is not good for the body".. and so goes the list. But what if exercising during "that time of the month" is actually more beneficial for you and in fact - you can plan your workout regime accordingly?

Let's first start with understanding the menstrual cycle:

It starts on the first day of the period and ends when the next one begins. It's primarily divided into the follicular phase and luteal phase but also consists of the ovulation phase.

Menstruation: Day 1 - Day 5 (this could vary from one person to another)

Follicular Phase: Day 1 - Day 14

Luteal Phase: Day 15 - Day 28

The ovulation occurs around day 14.

Our hormones namely - Estrogen, Progesterone &amp; Testosterone fluctuate throughout the month and knowing this will only help you understand why our energy, mood, hunger etc is varied throughout the month. This obviously means that your performance during workouts also changes. But that's on the hormones and not on you.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-debunked-eye-doctor-talks-about-5-common-glaucoma-myths-570858">Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths</a>

Planning your workouts

Menstruation: Trust me, on the day you get your period, you barely feel like moving. During this time, the body's estrogen &amp; progesterone levels are at their lowest. You might feel extremely tired, bloated, cramps and fatigued. While Ice cream and Netflix will help, how about, the next time you try and take a walk at least? But hey, don't stop there. Depending on how you're feeling, get a low-to-moderate intensity workout done. Yoga, low-intensity cardio or even light-er strength training can be done during this time. Avoid going "all out" during these days since the body is undergoing a lot of stress and we can cut some slack.

Follicular Phase: Once the menstruation is done, the hormone levels start to rise back up as the days pass. The period's done and your energy levels are better too. Use this time to focus on progress or higher-intensity workouts. The body's threshold to pain is higher now. Get in the lifting, HIIT, cardio and everything else done. Go get that PR - Challenge yourself - maybe even try something new. If you're starting a workout plan, or a new cycle in the program - now would be a good time.

Luteal Phase: Then come the days when your energy levels slowly start to decline. And even household chores start to seem tiring. Getting your workout done can get slightly difficult and things you normally do can be challenging. Hold back, reduce the intensity by a little. But continue with your workouts.

But wait, what about the days just before your period? When you've neither got the energy nor the will? PMS!

Mood swings can be such a pain. And also with all the cramps, the mind just seems thrown off balance. During this time - even if you don't feel like it, all you need to know is that you need to get a training session in to feel better. These few points below tell you why you should work out and they apply whether PMS or not. But definitely more during the dreaded time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-catwalk-queens-kendall-jenner-naomi-campbell-and-gigi-hadid-grab-eyeballs-at-versaces-star-studded-la-show-570669">Catwalk queens Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid grab eyeballs at Versace's star-studded LA show</a>

Better Mood

Exercising releases "happy hormones" namely - Dopamine and serotonin. You know that "Workout High" after you've had a great workout. Yeah - it's those endorphins doing their job. And it's no different when Aunt Flo gives you a visit. These hormones can elevate your mood, make you feel better and give you that "high". These hormones also act as a natural pain killer and hence making it less unbearable.

Bearable Cramps

Cramps can be different for everyone. For some - absolutely unbearable and for some, it's even negligible or non-existent. Guess what, exercising can help here too - I just did say 'Natural Pain-killer,' didn't I? Even the slightest of exercise can help with your cramps. Many say stick to light exercises or maybe just walk, do pilates/yoga and steer clear of weight training or intense exercises during your period.

While it is a subjective matter and could differ from one to another, for most people, it is beneficial to do any and all kinds of workouts but yet - Listen to your body

Feeling like your energy levels are absolutely low? Take a day off

Feeling like you're full of energy and can conquer the world? Lift the weights, run faster, and crush the workouts.

Feeling like you have energy but not adequate? Do some yoga, go for a walk, or even dance maybe.

Feeling overwhelmed? Meditate or do some yoga.

It doesn't have to be "This" or "That"

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We've heard a lot of people say "don't work out during your periods", "it will strain your body", "you will not have energy, it is not good for the body".. and so goes the list.

