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People who visit museums regularly may age more slowly, study suggests

17. July, 2026

A team of researchers has investigated whether cultural activities may be associated with the body’s biological age.

Biological age reflects how well the body functions and can differ from a person’s chronological age.

The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, is based on data from 1,899 people aged 50 and over who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

According to ScienceDaily, the researchers measured participants’ blood pressure, lung function, cholesterol levels, walking speed, and muscle strength.

Cultural participation was measured

Participants were also asked how often they went to the cinema, visited museums or art galleries, or attended theatre performances, concerts, and the opera.

The researchers also accounted for factors such as income, employment, and chronic illnesses.

This made it possible to examine whether the association between cultural experiences and biological age remained after these factors were taken into account.

The body appeared younger

The results showed that people who took part in cultural activities at least once every two months had an average biological age of 66.9 years.

Among those who rarely participated, the average biological age was 69.9 years.

The researchers believe that stronger social relationships, better mental well-being, and healthier lifestyle habits may help explain the difference.

However, they stress that the study cannot prove that cultural experiences are the cause.

It is also possible that people in better health simply find it easier to go to the cinema, visit museums, or attend concerts.

According to ScienceDaily, further research is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

New study: Chewing gum may temporarily lower blood pressure

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

New study: Chewing gum may temporarily lower blood pressure

Researchers at King’s College London investigated how the body can better utilize nitrate found in foods such as beetroot, spinach, and kale.

Nitrate only becomes active after bacteria in the mouth convert it into nitrite.

According to ScienceDaily, nitrite can cause blood vessels to widen, which may temporarily lower blood pressure.

Beetroot juice and chewing gum

In the study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, healthy volunteers drank a shot of beetroot juice.

They then chewed either sugar-containing or sugar-free chewing gum.

The researchers measured participants’ blood pressure and collected blood and saliva samples over several hours.

One week later, the participants repeated the experiment using the other type of chewing gum.

Sugar vs. sugar-free

Participants who chewed sugar-containing gum after drinking the beetroot juice had higher nitrite levels in both their saliva and blood than those who chewed sugar-free gum.

Their blood pressure also fell slightly for a few hours.

The researchers emphasize that the findings do not mean sugar-containing chewing gum should be used to treat high blood pressure.

The effect was only temporary, and a high intake of sugar can be harmful to both dental and overall health.

The researchers believe the findings may help develop new methods to improve the body’s use of nitrate without relying on sugar.

They therefore plan to conduct a larger study involving athletes to investigate the effect further.

Experts warn against assuming plant-based drinks are healthier

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Experts warn against assuming plant-based drinks are healthier

Many people choose oat, almond, or soy drinks as a healthier alternative to cow’s milk, but experts say that is not necessarily the case.

More and more people are choosing plant-based drinks such as oat, almond, and soy instead of cow’s milk. Many do so because they believe these products are a healthier option.

However, according to American cancer researcher Maria Abreu, many of these products are highly processed.

She told 7News Miami, according to Sosialnytt.

Concerning ingredients

Maria Abreu points out that some plant-based drinks may contain additives and other substances that can affect the balance of the gut.

According to 7News Miami, if the gut remains out of balance for an extended period, it can lead to inflammation, which in some cases may increase the risk of disease.

Nutrition expert Jessica Cording also shares these concerns.

According to 7News Miami, she believes many people mistakenly assume that plant-based products are automatically healthy.

She emphasizes that it is important to look at what these products actually contain.

A clear recommendation

Experts in Denmark have also issued a warning.

Anne Tjønneland, Head of Research at the Danish Cancer Society, told BT, according to Sosialnytt, that people should not choose plant-based drinks because they believe they are healthier than cow’s milk.

She points out that many of these products contain emulsifiers, other additives, and in some cases high amounts of sugar or rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.

According to BT, this can affect both blood sugar levels and gut function.

The researchers emphasize, however, that drinking a single glass of a plant-based drink will not make anyone ill.

Their message is that consumers should pay attention to which products they choose and what they contain.

Doctors share their best tips for having more energy in the morning

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Doctors share their best tips for having more energy in the morning

Many people automatically reach for a cup of coffee when they start feeling tired early in the day.

