Physical inactivity is a global public health problem. Several national and international physical activity guidelines recommend regular muscle-strengthening activities for adults. For example, the recent WHO guidelines recommend that adults should perform muscle-strengthening activities ≥2 days/week. These exercises increase or preserve skeletal muscle strength, which is inversely associated with mortality and decreases the risk of […]
According to a recently published study, Zika and Dengue fever viruses alter the scent of mice and humans they infect, making them more attracted to bite the host. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Almost half of the world’s population, about 4 billion people, live in […]
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects more than 5 million patients worldwide. Studies have indicated that UC development is a long-term process that includes various unclear etiologies. There is accumulating evidence that shows that dysbiosis (irregular gut microbiota composition) is associated with the progression of UC. Recently […]
Insulin secretion is regulated by multiple factors, and although the direct effects of glucose acting on pancreatic β cells constitute the most prominent stimulus of insulin secretion, other mechanisms such as neuronal stimulation and incretin hormones may account for as much as 70-80% of the total insulin response to a meal. There is something called […]
The use of acupuncture involves using very thin needles and inserting them through the skin at strategic points on your body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine and is most commonly used to treat different pain conditions, but has also been used for other medical conditions and stress management. Traditional Chinese medicine […]
A stroke, often called a brain attack, occurs when something bloods the blood supply to a part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. There are two […]
Air pollution is still a significant threat to public health globally. In the past decades, the lung and cardiovascular systems have been considered the principal organs affected by air pollution as evidenced by numerous epidemiological and experimental findings. Recent evidence also suggests brain injuries arising from extended exposure to polluted air and the consequent neurodegenerative […]
Light at night (LAN) has been associated with negative health consequences and metabolic risk factors. Little is known about the prevalence of LAN in older adults in the U.S. and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. In a recently published study, researchers found that any amount of light while sleeping at night was […]
Sleep is a fundamental requirement for all animals. Appropriate quality and quantity of sleep is essential for the maintenance of mental and physical health. Due to societal pressures and light pollution, sleep deficiency has become a common public health problem, affecting approximately 10-20% of individuals worldwide, especially children and young adults. Short-term consequences of insufficient […]
Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition. The major blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) struggle to send enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries and inflammation are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease often develops over decades. Symptoms […]