The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it a multitude of concerns for those balancing work and holiday preparations. Many are feeling the pressure of achieving their year-end goals, yet it is essential to prioritize health amidst these stresses.
While you cannot eliminate all kinds of stress, you can learn how to manage stress and develop resilience—the ability to recover from adversity.
Some people seem to enjoy better and healthier lives because they are inherently upbeat and cheerful. These people frequently transform obstacles and possible setbacks into chances and achievements. This way of thinking is consistent with the idea of "antifragility," which is the capacity to flourish and become more resilient in the face of adversity and stress. According to this perspective, stress is a necessary part of life, and developing antifragility enables people to leverage their strengths to overcome obstacles.
Question. I have high blood pressure, and a friend suggested I take a potassium supplement. Is that a good idea? If so, how much should I take?
Answer. That’s an excellent question, and it’s one that many people ask for good reason—potassium can be a bit complicated. The short answer is no; you shouldn’t take potassium supplements unless your doctor specifically prescribes them. Here’s why:
First off, it’s better to get your potassium from food rather than supplements. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, including spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocados. Diets rich in potassium can help manage blood pressure and are linked to a reduced risk of stroke. These diets are also typically lower in sodium and packed with other beneficial nutrients, which may contribute to improved blood pressure.
Now, it can get a little confusing. Many blood pressure medications, especially a common class known as diuretics, can affect your potassium levels. Some diuretics lower potassium levels, while others can increase them. Additionally, certain ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril) or ramipril (Altace), may also raise potassium levels. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can have a similar effect.
Raisins, dates, figs, and other dried fruits might not be as appealing as fresh fruits, but these little sweet bites can help you meet your goal of eating at least two servings of fruit a day.
One major benefit is their long shelf life, which means you won’t have to worry about them going bad. They’re also lightweight and make for easy snacks, especially when paired with nuts. A classic duo is raisins and peanuts, while dried apricots with almonds make another delicious combination.
Keep in mind that dried fruits are energy-dense and higher in calories, so it’s important not to overindulge— a serving size is just a quarter-cup. However, they also pack in a lot of nutrients along with those calories. Most dried fruits are excellent sources of potassium and fiber, and they’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Just be aware that some dried fruits may have added sugar, so always check the label to avoid unnecessary empty calories.
Dried fruits are also great mixed into oatmeal, baked into muffins, or added to salads and grain-based dishes.
In case of an emergency, you need to have medicines, tools, health paperwork, and plans on hand.
If you live near the coast, you need to start getting ready for storms early. Storms can come on quickly, giving you little time to plan where to stay safe or what to bring with you in case you need to leave. In the chaos, people often forget essential health care items like medicines or medical gear.
Dr. Scott Goldberg, the medical director of emergency preparedness at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a longtime member of a FEMA task force that aids areas damaged by hurricanes, notes that people may bring their diabetes medication but forget to bring their blood sugar monitor or their hearing aids.
This storm season, learn what to expect and how to ensure that your health care kit is the most important item in it.
What will the storm season be like in 2024?
The hurricane predictions for this year make it even more important to start getting ready right away.
For the 2024 hurricane season, which runs until November 30, forecasters with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expect more storms than usual.
There could be 17 to 25 storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, including 8 to 13 hurricanes. Four to seven of these could be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
What types of plans should you create?
Preparing for the possibility of major storms is a significant task. Before the storm's fierce winds and heavy rains even start, you need to get hurricane supplies, figure out how to keep your home safe, and plan your escape route (especially if you live in a flood zone). For information on where to stay, call the disaster management office in your city or county.
For medical reasons, you may need help getting out of the area or at a shelter. Check to see if your county or city has a special needs list like this one in Florida. If you sign up, first responders will be able to call you when there are storms and take you to a special shelter with medical staff, hospital cots, and maybe even oxygen tanks.
What should you bring?
A shelter provides a secure location to endure a storm, complete with food, water, and restrooms, but you must carry all necessary items. It is essential to bring enough medical supplies and medical tools.
"It's easy to just grab the prescription drugs from your cabinet, but what if you only have enough for two days?" You might have to wait a while to get another one. "For every prescription, we suggest at least 14 or 30 days' worth," says Dr. Goldberg. "Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting an extra refill to keep on standby for your go bag."
