Despite decades of investigation, no definitive cause has been identified. In spite of this, a new study has found a correlation between ALS and professional football.
Why is Lou Gehrig's disease referred to as ALS?
Much about ALS has remained a mystery since its discovery in the late 1800s. It is extremely rare, affecting only two persons in every 100,000. If it weren't for Lou Gehrig, the Hall of Fame baseball player who played for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and 1930s, you wouldn't have heard about this condition. At the age of 36, he was diagnosed with ALS and died two years later. The condition is now commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease in honour of Lou Gehrig.
The Ice Bucket Challenge and other widely publicized social media efforts have done much to increase interest in and support for ALS research in recent years.
Trying to find out what causes ALS
According to several studies, the following may increase your risk of developing ALS:
One out of every ten cases can be attributed to genetics.
One study has shown that heavy smokers are 26 per cent more likely to acquire Lou Gehrig's disease.
Inhalation of pesticides, such as those applied to crops.
Bacterial or viral illnesses are uncommon.
A physical injury is serious enough to limit one's ability to go about one's everyday routines.
Physically demanding jobs, such as those performed by professional sports or members of the military.
Injuries to the head, including concussions and more minor head trauma.
While head injuries have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the function they play in the development of ALS is less clear.
ALS has been linked to professional football, according to a new study.
Some occurrences of ALS may be explained by a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Playing professional football may be a risk factor for developing the condition, according to the findings.
In the National Football League (NFL) from 1960 to 2019, 19,423 men participated (NFL). A total of 38 people were diagnosed with ALS during that time period, and a total of 28 people succumbed to the condition.
The chance of having ALS and dying from the disease was roughly four times higher among these present and past football players than among men in the general population.
The average football career of NFL players with ALS was seven years longer than that of those without the disease (4.5 years).
At the time of their ALS diagnosis, several NFL players were in their 30s. This is a lot younger than the average age of onset for ALS.
How reliable are these conclusions?
This was purely a case study based on direct observation. To determine whether or if an individual's participation in the NFL is associated with a certain ailment, researchers can do an observational study (ALS). It does not, however, prove that the risk factor was the cause of the illness.
A confounder, a component that wasn't explored or accounted for, could explain the correlation in research like this. As an illustration, no data were gathered on head traumas, pesticide exposure, smoking, or family history in this study at all. This means that it cannot tell us if these factors played a role in the development of ALS.
In addition, only obituaries and Google News articles were used to find diagnoses of ALS in NFL players. A study of the athletes' medical records failed to corroborate the diagnoses. As a result, ALS patients may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Perhaps the study missed ALS cases among less well-known players, whose health issues or fatalities might not be covered by the media. The researchers logged markers of NFL stardom to explain this (including selection to the NFL Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame). Players with and without a greater level of fame were shown to have the same ALS risk.
However, the authors of this study failed to investigate if playing professional football may increase one's risk of developing ALS. According to the authors of the study, traumatic brain injury may be to blame.
In conclusion
Trying to figure out which sports have a negative impact on brain health is a top priority for researchers and public health specialists alike. In the past few decades, experts' suggestions for contact sports have evolved to include the use of protective equipment, revisions in-game rules and restrictions on the participation of younger players.
Studies have shown a substantial connection between brain impairment from repeated head trauma and concussions, as previously stated. Brain trauma may be a factor in some cases of ALS, according to a new study.
Over the course of his sporting career, Lou Gehrig is said to have suffered numerous concussions. The potential that Lou Gehrig's death was caused by traumatic brain injury has been raised by this new research, regardless of whether or not he had Lou Gehrig's disease or CTE with ALS signs. Even as we applaud individuals who display great athletic ability and a will to win at any cost, it is critical that the health of people who participate in sports be protected even more.
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To be clear, we encourage you to give flowers to those you care about throughout the year, but Valentine's Day is the one day when you can go all out.
If you're looking for some floral inspiration, we've selected a few bouquets that are sure to bring a smile to your loved ones, from cheerful sunflowers for your mother (don't tell us you were going to skip her!) to sophisticated calla lilies for your significant other and daisies for your best friend. This year, these lovely and fragrant floral arrangements are certain to bring a smile to your Valentine's face.
