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Using cannabis may increase your chance of having a heart attack, according to studies.

Using cannabis may increase your chance of having a heart attack, according to studies.

Two different research looked at the potential effects of long-term cannabis usage on the heart. According to the first study, there is a 34% increased risk of heart failure with daily cannabis usage. According to the second study, hospital stays involving cannabis use are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks or other cardiac events among older users. Although the results are strong, they are constrained by the fact that the studies did not look at whether participants took edibles or breathed cannabis. The goal of this research, according to the scientists, is to improve the knowledge of cannabis consumers and healthcare professionals so they may better advise their patients.  

According to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cannabis consumption has grown by about 50% in the last ten years. In a study done in 2022, 44% of respondents said they had used cannabis in the year before, up from 28% in 2012. The fact that cannabis is now legal in some states for both medical and recreational purposes contributes to this. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of cannabis use in easing anxiety symptoms, lowering pain thresholds, and treating gastrointestinal ailments. However, some scientists are concerned about the potential negative effects of chronic cannabis use on health.

Researchers closely examined the long-term effects of cannabis use on the heart in two trials. In one study, participants’ cannabis usage is tracked for four years, while data from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample was analyzed in the other study. One of the cannabis studies was directed by Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a physician at MedStar Health in Baltimore, and it concentrated on the relationship between cannabis usage and heart failure. In the research abstract, Dr. Bene-Alhasan stated, “With the increasing state-level legalization of marijuana throughout the United States, its use has increased exponentially, especially among the youth.” “However, there are still many unanswered questions about its implications for cardiovascular health.” Data from around 157,000 participants in the All of Us Research Program were used in this study.

For four years, the subjects were monitored by the researchers. None of the subjects had heart failure at the start of the study, and they disclosed how frequently they used cannabis (the researchers didn’t inquire as to whether the subjects inhaled or ingested the drug). While some participants reported taking cannabis for recreational purposes, others were prescribed it. The researchers were curious about the latter group’s cannabis consumption beyond what their doctors had prescribed. About 2% of the patients in the trial went on to suffer heart failure by the end, and daily cannabis users had a 34% increased chance of doing so. “More research on marijuana use is needed to fully understand its health implications, particularly with regard to cardiovascular risk,” the researchers stated in a statement.

Dr. Bene-Alhasan told Medical News Today that while regular cannabis usage had an influence on heart failure, infrequent use did not. Dr. Bene-Alhasan stated, “Daily use was associated with an increased risk of heart failure.” “It was not found that less frequent use was protective or linked to an increased risk of heart failure.” Adults over 65 who use cannabis were the subject of the second investigation. This study was directed by Dr. Avilash Mondal, a physician at Philadelphia’s Nazareth Hospital. According to Dr. Mondal, the use of cannabis has risen in older adults in recent years. Given this, it is imperative to assess the potential effects of cannabis on cardiac disease in this age group.

Dr. Mondal conducted a study to find out if cannabis use affects hospital stays in patients who have a higher risk of cardiac problems. The researchers compared data from cannabis users and non-users after removing tobacco users. Using data from 28,535 cannabis users, the scientists investigated if cannabis users had a higher rate of cardiovascular events during hospital admissions than non-users. The findings were startling: patients who used cannabis had a 20% higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke while they were in the hospital.

Nearly 14% of those who reported using cannabis experienced significant adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events while they were in the hospital, according to the study abstract. Acute myocardial infarctions, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and strokes were also more common in cannabis users. The study’s findings, according to Dr. Mondal, highlight the significance of healthcare professionals following up with patients on cannabis use. Major heart and stroke incidents in older persons with cannabis use disorders are something we need to be aware of. To understand the long-term repercussions of cannabis use, further research is now required, according to Dr. Mondal. In addition, Dr. Richard Wright, a board-certified cardiologist at Santa Monica, California’s Providence Saint John’s Health Center, discussed the study with MNT.

Dr. Wright stated, “These provocative findings could be significant in light of the perhaps naïve belief that the drug is safe and the increasing use of cannabis.” One shortcoming of the research, as noted by Dr. Wright, was that it did not assess whether subjects swallowed or breathed cannabis. According to Dr. Wright, “this is a critical issue because any inhaled combustible material contains noxious substances that are known to have potential adverse effects on the heart, lungs, and systemic health.” Additionally, according to Dr. Wright, everyday cannabis users may be doing so to treat chronic pain issues, which increases their risk of heart failure.

The report was also reviewed by Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, and board certified interventional cardiologist. According to Dr. Chen, the study supports a growing body of evidence that cannabis use may have detrimental effects on the heart. According to Dr. Chen, “researchers have only recently gathered data associating cannabis use to worsened clinical cardiovascular outcomes.” Three out of ten cannabis users suffer from cannabis use disorder (CUD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

“They are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives,” according to the CDC. Regular cannabis cravings, increasing cannabis consumption to get high, suffering withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit using cannabis, and enduring social problems as a result of cannabis use are some indications of cannabis use disorder.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cannabis-use-increases-heart-attack-stroke-risk
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cannabis-use-linked-with-increased-risk-of-heart-attack-stroke
https://neurosciencenews.com/cardiovascular-disease-cannabis-25172/

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Research relates poor sperm count and male infertility to smartphone use.

