Sunday, January 7

Using social media to find fitspiration?

It is 2024, and if you are thinking of starting a new fitness challenge, eat healthier to improve your health. It is a great decision and step to take. Just so you know, there is nothing wrong with doing better or setting good goals.

There are few medical treatments that have shown the health benefits of exercising regularly. You need to decide what type of exercise is best for you, but how do you decide? You can get advice from your doctor or your personal trainer. It is also good to educate yourself about fitness by reading books or following trusted exercise classes.

Many people always scroll through social media, seeing lots of engaging fitspirational posts, which might not always be the best strategy. A new study suggests that you should rethink this strategy.

What is fitspiration?

Fitspiration is a social media post that is made with the intention of inspiring physical fitness and promoting good health. You can find fitspirational posts on different popular social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and YouTube. They usually include beautiful images and videos of people giving advice on food and exercise, as well as inspirational sayings and quotes.

If you search for #fitspiration (or related hashtags like #fitspo) on Instagram alone, you will see close to 100 million posts at the moment. The majority of them show pictures of fit, attractive, and slender ladies working out while discussing fitness and maximizing health.

Why is fitspiration a problem?

The pro-fitness message that millions of individuals see might have positive benefits. But the message needs to be credible and from a valid source. Importantly, posts shouldn't provide false, damaging, or ineffective information. Which is the problem with fitpiration.

Social media fitness has effects, and according to research, when you are focused on realistic exercise goals rather than appearance, These posts have their sides and downsides for those watching, which include:

Being dissatisfied with their body

Poor mood and negative false feelings

Thinking they are not attractive

Accepting that being thin is ideal and the only beauty standard accepted.

More focused on their appearance than function and capability.

A study of #fitspiration: Do these social media updates genuinely motivate exercise?

The fitspiration hashtags that are used by Instagram influencers to rate the quality of their posts. A recent study carried out showed some disappointing results, but these weren't surprising.

100 Fitspiration influencers on Instagram were listed by the writers. The last 15 posts made by each of these accounts were checked, and these posts were untrustworthy.

They showed nudity or revealing clothing by wearing bikinis at the gym.

sexualized the person exercising, such as by focusing on a woman's breasts or buttocks.

Included are pictures of people with extreme body types, like those who are excessively muscular or terribly underweight.

They did not focus on health; their messages promoted thinness or other negative messages.

contained fitness information in three or fewer posts out of 15.

HEALTH/FITNESS

How to keep your vagina clean and healthy?

Vagina health

It is the weekend, ladies let us take time out to care for our inner parts because it is very important.

With the help of natural fluids, the vagina is meant to keep itself clean (discharge). Learn how to maintain your vagina clean and healthy, and why you don't need vaginal wipes or douches. In general, good vaginal health can be maintained by maintaining good overall health.

Sanitary pads, feminine spray and deodorants, scented oils, bubble baths, bath oils, talc or powder are all examples of feminine hygiene items that can irritate the vulva.

Wearing nylon tights or panty girdles is not recommended. They trap heat and moisture, making them ideal for organisms to reproduce. Before wearing leggings wear nylon or cotton pants.

After washing, rinse underclothes well or double-rinse. Using too much detergent is highly not advisable.

Before wearing new underwear, make sure they're clean.

If your healthcare physician recommends it, take sitz baths daily.

It is highly recommended to wear only 100 per cent cotton underwear. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to vulvar discomfort, avoid wearing nylon, acetate, or other artificial fibres.

Vaginal discharge is a natural way for the vagina to wash. Do not use douches unless your doctor has recommended them. These products have the potential to disrupt organisms' natural balance.

HEALTH/FITNESS

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How to keep your vagina clean and healthy?

Dry skin : Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis

What is dry skin?