However, one doctor told Parade that both the night before and the first few hours of the morning play a major role in how energetic you feel.

Good energy starts the night before

Doctors told Parade that feeling energized in the morning begins with a good night’s sleep.

Sleep quality, consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, and the body’s ability to recover all play an important role.

Consistent bedtimes make a difference

Experts recommend going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day.

Large variations can create a form of social jet lag, even if you get enough sleep.

Alcohol can affect sleep

Drinking alcohol before bed can disrupt REM sleep, making it more difficult to wake up feeling refreshed the next morning.

Drink water shortly after waking up

According to the experts, having a glass of water in the morning is one of the most important steps for maintaining energy levels.

Your body has gone for many hours without fluids while you were asleep.

Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue

Not drinking enough water can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, and a general feeling of sluggishness.

Around half a liter of water is recommended

One of the experts recommends drinking about half a liter of water shortly after getting out of bed.

Go for a short morning walk

A brief walk in the morning can help your body get moving.

At the same time, you’ll be exposed to daylight, which supports your body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Sunlight helps your body wake up

Morning sunlight signals to your brain that the day has begun.

This reduces melatonin levels and increases feelings of alertness.

Light movement can boost energy

Gentle stretching or other moderate exercise in the morning can improve blood circulation, raise body temperature, and help your body transition from sleep to wakefulness.

Intense exercise requires enough sleep

High-intensity exercise in the morning can be beneficial, but if you’re sleep-deprived, a tough workout may actually make your fatigue worse.

Eat a balanced breakfast

A breakfast that includes protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fluids can provide more stable energy throughout the morning.

Avoid a sugary breakfast

A breakfast high in refined carbohydrates or sugar may provide a quick burst of energy, but it is often followed by an energy crash later in the morning.

Wait before drinking coffee

Experts recommend waiting 30 to 90 minutes after waking up before having coffee.

This gives your body time to wake up naturally, and you should drink water first.

Does your body itch all the time? Scientists may have found the reason

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Does your body itch all the time? Scientists may have found the reason

Chronic itching is a common problem for people living with skin conditions such as eczema.

Current treatments often work best for itching caused by factors such as insect bites or exposure to irritating substances, but they are generally less effective against persistent, long-term itching.

To better understand how this type of itching develops, researchers at the University of Michigan investigated the underlying mechanisms, according to ScienceDaily.

Experiments provide new clues

The new study, published in the journal Neuron, involved experiments on mice with skin inflammation resembling eczema in humans.

The researchers found that the mice scratched themselves significantly less when specific nerve cells were removed or deactivated.

They also found evidence suggesting that humans may have the same biological system.

Humans possess the genes required to produce these specialized nerve cells, and nerve cells grown in a laboratory responded in the same way as those found in the mice.

According to the University of Michigan, these findings suggest that the same mechanism may also exist in humans.

Tiny hairs may explain the itch

Very fine, light-colored hairs, known as vellus hairs, appear to be connected to specialized nerve cells that detect touch and may trigger itching.

If humans share this same system, it could become a new target for future treatments for chronic itching.

This could be particularly important for people with skin conditions whose symptoms are not adequately relieved by current treatments.

Cannabis medicine may ease dementia agitation

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Cannabis medicine may ease dementia agitation

Many people with advanced dementia experience agitation, restlessness, or aggressive behavior.

They may pace back and forth, repeat the same actions, or become distressed without any obvious reason, according to The Sun.

Researchers say there are currently only a limited number of treatment options, and these can cause serious side effects.

They point out that agitation may be caused by damage to the brain, but also by confusion, anxiety, or side effects of other medications.

Special medicine was tested

The study was conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina.

Researchers developed a liquid medicine containing the compounds THC and CBD, both of which are found in the cannabis plant.

The medicine was tested in 120 people with advanced dementia and severe agitation.

However, the researchers stress that the findings do not apply to cannabis products that can be purchased or used outside the healthcare system, as they do not have the same formulation or dosage.

Promising results

After 12 weeks of treatment, only 24 percent of participants who received the medicine still showed signs of agitation. In the placebo group, the figure was 87 percent.