We've heard a lot of people say "don't work out during your periods", "it will strain your body", "you will not have energy, it is not good for the body".. and so goes the list. But what if exercising during "that time of the month" is actually more beneficial for you and in fact - you can plan your workout regime accordingly? Let's first start with understanding the menstrual cycle: It starts on the first day of the period and ends when the next one begins. It's primarily divided into the follicular phase and luteal phase but also consists of the ovulation phase. Menstruation: Day 1 - Day 5 (this could vary from one person to another) Follicular Phase: Day 1 - Day 14 Luteal Phase: Day 15 - Day 28 The ovulation occurs around day 14. Our hormones namely - Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone fluctuate throughout the month and knowing this will only help you understand why our energy, mood, hunger etc is varied throughout the month. This obviously means that your performance during workouts also changes. But that's on the hormones and not on you. Also read: Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths Planning your workouts Menstruation: Trust me, on the day you get your period, you barely feel like moving. During this time, the body's estrogen & progesterone levels are at their lowest. You might feel extremely tired, bloated, cramps and fatigued. While Ice cream and Netflix will help, how about, the next time you try and take a walk at least? But hey, don't stop there. Depending on how you're feeling, get a low-to-moderate intensity workout done. Yoga, low-intensity cardio or even light-er strength training can be done during this time. Avoid going "all out" during these days since the body is undergoing a lot of stress and we can cut some slack. Follicular Phase: Once the menstruation is done, the hormone levels start to rise back up as the days pass. The period's done and your energy levels are better too. Use this time to focus on progress or higher-intensity workouts. The body's threshold to pain is higher now. Get in the lifting, HIIT, cardio and everything else done. Go get that PR - Challenge yourself - maybe even try something new. If you're starting a workout plan, or a new cycle in the program - now would be a good time. Luteal Phase: Then come the days when your energy levels slowly start to decline. And even household chores start to seem tiring. Getting your workout done can get slightly difficult and things you normally do can be challenging. Hold back, reduce the intensity by a little. But continue with your workouts. But wait, what about the days just before your period? When you've neither got the energy nor the will? PMS! Mood swings can be such a pain. And also with all the cramps, the mind just seems thrown off balance. During this time - even if you don't feel like it, all you need to know is that you need to get a training session in to feel better. These few points below tell you why you should work out and they apply whether PMS or not. But definitely more during the dreaded time. Also read: Catwalk queens Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid grab eyeballs at Versace's star-studded LA show Better Mood Exercising releases "happy hormones" namely - Dopamine and serotonin. You know that "Workout High" after you've had a great workout. Yeah - it's those endorphins doing their job. And it's no different when Aunt Flo gives you a visit. These hormones can elevate your mood, make you feel better and give you that "high". These hormones also act as a natural pain killer and hence making it less unbearable. Bearable Cramps Cramps can be different for everyone. For some - absolutely unbearable and for some, it's even negligible or non-existent. Guess what, exercising can help here too - I just did say 'Natural Pain-killer,' didn't I? Even the slightest of exercise can help with your cramps. Many say stick to light exercises or maybe just walk, do pilates/yoga and steer clear of weight training or intense exercises during your period. While it is a subjective matter and could differ from one to another, for most people, it is beneficial to do any and all kinds of workouts but yet - Listen to your body Feeling like your energy levels are absolutely low? Take a day off Feeling like you're full of energy and can conquer the world? Lift the weights, run faster, and crush the workouts. Feeling like you have energy but not adequate? Do some yoga, go for a walk, or even dance maybe. Feeling overwhelmed? Meditate or do some yoga. It doesn't have to be "This" or "That" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exercise during menstruation: Yes, you can work out on your period

India has recorded deaths of two people, one each in Karnataka and Haryana, due to influenza a subtype H3N2 virus. The Indian council of medical research (ICMR) announced that the recent uptick in the cases of intense cough lasting for over a week coupled with fever, in several parts of India, can be linked to influenza a subtype h3n2 virus. Should it be a cause for concern? WION's Eric Njoka speaks to Amesh Adalja, a physician and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins center for health security & infectious diseases.

Flu cases on the rise as H3N2 strikes

According to a study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, those who have depression symptoms might be at an elevated risk of suffering a stroke. Researchers also discovered that persons who had depression symptoms were more likely to have a poor recovery after a stroke.

“Depression affects people around the world and can have a wide range of impacts across a person’s life,” said study author Robert P. Murphy, MBBS, of the University of Galway in Ireland. “Our study provides a broad picture of depression and its link to the risk of stroke by looking at a number of factors including participants’ symptoms, life choices and antidepressant use. Our results show depressive symptoms were linked to increased stroke risk and the risk was similar across different age groups and around the world.”

The study involved 26,877 adults from the INTERSTROKE study and included people from 32 countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Participants had an average age of 62.

Of the participants, more than 13,000 had a stroke. They were matched with more than 13,000 people who had not experienced a stroke but were similar in age, sex, racial or ethnic identity.

Participants completed questionnaires at the beginning of the study regarding cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Researchers collected information regarding symptoms of depression within the year prior to the study. They were asked whether they had felt sad, blue, or depressed for two or more consecutive weeks during the past 12 months.