Research relates poor sperm count and male infertility to smartphone use.

For fifty years, medical professionals have looked for lifestyle and environmental factors that could be causing a decline in the number of male sperm. According to some researches, male fertility may be impacted by low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields released by mobile phones. Sperm concentration and total sperm count were found to decrease with increased mobile phone use in a large Swiss population research. The results suggest that sperm quality may not be as affected by sophisticated phone technologies. Roughly half of cases of clinical infertility are estimated to be caused by compromised male fertility. A 50% decrease in male sperm counts over several decades has specialists concerned about the growing public health issue of male infertility. In an attempt to find answers, scientists have been looking at the possible effects of a variety of environmental conditions on the quality of sperm. Radiation exposure, endocrine disruptors, stress, alcohol, narcotics, and smoking are a few examples of these.

Researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the University of Geneva recently looked into the potential impact of mobile phone use and location on male infertility. The 13-year study indicates that among young adult males, smartphone use may be linked to decreased sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC). However, because newer phones have lesser transmission powers, the influence on sperm count may have been lessened by the switch to 3G and 4G. 2,886 men between the ages of 18 and 22 were gathered for the study between 2005 and 2018 at military recruitment sites. The study periods were from 2008 to 2011, from 2012 to 2018, and from 2005 to 2007. The lab experts extracted semen samples and noted the motility, concentration, and total sperm count (TSC).

In addition to answering questions on their education, lifestyle choices, and general and reproductive health, participants were also asked how frequently they used their gadgets. Responses on how often they used it varied from once a week to more than 20 times a day. 2,764 participants in all provided answers to the questions. Based on how frequently they used their phones, the participants were divided into five groups by the researchers. those who reported using their phones once a week had a significantly greater median sperm concentration than those who used their phones more than 20 times a day.

Furthermore, compared to other study periods, the first study period revealed a “more pronounced” relationship between smartphone use and sperm concentration. The trajectory seems to be in line with the development of new technologies, from 2G to 3G to 4G, which is associated with a drop in the output power of mobile phones. The participants were also questioned by researchers about where they kept their phones when not in use. Responses for non-use phone locations included belt carriers, jackets, jeans, and other non-body parts. Approximately 85.7% of the 2,368 male participants in the research stated they kept their phones in their pants pockets when not in use. The remaining men either kept their phones outside of their bodies (9.7%) or inside their jackets (4.6%). There was no correlation found in study models between having a phone in your pants and poorer measures related to semen quality.

The stratified analysis based on the recruitment period similarly showed this lack of association. A male may need more than a year to conceive with a partner if his sperm concentration is less than 15 million per milliliter, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source. Furthermore, if the concentration of sperm is less than 40 million per milliliter, there is less probability of becoming pregnant. According to research, the average number of sperm per milliliter has decreased from 99 million to 47 million. This is especially true for countries in the West. Medical News Today spoke with UK consulting practitioner Dr. Hussain Ahmad about the Swiss study. He did not participate in the study.

According to Dr. Ahmad, sperm count is impacted by a wide range of factors, including stress, alcohol and tobacco usage, prescription and illicit drug use, and physical inactivity. Perfluoroalkyl and polymers formed of synthetic materials, or PFAS, are widely used in consumer goods and industry. The “forever chemicals,” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are gradually being phased out because of documented health risks, including lowered semen quality. These substances do, however, remain in both the environment and human bodies. According to an analysis published in 2022, PFAS builds up to levels that are observable throughout the body and in bodily fluids like seminal fluid. This extensive cross-sectional investigation on mobile phone use and semen quality was conducted in collaboration with the academics. They collected data on thousands of men in Switzerland during a ten-year period.

Self-reported data dependence is a major drawback. The authors conducted another study in which participants downloaded a smartphone application in an effort to get around this in future studies. The study was limited to male participants aged 18 to 22. Research has not yet been done on how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from cell phones affect elderly males. While the Swiss study is intriguing and merits more research, Dr. Ahmad told MNT that it could be worthwhile to look into a larger picture that influences stress and reproductive rates. Stress and decreased reproduction rates may also be caused by economic issues, persistently bad international news, and social media pressure. According to Dr. Ahmad, “[this means] that more people are experiencing stress levels that require medical treatment.”

