Study: Being Famous May Shorten Your Life

Celebrity life may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Aside from the glitz and glamour that comes with the spotlight, a new study finds that actors, musicians and sports stars may live shorter lives, reports the Atlantic.

Examining the obituaries of some of society’s most prominent members published in theNew York Times, researchers in Australia found that performers and athletes tended to die on average at age 77, while those in non-performing creative careers like artists

Read more on this here:  writers and composers passed away at 79; academics and medical professionals lived until about 82 and those in business or politics survived until 83. The study, led by professor Richard J. Epstein of the University of New South Wales and Catherine Epstein of the University of Queensland, provided the analysis based on 1,000 obituaries published between 2009 and 2011. Published in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, the study also had a heavily weighted gender distribution towards men. There were only 186 obituaries for women and 813 for m

However, researchers emphasize that the study does not provide any conclusive answers, although it does raise interesting questions about the price of fame. As Epstein told the BBC:

“First, if it is true that successful performers and sports players tend to enjoy shorter lives, does this imply that fame at younger ages predisposes to poor health behaviours in later life after success has faded?

“Or that psychological and family pressures favouring unusually high public achievement lead to self-destructive tendencies throughout life? 

“Or that risk-taking personality traits maximise one’s chances of success, with the use of cigarettes, alcohol or illicit drugs improving one’s performance output in the short term?”

'Western diet' leads to premature ageing

'Western diet' leads to premature ageing

People who eat this kind of diet - which includes fried and sweet foods, processed and red meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy products - are at increased risk for premature death. And those who do make it to old age are less likely to be in good health when they get there, the researchers said.

The study included nearly 3 800 men and 1 600 women in Britain, with an average age of 51, who were followed from 1985 to 2009. By the end of that time, 73% of the participants had experienced normal ageing and 4% had undergone ideal ageing, which is defined as free of chronic conditions with high scores on tests of physical and mental abilities.

Heart issues and cancer

During the follow-up period, 13% of the participants had a nonfatal cardiovascular event, 3% died from heart-related causes and 7% died from other causes, according to the research, which was published in the May issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Those who ate a Western diet were less likely to have ideal ageing, lead investigator Tasnime Akbaraly of INSERM, a biomedical and public health research institution in Montpelier, France, said.

"We showed that following specific dietary recommendations may be useful in reducing the risk of unhealthy ageing, while avoidance of the Western-type foods might actually improve the possibility of achieving older ages free of chronic diseases and remaining highly functional," Akbaraly said.

"A better understanding of the distinction between specific health behaviours that offer protection against diseases and those that move individuals toward ideal ageing may facilitate improvements in public health prevention packages," Akbaraly added.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers tips for healthy living.

9 Tips for Better Boobs

Improve the look and health of your breasts.

Whether you want your breasts smaller, bigger or less saggy, few of us are happy with our boobs. However, there are many things you can do to make the most of your curves. To help look after your breasts and keep them looking their best, check out our 9 tips for better boobs.

Eat your way to good health

Multiple research studies have shown that eating certain foods can help to minimise your risk of developing breast cancer. Some foods to add into your diet include yellow/orange fruits and vegetables such as butternut squash as they are packed with antioxidant beta-carotene which has been linked to lowered risk of breast cancer. Flax seeds, walnuts, cranberries and omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, avocados and eggs) have also been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer, while eating foods high in magnesium can help prevent breast swelling and tenderness.

Check your bra size

It is thought that more than 70% of women regularly wear the wrong bra size, yet this can not only lead to significant health problems including poor posture, skin irritation and breathing difficulties, but it can irreversibly damage breast ligaments, leading to breast pain and sagging. Breast size can change frequently over your lifetime due to weight changes, pregnancy or menopause so, rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured regularly to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Get into the exercise habit

Research has shown that exercising four or more hours a week can lower oestrogen levels and reduce risk of breast cancer, while separate studies have suggested that weekly workouts can increase survival in those with the illness. However, exercise is not only good for your health; it can also help to prevent sagging and improve the look of your boobs. While you may think that chest exercises are just for men, working out the pectoral muscles through exercises such as push-ups and bench presses is great for improving the firmness, lift and shape of your breasts.

Fake a perfect cleavage

If you’re planning to wear a plunging neckline and want to make the most of your cleavage, it is possible to create the appearance of bigger breasts with a little bit of makeup. To cheat your way to a better cleavage, don your favourite bra then lightly dust some matte bronzer between your breasts, blending up and out to create the illusion of shadow. Finish with a lighter, shimmery powder across the top of your boobs and collarbones.

Check your breasts

According to a survey by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, only 35% of women regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer. However, breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women and early diagnosis can rapidly increase chances of survival. Women are advised to get to know their boobs by checking them each month and looking out for changes in size, shape and skin texture, as well as checking for discharge, rashes or lumps. If you are not sure how to go about checking your breasts, visit a reputable website or ask your doctor for tips on performing these necessary checks.

