When is the ideal age to go for HIV screening? 18? 25? or 30? That is the question was explored by a study published recently in the Journal of Adolescent Health. According to the authors, the ideal age for persons who are not at risk to go for HIV screening is 25 years. Why? This is because most new HIV infections occur before an individual turns 25. During teenage years and early adulthood, people are more likely to experiment with drugs and behave in a way that puts them at risk. Although everyone is encouraged to get tested, knowing when to go for HIV screening in the absence of symptoms may be a dilemma for some. Furthermore, if a person gets screened too early, the infection may be missed if it is still within the window period.

http://www.healthx24.com/hiv-screening-new-study-right-age-hiv-screening/

Motorcycle-related accidents account for a significant proportion of death and injuries from traffic accidents. Some of these accidents involve drivers that pull in the path of motorcycle riders despite appearing to look in their direction. Why does these forms of accidents likely to occur? According to a new study, drivers fail to ‘see’ such motorcycles because they are low on their priorities of road users. Although motorists know that motorcycles are also on the road, they may not actively look out for them.

http://www.healthx24.com/heres-drivers-may-collide-motorcycle-riders-despite-seeing/

Many young ones experiment with drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Is it safe to assume that this is just a phase or could trying even one cigarette make people likely to become daily smokers? This was the focus of a new study was published in the journal, Nicotine & Tobacco Research. The study revealed that about three out of five persons that try their first cigarette go on to become daily smokers.

http://www.healthx24.com/cigarette-smoking/

Picky eating is common among children. In some homes, mealtime is a tough time for mothers. Why? The child often stays away from the table during meal times, running around or playing because of his lack of interest in eating certain foods. Some just prefer drinking beverages such as milk or juices all day.

Should you stop trying if your child says ‘No’ to some foods? Not at all! This is the conclusion of a new study published recently in the journal, Obesity Reviews.

http://www.healthx24.com/picky-eating-child-healthy-foods/

Could singing with a group improve your mental health? This was the focus of an interesting intervention that was recently evaluated and published in the journal, Medical humanities.

According to the authors of the study, singing with others may mental health by promoting a sense of belonging and well-being.

http://www.healthx24.com/singing-group-improve-mental-health/

Laughter has been called ‘a recipe for life’, ‘’internal jogger’’, an effective drug without side effects’’

“Scientists have calculated that only half a minute of joyful laughter is worth 45 minutes of static rest,” reports the Polish weekly Przyjaciółka.

It has been said that ‘’spontaneous burst of laughter is comparable to three minutes of aerobic exercise.’’

These and many more are claims highlighting the impact laughter or humour may have on health. ’

Can laughing regularly really lead to better health?


http://www.healthx24.com/health-laughter-really-lead-better-health/

A person’s income may have a huge impact on his mental and emotional well-being. Many persons living below poverty line are sometimes presented as sad, unhappy, frustrated and angry. Nevertheless, in countries where poverty is prevalent, it is not unusual to see some rank well on indices that measure happiness. How do rich people differ from their poor counterparts in the form of happiness experienced? According to researchers, wealthy people draw happiness from their status, what they have achieved and how much they have acquired. On the other hand persons with limited income also become happy by focusing on their relationship with others, concern for family member and friends.


http://www.healthx24.com/rich-poor-happiness/

Have you ever taken your laptops, phones and other work related devices with you during vacations? Do you maintain clear boundaries between work and recreation? How you manage this important aspect of work-life balance may have a huge impact on your sense of well-being according to a study published December, 12,2017. According to the authors of the study, employees who do not clearly separate work from free time are less likely to use free time to recover and refresh themselves. This potentially leaves them exhausted em0tionally and physically.


http://www.healthx24.com/work-life-balance-mixing-business-pleasure/

What does a woman’s surname say about her husband? This question often arises when the woman chooses to either retain her family name or use a compound name after marriage. A new study recently looked at how the woman’s choice of her surname is perceived by the public. The researchers found that in the United States, men married to women who do not use their husband’s surname are perceived as ‘submissive’, ‘caring’, ‘disempowered’, ‘understanding’ or ‘timid’.

http://www.healthx24.com/womans-surname-husband-study-finds/

Many people are preoccupied with getting good sleep during their working lives. Does retirement have any impact on sleep duration? This was the focus of a recent study titled ”Changes in sleep during the transition to statutory retirement” published in the Street journal.


http://www.healthx24.com/sleep-improve-retirement/

What’s the best way of retaining what you have read? Many persons try different techniques to ensure written information can easily be stored for a long time. For students, being able to remember written information certainly aids academic performance. Whether we are looking at shopping lists or trying to store phone numbers, one technique that can boost your memory is reading aloud.

http://www.healthx24.com/health-tip-remember-read/

Many people are concerned about hypertension (high blood pressure). Nevertheless, some experience hypotension (low blood pressure) which also has its challenges.

