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The best exercises to boost your brain health after 60

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neva-beraud-peigne-1418228">Neva Béraud-Peigné</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-saclay-2174">Université Paris-Saclay</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alexandra-perrot-1531671">Alexandra Perrot</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-saclay-2174">Université Paris-Saclay</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pauline-maillot-1167901">Pauline Maillot</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-cite-4263">Université Paris Cité</a></em></p> <p>Have you ever thought about why we have a <a href="https://theconversation.com/fr/topics/cerveau-21903">brain</a>? The obvious answer might be “to think”. But scientist Daniel Wolpert came up with a completely different explanation at the <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_wolpert_the_real_reason_for_brains">2011 meeting of the <em>Society for Neuroscience</em></a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>“We have a brain for one reason and one reason only: to produce adaptable and complex movements”</p> </blockquote> <h2>Use your brain to stay efficient</h2> <p>The brain, in other words, is the orchestra conductor which orders the body’s movements. We call the faculties that allow us to interact with our environment <em>cognitive abilities</em>. These include concentrating, learning, reasoning, adapting and communicating with others. Every one of them is key in enabling us to go about our routine and help us maintain a good lifestyle.</p> <p>So, how can we best take care of our brains so that they can stay as efficient as long as possible? Contrary to popular belief, the brain does not deteriorate continuously with age. Instead, it only sees the number of its brain cells drop and connections deteriorate <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.d7622">from the age of 45 onwards</a> as part of a normal ageing process. But cerebral plasticity, although reduced, is present until the end of life. Each individual will build up a cognitive reserve throughout their lives.</p> <p>The more positive, rich and stimulating the lifestyle, the more powerful and effective the reserve. In other words, it’s possible to moderate the effects of age on cognition.</p> <h2>The benefits of physical activity on cognitive capacity after 60</h2> <p>In fact, much research shows indeed that physical activity improves cognitive capacity, even after the age of 60. From increased memory, better reactivity to greater planning skills, the <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-072720-014213">benefits are endless</a>.</p> <p>Despite this, few older folks engage in <a href="https://theconversation.com/fr/topics/activite-physique-adaptee-apa-146288">physical education</a> adapted to their bodies on a regular basis. Poor motivation and access to these exercises are some of the factors don’t help.</p> <p>With that in mind, many carers might be tempted to offer older people monotonous, routine activities because of their diminishing physical, cognitive and sensory abilities. And indeed, for a long time, the range of sports on offer and research in this field revolved around the same triptych: gentle gymnastics, walking and yoga. However, you’ll reap more benefits by <a href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.u-paris.fr/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444633279000175">combining different training methods</a>.</p> <h2>Three ingredients to train the brains of senior citizens</h2> <p>Researchers are currently attempting to crack the winning formula that would flex older people’s cognitive, as well as physical muscles. It’ll consist of three main ingredients:</p> <p><em>First ingredient: complex physical and motor stimulation of at least moderate intensity.</em></p> <p>Moderate cardio workouts not only improve cardiorespiratory health but also make the brain more <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/22682">efficient</a>. Overall improved cardiofitness, in turn, allows the brain to receive more oxygen and even to generate <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1015950108">new neurons in the hippocampus</a>, where memory is lodged.</p> <p>It therefore makes sense for programmes designed to boost cognitive function to include cardio. But it is also <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9280.t01-1-01430">necessary to combine them with muscle-strengthening, flexibility and balance exercises to achieve greater benefits</a>. In addition, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763413001012">researchers</a> emphasise the importance of adding situations requiring complex motor skills and coordination, as these would have a significant impact on cognitive functions (e.g. memory, attention and mental flexibility), particularly in the elderly.</p> <p><em>Second ingredient: fire up those brain cells during exercises</em></p> <p>Incorporating cognitive stimulation, such as remembering information for a period of time and executing it, anticipating actions, or planning a move, is another winning strategy. When cognitive stimulation is combined with physical activity, it can produce <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13825585.2011.645010">synergistic effects</a> and, as a result, be more effective on cognitive functions.</p> <p>_Third ingredient: group activities that lead to social interaction. _</p> <p>Working out as part of a group has been shown to help us <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001756">persevere through it</a>.</p> <p>What this winning formula could look like in practice is still being researched. At present, there are two broad types of exercises that have caught our attention that could help older people stay sharp.</p> <h2>Opting for cooperative and oppositional team sports</h2> <p>Team sports offer much more than just physical exercise sessions. What’s particularly great about them is that they don’t only challenge cardiorespiratory balance, but tap into the whole body’s physical skill-set.</p> <p>Take basketball or handball, for example: to move around the court, dribble or score, balance, coordination and flexibility are essential. Muscular strength is also required for passing, recovering the ball and moving around. These team sports can be suitable even after the age of 60, provided they are properly supervised.</p> <p>From a cognitive point of view, these activities create situations that are always new, rich and stimulating. We call this double combination of stimuli <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13825585.2011.645010">simultaneous training</a></em>. A number of researchers have highlighted the importance of this cognitive involvement in team sports and encourage their practice, particularly among the elderly.</p> <p>Recent studies, such as <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S162748302100129X">the one carried out in 2022</a> by French researchers, have shown that participation in team sports improves short-term visuospatial memory (which enables people, for example, to remember the location of certain objects for a limited period of time) and planning skills in the elderly.</p> <h2>Get your body moving with exergames</h2> <p>Another promising avenue are <em>exergames</em> – video games that require players to move around to play. Named after the contraction of “exercise” and “games”, they grew popular in the 2000s thanks to Nintendo’s Wii and Switch and Microsoft’s Kinect.</p> <p>Exogames have been thought out to exercise different fitness skills, such as balance, endurance, strength, and coordination, while simultaneously stimulating cognitive functions. Among older people, <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-27707-001">several research studies</a> show that this type of training helps to improve many physical and cognitive abilities.</p> <p>In 2020, a new generation of exergames emerged, making use of interactive walls to create an even more immersive gaming experience, such as Neo Xperiences’ <em>Neo-One</em>, Sphery’s <em>ExerCube</em> and Lü’s <em>Aire interactive</em>. In these games combining real and virtual worlds, physical objects (such as balls) and digital objects coexist and interact in real time.</p> <p>A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-023-00952-w">recent study</a> compared an exergame programme assisted by an immersive wall with a walking and muscle-strengthening programme. Its results suggest that this new generation of exergames may be more effective on cognitive abilities than traditional training.</p> <p>Combining physical and cognitive exercises offers the best chance to keep one’s brain health while keeping fit. This is essential for an active and fulfilling life, whatever your age.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237162/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neva-beraud-peigne-1418228">Neva Béraud-Peigné</a>, Doctorante en sciences du mouvement, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-saclay-2174">Université Paris-Saclay</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alexandra-perrot-1531671">Alexandra Perrot</a>, Maitre de conférences HDR, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-saclay-2174">Université Paris-Saclay</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pauline-maillot-1167901">Pauline Maillot</a>, Maître de conférences en STAPS, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-paris-cite-4263">Université Paris Cité</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-best-exercises-to-boost-your-brain-health-after-60-237162">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Do mobile phones cause brain cancer? Science makes definitive call

<p>The question of whether mobile phones - specifically the electromagnetic radiation or radio waves emitted by these devices - cause cancer has been debated and researched for a long time, and now scientists have made a definitive call. </p> <p>A new comprehensive review commissioned by the World Health Organization has found that mobile phones are NOT linked to brain and head cancers. </p> <p>The systematic review, led by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Arpansa), examined over 5,000 studies, which included 63 observational studies on humans published between 1994 and 2022 and is "the most comprehensive review to date" according to review lead author, associate prof Ken Karipidis. </p> <p>“We concluded the evidence does not show a link between mobile phones and brain cancer or other head and neck cancers," he said. </p> <p>The review, which was published on Wednesday, focused on cancers of the nervous system, salivary gland and brain tumours. </p> <p>They found no overall association between mobile phone use and cancer, even if people have used it for a long time (over 10 years) or spend a lot of time on their phones. </p> <p>“I’m quite confident with our conclusion. And what makes us quite confident is … even though mobile phone use has skyrocketed, brain tumour rates have remained stable,” Karipidis continued. </p> <p>Despite emitting electromagnetic radiation, also known as radio waves, the exposure is relatively low. </p> <p>Karipidis said people hear the word radiation and assume it is similar to nuclear radiation, “and because we use a mobile phone close to the head when we’re making calls, there is a lot of concern.”</p> <p>He clarified that “radiation is basically energy that travels from one point to another. There are many different types, for example, ultraviolet radiation from the sun." </p> <p>“We’re always exposed to low-level radio waves in the everyday environment.”</p> <p>While exposure from mobile phones is still low, it is much higher than exposure from any other wireless technology sources since they are used close to the head, Karipidis said. </p> <p>The association between mobile phones and cancers came about from early studies comparing differences between those with and without brain tumours and asking about their exposure history. </p> <p>According to Karipidis, who is also the vice-chair of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, the results from these kind of studies tend to be biased, as the group with the tumour tend to overreport their exposure. </p> <p>Based on these early studies WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated radio-frequency fields like those from mobile phones as a possible cancer risk, but Karipidis said "this classification doesn’t mean all that much”.</p> <p>This is because the IARC has different classifications of cancer risk, with some substances classified as a “definite” carcinogen (such as smoking), and others as “probable” or “possible” carcinogens.</p> <p>Tim Driscoll, a professor at the University of Sydney and chair of the Australian Cancer Council’s occupational and environmental cancers committee, also backed the systematic review. </p> <p>“I think people should feel reassured by this study … but it’s worthwhile just remembering that the studies aren’t perfect, but the weight of evidence certainly is that mobile phones should be considered safe to use in terms of any concerns about increased risk of cancer,” Driscoll said.</p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

