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Two strength indicators could predict early death risk, study finds

Researchers examined more than 5,000 women aged 63 to 99 in a study published in JAMA Network Open.

The researchers measured hand grip strength and how quickly participants could stand up from a chair without assistance.

According to experts, the tests are not only about muscle strength. They also reflect balance, coordination, and the body’s overall physical functioning.

Physical therapist Rachel Prusynski told Prevention that muscles naturally weaken with age, making it increasingly important to stay physically active.

More than exercise

The researchers emphasized that strength is not the only factor affecting health. Sleep, diet, stress, and mental health also play major roles.

Chiropractor Anna Di also told Prevention that the study did not include every population group. As a result, the findings may not apply equally to everyone.

The study also does not prove that strength directly leads to a longer life. It only shows a clear association between physical strength and the risk of early death.

Lower risk

After nearly eight years of follow-up, women with the best test results had lower mortality rates than the rest of the participants.

According to the study, the risk of death decreased by 12 percent for every additional seven kilograms of grip strength. Faster chair-rise test results were also linked to a lower risk.

Experts believe that simple strength exercises may play an important role in maintaining good health, even for people who do not exercise frequently.

Sources: Prevention and JAMA Network Open.

How to spot the first signs and symptoms of Ebola

Ebola can cause symptoms anywhere from 2 to 21 days after a person has been infected with the virus.

The disease often begins with general symptoms that can later develop into more severe signs of illness, according to the CDC.

Early symptoms of Ebola

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The first symptoms of Ebola typically appear between eight and ten days after infection.

In the beginning, patients often experience general symptoms that can resemble other illnesses.

Fever is one of the first signs

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Many patients develop a fever as one of the earliest symptoms of Ebola. The fever often appears together with other signs of illness.

Muscle and joint pain

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People with Ebola may experience pain in both muscles and joints. The pain can be severe and affect the entire body.

Severe headache

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A severe headache is listed as one of the early symptoms of the disease. The headache may appear early in the course of the illness.

Fatigue and weakness

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Many patients experience both exhaustion and weakness throughout the body. This can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.

Sore throat

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A sore throat is also among the first symptoms experienced by people with Ebola.

Ebola can be mistaken for other diseases

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Doctors may confuse Ebola with more common infectious diseases such as malaria, influenza, typhoid fever, meningococcal disease, and pneumonia.

Later symptoms become more serious

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After four to five days, the disease can develop into more severe symptoms, often described as “wet” symptoms, including bleeding and nausea.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite
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Patients with Ebola may lose their appetite as the disease progresses.

Unexplained bleeding

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Some patients experience bleeding without a clear explanation as part of the course of the disease.

Nausea and stomach pain

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Ebola can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and abdominal pain.

Diarrhea and vomiting

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Patients may develop severe diarrhea and vomiting as the illness worsens.

Other symptoms may also occur

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Some patients experience chest pain, shortness of breath, red eyes, confusion, skin rashes, hiccups, or seizures.

Severe cases show symptoms early

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Patients who die from Ebola often develop severe symptoms early in the course of the illness.

Patients who survive the disease typically begin to improve around six days after symptoms first appear.

Survivors may experience long-term effects

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People who survive Ebola may experience long-lasting complications such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

Vision problems may affect survivors

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Some survivors develop vision problems, including blurred vision, pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.

Mental health problems

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Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder after recovering from the illness.

Seek medical help immediately

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People who believe they may have been exposed to Ebola and are experiencing symptoms should immediately contact a doctor or health authorities.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Trump family breaks silence after serious breast cancer announcement

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the United States. Around one in eight women will develop the disease during their lifetime.

The organization also estimates that more than 320,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

Health authorities say symptoms may include lumps, swelling, or changes in the skin around the breast.

Family shows support

Vanessa Trump wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, according to UNILAD, that she is currently surrounded by support from her children, family, and close friends.

Several members of the Trump family quickly responded to the post.

Ivanka Trump publicly shared her well wishes and expressed hope for a speedy recovery. Vanessa Trump shares five children with Donald Trump Jr.

She is currently in a relationship with golfer Tiger Woods, who has also faced several personal and health-related challenges in recent years.

Kept the reason private

In the post, Vanessa Trump said she is working closely with her doctors on her treatment.

She also thanked the healthcare staff who assisted her following a procedure earlier this week.

The 48-year-old Vanessa Trump has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is now undergoing treatment.

Sources: UNILAD and the American Cancer Society.

Mirrors may be affecting your sleep at night

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Many people struggle with poor sleep without fully understanding why. Even when common factors like stress and screen use are reduced, sleep quality can still be affected.