Quit smoking

Smoking has repeatedly been established as a leading cause of many serious illnesses, and breast cancer is no different. A study by researchers at the California Department of Health Services found that the rate of breast cancer amongst women who smoked was around 30% higher than for those who had never smoked. Separate research also suggests that the effects of smoking are cumulative, with risk increasing according to years of cigarette smoking, so stopping smoking now could help cut your risk of developing the illness.

Apply sunscreen

Despite the warnings about skin cancer, many of us are still not applying sunscreen on a regular basis. However, failing to apply sun lotion not only puts the delicate chest area at risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but it can also lead to premature ageing of the skin. To prevent a wrinkly cleavage and help keep your décolletage smooth and taut, make sure to apply a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to the sun.

Wear a sports bra

When we work out, our breasts tend to move about with the movements of our body. Exercising without adequate support (particularly for those with larger breasts) can therefore lead to discomfort and pain, as well as damage to ligaments which can cause breasts to sag. To make sure your boobs are protected from the effects of exercise, make sure you purchase a well-fitting exercise bra which is sturdier than your everyday bra and can help minimise breast movement.

Improve your posture

If you want to give yourself an instant breast lift, the best thing you can do is improve your posture. The chest muscles can lose flexibility when your shoulders are hunched, causing sagging over time. Furthermore, walking with a straighter back will make your boobs look instantly bigger and more pert. Try to pay attention to how you stand and sit throughout the day and consider taking up an exercise that will improve your posture such as yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi.

GOOD NEWS FOR ALCOHOL TAKERS

Exercise May Prevent Alcohol from Damaging The Brain, Study Says

Heavy, long-term alcohol use has been linked by several studies to brain damage. But there may be a way to prevent and even reverse that damage which is good news for people who drink often

Aerobic exercise appears to protect the brain from alcohol-caused damage, according to a new study by researchers at UC San Diego and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Heavy long-term alcohol consumption damages brain tissue called "white matter," which looks similar to the decline in neurocognitive functioning that occurs as people age, according to Hollis C. Karoly, a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder and study co-author.

Given that studies have shown that exercise can slow the neurocognitive decline of aging, researchers hypothesized that exercise may also prevent or even reverse alcohol's damage to the brain.

To test this, Karoly and her colleagues examined relationships among exercise and alcohol consumption of 60 participants (37 men, 23 women), using brain scans.

"This study found that the relationship between alcohol consumption and white matter depends upon how much people exercise," said Karoly.

"This suggests that individuals who have experienced alcohol-related brain problems could possibly use exercise to help recover those effects," she said, adding that more studies are needed to confirm this.

White matter damage can lead to motor deficits, sensory problems and cognitive difficulties.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute of Drug Abuse. It will be published in the September 2013 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

One of the study's co-authors, Susan F. Tapert, professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego and chief of psychology at the VA San Diego, authored a study in December that looked at alcohol's effect on a teen's white matter brain tissue. The study found that a teen who consumes alcohol is likely to have reduced brain tissue health, but a teen who uses marijuana is not.

WHY ARTIFICIAL NAIL IS NOT SO GOOD

Experts call for caution on artificial nail fixing

 

Experts in the Tourism and Culture sector recently called for caution on artificial nail fixing by women, and said that the implication could be disastrous for health.
Artificial nails, also known as fake nails or fashion nails, are coverings placed over a woman fingernails to beautify it.
Some of them are fibre nails, acrylic nails and glass nails to mention a few, and they cost between N500 and N2,500.
Mrs Rachael Collins, an artist, said in Abuja that although nail fixing improved the beauty of a woman, it could also be dangerous if not well managed.
Collins said that apart from the after effect of nail fixing, the cost implication was another thing that could lead to break down of economic and financial power of the individual.
``Fixing of the nail is very common among young women. There are some who don’t feel comfortable if they don’t fix the nail.
`` Some go extra mile to spend the last cash on them to fix their nails.
`` Now, I am not saying that the act of fixing the nail is not good, but should be minimised as it could be dangerous to health,’’ she said.
She said that a long time fixing of the nail could brittle the nail, thereby causing fungi infection to the hand.
Miss Aminat Rufai, a beautician, said nail fixing was not part of Africans life, adding that women could accept other accomplished method of beautifying the nails.
She, however, called on beauticians to help ameliorate the effect of nail fixing to avert the effect by using good and improved nail cosmetics.
``Nail fixing may cause accident to the cuticles, which can also lead to bacterial infections,’’ she said.
Rufai said the artificial nail fixing, if fitted properly, would not be problematic but that fixing it for a longer period could damage the nail.
``Long term use and poorly fitted nails can seriously damage the nail bed and as well hamper natural nail growth.
``The most common problem associated with artificial nails is a bacterial infection that may develop between the false and natural nail.
``When artificial nails are applied to the natural nail surface, minor types of trauma to the artificial nails can happen from something as harmless as scraping a nail against a firm surface.
``This can cause separation of the nail from its nail bed. This allows bacteria and fungus to potentially enter the separated area setting up an infection,’’ she said.
She also said that most hospitals would not allow their employees to have the artificial fingernails due to the risk of harbouring infection, which could be transmitted to patients.
Rufai said it could as well be injurious to salon workers, who were exposed to chemical fumes from artificial nails.
``Nail fixing also affects salon workers, who face exposures to other chemicals used while fixing the nails such as toluene and dibutyl phthalate,’’ she said.

