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University of South Australia Research

University of South Australia Research

For long-term brain health, older adults may want to carefully consider how they spend their downtime, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of South Australia assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of nearly 400 people over the age of 60. When it comes to brain health, the study found that the context or type of activity that individuals engage in matters, SWNS news agency reported. Some sedentary behaviors are better for cognitive function than others, according to the findings, which were published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A. Mentally stimulating behaviors, such as reading, listening to music, praying, creating and playing a musical instrument — as well as social behaviors such as talking to others — are beneficial for memory and thinking skills, the study noted. The research team referred to “valuable insights” that could help reduce cases of cognitive impairment. More passive activities, such as playing video games or watching TV, do not provide the same benefits as reading, praying and other activities, they noted. Mentally stimulating behaviors such as reading, listening to music, praying, creating and playing a musical instrument are beneficial for memory and thinking skills, the study noted. Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com More than 55 million people around the globe have dementia, according to World Health Organization estimates. Another 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Dr. Maddison Mellow, a researcher at the University of South Australia, said that not all sedentary behaviors are equal when it comes to memory and cognitive health. “In this research,” she said, “we found that the context of an activity changes how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing different levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement.” She said scientists “already know that physical activity is a strong protector against the risk of dementia, and that should be a priority if you’re trying to improve your brain health,” as SWNS reported. “But until now, we hadn’t directly investigated whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary activity for another.” The research team referred to “valuable insights” that could help reduce cases of cognitive impairment. witthaya – stock.adobe.com She continued, “And while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly applies to cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviors and function cognitive.” It’s wise to prioritize movement that’s enjoyable and gets your heart rate up, she also said. And “even small 5-minute exchanges of time can help.” A recent study published by the RAND Corporation in California also identified several key predictors that occur around age 60 that can lead to cognitive impairment and dementia in individuals by age 80, as Fox News Digital previously reported. The study results suggested that “maintaining good physical and mental health is beneficial not only for staying fit, but also for staying sharp and delaying cognitive decline.” Africa Studio – stock.adobe.com The researchers evaluated 181 potential risk factors, including demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and health behaviors, health history, psychosocial factors, and more. The list of predictors, according to RAND, included “never exercising” and “low engagement in hobbies.” The study results suggested that “maintaining good physical and mental health is beneficial not only for staying fit, but also for staying sharp and delaying cognitive decline,” said study co-author Peter Hudomiet, an economist at RAND in California, for Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting. #University #South #Australia #ResearchImage Source : nypost.com

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There is saliva, vomit and urine in your suitcase, the doctor warns

There is saliva, vomit and urine in your suitcase, the doctor warns

You likely have separate bags and containers for all the stuff that goes into your suitcase, from perfume to body lotion to shampoo. But an even bigger mess could be lurking invisibly in your bags if you’re not packing smart, a disease expert has warned. Fortunately, there is a fairly inexpensive fix that will reduce the risk of spit, vomit and urine in the house along with your souvenirs. The bottoms of your shoes are covered in whatever you walked on, which can include feces and vomit if you’re walking on city sidewalks. Daniel – stock.adobe.com Philip M. Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, told HuffPo that there can be a lot of gross stuff sticking to your shoes. “If the bottom of the shoe has ridges or there are ribs on the side or other areas that can collect material, then think about what they’re picking up,” Tierno said. “Depending on the city you live in, you’re likely to walk on sidewalks and streets where people are coughing, spitting, and vomiting. There’s urine, human and animal feces, and a bunch of other things that are relatively germ-free.” In fact, it’s almost guaranteed to have poop on your shoes, according to Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. “If you wear shoes for more than a month, 93% will have fecal bacteria on the bottom of them,” he told the Today show of the results of his study on bacteria in shoes. Some experts recommend putting your shoes inside a plastic bag to protect everything else in your suitcase. mdimages – stock.adobe.com That’s why Tierno strongly recommends putting each pair of shoes inside a plastic bag, whether it’s a recycled one from a grocery store or a reusable one you bought online. Still, while you may very well have bodily fluids clinging to your soles—and few people would want them touching their clothes or their toiletry bag—it’s unlikely that you’ll actually get sick from whatever got on your shoes. yours. “People do the strangest things in public, and walking down the street, you can pick up all sorts of things that could be contaminated. But it’s still a relatively low risk of causing infection,” Tierno added. Saskia Popescu, senior infection prevention epidemiologist at HonorHealth and George Mason University, agrees. Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! “The shoes are definitely dirty, 100 percent. They’re weird, they’re bad,” she told Afar — but that said, she doesn’t use plastic bags. “I’m sure some of my infectious disease colleagues will cringe,” she admitted. “I put the skirts against the walls of the suitcase. I personally wouldn’t [put them in a bag] unless they were covered in mud or blood or something super weird. But that’s just me. I’d much sooner wipe the bottoms of my shoes with a Clorox wipe than wipe them on something.” Some experts go a little further with shoes than just taking them for trips. Gerba, whose study found fecal bacteria on shoe soles, notes that wearing your sneakers and boots indoors means you’re spreading that bacteria around your home. “Shoes make microorganisms quite mobile, and you’re tracking it around [the house]”, he said. “Also, if you are immunocompromised or have allergy problems, it’s best to remove your shoes.” #saliva #vomit #urine #suitcase #doctor #warnsImage Source : nypost.com