In fact, several scientists question whether using a cell phone alone may have a major impact on male fertility. Dr. Paulvin pointed out that since “we live in a world where it’s practically impossible to operate without frequent cell phone usage,” there isn’t a definitive answer to the question. However, because there are so many other factors that affect fertility, it is challenging to draw firm conclusions from this study. Additionally, Dr. Paulvin said that while the study did find a correlation between cell phone usage and sperm concentration, there were numerous other characteristics that were not shown to be associated.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320010
https://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health/cell-phone-use-linked-to-low-sperm-count-in-young-men/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7727890/

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Tai chi help slow the progression of Parkinson’s

Tai chi help slow the progression of Parkinson’s

According to a recent study, tai chi may benefit Parkinson’s disease sufferers. Parkinson’s disease has no known cure, and although current treatments reduce symptoms, they don’t seem to stop the disease’s progression. Parkinson’s disease patients can benefit from physical treatment that teaches their brains to compensate for lost mobility. This helps improve their gait and balance. According to recent studies, practicing tai chi, a Chinese martial art that entails a sequence of slow motions and postures, may help reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms and decrease the disease’s progression.

The research, which was published on October 24 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, discovered that tai chi practitioners with Parkinson’s disease experienced a slower deterioration in cognitive function than non-practitioners. Parkinson’s disease has no known cure, and although current treatments reduce symptoms, they don’t seem to stop the disease’s progression. According to the researchers, regular exercise, such as tai chi, may help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Dr. Molly Cincotta, a neurologist at Temple University Hospital and assistant professor of clinical neurology at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine, claims that previous research indicates exercise is one of the only interventions that appears to reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s patients’ gait and balance can also be enhanced by physical treatment that teaches brain regions to compensate for lost movement.

Beginning in January 2016, researchers recruited 330 Parkinson’s disease patients to learn how tai chi affects the disease’s symptoms and complications. For the study, the average observation period was 4.3 years. The participants were divided into two groups: 143 engaged in one-hour, twice-weekly tai chi practice, and 187 got normal medical care without engaging in any tai chi exercises. All patients had their disease progression evaluated by the research team at the beginning of the study, and then again in November 2019, October 2020, and June 2021. They examined the degree of mobility, mood, sleep quality, and cognitive abilities of the subjects as well as the autonomic nervous system’s performance (including bowel and urine movements).

The group who practiced tai chi showed slower illness progression, according to the team’s findings. Tai chi practitioners reported better sleep, balance, and cognitive function as well as fewer difficulties. For instance, compared to 7.5% of individuals who did not practice tai chi, 1.4% of those in the tai chi group exhibited dyskinesia. Moreover, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was observed in 2.8% of tai chi practitioners as opposed to 9.6% in the non-tai chi group. Additionally, those who did not practice tai chi used more medications. Compared to 71% of those who consistently practiced Tai Chi, over 83% of people who did not practice the art needed to increase their prescription in 2019. Compared to 87% of individuals who practiced tai chi, over 96% of those who did not practice the kind of meditation required a higher dosage in 2020.

“In patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, this study suggests that regular [tai chi] practice may be beneficial for motor function, sleep, cognition, and overall quality of life,” stated Cincotta. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition primarily marked by the death of brain cells that generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for mood regulation, thought processes, and motor function, among other bodily processes. It’s like trying to drive with the parking brake on when these cells are gone and the brain has less dopamine. Although movement is possible, it is frequently jerky, stiff, and slow, according to Cincotta. According to Cincotta, a deficiency in dopamine can eventually result in tremors, changed facial expressions, a shuffling gait, anxiety, despair, or indifference.

Increased inflammation may also be a result of the disease, and research indicates that the more inflammatory chemicals the body produces, the more severe the symptoms usually are. The primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease is medication. These medications, which work by increasing low dopamine levels, alleviate symptoms but don’t seem to have a major effect on the course of the illness. Furthermore, some medications may become less effective as the illness progresses.

The University of Miami Health System’s chief of the Division of Movement Disorders, Dr. Ihtsham ul Haq, asserts that the only approach to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease is through exercise. He stated, “Tai chi is a great way to get this benefit, but it’s definitely not the only way.” Scientists are trying to figure out why exercise affects Parkinson’s disease in this way. According to Haq, frequent exercise may alter cellular processes including protein aggregation and mitochondrial function, as well as enhance cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Cincotta continued, “Tai chi in particular may support people in maintaining their social connections, which has a positive effect on cognition.”

Haq asserts that it’s difficult to say whether one form of exercise is superior than another. People with Parkinson’s disease should exercise in any way they find rewarding as often as it is convenient for them, according to Haq, as no limit has been identified to the effect. According to recent studies, tai chi may lessen Parkinson’s disease symptoms and delay the disease’s progression. Parkinson’s disease is mostly treated with medication; however, the medications now on the market don’t seem to slow the disease’s progression. Numerous studies indicate that the only intervention that appears to be effective in delaying the course of disease is exercise, such as tai chi.

REFERENCES:

https://lifestyle.livemint.com/health/wellness/tai-chi-parkinsons-symptoms-physical-activity-111698644544772.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-tai-chi-help-slow-the-progression-of-parkinsons
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/tai-chi-may-help-alleviate-some-symptoms-of-parkinsons-disease

For parkinson medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_293

The survival and relapse rates of cervical cancer are improved with induction chemotherapy.