When the blood pressure of older persons begin to decline, should that make you worried? Or should this be dismissed as an expected part of growing old? That question was recently explored by a group of researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School. The result? A decline in blood pressure was reported 14 or more years before death irrespective of the older persons health status.

http://www.healthx24.com/hypotension-declining-blood-pressure-death-elderly/

Does doing housework prolong life? Many people engage in household chores daily. This often includes cleaning, cooking, home maintenance, shopping, laundry and gardening. Can these chores be as effective as exercise in keeping you healthy? This issue was recently evaluated recently in a scientific study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. What was the outcome? Every movement counts! According to Prof. LaCroix, “[i]mproving levels of physical activity both light and moderate could be almost as effective as rigorous regular exercise at preventing a major chronic disease. ” This suggests that people who consistently engage in household chores are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.


http://www.healthx24.com/housework-prolong-life/

In the health paradox of the year, 52-year-old cardiologist John Warner, president of the American Heart Association (AHA), recently suffered a heart attack in the middle of a health conference.1,2 In a statement, the association reported Warner was in stable condition after having a stent placed to open a blocked artery. Part of Warner’s speech at the Scientific Sessions conference in Anaheim, California, centered around his own family’s struggle with heart disease.

http://www.healthx24.com/american-heart-association-president-suffers-heart-attack/

Millions of persons worldwide are expected to make dietary changes and use medications to to mangae high blood pressure. Which is better or more effective? Dietary changes or medications? This was the aim of a recent clinical trial by researchers from John Hopkins University School of Medicine.

http://www.healthx24.com/diet-blood-pressure/

Recently, coffee consumers enjoyed a big boost with the publication of more scientific research suggesting that drinking coffee is “more likely to benefit health than to harm it.” The study was published November, 2017 in The BMJ.



http://www.healthx24.com/should-we-drink-more-coffee-for-its-health-benefits/

‘Ponmo’ remains a favourite Nigerian delicacy despite years of public health warning about some of its potentially harmful effects. Would Nigeria’s Ponmo lovers dump the delicacy after watching this short video of an Abuja abattoir? No one really knows. Watch the video which was posted on You Tube by NANTV and lets have your reactions below!



Three years ago, NAN reported the dangers of consuming it, quoting Dr Isuwa Adamu, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Zaria.

Adamu said consumption of animal hides and skin as meat substitute is dangerous to health.

According to him, scientifically, ponmo does not have any nutritional value to human health.

“In fact, it is not advisable for you to consume ponmo in the sense that some of the animals killed and used for ponmo actually have skin diseases.

“Some of these skin diseases are such that boiling them ordinarily, may not kill the bacteria,’’ Adamu said.

He added that some of the animals killed had been ill and undergoing injections but the rearers went ahead to kill them, leaving the buyers vulnerable to chemicals in the animal skin.

“Some of the animals because of the ailments that they had, are sometimes treated by way of injection with chemicals.

“People don’t allow these chemicals to complete its cycle and be removed from the body; they sometimes go ahead to kill these animals.

“So, if you consume the ponmo, the tendency is that you are consuming the chemicals directly because the skin part of the animal retains most of the harmful substances.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhNbuW6ETQg


Source:http://www.healthx24.com/nigerias-ponmo-prepared/

Is your heart healthy? The heart is one of the most important organs of the body. It works round the clock to ensure we get all we need to stay alive and well. Are you doing enough to protect your heart? Knowing how to protect your heart as you grow older is an essential and life-saving.

http://www.healthx24.com/health-tip-keep-heart-healthy/

The agency responsible for policing the American food and drug market issued warning letters

to four companies that are “illegally selling products online that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer without evidence to support these outcomes.” It said in a statement, “The illegally sold products allegedly contain cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the marijuana plant that is not FDA approved in any drug product for any indication.”

http://www.healthx24.com/fda-cracks-down-on-claims-that-cannabis-can-cure-cancer/