Which flower is most frequently given as a gift on Valentine's Day?
Roses
Unsurprisingly, roses are the most popular flower among lovers. According to CNN, an overwhelming 51% of Americans purchase red roses on Valentine's Day, which makes sense given their divine perfume and association with romance, passion, and beauty.
Orange or golden roses: Similar to red roses, orange or golden flowers convey a powerful sense of passion and emotional energy — similar to a blaze of fire.
The Tinder Swindler on Netflix: Ladies this is a must-watch
Ladies we need to take a chill pill because this can happen to anyone, what the fuck. The stagging of the scam was 100 per cent and believe me anyone can fall for this. I felt so bad for his victims and this is because she was courageous enough to speak out.
This story is centred on The Tinder Swindler is a riveting Netflix documentary that features testimonies from victims who fell for a dating app scam. Shimon Hayut pretended to be an Israeli businessman named Simon Leviev and defrauded numerous ladies. Express.co.uk has all the details on his current whereabouts.
Catfishing has become more prevalent in the world as more individuals turn to date services in search of a connection.
There have been various instances in the past where individuals pretended to be someone else. The Tinder Swindler case is fairly similar, albeit a little more heinous.
This story is centred on The Tinder Swindler is a riveting Netflix documentary that features testimonies from victims who fell for a dating app scam. Shimon Hayut pretended to be an Israeli businessman named Simon Leviev and defrauded numerous ladies. Express.co.uk has all the details on his current whereabouts.
SHIMON HAYUT, AKA TINDER SWINDLER, WHO IS HE?
According to Radio Times, Shimon was a normal man who purported to be a billionaire and met ladies on Tinder under the name Simon Leviev. He frequently referred to himself as "the diamond prince."
He chose the surname Leviev because he claimed to be the son of Lev Leviev, a millionaire Russian-Israeli diamond magnate. Indeed, to lend credibility to his claim, he hired a handful of people to serve as his aides and business partners.
Home improvement ideas
Maintaining your home space is important, particularly if you intend on putting your home on the market sometime soon, or if you simply want to freshen up your space. The best part about home improvements is that they do not always have to be large or lengthy tasks. Home improvement ideas or renovations are often discarded as they are out with the comfort zone of the usual, hoovering, disinfecting, or dusting however, they do not always need to be that complex! Continue reading as we discuss a variety of projects that you can complete to better your home both inside and out.
Extensions
Let's begin with one of the pricier home improvement ideas, but potentially the one that will impact your home and family the most. Extension projects are becoming more and more popular, especially with the housing market rising, as families would much rather extend aspects of their home than follow through with the extra expense and hassle of relocating. Extensions can be made through the garage, basement, or loft conversions or most popularly, through a two-story extension attached to the side or the back of the property. Extensions are perfect if you require extra space or additional rooms within the home and can ultimately reduce clutter as there is additional storage space now added to your home.
Add in feature walls
Feature walls are a perfect way to add dimension, texture, and also colour to a space and can be highly beneficial if your home is looking slightly bland. A common mistake homeowners make when selecting colour schemes for the rooms within their property is choosing a single colour and attempting to add dimension by altering the shades. For example, a grey living room, with a grey couch, grey painted walls, a grey carpet, and grey canvasses on the walls. Yes, we know...that's a whole lot of grey! Although the features within the room do feature different shades of grey, the room has little to no dimension within it and simply requires a pop! This is where a feature wall comes into play as it adds a focal point to the room making everything else look a lot less combined. Try opting for a textured patterned wallpaper, a bold textured paint, or even opt for panelling to create a significant feature wall.
Spruce up the home’s exterior
Your property's exterior can quite often be forgotten about however, a day or weekend spent dedicated to the outdoors should make a dramatic difference. Get your gardening gloves on to remove any weeding in between your driveway or stone garden areas, and bring out the pressure washer to remove stains or discolouring to paving or wooden decking. As well as this, why not take a trip down to the local garden centre, this could turn into a fun day out, and also means that you can accessorise your front and back garden with flowers and plants of your preference. While you're out here, have a lookup. Gutters are prone to collecting debris and waste such as broken branches, leaves, and even mould, and did you know, this can make them inefficient and result in them being unable to clear rainwater successfully? This task can be completed by yourself but may be difficult due to height restraints. Leave it to the professionals and click here to enquire about gutter cleaning services!
Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and I'm thrilled to share cake decorating ideas with individuals who wish to give cakes as gifts to their loved ones. This day will elicit all of your feelings, sentiments, and concern for your special one, and you're likely to be thinking about how to make it as thrilling and surprising as possible for your love. What could be more romantic than Valentine's Day cake?
Cakes and cupcakes in a variety of shapes and colours have long been the most popular Valentine's Day gifts. When it comes to designing a romantic cake, there are numerous design and decoration options. Express your passion by purchasing a modest Valentine's Day Cake that has been uniquely adorned for the occasion. From heart-shaped paintings to lovely red Valentine's Day Cakes for your mantel, these businesses will be a hit this holiday. Here is a collection of excellent valentine cake decorating ideas to get you started. Here are some of the best Valentine's Day cake ideas that are sure to impress your sweetheart.
To order any of these cakes contact Sukarbakes on Instagram.
Green is the ideal colour to brighten up any cold-weather ensemble and provide an unusual twist to your style. Those who are unwilling to venture outside their comfort zones should stick to darker green tones. The remainder can play with Greenery to produce incredible edgy ensembles. This is how you accomplish this.
Because green is a natural colour, many people save it for spring and summer, opting for more conservative colours in the fall and winter. Of course, it's much easier to get a summary vibe by pairing a see-through light green dress with winter boots and beanies. However, let us embrace the green challenges this year and experiment with incorporating them into our year-round wardrobes.
Because green is a natural colour, many people save it for spring and summer, opting for more conservative colours in the fall and winter. Of course, it's much easier to get a summary vibe by pairing a see-through light green dress with winter boots and beanies. However, let us embrace the green challenges this year and experiment with incorporating them into our year-round wardrobes.
If you're seeking to incorporate more green into your wardrobe, start with statement jewellery. Nothing elevates an outfit's fun factor quite like colourful jewellery.
Today is the 2nd day of February which means that valentine day is almost here. If you are wondering which manicure nail design art to try to compliment your valentine look, then try these nails designs by Amanda.sudolll.
Implementing a new workout regimen can result in incredible effects such as weight loss, stress reduction, and enhanced circulation. Whether you begin with a daily stroll, add resistance exercise to your regimen, or enrol in a group fitness class, all forms of exercise are beneficial to your health.
To invest maximum strength in a new style of training, it is necessary to pay attention to diet, among other things. While exercising at a high heart rate and lifting weights will help you improve your physical and mental health, combining your workouts with adequate nutrition will help you get the most out of your activities.
Here are seven fundamental nutritional guidelines that will enable you to perform at your best throughout training.
1. Before training, eat well.
In most circumstances, a pre-workout meal is required to maintain enough energy levels, supply critical nutrients to working muscles, and maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. There are various different ways to properly fuel up depending on how much time you have to digest food before beginning a workout.
If you eat less than an hour before your workout, for instance, if you exercise in the morning, attempt to fuel your body with a basic source of nutrition. In this instance, a serving of dried fruit or a snack bar is an excellent choice due to its high carbohydrate content and ease of digestion. Choose low-fat, high-protein, and high-fibre diets, as these nutrients are more likely to induce stomach discomfort during exercise.
If you have one to two hours between meals and workouts, your pre-workout snack can include additional foods and nutrients. If you have a little more time to digest meals before your heart rate rises during activity, whole-grain toast with peanut butter and a banana or a bowl of cereal with milk are also good options.
In both cases, it's critical to consume high-carbohydrate foods that are easy to digest and aid in meeting your energy requirements while exercising.
2. Nutritional support during exercise
If you intend to exercise constantly for longer than 60 minutes, it is critical to "refuel" the body during the workout. As with the pre-workout meal, this meal should be high in carbohydrates but lower in protein, fat, and fibre than the pre-workout meal.