Of the study participants, 18% of those who had a stroke had symptoms of depression compared to 14% of those who did not have a stroke.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-understand-endometriosis-the-painful-condition-affecting-bindi-irwin-569847">Understand endometriosis: The painful condition afflicting Bindi Irwin</a>

After adjusting for age, sex, education, physical activity and other lifestyle factors, people with symptoms of depression before stroke had a 46 per cent increased risk of stroke compared to those with no symptoms of depression.

The more symptoms participants had, the higher their risk of stroke. Participants who reported five or more symptoms of depression had a 54 per cent higher risk of stroke than those with no symptoms, while those who reported three to four symptoms of depression and those who reported one or two signs of depression had 58 per cent and 35 per cent higher risk, respectively.

While people with symptoms of depression were not more likely to have more severe strokes, they were more likely to have worse outcomes one month after the stroke than those without symptoms of depression.

“In this study, we gained deeper insights into how depressive symptoms can contribute to stroke,” Murphy added. “Our results show that symptoms of depression can have an impact on mental health, but also increase the risk of stroke. Physicians should be looking for these symptoms of depression and can use this information to help guide health initiatives focused on stroke prevention.”

A limitation of the study was that participants filled out questionnaires about symptoms of depression only at the start of the study, so the effects of depression over time could not be measured.

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According to a study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, those who have depression symptoms might be at an elevated risk of suffering a stroke.

According to a study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, those who have depression symptoms might be at an elevated risk of suffering a stroke. Researchers also discovered that persons who had depression symptoms were more likely to have a poor recovery after a stroke. “Depression affects people around the world and can have a wide range of impacts across a person’s life,” said study author Robert P. Murphy, MBBS, of the University of Galway in Ireland. “Our study provides a broad picture of depression and its link to the risk of stroke by looking at a number of factors including participants’ symptoms, life choices and antidepressant use. Our results show depressive symptoms were linked to increased stroke risk and the risk was similar across different age groups and around the world.” The study involved 26,877 adults from the INTERSTROKE study and included people from 32 countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Participants had an average age of 62. Of the participants, more than 13,000 had a stroke. They were matched with more than 13,000 people who had not experienced a stroke but were similar in age, sex, racial or ethnic identity. Participants completed questionnaires at the beginning of the study regarding cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Researchers collected information regarding symptoms of depression within the year prior to the study. They were asked whether they had felt sad, blue, or depressed for two or more consecutive weeks during the past 12 months. Of the study participants, 18% of those who had a stroke had symptoms of depression compared to 14% of those who did not have a stroke. Also read: Understand endometriosis: The painful condition afflicting Bindi Irwin After adjusting for age, sex, education, physical activity and other lifestyle factors, people with symptoms of depression before stroke had a 46 per cent increased risk of stroke compared to those with no symptoms of depression. The more symptoms participants had, the higher their risk of stroke. Participants who reported five or more symptoms of depression had a 54 per cent higher risk of stroke than those with no symptoms, while those who reported three to four symptoms of depression and those who reported one or two signs of depression had 58 per cent and 35 per cent higher risk, respectively. While people with symptoms of depression were not more likely to have more severe strokes, they were more likely to have worse outcomes one month after the stroke than those without symptoms of depression. “In this study, we gained deeper insights into how depressive symptoms can contribute to stroke,” Murphy added. “Our results show that symptoms of depression can have an impact on mental health, but also increase the risk of stroke. Physicians should be looking for these symptoms of depression and can use this information to help guide health initiatives focused on stroke prevention.” A limitation of the study was that participants filled out questionnaires about symptoms of depression only at the start of the study, so the effects of depression over time could not be measured. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Depression symptoms may raise risk of stroke: Study

The ketogenic or keto diet, which involves consuming high amounts of fats and very low amounts of carbohydrates, may double the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, blocked arteries, and strokes, according to some researchers.

Since the diet is gaining popularity among the masses, it has become the subject of several research studies in recent days. And, a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together with the World Congress of Cardiology has found that a "keto-like" diet may be associated with higher&nbsp;levels of "bad" cholesterol and a twofold heightened risk of deadly cardiovascular problems.

"Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol— or 'bad' cholesterol—and a higher risk of heart disease. To our knowledge, our study is one of the first to examine the association between this type of dietary pattern and cardiovascular outcomes," the lead study author, Dr Iulia Iatan, from the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital and University of British Columbia’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver, Canada, said in a news release.