For many people, adopting a healthy diet often feels like a series of sacrifices: skipping appetizers, cutting back on carbs and saturated fats, or giving up desserts altogether. But what if there was something you enjoy that’s actually good for you? And no, I’m not referring to chocolate (which, in moderation, can be quite beneficial!).
This time, it's nuts that are getting attention. Previous studies have shown that higher nut consumption is linked to improved heart health and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. For instance, several trials have associated eating nuts with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, nuts are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
A 2018 study highlights walnuts as an especially beneficial option. This isn’t the first time researchers have arrived at this conclusion. A prior analysis involving 365 participants across 13 trials found that diets rich in walnuts resulted in lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol compared to other diets. Since then, further studies with larger participant groups and longer follow-ups have been published.
The latest analysis reviewed data from 26 studies, involving over 1,000 participants. Those who included walnuts in their diet showed:
- Lower total cholesterol (about 7 mg/dL, or a 3% reduction)
- Lower LDL cholesterol (about 5.5 mg/dL, a 4% reduction)
- Lower triglycerides (around 4.7 mg/dL, a 5.5% reduction)
- Lower apoprotein B (a protein linked to heart disease) by nearly 4 mg/dL
Although these reductions in blood lipids were modest, larger improvements (like a 12 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol) were noted when compared to a typical U.S. or Western diet, which tends to be high in red meats, fatty dairy, and sugary foods.
Many people worry that a diet high in fats, such as those from nuts, might lead to weight gain, but fortunately, participants on the walnut-rich diet did not experience any weight gain.
Moreover, newer studies have also pointed to the health benefits of walnuts, including improved blood lipids and potential brain health protection.
What Makes Walnuts So Healthy?
While the findings are intriguing, they raise the question of whether walnuts are uniquely beneficial. It could be the type of oils in walnuts that contribute to their cardiovascular advantages. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthier than saturated fats. They also contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy blood vessels and positively impact blood lipids.
It's important to note that not all nuts are created equal. Many nuts, such as almonds and cashews, are high in monounsaturated fats, along with polyunsaturated fats. While these are healthier fat options compared to saturated and trans fats, walnuts' unique combination of fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids may offer specific benefits for heart health.
Smartwatches and rings can track various health metrics, like physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and even your heart's electrical activity. However, the FDA cautions against using these devices to monitor blood sugar levels if they claim to do so without any skin penetration. The FDA has not evaluated the safety or effectiveness of these devices, and relying on them could lead to inaccurate blood sugar readings. This poses a significant risk for those with diabetes, who need to regularly check their blood sugar levels — typically through a finger prick test or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that uses tiny sensors that penetrate the skin and send data to a smartphone app. It's important to note that the FDA's warning pertains specifically to smart rings and watches that promise needle-free monitoring, not to CGMs. If you're concerned about the accuracy of your blood sugar monitor, it’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s an FDA-approved, reliable device.
Reclaiming a better nighttime sleep can significantly enhance your health, but it requires patience and effort to adjust your habits. If you often find yourself awake until the early hours and sleeping in, or if you feel more creative and productive in the afternoon or evening, you may be a night owl—quite different from a morning lark, who rises with the sun and sleeps early.
For a long time, experts believed there weren't significant health differences between night owls and morning larks as long as you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep. However, new insights suggest it might be beneficial to reconsider your sleep patterns.
Risks of Being a Night Owl
Recent studies indicate that being a night owl can increase the likelihood of developing various health issues. For instance, research found that individuals who identified as night owls had a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those who are morning larks. Night owls also tend to have a higher chance of being overweight and may engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking, smoking, poor eating habits, and insufficient sleep. Even when accounting for these lifestyle factors, the risk of diabetes remained elevated among night owls.
Moreover, another study indicated that going to bed later than 10 p.m. is linked to a higher risk of obesity, particularly among those who sleep fewer hours compared to morning larks.
Consequences of Inadequate Sleep
Night owls typically experience less sleep than morning larks, adding to their health risks. Sleep is crucial for the brain to eliminate toxins and consolidate memories. Insufficient, low-quality sleep can lead to poor focus, increased risk of accidents, weakened immunity, and various diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
Embracing Nighttime Sleep
Humans are naturally wired to sleep best during the dark hours. Getting quality sleep in the dark maximizes the restorative benefits of sleep. If you're a night owl and stay up late, you're likely not taking full advantage of this natural sleep cycle.