Sir Ian McKellen shares health update after fall

<p>Sir Ian McKellen has admitted his health is deteriorating, after he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sir-ian-mckellen-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fell off stage</a> during a performance in a London theatre a few months ago. </p> <p>The<em> Lord of the Rings</em> actor was starring in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre when he fell off stage and snapped his wrist. He also chipped a vertebrae, but has now revealed that he has other issues too. </p> <p>“I forget names … When you’re older you’ve got more to remember than people who are young," he said. </p> <p>“Nevertheless, it’s a nuisance when you can’t remember your best friend’s name or forget your telephone number.”</p> <p>Despite being 85, the actor is determined to keep working, but said that he will take time off until 2025. </p> <p> “What else would I be doing if I wasn’t working? I shall take the rest of the year off and then get back to work in January," he shared. </p> <p>“Just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.”</p> <p>He is also eager to reprise his role as Gandalf in the 2026 film <em>The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum</em>, which would be his first appearance as the wizard in 12 years.</p> <p>In an interview for the BBC, he said: “Well, I’ve had some indication from the powers that be, Gandalf will make an appearance, and I’m not letting anybody else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Jeff Moore/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Sir Elton John reveals "severe" health issue

<p>Music icon Sir Elton John has revealed that he is currently suffering from "only limited vision" in one eye after battling a severe eye infection over the summer. The 77-year-old legend shared the news with his fans through an Instagram post, where he also provided an update on his recovery process.</p> <p>"Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye," Sir Elton wrote. He went on to say that while he is healing, the process is slow, and it will take time before he fully regains sight in the affected eye. "I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process, and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye."</p> <p>The singer, who has been a legendary figure in the music industry for decades, expressed his gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time. "I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks," he said.</p> <p>Following his announcement, many celebrities and fans have shared their well-wishes for the star. Fashion designer Donatella Versace commented, "Sending you so much love Elton! Feel better soon. Love you." Tennis legend Billie Jean King also expressed her support, writing, "Sending our love and support your way. Feel better soon, friend."</p> <p>Sir Elton John, renowned for timeless hits such as "Your Song", "Rocket Man", and "I'm Still Standing", has sold over 300 million records worldwide. Last year, he played the final UK show of his farewell tour to an audience of approximately 120,000 people at Glastonbury.</p> <p>In addition to Versace and King, other notable figures including radio presenter Bob Harris and actor Layton Williams also extended their well-wishes to Sir Elton. Harris wrote, "Sending you much love Elton," while Versace added, "Take your time and recover, Elton. We’ll be here waiting for your return when you’re healthy and ready."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_dmxp1iX4P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_dmxp1iX4P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The news comes as anticipation builds for the European premiere of the documentary film <em>Elton John: Never Too Late</em> at this year’s BFI London Film Festival. The film is expected to provide an intimate look at the life and career of the iconic musician.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Constipation increases your risk of a heart attack, new study finds – and not just on the toilet

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vincent-ho-141549">Vincent Ho</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p>If you Google the terms “constipation” and “heart attack” it’s not long before the name Elvis Presley crops up. Elvis had a longstanding history of chronic constipation and <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/elvis-addiction-was-the-perfect-prescription-for-an-early-death">it’s believed</a> he was straining very hard to poo, which then led to a fatal heart attack.</p> <p>We don’t know what really happened to the so-called King of Rock “n” Roll back in 1977. There were likely several contributing factors to his death, and this theory is one of many.</p> <p>But after this famous case researchers took a strong interest in the link between constipation and the risk of a heart attack.</p> <p>This includes a recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2024">study</a> led by Australian researchers involving data from thousands of people.</p> <h2>Are constipation and heart attacks linked?</h2> <p>Large <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38068-y">population</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873621/">studies</a> show constipation is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.</p> <p>For example, an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38068-y">Australian study</a> involved more than 540,000 people over 60 in hospital for a range of conditions. It found constipated patients had a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes compared to non-constipated patients of the same age.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873621/">Danish study</a> of more than 900,000 people from hospitals and hospital outpatient clinics also found that people who were constipated had an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.</p> <p>It was unclear, however, if this relationship between constipation and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes would hold true for healthy people outside hospital.</p> <p>These Australian and Danish studies also did not factor in the effects of drugs used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), which can make you constipated.</p> <h2>How about this new study?</h2> <p>The recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2024">international study</a> led by Monash University researchers found a connection between constipation and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure in a general population.</p> <p>The researchers analysed data from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk">UK Biobank</a>, a database of health-related information from about half a million people in the United Kingdom.</p> <p>The researchers identified more than 23,000 cases of constipation and accounted for the effect of drugs to treat high blood pressure, which can lead to constipation.</p> <p>People with constipation (identified through medical records or via a questionnaire) were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure as those without constipation.</p> <p>The researchers found a strong link between high blood pressure and constipation. Individuals with hypertension who were also constipated had a 34% increased risk of a major heart event compared to those with just hypertension.</p> <p>The study only looked at the data from people of European ancestry. However, there is good reason to believe the link between constipation and heart attacks applies to other populations.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26812003/">Japanese study</a> looked at more than 45,000 men and women in the general population. It found people passing a bowel motion once every two to three days had a higher risk of dying from heart disease compared with ones who passed at least one bowel motion a day.</p> <h2>How might constipation cause a heart attack?</h2> <p>Chronic constipation can lead to straining when passing a stool. This can result in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">laboured breathing</a> and can lead to a rise in blood pressure.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">one Japanese study</a> including ten elderly people, blood pressure was high just before passing a bowel motion and continued to rise during the bowel motion. This increase in blood pressure lasted for an hour afterwards, a pattern not seen in younger Japanese people.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">One theory</a> is that older people have stiffer blood vessels due to atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque) and other age-related changes. So their high blood pressure can persist for some time after straining. But the blood pressure of younger people returns quickly to normal as they have more elastic blood vessels.</p> <p>As blood pressure rises, the risk of heart disease increases. The risk of developing heart disease <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12493255/">doubles</a> when systolic blood pressure (the top number in your blood pressure reading) rises permanently by 20 mmHg (millimetres of mercury, a standard measure of blood pressure).</p> <p>The systolic blood pressure rise with straining in passing a stool has been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">reported to be</a> as high as 70 mmHg. This rise is only temporary but with persistent straining in chronic constipation this could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22256893/">Some people</a> with chronic constipation may have an impaired function of their vagus nerve, which controls various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate and breathing.</p> <p>This impaired function can result in abnormalities of heart rate and over-activation of the flight-fight response. This can, in turn, lead to elevated blood pressure.</p> <p>Another intriguing avenue of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6399019/">research</a> examines the imbalance in gut bacteria in people with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3596341/">constipation</a>.</p> <p>This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can result in microbes and other substances leaking through the gut barrier into the bloodstream and triggering an immune response. This, in turn, can lead to low-grade inflammation in the blood circulation and arteries becoming stiffer, increasing the risk of a heart attack.</p> <p>This latest study also explored genetic links between constipation and heart disease. The researchers found shared genetic factors that underlie both constipation and heart disease.</p> <h2>What can we do about this?</h2> <p>Constipation affects around <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36826591/">19% of the global population</a> aged 60 and older. So there is a substantial portion of the population at an increased risk of heart disease due to their bowel health.</p> <p>Managing chronic constipation through dietary changes (particularly increased dietary fibre), increased physical activity, ensuring adequate hydration and using medications, if necessary, are all important ways to help improve bowel function and reduce the risk of heart disease.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237209/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vincent-ho-141549"><em>Vincent Ho</em></a><em>, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/constipation-increases-your-risk-of-a-heart-attack-new-study-finds-and-not-just-on-the-toilet-237209">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