According to the researchers, nearly 90 percent of participants responded positively to the treatment.

The study therefore suggests that the cannabis-based medicine could become a new treatment option for treating agitation in people with advanced dementia.

Best exercise for stiff hips, according to a pilates expert

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. July, 2026

Best exercise for stiff hips, according to a pilates expert

Tight hips affect both people who spend long hours sitting and those who regularly participate in sports such as running or cycling.

According to a study published in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 94.3 percent of 385 young adults had tight hip flexors, with low levels of physical activity identified as one of the possible contributing factors.

Pilates instructor Reena Vokoun told Parade that prolonged periods of sitting, overworked hip flexors, and weak glute and core muscles are often key contributors to the problem.

Why it matters

Stiff hips can make everyday activities more difficult, including walking, climbing stairs, getting up from the couch, and bending down.

Vokoun also told Parade that improving hip mobility can promote better posture and make movement feel more natural.

Harvard Health Publishing also notes that prolonged sitting can contribute to tight hip flexors.

Anyone experiencing persistent pain should consult a healthcare professional.

The best exercise

Vokoun recommends the frog squat as the most effective exercise for people with tight hips.

According to her, the movement simultaneously targets the hips, inner thighs, glutes, thighs, and core muscles.

She recommends performing two to three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions.

According to Parade, combining strength training with movement can help improve hip mobility, flexibility, and overall strength.

How to perform the exercise

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your toes and knees turned slightly outward.
Lower your body into a deep squat.
Keep your back straight, engage your core, and push your hips backward.
Bring your hands together in front of your chest.
Raise your hips back up while keeping your knees slightly bent.
Repeat for 12 to 15 repetitions and complete two to three sets.

How to protect yourself if a heart attack happens when you’re alone

Mie Hermansen

17. July, 2026

How to protect yourself if a heart attack happens when you’re alone

When serious symptoms appear, it can be tempting to wait and see if they pass. But during a heart attack, acting quickly can make a significant difference, especially if no one else is around to respond, reports Novant Health.

Pay attention to your body’s warning signs

When you’re alone, it’s easier to dismiss discomfort or convince yourself that the symptoms will go away. That’s why it’s important to take any unusual signs seriously.

A heart attack requires immediate medical attention

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked. The longer the heart is deprived of oxygen-rich blood, the greater the potential damage to the heart muscle.

Symptoms can vary from person to person

Not everyone experiences the same warning signs. Some people develop chest pain, while others notice pain in the jaw or shoulder, break out in a cold sweat, or experience discomfort that feels like heartburn without an obvious cause.

Severe pain is not a requirement

Even relatively mild symptoms can be caused by a heart attack. The intensity of the pain does not necessarily reflect how serious the condition is.

Call emergency services before doing anything else

If your symptoms are unusual and you cannot explain them, contact emergency services immediately. The article advises against calling friends or family before seeking professional medical help.

Make it easier for first responders

While waiting for emergency personnel, unlock your door if possible, secure any pets, and place a current list of your medical conditions and medications somewhere easy to find.

Don’t wait for the symptoms to disappear

Going to bed or hoping the discomfort will fade will not resolve the underlying problem and may delay life-saving treatment.

The coughing myth doesn’t work

A common myth claims that coughing can help during a heart attack. According to the article, this only applies to very specific situations involving certain heart rhythm disorders in monitored hospital settings and is not an effective response at home.

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same

A heart attack is caused by a blocked blood supply to the heart, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. One condition can lead to the other, but they are not the same.

Several factors increase the risk

Older age, a family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, excess body weight, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are all listed as risk factors.

Being prepared can make a difference

People who live alone are encouraged to know their family’s medical history, keep important phone numbers readily available, and store an up-to-date list of their medical conditions and medications in an accessible location.

Medical information can help in an emergency

Using a medical ID bracelet or the medical ID feature on a smartphone can provide first responders with important health information when every second counts.

Follow your prescribed treatment plan

If a doctor has advised that it is safe, low-dose aspirin may be used when a heart attack is suspected. People who have been prescribed nitroglycerin should keep it nearby and use it exactly as directed.

