It’s no secret that as we age it becomes harder and harder to stay trim and in-shape. A classic excuse for this is blaming the extra pounds on a slowing metabolism, the calorie-burning process that our bodies execute naturally. But this may not be the real reason behind extra weight gain that seems to build up out of nowhere. A study performed by the National Institutes of Health has found evidence that age-related weight gain is more associated with activity patterns as opposed to a change in our metabolism. The study suggests that our natural metabolic functions experience little change after the age of 30.

 

Regular movement is the key to keeping off those pesky extra pounds. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a session in the gym a few times a week, any form of activity is greater than none. Moving and breathing are the most effective ways to stay in-shape, no matter you age. It’s never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

 

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The Memorial University of Newfoundland has found a surprising correlation between the skills of students who study music, and their ability to translate those skills into the medical field. A handful of students who studied piano and musical theory at the university have gone on to study medicine, and eventually into surgery.

There are a couple of factors that make these students ideal picks for moving into surgery. The first is the incredible manual dexterity they have developed after years of training and practice at the keyboard. Another is the constant drive for self-improvement and reassessment of results that these students have been taught to do through music. Doug Angel, who originally studied piano and now works in the operating theatre, states, “In music, plateaus are unacceptable… Residents think, ‘Oh I did 30 thyroids, so I should be good at it.’ But if you haven’t reflected on what you did well or what you did wrong or what you could do better… you don’t get there,”

 

It is well known that some of the greatest scientists of the past were also very artistic, take for example Leonardo Da Vinci or Queen band member Brian May. We will see if this trend makes its way West.

 

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With the passing of Bill C-45 and the announcement of the legalization and controlled sale of marijuana beginning on October 17 2018, doctors are reminding the public that this drug is not guaranteed safe to use by everyone. Public health officers mainly highlight the dangers of becoming dependent on the drug and requiring consistent use of it to feel positive emotion – or to avoid feeling negative emotion.

 

Vanessa Markov of Toronto is a first-hand example of this. After smoking marijuana consistently for many years she began to experience anxiety and symptoms of depression. She did not immediately attribute it to her drug usage. “It’s not a solution to your anxiety, your social anxieties, your feelings. You know it will make you feel better for a short period of time, but you will notice after a while that it’s going to start impeding on your ability to actually enjoy life,” Markov says.

 

The effects of marijuana on the brain are especially pronounced in younger people, those under the age of 25. Because the brain is still developing before this age, cannabis can cause changes in the part of the brain that makes decisions and manages judgement. In some extreme cases, cannabis use has contributed to the development of psychosis in some people.

 

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People who stick to five healthy habits in adulthood may add more than a decade to their lives. Compared with people who adopted none, men and women who adhered to all five saw their life expectancy rise an extra 12 years for men and 14 for women.

A major study conducted by researchers at Harvard University evaluated the medical records and lifestyle questionnaires of 123,000 volunteers. Their goal was to analyze certain aspects of their health (for example diet, exercise regime, smoking status) and draw conclusions about their life expectancy based on these factors.

 

“When we embarked on this study, I thought, of course, that people who adopted these habits would live longer. But the surprising thing was how huge the effect was,” stated Mike Stampfer, a co-author on the study and professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

 

One of the main motivators for researchers to undertake this study is revealing why the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation (as a proportion of GDP), yet still only ranks 31^st globally for life expectancy. The main factor to point the finger at is that only 8% of the population evaluated followed all 5 healthy life habits, which are:

• Having at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day
• Not smoking
• Having a BMI between 18.5 and 25
• Having a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting sugar, saturated fats and red meat
• And consuming no more than one 150ml glass of wine for women, or two for men

Although these habits are not shortcuts to a long-life, following them will help you improve your fitness and live happier. It is never too late to make changes that will help you reap long-term benefits.

 

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An estimated 1.5 percent of the adult population is affected by fibromyalgia in Canada. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects approximately 1.4 percent of Canadian adults. Both disorders share similar symptoms. Most experts agree that these two conditions are probably related; however, some believe they may actually be the same illness.

 

 

If you suffer from pain an fatigue caused by fibromyalgia, read up on these 7 tips to help manage your symptoms:

1. Assess symptoms on a day-to-day basis.

People with fibromyalgia and CFS experience varying levels of pain and fatigue, including periods of remission. Assess your condition each morning, and try to adjust your plans accordingly. When you don’t sleep well, engage in less activity. When you feel well-rested and pain is tolerable, do more. Moderation is key.

 

2. Get regular exercise.

When you’re tired or in pain, moving might be the last thing you feel like doing. However, regular, moderate exercise can contribute toward alleviating pain symptoms, reducing stress, and helping with sleep. Pace yourself, based on how you are feeling each day.

 

3. Use massage to treat pain.

Massage is a proven way to reduce stress and muscle pain. It can be used to improve range of motion and treat depression and anxiety.

 

4. Apply heat.

Heat boosts blood flow and can help to relieve stiff and sore muscles. Apply a warm, moist washcloth; have a hot shower, or soak in the bathtub. You can also treat deep muscle pain caused by fibromyalgia with an ice pack.

 

5. Try alternative therapies.

Some people find that alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, can help with fatigue and pain, but studies show mixed results. To find out more about alternative therapies, speak to a healthcare practitioner.

 

6. Prioritize sleep.

Both fibromyalgia and CFS can make sleep difficult. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day—and avoiding naps—can help. Some people find that having a relaxing bedtime routine can make falling asleep easier. This could include taking a warm bath or reading before bedtime.

 

7. Say no to excessive engagements.

Learning how to say no is important in minimizing stress, coping with fatigue, and dealing with pain. Living with CFS or fibromyalgia means accepting that you might not be able to accept every social invitation. Similarly, you might not be able to take on extra responsibilities at work.

 

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