I’m due for a cervical cancer screening. What can I expect? Can I do it myself? And what happened to Pap smears?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-canfell-22668">Karen Canfell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deborah-bateson-16105">Deborah Bateson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-smith-131901">Megan Smith</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Cervical screening in Australia has <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34499374/">changed</a> over the past seven years. The test has changed, and women (and people with a cervix) now have much more choice and control. Here’s why – and what you can expect if you’re aged 25 to 74 and are <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program">due for a test</a>.</p> <h2>When and why did the test change?</h2> <p>In 2017, Australia became one of the first two countries to transition from Pap smears to tests for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV).</p> <p>HPV causes virtually all cervical cancers, so testing for the presence of this virus is a very good indicator of a person’s current and future risk of the disease.</p> <p>This contrasts with the older Pap smear technology, which involved inspection of cells every two years for the changes resulting from HPV infection.</p> <p>The change to screening was supported by a very large body of <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)62218-7/abstract">international</a> and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002388">Australian</a> data showing primary testing for HPV is more accurate than Pap smears.</p> <p>Women and people with a cervix who do not have HPV detected on their test are at a very low risk of developing cervical cancer over the next five years, or even longer. This was the basis for lengthening the screening interval when HPV screening was introduced.</p> <p>Australia now <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program">recommends</a> five-yearly HPV screening, starting at age 25 up to the age of 74 for eligible people, whether or not they have been vaccinated against HPV. Many other countries are following suit to transition to HPV screening.</p> <p>All established screening tests – which are conducted in people without any symptoms – are associated with health benefits but also with some harms. These can include the psychological and clinical consequences of receiving a “positive” screening result, which needs to be investigated further.</p> <p>However, recent World Health Organization (WHO) <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr2030640">reviews of the evidence</a> have found:</p> <ul> <li>HPV is a more effective screening test than Pap smears or any other method</li> <li>it substantially reduces incidence and death rates from cervical cancer</li> <li>it is the method of cervical screening that has the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02600-4">best balance</a> of benefits to harms.</li> </ul> <p>As a consequence, the WHO now unequivocally <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030824">recommends</a> HPV screening as the best-practice method.</p> <h2>Now you can collect your own sample</h2> <p>One of the major benefits of switching to HPV screening is it opened the door for a person being able to <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/self-collection-for-the-cervical-screening-test">collect their own sample</a> (which was impossible with the Pap smear). If HPV is present, it can be detected in the vagina rather than having to directly sample the cervix.</p> <p>In 2022, Australia became one of the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/landmark-changes-improving-access-to-life-saving-cervical-screenings">first countries</a> in the world to introduce a universal option to choose self-collection within a major national-level screening program. This means people eligible for screening, under the guidance of a primary care practitioner, can now choose to collect their own vaginal sample, in privacy, using a simple swab.</p> <p>By the end of 2023, <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/self-collection-for-cervical-screening--at-an-all-time-high.html">27% of people</a> were choosing to take the test this way, but this is on an upward trajectory and is likely to increase further, with an <a href="https://acpcc.org.au/self-collection-campaign/">awareness campaign</a> due to start next month.</p> <h2>So what happens when I have a test?</h2> <p>You’ll receive an invitation from the <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/information-for-participants/participant-forms-and-guides.html#cervical-forms">National Cancer Screening Register</a> to attend your first screen when you turn 25. If you’re older, you’ll receive reminders when you are due for your next test. You will be invited to visit your GP or community health service for the test.</p> <p>You should be asked whether you would prefer to have a clinician collect the test or whether you would prefer to take the sample yourself.</p> <p>There’s no right or wrong way. The accuracy of testing has been <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k4823">shown</a> to be equivalent for clinician or self-collected sampling. This is a matter of choice.</p> <p>If the clinician does the test, they will undertake a pelvic examination with a speculum inserted into the vagina. This enables the doctor or nurse to view the cervix and take a sample.</p> <p>If you are interested in the self-collection option, check whether the practice is offering it when making an appointment.</p> <p>If you opt for self-collection, you’ll be able to do so in private. You’ll be given a swab (which looks like a COVID test swab with a longer stem), and you’ll be given instructions about how to insert and rotate the swab in the vagina to take the sample. It takes only a few minutes.</p> <h2>What does it mean if my test detects HPV?</h2> <p>If your test detects HPV, this means you have an HPV infection. These are very common and by itself doesn’t mean you have cancer, or even pre-cancer (which involves changes to cervical cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer over time).</p> <p>It does mean, however, that you are at higher risk of having a pre-cancer, or developing one in future, and that you will benefit from further follow-up or diagnostic testing. Your doctor or nurse will <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/clinical-guidelines/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-screening">guide you</a> on the next steps in line with national guidelines.</p> <p>If you require a diagnostic examination, this will involve a procedure called colposcopy, where the cervix is closely examined by a gynaecologist or other specially trained healthcare practitioner, and a small sample may be taken for detailed examination of the cells.</p> <p>If you have a pre-cancer, you can be treated simply and quickly, usually without needing to be admitted to hospital. Treatment involves ablating or removing a small area of the cervix. This treatment will drastically reduce your risk of ever developing cervical cancer.</p> <h2>What does this mean for cervical cancer rates?</h2> <p>Cervical screening for HPV is a very effective method of preventing cervical cancer. Because of Australia’s HPV screening, combined with HPV vaccination in younger people, Australia is <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30183-X/fulltext">expected</a> to achieve such low rates of cervical cancer by 2035 that it will be considered eliminated.</p> <p>Last year, the government launched a <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/national-strategy-for-the-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-in-australia.pdf">national strategy for cervical cancer elimination</a> which provides key recommendations for eliminating cervical cancer, and for doing so equitably in all groups of women and people with a cervix.</p> <p>One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to have your cervical screening test when you become eligible, whether or not you have been vaccinated against HPV.</p> <p><em>Marion Saville, a pathologist and Executive Director at the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, co-authored this article.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229495/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-canfell-22668"><em>Karen Canfell</em></a><em>, Professor & Director, Daffodil Centre, A Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deborah-bateson-16105">Deborah Bateson</a>, Professor of Practice, The Daffodil Centre, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-smith-131901">Megan Smith</a>, Principal Research Fellow, The Daffodil Centre, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-due-for-a-cervical-cancer-screening-what-can-i-expect-can-i-do-it-myself-and-what-happened-to-pap-smears-229495">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Jimmy Barnes shares heartwarming health update

<p>Jimmy Barnes has shared a series of heartwarming updates following his emergency hip surgery earlier this month. </p> <p>While on the New Zealand leg of his tour in early August, the 68-year-old rockstar was taken to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/bad-news-jimmy-barnes-reveals-shocking-health-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospital</a> after complaining of "unbearable pain", telling his fans, "The doctors have recommended a remedial medical procedure ASAP followed by some physio to address the issue."</p> <p>Now back at home with his family, Barnes has posted a series of messages to Instagram describing how thrilled he was to be out of hospital.</p> <p>“I can’t tell how great it feels to be back in my own bed, back to our home and the beautiful garden. Of course, being very spoilt,” he said on Monday.</p> <p>Barnes has also now commenced a high-protein diet and continued with his physio, which he said was “getting tougher”.</p> <p>“If I’m to be on a high-protein recovery diet, I’ve come to the right place,” he said of his wife Jane Barnes’ expert cooking skills.</p> <p>“I’m being loaded up with protein and iron to rebuild muscles that I never had,” he explained in an Instagram caption.</p> <p>He also shared a sweet photo with his grandchildren who have been keeping his spirits high during his recovery, writing alongside the photo, "Rosie and Dylan here to cheer me on at the end of the day. The physio is getting tougher and the protein shakes are growing on me. I sure am a lucky guy."</p> <p>When sharing the news of his surgery with his fans, he said, “Providing all goes to plan, I’m expected to make a full recovery in six weeks.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

New device could help GPs detect Alzheimer's in minutes

<p>GPs could soon be able to screen their patients for Alzheimer's Disease in a matter of minutes, using a handheld device the size of a credit card. </p> <p>The first-of-a-kind finger-prick blood test was developed by engineers at Melbourne's Monash University and it can detect the hallmark protein biomarkers of early Alzheimer's Disease within minutes. </p> <p>This could become an important tool for doctors in diagnosing patients before the symptoms progress. </p> <p>In Australia alone there are around 420,000 people living with dementia, with that number set to double by 2054. </p> <p>Associate Professor Sudha Mokkapati, from Monash Materials Science and Engineering, helped lead the development of the testing device.</p> <p>"Detecting very early disease in large populations could dramatically change the trajectory of this burdening disease for many patients, and shave millions off associated healthcare costs," Mokkapati said.</p> <p>"We've completed testing that shows the technology is highly advanced by design and capable of detecting ultra-low levels of several disease biomarkers in blood." </p> <p>The device also has the potential to remove the need for laboratory-based pathology tests, making diagnoses faster and cheaper. </p> <p>The university is currently seeking funding to complete the next stage - clinical validation, which will help bring the device one step closer to reality. </p> <p>"Most patients with neurodegenerative disease are typically diagnosed at advanced stages. Sadly, treatments targeting late-onset disease provide limited therapeutic benefit," Associate Professor Matthew Pase, at Monash's School of Psychological Sciences, said. </p> <p>"Earlier screening could change the outlook for many patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment, increasing the chance of halting or slowing symptom development and the rapid progression of the disease."</p> <p><em>Image: Monash University/ Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Jelena Dokic's candid admission on weight loss