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Should you exercise while fasting?

Should you exercise while fasting?

Many people have vowed to change their lives on January 1 after a big night ringing in the New Year – but experts have weighed in on whether exercising with a hangover is a good thing. A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors looked at 1,676 college students. All had had at least one hangover in the past three months and did 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, according to The Conversation. The study found that hangover symptoms were reduced by those who engaged in more vigorous physical activity. This is because exercise modulates pain, improves sleep and metabolism. Exercising more is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Rawpixel.com – stock.adobe.com But should you exercise after a big night out? Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic, told news.com.au it would all depend on how you felt the next morning. “Alcohol can cause dehydration, digestive problems, sleep disturbances and sometimes anxiety,” Lucas told news.com.au. Lucas said that working out with a hangover usually depends on how you feel the next morning. Beaunitta Van Wyk/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com “While some of these symptoms can benefit from exercise, dehydration is one you need to be more careful about. If you decide to work out with a hangover, listen to your body and let it determine what style of exercise you should do. “For example, if you’re very dehydrated, a brisk walk or swim will probably be more beneficial than a 45-minute HIIT class.” He said of himself, a man who likes to run, he would likely do a 5km run or a shorter 15- to 20-minute HIIT class, depending on how he felt. He recommended a shortened workout if your body is ready for it. Adobe Stock Glenn Phipps, Exercise Physiologist and founder of the Stretch Yourself Strong Program, also weighed in on the matter. Phipps also agreed that it depends on how you feel. “Light activity can sometimes help alleviate mild symptoms by improving circulation and increasing endorphins,” he told news.com.au. “However, it is best to prioritize rest and hydration if you are very dehydrated, tired or unwell. Exercising while dehydrated or malnourished can make you feel worse. Phipps believes that light activity can relieve mild hangover symptoms in some cases. Drazen – stock.adobe.com Phipps warned that if you decide to stick with a workout you had planned before you got hungover, it will take a lot more effort. He also noted that you can’t “sweat out” a hangover. “Interesting to note, research shows that those who regularly engage in vigorous activity have fewer and less severe hangovers,” he said. Phipps said hangover workouts should be kept light, focusing on movement and recovery. He also advised that it was important to keep a check on nutrition and hydration. #exercise #fastingImage Source : nypost.com

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Capsules 'Ozempic natural' can reduce appetite, calorie intake