Because of its high water content, normal skin is smooth and elastic. A minimum of 10% water must be present in the top layer of skin for it to feel soft, flexible, and "normal." Sebaceous glands in the skin generate an oily material called sebum to help prevent the outer layer of the skin from losing water. Sebum is a complex combination of fatty acids, sugars, waxes, and other natural compounds that act as a water-repellent barrier. When the skin lacks sebum, it loses moisture and feels dry. The skin will shrivel and crack if environmental factors cause more water evaporation and overwhelm the sebum's ability to prevent water loss.

Xerosis, or dry skin, is a widespread issue in modern society that affects people of all ages, including babies. Most occurrences of dry skin in the United States are caused by one or more of the following factors:

Excessive bathing or showering, excessive scouring of the skin when washing, or harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum are all examples of lifestyle factors that promote sebum loss. In certain situations, especially among school athletes who wash multiple times a day, the outcome is dry skin all over the body. In other situations, dry skin exclusively affects the hands, such as in health care professionals, food handlers, house cleaners, homemakers, moms with diapered children, and others who wash their hands regularly.

Extreme environmental circumstances can overcome the skin's natural protective barrier, which causes water to evaporate. This is a major cause of dry skin in those who live in sun-drenched desert conditions, particularly in portions of the Southwest in the united state of America.

Reduced sebum production — Because the number and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin tend to decrease with age, this is frequently a factor in the elderly.

In the northern United States, dry indoor air can also induce dry skin and "winter itch," especially in those who utilize forced-air heating systems. Frequent exposure to wind and sun among outdoor athletes can drain water from the skin, leaving it uncomfortable and dry. Because the chemical composition of pool water pulls moisture from the body, even swimmers might have dry skin.

Dry skin is a common complaint among diabetics and those with skin allergies (atopic dermatitis). It can also be a sign of hypothyroidism, renal failure, or Sjögren's disease in rare cases. Furthermore, dry skin can occur as a side effect of many medications, particularly topical acne treatments.

Symptoms

Itching might be the only sign of dry skin, but most individuals will also notice that their skin is flaky and wrinkled more than usual. During the winter, dry skin symptoms may intensify, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors, where the heated air is dry.

BEAUTY

Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Acne is a very common skin problem. Inflammation of the skin's hair follicles and oil-producing (sebaceous) glands causes it.

Hair follicles are the tiny structures in the scalp that produce hair. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands which surround the hair follicles in acne-prone areas. The "pilosebaceous unit," which consists of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, is where acne pimples and cysts form. Sebum hydrates the hair and skin. Each hair, together with sebum, pushes up through the skin's surface.

Acne frequently appears during puberty. Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin are overstimulated to produce sebum. These sticky cells clog the hair follicles of the skin, trapping the sebum. The bacteria that normally live in hair follicles multiply as a result of the blocked, oil-filled follicle. As a result, there are inflammation, redness, and pimples (pustules). Acne flare-ups in adolescents are most likely caused by a natural increase in androgen hormones during the adolescent years. These androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing them to produce an excess of sebum. Hereditary factors also play a role in the problem.

The following factors can cause acne:

Oily cosmetics

Humidity

Sweating profusely

Drugs such as Lithium Steroids

Poor diet or poor hygiene are not causes of acne. Excessive skin washing can aggravate an acne flare-up.

HEALTH/FITNESS

Acne: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Saturday, January 6

This will make you healthier and strong

Effective Strategies for a Healthier You

As we step into a new year, many of us are determined to prioritize our health and make positive changes. One common goal that tops the list is losing weight. However, with countless fad diets and conflicting information available, it's crucial to approach weight loss with a sustainable and science-backed approach. In this article, we will guide you through the most effective strategies to help you shed those extra pounds and achieve a healthier, happier you in 2024.

1. Set Realistic Goals:

Begin your weight loss journey by setting realistic and achievable goals. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations that could lead to disappointment or frustration. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can help you set personalized and attainable targets based on your current health, body composition, and lifestyle.