Do you know that up to 2.3 billion people still do not have access to clean and safe toilets worldwide? Most of these live in developing countries. Many live in refugee camps where the facilities are grossly inadequate. Around the world, close to a billion people still go to the toilet outside.In Africa, Eritrea tops the list of countries where open defecation is common. This practice can lead to the contamination of drinking water resulting in diseases and death.

http://www.healthx24.com/access-clean-safe-toilets/

Do you rush while eating your meals? If so, you should know that these could have an impact on your health. According to a recent study, rushing while eating could contribute to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Slowing down when eating could help protect you against weight gain and metabolic syndrome, researchers say.

http://www.healthx24.com/rushing-eating/

Stunted growth comes with a myriad of challenges as illustrated in this article. According to the World Health Organization, some of those consequences include poor cognition and educational performance, low adult wages, lost productivity and, when accompanied by excessive weight gain later in childhood, an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life.

A mysterious condition has left a 30-year-old man in rural eastern China looking and behaving like a small child. He cannot speak, can only stand for short periods of time and needs round-the-clock care that his loving mother is happy to provide.

http://www.healthx24.com/stunted-growth-medical-condition-toddler/

Have you ever wondered if eating nuts regularly is healthier for you? Are all nuts equal? Should you eat some nuts more than others? These questions were recently answered in the largest study till date examining the relationship between eating nuts and health. The study reported by the American College of Cardiology recently reported that people who regularly eat nuts, including peanuts, walnuts and tree nuts, have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease compared to people who never or almost never eat nuts.

http://www.healthx24.com/eating-nuts-regularly/

New research presented at the 18th Annual Congress of the South African Heart Association shows that financial stress may increase the risk of a heart attack by 13-fold, and work stress by almost six times.

People worry about money — a lot. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), 72 percent of those in the United States felt the weight of financial stress at least once in the past month.

http://www.healthx24.com/more-worries-more-problems-financial-increases-risk-of-heart-attack-new-study-finds/

Here’s a recent news that is a source of concern for people in developing countries.

A 44-year-old Thai man reportedly died of hypothermia after going to bed on a cold floor with three electric fans flowing air at him all through the night.

Sobthawee Boonkua, from Tambon Nai Muang, in Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province, had gone to look after his 86-year-old mother, at a relative’s house, and decided to spend the night. Fearing that he wouldn’t be able to get a good night’s sleep due to the heat in the poorly ventilated room, the 44-year-old decided to sleep on the floor and plug in no less than three electric fans to keep cool. Unfortunately, he didn’t take into consideration Chaiyaphum’s drastic drop in temperature at night, and the problems his body would have adjusting to it.

[Thai Man Dies of Hypothermia After Going to Bed with Three Fans Blowing at Him]

http://www.healthx24.com/could-using-electric-fans-to-keep-cool-be-why-this-man-died-of-hypothermia/

Washing your fruits and veggies may reduce pesticides
The study found only associations between pesticide residue and pregnancy outcomes — not a causal relationship.

The study also has some limitations. For instance, the women’s diets were assessed using self-reports, which leaves room for error, and the women were trying to become pregnant through infertility treatments. More research is needed to determine whether similar findings would emerge among women trying to conceive naturally. Also, more research is needed to connect specific pesticides with the infertility treatment outcomes seen in the study.

In general, the Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming fruits and vegetables for good nutrition but following safe handling tips, including thoroughly washing fresh produce under running water before preparing and eating.


http://www.healthx24.com/can-pesticides-in-fruits-and-vegetables-make-women-less-likely-to-get-pregnant/

A recent study reported an association between pesticides in fruits and the ability of women to become pregnant, raising fresh concerns about the use of pesticides.

The study involved 325 women between 18 and 45 who were undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, the researchers said.

The researchers analyzed each woman’s pesticide exposure by determining whether the fruits and vegetables she consumed had high or low levels of pesticide residues, based on reports from the US Department of Agriculture’s

Some fruits and vegetables with a low amount of pesticide residue include avocados, onions, dried plums or prunes, corn and orange juice. Those with a high amount include fresh plums, peaches, strawberries, spinach and peppers.

The researchers found that, compared with women who ate less than one daily serving of high-pesticide-residue fruits and vegetables, those who ate 2.3 servings or more had 18% lower probability of getting pregnant and 26% lower probability of giving birth to a live baby.