Capsules ‘Ozempic natural’ can reduce appetite, calorie intake

Scientists in the United Kingdom said they have developed a low-cost supplement that reduces appetite and calorie intake without the unpleasant, sometimes dangerous side effects that can accompany weight loss injections. Elcella — a twice-daily capsule called “Natural Ozempic” — is said to cause cells in the colon to release high levels of the appetite-suppressing hormones PYY and GLP-1. The makers of Elcella said it is a low-cost supplement that reduces appetite and calorie intake without the unpleasant, sometimes dangerous side effects that can accompany weight loss injections. elcella Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro mimic GLP-1, which the body naturally produces after eating, so users feel fuller for longer. Although these injections have become extremely popular, some have complained of nausea, diarrhea, vision problems, suicidal thoughts and other complications. The founders of Elcella reported no side effects during clinical trials. They said the pills caused obese patients to reduce their calorie intake by an average of 13% compared to those taking a placebo. “We differ from weight-loss drugs in that Elcella releases your natural appetite-reducing hormones instead of replacing them with synthetic hormones,” Madusha Peiris, a neurogastroenterology researcher at Queen Mary University of London, told the Daily Mail. Elcella contains diindolylmethane, which can support weight loss by improving estrogen metabolism; alpha-linolenic acid, which is believed to affect appetite hormones; and lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut oil that can help burn calories. Peiris said the capsule’s special coating protects the nutrients so they can be easily delivered to the colon. It plans to launch the treatment next year in the UK via an e-commerce site. Ozempic and similar drugs require a prescription and can be quite expensive. Elcella will cost less and be available over the counter, its makers said. brussels – stock.adobe.com While drugs like Ozempic and Victoza require a prescription, Peiris said. Elcella will be available over the counter at less than half the price of expensive weight loss drugs. “With the growing popularity of drugs like Ozempic, the market is ripe for disruption,” Rubina Aktar, co-founder and chief operating officer of Elcella, told the Daily Mail. “Those drugs have proven their efficacy, but there has never been a natural alternative like Elcella that works with the body’s natural processes,” she added. “Our product is an important new strategy that will help tackle the growing global obesity crisis.” Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Nearly three-quarters of American adults are overweight or obese, and about 11% of the American population has diabetes. Peiris plans to explore Elcella’s potential as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body does not use insulin effectively. GLP-1 plays a critical role in regulating insulin levels. Elcella is not the first supplement said to promote the natural production of the GLP-1 hormone. This emerging market has drawn concerns from doctors about the lack of evidence to back up the claims. “If you can just go buy a supplement and lose 20 or 30, 40 pounds, you can’t hear the end of it,” New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Hans Schmidt. “It would be everywhere,” he added. “But they’re not.” #Capsules #Ozempic #natural #reduce #appetite #calorie #intakeImage Source : nypost.com

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Dentists warn of increased 'prosecco teeth' over the holidays

Dentists warn of increased ‘prosecco teeth’ over the holidays

What a noise. Champagne, sparkling wines and fizzy cocktails are all the rage on New Year’s Eve, but these bubbly drinks can turn your pearly whites into damaged, discolored and soft teeth. The phenomenon – known as “prosecco teeth” or the “prosecco smile” – threatens to ruin your new year with a trip to the dentist. “Among dentists, it has been anecdotally reported that tooth decay affecting the front incisors increases during the festive season,” Dr. Sahil Patel, founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic in London. The combination of sugar, carbonic acid and alcohol in prosecco can be problematic for teeth. Getty Images “Prosecco presents a unique problem in that it is a relatively sweet-tasting, ubiquitous, affordable, high-sugar, acidic, fizzy drink,” Patel continued. “All these aspects make it extremely popular and accessible in large quantities to everyone.” Although sparkling wine sales are down this year compared to 2023, beverage forecasters predict prosecco will enjoy a bigger holiday sales boost than champagne because it’s less expensive. Tooth enamel begins to break down when the pH level in your mouth drops below 5.5. The pH of Prosecco is usually around 3.25. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com While the price may be good, the combination of sugar, carbonic acid and alcohol in prosecco can be problematic. Carbonic acid – formed when carbon dioxide gas dissolves in prosecco, producing distinctive bubbles – can erode the minerals in tooth enamel. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, releasing acids that can also destroy tooth enamel. Damaged enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities, more sensitive to certain foods and drinks, and more likely to yellow, chip or break. In turn, alcohol can cause dryness in the mouth, significantly increasing the risk of plaque build-up and cavities. Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Harriman Implant Center, a dental practice in New York, warns that prosecco is not the only wine causing concern. Tooth enamel begins to break down when the pH level in your mouth drops below 5.5. The pH of Prosecco is usually around 3.25. “This is what we expect for many sodas and 175 times more acid than is required to break down tooth enamel,” Harriman Implant Center wrote in a post that noted that Riesling can have a pH below 3. White wines are usually more acidic than red wines. Early detection is essential for better dental treatment. Warning signs of enamel erosion include pain when eating or drinking hot or cold things and teeth that appear yellow, rough-edged or thin. Damaged enamel makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities, more sensitive to certain foods and drinks, and more likely to yellow, chip or break. Getty Images 6 tips to prevent ‘prosecco teeth’ Enjoy prosecco in moderation or switch to a drink that is less acidic and sugary. Use a straw to reduce contact with the teeth. Drink water to flush out harmful acids and sugar. Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, neutralizing acids. Eat cheese to neutralize acidity. Wait 30 minutes to an hour after drinking prosecco before brushing your teeth to give the enamel time to remineralize. #Dentists #warn #increased #prosecco #teeth #holidaysImage Source : nypost.com