Meanwhile, Christopher Gardner, a research professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center who was not involved in the study, said, "This study provides an important contribution to the scientific literature, and suggests the harms outweigh the benefits. Elevated LDL cholesterol should not be dismissed as simply a negligible side effect of a VLCD (very-low-calorie diet) or ketogenic diet."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cardiologist-reveals-five-unusual-signs-that-mean-you-may-be-susceptible-to-a-heart-attack-568754">Cardiologist reveals five common signs that indicate you may be susceptible to heart attack</a>

Several previous studies have suggested that an LCHF diet can lead to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol in a few people. And, elevated LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease.&nbsp;For this study, the researchers defined an LCHF diet as consisting of no more than 25 per cent of total daily energy or calories from carbohydrates and about 45 per cent or more from fat.

For the new study, the researchers analysed data from the UK Biobank, which is a large-scale prospective database with health information of over half a million people living in the United Kingdom and followed for at least a decade.

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The ketogenic or keto diet, which involves consuming high amounts of fats and very low amounts of carbohydrates, may double the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, blocked arteries, and strokes, according to some researchers.

The ketogenic or keto diet, which involves consuming high amounts of fats and very low amounts of carbohydrates, may double the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, blocked arteries, and strokes, according to some researchers. Since the diet is gaining popularity among the masses, it has become the subject of several research studies in recent days. And, a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together with the World Congress of Cardiology has found that a "keto-like" diet may be associated with higher levels of "bad" cholesterol and a twofold heightened risk of deadly cardiovascular problems. "Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol— or 'bad' cholesterol—and a higher risk of heart disease. To our knowledge, our study is one of the first to examine the association between this type of dietary pattern and cardiovascular outcomes," the lead study author, Dr Iulia Iatan, from the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital and University of British Columbia’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver, Canada, said in a news release. Meanwhile, Christopher Gardner, a research professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center who was not involved in the study, said, "This study provides an important contribution to the scientific literature, and suggests the harms outweigh the benefits. Elevated LDL cholesterol should not be dismissed as simply a negligible side effect of a VLCD (very-low-calorie diet) or ketogenic diet." Also read: Cardiologist reveals five common signs that indicate you may be susceptible to heart attack Several previous studies have suggested that an LCHF diet can lead to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol in a few people. And, elevated LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease. For this study, the researchers defined an LCHF diet as consisting of no more than 25 per cent of total daily energy or calories from carbohydrates and about 45 per cent or more from fat. For the new study, the researchers analysed data from the UK Biobank, which is a large-scale prospective database with health information of over half a million people living in the United Kingdom and followed for at least a decade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Keto-like diet might double the risk of cardiovascular issues, finds new research

Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks. It can happen to any person, whatever their age. So, is there anything we can do to identify if we are at risk? According to a cardiologist at a leading New York city cardiology hospital, there are five unexpected signs that you or someone you know may be at risk of developing heart disease.

Writing for Daily Mail, Dr Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at New York's Mount Sinai hospital, says that the signs are generally subtle. He asserts that common problems like anxiety, fatigue and limb pain could actually be a sign of something much more serious.

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Let's take a look at the signs you need to be wary of:

<h2>Anxiety</h2>

These days, given the schedule and lifestyle we keep, almost everyone feels anxious. However, as per Bhatt, this could point to underlying heart problems.

As per him, anxiety and heart disease generally come hand in hand, constant uneasiness can damage the heart over time.

"It's hard to know which came first. It's a chicken or egg situation," he says.

A 2015 study by Harvard University researchers found that anxiety increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) turning fatal by 21 per cent.

<h2>Sweating</h2>

Think profuse, excess sweating. This can be due to your heart working overtime to pump blood through blocked passageways.&nbsp;The cardiologist warns that sudden profuse sweating, "especially when a person is not taking part in any physical activity, could be one of the first signs of a heart attack."

<h2>Leg pain</h2>

Many of us might consider this a side-effect of getting older, but even this could be an unexpected signal for heart disease.

Tingling and pain in the legs are actually major symptoms. It happens due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). As per Daily Mail, this condition happens when "arteries in the legs become narrow and blocked by the build-up of plaque".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-19-year-old-indian-teenager-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-while-dancing-566663">19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing</a>

Bhatt says that "even doctors don't think about it."

"If a person suffers pain, numbness or tingling in the legs while walking, and then it suddenly stops when they take a moment of rest, it could be time to go to the doctor," he adds.

<h2>Fatigue</h2>

Getting tired at the end of the day is normal, but chronic fatigue isn't.