Strategies for Success
To successfully shift your sleep schedule, adopt good sleep hygiene practices:
- Exercise regularly but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
- Steer clear of alcohol and spicy foods in the evening.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: dim the lights, turn off screens, and engage in calming activities like reading.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: sleep in a cool, dark room with cozy bedding.
Here’s what the latest research suggests. Intermittent fasting, which involves following a strict eating schedule to aid weight loss, is becoming increasingly popular. But does it really work?
Recent studies indicate that intermittent fasting might offer similar or even slightly better benefits for weight loss compared to traditional calorie-restriction diets. One of its key advantages is its simplicity, which can make it easier to stick to than other weight-loss plans.
While other diets focus on what foods to eat and how much, intermittent fasting centers on when to eat. It involves not eating for specific periods throughout the day. There are several methods, but one of the most common is the 16/8 approach. In this method, you eat during an eight-hour window (like from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and fast for the next 16 hours (from 6 p.m. until 10 a.m. the following day). During the fasting hours, you can drink plain water, tea, or coffee, and it’s important to maintain healthy eating habits during your eating window.
Short-term studies show that people often find it easier to stick with intermittent fasting compared to low-carb diets. The 16/8 schedule can be simpler to follow since you’ll be sleeping for about half of the fasting period. This means you just skip late-night snacks and either delay or skip breakfast.
The State of Ketosis
So, how does intermittent fasting aid weight loss? Going for long periods without eating can push your body into a temporary state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy. Ketosis occurs when your body runs low on glucose (its main energy source) and starts using stored fat instead. For some people, fasting for sixteen hours is enough time to begin producing ketones and enter ketosis.
Intermittent fasting is associated with several health benefits, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Some research even suggests it may promote a healthier gut microbiome, improving digestion and offering protection against infections. Many who practice intermittent fasting report increased energy levels. However, the current evidence supporting these benefits is still limited, and the long-term effects remain unknown. Most studies have focused on smaller populations and only observed the effects over a few weeks to a year.
Now, mushroom coffee is gaining popularity, with enthusiasts claiming it offers various health benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, better focus, enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammation.
Let’s explore whether the health claims surrounding mushroom coffee are valid.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is typically made using medicinal mushrooms, not the typical ones you find at the grocery store. Common varieties in mushroom coffee blends include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail, all selected for their potential health benefits. By the time these mushrooms are harvested, dried, and processed, their presence is often subtle, especially when mixed with coffee beans, cacao, or tea blends like matcha or chai. Most people describe the taste as "nutty" or "earthy," or they might not notice any flavor at all.
What are the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee?
The concept behind mushroom coffee is straightforward: to tap into the health advantages of medicinal mushrooms in a convenient and (hopefully) tasty coffee drink.
Many mushroom coffee brands highlight the use of mushrooms in traditional medicine, tracing back thousands of years to Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. They claim benefits like improved mental and physical performance, enhanced immunity, and better sleep. Some even suggest that mushroom coffee could aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and fat burning.
However, there’s a lack of research on medicinal mushrooms specifically involving humans. While studies on cells or animals do show promising health benefits from consuming medicinal mushrooms, it’s unclear if the same effects apply to humans.
So, is mushroom coffee worth trying?
Possibly. Mushrooms come with various health benefits. A recent review published in the journal Molecules suggests that the medicinal mushrooms commonly found in many coffee blends can boost immunity and may help regulate metabolism. Their high antioxidant content might also contribute to slowing down the aging process.
That said, there’s still a shortage of well-structured clinical trials on humans. Plus, none of the existing research directly involves mushroom coffee, so it’s uncertain whether any health benefits survive the processing and blending of mushrooms into coffee drinks.
In the end, swapping your regular cup of coffee for mushroom coffee might not be harmful, especially if you're okay with paying a little more. However, you might get more benefits by enjoying a side of shiitake mushrooms with your morning eggs and coffee. They’re low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and tasty to boot!
It’s super easy to brush off the signs that you might need some help with anxiety or depression. Often, the signs aren’t glaringly obvious. We might notice small shifts in our mood or behavior but attribute them to getting older—like when your muscles feel a bit weaker or your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
Sometimes we think, “Of course I’m worried; I have heart issues,” or “Of course I feel down; I’m not as important as I once was.” But here’s the thing: feeling sad (like, really sad) or anxious doesn’t have to be just part of aging. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings can really help you feel better and make the most of life.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Recognizing anxiety and depression often means taking a moment to reflect honestly on how you’re feeling and behaving. Here are some signs to consider:
Signs of Depression and Anxiety
Apathy. Have you noticed that the things you used to love don’t excite you anymore? Does life feel a bit empty? These can be telltale signs of depression.