2. Adopt a Balanced and Nutritious Diet:

Focus on making sustainable changes to your eating habits rather than following restrictive diets. Incorporate a balanced mix of macronutrients, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Prioritize portion control and mindful eating to avoid overeating.

3. Hydration is Key:

Don't underestimate the power of staying hydrated. Drinking an adequate amount of water not only helps curb hunger pangs but also improves digestion, boosts metabolism, and supports overall well-being. Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day and reduce your consumption of sugary beverages.

4. Regular Exercise Routine:

Engage in a regular exercise routine tailored to your fitness level and preferences. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, along with strength training exercises to build lean muscle mass. Find activities you enjoy to make exercise a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

5. Prioritize Quality Sleep:

Sleep plays a crucial role in weight management. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support hormonal balance, reduce cravings, and maintain energy levels. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and create a sleep-friendly environment to optimize your rest.

HEALTH/FITNESS

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Thursday, January 4

What is the best choice for colon cancer screening

What is the best choice for colon cancer screening and when should it be done?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and the incidence rate is increasing, particularly among adults aged 20 to 49. Unfortunately, only about 30% of eligible adults in the United States have been examined for CRC.

Screening tests that look for cancer or precancerous growths called colon polyps can help avoid colon cancer.

When is the best time to begin screening?

For average-risk people, the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends commencing CRC screening at the age of 45. These recommendations are based on the most recent information on when the risk of colon cancer begins to rise.

Patients at average risk have no personal or family history of colon cancer, nor do they have a genetic disease that raises their risk of getting CRC. As a result, patients should discuss their family history with their primary care physician, including all cancer diagnoses in blood relatives, so that the optimal time to start colon cancer screening may be determined.

Which type of screening should you go with?

The most crucial aspect of colon cancer screening is having a test performed. Colonoscopy or FIT testing are the most popular procedures to screen for colon cancer in most patients. If you can't or don't want to have a colonoscopy or FIT testing, there are other choices to think about. Finally, this is a personal and essential decision that a patient should address with their healthcare professional so that the appropriate test can be performed at the appropriate time.

It is recommended that high-risk people undergo screening before the age of 45. A primary care physician can help identify when and how a patient should be checked for CRC if they are concerned about their risk level. Patients with a history of CRC or polyps, a first-degree relative with CRC or advanced polyps (those that would have progressed to CRC if not removed), a family history of certain genetic syndromes, or a history of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) are all high-risk factors.

What screening options are available for CRC?

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the gold standard of screening tests, detecting about 95% of CRC cases. It's also the only way for a gastroenterologist to discover and remove potentially malignant colon polyps at the same time. Although colonoscopies are generally low-risk procedures, they can include a minor risk of bleeding and perforation, which increases with age.

Prior to the operation, patients should drink a colonoscopy prep, which washes stool out of the colon so that it may be adequately examined during the procedure. The gastroenterologist's office provides the prescription instructions for the prep.

To ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible, the procedure is usually performed under anaesthesia. It's vital to note that patients aren't put under general anaesthesia, but they usually feel tired and relaxed throughout the procedure.

A gastroenterologist will put a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera at the end, into the rectum during a colonoscopy. The colon is then thoroughly examined. If no polyps are found and the colon has been adequately prepared (cleanout), a repeat colonoscopy is recommended in 10 years. This period will be shorter if polyps are discovered, or if the patient's risk level or symptoms change.

United States

Cancer

What are the most recent treatments for Cancer

Regarding the most prevalent malignancies in males, what's new?

Medical research continues to aim for more potent cancer medicines. New approaches that can treat cancer sooner and improve results are still being discovered in labs and research trials. What then has garnered the greatest attention in the fields of colon, lung, and prostate cancer—the three malignancies that affect men most frequently?

Cancer of the prostate

The use of hormone treatments to treat cancer in both advanced and early stages has attracted increasing attention. A few active trials are noteworthy. For example, patients at high risk of cancer relapse are receiving rigorous hormone treatment both before and after prostate surgery as part of the PROTEUS experiment.