The survival and relapse rates of cervical cancer are improved with induction chemotherapy.

Advances in screening, prevention, and therapy have contributed to recent increases in cancer survival rates. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a preventative measure and screening for early diagnosis have been the main focuses of efforts to increase cervical cancer survival. Nonetheless, some people continue to be diagnosed with advanced cancer that has to be treated. According to a recent study, induction therapy may increase the overall survival rates of advanced cervical cancer by 39%.

At sites in the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Italy, and Brazil, researchers gathered a cohort of 500 women with cervical cancer that measured more than 4 centimeters (cm) across (stage 1B2 to stage 4A) or less than 4 cm (stage 1B1 if the cancer is also in the lymph nodes). This group was divided into two arms; the first underwent six weekly doses of chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by up to six weeks of treatment with radiation therapy and the chemotherapy medication cisplatin for their cancer. For their malignancy, the second trial arm’s participants had only the conventional six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

After five years of cohort follow-up, researchers discovered that patients who had undergone induction chemotherapy had a noticeably higher overall survival rate. Patients who got induction therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy had an overall five-year survival rate of 80%, while patients who had only standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy had a five-year survival rate of 72%. For patients who got the induction therapy initially, this meant a 39% lower chance of death over a five-year period. People who live with cancer without it progressing or spreading are said to be progression-free survivors.

At five years, the progression-free survival rate for patients who had received induction therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation was 73%, while the rate for patients who had just received standard chemotherapy and radiation was 64%. This indicated a 35% decrease in the likelihood of progression during the five years that followed treatment. The group receiving induction chemotherapy experienced more adverse effects than the other; 59% of that group’s side effects interfered with their ability to go about their daily lives, compared to 48% of the other group.

According to a 2023 study by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the United States’ cancer death rate has dropped by a third since 1991. The American Cancer Society (ACS) attributes the decline in U.S. mortality to advancements in early identification and treatment. Other nations have also witnessed a decline in mortality; early in 2023, the National Health System in the United Kingdom reported a 10% rise in cancer survival rates since 2005. The advent of induction chemotherapies is one advancement in treatment. Induction therapy is described as “the first treatment given for a disease” by the National Cancer Institute, following previous medical interventions.

Chemotherapy administered before to other treatments for patients with aggressive malignancies that have a high chance of spreading is known as induction chemotherapy. They have previously been demonstrated to be successful in raising overall survival rates for a number of cancers, including pancreatic, lung, acute myeloid leukemia, and breast cancer. After these therapies, further radiotherapy, surgery, or chemotherapy may be administered. Additionally, Dr. McCormack stressed that cervical cancer is a disease that is largely preventable. In order to help prevent infection and the subsequent development of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine was first made available to adolescent girls in 2006 and subsequently to boys prior to their sexual maturation.

Between 2012 and 2019, the United States had a 65% decline in the rate of cervical cancer in people in their 20s. Researchers hypothesize that this decline “foreshadows” a subsequent decline in cervical cancer rates in that region and is caused by the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006.

REFERENCES:

https://ascopost.com/news/october-2023/induction-chemotherapy-and-subsequent-chemoradiation-may-improve-survival-and-recurrence-rates-in-patients-with-cervical-cancer/
https://dailyreporter.esmo.org/esmo-congress-2023/top-news/induction-chemotherapy-before-crt-improves-outcomes-in-locally-advanced-cervical-cancer
https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/induction-chemotherapy-improves-chemoradiation-success-in-locally-advanced-cervical-cancer

For cancer medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_115

According to a study, insulin may be kept at room temperature for months without losing its effectiveness.

According to a study, insulin may be kept at room temperature for months without losing its effectiveness.

According to recent studies, insulin does not lose its efficacy even when kept out of the refrigerator for several months. Insulin can be maintained at room temperature, according to guidelines already in place, but the new information provides further detail on acceptable temperature ranges. Insulin must be kept out of direct sunlight and kept at or above 25°C (77°F) or below freezing for optimal effects. For those with type 1 diabetes who are unable to consistently refrigerate their insulin, new research reveals that insulin can be kept at room temperature for months and still maintain its efficacy.

In a recent review, the Cochrane Collaboration examined the effects of various temperatures on insulin and discovered that unopened containers of some human insulin types could be kept at 77°F, or 25°C, for up to six months without significantly losing potency. The information affects both individuals without refrigerators and those whose refrigerators may not be dependable. Richter points out that some refrigerator pockets truly get too cold below freezingwhich reduces the effectiveness of any insulin that may be kept there.

It is possible to maintain the efficacy of insulin if it is not refrigerated and is stored outside. Richter advises avoiding direct sunlight and letting it grow too hot or too chilly. Insulin that hasn’t been opened should normally be stored in refrigerators at 4°C (39°F), whereas insulin that is being used should be left at room temperature. Richter noted that the new data from our research indicated that insulin could be administered for longer periods of time and at greater temperatures without significantly reducing activity in those living in challenging settings.