Feeling Helpless or Hopeless. Do you often think that there’s not much you or anyone else can do to improve your situation? If you feel stuck in this mindset, it could point to depression.
Changes in Habits. Are your eating or sleeping patterns all over the place? Whether you’re eating too much, not enough, or reaching for that extra drink more often than usual, these changes can be signs of depression.
Persistent Fatigue. Sure, it’s normal to feel wiped out after a long day, but if you’re feeling tired all the time, it could be linked to anxiety or depression. Sometimes, it might even be due to a medical issue like an underactive thyroid.
Difficulty Focusing or Making Decisions. If you find it hard to make choices because you’re constantly worrying about making the wrong one, or if you struggle to pay attention, that could be a sign of anxiety or depression.
Mood Swings. If you’re feeling irritable or finding it hard to control your emotions, frequent mood swings could indicate something deeper going on.
Unending Worry. Are you stuck in a cycle of worrying about everything instead of enjoying the moment? This kind of constant worry might be tied to an anxiety disorder.
Wanting to Be Alone. Enjoying some time alone to read or meditate is one thing, but if you’re isolating yourself because interacting with others feels too draining, that could be a sign of depression.
What You Should Do
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have anxiety or depression. But if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or less joyful in life, it might be time to reach out for help.
Start by talking to family and friends. Share your feelings with those who you know will be understanding and supportive. If you feel hesitant about opening up to loved ones, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
When anxiety hits, it often brings along some not-so-fun physical symptoms like headaches, an upset stomach, or feeling breathless. If you've been dealing with these issues, it’s worth considering that your emotions might be the real culprits, not just some random bug.
A big player in this is your autonomic nervous system. It’s the part of your body that takes care of things without you even thinking about it—like your heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It kicks into gear when you feel threatened, triggering your fight-or-flight response, which is your body’s way of helping you either defend yourself or get out of a tricky situation.
But when stress or anxiety hits, this system can go into overdrive, leading to all those annoying physical symptoms. Doctors often see patients who have real discomfort but no clear medical reason for it. In our fast-paced world, many of us might start experiencing these symptoms without realizing that anxiety is at play. This can create a nasty cycle: stress leads to physical symptoms, and then worrying about those symptoms makes everything worse. The more you fixate on what you’re feeling, the more intense those feelings can get. It can be overwhelming, leaving you stuck in a loop of anxiety and discomfort.
Step one: Understand the process
Children always want to sleep with their parents. This is because they feel loved and protected while also enjoying a snuggle. Most parents need privacy, but make sure you are emotionally ready before starting the sleep-ahead process.
If during this process you notice that the child becomes more irritable than usual, you should see a doctor.
When you change where your child sleeps, it also means you are changing the child's habit. Here are some tips to help the child change the habit to start sleeping alone:
The sleeping space has to be appealing. Nothing can replace you. A relaxed room makes it easier for the child to sleep. Decorate the room. Let the room represent the child's personality. Example: If the child likes angels or a particular character, let the wall paper be an artwork with their favorite character.
Add details that suit the child: if the child likes a bright room, use light curtains, but if they like a dark room, use light-blocking curtains. While the child is adjusting to the change, use white noise to help them sleep better. Avoid TV, iPad, or devices in the bedroom. These devices change their sleep patterns.
Create a consistent bedtime schedule. Avoid letting the child stay up late.
A consistent and calming bedtime routine is important. To help lower the energy level, give them a bath and snuggle with them while reading a bedtime story. This helps them wind down and end the day with you being the last face they see before they sleep off.
If your child finds it difficult to go to bed, you can sit in the room. Try to gradually shorten the time you are in the room.
If the child gets out of bed, take them back to bed. The child might not like it, but you need to not give in. Take them back to their room.
Let the child know you appreciate the progress. You can use a reward system, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to pass the right message.
If nothing is working and you notice the child getting really upset, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
There’s no secret about it: staying fit is essential to maintaining good health. In today's fast-paced world, many people struggle to find time for themselves, leading to health challenges that can feel overwhelming. Various fitness pathways are being promoted, and while some offer quick results, many are unsafe or unsustainable. It’s important to be cautious—looking fit is not the same as being healthy.
