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

  • If Some Cold Medicines Don’t Work, What Should You Take for a Stuffy Nose?

    When dealing with cold or flu symptoms, it’s important to choose over-the-counter medication wisely, as not all may work effectively. Notably, oral phenylephrine, an ingredient in many such medicines, doesn’t work and was removed from CVS Health’s offerings. Alternative effective medicines include Pseudoephedrine, nasal decongestant sprays – though they can worsen symptoms with prolonged use, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines. Also, neti pots could be helpful to relieve nasal congestion.

  • The Best Brain Training Games and Software for Challenging your Mind

    The article discusses the use and benefits of brain training games and software, aimed at enhancing focus, memory, and cognitive abilities. Products like Elevate, Foxmind, Queendom, and LogicLike offer various exercises and activities that cater to different preferences and objectives. Choices range from individual exercises to family-friendly games, some providing further engagement through storytelling. These tools promote mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and a sharper mind.

  • I Tried Low-Cortisol Workouts For A Week & My Body Is Grateful

    Engaging in high-intensity workouts had adversely affected a writer’s mental and physical wellbeing due to the elevated levels of stress hormone cortisol. They shifted to low-cortisol workouts, discovering healthier alternatives like barre, Pilates, and walking on TikTok. Low-cortisol workouts promote moderation, incorporating long rest periods and avoiding high-impact movements. After transitioning to these workouts, the writer noticed improved sleep and reduced burnout, emphasizing the significance of workout adaptations based on individual cortisol responses and overall health.

  • Childhood Independence Is a Mental-Health Issue

    American parents’ hypervigilance, compelling them to exhibit over-conscientiousness and restrict their children’s independence, is potentially detrimental to children’s mental health. A study in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests this overbearing parenting contributes to a decline in the mental well-being of children. Instead, children ought to engage in unsupervised, spontaneous play, and navigate their environments independently to develop emotionally and socially. Parents’ insecurities, coupled with societal expectations, further entrench these behaviours.

  • Why You Need To Change Your Workout Routine in Perimenopause

    Perimenopause, a stage before menopause, is characterized by symptoms like hot flashes, irritability and weight gain. Clinical exercise physiologist Janet Huehls recommends shifting exercise expectations during this stage, stressing the importance of functional strength training and cardio that improves stamina, without causing further stress. The focus should be on listening to the body and practicing routines that contribute to overall wellbeing, rather than strictly adhering to high-intensity workouts.

  • Mindfulness in the Digital Age: Wearable Technology and Mental Health

    In the high-speed digital world, wearable technology, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, are emerging as significant tools for promoting mindfulness and mental well-being. These devices provide real-time feedback on body’s response to different situations, offer guided meditation and breathing exercises, and track sleep for better mental health. However, it’s important to use these devices mindfully, avoiding overemphasis on every metric to prevent digital stress. Truly, these devices could revolutionize mental health management in the digital age.

  • How Do the Health Benefits of Pickleball Compare to Tennis?

    While pickleball is often regarded as “tennis for old people,” a study including 4,799 pickleball and 7,780 tennis players conducted by Apple and Brigham & Women’s Hospital shows that both can provide substantial health benefits. Though tennis workouts tend to be more intense, pickleball workouts are more consistent and longer, and players from both sports showed improved mental health. Overall, the difference in benefits is insignificant, and any physical activity is encouraged.

  • Unveiling the Dark Side of Social Media: Why It’s Bad for Your Mental Health

    While social media fosters connectivity and self-expression, it also has a dark side impacting mental health negatively. The culture of comparison, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), cyberbullying and the pressure of maintaining a perfect image can cause anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Social media addiction and the deterioration of real-life relationships further exacerbate these effects. Protective steps, such as limit usage, mindful scrolling, focusing on offline relationships, and seeking professional help when needed, can mitigate these harmful impacts.

  • Potato starch supplements considered for bone marrow transplants

    Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center are testing potato starch supplements as a potential remedy for Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD), a harmful complication in blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant patients. Early findings suggest that potato starch can alter intestinal bacteria byproducts to potentially prevent GVHD, necessitating further investigation through additional clinical trials. Currently, GVHD treatment involves strong medication that risks life-threatening infections.

  • Scientists discover genes behind “ultra-low” GI rice for low blood sugar spikes

    Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines have identified genes responsible for low glycemic index (GI) in rice, aiming to provide diabetic consumers with low GI rice. With innovations like ultra-low GI rice, the freedom to consume rice could be restored. However, caution is advised against overconsumption, as portion control remains important.

  • Are colonoscopies worth it?

    Colorectal cancer, the second-most deadly cancer globally, credited with over 1.7% of all deaths, is tackled predominantly with colonoscopies in the US. Recent randomized controlled trials have proved ambiguous, querying the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the invasive procedure. This procedure operates on the adenoma-carcinoma hypothesis, removing polyps formed by mutant cells that could develop into cancer. Alternative screening procedures include the occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy, both less invasive and cheaper.

  • Experts highlight health benefits of a good night’s sleep in older, obese adults

    Poor sleep quality in overweight older adults is linked to health issues including anxiety, depression, and alteration in body composition, according to a Brazil-based study. The research, which assessed 95 participants, found poor sleepers had more body fat, less lean muscle, and poorer mental health. Consequently, sleep quality is emerging as a significant health factor, with obesity among older adults worldwide on the rise.