<p>Jelena Dokic has opened up on her 20kg weight loss and her previous struggles with depression and an eating disorder. </p> <p>The former tennis player took to Instagram on Sunday to share before and after shots from her weight loss, taken seven years apart, and her past battles with self-worth. </p> <p>She explained to her followers that her current weight loss was a result of her prioritising her mental health. </p> <p>"This is not about body size but feeling that I am not worthy enough to even live!!! On the left 7 years ago," she said. </p> <p>"Even though I have a bit less weight now on the right, this is not about weight. Because even if I was half the size on the left, I would still feel the same. And how is that? Not worthy enough to even live!!" </p> <p>She explained that in the first photo she was afraid to leave the house and was "broken" from her battle with depression and PTSD. </p> <p>"My face, body language and even clothing on the left says it all. This is how low my self worth was. I was afraid to get out of the house," she shared. </p> <p>"I was not able to look people in the eye, I just wanted to wear black or dark grey and cover myself up. I even remember wishing to somehow fully cover my face and head and could I possibly not even need to go out of the house for the rest of my life." </p> <p>"This was anxiety, depression, debilitating effect of trauma that made me feel I was worthless and not even worthy of living.</p> <p>"This was the result of being put down my whole life especially by people close to me." </p> <p>"The person on the left was broken, shattered, battling anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD and an eating disorder. At times I hoped I wouldn't wake up so that I don't have to feel like this anymore," she continued. </p> <p>She then explained that she wasn't asking for pity as she didn't want to victimise herself. </p> <p>"I wanted to survive and thrive and I got there." </p> <p>She then shared a few motivating words on courage and resilience, saying: "Fight hard. Every single day, don't give up and no matter how scary it is get outside of your comfort zone. It will get easier and more comfortable to do so." </p> <p>"Keep going after it even when it's scary. Be brave and never give up. The way to start feeling good in your own skin and life is to be who you really are and embrace and love yourself."</p> <p>"Don't be afraid of mistakes and failures, they make you learn and as long as you get back up, that's all that matters."</p> <p>"Don't you ever give up on yourself and your goals. Don't ever be defined by someone else's judgement and comments." </p> <p>She encouraged her followers to stay true to themselves and remember their self-worth. </p> <p>"Be yourself. Being authentic, real and vulnerable is the way to being happy and thriving. You are worthy and never allow anyone to tell you otherwise." </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

New study links Ozempic and Wegovy to suicidal thoughts

<p>A new study has found a link between weight reduction drugs and reports of suicidal thoughts. </p> <p>Semaglutide, the drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has been widely used for weight loss despite only being approved for the treatment of diabetes. </p> <p>An analysis of data on the adverse drug reactions database of the World Health Organisation found a disproportionate number of people reporting suicidal thoughts while using semaglutide. </p> <p>The research published in JAMA Network also found that the effect was "significant" compared to other diabetes medication, and that people with anxiety and depression were more likely to report suicidal thoughts when taking the drug. </p> <p>The researches have called for "urgent clarification" and larger studies around how semaglutide medications impact the brain. </p> <p>"The study raises key questions about whether additional precautions are needed when prescribing semaglutide," Trevor Steward, a neurobiology researcher from the University of Melbourne said. </p> <p>However, there are a few limitations with the study as there were a lack of information about the dosages, and did not adjust for things like alcohol and substance misuse and off-label use. </p> <p>While the study did not find a direct cause between suicidal thoughts and the use of semaglutide, it is important to raise concerns, especially for those who may want to use these drugs based on information they found on social media, and therefore do not fully understand the risks. </p> <p>The use of semaglutide for weight loss in Australia is considered 'off label', meaning that it has been prescribed for purposes outside of its approved use. </p> <p>The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) believes that these prescriptions have been driving shortages, which they are trying to address and believe will last until 2025. </p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

<p>Mariah Carey has revealed a devastating double tragedy, as both her mother and sister passed away on the same day. </p> <p>In a heartbreaking statement to <em><a href="https://people.com/mariah-carey-mom-patricia-sister-alison-both-died-same-day-exclusive-8701561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em>, the singer announced the deaths of her mum Patricia, 87, and sister Alison, 63, who died over the weekend. </p> <p>Carey's statement read, "My heart is broken that I've lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day."</p> <p>"I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed."</p> <p>"I appreciate everyone's love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time."</p> <p>No cause of death has been revealed for either member of the family. </p> <p>Carey famously had a turbulent relationship with her mother and sister over the years, and was estranged from Alison for three decades before her untimely death.</p> <p>In 2016, Alison, who was a recovering drug addict, made a plea to her famous sister through the Daily Mail to ask for support, saying, "Mariah I love you, I desperately need your help."</p> <p>As well as substance abuse, Alison endured homelessness throughout her life and tested positive for the HIV virus. </p> <p>Mariah opened up about complicated relationships with her mom and sister in her 2020 memoir, <em>The Meaning Of Mariah Carey</em>.</p> <p>"Like many aspects of my life, my journey with my mother has been full of contradictions and competing realities. It's never been only black-and-white — it's been a whole rainbow of emotions," she explained. </p> <p>She said their relationship was a "prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment", however the book was still dedicated to Patricia.</p> <p>"And to Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could," the singer penned in the dedication. "I will love you the best I can, always."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paul Archuleta/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Family & Pets

How to know when it’s time to start therapy

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simon-sherry-557487">Simon Sherry</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/dalhousie-university-1329">Dalhousie University</a></em></p> <p>People go to therapy for many reasons. A challenging life event, trauma, volatile emotions, relationship problems, poor mental health: all can prompt someone to seek it out.</p> <p>Whatever the reason, it can be difficult to decide when and if therapy is right for you.</p> <p>If you’re reading this, now’s probably the right time. If you’re considering therapy, something is likely bothering you and you want help. Consider this your sign to reach out.</p> <p>If you’re still unsure, keep reading.</p> <h2>Why therapy?</h2> <p>Sometimes, our minds work against us. Therapy can help you understand why you think, feel, or act how you do <em>and</em> give you the skills you need to think, feel, or act in healthier ways.</p> <p>This includes helping you:</p> <ul> <li> <p>identify, understand, and overcome internal obstacles</p> </li> <li> <p>identify and challenge thought patterns and beliefs that are holding you back</p> </li> <li> <p>improve your mental health</p> </li> <li> <p>cope with mental illness</p> </li> <li> <p>and create lasting changes to your thoughts and behaviour that can improve all areas of your life.</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <h2>When your mental health is suffering</h2> <p>Everyone experiences negative emotions in difficult situations — like sadness after a breakup or anxiety before a big life event. But when do these feelings become problematic? When you have <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/about-mental-health.html">poor mental health</a>.</p> <p>Mental health and mental illness <a href="https://cmha.ca/news/mental-health-what-is-it-really/">are distinct</a>, but related, concepts. <a href="https://dictionary.apa.org/mental-health">Mental health</a> refers to the inner resources you have to handle life’s ups and downs. You have good mental health if you enjoy life; feel connected to others; cope well with stress; and have a sense of purpose, a sense of self and strong relationships.</p> <p>If you have poor mental health, it can be hard to adapt to changes like a breakup, move, loss or parenthood. Therapy can help you improve your mental health, develop resilience and maintain a state of well-being.</p> <p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/about-mental-illness.html">Mental illness</a> refers to distressing disturbances in thoughts, feelings and perceptions that interfere with daily life. There are <a href="https://cmha.ca/brochure/mental-illnesses/">different kinds</a> of mental illness, each characterized by different thoughts, feelings and behaviours.</p> <p>Mental illness may feel like:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Hopelessness</strong> — feeling stuck, unmotivated or helpless.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Apathy</strong> — feeling uninterested in things that used to give you satisfaction or pleasure.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Anger</strong> — feeling rage or resentment, especially frequently or disproportionately.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Stress</strong> — feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, unwilling to rest or like everything is hard (even if you know it shouldn’t be).</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Guilt</strong> — feeling ashamed, undeserving of good things or deserving of bad things.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Anxiety</strong> — worrying about what has or might happen or having disturbing intrusive thoughts.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exhaustion</strong> — sleeping more than usual, having difficulty getting out of bed or lacking energy during the day.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30136-X"><strong>Insomnia</strong></a> — having difficulty falling or staying asleep.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Both poor mental health and mental illness are equally good reasons to seek therapy.</p> <p>Ask yourself: Am I having trouble dealing with life challenges?</p> <p>If the answer is yes, therapy might be for you.</p> <p>People often cope with the feelings listed above in different ways. <a href="https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAMI-Warning-Signs-FINAL.pdf">Some gain or lose a lot of weight</a>. Others might seek out or do things that are unhealthy for them, like entering a toxic relationship, engaging in dangerous activities, developing an unhealthy habit or procrastinating. Others might isolate themselves from friends and family, or catastrophize and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22468242">ruminate on negative experiences</a>.</p> <p>However it manifests, <a href="https://namica.org/what-is-mental-illness/">mental illness often gets worse if left untreated</a>. It can have very real impacts on your life, potentially leading to unemployment, broken relationships, poor physical health, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration or even suicide.</p> <p>Ask yourself: Is mental illness negatively affecting my functioning or well-being?</p> <p>If the answer is yes, therapy might be for you.</p> <h2>What if therapy didn’t work before?</h2> <p>Many people put off going to therapy because they don’t think their problems are serious enough, but you don’t need a big, deep reason to start therapy.</p> <p>Some people go to therapy to learn more about themselves. Some, to improve their skills, relationships or productivity. Others go for help reaching their goals or because they aren’t happy and don’t know why. Any of these are good reasons to start therapy, even if they don’t seem like “problems” in a traditional sense. You can go to therapy just because there’s something about yourself or your life you’d like to explore.</p> <p>Therapy is a process. Whether psychotherapy works for you depends on many factors, such as time, effort and your psychologist.</p> <p>There’s no quick fix for mental health. Symptoms can take weeks, months or even years to improve. Although this can be frustrating or disheartening, for therapy to work, you have to give it time.</p> <p>Sometimes people go to therapy, but are skeptical or resistant. Therapy won’t work if you aren’t invested in it. For therapy to work, you have to put in the work.</p> <p>Therapy is a vulnerable process, so finding a psychologist you trust and relate well with is crucial. Psychologists also have different specialities and approaches. For therapy to work, you have to find the right therapist for you.</p> <h2>What if I’m not ready?</h2> <p>There are several reasons why now might not be the right time for you to start therapy. Maybe therapy isn’t in the budget. Maybe you have other priorities. Maybe you’re scared to relive trauma. That’s okay. Therapy can be expensive and difficult, but also rewarding. Just because now isn’t a good time, doesn’t mean there will never be a good time.</p> <p>If you don’t want to start therapy, don’t. However, it can be helpful to determine why you don’t want to.</p> <p>Maybe you don’t want to go to therapy because you’re worried what others might think. If so, remember that people are often <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics">more understanding</a> than we anticipate, and there is nothing wrong with investing in your health or happiness.</p> <p>If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. Mental health issues are common. Having them or attending therapy does not mean there is something “wrong” with you.</p> <p>Mental illness affects <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders">970 million people</a> and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics">One in five</a> <a href="https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/">adults</a> and more than <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.5051">one in 10 children and youths</a> have mental illness. About <a href="https://health-infobase.canada.ca/datalab/mental-illness-blog.html">15 per cent of Canadians</a> use mental health services each year.</p> <p>Don’t let stigma keep you from bettering your life and well-being. Everyone deserves to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Therapy can help you get there.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234078/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simon-sherry-557487"><em>Simon Sherry</em></a><em>, Clinical Psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/dalhousie-university-1329">Dalhousie University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-know-when-its-time-to-start-therapy-234078">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