Consuming fruits and vegetables with a high amount of pesticide residue was positively associated with the probability of losing a pregnancy, the researchers found.

“Although we did find that intake of high-pesticide-residue fruits and vegetables were associated to lower reproductive success, intake of low-pesticide-residue fruits and vegetables had the opposite association,” Chiu said.

“A reasonable choice based on these findings is to consume low-pesticide-residue fruits and vegetables instead of high-pesticide-residue ones. Another option is to go organic for the fruits and vegetables known to contain high pesticide residues,” she said. “It is very important to keep in mind that, as far as we are aware, this is the first time that this association is reported, so it is extremely important that our findings are replicated in other studies.”



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/can-pesticides-in-fruits-and-vegetables-make-women-less-likely-to-get-pregnant/

CAN AIR POLLUTION AFFECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

Do you live in an area with relatively high levels of air pollution? If so, you should be concerned about the impact on your mental health, according to a new study.

The study titled “The effects of air pollution on individual psychological distress” was published in the journal Health and place.



There is little debate over the link between air pollution and the human respiratory system: Research shows that dirty air can impair breathing and aggravate various lung diseases. Other potential effects are being investigated, too, as scientists examine connections between toxic air and obesity, diabetes and dementia.

http://www.healthx24.com/can-air-pollution-affect-your-mental-health/

Do you live in an area with relatively high levels of air pollution? If so, you should be concerned about the impact on your mental health, according to a new study.

The study titled “The effects of air pollution on individual psychological distress” was published in the journal Health and place.



http://www.healthx24.com/can-air-pollution-affect-your-mental-health/

What can you do to reduce the frequency of such noises?

Eat regularly– Rather than skip meals, you can consider eating 4-6 small meals daily. While eating, endeavour to chew thoroughly to enhance the digestive process. Eating large meals may contribute to stomach growling.

Drink water- Sipping water may help reduce the volume and frequency of stomach noises.

Reduce or Avoid meals that irritate the bowel such as sugary foods, coffee, sugary drinks and meals that generate lots of gas such as beans. You should also avoid foods that you do not tolerate well such as milk.

Stay active- Exercise helps you to prevent medial conditions that can contribute to stomach growling. It may also aid digestion.

Seek help for medical conditions such as infections, blockage, irritable bowel syndrome and allergies that require further evaluation and treatment. You should look out for additional symptoms that suggest an underlying condition. These include:

excess gas
fever
nausea
vomiting
frequent diarrhea
constipation
bloody stools
heartburn that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
unintentional and sudden weight loss
feelings of fullness
It is important to remain calm when stomach growling occurs. Nevertheless, you should also know that such noises could mean much more. Knowing when to seek treatment could help prevent serious complications.


http://www.healthx24.com/know-stomach-growling/

Stomach growling, rumbling, gurgling and other noises are are inevitable part of life. Have you ever wondered why your stomach growls or rumbles? What can you do to reduce the frequency or volume of such noises?

The sounds you hear come from your abdomen usually occur when foods, liquids, digestive juices or air pass through the stomach and intestines. The sounds re likely to occur during hunger, slow or incomplete digestion, or the consumption of certain foods. Since stomach rumbling is part of digestion, it may not be possible to reduce or prevent the volume of these sounds.

Do you know why the stomach rumbles or growls? This is due to a series of muscular contractions that occur in the intestines to move foods along the bowel during digestion. This movement know as peristalsis ensures that foods are broken down and mixed with enzymes to facilitate absorption of nutrients.

When hungry, enzymes and juices are released in anticipation of foods and these contractions occur too leading noises from the abdomen.

The noises may indicate that digestion is going on. It may also mean that you are hungry. When tense or anxious, loud noises occur because some hormones trigger peristalsis too. However, stomach growling may also suggest that you may have a medical condition such as:

food allergies
food intolerances
gastrointestinal infections
intestinal blockage
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Bleeding ulcers
Medications such as laxatives



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/know-stomach-growling/

Do you know that an individual’s mental health increases the likelihood of longer hospital stay and readmission? This was highlighted in a recent study among patients with advanced cancer. The researchers found that anxiety , depression symptoms, physical burdens and related emotional problems were associated with longer stay in the hospital.

http://www.healthx24.com/advanced-cancer-patients-physical-emotional-burdens-linked-lengthy-hospital-stays-readmissions/