Health statistics show a worrying trend: more people are experiencing serious health issues than ever before. Many in their 40s are starting to feel like they’re older. We cannot let this happen. Now is the time to take charge of your health. While it may be tempting to stay lazy or come up with excuses, remember this: if you want to enjoy your later years, you need to invest in your health now. And the good news is—it’s never too late to start.
Imagine transforming your overall health in just 12 weeks. You might be asking yourself, "Is this really possible?" The answer is yes, and Candour offers a proven fitness program to help make it happen.
With the holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to commit to a healthier, happier you. Imagine starting the new year feeling confident, energized, and in the best shape of your life. While most people think the "new year" begins on January 1st, a fresh start can happen any day you decide to make a change.
What is the Candour 12-Week Program About?This 12-week program is a personalized, one-to-one personal training sessions and online coaching plan designed specifically for individuals over 40 years of age who are ready to reclaim their health, fitness, and confidence.
Why Focus on People Over 40?As we age, maintaining fitness and healthy habits becomes more challenging. Our bodies change, energy levels fluctuate, and finding time to focus on health can feel impossible. This program is tailored for those who may have lost sight of their fitness goals but are ready for a lasting, meaningful transformation.
This isn’t just another workout plan—it’s a comprehensive wellness journey that blends fitness, nutrition, and habit-building for long-term success.
Here’s what makes it unique:
- Tailored to Your Life: Every fitness routine, nutrition plan, and habit-building strategy is customized to meet your personal goals and fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
- Real Human Support: The expert coaches at Candour guide you through every step, providing real-time feedback, encouragement, and motivation. Plus, there’s a dedicated Candour Facebook group where you can connect with like-minded individuals on the same journey. This supportive community helps keep you motivated and accountable, ensuring you stay on track.
- Convenience of Online Coaching: With Candour’s easy-to-use app, you can complete your workouts anytime, anywhere, making it a flexible option for even the busiest schedules.
- A Proven, Holistic Approach: This program isn’t just about losing weight or toning muscles. It’s about transforming your body, mind, and lifestyle. By the end, you’ll have healthier habits, more energy, and a renewed outlook on life.
Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll follow a program designed to progressively build better habits, increase your fitness, and improve your overall well-being. Here’s what you can expect:
Personalized Fitness Routines: Each workout is crafted to address your specific needs. Whether you’re aiming to improve strength, flexibility, or endurance, the program offers a customized plan just for you.
Nutrition Guidance: Say goodbye to confusing advice and diet trends. With so many misleading fitness videos on social media, it’s easy to get lost. Candour simplifies nutrition with realistic, sustainable meal plans tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
Habit Coaching: Real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Week by week, the program focuses on helping you build better habits so that by the end of the 12 weeks, you’ve made life changes that stick for the long term.
Ask yourself:
- Do you struggle with low energy and constant fatigue?
- Have you tried other fitness programs but found it hard to stick with them?
- Do you want a personalized approach that fits into your busy life?
- Are you ready for a real, lasting transformation—not just a temporary fix?
If any of these resonate, this program could be the right fit.
Why This Program WorksThe success of "12 Weeks to a Better You" lies in its ability to meet you where you are, regardless of your current fitness level or lifestyle. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Expert Coaching: With years of experience, the trainers know exactly how to guide you toward success.
- Ongoing Support: Your coach will be with you every step of the way, helping you overcome challenges and celebrate your victories.
- Results That Last: The focus on habit-building ensures that the changes you make will stick long after the program ends.
This is your opportunity to start a fitness journey that goes beyond just looking good—it’s about feeling good inside and out. Imagine a future where you feel confident, strong, and energized every day. That future starts now.
Sign up for Candour’s 12-week program and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Don’t wait for change to happen—create it!
Use a bottle. Fill up a plastic water or soda bottle with water. Place the pill on your tongue and firmly shut your lips around the bottle opening. Take a drink, keeping the bottle in contact with your lips and sucking to take the water and medication. Do not let air into the bottle.
Tuck your head. Place the pill on your tongue. Take a drink of water and keep it in your mouth. Lower your chin towards your chest. Swallow the tablet and water with your head bent.