"Fatigue is a tough one," says Bhatt, "it's a very non-specific symptom. Most fatigue is not due to heart disease, maybe just a bad night's sleep."

However, if you are suffering from chronic, constant fatigue, it might be time to see a doctor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6qqnMtMT9AhW4cGwGHbUXAEg4ChAWegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw21j1lOb6VDx2-fD9F6QA8B" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679" target="_blank">Nearly 100 people die of&nbsp;heart attack&nbsp;in Kanpur within 7 days: Report</a>

<h2>Stomach problems</h2>

People suffering from heart disease often report stomach and digestion issues, which get worse as the cardiovascular condition worsens.

Sudden and sharp pain, usually in the upper right portion of a person's stomach, could point to heart disease. This often comes with sudden, significant weight loss.

While these signs may be innocuous for the majority of people, if they are accompanied by giveaway symptoms like chest tightening or are happening to a person with a history of heart disease, seeking medical help is the right way to go.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks.

Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks. It can happen to any person, whatever their age. So, is there anything we can do to identify if we are at risk? According to a cardiologist at a leading New York city cardiology hospital, there are five unexpected signs that you or someone you know may be at risk of developing heart disease. Writing for Daily Mail, Dr Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at New York's Mount Sinai hospital, says that the signs are generally subtle. He asserts that common problems like anxiety, fatigue and limb pain could actually be a sign of something much more serious. Watch | WION Fineprint: Are you at risk of a heart attack? Let's take a look at the signs you need to be wary of: Anxiety These days, given the schedule and lifestyle we keep, almost everyone feels anxious. However, as per Bhatt, this could point to underlying heart problems. As per him, anxiety and heart disease generally come hand in hand, constant uneasiness can damage the heart over time. "It's hard to know which came first. It's a chicken or egg situation," he says. A 2015 study by Harvard University researchers found that anxiety increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) turning fatal by 21 per cent. Sweating Think profuse, excess sweating. This can be due to your heart working overtime to pump blood through blocked passageways. The cardiologist warns that sudden profuse sweating, "especially when a person is not taking part in any physical activity, could be one of the first signs of a heart attack." Leg pain Many of us might consider this a side-effect of getting older, but even this could be an unexpected signal for heart disease. Tingling and pain in the legs are actually major symptoms. It happens due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). As per Daily Mail, this condition happens when "arteries in the legs become narrow and blocked by the build-up of plaque". Also read | 19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing Bhatt says that "even doctors don't think about it." "If a person suffers pain, numbness or tingling in the legs while walking, and then it suddenly stops when they take a moment of rest, it could be time to go to the doctor," he adds. Fatigue Getting tired at the end of the day is normal, but chronic fatigue isn't. "Fatigue is a tough one," says Bhatt, "it's a very non-specific symptom. Most fatigue is not due to heart disease, maybe just a bad night's sleep." However, if you are suffering from chronic, constant fatigue, it might be time to see a doctor. Also read | Nearly 100 people die of heart attack in Kanpur within 7 days: Report Stomach problems People suffering from heart disease often report stomach and digestion issues, which get worse as the cardiovascular condition worsens. Sudden and sharp pain, usually in the upper right portion of a person's stomach, could point to heart disease. This often comes with sudden, significant weight loss. While these signs may be innocuous for the majority of people, if they are accompanied by giveaway symptoms like chest tightening or are happening to a person with a history of heart disease, seeking medical help is the right way to go. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cardiologist reveals five common signs that indicate you may be susceptible to heart attack

A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic. The report also found that the rates of obesity are increasing fastest among children and lower-income countries.&nbsp;

Currently, at least 38 per cent or 2.6 billion of the world’s population is already overweight or obese, said the report. It also highlights the rate of obesity among children and teenagers is expected to double from 2020 among both girls as well as boys. The report found that childhood obesity would affect 208 million boys and 175 million girls in the next 12 years.&nbsp;

After the findings of the report were released, the President of the World Obesity Federation Louise Baur said that the trend was “particularly worrying”, in reference to the high rates of obesity among children and teenagers. He also called the data a “clear warning” and said “governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation” by assessing the root causes and factors that contribute to obesity.

Nine out of the 10 countries which are expected to witness an increase in obesity are low or lower-middle-income states in Africa and Asia, said the report. It added that such countries are “often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences”. Notably, the economic cost linked to being overweight is more than $4 trillion every year by 2035 or three per cent of the global GDP.&nbsp;

It also emphasised and acknowledged the economic impact of obesity “is in no way a reflection of blame on people living with obesity” rather the authors have called for a focus on societal, environmental and biological factors which contribute to the condition. The report also uses Body Mass Index (BMI) for its assessments in line with World Health Organization’s guidelines. A BMI score over 25 is considered overweight while over 30 is obese. The report will be presented to the UN on Monday (March 6).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic.