Energy bars are an excellent source of energy throughout a workout, particularly at greater heart rates associated with aerobic exercises such as jogging. They are convenient to transport and contain carbs that are quickly digested. Certain bars contain caffeine, which may enhance performance; nevertheless, if you are sensitive to this ingredient, always carefully read the product's composition and nutritional information.
For people who exercise at a moderate heart rate for more than an hour on a regular basis, energy bars with high carbohydrate content and a low protein and fat content are a great option. With a decreased heart rate when exercising, you should be able to digest tiny amounts of fat and protein, which may help maintain your energy levels.
If your workout is less than 60 minutes, you generally don't need to snack throughout it; just remember to eat before and after to provide your body with enough "fuel."
Whether you're spending Valentine's Day via Zoom or have a romantic night planned with your lover, you can still experiment with red makeup looks. There are more ways to use the two tones than you might realize, from strong lip colours to romantic and glowy cheek and eye pairings. To provide further inspiration ahead of the holiday, we have compelled a few looks by Lara Gilles.
Are you on the lookout for some summer nail designs to experiment with this season? If that is the case, you have arrived at the correct article!
With summer rapidly approaching, I wanted to compile a compilation of my favourite designs to serve as inspiration for you guys. I attempted to incorporate a variety of styles, ranging from vibrant abstract nails to fun ombre!
Many of these styles are easily replicable at home with the right nail polish. Check out these summer nail designs by Checkyesmichelle.
Purchase of nail polish from Mooncat.
Just like people, dogs and cats have varying health care needs throughout the year. Knowing what to expect will help you anticipate your pet's cold weather demands, allowing them to face the winter happy and healthy.
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Maintaining a nice, healthy coat
While we associate allergies with spring and summer, many pets endure seasonal symptoms that develop worse in the fall or winter. Pets suffer from dander or dust allergy outbreaks during the colder months when they spend more time indoors. Allergic animals generally endure itching, and their coat grows thinner and duller.
Allergies in dogs and cats can be controlled with a mix of home care, nutritional assistance, and medication under the advice of your veterinarian. When it comes to skin and coat health, choosing the correct mild pet shampoo and conditioner is really crucial. Regular bathing not only keeps your pet's coat clean and lustrous but also washes out the tiny allergens located in the coat that cause allergy symptoms such as itchy or red skin. To avoid drying out sensitive skin, search for products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS, and alcohol. Aloe has an especially calming effect!
Keeping the skin in superb condition
The skin is the largest organ in the body and, as you can well aware, plays a significant part in health. Skin that is in poor condition is prone to infection and less effectively works as a barrier between the world and all interior organs.
Cold air dries out the skin. While we frequently apply soothing balms to our own dry, chapped limbs, massaging lotion into pet hairy skin is not a favoured activity for the majority of pet owners. To assist your skin from the inside out, seek omega-3 fatty acid supplements for pets that contain eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA).
Why are fatty acids vital? These lipids are required for the formation of cell membranes. They aid in the transport of beneficial nutrients and protect cells from hazardous toxins. The best skin supplements for pets are those that contain vital fatty acids derived from a range of plant sources.
Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are the two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Numerous sources of EFAs are extremely high in omega-6 fatty acids but significantly deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which are required for both dogs and cats. Without getting into detail, fish is a superb source of omega-3 fatty acids, containing significantly more than other types of fatty acid supplements.
A lot of times we get distracted and make the wrong decisions because we tend to forget who we are, what is right and a lot of people are afraid to be lonely. It is ok for people to walk away from your life but always remember these quotes.
Love at first sight 🤍 the beautiful bride Adeline mina wearing Maisongeyanna wedding gown. She looks amazing and dreamy.
Hair @miledmansour
Makeup @darinechbaro
Hair @miledmansour
Makeup @darinechbaro
Photography @saidmhamadofficial
Book an appointment
Whatsapp: 0096171481113
📧: maisongeyanna@gmail.com
Book an appointment
Whatsapp: 0096171481113
📧: maisongeyanna@gmail.com
Alzheimer's disease has a significant human and financial impact. More than 55 million individuals have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, with that number expected to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that more than 11 million unpaid carers in the United States will offer 15.3 billion hours of help (worth $256.7 billion) to 6.2 million people with dementia by 2020. This estimate does not include the $51.2 billion in Medicaid payments for dementia patients aged 65 and up.