According to him, the results have raised new issues that might be the subject of further investigation, such as examining the impacts of both motion and temperature. According to him, “people who use insulin pumps, for instance, wear them close to their bodies, which causes a higher temperature, and they’re more or less continuously moving.” We also seek information on how people who live in cold climates keep their insulin from freezing. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are well aware of the urgent necessity of insulin. Insulin is a dependable and efficient treatment for type 1 diabetes since it lowers blood glucose in those whose systems are unable to manage glucose on their own.

It is imperative for physicians to inform their patients about the warning signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia reactions. For this reason, he said, it’s imperative that you constantly remind your patients that they must eat in order for their bodies to absorb glucose and that they should always carry a glucose tablet. Dr. Romain mentioned that he treats patients from a low-income community, which can make it difficult for them to get insulin.

For the patient, it might be quite difficult, especially if they don’t have insurance. I make an effort to learn about my patients’ daily lives because many people are unaware of the seriousness of type 1 diabetes. He stated that it is important to consider the potential for serious problems. Knowing what foods to eat and how much exercise is necessary since diabetes, whether type 1 or not, can induce myocardial infarction, which is the main cause of death for diabetics. Dr. Romain continued, “It all comes down to teaching the patient how critical it is to get the illness under control so we can avoid those consequences from developing.

REFERENCES:

https://www.cochrane.org/news/human-insulin-less-temperature-sensitive-previously-thought
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/safe-insulin-storage-room-temperature
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD015385.pub2/full

For diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_95

Daily exercise of just 20 to 25 minutes may reduce the risk of death from extended sitting.

Daily exercise of just 20 to 25 minutes may reduce the risk of death from extended sitting.

The higher risk of death linked to a sedentary lifestyle can be eliminated with about 22 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day, according to a recent study. People’s risk of dying reduces more the more they exercise. The results of the study demonstrate that regular exercise can be done in one sitting or in smaller bursts during the day. Contrary to popular belief, a recent study indicates that much less exercise can lower a person’s risk of death. The study discovers that a sedentary lifestyle can lower one’s chance of dying young by as much as 22 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Naturally, the benefits of exercise are dose-dependent, meaning that, up to a certain degree, the more activity, the lower the risk of mortality. 11,989 participants in multiple fitness-tracker studies—the Swedish Healthy Aging Initiative, the Norwegian National Physical Activity Survey, the Norwegian Tromso Study, and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—were monitored by the study’s authors. Every participant in the studies, who was at least fifty years old, gave the researchers information about their height, weight, sex, education, alcohol and smoking habits, and history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. 6,042 people sat for 10.5 hours or more every day, compared to 5,943 participants who sat for less than that amount. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity and inactive time on mortality risk as determined by death registries. If an individual does not exercise for more than 22 minutes per day, sitting for more than 12 hours per day is linked to a 38% higher risk of death than sitting for 8 hours.

A minimum of 75 minutes of intense activity, 150–300 minutes of moderate–to–vigorous exercise per week, or a combination of both is advised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The first author of the study, Dr. Edvard H. Sagelv of UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromso, stated: “There is some disagreement in the research community regarding the dangers of prolonged periods of inactivity. Sedentary time is not that harmful when compared to not exercising, in my opinion. He continued, “Yet prior research suggests that prolonged periods of inactivity are elevating the likelihood of illness and untimely demise.”

“Our legs and core muscles will weaken if we’re not using them, which will make it harder for us to walk a little distance, which will decrease our desire to be active,” she continued. Additionally, this raises the possibility of falling, which increases our risk of injuries that further discourage us from engaging in physical activity. “Keep in mind that the heart is a muscle,” Dr. Zaslow advised. She pointed out that the cardiac muscle weakens with less activity, making physical activity much more difficult as the heart must be reconditioned. According to Dr. Zaslow, cardiometabolic illness has been linked to sedentary lifestyles.

Dr. Melody Ding, who was not involved in the study, stated that although the study is focused on older adults, physical activity is known to give a range of advantages, including mental health, cardiometabolic profiles, and cognitive functioning. Dr. Ding stated, “There are good reasons to be active throughout your lifespan.” Dr. Zaslow made the point that exercise is necessary for even young children to develop and strengthen their muscles since it prepares them for a lifetime of physical activity. Furthermore, physical activity is linked to improved mental health, including a decrease in anxiety and depression. This is still another significant advantage, according to Dr. Zaslow, considering the highly publicized mental health issue among youth.