Seven Foods for Sexual Health

Seven Foods for Sexual Health

 The mystery of whether or not food has an effect on your sex life has been argued for centuries. As time goes on, we learn that good nutrition has quite a lot to do with feeling sexually charged and being healthy in general. If you don’t eat a diet that satisfies your mineral and vitamin needs then chances are that you will not feel your best when faced with a sexual encounter. It is better to be at your optimum by eating a diet of healthy fats, moderate carbohydrates and high in whole plant foods. This style of eating will help your hormones and energy levels stay at their peak. And don’t forget that proper hydration is important.

 These seven foods eaten in abundance along with a wide variety of alkaline foods can really charge up your sex life! Don’t let a diet high in processed meat and processed wheat mess up your sexual health. Achieve pH balance by eating a diet high in alkaline foods and don’t go overboard on your acid foods. You want to maintain a balance of roughly 70% alkaline foods daily. Eating like this at every meal and physical exercise daily is the formula for a long and healthy sex life.

RED CHILI

Red Chili Peppers contain Capsaicin, a chemical found in the pepper that increases blood flow and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more sexually responsive. Add to dishes that need a little “heat” to bring out the flavor. The taste of Chinese Kung Pao dishes come to mind. Even though chili peppers are found around the world, many people in North America find them most in Mexican dishes. Eat lots of red hot peppers!

AVOCADO 

contains vitamin E that helps your body produce hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which circulate in your bloodstream and stimulate female sexual responses like clitoral swelling and vaginal lubrication. The good fats found in avocado help keep the blood vessels clear of plaque building up and cutting off blood flow to sexual organs.

BANANAS 

are loaded with potassium and various versions of Vitamin B which are said to be essential in the function of sex hormones. Potassium also is essential in the regulation of blood pressure and should be a part of any healthy diet.

GARLIC 

eaten regularly can help men who have problems with male “dysfunction”. Eat 4-6 cloves a day. Increases blood flow very effectively over the course of several weeks. Several studies have been done to confirm its effectiveness.

DARK CHOCOLATE

 contains the chemical phenylethylamine, a stimulant that conjures just the sort of subtle feelings of well-being and excitement resembling the feelings of love. There is a reason that may actually be a reason that people like to give this food to the ones that they are romantic with.

POMEGRANATE 

owes its passion power to antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them.  One of the many benefits is increased genital sensitivity.  

WATERMELON

contains the phytonutrient L-citrulline, which leads to an increase in the amount of nitric oxide in your body. That surge of Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to relax and improve sexual response in men. As a result, you’ll get more aroused in less time. Citrulline has been found to be very helpful in men who do not want to take an erectile drug to enhance their performance.

 As stated before, sexual relevance to particular foods has been made for many centuries. In ancient times certain food items were thought to have the power of improving the sexual life of an individual, increase the sexual drive and even cure problems of sexual dysfunction. These food items were identified as foods that have the power to boost the libido. These foods were labeled as aphrodisiacs. The word Aphrodisiac which comes from Aphrodite, the famous Greek goddess of love. Many foods were considered aphrodisiacs because of their sexually suggestive nature. Eggs remind us of the female reproductive system. None of these foods really have any proven sexual qualities, but if they make us believe that they’ll raise our sexual desires, chances are they’ll psychological advantage. Many men have a problem with erectile dysfunction after having been with their partner for many years so this is a situation where an aphrodisiac food may help spice things up.

There are a couple of spices that need to be mentioned as they have a long history of being great libido boosters. Since the time of its discovery, ginger has been attributed to the ability to help spark sex drive, increase performance and improve duration of a rock hard erection. It has been labeled a sexual enhancer in ancient Asian cultures for a very long time. Ginger increases circulation and libido by exciting the central nervous system. Clinical studies have shown that ginger increases the level of testosterone in laboratory animals. Cinnamon and nutmeg are also rumored to stimulate sexual feelings. Cardamom is very good for male sexual health. The properties of cardamom will also give an effect upon sexual lust. When cardamom is combined with coffee it has especially strong effects on the genital reactions, sexual lust and sexual thoughts. It is traditionally used in Arabic coffee for this purpose. Get Healthy with a diet high in Alkaline foods

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