A new report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that 51 per cent of the world, which would amount to more than four billion people, will be obese or overweight in the next 12 years if no significant action is taken by governments to curb the growing epidemic. The report also found that the rates of obesity are increasing fastest among children and lower-income countries. Currently, at least 38 per cent or 2.6 billion of the world’s population is already overweight or obese, said the report. It also highlights the rate of obesity among children and teenagers is expected to double from 2020 among both girls as well as boys. The report found that childhood obesity would affect 208 million boys and 175 million girls in the next 12 years. After the findings of the report were released, the President of the World Obesity Federation Louise Baur said that the trend was “particularly worrying”, in reference to the high rates of obesity among children and teenagers. He also called the data a “clear warning” and said “governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation” by assessing the root causes and factors that contribute to obesity. Nine out of the 10 countries which are expected to witness an increase in obesity are low or lower-middle-income states in Africa and Asia, said the report. It added that such countries are “often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences”. Notably, the economic cost linked to being overweight is more than $4 trillion every year by 2035 or three per cent of the global GDP. It also emphasised and acknowledged the economic impact of obesity “is in no way a reflection of blame on people living with obesity” rather the authors have called for a focus on societal, environmental and biological factors which contribute to the condition. The report also uses Body Mass Index (BMI) for its assessments in line with World Health Organization’s guidelines. A BMI score over 25 is considered overweight while over 30 is obese. The report will be presented to the UN on Monday (March 6). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More than half of the world is set to become overweight or obese by 2035: Report

Aerated drinks, ice creams, yogurts, even the most ordinary chewing gum, are full of artificial sweeteners which can cause strokes, blood clots, and believe it or not... it can also result in death. Do not let artificial sweeteners turn your life sour. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Artificial sweeteners or killer sweeteners

The diabetes drug Ozempic has become a social media phenomenon for its weight loss properties, but its soaring popularity has led to global shortages and doctors warn about the potential side effects.&nbsp;Videos under the hashtag #Ozempic have nearly 600 million views on TikTok, where many users regularly update followers about their weight loss.

"Losing 40 kilograms (88 pounds) in less than three months is possible," thanks to Ozempic, a French TikToker said in a typical post in December with nearly 50,000 views. "It's a miracle," he added.

The injectable drug from Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk was initially developed and approved in numerous nations to treat type 2 diabetes.

The drug's active ingredient, semaglutide, binds itself to the receptors of a hormone which controls blood sugar, stimulating the release of insulin when glucose levels are high.

It slows down how quickly food leaves a person's stomach, reducing their appetite.

In early 2021, peer-reviewed research found that almost three-quarters of people who used the drug lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight.

Novo Nordisk has since developed a semaglutide drug with a higher dosage called Wegovy specifically to treat obesity, which was approved for use in the United States in 2021, and in Europe and the UK last year. 
Wegovy is not yet on the market in the UK, France or several other countries, but Ozempic is available with a normal prescription.

<h2>- 'Not a magic drug' -</h2>

This has led to a rise in people without diabetes obtaining prescriptions for Ozempic, as well as "falsified prescriptions," said Jean-Luc Faillie, a pharmacology specialist at France's Montpellier University.

Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, said on the charity's website that Ozempic "is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes".&nbsp;

France's medicines regulator ANSM has urged doctors to only prescribe Ozempic for diabetes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-elegance-and-sensuality-grace-milan-fashion-week-566634">Elegance and sensuality grace Milan Fashion Week</a>

There has not been a particularly "sudden increase in consumption in recent months," the ANSM said, adding that there had been "supply tensions" worldwide.

Novo Nordisk told AFP that "stronger than anticipated demand" for Ozempic had resulted in "intermittent availability and period stock-outs" around the world.

The company's global manufacturing facilities "are now operating 24 hours, seven days a week" to bridge the gap, it added.

Doctors have expressed concern that people with diabetes may not be able to get hold of semaglutide because of the soaring demand from people seeking to lose weight.

Karine Clement, an obesity specialist at France's INSERM medical research institute, said that when Wegovy does become available, it is important that people closely follow their prescription.

"It is not a magic drug," she said. "As is always the case with obesity, it must be accompanied by a comprehensive treatment plan."

<h2>- Side effects -</h2>

Doctors have also expressed concerns about the side effects of semaglutide, which Faillie said have gone under-discussed.

