Fertility, Lifestyle & Health / 03.12.2024

Please consult your health care provider for specific fertility and lifestyle advice. Do not take supplements without consulting your personal health care provider. fertility-lifestyle.jpg The complex interplay between lifestyle and fertility has become an area of significant interest within reproductive medicine. Prevailing research underscores the influence of dietary habits, physical activity, stress management, and sleep patterns on reproductive health, while harmful behaviours like smoking and alcohol consumption further complicate the fertility landscape. As we uncover these intricacies, it invites a deeper exploration into how lifestyle modifications can potentially enhance fertility outcomes. With this understanding, we stand on the precipice of a transformative approach to fertility management, one that encompasses a broader, more holistic view of reproductive health.

Understanding Fertility: A Brief Overview

Fertility, a crucial aspect of human reproduction, entails far more than the simple act of conceiving a child. It is a complex biological process that involves several coordinated events in both male and female bodies. Misunderstandings about fertility have given rise to numerous fertility myths, which often misguide people and obscure the true scientific factors affecting fertility. The development of reproductive technology, from assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to advanced genetic screenings, has revolutionized our understanding of fertility. These technologies have not only offered hope to countless couples struggling with infertility, but also helped debunk many fertility myths that have long persisted. One common myth is that age does not greatly impact fertility. However, scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that fertility declines with age, particularly for women. Reproductive technology tools, such as ovarian reserve testing, have provided tangible proof of this phenomenon. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition / 26.11.2024

Editor's note:  Please consult your health care provider to discuss your personal medical journey.  Most supplements are not FDA tested and may have side effects.  With the rapid emergence of new diseases and the challenges of developing medications to combat them, protecting your health is more critical than ever. While advanced treatments are a marvel of modern medicine, prevention often remains the most effective tool against illness. By adopting a few practical, healthy habits, you can greatly reduce your risk of chronic conditions and infectious diseases. This article will explore nine steps you can take to safeguard your well-being, helping you live a longer, healthier life.

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Lifestyle & Health, Mental Health Research, Mindfulness-Wellness / 25.11.2024

Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about eating right or staying active—it’s also about being mindful of how our actions impact the environment. More people are realizing the connection between their personal well-being and the planet’s health. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make a difference. Small, intentional changes can lead to significant improvements for both you and the environment. In this article, we’ll explore some simple sustainable practices that promote a healthier lifestyle while being kinder to the planet. Build a Sustainable Mindset Ultimately, sustainable living is as much about mindset as it is about specific actions. Developing a sustainable mindset involves rethinking how we approach everyday decisions and recognizing the long-term benefits of small changes. For example, plan your meals carefully to avoid food waste and save money. When purchasing new items, focus on quality over quantity. A well-made product may cost more upfront, but it will likely last longer and reduce waste in the long run. Sharing resources with your community—like participating in clothing swaps or borrowing tools—can also help reduce consumption. Another key aspect of a sustainable mindset is teaching the next generation. Encourage children to appreciate nature, recycle, and make eco-friendly choices. By instilling these values early, we can create a culture of sustainability that lasts for years to come. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health / 09.10.2024

Maintaining your health is all about taking proactive steps to avoid problems before they start. Whether it's preventing an infection or protecting yourself from pests, being prepared makes a world of difference. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 10 essential health tips that everyone should know. From locating a convenient strep test near me to tips on getting rid of mosquitoes, these practical pointers will help you stay on top of your health and wellness.

Get Regular Screenings

Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection of illnesses. It's important to stay ahead of potential issues, from routine blood tests to more specific exams like cholesterol checks or a simple strep test. A strep throat infection, for example, is highly contagious and can escalate if not treated quickly. Fortunately, Googling strep tests near me is now easier than ever, with most urgent care centers and clinics offering fast and accurate testing. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early detection can save you from a lot of discomfort. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health / 27.09.2024

  Living a long and healthy life is a goal many aspire to and with good reason. A more extended life allows us to spend more time with loved ones, and a healthier life means enjoying those years thoroughly. While the road to better health may seem complex, research has shown that simple, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Here, we explore ten science-backed changes you can implement today to improve your health and extend your lifespan.   One effective way to kickstart your health journey is to join a wellness program like LifeForce's membership, which provides tools and guidance to help you take control of your health. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health, Supplements / 26.09.2024

    Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly maintain their weight while others struggle? The answer often lies in a complex process called metabolism. It is essentially the rate at which your body burns calories. It's influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. Understanding this is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When your metabolism is working efficiently, your body can burn calories at a healthy rate, supporting weight management and overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between metabolism and healthy living. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition, Supplements / 29.07.2024

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is pivotal for long-term health and happiness. It's about making consistent, beneficial choices that match your needs and goals. This can be a challenging task in today's busy world, but it's certainly achievable with the right set of strategies. You can enhance your quality of life by balancing your nutrition, staying active, managing stress, and getting quality sleep. Keep reading to discover practical tips to guide you toward wellness.