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Pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of Alzheimer's disease
Most Alzheimer's clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups have bet on a pharmaceutical cure to solve this problem for years, but failure after failure has occurred. The FDA approved the first medicine thought to be able to reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease pathology in the brain last year, despite much expert dispute. The assumption, which has yet to be verified, is that if such medicine is given early enough — before any symptoms appear — the disease will advance in such a way that people will be able to live out their lives without suffering dementia.
A looming crisis
Although this desired path is rational and admirable, the immediate consequences may be costly. The vast majority of novel Alzheimer's disease drugs, including the one authorized by the FDA, are being tested in people who already show symptoms like memory loss. As a result, millions of people with mild Alzheimer's symptoms will be the first to receive these new disease-modifying medications. Individuals with symptomatic Alzheimer's disease will continue to progress, and if the therapies are successful, they will progress more slowly, because these drugs slow down (but not stop) the accumulation of pathology. It's possible that the mild stage of dementia will last four, five, or six years instead of three. Instead of the last four years, the moderate stage could last five, six, or seven years. This means that, for the time being, disease-modifying medications will not reduce the number of people living with dementia; rather, they will vastly increase it.
As a result, it is vital for the United States and other countries to invest in both pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Although many treatments have been devised to improve memory in patients with mild memory problems, few, if any, have undergone extensive clinical trials to confirm (or disprove) their effectiveness.
In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, nonpharmacologic memory-boosting techniques may be beneficial.
A group of Boston researchers looked at 32 people with modest memory issues, half of whom had mild cognitive impairment and the other half had mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. When learning new knowledge, they discovered that both groups increased their memory by merely thinking about the following question: "What is one distinctive attribute of this item or personal experience that distinguishes it from others?" Another study conducted by Boston researchers discovered that 19 people with mild cognitive impairment could improve their ability to remember items in a virtual supermarket by simply thinking systematically about whether or not the items were already in their cupboard before placing them in their shopping cart. However, larger investigations are needed to see if these memory methods are generalizable.
Related read:
EXPOSURE TO TRAFFIC NOISE LINKED TO HIGHER DEMENTIA RISK
Music, pets, robotics, and the environment are all in the moderate to severe stages.
Similarly, several nonpharmacological treatments appear to bring comfort and reduce agitation in people with moderate to severe dementia, but larger and more rigorous studies are needed to verify or disprove their efficacy and, as a result, promote their widespread use.
A group of Portuguese physicians and academics examined more than 100 trials testing music-based therapies for patients with dementia who exhibited agitation or other behavioural and psychological signs of dementia, finding that the great majority were beneficial with little or no adverse effects.
A group of Florida neurologists looked into the effects of dog therapy and ownership and discovered that both were safe and effective treatments for chronic and progressive neurological illnesses.
When robot pets were provided to dementia patients, other researchers discovered that anxiety and the usage of psychoactive medications decreased.
A review of the built environment (the architecture of the home or facility) concluded that "specific design interventions are beneficial to the outcomes of people with dementia."
Families' education
It's also crucial to educate families and other caregivers on how to deal with the many stages and characteristics of dementia. Brazilian physicians conducted pilot research in which carers were invited to participate in educational sessions and reported a high degree of program satisfaction. Unfortunately, substantial clinical studies of caregiver education interventions are rarely conducted.
Enormous savings are possible.
If mild dementia solutions were effective enough to save just one hour per week of a caregiver's time for the nearly two million people with mild dementia in the United States, it may save 104 million hours worth $1.7 billion per year. For example, that extra hour would allow a "sandwich caregiver" to assist their child with homework while their parent with moderate dementia takes pills or pays bills on their own.
Nonpharmacologic therapies in the moderate to severe stages could save more than $31 billion dollars (based on a semi-private nursing home room costing $93,075 per year) for the nearly four million people with moderate to severe dementia in the United States. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families will save money in addition to benefiting socially and emotionally.
New reimbursement models are being developed.