"Neither patients nor prescribers are motivated to report" the side effects, he said. Nausea is the most common side effect of the drug.

But Faillie said, "there are also rarer and more serious risks such as acute pancreatitis -- which can occur even at lower doses -- biliary disorders, and rare cases of severe constipation which can lead to bowel obstruction."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-heres-how-to-fight-exam-stress-and-emerge-a-happy-student-566625">Explained: Here's how to fight exam stress and emerge a happy student</a>

He also pointed to an "increased risk of thyroid cancer" following several years of treatment.

While the risks were reasonable considering the benefits for people with diabetes, "there are still uncertainties, particularly in obese patients over the long term," he said.

"If it is used to lose a few kilograms, then the therapeutic benefit is zero," Faillie added. "That would just be cosmetic, while the risks remain."

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The diabetes drug Ozempic has become a social media phenomenon for its weight loss properties, but its soaring popularity has led to global shortages and doctors warn about the potential side effects.

The diabetes drug Ozempic has become a social media phenomenon for its weight loss properties, but its soaring popularity has led to global shortages and doctors warn about the potential side effects. Videos under the hashtag #Ozempic have nearly 600 million views on TikTok, where many users regularly update followers about their weight loss. "Losing 40 kilograms (88 pounds) in less than three months is possible," thanks to Ozempic, a French TikToker said in a typical post in December with nearly 50,000 views. "It's a miracle," he added. The injectable drug from Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk was initially developed and approved in numerous nations to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug's active ingredient, semaglutide, binds itself to the receptors of a hormone which controls blood sugar, stimulating the release of insulin when glucose levels are high. It slows down how quickly food leaves a person's stomach, reducing their appetite. In early 2021, peer-reviewed research found that almost three-quarters of people who used the drug lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight. Novo Nordisk has since developed a semaglutide drug with a higher dosage called Wegovy specifically to treat obesity, which was approved for use in the United States in 2021, and in Europe and the UK last year. Wegovy is not yet on the market in the UK, France or several other countries, but Ozempic is available with a normal prescription. - 'Not a magic drug' - This has led to a rise in people without diabetes obtaining prescriptions for Ozempic, as well as "falsified prescriptions," said Jean-Luc Faillie, a pharmacology specialist at France's Montpellier University. Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, said on the charity's website that Ozempic "is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes". France's medicines regulator ANSM has urged doctors to only prescribe Ozempic for diabetes. Also read: Elegance and sensuality grace Milan Fashion Week There has not been a particularly "sudden increase in consumption in recent months," the ANSM said, adding that there had been "supply tensions" worldwide. Novo Nordisk told AFP that "stronger than anticipated demand" for Ozempic had resulted in "intermittent availability and period stock-outs" around the world. The company's global manufacturing facilities "are now operating 24 hours, seven days a week" to bridge the gap, it added. Doctors have expressed concern that people with diabetes may not be able to get hold of semaglutide because of the soaring demand from people seeking to lose weight. Karine Clement, an obesity specialist at France's INSERM medical research institute, said that when Wegovy does become available, it is important that people closely follow their prescription. "It is not a magic drug," she said. "As is always the case with obesity, it must be accompanied by a comprehensive treatment plan." - Side effects - Doctors have also expressed concerns about the side effects of semaglutide, which Faillie said have gone under-discussed. "Neither patients nor prescribers are motivated to report" the side effects, he said. Nausea is the most common side effect of the drug. But Faillie said, "there are also rarer and more serious risks such as acute pancreatitis -- which can occur even at lower doses -- biliary disorders, and rare cases of severe constipation which can lead to bowel obstruction." Also read: Explained: Here's how to fight exam stress and emerge a happy student He also pointed to an "increased risk of thyroid cancer" following several years of treatment. While the risks were reasonable considering the benefits for people with diabetes, "there are still uncertainties, particularly in obese patients over the long term," he said. "If it is used to lose a few kilograms, then the therapeutic benefit is zero," Faillie added. "That would just be cosmetic, while the risks remain." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Weight loss drug trend on TikTok worries doctors

A high school student has stabbed a teacher to death in a school in the French town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. French government spokesman Olivier Véran confirmed Wednesday's attack and said the perpetrator was 16 years old.

French high-school student stabs teacher to death

In today's time, taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical well-being. @alysonle tells you about a new study that suggests visiting green spaces like parks; three to four times a week can help in lowering your mental health drug use.