Make the pill look like something else. Put it in something that can be taken without chewing, like applesauce, yogurt, or a fruit or vegetable purée.
Modify the medication. Check with your pharmacist to see whether the tablet may be ground or broken into smaller bits that can be mixed with food to make swallowing easier. (This is not an option for coated pills, time-release formulations, combination drugs, or capsules, which are designed to be eaten whole.)
Try a different format. Consult your doctor to see if the drug can be taken as a drink, a topical treatment (such as a cream or patch), or an injection.
This phenomenon undoubtedly detracts from your enjoyment of meals. However, you should be aware that there are numerous reasons why food may taste too salty.
Do you experience seasonal allergies? Postnasal drip, as well as allergies to certain foods, can cause a salty sensation. Potential causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, and vitamin B12 insufficiency. Even persistent dry mouth, which can be caused by a variety of drugs, can make food taste particularly salty.
Even if you have one of these disorders, don't accept having a salty tongue. It's a good idea to discuss the problem with your primary care doctor. Who will work with you to find solutions to your problems, which could be as simple as altering your prescriptions? they may request some basic blood tests to determine the cause.
Have you ever rode an e-scooter or e-bike? These "micromobility" modes of transportation are undeniably convenient, affordable, and fun to use. But did it feel a little dangerous?
Indeed, the number of accidents involving e-bikes and scooters is increasing. Given their remarkable rise in popularity, this may not come as a surprise. Then there's the way riders frequently use them: at high speeds, near automobiles and pedestrians, and on roads and sidewalks that weren't built for them.
Disruptive developments such as e-bikes and scooters are always associated with disadvantages. So, how can we reduce the danger of accidents?
Electric bikes, scooters, and injuries
Between 2018 and 2022, e-bike sales increased from approximately 250,000 per year to more than a million. E-bike and e-scooter rentals have also risen considerably. As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, emergency departments observe an increase in the number of persons injured while riding them.
A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open emphasizes this. The researchers used data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. They compared emergency room visits between 2017 and 2022 for persons injured while riding an e-bike or e-scooter to those injured while riding traditional bikes and scooters.
What did the study discover?
During the six-year study period, approximately three million people riding e-bikes, e-scooters, or their conventional counterparts sought emergency room care, including approximately 45,500 e-bike riders and 190,000 e-scooter riders, as well as approximately 2.5 million conventional bike riders and 305,000 conventional scooter riders.
Several themes evolved regarding e-micromobility:
ER care has increased dramatically.
- E-bike injuries have more than doubled each year, from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022.
- E-scooter injuries have climbed by more than 45% every year, from 8,566 in 2017 to 56,847 in 2022.
- 43% of e-bike and scooter riders wore helmets, compared to 52% of conventional micromobility users.
- 7% of e-bike riders and 9% of e-scooter riders had consumed alcohol before their accidents, compared to 4% of conventional bike riders and 3% of conventional scooter riders.
More accidents occurred in urban areas than in rural settings.
- 83% of accidents involving e-bikes and scooters
- 71% of typical motorcycle and scooter accidents.
All cyclists had similar injuries, with scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and head and neck injuries being the most prevalent.
As we age, our appearance changes along with our wisdom and experiences. These changes are most noticeable on our faces.
How the Face Ages
Over time, several changes occur:
Foreheads: They expand as hairlines recede.
Ears: They may get longer due to cartilage growth.
Noses: The tips may droop because the connective tissue weakens.
Behind the scenes, fat in the face, which is evenly distributed when we’re young, starts to lose volume, clump up, and shift downward. This can cause formerly round features to sink and smooth skin to sag. Additionally, the lower part of the face may gain fat, leading to a baggy chin and jowly neck.
Wrinkles also appear, with deep ones on the forehead and between the eyebrows caused by facial muscles continually tugging on the skin. Other folds deepen as fat decreases and moves around, while finer wrinkles result from sun damage, smoking, and natural skin degeneration.
Addressing an Aging Face
While aging gracefully is beautiful, some may want to slow down these changes. Here are some options:
Celebrate Aging: Embrace age-related changes as reflections of life’s joys and challenges.
Facelifts: surgical procedures that remove excess tissue and lift sagging skin. Though effective, they are expensive and may require additional procedures.
Nonsurgical Alternatives: These include rejuvenating treatments, which, while not cheap, can be effective.