Embracing Balanced Nutrition for Sustained Well-being

embracing-balanced-nutrition.jpgA balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating various foods from all the food groups ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs. Increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats contributes to better health and helps prevent chronic diseases. Understanding portion sizes and the significance of moderation can prevent overeating and weight gain. It is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water supports metabolic processes and helps eliminate waste. Knowing your body's calorie and nutritional requirements is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. If you're unsure where to begin, seeking guidance from a registered dietitian can be a great starting point. For wellness products and nutritional supplements, SkinnyFit offers quality, all-natural health and wellness products—visit skinnyfit.com to explore their range. Lastly, preparing your meals can give you more control over the ingredients and help you stick to a nutritious diet. Planning can also prevent impulsive decisions leading to unhealthy eating habits. (more…)
Circulation Issues, Lifestyle & Health, Radiology, Tobacco Research / 17.07.2024

Living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can be challenging. But, there are practical lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your quality of life. This article explores how your diet, exercise, and quitting smoking can help you manage PAD symptoms.

Understanding PAD

PAD affects the arteries outside the brain and heart, usually in the legs. This happens due to plaque buildup. This narrowing restricts blood flow, causing symptoms like: - Leg pain - Cramping - Ulcers Recognizing these symptoms is key for early detection and management. Consult an interventional radiologist for accurate diagnosis and reduced pain treatment plans. (more…)
Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Mental Health Research, Sleep Disorders / 30.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Joanna Gorgol PhD Student University of Warsaw MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: People differ in the time when they prefer to wake up and fall asleep: some people prefer going to bed and waking up early, while others prefer later hours. Most of the population is somewhere between them. Research indicates that being a morning person is related to reporting higher satisfaction with life and conscientiousness. Studies also show the associations between being religious and having higher life satisfaction and conscientiousness. It seems that religiosity might mediate the relationship between morningness and higher life satisfaction. To better understand these associations we conducted two questionnaire-based studies of Polish adults, one with 500 participants and the other with 728 participants. All participants completed questionnaires measuring their chronotype, satisfaction with life, personality traits, and religiosity (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition, Vegetarians / 30.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, MACP Chief, Division of Preventive Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Professor of Medicine and the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts  02215   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Any particular types of vitamins, ie with/without iron etc? Response: Preserving memory and cognitive health is a high priority for most mid-life and older adults.  However, few strategies have been rigorously tested in randomized clinical trials and shown to have cognitive benefits. Nutritional approaches hold promise because the brain requires several nutrients for optimal health, and deficiencies in one or more of these nutrients may lead to accelerated memory loss and cognitive decline. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a large-scale nation-wide randomized trial of multivitamins and cocoa flavanols had recently reported that multivitamins slowed global cognitive decline and memory loss (in COSMOS-Mind). The current study was a 2nd parallel trial, a collaboration between Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Columbia University, looking at a web-based assessment of the role of a  standard multivitamin and of cocoa flavanols in slowing age-related memory loss. The report in AJCN is on the multivitamin-cognition findings. The multivitamin tested was Centrum silver for adults (without iron). (more…)
Author Interviews, Kidney Stones, Lifestyle & Health, Urology / 29.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Paul Piedras, BS University of California, Irvin MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The consumption of alkaline water is gaining popularity among the public as a preferred method of hydration.  A variety of reasons may be associated with this including that the general population may believe that drinking an alkalotic fluid will lead to a raise in systemic pH. Given that alkaline water is more expensive than spring water, we decided to further explore what effects it may have on urinary alkalization. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Emergency Care, Lifestyle & Health, Orthopedics / 26.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ridge Maxson M.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Dog walking is an increasingly popular mode of physical activity for adults in the US, but its injury burden and associated risk factors are not fully understood. This study found that the 3 most common injuries sustained by adult dog walkers in the US were finger fracture, TBI, and shoulder sprain or strain. Dog walking-related injuries sent approximately 423,000 adults to US EDs between 2001 and 2020, with an annual average of more than 21,000 visits. During that 20-year period, the estimated annual injury incidence increased by more than 4-fold. Among injured dog walkers, older adults and women were particularly vulnerable to serious injury, such as fracture and TBI. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Lifestyle & Health, Weight Research / 03.04.2023