In high-risk patients who have already received radiation and hormonal therapy but still have detectable PSA levels, an analogous approach would be to increase the dosage of hormonal medication.

Following prostate surgery, some individuals with high-risk prostate cancer are also receiving hormonal therapy. Using genetic testing of prostate tissue to identify men who have a high risk of cancer recurrence, ERADICATE research is investigating the potential benefits of aggressive hormone therapy for these men following a prostatectomy. (The outcomes of the ERADICATE study and the PROTEUS experiment are anticipated in a few years.)

Treatment for prostate cancer that has already spread has also advanced recently. "In these cases, the common treatment approach is radiation to the prostate and intensive hormonal treatments," the statement reads.

Cancer

RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that typically only causes cold symptoms in most people. However, for infants and young children with certain health conditions, RSV can pose serious risks. Luckily, a revolutionary immune-boosting therapy has emerged as a potential solution.

What kind of complications can RSV cause?

RSV is the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old. Particularly for children with heart or lung diseases, it can lead to life-threatening breathing problems.

What treatment options are available for RSV?

Currently, there are no effective medications for treating RSV. However, a preventive medication called palivizumab (Synagis) can be administered monthly during the RSV season to high-risk infants. It's worth noting that while RSV can occur year-round, many cases are reported between late fall and early spring. Unfortunately, strict criteria set by insurance companies and the need for monthly doses have limited its accessibility.

HEALTH/FITNESS

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The Approved Medication for Relieving Menopausal Hot Flashes

FDA Approves Groundbreaking Medication for Relieving Menopausal Hot Flashes

The FDA approves the first medication for treating hot flashes.

Women who are suffering from the uncomfortable hot flashes associated with menopause may find relief with a new drug. The FDA authorized fezolinetant (Veozah) in May 2023. It's the first medication made expressly to lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and sweats that accompany a woman's declining estrogen levels. Fezolintant is a non hormonal medication that modifies the brain's regulation of body temperature, in contrast to hormone replacement therapy, which is the primary treatment for hot flashes and may increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer. The medication needs to be taken consistently, and it needs to be taken with regular blood tests to monitor for any potential side effects, such as liver damage. Back discomfort, diarrhea, sleeplessness, and abdominal pain are possible additional side effects. Aside from hormone-based pharmaceuticals, other non hormonal treatments for hot flashes include antidepressants, blood pressure treatments, and medications for nerve pain.

Depositphotos

HEALTH/FITNESS

Wednesday, January 3

Black communities continue to suffer from opioid misuse and overdoses.

Increasing opioid-related deaths in Black communities are associated with health disparities.

From 1999 to 2019, the opioid crisis caused half a million deaths. In contrast, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a tremendous increase, with in more people dying of opioid overdoses last year than ever before. However, the nature of the crisis has altered.

Traditionally, the opioid epidemic has been viewed as predominantly affecting white Americans in rural regions. This was partly purposeful, since pharmaceutical corporations picked these places to avoid the glare of law enforcement agents. Black people were far less likely to be provided opioids for pain management, even when medically needed in emergency situations, which contributed to the greater likelihood of opioid addiction among white Americans. However, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the rapid infiltration of opioids into black communities is accelerating the epidemic's growth.

According to new research, more black Americans are dying from drug overdoses.

The opioid crisis is gradually ensnaring black people, according to a report just released by the CDC. Opioid overdoses increased by 30% in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in 91,799 deaths. However, the growth was not observed universally. The death rate among African-Americans climbed by 44%, the largest increase of all racial and ethnic groupings, and double that of white Americans.

In 2020, for the first time in the history of the opioid epidemic, the death rate from opioid overdoses was higher among African-Americans than among white Americans, largely due to the increase in illicit fentanyl.

HEALTH/FITNESS