She said that exercise helps people sleep better as well, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. “We are aware that injury rates are lower when we get better sleep. Thus, research indicates that children who get more than eight hours of sleep have 50% fewer injuries. “I consider exercise and exercising consistently to be like an upward spiral,” Dr. Zaslow remarked. Dr. Sagelv emphasized that the study’s 22 minutes of daily physical exercise equates to the 150 minutes that the WHO recommends. According to our research, people who engage in moderate-to-intense physical exercise for longer than 22 minutes a day do not have a higher risk of dying from being inactive for longer. This runs counter to the WHO’s guideline, according to him, to deal with high sedentary time that cannot be avoided by consuming more than 150–300 minutes of MVPA each week.

It doesn’t seem to have an upper limit at which it stops being beneficial to health. The risk decrease does however, seem to level off at the higher ends, roughly 60–120 minutes per day, especially for people who are extremely sedentary.” It’s also not necessary for people to engage in 22 minutes of action all at once every day, as per Dr. Zaslow and earlier studies. Taking ten or fifteen minutes here and there to engage in “exercise snacking” may be a more manageable task for individuals with hectic schedules. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, from the standpoint of public health, performing any MVPA is preferable to performing none at all. Dr. Ding stated that it is better to exert a little bit more effort even if one is unable to meet the goal.

REFERENCES:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/exercising-just-for-20-25-minutes-can-prevent-death-risk-due-to-prolonged-sitting/articleshow/104784810.cms?from=mdr
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/daily-20-25-mins-of-physical-activity-may-offset-death-risk-from-prolonged-sitting
https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/daily-20-25-mins-of-physical-activity-may-offset-death-risk-from-prolonged-sitting/

For any medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com

How accurate are the claims about ashwagandha’s benefits

How accurate are the claims about ashwagandha’s benefits

The herb ashwagandha may help with sleep and sports performance. Stronger research is required, however some research indicates that this plant may benefit patients with issues including anxiety and infertility. One of the most significant herbs in Ayurveda, a historic alternative medicine system founded on Indian theories of natural healing, is ashwagandha. For thousands of years, people have taken ashwagandha to reduce stress, boost energy, and sharpen their minds.

The Sanskrit term “ashwagandha” means “smell of the horse,” alluding to the aroma of the herb as well as its possible potentific properties. In addition to its botanical name, Withania somnifera, it is sometimes referred to as “Indian ginseng” and “winter cherry.” The native plants of India and Southeast Asia are tiny shrubs with golden blossoms called ashwagandha. The plant’s leaves or roots are used as powder or extracts to cure a number of ailments, such as infertility and anxiety.

Research-based potential benefits of ashwagandha. The most well-known benefit of ashwagandha is perhaps its ability to lower stress. It falls under the category of an adaptogen, a chemical that aids the body in adjusting to stress. Stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1), cortisol, and heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are among the stress mediators that ashwagandha may assist regulate. Additionally, it lessens the activity of your body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls your stress response. Supplementing with ashwagandha may help reduce stress and anxiety, according to research.

In a short trial comprising fifty-eight volunteers, those who took either 250 or 600 mg of ashwagandha extract for eight weeks reported much lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and a considerable reduction in perceived stress as compared to the placebo group. When compared to the placebo group, those who took the ashwagandha supplements also experienced improvements in the quality of their sleep. Another study involving 60 participants discovered that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 60 days experienced much lower levels of anxiety than those who received a placebo. Ashwagandha may therefore be a beneficial supplement for stress and anxiety, according to preliminary study.

A 2021 evaluation of research, however, found insufficient data to establish a consensus regarding the best form and dosage of ashwagandha for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases associated with stress, including anxiety. Ashwagandha may improve athletic performance, according to research, and it might be a useful supplement for athletes.

Twelve trials including subjects who took doses of ashwagandha ranging from 120 mg to 1,250 mg daily were included in one review of the literature. The findings imply that the herb may improve exercise-related physical performance, such as strength and oxygen consumption. Ashwagandha supplementation significantly increased maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy individuals and athletes, according to another research that examined five studies. A person’s maximum oxygen consumption during severe exercise is known as their VO2 max. It is an assessment of lung and heart health. It is crucial for both athletes and non-athletes to have an ideal VO2 max. Higher VO2 max is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, while lower VO2 max is linked to an increased risk of death.

Furthermore, ashwagandha might aid in boosting muscular strength. In a 2015 study, male subjects who underwent resistance training for eight weeks and took 600 mg of ashwagandha daily saw noticeably bigger increases in muscle mass and strength than those in the placebo group. According to certain populations, ashwagandha may help lessen the symptoms of depression and other mental health issues.

In one study, 66 individuals with schizophrenia who were also feeling anxiety and depression were examined to see how ashwagandha affected them. Researchers discovered that those who took 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract every day for a 12-week period experienced higher decreases in anxiety and despair than those who received a placebo. A small body of data from 2013 also points to ashwagandha as a potential treatment for bipolar illness patients’ cognitive impairment. Ashwaghanda may aid in the management of melancholy, anxiety, insomnia, and other neurological and mental health conditions, according to a review published in 2021. More study is, however, required for all of these applications.