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The 28-year-old's battle with the "suicide disease".

The 28-year-old’s battle with the “suicide disease”.

Every day for nearly three years, Emily Morton has felt nothing but pain. At the beginning of 2022, the Australian woman had the whole world at her feet. The 28-year-old had just tied the knot with the love of her life, Andy, and the pair were preparing to start their own family. But then Morton noticed a strange nagging pain starting to come up in her teeth. Morton has experienced this pain for almost three years. Emily Morton/Facebook She visited a dentist, who could see nothing wrong. Within days, the pain became excruciating, spreading throughout the mouth and both sides of the face. “Imagine a dentist drilling every tooth 24/7 and there’s nothing you can do to stop the pain,” Morton told news.com.au. I started experiencing electric shocks on both sides of my face, triggered by anything touching my face. The constant pain began in Morton’s teeth. Gofundme “It would hurt when I smiled, talked and ate. All the normal stuff. There are no words to describe this level of pain. “It’s like being struck by lightning, it makes you want to fall on the ground and scream.” After dentists and doctors were unable to diagnose her strange condition, Morton underwent a series of brain scans and blood tests to try to get to the bottom of what she was experiencing. She was eventually diagnosed with atypical trigeminal neuralgia, a variant of classic trigeminal neuralgia. Dentists and doctors were unable to diagnose her condition at first. Gofundme The condition affects the trigeminal nerve which carries signals from the face to the brain and can cause shocks of pain even after lightly touching an area of ​​the face. While it usually only involves one side of the face, Morton was experiencing pain all over. Doctors told her it’s “the most painful condition known to medicine” and there’s basically nothing they can do to help. The disorder has earned the nickname of being the “suicide disease” as those who suffer from it are in so much pain that they often “wish they were dead”. Morton was eventually diagnosed with atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Gofundme Morton said there are still no real answers as to how and why he contracted it. “We have spent thousands of dollars trying to find a cause and an effective treatment for the pain,” she revealed. “We have traveled interstate and even overseas in an effort to provide me with some sort of quality of life. “It feels like a race against time to find out why. “The situation has taken everything from me. It takes over my entire existence. Morton has yet to discover why she contracted the rare disease. Gofundme “My whole life is on hold while I look for something to relieve me. I just take it day by day and keep hope.†Morton’s life has been turned upside down since her diagnosis, with her and her husband having to move back in with her mum as she is no longer able to work. She has already sought treatments within Australia, with some costing her over A$15,000 (US$9,300) each. Morton even went as far as Europe for alternative treatments, but to no avail. However, there is hope. A new type of neurosurgery is being offered in Australia called MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Some of her treatments have cost her over $15,000. Gofundme She will be placed in an MRI machine where an innovative technique delivers ultrasound waves precisely focused on a specific region of the brain called the thalamus to interrupt pain signals. That has given her a 50/50 chance of finding relief. Unfortunately, it is so new that it is not covered by Medicare and would cost upwards of $US40,000 (US$25,000) plus travel and rehab costs. Her sister Rachel has since set up a GoFundMe for Morton in hopes of raising enough funds to undergo treatment. So far, they have raised $20,000 (US$12,000). The new form of neurosurgery costs over $40,000 (US$25,000). Gofundme “I was blown away and I thank everyone who donated, we are half way to our goal,” she said. “I absolutely hope we can find a cure. In 2024, I believe there must be technology out there, somewhere, that can at least help. “My plan is to dedicate my life to becoming a fierce advocate for people with invisible “mystery” illnesses. “I want them to know they’re not alone, I want them to hope and believe in the science that’s emerging, and I want us to come together and fight for better health care.” Using GoFundMe, Morton and her sister have raised $20,000 for the procedure so far. Emily Morton/Facebook Morton hopes to find a cure in the future, but for now he’s trying to appreciate the little things and take life one day at a time. “People who have this condition are honestly some of the bravest people to walk this earth,” she said. “It is usually diagnosed after the age of 50. For those who are young, it is completely devastating. “Even though it’s not a terminal illness, it takes your life.” #28yearolds #battle #suicide #diseaseImage Source : nypost.com