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity,injections,  or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle, We all have those areas on our bodies that tend to ‘show’ fat more easily – areas such as our chins, the backs of our arms and thighs, and of course, our bellies. And no matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to get rid of them. It seems that no amount of diet and exercise can help us do away with those stubborn pockets of fat. Those unsightly fat pockets are a definite turn-off, even if you're almost at your recommended weight. While it's true that you should love your body regardless of its shape or form – this is the era of body positivity, after all – if you can address those stubborn areas, life would be so much easier – and better. But how do you eliminate those unwanted, stubborn fat pockets with the right diet and exercise once and for all? Let's find out. (more…)
Dermatology, Lifestyle & Health / 28.10.2022

A recent scientific study found that Botox injections can help reduce the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, according to a report on Euronews. As more people seek non-invasive treatments to achieve beautiful, youthful, and natural looks, market experts predict that the medical spa industry will continue to grow. Currently, medspa therapies range from loose RNA that stimulates regeneration of skin to hydrafacials, microneedling, body sculpting, and laser hair removal. And while many people are embracing these medspa treatments, there are major concerns about their effectiveness. Keep reading to learn the science-backed health benefits of medical spa treatments. (more…)
Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, Genetic Research, Lifestyle & Health, Nature / 08.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Marcel den Hoed, PhD Researcher,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology Uppsala University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: In this paper we performed a multi-ancestry meta-analysis of 51 genome-wide association studies, in data from over 700,000 individuals. This yielded 11 DNA regions that are robustly associated with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during leisure time (MVPA), and 88 DNA regions for self-reported leisure screen time (LST). Around half of the identified DNA regions are also associated with objectively assessed physical activity traits in data from the UK Biobank. Causal inference using a Mendelian randomization approach subsequently showed bidirectional causal effects between LST and body mass index (BMI), with the effect of LST on BMI being 2-3-fold larger than vice versa. Less LST and more MVPA protect from diabetes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and earlier age at death, with all causal effects of MVPA and leisure screen time being mediated or confounded by BMI. Further analyses showed that DNA regions associated with LST are more often located close to genes whose expression in skeletal muscle is altered by strength training than expected by chance, suggesting that these genes may influence the likelihood of adopting an active lifestyle by influencing the response to training. (more…)
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lifestyle & Health, USPSTF / 05.08.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Lori Pbert, Ph.D Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences Associate chief of the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine Founder and director of the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Dr. Pbert joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

 

Response: Heart attacks and strokes are the number one killer of adults in the United States. Based on the evidence we reviewed, the Task Force found that some people would benefit from counseling interventions to support their cardiovascular health, however the overall benefits are small. For that reason, we continue to recommend that healthcare professionals decide together with their patients who do not have cardiovascular disease risk factors whether counseling interventions on healthy diet and physical activity might help them prevent heart attacks and strokes. This is a C grade recommendation. (more…)