Tips for a Youthful Appearance
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Creams and lotions: moisturizers can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Prescription creams containing retinoids can reduce wrinkles and liver spots by promoting collagen production and altering melanin.
When we think about toxic chemicals and pollution, cancer or neurological issues often come to mind. However, these hazardous substances also play a role in the leading cause of death: cardiovascular disease.
“Recognizing that chemical pollutants can contribute to heart disease is a recent development, but it’s very real,” says Dr. Philip Landrigan, an adjunct professor of environmental health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He explains that the risk from environmental pollution has often been overshadowed by other classic heart disease risk factors.
“Cardiologists have made great strides in identifying and addressing these risks. Heart disease deaths are much lower now than in the 1950s. But with fewer people smoking and better control of cholesterol and blood pressure, environmental exposures are getting more attention,” he says.
Pollution Sources
Chemical pollutants include toxins in the air, water, and soil. Among these, air pollution is the biggest threat to heart health, according to Dr. Landrigan. Other concerning contaminants include heavy metals like lead, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pesticides, as noted in an article from Circulation Research.
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During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, you might experience red, rough, raw, and itchy skin because of low humidity both outside and inside. The outer layer of your skin reflects the humidity around it. Luckily, there are many simple and inexpensive ways to relieve winter dry skin, also known as winter itch.
Even if you live in a warm place, most people will deal with dry skin at some point. These tips can help keep your skin soft and healthy, whether you’re in chilly New England or sunny Hawaii.
Keeping Moisture in the Skin
Moisturizers are the first step in fighting dry skin. They rehydrate the top layer of skin cells and lock in moisture. There are three main types of ingredients in moisturizers:
Humectants: Attract moisture (e.g., ceramides, glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, lecithin).
Occlusives: Seal in moisture (e.g., petrolatum, silicone, lanolin, mineral oil).
Emollients: Smooth skin by filling in spaces between cells (e.g., linoleic, linolenic, lauric acids)
Practicing self-care isn't just about your well-being—it's about your physical health, too.
Our post Physical Self-Care emphasizes that's especially crucial for women, who are often more pressured to follow societal beauty standards. That's why it's important to learn how to distinguish physical beauty from physical health. By nourishing your body, keeping it in good shape, and loving what it's capable of rather than what it looks like, you can better uplift both your physical and mental well-being.
Viewing physical self-care through this lens can be especially helpful for losing weight more sustainably. Shedding pounds for the sake of your long-term health rather than to look thinner can be especially vital given the increased risk of developing chronic diseases that comes with being overweight or obese. The above steps can help you start that journey. However, simply establishing a healthier lifestyle isn't a one-size-fits-all solution and won't work for everyone.
That's why demand for weight loss drugs, particularly Ozempic, is on the rise. Due to growing obesity rates worldwide, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which supplies Ozempic, sold over $21 billion of these weight loss drugs in 2023 alone. But can Ozempic really aid physical self-care—or is it just a way for people to take a "shortcut" when it comes to weight loss?
When does Ozempic promote sustainable weight loss?
Ozempic is considered a GLP-1 medication. Originally designed to treat diabetes, it works by regulating levels of naturally occurring hormones in the body. In doing so, it sends satiety signals to the brain, helping you feel full faster and managing your appetite so you eat less. You may have first heard of Ozempic as a "celebrity drug." Its widespread use by big names has led to what's dubbed Hollywood's Ozempic epidemic, something that experts say may influence ordinary consumers to take the medication even if they don't need to. Though that may make it seem like an unhealthy way to streamline the process of losing weight in line with social pressures, the truth is that it can significantly aid sustainable weight loss—when it's in the right hands.Because Ozempic can result in significant weight loss, healthcare professionals only prescribe it to a key population: individuals who are overweight or obese and find it challenging to lose weight due to medical factors. That includes people who are genetically predisposed to obesity—as well as women diagnosed with pre-existing medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. In these cases, an Ozempic prescription can help when these medical issues negate healthy lifestyle efforts like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
From this perspective, the weight loss drug can significantly promote physical self-care when your own biology hinders progress. That's especially true given the many health benefits Ozempic provides. Aside from helping prevent and manage conditions commonly associated with excess weight, like type 2 diabetes, it can reduce cell inflammation to significantly boost kidney and heart health. Ozempic can even prevent cognitive decline and lower your risk of developing conditions like depression and anxiety, meaning its benefits extend to your mental well-being.