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The new bill would mandate gyms to help Americans with disabilities

The new bill would mandate gyms to help Americans with disabilities

Congressional Democrats are pushing for federal policies that would require gyms and fitness centers in the US to be accessible to Americans with disabilities. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., introduced a bill “to promote the provision of exercise machines and equipment, and exercise and fitness classes and lessons, that are accessible to individuals with disabilities” earlier this week , the Congressional Record shows. It appears to be a companion bill to the Exercise and Fitness for All Act introduced in the upper chamber by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., earlier this year. The legislation would direct the US Accessibility Board, a federal agency that regulates access for people with disabilities, to create new rules for fitness facilities across the country. It would mandate “that the exercise or fitness instruction provided by the exercise or fitness service provider be accessible to individuals with disabilities” and that at least one employee trained to work with individuals with disabilities be on schedule during all working hours. The bill was introduced by DeSaulnier earlier this week. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images If implemented, it would be a significant step forward for accessibility advocates in the US and a significant change for hundreds of potential US businesses. Duckworth told Forbes in July of this year that part of her inspiration for the bill came from her struggles to find adequate gym equipment. Duckworth, a retired lieutenant colonel, lost both her legs when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter she was co-piloting in Iraq in 2004. Duckworth lost both her legs when a grenade hit the helicopter she was piloting in Iraq. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images She and DeSaulnier were both part of an earlier push in the 117th Congress to introduce the bill, along with the late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. “[F]”Many Americans are still excluded from basic access to exercise equipment and fitness classes due to outdated equipment and services that are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities,” DeSaulnier said in a statement at the time. Duckworth’s inspiration for the bill comes from her struggles to find adequate gym equipment. Getty Images “It is unacceptable that these barriers still exist that make it more difficult for individuals with disabilities to get the exercise they need to live a healthy life.” His reintroduction of the bill on Tuesday appears to be largely symbolic, given that there are no more legislative days on the calendar of the 118th Congress. #bill #mandate #gyms #Americans #disabilitiesImage Source : nypost.com

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The sleep specialist reveals 4 tips for better winter sleep