Finally, after nonpharmacological treatments have been shown effective, new reimbursement models will be required to fund their implementation, as standard insurance payments are targeted toward medications. Nonpharmacological techniques must be utilized in conjunction with pharmacological therapies if the United States — and the rest of the globe — is to cope with the expanding number of persons with dementia.
Get a free consultation from the Melody Jacob Health Team, Send us an email at godisablej66@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thanks for reading.
23 Gele styles trending on Instagram in 2022
The Nigerian Gele fashions are all over social media right now. Every weekend, we see new brides walk down the aisle, people attend new weddings, and new wedding style trends emerge. Today, we're going to show you the latest gele trends for both new brides and wedding guests.
Keep an eye on your symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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If you have diverticulosis, a condition characterized by microscopic pouches (diverticula) that grow in the lining of the colon, doctors used to advise you to avoid nuts and seeds, as well as popcorn. According to the theory, little pieces of food could get lodged in the pouches and induce irritation or infection, depending on the theory (which is called diverticulitis). We now know that the advice was incorrect.
There's no need to be concerned about eating nuts, seeds, or popcorn. There is no indication that people who eat a lot of such foods have a higher risk of diverticulitis than people who don't. " Dr. Lawrence S. Friedman, a gastroenterologist at Harvard Medical School and Anton R. Fried, M.D., Chair of the Department of Medicine at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, agrees.
What else do we know about managing diverticular disease today? Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
Don't be concerned about diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is a frequent ailment, especially as we age. By the age of 60, it affects roughly 40% to 60% of people, and it usually starts in the lower-left part of the large intestine (the sigmoid colon). "We believe that increasing colon pressure drives diverticula out through weak places in the colon wall," explains Dr. Friedman. "Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic, and unless you have had a colonoscopy or abdominal imaging, you won't know you have it."
Do inform your physician about any bleeding.
Rectal bleeding occurs in roughly 5% of people with diverticulosis when a tiny blood vessel in a diverticulum ruptures. Diverticular haemorrhage is the medical term for this. It is unknown what causes it. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines [a prominent class of pain treatments that includes aspirin] or blood thinners might cause bleeding. " According to Dr Friedman,
Even if the bleeding is small and stops on its own, contact your doctor to have it checked out. You should go to the emergency room if there is a lot of bleeding and you feel lightheaded or dizzy. You could lose a lot of blood, and you'll need to figure out what's causing the bleeding and get medical help. " Dr. Friedman has some suggestions.
Symply Tacha always delivers, the social media personality and entrepreneur has set the ball so high for herself and she is keeping to it. She looks stunning in wearing Xtrabrideslagos and styled by Medlinboss.
Consume a variety of healthful foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties.
Your food is a potent weapon in the fight against chronic inflammation, a state of persistent immune system activity. Consuming nutritious foods contributes to the reduction of chronic inflammation and promotes your health in various ways (like lowering cholesterol levels). Chronic inflammation is frequently associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive loss, and may contribute to their development.
Where can you find anti-inflammatory foods? They are all components of a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and tiny amounts of dairy and olive oil.
Plant-based foods provide us with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and phytochemicals—plant chemicals that appear to fight free radicals [molecules that cause cell damage] and may protect our cells from inflammation, cancer growth, and viruses, explains Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Fish, nuts, and plant oils all include unsaturated fats that are beneficial to the blood vessels, heart, and brain."
Here are some foods that aid in the fight against inflammation.
Berries
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Strawberries, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry may appear to be just delightful delights. However, berries are also effective anti-inflammatory agents. Berries include compounds called anthocyanins, which impart a red or purple color to the fruits. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties in cells and have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and diabetes.
Ask the doctor
Q. I’ve been taking blood pressure pills for 20 years, but I just turned 75. Do I still benefit from taking them?
A. There is no doubt about the benefit of treating high blood pressure in people younger than 75. But some doctors have wondered if, in people older than 75, the benefits might be less and the chance of bad reactions to medicines might be greater. So, you’re asking a question that we doctors have asked ourselves.