What your nose can tell you about your health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dan-baumgardt-1451396">Dan Baumgardt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a></em></p> <p>Thanks to a quirk known as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201502/is-how-the-brain-filters-out-unimportant-details">unconscious selective attention</a>, your brain has learned to ignore your nose. A prominent feature that’s positioned closely to the eyes, the schnoz could get in the way of our vision – but the nervous system cleverly filters it out.</p> <p>You can choose to look for your nose though. Either close one eye or look left, right or downwards and it’ll pop into view.</p> <p>But, although your brain works hard to stop your nose from interfering with your line of vision, your snout is not something to ignore. Like <a href="https://theconversation.com/navel-gazing-checking-your-belly-button-can-tell-you-a-lot-about-your-health-228759">many other</a> parts of your body, examining the nose can help diagnose external skin conditions – and internal diseases.</p> <h2>Acne</h2> <p>While there are a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/">number of forms</a> of <a href="https://patient.info/skin-conditions/acne-leaflet">acne</a>, <a href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-vulgaris">acne vulgaris</a> is the most common – and it often affects the nose.</p> <p>This skin condition develops from the clogging of tiny glands in the skin that secrete protective oils, which leads to <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/comedonal-acne#outlook">open and closed comedones</a>. Open comedones – better known as blackheads – develop a dark coloured plug, whereas closed comedones are whiteheads that form when the pore is blocked completely. Clogged pores can also develop into larger lumps and bumps which can become infected, inflamed and and pus-filled and can even scar the skin.</p> <p><a href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea">Acne rosacea</a> has a different appearance. It is an inflammatory skin condition that causes erythema – or reddening of the skin – most often across the nose and cheeks. Rosacea <a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/rosacea/#:%7E:text=Although%20rosacea%20can't%20be,you%20can%20stop%20treatment%20temporarily.">is currently incurable</a> but it can be managed, often with long-term treatment. Patients with rosacea may often develop a rash papules and pustules that resembles acne – and also have visible blood vessels that appear as thin red or purplish lines across the nose and cheeks.</p> <p>In some cases, rosacea can cause the skin of the nose to grow and thicken. This condition is referred to as <a href="https://patient.info/doctor/rosacea-and-rhinophyma">rhinophyma</a>, and, like other visible skin conditions, can result in profound changes to appearance and seriously affect self-esteem in sufferers.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cO9pa0aGBTY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Both acne vulgaris and rosacea have been connected with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32238884/">various risk factors</a> and health conditions, though some links are stronger than others. In the case of rosacea, the list includes <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32621366/">high blood pressure and cholesterol</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29107339/">diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis</a>.</p> <h2>Wolf’s nose</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sarcoidosisuk.org/information-hub/what-is-sarcoidosis/">Sarcoidosis</a>, is an inflammatory disease that can affect any of the body’s tissues – though mainly the lungs and lymph nodes. The condition can generate patches of bluish or purplish rashes, particularly on the body’s extremities where the skin is typically cooler. This includes the ears, the fingers and toes, and of course, the nose. When sarcoidosis affects the nose, it’s known as <a href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lupus-pernio">lupus pernio</a>, although the name is a misnomer because this condition is not the same as the <a href="https://lupusuk.org.uk/the-symptoms/">autoimmune disease known as lupus</a>.</p> <p>Regular lupus is a completely different condition where the body attacks its own tissues. It takes its name from the Latin word for “wolf” and the name dates back to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32380218/">medieval times</a> when the associated skin rash was said to resemble the bite of a wolf.</p> <p>When lupus, rather than sarcoidosis, affects the skin it generates a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321594">butterfly rash</a> – or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555981/">malar rash</a>, which fans across the cheeks and nasal bridge. This rash can look very similar to rosacea.</p> <p>In fact, lupus is known as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nm1103-1337a">“the great imitator”</a> because it shares similar symptoms to many different diseases.</p> <h2>Trigeminal trophic syndrome</h2> <p><a href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/trigeminal-trophic-syndrome">Trigeminal trophic syndrome</a> is a rare condition triggered by damage to the <a href="https://teachmeanatomy.info/head/cranial-nerves/trigeminal-nerve/">trigeminal nerve</a>, which controls chewing but also gives sensation to the face. When the smaller nerve branches supplying the area of skin around the nostrils are damaged, sensation is affected. The patient notices either the skin becoming desensitised, or numb – or that it prickles, like pins and needles, creating an urge to pick or scratch. Repeated damage to the skin can <a href="https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/trigeminal-trophic-syndrome/">cause ulcers</a> to develop around the nostrils.</p> <p>This condition differs from <a href="https://theconversation.com/skin-picking-is-often-trivialised-as-a-bad-habit-but-dermatillomania-can-be-dangerous-224659">skin picking disorder</a> – or dermatillomania – when a psychological compulsion drives the desire to pick at the skin.</p> <p>So, close one eye every now and then in order to admire your hooter, or, even better have a good look at it in the mirror. It deserves more recognition than the blind spot your brain allows.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/228760/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dan-baumgardt-1451396">Dan Baumgardt</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-your-nose-can-tell-you-about-your-health-228760">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

