A decrease in the production of the translocator protein is possibly linked to the development of autism, but more studies are needed for confirmation. The cause of autism is unknown, but emerging evidence points to the inflammation of brain tissue caused by a specific substance called, translocator protein. The translocator protein is involved in our
Month: February 2020
A recent study investigated the association between olive oil and decreased risk of aging-related diseases. Olive oil is a primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. It consists of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), the healthy fat that lowers cholesterol levels. It is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cellular damage and decrease the risk
Can adopting a Mediterranean diet have further health benefits for older people? Frailty is one of the by-products of the aging process. As people get older, they naturally tend to become frailer and, as a result, are at an increased risk of inflammation and/or fractures. However, although frailty cannot be avoided completely, it can be
Researchers use computer analysis of the latest coronavirus sequences and find targets that may help develop a successful SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Are we close to developing a vaccine to protect the general population from the latest coronavirus infection that we hear about every day in the news? Researchers in Hong Kong believe that they have taken
In my last blog post I mentioned how I met some other people with severe asthma at a BLF-AUK event where we had a conversation about asthma and severe asthma. It may have the same mechanisms in that it is a condition where the airways become inflamed and irritated causing difficulty breathing but here ends
When discontinuing antidepressant medications commonly prescribed to help treat depressive disorders, patients may experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Antidepressant medications are most commonly used to help treat depressive disorders. They are also prescribed to help with other conditions such as chronic pain syndromes, eating disorders, generalized anxiety-disorders, neuropathic pain syndromes, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Antidepressants include monoamine
Higher levels of phthalates in mothers lead to a higher score on autism tests for boys, showing a link between phthalates and autism; these negative effects were reduced by adequate folic acid intake. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects roughly 1.7% of children in the general population. Children who are affected
I was recently at the first event since the partnership of Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. It was fantastic to see BLF colleagues with the Asthma UK logo on their name badges alongside the BLF logo. Also being welcomed with open arms too was lovely. I was a bit daunted to attend this
Patients find it difficult to adapt to life after bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for better long-term care. Around the world, more than 650 million individuals suffer from obesity and related health problems, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and early death. While the degree of obesity varies, those with severe conditions are at a greater
A new study examines the association between childhood trauma and dementia. As the global population continues to age, dementia prevalence is increasing. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be close to 150 million dementia sufferers worldwide (1). This dementia time-bomb has led to greater research focus on the underlying causes of dementia. Although no
New research analysing the effect of maternal diet on foetal growth links a healthy diet to a reduced risk of a low birth weight baby. Low birth weight, defined as a birth weight of less than 2500g (5.5lbs), is a global health problem. It is estimated that approximately 20 million babies a year are born
The abdominal muscles are probably my favorite muscles to talk about when I’m trying to teach people how to better care for their body and become stronger. Although most people talk about the superficial aspects of the abdominal muscles, like how to get your abs to show (I too was guilty of this at one
This is a live blog. Please check back for updates. All times below are in Eastern time. Total confirmed cases: More than 75,200 Total deaths: At least 2,000 9:15 am: Plugable Technologies warns the worst of its supply disruption won’t hit for months Bernie Thompson, CEO and founder of Plugable Technologies, which sells USB, Bluetooth
A new clinical trial is being launched and researchers are currently recruiting patients to be included in the autism risk study. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one out of every 59 children. Children with ASD generally exhibit symptoms by the age of two, and the
Use of rosiglitazone for type 2 diabetes, a medication that lowers blood sugar, increases the risk of death by heart disease by 33% according to a recent study. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, one in ten adults will be diagnosed with diabetes
Some people can hit their alarm, hop out of bed, and run out the door for a brisk jog without a sign of sleepiness in tow. Others seem to need a good half-hour in their robe and slippers (and maybe a cup of coffee) to get their brains going, or at least cleared of cloudiness.
This photo taken on February 17, 2020 shows a member of the medical staff (L) checking the body temperature of a patient who has displayed mild symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital in Wuhan in China’s central Hubei province. STR | AFP | Getty Images This is a
Researchers recently compared the nutrient value of non-fried potatoes with that of refined grains, addressing the question, are potatoes bad carbs? In many popular diet plans, such as keto and paleo, the plain white potato gets a bad rap. Deemed as a “starchy” vegetable, they are either prohibited in these diet plans altogether or are
Researchers investigated brain response patterns to visual stimuli in migraine sufferers. Migraine sufferers experience intermittent severe headaches, usually worse on one side of the head and often combined with nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, smell, or sound. Around a fifth of sufferers notice visual symptoms such as flashing lights, wavy lines, or blurred vision
and how does it differ around the world?? Last April I was in Dallas Texas attending the HealthEvoices (HeV) meeting. A meeting for health advocates to meet and learn from each other. I went out there thinking I knew what health advocacy was but I was wrong to some extent. A while back I put
Weight loss can be tough. But focusing on one goal, having a great fitness coach and managing your expectations can really make all the difference. It did for Alicia-Ann Williams, who had gained a bit of extra padding during her travels. “I was working on secondment in Toronto in 2014, which led to a trip
Everyone is talking about self-care these days, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier. We as a culture are finally realizing that practicing meditation or booking a spa appointment isn’t indulgent or even selfish but an important way to take care of yourself. As a mom, this is an especially valuable message to receive, since
This is a live blog. Please check back for updates.All times below are in Eastern Time. 7:50 a.m. WTO warns that COVID-19 could further weaken expected growth of global trade in goods Growth of global trade in goods is likely to remain weak in early 2020, the World Trade Organization said on Monday, adding that
Caesarian section births with general anesthesia have a 54% greater risk of postpartum depression when compared to C-sections with spinal anesthesia. Can decisions taken by doctors and mothers-to-be about the birthing method affect the chances of developing postpartum depression? While natural birth is still the most common form of delivery for women, the Canadian Institute
Smartphones are more useful than wearables in collecting physical data, but more research is needed on the potential use of remote devices for monitoring other health behaviors. Are you reading this article from your computer, tablet, or smartphone? If you are reading from the latter, then you are one of the estimated 3.5 billion smartphone
Whether you’re just getting into fitness or you’re a self-proclaimed fitness fanatic, one of the best pieces of advice we have to offer is to invest in training shoes that are comfortable, functional, and, of course, cute. HIIT is one of the most popular workouts right now — probably because it’s quick, intense, and works
Excited passengers disembark from the MS Westerdam, which is now docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The cruise ship arrived in Cambodia on February 14, 2020 after being stranded for two weeks Paula Bronstein | Getty Images This is a live blog. Please check back for updates. All times below are in U.S. Eastern Standard Time. China’s
Botox has been investigated as a potential treatment for pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Botox is well-known for its use in cosmetic procedures, however more and more research is investigating the use of Botox in treating multiple pain-related conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic pain located in the
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