Doctors spot troubling pattern in asthma patients

Mie Hermansen

17. July, 2026

Doctors spot troubling pattern in asthma patients

For many people, breathing problems slowly become part of everyday life. A constant cough, pressure in the chest, or exhaustion after simple tasks can feel normal after years of dealing with asthma. But doctors now believe those symptoms may sometimes point to much more than a lung condition alone.

New research from the European Respiratory Society and the University of Southampton suggests that severe asthma is often connected to several other serious health problems that can remain unnoticed for years, reports Unilad.

More than asthma

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health, examined medical records from more than 2,700 patients across 11 countries.

Researchers found that nearly every patient with difficult-to-control asthma was also living with at least one additional chronic illness. Many patients had multiple conditions at the same time, something researchers believe may help explain why treatment often fails to fully control symptoms.

One pattern appeared repeatedly throughout the data.

Three major problems

Researchers frequently identified:

Bone loss and weight gain linked to steroid medication
Allergic conditions such as eczema and hay fever
Chronic sinus inflammation and nasal polyps

The study also suggested that long-term oral steroid use may play a major role in several of these complications.

Could change treatment

According to the researchers, severe asthma may need to be viewed as a broader health condition rather than an isolated breathing disorder.

They believe a more complete understanding of patients’ overall health could eventually lead to better treatment strategies and improved quality of life for millions living with severe asthma worldwide.

The everyday stress symptoms experts want people to notice

Mie Hermansen

17. July, 2026

The everyday stress symptoms experts want people to notice

Most people know the feeling of carrying too much at once. Messages never stop arriving, work follows people home, and even quiet moments are often filled with overthinking. For many, stress no longer feels temporary. It has simply become part of everyday life.

According to experts from Cardiff University and the University of Bath, featured in reporting by The Guardian, researchers are becoming increasingly concerned about the physical impact of long-term stress on the human body.

The body reacts fast

Scientists explain that stress immediately activates the body’s survival response. Heart rate increases, breathing becomes faster, and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released to prepare the body for danger.

While this system once helped humans survive physical threats, modern stress is often linked to work pressure, finances, social media, and constant mental overload.

Researchers say problems begin when the body stays in that heightened state for long periods without proper recovery.

The hidden consequences

Experts warn that chronic stress may gradually affect sleep, the immune system, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Some studies have also linked long-term stress to anxiety, depression, and other serious health problems.

Common signs can include:

fatigue
headaches
poor sleep
muscle tension
difficulty concentrating

Researchers say many people fail to notice how much stress is affecting them because the symptoms often develop slowly over time.

Why experts are concerned

Psychologists explain that stress can also create a cycle where physical sensations increase anxiety, which then places even more pressure on the body.

Experts say small changes like exercise, reducing screen time, and improving sleep can help lower stress levels. However, they also stress that severe or long-lasting stress may require professional support and lifestyle changes.

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Cultural participation was measured

The body appeared younger

Beetroot juice and chewing gum

Sugar vs. sugar-free

Concerning ingredients

A clear recommendation

Good energy starts the night before

Consistent bedtimes make a difference

Alcohol can affect sleep

Drink water shortly after waking up

Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue

Around half a liter of water is recommended

Go for a short morning walk

Sunlight helps your body wake up

Light movement can boost energy

Intense exercise requires enough sleep

Eat a balanced breakfast

Avoid a sugary breakfast

Wait before drinking coffee

Experiments provide new clues

Tiny hairs may explain the itch

Special medicine was tested

Promising results

Why it matters

The best exercise

How to perform the exercise

Pay attention to your body’s warning signs

A heart attack requires immediate medical attention

Symptoms can vary from person to person

Severe pain is not a requirement

Call emergency services before doing anything else

Make it easier for first responders

Don’t wait for the symptoms to disappear

The coughing myth doesn’t work

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same

Several factors increase the risk

Being prepared can make a difference

Medical information can help in an emergency

Follow your prescribed treatment plan

More than asthma

Three major problems

Could change treatment

The body reacts fast

The hidden consequences

Why experts are concerned

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