According to research referenced by Harvard Medical School and Sleep Foundation, the explanation may sometimes lie in the bedroom environment itself, reports lrytas.lt

An overlooked factor

Sleep issues are often linked to lifestyle habits, but as reported by tvnet.lv, experts also point to physical surroundings as a contributing cause.

A common household item can subtly interfere with the brain’s ability to fully relax at night.

This is particularly relevant when mirrors are placed in certain positions within the room. The issue is not the object itself, but what it reflects.

Why it matters

Harvard Medical School explains that the brain remains sensitive to movement and light, even during sleep.

Mirrors can reflect small changes in the environment, such as passing headlights or shifting shadows.

This creates a form of visual disturbance that may keep the brain in a lighter state of sleep. As a result, the body may not achieve the level of rest needed for full recovery.

How to improve sleep

Experts recommend simple adjustments to reduce disruption:

  • Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed
  • Cover mirrors at night if they cannot be moved
  • Keep the room dark, cool, and quiet
  • Limit light exposure before bedtime

Sleep Foundation also highlights the importance of consistent sleep routines.

If sleep problems persist over time, seeking professional advice may be necessary.

Orange juice may lower both blood pressure and cholesterol, studies show

High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are widespread health problems around the world. Both conditions increase the risk of blood clots and strokes, according to the Daily Record.

Health authorities therefore recommend measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing salt and fat intake in everyday life.

Several studies suggest that one common drink may also play a role.

Studies show positive effects

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2021 found that participants experienced lower blood pressure after 12 weeks of regular consumption.

Another study published in Arya Atherosclerosis reported similar results after 60 days.

Researchers believe that certain compounds in the drink may help positively influence blood pressure.

At the same time, an analysis published in Lipids in Health and Disease showed that people who drank around 480 milliliters daily had lower cholesterol levels than other participants.

Not without concerns

Researchers stress, however, that the drink cannot replace a healthy lifestyle. The NHS still recommends exercise, reduced alcohol intake, and a healthier diet as the most important measures.

In addition, the drink contains a significant amount of sugar, which may be a concern for people with diabetes or weight-related issues.

The drink examined by researchers is orange juice.

Sources: Daily Record, NHS, European Journal of Nutrition, Arya Atherosclerosis og Lipids in Health and Disease.

These are the hair changes many women notice in their 50s

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Many women notice major changes in their hair during their 50s. It often becomes drier, loses volume, and reacts differently to styling and haircare products. Hairstylists say many women are caught off guard by how much aging and hormones can affect their hair, reports Latest-Hairstyles.

Hair suddenly feels much drier

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As hormone levels shift, the scalp produces less natural oil. This often leaves hair looking duller and feeling rougher than before.

Finer strands can make hair look thinner

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Even without major hair loss, many women notice less fullness because individual hair strands gradually become finer over time.

Gray hair develops a different texture

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When hair loses pigment, the texture often changes too. Gray hair can become coarser, stiffer, and more prone to frizz.

Hair color may not last the same way

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Color treatments can start fading faster or develop unevenly because aging hair absorbs and holds color differently.

Heat styling causes more damage

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Flat irons and blow dryers can become harsher on aging hair. Over time, hair loses some of its elasticity and becomes more fragile.

Hair may develop new waves or lose curls

Hormonal changes can affect the shape of the hair follicle itself. Some women suddenly notice more wave, while others lose their natural curl pattern.

The same haircut may no longer work

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A hairstyle that looked great for years can start making hair appear flat or heavy as density and texture change with age.

Shorter styles can create more volume

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Many hairstylists find that shorter or more textured cuts help hair appear fuller and easier to manage.

Hair products often need to change

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Shampoos and styling products that once worked well may suddenly feel too heavy or too drying for aging hair.

Hair becomes easier to damage

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Years of coloring, heat styling, and general wear can leave hair more vulnerable to breakage and dry ends.

Thinning is often most visible around the part

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Hormonal hair thinning commonly appears around the crown, temples, or part line where density gradually decreases.

Many women feel unprepared for the changes

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According to hairstylists, one of the most common reactions is surprise at how dramatically hair can change during the 50s.

Scientists discover unexpected link between kimchi and microplastics

Tiny plastic particles have quietly become part of everyday life. They are found in bottled water, packaged foods and even the air people breathe, raising growing concerns among researchers about how much plastic may already be accumulating inside the human body.

Now, scientists in South Korea believe a bacteria strain found in kimchi could help the body push some of those particles back out, reports Science Daily.

Unusual discovery

Researchers from the World Institute of Kimchi studied a probiotic bacteria taken from the traditional Korean fermented dish and tested how it reacted to nanoplastics, which are microscopic plastic fragments created as larger plastic products break down over time.

