Wellbeing

Research-informed reading on physical health, mental wellness, nutrition and fitness – summarised from trusted health publications, with a link to every original source.

TopicsMental healthDiet and healthPrognosisFitness and exerciseBoost intelligence

  • Should I dine indoors this winter?

    Due to improved immunity and the availability of vaccines and treatments, Covid restrictions are less stringent. While infection rates in NYC have decreased, epidemiologists recommend considering personal risk factors and comfort levels with Covid before resuming activities like indoor dining. Additionally, observing lower-traffic times at restaurants and scrutinizing ventilation could make dining safer. Nevertheless, a “zero risk” scenario remains unfeasible.

  • How Dogs Help Us Lead Longer, Healthier Lives

    Having a dog promotes health benefits including fewer doctor visits, better sleep, and less reliance on heart medications, according to several studies. The presence of a dog alters the home’s bacteria composition, possibly supporting the human immune system, reducing risk for allergies and asthma. Dogs also provide a source of companionship and support, aiding chronic pain management and boosting mood. Pet ownership is associated with lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels, ultimately contributing to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and better survival rates post heart attacks.

  • Creativity Rules: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and into the World by Tina Seelig

    Tina Seelig’s book, “Creativity Rules,” demystifies the creative process and provides actionable strategies to transform ideas into reality. Seelig presents her Invention Cycle, consisting of four phases: imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The book teaches readers how to control their creativity, and put it to work professionally and personally. It employs real-world examples and practical exercises, emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and risk-taking in the creative process.

  • Golang Interview Assignment 10: Valid Sudoku with Tests

    This article explains two solutions to a programming assignment on determining if a filled 9×9 Sudoku board is valid by creating test cases and functions in Golang. The solutions use the Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach and ensure no digit repeats in each row, column, or 3×3 sub-box. The first solution uses no additional data structures, while the second employs three 9×9 boolean arrays for efficient validation.

  • Kindness is (weight loss) medicine

    Weight bias among healthcare providers can discourage patients from seeking medical assistance and impact their mental wellbeing. Clinicians’ tone and attitude while discussing weight significantly affect patient outcomes. Studies show that doctors who approach weight issues optimistically inspire more success in weight loss programs. Therefore, physicians should share decision-making regarding weight with patients, showing empathy and taking into account a patient’s willingness to lose weight.

  • Holistic well-being: Nutraceutical industry branches out to beauty, mood, healthy aging and weight loss

    Consumers increasingly seek holistic health solutions through supplements that support both physical and mental well-being. The industry, according to experts, is responding with ingredients and formats that improve sleep, reduce stress, and aid healthy aging, among many other benefits. However, they emphasize the need to improve nutrient absorption for better efficiency. Experts also note the growing intersection between beauty and nutrition, as well as a rise in products for stress management and healthy aging.

  • Low-fat diets may reduce fatigue among multiple sclerosis patients, experts flag

    Reducing daily caloric intake by 19% may decrease fatigue levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a 16-week randomized trial involving 39 MS patients. The results suggest that low-fat diets can improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition, with no FDA-approved drug for fatigue currently available. The trial revealed that adherence to a low-fat diet resulted in reduced fatigue levels.

  • I Ran the New York City Marathon for the First Time Last Weekend. Here’s What I Learned

    The writer shares their firsthand experience of completing the New York City Marathon and offers insights for future participants. The proposed tips include selecting a flexible training schedule, stressing the importance of post-run stretching and strength training, listening to one’s body to avoid injuries, testing all gear prior to the race, creating a race day plan, adding a personal touch like printing your name on a shirt, and dressing in layers to handle unpredictable weather.

  • Lifting Weights Doesn’t Only Make Us Physically Stronger—It Can Support Trauma Healing, Too

    Weight lifting is being increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic tool for healing trauma. Alyssa Ages, a seasoned athlete, turned to strength training for comfort after a miscarriage, improving her mind-body connection. Similarly, the non-profit Trauma Informed Weight Lifting studies how lifting can heal trauma, citing self-reliance, and reconnecting mind and body as major benefits. However, researchers advise that weight lifting isn’t a substitute for professional therapy.

  • She Had a Week Between Tours, So She Ran an Ultramarathon

    Singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy ran her first ultramarathon despite jetlag and harsh weather conditions, pushed by the “pain cave” mentality from ultramarathoner Courtney Dauwalter. This experience paralleled with her creative process for her third album, in which she applied patience and endurance. She plans to find more time for ultramarathons alongside her touring schedule.

  • An Honest Review Of Jennifer Aniston’s Beloved Pvolve Workouts

    Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout, Pvolve, focuses on gentle but effective functional fitness. Pvolve offers dynamic movements for balanced, total body strength training and provides specialized equipment including the P.ball for core strengthening and the P.band for upper body training. The platform offers in-person, on-demand, or live virtual classes with various programs. The workout reportedly improves balance, mobility, and simplifies everyday movements without draining or exhausting the user.