HEALTHY LIVING

In a major turnaround of events that has baffled medical experts and researchers, a protein that was long believed to cause Alzheimer’s, has proved to be one that actually fights off the degenerative disease.

World Mental Health Day is observed every October 10 to spread mental health awareness and education. This year’s theme is “Psychological First Aid.”

Australian doctors have slammed celebrity chef Pete Evans for proposing a paleo diet to an osteoporosis suffer that doctors believe could be potentially damaging. Evans advised the sufferer to remove dairy from his diet. Queensland obstetrics and gynaecology specialist Brad Robinson, furious at Evans’ advice, reminded him he is a chef, not a doctor.

Italian experts have claimed that a Mediterranean-styled diet is good for the heart and way better than cholesterol-lowering drugs. Researchers involved in the study said that people following diets rich in fish, nuts, vegetables and olive oil are a third less likely to die early compared to those eating larger amounts of beef, butter and red meat.

The American Chemical Society has uploaded a video on their “Reactions” YouTube channel informing public how peeing in the pool can expose people to major health risks. Taking a leak while frolicking in the swimming pool is not only disgusting but also harmful.

South Australian health officials are reminding people to use condoms when having sex as there has been a spurt in chlamydia and gonorrhoea cases. As per SA Health, 735 people have been diagnosed with gonorrhoea this year up to now, compared to 523 at this time in 2015. About 3,454 chlamydia cases have been reported so far this year, up from 3,352 in 2015.

Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been endorsed by many but new research has showed that it can even slow down cognitive decline in patients. Apart from being good for the heart, the Mediterranean diet is good for the mind too. It may help keep Alzheimer’s at bay.

According to a secret study of Australian pubs and clubs, drinkers get more intoxicated at venues with more men. Deakin University researchers have called for lockout laws in Victoria after they found a link between inebriation and proportion of men and young people at a venue.

There is hope that hepatitis C may be eliminated in the next 10-15 years and won’t be a public health threat in Australia anymore. However, study reveals viral hepatitis deaths increased by 63 percent in the last 23 years.

A new study has revealed that only one hour of brisk walking every day may eliminate the health risks commonly associated with long hours of sitting in office. The world-first study by the University of Sydney researchers said that The global cost of physical inactivity for 2013 was US$67.5 billion (AU$90 billion).

A statutory review of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Sydney’s Kings Cross is being conducted by NSW Health in a bid to push for more NSW heroin injecting rooms that can be used by minors (16-year-olds) and pregnant women.

New study has shown that alcohol may raise the risk of seven different cancers. Experts at University of Otago in New Zealand have found links to cancer of the breast, bowel, liver, colon, oesophagus, larynx, throat and mouth.

A new study has stated that having cinnamon turns poor learners into good ones. It may also target Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson's disease.

Singapore researchers have found that kidney failure risks can be minimised by replacing red meat in one’s diet with other kinds of foods such as fish and poultry. As per the study findings, one serving of red meat, substituted with other sources of protein, resulted in a 62 percent reduction in risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Scientists at the Victor Chang and Garvan Institutes has suggested that obese fathers who have decided to have a baby, may pass on metabolic problems to their sons, daughters and even grandchildren. Heart diseases and diabetes may also be passed on.

An Australian study has revealed that women who smoke during pregnancy are at a risk of having boys with low sperm production in their adulthood.

New clinical study has shown that e-cigarettes may lead to significant reductions in exposure to harmful chemicals found in tobacco-cigarettes. This in turn helps in cutting the risks of tobacco-related illnesses that are thought to be caused by smoking real cigarettes. Smokers, who shift to smoking only e-cigarette, may find the effects quite similar to complete smoking cessation.

Australians are among the world’s fattest, a new report has revealed. The report on Australia’s health also shows that people Down Under suffer from alarmingly high blood pressure, diabetes and are dying by suicide in record numbers.

The director of the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at UNSW, professor Jan Copeland, revealed that a recent online market survey of 4,500 Australians showed more than half of those smoking cannabis struggle to control their use. Still people continue to believe that they can never become dependent on marijuana.

The list of the negative effects of eating bacon regularly, on top of colon cancer and male infertility, has just expanded. A new study claims daily ingestion of the favourite breakfast fare of two strips increases chances of non-cardia stomach cancer by 18 percent.

Gluten-free diets are a fad these days and they have taken hold of health fanatics worldwide. According to the reports, gluten-free diet has surpassed all other searches on Google in the US, beating Palaeolithic diets, Atkins and South Beach.

Breast Cancer Care, a British charity organisation, has warned that women aged between 50 and 70 are too reliant on mammograms for detecting breast cancer signs.

E-cigarettes will be treated as tobacco in Victoria. The Victorian Government is extending the smoking ban to e-cigarettes too.

Researchers found 25% reduced risk of breast cancer diagnosis in middle age with fruit consumption during one’s teenage years.

Experts emphasised on the importance of preventive measures and the need for better weight management services. More research into alternative interventions is also crucial to take care of severe obesity.

Alzheimer’s disease can be kept at bay with regular practise of yoga and meditation. It also increases coping capabilities and improves mood and anxiety problems.

Australians have negative stereotypes associated with strength-training. People look at these activities as super-masculine, and women believe they will put on a lot of weight.

The study should not be used as an escape route for not taking action against air pollution. If people start using “active transport” more, then pollution levels will come down automatically.

Insulin resistance is a major problem for those who have cardiovascular diseases. The researchers analysed a national sample of adults and included dietary and lifestyle factors and team/coffee consumption.