There is a little body of research that suggests ashwagandha may help those who have high blood sugar or diabetes. An analysis of twenty-four papers, five of which were clinical trials including diabetics, revealed that ashwagandha administration markedly lowered blood sugar, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress. The explanation could be that some of the chemicals found in ashwagandha, such as withaferin A (WA), have potent antidiabetic properties and may encourage the uptake of glucose by cells from the bloodstream. Nonetheless, the current state of research is inadequate, and more carefully planned investigations are required.

Although the long-term effects of ashwagandha are unknown, most people should be able to consume it safely for up to three months. However, ashwagandha might not be safe for someone who: is nursing a baby; is pregnant, as excessive doses may cause pregnancy loss; is taking certain drugs, such as barbiturates, anticonvulsants, or benzodiazepines; is set to have surgery; has an autoimmune or thyroid condition; has liver issues.

The following side effects have been observed by some ashwagandha supplement users, discomfort in the upper gastrointestinal tract, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting Ashwagandha may take many months to start showing results, and they may not happen right away. To be sure using ashwagandha or any other supplement is safe for you, always consult a physician.

According to study results, it might aid in lowering stress and anxiety, promoting sound sleep, and even enhancing cognitive performance in some groups. In the short term, ashwagandha is probably safe for most people. But, it’s not suitable for everyone, so before incorporating ashwagandha into your regimen, see a medical specialist.

REFERENCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/4/1057
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-accurate-are-the-claims-about-ashwagandhas-benefits

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How To Loose Weight Naturally

How To Loose Weight Naturally

It is advisable to lose weight gradually, according to several specialists. It will probably remain off longer. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, if you lose weight too quickly, you’ll lose water, muscle, and bone instead of fat. The adage “calories in, calories out” means that you must expend more calories than you consume through food and drink. However, as many individuals can attest to from personal experience, it’s not that easy.

You might believe that fasting can help you lose weight quickly. However, it is preferable to have a diet that you can follow over time and that fits with your lifestyle. If fasting is long-term safe, more study is required to determine this. The majority of studies on the effects of intermittent fasting were conducted on middle-aged, overweight adults. If it is safe for those who are older or younger or those who are at a healthy weight, more research is required.

When attempting to reduce weight, both proper nutrition and exercise are crucial. If your nutrition is out of balance, no amount of activity can help you lose weight. However, evidence indicates that whether you’re attempting to reduce weight or not, exercise has significant positive effects on your body and mind. Your body’s ability to convert calories into fuel, or metabolism, is important. Additionally, it’s harmful to limit calories too much. Your metabolism slows down, which can cause you to consume less nutrients.

You can accomplish this in a variety of ways without drastically reducing your calorie intake. You might reduce portions, calculate how many calories you consume on a daily basis, and cut down a little. You could also check food labels to determine how many calories are in each serving and drink more water to help you feel less hungry. To reduce weight, you don’t have to cut out any specific food groups, go vegan, or give up gluten. In fact, if it’s something you can maintain over time, you’re more likely to keep the weight off permanently. However, it does make sense to drastically reduce or eliminate empty calories. As an example. sweet foods There are frequently few nutrients but many calories in foods like cookies, cakes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and other things. Aim to consume added sugars at a rate of no more than 10% of your daily calories.

Consuming enough protein will keep your muscles strong. In addition to lean meat, chicken, fish, and dairy, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives (nuts, beans, and soy are a few). Depending on your age, gender, and level of activity, you may require more or less protein. Also You might feel fuller and less like you’re on a diet by consuming little amounts of fat. Olive oil, salmon, and nuts and seeds are the healthier options. It may prevent hunger if you eat five to six times each day. Each of those mini-meals may have an equal number of calories, or you could make some larger than others. In order to avoid overeating, you must plan your quantities. Eliminating liquid calories like soda, juice, and alcohol is one simple approach to reduce weight quickly. Replace them with calorie-free beverages like black coffee, unsweetened tea, or lemon water.

Whatever approach you choose, you must prioritize healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to maintain a balanced diet. However, there isn’t a single, universal healthy eating strategy. A excellent approach is to work with a dietician to create a plan that addresses your unique requirements. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow through with a healthy weight loss plan that you create. The tendency must continue over the long term in order to become healthy and maintain that state.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322345
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/
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ttps://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-no-diet-weight-loss

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Drinking less alcohol linked to healthier brain in new study

Drinking less alcohol linked to healthier brain in new study

According to a study, drinking less or giving it up altogether can benefit your brain. Reduced drinking to a low-risk level resulted in decreased shrinking of the brain. The authors contend that for those having AUD, reducing spending might be a more realistic objective. Some people may be able to reduce their drinking by using techniques like mindfulness. Others, however, might profit from expert assistance.

According to a recent study that was published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, even limiting alcohol use can benefit the brain health of those who suffer from alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisme, is a brain illness marked by an inability to stop or regulate alcohol consumption despite how damaging it is to your relationships, health, or career. According to the study, those with alcohol use disorders had larger volume in specific brain regions than those who drank more heavily when they either cut back on their alcohol consumption or stopped drinking altogether.