All the reasons a cup of coffee really can be good for you

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-stebbing-1405462">Justin Stebbing</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a></em></p> <p>Consuming too much caffeine is definitely bad for your health, and there may be good reasons why some people want to <a href="https://theconversation.com/caffeine-heres-how-quitting-can-benefit-your-health-220746">quit it altogether</a>. But if you despair at the idea of giving up your morning coffee, fear not.</p> <p>There’s lots of research out there to show that moderate coffee intake is linked with all sorts of benefits. As well as well-known pluses improving heart health, a daily cup of coffee even seems to be good for your brain and may help prevent mental illness.</p> <p>For a start, coffee contains several essential nutrients beneficial to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37764216/">overall health</a>. A typical eight-ounce cup of coffee provides small amounts of B <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8073624/">vitamins</a> – riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine and niacin – as well as minerals <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25415479/">potassium, manganese, and magnesium</a>. The nutrients in coffee can contribute significantly to daily intake when multiple cups are consumed.</p> <p>It’s also rich in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36361861/">antioxidants</a>. In fact, many people – especially in the west – will probably get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruit and vegetables.</p> <p>So what does drinking coffee actually mean for the body? One of the most <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/">well-known</a> potential benefits of coffee is its ability to <a href="https://theconversation.com/nope-coffee-wont-give-you-extra-energy-itll-just-borrow-a-bit-that-youll-pay-for-later-197897">boost energy levels</a> and improve mental <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608989/">alertness</a>, especially first thing in the morning or during an afternoon slump.</p> <p>This is primarily due to caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, which blocks the brain’s <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Adenosine.aspx#:%7E:text=In%20the%20brain%20adenosine%20is,the%20brain%20rise%20each%20hour.">inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine</a>, which promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. This leads to increased neuronal firing and the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1356551/">release</a> of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462609/">neurotransmitters</a> like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/">dopamine</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537259/">norepinephrine</a>, which enhance mood, reaction time and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8202818/">cognitive function</a>.</p> <p>However, sometimes it’s difficult to work out cause and effect here. People drink coffee at work, for example, and in social settings with friends so research has to tease out the effects of the coffee and those of the social aspect of sharing time with friends and colleagues.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I9xzgV7z1Bg?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Chronic diseases</h2> <p>In the long term, moderate coffee consumption can help reduce your risk of developing a host of chronic diseases.</p> <p><strong>1. Cardiovascular diseases</strong></p> <p>Moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10262944/">heart disease and stroke</a>. Studies indicate that drinking one to two cups of coffee daily may lower the risk of heart failure. Additionally, <a href="https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2022/03/23/17/55/Good-News-for-Coffee-Lovers-Daily-Coffee-May-Benefit-the-Heart">coffee consumption</a> has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and disease. Interestingly, even when someone has abnormal heart rhythms, <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/03/01/can-people-with-an-irregular-heartbeat-drink-coffee">coffee is not harmful</a> according to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2204737">recent</a> data.</p> <p><strong>2. Type 2 diabetes</strong></p> <p>Coffee may enhance the body’s ability to process glucose, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475321002374">reducing the risk</a> of developing type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that people who consume more coffee have a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/coffee-s-effect-diabetes">lower likelihood</a> of developing this condition.</p> <p><strong>3. Liver diseases</strong></p> <p>Coffee seems to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440772/">help protect</a> the liver appears to have protective. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee have been associated with healthier liver enzyme levels, and coffee drinkers have a <a href="https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/coffee-report/">significantly lower risk</a> of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.</p> <p><strong>4. Cancer</strong></p> <p>Coffee consumption has been linked to a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9916720/">reduced risk</a> of several other types of cancer, including colorectal and womb cancers. A systematic review found that high coffee consumption is associated with an 18% lower risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/">cancer</a>.</p> <p><strong>5. Neurodegenerative diseases</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7773776/">Caffeine</a> is associated with a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353179/">lower risk</a> of developing Parkinson’s disease and may help those with the condition manage their movements better. Additionally, coffee consumption may reduce the risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690364/">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other forms of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7478584/">dementia</a>.</p> <h2>Mental health</h2> <p>As if the physical benefits aren’t enough, coffee has also been shown to have <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20230915/moderate-coffee-intake-lowers-risk-of-anxiety--depression">positive</a> effects on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467199/">mental health</a>. Studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of depression, with some findings indicating a 20% reduced risk of becoming depressed.</p> <p>What’s more, coffee consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of suicide. Research has found that people who drink four or more cups a day are 53% less likely to commit <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23819683/">suicide</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/62wEk02YKs0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Lifespan</h2> <p>With all these benefits, it’s not surprising that <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2686145">research suggests</a> that coffee drinkers tend to live longer than non-drinkers. A large study involving over 400,000 people found that coffee consumption over a period of 12 to 13 years was linked to a lower risk of death – with the strongest effect observed at four to five cups per day.</p> <p>This longevity <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa1112010">benefit</a> could be due to the cumulative effects of coffee’s protective properties against various diseases.</p> <h2>Moderation required</h2> <p>While coffee offers numerous <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/">health benefits</a>, it is essential to consume it in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5696634/">moderation</a>. It’s also advisable to limit added sugars and creams to avoid unnecessary calorie intake.</p> <p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects">Excessive caffeine</a> intake can lead to negative side effects such as jitteriness, anxiety and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292246/">sleep disturbances</a>. Some people who are especially sensitive to caffeine may need to limit their coffee intake or avoid it altogether, as even decaffeinated coffee <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-in-decaf">contains caffeine</a>.</p> <p>As with any dietary component, balance is key. By understanding the potential benefits and limitations of coffee, people can make informed decisions about incorporating it into their daily routine.</p> <p>I, for one, will be sticking to my morning cup.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236852/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-stebbing-1405462">Justin Stebbing</a>, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/all-the-reasons-a-cup-of-coffee-really-can-be-good-for-you-236852">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Talk show legend dies after lengthy health battle

<p>US talk show host Phil Donahue has died aged 88 after a long illness. </p> <p>His family announced his death in a statement to People and <em>NBC News.</em> </p> <p>“Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie,” they said.</p> <p>Donahue was dubbed "the king of daytime talk" for being the first to include audiences as part of the talk show, paving the way for other talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres. </p> <p>He was the host of <em>The Phil Donahue Show</em> for nearly three decades, from 1967 to 1996.</p> <p>The show tackled controversial issues and topics like equal rights for women in front of a live audience.</p> <p>In May, he and 18 other honourees received the Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden, the nation's highest civilian honour. </p> <p>Oprah Winfrey has led tributes to the talk show legend, with a post on social media. </p> <p>"There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously," she shared, with a photo of a pair embracing during one of their meetings. </p> <p>"He was a pioneer. I'm glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2tOpNuz1N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-2tOpNuz1N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Oprah (@oprah)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Former talk show host Ricki Lake also paid tribute to Donahue on social media, saying: "Raising a glass in honor of the great #phildonohue. Phil was an absolute legend and a pioneer in the talk show space.</p> <p>"So honoured to stand beside him at Oprah's show celebrating talk show icons in 2010. Such a warm, super supportive and brilliant man. Grateful for the path he paved and the legacy he has left behind. May he rest in peace."</p> <p>Montell Williams, fellow TV host also described him as "a true pioneer" saying, "Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the landscapes of television. My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and his family. Rest in peace, Phil"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a very sad day. I admired Phil Donahue for so many reasons, and he was one of the finest broadcasters in American television. If there wasn't a Phil, there would have never been a Sally. My thoughts & prayers go out to Marlo and their family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Legend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/talkshows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#talkshows</a> <a href="https://t.co/knqPeAO6TJ">pic.twitter.com/knqPeAO6TJ</a></p> <p>— Sally Jessy Raphael (@SJRaphael) <a href="https://twitter.com/SJRaphael/status/1825545392953647162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>His wife Marlo Thomas, also paid tribute to her husband, with a throwback photo of the pair on holiday. </p> <p>"I'm sure by now you've heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I'll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts," she shared.</p> <p>"But I didn't want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you've let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-3PXINo43s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-3PXINo43s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marlo Thomas (@marlothomas)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing," she continued. </p> <p>"Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ X</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