Nature can boost your mental health

Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California.&nbsp;The results, which are still undergoing peer review, were presented on Saturday at the annual conference of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and would be published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

To assess the daily amounts of wildfire smoke in the participants' ZIP codes during their pregnancies, the researchers first collected data from hospital records of pregnant women from 2007 to 2012.

The results suggested that just one day of exposure to smoke moderately raised the risk of spontaneous preterm birth — medically defined as before the 37th week of pregnancy.&nbsp;

"Most pregnant persons are having well over one day of exposure, and the chronicity of this exposure, which continues to increase, is really the worrisome relationship with wildfire smoke," said Dr Anne Waldrop, the study’s lead author&nbsp;and a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Stanford University told NBC news.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-alarming-levels-of-forever-chemicals-in-norwegian-arctic-ice-may-affect-wildlife-561030">&nbsp;Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife</a>

During their first or second trimesters, or the four weeks preceding conception, 86 per cent&nbsp;of the pregnant women tested in California, according to Waldrop's research, had been exposed to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Over the course of that period, the research subjects were exposed to smoke on average for more than seven days.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation

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Only preterm births occurring within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were linked to exposure; preconception exposure was not.

Another study discovered that air pollution likely caused roughly six million preterm births globally in 2019. According to Rakesh Ghosh, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of that paper, who spoke to NBC news, inhaling smoke from wildfires during the first trimester may cause the amniotic sac to rupture early as a result of inflammation.

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Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California.

Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California. The results, which are still undergoing peer review, were presented on Saturday at the annual conference of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and would be published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. To assess the daily amounts of wildfire smoke in the participants' ZIP codes during their pregnancies, the researchers first collected data from hospital records of pregnant women from 2007 to 2012. The results suggested that just one day of exposure to smoke moderately raised the risk of spontaneous preterm birth — medically defined as before the 37th week of pregnancy. "Most pregnant persons are having well over one day of exposure, and the chronicity of this exposure, which continues to increase, is really the worrisome relationship with wildfire smoke," said Dr Anne Waldrop, the study’s lead author and a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Stanford University told NBC news. Also read | Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife During their first or second trimesters, or the four weeks preceding conception, 86 per cent of the pregnant women tested in California, according to Waldrop's research, had been exposed to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Over the course of that period, the research subjects were exposed to smoke on average for more than seven days. Also watch | Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation Only preterm births occurring within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were linked to exposure; preconception exposure was not. Another study discovered that air pollution likely caused roughly six million preterm births globally in 2019. According to Rakesh Ghosh, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of that paper, who spoke to NBC news, inhaling smoke from wildfires during the first trimester may cause the amniotic sac to rupture early as a result of inflammation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wildfire smoke exposure in pregnancy may increase risk of preterm birth: Study

Australian scientists have identified a new active compound&nbsp;in an edible mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, that is capable of boosting nerve growth and even enhancing memory. The University of Queensland’s pre-clinical test has found that edible Lion's Mane mushrooms have a significant impact on the growth of human brain cells.

Researchers feel this discovery could be used&nbsp;to protect against&nbsp;and treat Alzheimer's disease

According to Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute, his team has&nbsp;identified new active compounds in&nbsp;the mushroom that improve brain cell growth. "Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells," Professor Meunier shared.

"Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons,"&nbsp;Professor Meunier added.

"Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain," he concluded.

UQ’s Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol, who is a co-author of the study, feel that the discovery had applications that could treat and protect patients against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

"Our idea was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in improved memory formation,"&nbsp;Dr Martinez-Marmol said.

Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which has supported the research project, said that the properties of lion’s mane mushrooms had been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity.

"This important research is unravelling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory,"&nbsp;Dr Lee revealed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australian scientists have identified a new active compound in an edible mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, that is capable of boosting nerve growth and even enhancing memory.

Australian scientists have identified a new active compound in an edible mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, that is capable of boosting nerve growth and even enhancing memory. The University of Queensland’s pre-clinical test has found that edible Lion's Mane mushrooms have a significant impact on the growth of human brain cells. Researchers feel this discovery could be used to protect against and treat Alzheimer's disease According to Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute, his team has identified new active compounds in the mushroom that improve brain cell growth. "Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells," Professor Meunier shared. "Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons," Professor Meunier added. "Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain," he concluded. UQ’s Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol, who is a co-author of the study, feel that the discovery had applications that could treat and protect patients against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. "Our idea was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in improved memory formation," Dr Martinez-Marmol said. Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which has supported the research project, said that the properties of lion’s mane mushrooms had been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity. "This important research is unravelling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory," Dr Lee revealed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists discover mushroom capable of magnifying memory, boosting nerve growth: Study

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