According to the study, the bacteria showed a strong ability to attach itself to the plastic particles during laboratory tests.

Even under conditions designed to imitate the human digestive system, the strain continued performing significantly better than several other bacteria tested by the researchers.

The findings attracted attention because scientists increasingly fear that nanoplastics may move through the body and potentially collect in organs such as the kidneys or brain.

Tested in mice

The research team later carried out experiments on mice to examine whether the bacteria could help remove plastics from the body.

Mice that received the kimchi-derived bacteria expelled more than twice as much nanoplastic waste compared with mice that did not receive the probiotic, according to the researchers.

While the scientists stressed that human studies are still needed, the research adds to growing evidence that bacteria from fermented foods may play a larger role in human health than previously believed.

How to reduce the risk of colon cancer in everyday life

According to doctor Lucas Spindler from Hôpital Saint-Joseph in Paris, many cases of colon cancer are linked to lifestyle factors, Doctissimo reports.

He points in particular to smoking, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet as important risk factors. At the same time, he emphasizes that genetics and age can also play a role.

Small changes can help

According to Lucas Spindler, a simpler and healthier diet may help protect the body.

Among other things, he recommends eating more fruits and vegetables while reducing fatty foods, sugar, and ultra-processed products.

The doctor explains that unhealthy habits can create inflammatory conditions in the body and alter the gut microbiome. Over time, this may negatively affect the cells.

He also highlights that smoking and alcohol can directly damage the body and increase the risk of disease.

Screening

Although a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk, the disease cannot always be prevented. That is why screening remains important, especially from the age of 50.

Daily choices in the kitchen and everyday life can be an important part of preventing colon cancer, but they cannot prevent every case.

Sources: Doctissimo.

How calcium and vitamin D can affect your bone health when taken together

Calcium and vitamin D serve different roles in the body, but they are closely connected. When combined, they can support bone strength more effectively than when taken separately, reports Verywell Health.

Calcium is the foundation of your bones

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Calcium is the key mineral that forms the structure of your bones. It provides the strength and stability needed to handle daily physical stress.

Vitamin D plays a supporting role

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Vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body and is essential for maintaining healthy bones. It helps regulate processes that keep bones strong over time.

A lack of calcium can weaken bones

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If your body does not get enough calcium, it may start drawing it from your bones. Over time, this can reduce bone strength and increase the risk of fractures.

Vitamin D makes calcium accessible

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Vitamin D is crucial in the digestive system, where it enables the body to absorb calcium from the food you eat. Without it, calcium intake becomes less effective.

Without vitamin D, calcium loses efficiency

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Even with sufficient calcium intake, low levels of vitamin D can limit how well your body uses it. The two nutrients depend on each other to function properly.

The combination improves bone strength

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Research shows that taking calcium and vitamin D together can lead to greater improvements in bone density compared to taking either one alone.

Certain groups benefit more

Older adults and postmenopausal women tend to benefit the most from combining these nutrients, as bone density naturally declines with age.

Daily calcium needs

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Most adults require between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium per day to maintain healthy bones and prevent bone loss.

Daily vitamin D needs

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Typical recommendations range from 600 to 800 IU daily, although individual needs may vary depending on age, skin tone, and health conditions.

Food should be the first source

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Experts recommend getting nutrients from food whenever possible, as the body generally absorbs and uses them more efficiently from natural sources.

Natural sources of calcium

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Good sources include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish with edible bones such as sardines and canned salmon.

Natural sources of vitamin D

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Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified products like milk, although amounts in food are often limited.

Why experts recommend eggs after GLP-1 medication

Weight-loss drugs work by reducing appetite, causing people to eat less.

However, according to Videnskab.dk, several studies show that many people regain a large portion of the weight after ending treatment.

Researchers explain that the body responds to weight loss by increasing hunger and slowing down metabolism. This makes it harder to maintain a stable weight.

At the same time, the body’s own production of the satiety hormone GLP-1 may decrease after long-term use of the medication.

Risk of deficiencies

When people lose weight quickly, the body does not only lose fat. Muscle mass can also decrease, especially if protein intake is too low.

According to research, people taking GLP-1 medication are also at greater risk of deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, magnesium, and iron.

Researchers therefore believe that diet becomes especially important once treatment ends.

A simple food

Research particularly points to eggs as a possible aid after weight loss caused by slimming medication.

Eggs contain high amounts of protein as well as several important nutrients.

Studies also show that eggs can provide a longer-lasting feeling of fullness and reduce hunger later in the day.

According to researchers, eggs may therefore be a simple way to support the body when tapering off medication or trying to maintain weight after treatment.

Sources: Videnskab.dk.