4 things ancient Greeks and Romans got right about mental health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/konstantine-panegyres-1528527">Konstantine Panegyres</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>According to the World Health Organization, about <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression">280 million people</a> worldwide have depression and about <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2">one billion</a> have a mental health problem of any kind.</p> <p>People living in the ancient world also had mental health problems. So, how did they deal with them?</p> <p>As we’ll see, some of their insights about mental health are still relevant today, even though we might question some of their methods.</p> <h2>1. Our mental state is important</h2> <p>Mental health problems such as depression were familiar to people in the ancient world. Homer, the poet famous for the Iliad and Odyssey who lived around the eighth century BC, apparently <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL496/2003/volume.xml">died</a> after wasting away from depression.</p> <p>Already in the late fifth century BC, ancient Greek doctors recognised that our health partly depends on the state of our thoughts.</p> <p>In the Epidemics, a medical text written in around 400BC, an anonymous doctor <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL477/1994/volume.xml">wrote</a> that our habits about our thinking (as well as our lifestyle, clothing and housing, physical activity and sex) are the main determinants of our health.</p> <h2>2. Mental health problems can make us ill</h2> <p>Also writing in the Epidemics, an anonymous doctor <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL477/1994/volume.xml">described</a> one of his patients, Parmeniscus, whose mental state became so bad he grew delirious, and eventually could not speak. He stayed in bed for 14 days before he was cured. We’re not told how.</p> <p>Later, the famous doctor <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galen">Galen of Pergamum</a> (129-216AD) <a href="https://dfg-viewer.de/show?tx_dlf%5Bdouble%5D=0&tx_dlf%5Bid%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fcmg.bbaw.de%2Fepubl%2Fonline%2Fmets%2Fsuppl_or_05_03.xml&tx_dlf%5Bpage%5D=1390&cHash=a0a715a587fa4e89a8839ccb310b0734">observed</a> that people often become sick because of a bad mental state:</p> <blockquote> <p>It may be that under certain circumstances ‘thinking’ is one of the causes that bring about health or disease because people who get angry about everything and become confused, distressed and frightened for the slightest reason often fall ill for this reason and have a hard time getting over these illnesses.</p> </blockquote> <p>Galen also described some of his patients who suffered with their mental health, including some who became seriously ill and died. <a href="https://dfg-viewer.de/show?tx_dlf%5Bdouble%5D=0&tx_dlf%5Bid%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fcmg.bbaw.de%2Fepubl%2Fonline%2Fmets%2Fsuppl_or_05_03.xml&tx_dlf%5Bpage%5D=1392&cHash=c93bf32c31975103b100e918bee893d9">One man</a> had lost money:</p> <blockquote> <p>He developed a fever that stayed with him for a long time. In his sleep he scolded himself for his loss, regretted it and was agitated until he woke up. While he was awake he continued to waste away from grief. He then became delirious and developed brain fever. He finally fell into a delirium that was obvious from what he said, and he remained in this state until he died.</p> </blockquote> <h2>3. Mental illness can be prevented and treated</h2> <p>In the ancient world, people had many different ways to prevent or treat mental illness.</p> <p>The philosopher Aristippus, who lived in the fifth century BC, used to advise people <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">to focus on the present</a> to avoid mental disturbance:</p> <blockquote> <p>concentrate one’s mind on the day, and indeed on that part of the day in which one is acting or thinking. Only the present belongs to us, not the past nor what is anticipated. The former has ceased to exist, and it is uncertain if the latter will exist.</p> </blockquote> <p>The philosopher Clinias, who lived in the fourth century BC, <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">said</a> that whenever he realised he was becoming angry, he would go and play music on his lyre to calm himself.</p> <p>Doctors had their own approaches to dealing with mental health problems. Many <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KPHaAAAAMAAJ&q=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&dq=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpqszXwuSGAxUjamwGHS1yCuoQ6AF6BAgHEAI">recommended</a> patients change their lifestyles to adjust their mental states. They advised people to take up a new regime of exercise, adopt a different diet, go travelling by sea, listen to the lectures of philosophers, play games (such as draughts/checkers), and do mental exercises equivalent to the modern crossword or sudoku.</p> <p>For instance, the physician Caelius Aurelianus (fifth century AD) <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KPHaAAAAMAAJ&q=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&dq=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpqszXwuSGAxUjamwGHS1yCuoQ6AF6BAgHEAI">thought</a> patients suffering from insanity could benefit from a varied diet including fruit and mild wine.</p> <p>Doctors also advised people to take plant-based medications. For example, the herb <a href="https://www.psychiatriki-journal.gr/documents/psychiatry/30.1-EN-2019-58.pdf">hellebore</a> was given to people suffering from paranoia. However, ancient doctors recognised that hellebore could be dangerous as it sometimes induced toxic spasms, killing patients.</p> <p>Other doctors, such as Galen, had a slightly different view. He believed mental problems were caused by some idea that had taken hold of the mind. He believed mental problems could be cured if this idea was removed from the mind and <a href="https://dfg-viewer.de/show?tx_dlf%5Bdouble%5D=0&tx_dlf%5Bid%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fcmg.bbaw.de%2Fepubl%2Fonline%2Fmets%2Fsuppl_or_05_03.xml&tx_dlf%5Bpage%5D=1396&cHash=1697e4b73dd653092cd8398749f1989f">wrote</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>a person whose illness is caused by thinking is only cured by taking care of the false idea that has taken over his mind, not by foods, drinks, [clothing, housing], baths, walking and other such (measures).</p> </blockquote> <p>Galen <a href="https://dfg-viewer.de/show?id=9&tx_dlf%5Bid%5D=http%3A%2F%2Fcmg.bbaw.de%2Fepubl%2Fonline%2Fmets%2Fsuppl_or_05_03.xml&tx_dlf%5Bpage%5D=1418">thought</a> it was best to deflect his patients’ thoughts away from these false ideas by putting new ideas and emotions in their minds:</p> <blockquote> <p>I put fear of losing money, political intrigue, drinking poison or other such things in the hearts of others to deflect their thoughts to these things […] In others one should arouse indignation about an injustice, love of rivalry, and the desire to beat others depending on each person’s interest.</p> </blockquote> <h2>4. Addressing mental health needs effort</h2> <p>Generally speaking, the ancients believed keeping our mental state healthy required effort. If we were anxious or angry or despondent, then we needed to do something that brought us the opposite of those emotions.</p> <p>This can be achieved, they thought, by doing some activity that directly countered the emotions we are experiencing.</p> <p>For example, Caelius Aurelianus <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=KPHaAAAAMAAJ&q=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&dq=caelius+aurelianus+drabkin+on+acute+diseases&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpqszXwuSGAxUjamwGHS1yCuoQ6AF6BAgHEAI">said</a> people suffering from depression should do activities that caused them to laugh and be happy, such as going to see a comedy at the theatre.</p> <p>However, the ancients did not believe any single activity was enough to make our mental state become healthy. The important thing was to make a wholesale change to one’s way of living and thinking.</p> <p>When it comes to experiencing mental health problems, we clearly have a lot in common with our ancient ancestors. Much of what they said seems as relevant now as it did 2,000 years ago, even if we use different methods and medicines today.</p> <hr /> <p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/232824/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/konstantine-panegyres-1528527">Konstantine Panegyres</a>, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, researching Greco-Roman antiquity, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/4-things-ancient-greeks-and-romans-got-right-about-mental-health-232824">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

Dental staff fired for mocking cancer patient’s private diary

<p>Shocking video has emerged of two dental staff reading a cancer patient's private diary aloud while laughing and mocking her concerns. </p> <p>The video which captured the American employees at Premier Dental Group (PDG) of Knoxville laughing as they read the private diary entries was captioned: "Found a patients journal and now it's story time lmao."</p> <p>The footage was reportedly filmed by another staff member who could be heard giggling throughout the video, according to the<em> New York Post.</em> </p> <p>A woman in black scrubs was filmed reading passages from the diary to others in the room and describing the radiation treatments the worried patient faces. </p> <p>Another woman was sitting cross-legged on the office floor and listening intently, a male employee was also in the room but he did not intervene or join in with the women.</p> <p>It’s not clear how staff obtained access to the patient’s private journal, or why they decided to read it.</p> <p>The video sparked outrage across social media, with Premier Dental Group of Knoxville having to share an apology on Facebook acknowledging the incident. </p> <p>"Premier Dental Group of Knoxville is aware of a recent incident involving an inappropriate video created and shared by some of our employees that addressed an individual’s medical condition in a disrespectful and unprofessional manner.”</p> <p>“We deeply regret this incident and the hurt [it] has caused,” they wrote in the statement which has now been deleted. </p> <p>A spokesperson for PDG confirmed to the <em>New York Post</em> the female employees involved in the incident were fired “effective immediately”.</p> <p>After an investigation it was determined that the male employee in the video did not participate and kept his job. </p> <p>“We are committed to maintaining a respectful and professional environment for everyone, and we will continue to take necessary actions to uphold these standards,” the practice said.</p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p>

Caring

We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhaoli-dai-keller-1547476">Zhaoli Dai-Keller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/perminder-sachdev-46869">Perminder Sachdev</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>The number of centenarians around the world rose from <a href="https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/">151,000 in 2000</a> to 573,000 in 2021. People are living longer, and we can expect to see more people reach 100 in the years to come.</p> <p>Centenarians <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/67A/4/395/623695">exemplify successful ageing</a>, often experiencing <a href="https://agmr.hapres.com/htmls/AGMR_1264_Detail.html">fewer chronic diseases</a> and maintaining independence in daily life well into their 90s. While <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12979-016-0066-z">genetics contribute</a> to longevity, modifiable factors account for more than 60% <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14624729/">of successful aging</a>.</p> <p>But what sort of factors specifically contribute to living to 100? To find out, we reviewed lifestyle and health habits of centenarians and near-centenarians (those aged 95–99) worldwide.</p> <p>Our <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-024-01247-4">recent review</a> included 34 observational studies published since 2000. Here are four key factors we found contribute to extreme longevity.</p> <h2>1. A diverse diet with controlled salt intake</h2> <p>Centenarians and near-centenarians typically had a balanced and diverse diet. We found, on average, they consumed between 57% and 65% of their energy intake from carbohydrates, 12% to 32% from protein, and 27% to 31% from fat. Their diets included staple foods (such as rice and wheat), fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like poultry, fish and legumes, with moderate red meat consumption.</p> <p>This dietary pattern, similar to the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29852087/">Mediterranean diet</a>, is linked to lower risks of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14111364">physical function impairment</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31685303/">death</a>.</p> <p>Most centenarians also preferred a low-salt diet. While only one study in our review measured the mean daily sodium intake, finding 1.6 grams, this was within the <a href="https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/3082#:%7E:text=A%20salt%20intake%20of%20less,much%20more%20salt%20than%20recommended">World Health Organization’s</a> recommendation of less than 2g of sodium per day (equivalent to about 5g of salt). The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20234038/">traditional Okinawan diet</a>, known for its consumption by Japanese centenarians on Okinawa Island, contains an estimated 1.1g of sodium.</p> <p>We found higher salt intake (those who preferred salty food or added extra salt to meals) had a 3.6-fold increased risk of physical function impairment compared to those without a preference for salt.</p> <p>Practically, these findings suggest we should include plenty of wholegrains, root vegetables, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables in our diet, minimise red meat consumption and opt for lean poultry, fish, and plant-based protein, and monitor salt in our food.</p> <h2>2. Lower medication use</h2> <p>Centenarians are not free from chronic conditions but typically develop them much later than average adults. More than half of the people in our review experienced common issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure), dementia, or cognitive impairment.</p> <p>We found people in our review took an average of 4.6 medications. The most frequently used medications included blood pressure medications and drugs for heart disease. This is similar to the results of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051563">a large health register-based study</a> in Spain, which found centenarians took an average of 4.9 medications. Non-centenarians in this study took 6.7 medications on average.</p> <p>The fact centenarians appear to take fewer medications may indicate better health with fewer medical conditions. However, data on medication use is often self-reported and so may not be entirely accurate, especially among those with cognitive impairment.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00007-2/fulltext">Polypharmacy</a> is often defined as taking five or more medications simultaneously, and is common in older adults. Inappropriate polypharmacy is associated with <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults">increased risks</a> of adverse events such as falls, cognitive impairment and hospitalisation, due to harmful drug interactions.</p> <p>While the type or number of prescribed medications may not be within a patient’s control, it’s important for doctors to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12875-017-0642-0">prescribe medications</a> only when necessary, fully inform patients about benefits and risks, and regularly review treatment plans.</p> <h2>3. Getting good sleep</h2> <p>Sleep quality and quantity <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber">affect</a> the immune system, stress hormones, and cardiometabolic functions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Good <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/74/2/204/4837199">sleep</a> is associated with extended years of good health and reduced risks of chronic diseases.</p> <p>In our review, 68% of the centenarians were satisfied with their sleep quality. In a survey of adults’ sleep satisfaction in 13 countries in 2020, sleep satisfaction ranged from <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1233775/adults-worldwide-satisfied-sleep-country/">29% to 67%</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/74/2/204/4837199">optimal sleep duration</a> is between seven and eight hours per night. Tips to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379">achieving better sleep</a> include keeping a regular sleep routine, creating a restful environment, exercising regularly and managing stress.</p> <h2>4. Living environment</h2> <p>More than 75% of the centenarians and near-centenarians in our review lived in rural areas. This is a pattern reflected in “<a href="https://www.bluezones.com/">blue zones</a>”, areas known for high concentrations of centenarians, such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Ikaria in Greece.</p> <p>This may be partly related to the connection between nature and health and wellbeing. For example, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562165/">exposure to green space</a> has been associated with lower stress, depression, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, potentially increasing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107785">life expectancy</a>.</p> <h2>Other important factors</h2> <p>We didn’t look at all lifestyle factors associated with longevity in our review. Research also shows <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S053155650700143X">not smoking</a>, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802963">avoiding alcohol</a> or drinking moderately, staying <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3618983/">physically active</a> and maintaining <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1991">social connections</a> are important for boosting a person’s chances of living to 100.</p> <p>Of course, adopting the lifestyle changes discussed in this article won’t guarantee you’ll reach the ripe old age of 100. And on the flip side, some centenarians have shared <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-you-should-never-take-nutrition-advice-from-a-centenarian-229159">questionable</a> health habits.</p> <p>But many older adults are seeking to adopt <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9092121/">healthier lifestyles</a> to prevent and manage chronic conditions, while health-care professionals are similarly recognising the value of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5638636/">lifestyle medicine</a>.</p> <p>The earlier you can adopt positive lifestyle changes and healthier habits, the better placed you’ll be to achieve a long and healthy life. Becoming a centenarian is a lifelong endeavour.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235100/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhaoli-dai-keller-1547476">Zhaoli Dai-Keller</a>, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney; Nutritional epidemiologist and Lecturer, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/perminder-sachdev-46869">Perminder Sachdev</a>, Scientia Professor of Neuropsychiatry, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-reviewed-the-health-habits-of-centenarians-these-4-things-could-lead-to-a-longer-life-235100">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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WHO declares new global health emergency