The volume of these brain regions also more closely resembled that of non-drinkers when they reduced their drinking to a low-risk level, which was no more than three drinks per day for males and 1.5 drinks for women. Given the difficulty of stopping completely, the authors propose that reducing alcohol intake might be a more realistic objective for some people than complete abstinence. 68 individuals with alcohol use disorders, ranging in age from 28 to 70, provided data for the study’s data collection. The participants were paired with a control group of 34 individuals, who were either non-drinkers or light drinkers, and were of a comparable age.

The team compared the cortex volume in different parts of their brains using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the health of their brains. They studied patients who started treatment and either quit drinking, started drinking again but at a lower risk, or started drinking again at a higher risk. The higher-risk drinkers had considerably decreased volume in 12 out of 13 locations compared to the controls eight months after starting treatment. In nine of the 13 regions, the volume of low-risk drinkers was lower. In six of the 13 locations, there was less volume among nondrinkers.

Further analysis revealed lower volume in four distinct frontal regions, as well as the fusiform and precentral cortical regions, in higher-risk drinkers compared to non-drinkers. On the other hand, the precentral and rostral middle frontal cortex of low risk drinkers were significantly different from those of non-drinkers. The authors point out that the frontal lobes of the brain are crucial for making decisions, regulating emotions, and maintaining working memory. People may be less able to carry out these tasks if there is less volume in these areas.

Although studies have not shown that drinking can kill brain cells, they have shown that it can cause shrinkage, according to Dr. Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead at Treated. According to this study, he said, even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to a long-term shrinkage of the hippocampus, which is connected to learning and memory. The hippocampus is a portion of the brain with a special and delicate structure, where new neurons are constantly being formed through neurogenesis, he suggested.

Atkinson claims that earlier research has demonstrated that heavy alcohol use can obstruct this process. Atkinson went on to say that because alcohol is a diuretic and causes your body to lose water, it is possible that long-term alcohol consumption will also induce shrinkage. He warned that dehydration could result if this water wasn’t sufficiently supplied. “This effect would be mostly seen across the whole brain though,” he continued, “whereas the recent study shows hippocampus shrinkage most predominantly, suggesting that neurogenesis inhibition plays a bigger role in the reduction of brain size.”

REFERENCES:

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/one-alcoholic-drink-day-linked-reduced-brain-size
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/well/mind/alcohol-health-effects.html
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/drinking-alcohol-can-shrink-your-brain-cutting-back-or-quitting-can-help-it-regrow

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Stress and constipation may make menopause worse.

Stress and constipation may make menopause worse.

Constipation is often characterized as having less than three full bowel motions in a given week. If it persists for three months or more, it is regarded as chronic. It can be challenging to completely empty your bowels when you are constipated. To eliminate the stool, you could feel like you need more assistance. Struggling to urinate and having firm, lumpy stools are further signs of constipation. It’s possible that you feel uneasy or sluggish in general.

In addition to menopause, there are many more common causes of occasional constipation. Even more than one cause may exist at once. Your menstrual cycles must have stopped for at least a year before you enter menopause. A decline in female hormones including estrogen and progesterone serves as a warning sign. Numerous parts of the body, particularly the digestive system, are impacted by these hormones. Some postmenopausal women have constipation as a result of this hormone reduction. However, during perimenopause, which occurs before menopause, changes in bowel habits can start.

Low levels of cortisol are one of the numerous things that estrogen is responsible for. The hormone cortisol is linked to stress. Cortisol levels increase as estrogen levels decrease. This may prolong the time it takes for food to break down by slowing down the digestive process. This might make passing stool more challenging. Your colon may become slower if you have insufficient progesterone. Your colon becomes dryer as food waste sits there for a longer period of time. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone are also associated with dryer stools.

The muscles in the pelvic floor are also weaker in some postmenopausal women. Stool elimination may be challenging as a result, especially if it is dry and firm.

Women who are older may also require drugs that indicate constipation as a potential side effect. Some blood pressure medications, iron supplements, thyroid meds, antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers are among these drugs.

Treatment options for constipation are numerous. Among them are dietary adjustments, digestion is typically sped up by consuming foods high in fiber and drinking enough of water. Constipation may be lessened or eliminated thanks to this. Try replacing some of your regular meals with high-fiber alternatives to see if anything changes.

Numerous over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available that could aid with constipation. Find out which of these might be appropriate for you by first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor can advise you on the best times of day to take them and how long you should take them for.

Constipation can be eased and bowel motions can be regulated with regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day. Exercises for your pelvic floor may also be advantageous. Many of them are intended to enhance bowel and bladder function especially. Your pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened by performing certain Pilates exercises and yoga poses like Malasana.

REFERENCES:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/menopause-and-constipation-5219981
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause-constipation#takeaway
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8080720/

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