The sleep specialist reveals 4 tips for better winter sleep

So much for a “long winter nap”. We often struggle to sleep well in the winter because less exposure to sunlight can significantly upset our internal clock, making it harder for us to fall and stay asleep. Plus, colder temperatures and dry air can irritate the throat and nasal passages, leading to tossing and turning at night. Respiratory therapist Fernanda Fanek, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Jewish Valley Stream Hospital in Long Island, suggests developing a consistent sleep schedule and setting bedtime and wake-up alarms to stay on track during the winter. . She shared four more simple solutions to sleep problems. Drop the phone Blue light, especially from digital devices, has been shown to significantly suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for sleep initiation. Fanek recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals and blue light near bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant, while alcohol can interfere with staying asleep, and a large meal can cause indigestion and restlessness. Blue light, especially from digital devices, has been shown to significantly suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for sleep initiation. Fanek advises not only stopping screen time before bed, but also putting your phone away from you. “It limits exposure to blue light,” she told The Post, and “having your phone out of the way will require you to get out of bed to turn off the alarm and less likely to go back to it and snooze it multiple times. . which will help you stick to your waking schedule.” Exercise before bed – but not too hard Opt for yoga instead of an intense Peloton session before bed to help wind down. tirachard – stock.adobe.com Regular exercise can help regulate sleep, but vigorous exercise two hours before bed can make it harder to catch ZZZs. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or intense cardio, such as running or cycling, raises the body’s internal temperatures, raises the heart rate and causes the release of endorphins. “The surge of adrenaline near bedtime can interfere with the ability to relax and unwind,” Fanek explained. “Better options in the hours closer to bed that can help reduce stress and not interfere with sleep include yoga, stretching, or a gentle walk.” Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Just breathe Try box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing to relax your body and prepare it for sleep. stockbusters – stock.adobe.com Fanek proposes two breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote sleep—box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Breathing in the box Inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Hold your breath again to the count of four. Diaphragmatic breathing Lie comfortably on your back, placing one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of two, allowing your belly to rise with each breath. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4, feeling your stomach muscles contract and pull in as you exhale. Optimize your pillow position To avoid neck pain that can disrupt sleep, position your pillow so that your neck maintains a neutral position. Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com There are so many pillows to choose from – whichever you choose, it’s important to position it so that your neck maintains a neutral position. Your head and neck should be in line with your spine, without bending too far forward or backward, to help prevent neck pain that can disrupt sleep. “Additional pillows can be used to rest your lower extremities so that your hips are in line to avoid any discomfort or back pain,” Fanek said. #sleep #specialist #reveals #tips #winter #sleepImage Source : nypost.com

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Can you eat the leftover Christmas tree? 'Pine needle tea' can boost the immune system

Can you eat the leftover Christmas tree? ‘Pine needle tea’ can boost the immune system

You’ve gone through the leftover bacon, mashed potatoes, green beans and pie – but have you thought about eating your Christmas tree? According to the National Christmas Tree Association, between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the US each year. Many homeowners pull their evergreens to the curb in the first few days of January to recycle them. However, there are many ways to repurpose your used pine, spruce, or fir at home. You can chop it for firewood, shred it for mulch, build a bird sanctuary with the branches—or harvest the needles and transform them into cookies. Christmas tree needles can be safely removed and used in a variety of recipes, from fish to vinegar to ice cream. Getty Images “The way I generally cook [Christmas trees] is to use the needles as an herb, the same way you can use rosemary. You use rosemary to flavor a dish, but you don’t necessarily eat the rosemary itself,” said UK-based artisan baker and chef Julia Georgallis, author of How to Eat Your Own Christmas Tree Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street last week. Georgallis’ cookbook, published in 2020, contains more than 30 recipes for everything from Christmas cured fish to Christmas tree vinegar and Christmas tree ginger ice cream. Pine needle tea is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C, which can boost immunity and soothe colds. Getty Images A popular use for pine needles, especially in Asia, is making them into tea. Pine needle tea is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C, which can boost immunity and soothe colds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Also, WebMD reports that certain molecules in pine needles, particularly anti-inflammatory flavonoids, can bind to a specific receptor in the body that plays an important role in regulating metabolism. Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! To start this par-tea, go to the white pine, easily identified by its clusters of five needles. Cut the needles into smaller pieces, add to boiling water, remove from heat, let them boil for 10-20 minutes and drain. Or you can buy prepackaged organic pine needle tea bags. “To mellow out the flavor of pine needle tea, enjoy it cold,” registered dietitian Kate Spurgin recently told Well+Good. “For a more familiar taste, try it mixed with your favorite [herbal] tea.” Pine needle tea is especially popular in Asia. Certain molecules within the needles may help boost metabolism. Getty Images Tips for eating your Christmas tree Climb pine, spruce and fir. Cedar, cypress, and especially yew trees should be avoided because they can be toxic or inedible. Beware of trees sold in grocery stores or in parking lots that may have been sprayed with chemicals. Wear gloves when cutting branches and wash branches under cool, running water to remove mud and dirt. Use large, sharp scissors to cut upwards so the needles can fall into a large bowl. Wash needles before use. Avoid eating raw, unshredded needles, which are often very sharp. #eat #leftover #Christmas #tree #Pine #needle #tea #boost #immune #systemImage Source : nypost.com