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the spread of mpox a global public health emergency, after sounding the alarm following the dramatic rise of cases in Africa. </p> <p>Concerned about the increase in infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has subsequently spread to at least 10 neighbouring countries, the WHO quickly convened a meeting of experts to study the outbreak.</p> <p>“Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern" target="_self">press conference</a> on Wednesday. </p> <p>A PHEIC is the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations, which are legally binding in 196 countries.</p> <p>“The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying,” said Dr Tedros.</p> <p>“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives. This is something that should concern us all.”</p> <p>Since January 2022, 38,465 cases and 1456 deaths have been reported in Africa due to mpox, with cases surging 160 per cent and deaths 19 per cent in recent months compared to 2023. </p> <p>Dr Tedros said the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far this year in DR Congo had already exceeded last year’s total.</p> <p>“The emergence last year and rapid spread of clade 1b in DRC, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring DRC is especially concerning,” he said, citing Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.</p> <p>Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, insisted, “We can stop transmission of mpox with a concerted effort.”</p> <p>However, she said experts needed a “much better understanding of the epidemiology” and the transmission patterns of the virus, which would help make sure the limited number of vaccines could be deployed to best effect.</p> <p>Two vaccines for mpox are recommended by WHO immunisation experts.</p> <p>Formerly called monkeypox, the virus was first discovered in humans in 1970 in what is now the DRC.</p> <p>Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.</p> <p>The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions.</p> <p>A PHEIC has only been declared seven times previously since 2009, over H1N1 swine flu, poliovirus, Ebola, Zika virus, Ebola again, Covid-19 and mpox.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Manuel Romano/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Your legacy. Their future. Will you be the difference in an uncertain world?

<p>Connection. Safety. Friendship. Family. When you <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leave a gift in your Will for Australian Red Cross</a>, there’s no end to the difference you can make.</p> <p>Just ask Elsie. At 95 years old, Elsie has been transformed by weekly visits from Fiona, her Red Cross volunteer. For Fiona, her visits to see 95-year-old nursing home resident Elsie quickly turned into a family affair. </p> <p>"My children, Tom and Meg, have become very attached to her and vice versa. They're like, 'Are you going to see Elsie, can we come too?' They see how lovely it is to be kind to someone like Elsie," says Fiona. "Elsie tells me, 'You're my special family.'"</p> <p>Fiona's dog, Mia, is even a regular visitor at the Tasmanian nursing home. "Mia's like a celebrity. All the residents love her."</p> <p>The family marks all the big milestones with Elsie, like Christmas Day when they brought her home for a special morning tea. "When she turned 95 in December, we took her to a café. She said that was the best birthday she'd had for a long time."</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/08/RedCross_01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Elsie celebrating her birthday with Fiona's children, Tom and Meg. </em></p> <p>It is very much a two-way friendship, says Fiona. "I wasn't expecting it to be like that. I thought it was going to be more me doing lots of things for Elsie. But she gives back a lot."</p> <p>Like when Fiona's daughter, Meg, didn't pass her driver's license test. "Meg was quite upset. Elsie goes to her, 'That's why they invented pencils with rubbers at the end. They are there for you to rub out your mistakes, and then you can have another go.' </p> <p>"She's wise. She gives them little bits of advice and words of wisdom, and they listen to what she says … I can't believe she's 95 years old. Her mind is so unbelievably sharp."</p> <p>Fiona says that, lately, Elsie has not been as mobile as she was, and so they often spend their time together at the nursing home. "We find a nice spot and have a cuppa … She likes telling stories about her life. She talks a lot about her husband, her upbringing, people she's met.</p> <p>"Often, I'll bring her some magazines, or she will have asked me to get some stamps. And my kids have been great with her with technology, how to do this and how to do that. </p> <p>"We chat with other residents as well. Even though Elsie's our person, there are other people we've got to know. She introduces us as 'This is my family.'" </p> <p>Fiona says the first time they met, she and Elsie discovered they had much in common. They both grew up in the same country town and had travelled around Australia managing hotels.</p> <p>They care a lot about each other, she says. "I think it's given her more of a will to live. That sounds pretty deep, but I know how much she looks forward to seeing us; it's giving her more purpose in life.</p> <p>"Elsie always says, 'You make me feel so happy. I love seeing you, it's such a highlight.' I say it back to her because it's the same for me, 'I get so much joy out of seeing you.'"</p> <p>Fiona says she hopes her story inspires other people to volunteer, too.</p> <p>Your generosity, captured in your Will, can help fund programs like our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and foster social connections like Elsie and Fiona’s. The program supports more than 1000 participants across the country with the majority between the ages of 78 and 89.</p> <p>Everybody deserves the warmth of kindness and friendship, and your Will can help Australian Red Cross share that with people for generations to come.</p> <p><a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/08/RedCross_02_wQRCode.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="638" /></a></p> <p>If you would like a free <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Planning Checklist</a>, or more information, our <a href="mailto:litran@redcross.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gifts in Wills Specialist</a> would love to help.</p> <p>You <a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="mailto:litran@redcross.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get in touch here</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> or call 1800 733 276.</span></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Australian Red Cross.</em></p>

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The best exercises to boost your brain health after 60

Do mobile phones cause brain cancer? Science makes definitive call

Sir Ian McKellen shares health update after fall

Sir Elton John reveals "severe" health issue

Constipation increases your risk of a heart attack, new study finds – and not just on the toilet

I’m due for a cervical cancer screening. What can I expect? Can I do it myself? And what happened to Pap smears?

Jimmy Barnes shares heartwarming health update

New device could help GPs detect Alzheimer's in minutes

Jelena Dokic's candid admission on weight loss

New study links Ozempic and Wegovy to suicidal thoughts

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

How to know when it’s time to start therapy

What your nose can tell you about your health

All the reasons a cup of coffee really can be good for you

Talk show legend dies after lengthy health battle

4 things ancient Greeks and Romans got right about mental health

Dental staff fired for mocking cancer patient’s private diary

We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life

WHO declares new global health emergency

Your legacy. Their future. Will you be the difference in an uncertain world?

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

The best exercises to boost your brain health after 60

Do mobile phones cause brain cancer? Science makes definitive call

Sir Ian McKellen shares health update after fall

Sir Elton John reveals "severe" health issue

Constipation increases your risk of a heart attack, new study finds – and not just on the toilet

I’m due for a cervical cancer screening. What can I expect? Can I do it myself? And what happened to Pap smears?

Jimmy Barnes shares heartwarming health update

New device could help GPs detect Alzheimer's in minutes

Jelena Dokic's candid admission on weight loss

New study links Ozempic and Wegovy to suicidal thoughts

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

How to know when it’s time to start therapy

What your nose can tell you about your health

All the reasons a cup of coffee really can be good for you

Talk show legend dies after lengthy health battle

4 things ancient Greeks and Romans got right about mental health

Dental staff fired for mocking cancer patient’s private diary

We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life

WHO declares new global health emergency

Your legacy. Their future. Will you be the difference in an uncertain world?

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