Lifestyle & Health / 08.11.2021

Why Early Detection is a Life-saverIt's understandable if you fear visiting the hospital if you feel unwell. You worry that you will get a terrible diagnosis. You would rather pretend that everything is okay than face the truth. Remember that it's better to have early detection of an illness than waiting until everything is late. People's lives were saved because they decided to ask for medical advice early. You can begin your path to recovery Just because you received an unfavorable diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over. Even some life-threatening conditions like cancer already have a cure. Many people underwent remission after months or years of treatment. If you decide against getting medical advice, these potential cures might not work anymore. You will regret not starting the process earlier on. (more…)
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lifestyle & Health, USPSTF / 03.12.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. John Epling, M.D., M.S.Ed Professor of family and community medicine Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, VA. Medical director of research for family and community medicine Medical director of employee health and wellness for the Carilion Clinic Dr. Epling joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2016. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence shows that counseling aimed at helping people improve their diet and increase their physical activity can help prevent cardiovascular disease. This typically involves a trained counselor who provides education, helps people set goals, shares strategies, and stays in regular contact.  The Task Force recommends behavioral counseling interventions that promote a healthy diet and physical activity to help people at risk for cardiovascular disease stay healthy. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition / 26.10.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Samia Mora, MD MHS Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Director, Center for Lipid Metabolomics Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston, MA 02215 @SamiaMoraMD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Couples, both married couples and domestic partners, are likely to share similar environmental exposures, adopt similar behavior patterns, and have similar characteristics. However, the degree to which couples share similar levels of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and behaviors is uncertain. If high levels of poor CV risk factor measures and behaviors are common in both members of a couple, programs that target improvement of these risk factors and behaviors may simultaneously benefit CV health in both members of the couple. (more…)
Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, PNAS, Psychological Science, University Texas / 31.07.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John M. Griffin PhD James A. Elkins Centennial Chair in Finance McCombs School of Business The University of Texas  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The importance of personal traits compared to context for predicting behavior is a long-standing issue in psychology. Yet, we have limited evidence of how predictive personal conduct, such as marital infidelity, is for professional conduct. We use data on usage of a marital infidelity website as a measure of marital infidelity and find that it is strongly correlated with professional conduct in four different professional settings. (more…)
Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, Lifestyle & Health / 31.07.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Wei Bao, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology College of Public Health, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242  and Yang Du University of Iowa MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In 2008, the US Department of Health and Human Services released the first federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommended that people should do at least 150 minutes moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. This key recommendation has been reaffirmed in the 2018 recently updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. In addition, the new 2018 Guidelines for the first time discussed health risks of sedentary behaviors. Insufficient physical activity and long sitting time have long been recognized as risk factors for major chronic diseases and mortality. Therefore, we were curious whether there have been a significant changes in adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines in US adults since the release of the first edition of the federal guidelines in 2008 and whether sedentary behavior in US adults changed during the same period. (more…)
Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Mental Health Research, Opiods, University of Pennsylvania / 15.07.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Samuel Preston, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology University of Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Life expectancy at birth in the United States is low by international standards and has been declining in recent years. Our study aimed to identify how these trends differed by age, sex, cause of death, metropolitan status, and region. We found that, over the period 2009-11 to 2014-16, mortality rose at ages 25-44 in large metropolitan areas and their suburbs as well as in smaller metropolitan areas and non-metropolitan areas. Mortality at ages 45-64 also rose in all of these areas except large metropolitan areas. These were the ages responsible for declining life expectancy. Changes in life expectancy were particularly adverse for non-metropolitan areas and for women. The metropolitan distinctions in mortality changes were similar from region to region. The cause of death contributing most strongly to mortality declines was drug overdose for males and mental and nervous system disorders for women. (more…)
Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, Lifestyle & Health, Weight Research / 16.05.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: sneakers-walkingFrancesco Zaccardi, MD, PhD Clinical Epidemiologist Assistant Director Leicester Real World Evidence Unit Leicester Diabetes Centre UK MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The role of excess body weight on mortality has been extensively investigated during the last decades. Studies from several countries have also shown, however, that the risk of death in persons who are overweight or obese is lower if their fitness, a parameter indicating cardio-pulmonary health, is higher. Most of these studies reported the beneficial effect of fitness in terms of relative risk reduction, for example 20% reduction of risk of death. Relative estimates, though, are difficult to interpret. (more…)
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Hepatitis - Liver Disease, Lifestyle & Health, Sugar / 25.04.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: E. van Eekelen, MSc | PhD Candidate Leiden University Medical Center Dept. Clinical Epidemiology Leiden, The Netherlands MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Fatty liver, defined as excess accumulation of fat within the liver, covers a broad clinical spectrum and is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases. It has also been linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The consumption of alcohol is a well-established risk factor for fatty liver. However, we hypothesized that consumption of non-alcoholic energy-containing beverages also leads to liver fat accumulation. We analysed data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study, which is a prospective population-based cohort study including non-invasive measurements of liver fat content by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Besides consumption of alcoholic beverages, sugar sweetened beverages were associated with more liver fat. We specifically showed that replacement of alcoholic beverages with milk was associated with less liver fat, whereas replacement with sugar sweetened beverages was associated with a similar amount of liver fat, even when taking calories into account.  (more…)