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Surgeon: Beware of these most common winter injuries

Surgeon: Beware of these most common winter injuries

Oh, the weather outside is scary – and not needing a trip to the ER would be nice. Unfortunately, many people end up in the hospital each year due to winter-related injuries, some serious enough to require surgery. Dr. Nicole M. Stevens, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at NYU Langone, is warning about the most common threats and what you can do to avoid injury. An orthopedic trauma surgeon in New York City is warning about the season’s biggest dangers, starting with slips and falls, for people of all ages. Dene’ Miles – stock.adobe.com Slips and falls “Slips and falls are very common, especially after the first snow or ice storm of the year, when it freezes. And the biggest injury I see from it is ankle fractures or ankle sprains,” said Dr. Stevens for The Post. These falls can happen to people of any age—and they can happen anywhere. In cities where people walk a lot, there are many opportunities to hit a slippery surface and go flying. “Metal grates are a surprisingly slippery place to fall, like those subway grates, so I’d watch out for them,” she warned. In the suburbs, people are likely to lose their footing in their streets, climbing in or out of their cars. And the doctor warned that just because it’s not snowing doesn’t mean there’s no threat of you falling on your butt. “When there is snow on the ground, people are aware of it. But when it’s wet and cold and there’s more of that black ice or slush ice, people don’t realize it can be pretty slippery.” To make your steps a little more careful, she recommends wearing shoes with tight rubber soles, as flat soles can be extra slippery on the ground. Dr. Nicole Stevens says people are often aware of snow, but hidden ice and even slush are responsible for many injuries. NYU Langone Winter sports snafus Even if you’re on the ice on purpose, you can still get hurt—and Dr. Stevens has seen him fall apart from ice skating injuries. “If you go ice skating in Bryant Park or something like that, and you’re not a typical ice skater, people can fall and get wrist injuries,” she said. “This is another one we usually see when it starts to get cold.” Although she hasn’t seen many sledding injuries, she recommends that if you do sled, make sure your path is completely clear all the way down. The doctor warned that shoveling is more labor intensive than people realize and can lead to serious shoulder and back injuries, as well as tendonitis and general pain. chiyacat – stock.adobe.com Disasters with shovels When patients come to her with a shoulder blade injury. it’s usually a matter of overuse. “People need to be aware that shoveling is quite a labor-intensive activity, so you can be very injured afterwards,” she said. There is also a threat of developing tendinitis or serious shoulder and back injuries, especially if your technique is bad. “It’s a great rule of thumb whenever you’re lifting something heavy—and a snow shovel counts—to bend at the knees, not at the waist,” the doctor advised. “Try to use your knees as much as possible, treating it more like a squatting activity, as opposed to bending at the hips and shoveling snow over your shoulders. Get the latest medical breakthroughs, diet and nutrition tips, and more. Sign up for our weekly Post Care newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Disasters in blowing snow “You should absolutely never put your hand inside the snow mechanism,” said Dr. Stevens. “People can get pretty serious injuries to their hands doing something like that. So if something is stuck or something, take it to a pro. Don’t try to manipulate it yourself.” Don’t forget grandma and grandpa Of course, older people are always more likely to get injured—and those injuries can be much more serious. While it may seem safe inside your home when grandma and grandpa come to visit, it may be full of hidden dangers. “We also see an increase in geriatric injuries, like hip fractures from just slipping and falling, indoors. And I think part of it has to do with the fact that they’re out in an unfamiliar environment, like at a girl’s or a boy’s house,” the doctor said. “So just make sure that when you’re taking care of them, or moving them from point A to point B, it’s safe,” she added, warning against messes and upturned rugs. #Surgeon #Beware #common #winter #injuriesImage Source : nypost.com

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