A study published online on Aug. 26, 2021, by The Lancet is the best one I’ve seen on this question. It indicates that the value of blood pressure treatment continues in people over 75 years old. Scientists pooled the results of 51 randomized clinical trials involving 358,707 people, who ranged in age from 21 to 105 years old. Nearly 59,000 people were ages 75 or older. With so many people in the analysis, the results are more likely to be valid.
Randomized trials are the best type of study for judging the benefits and the risks of treatment. Such trials randomly assign some people to take a real blood pressure pill and others to take a placebo (inactive pill). Since the people in the two groups are very similar except for the kind of pill they are taking, any differences in their subsequent health are likely to be explained by whether they took the real medicine or the placebo. So, because of the large number of people in the analysis, and the fact they were all in randomized trials, we can trust the results of the analysis.
Q. I manage my high blood pressure with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) and long-acting metoprolol (a beta-blocker). I feel fine, but my heart rate doesn’t go up like it used to before I started taking the metoprolol. Does that mean I am not getting as much health benefit whenever I exercise?
A. All beta-blockers slow down your heart rate. The slower rate happens at rest and also when you exercise. To get the most from aerobic exercise, you would normally want your heart rate in a moderate-intensity zone for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Moderate intensity means exercising at a heart rate that is 60% to 75% of your maximum.
An easy formula to find your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. So, if you are 60, your maximum heart rate is 160. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise measured by your pulse is 96 to 120 beats per minute. While this formula usually works well to help gauge the aerobic intensity of exercise, it doesn’t work for people who take a beta-blocker. And unfortunately, there is no simple way to adjust for the slower rate of the drug.
Instead, you can use your breathing to gauge your effort. With moderate-intensity exercise, you should be able to talk, but with pauses to catch your breath. If you are breathing very hard and unable to speak during exercise, you are at high intensity.
Can beta-blockers affect your ability to work out? Studies that have addressed your question have not provided a definitive answer. A competitive athlete’s performance likely could be diminished by taking a beta-blocker. However, for most of us who exercise to stay healthy, the evidence tilts toward no decrease in benefit, even though you may not hit the standard heart rate goals.
The difference between fruits
As with other foods, different fruits include a variety of nutrients. In general, whole fruits are high in fiber, whereas fruit juices are not. And a cup of fruit juice, even 100% fruit juice, contains far more sugar than a single piece or serving of real fruit. Additionally, whole fruits provide greater satiation than juices. When consuming the appropriate amount of fruit and vegetables, it is preferable to eat them whole rather than drink their juice. However, one should not completely avoid juice—if it is 100 per cent juice—but consumption should be limited to no more than 4 to 8 ounces per day.
The freezer department of the supermarket is frequently supplied with an array of frozen fruits. These are frequently already peeled and chopped (like mango), making them handier and frequently less expensive than fresh fruits. Frozen fruits are typically selected and quickly frozen near the point of harvest, which preserves the nutrients. Additionally, certain seasonal fruits, such as blueberries, are easily accessible frozen. The key to selecting is choosing unsweetened frozen fruits.
Numerous fruits are available dried, including raisins, apricots, and pineapple, to name a few. Additionally, they have high nutritional content, maintain their freshness for an extended period of time, are handy to carry, and are abundant in calories, making them a favorite of hikers and campers. Some, particularly mango and pineapple, are frequently sweetened throughout the drying process. Dried cranberries nearly always contain extra sugar due to their naturally sour flavour. Even without added sugar, the small size and sweetness make it fairly simple to consume a large quantity in one sitting, and the calories can soon pile up.
Sulfur dioxide is also used to maintain the freshness and color of some dried foods, such as raisins and apricots. While this is not a worry for the majority of people, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, are sensitive. Because sulfur dioxide treatment is clearly labelled on the container, it is easy to avoid if necessary.
Consider purchasing organic.
We have a variety of organically and conventionally cultivated fruits to choose from, whether they are fresh, frozen, or dried. There is insufficient nutritional difference between the two to warrant choosing one over the other, yet consumers may prefer one over the other depending on growing practices and environmental impact. Although the United States has pesticide laws, some fruits have more residual pesticides than others. It is therefore always advisable to properly wash fruits before eating them.
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