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Paul Gascoigne in ‘best possible place' after reported hospital admission

Paul Gascoigne in ‘best possible place' after reported hospital admission

Yahoo6 days ago
Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne is in 'the best possible place' as he recovers after collapsing at home, according to the friend who found him.
Steve Foster, who drove the 58-year-old to hospital after finding him in a semi-conscious state at his home in Poole, Dorset, told the Sun: 'Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now.'
The paper said Gascoigne was admitted to an intensive care ward after being discovered on Friday, but later moved to an acute medical unit, where his condition is said to be stable.
Mr Foster, who is also Gascoigne's driver and personal assistant, told the newspaper the former midfielder would 'like to thank everyone for the support he's received so far from so many old friends who wish him well and want to see him back to his best.'
One of the most naturally gifted footballers of his generation, Gascoigne played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton and was capped 57 times by his country.
However, his issues with alcohol addiction and depression are well-documented and he has had a series of health problems in recent years.
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18 Things That Are Actually Really Healthy, Despite Many People Thinking They're Not
18 Things That Are Actually Really Healthy, Despite Many People Thinking They're Not

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

18 Things That Are Actually Really Healthy, Despite Many People Thinking They're Not

I don't know about you, but it feels like there's a new health fad every week. First, there was intermittent fasting, then there was keto, and now, people are arguing about seed oils. I'm struggling to keep up. With so many narratives about certain things being "bad" for you, I'm starting to forget that some of that just isn't true. Luckily, I stumbled upon one Reddit thread (which you can see here), where people listed the "unhealthy" things that are actually really good for you, and it's a refreshing reminder. Related: Here are 18 things that are perfectly healthy and fine to do, despite some people thinking otherwise: Everything in moderation is key. 1."Doing nothing. Having a moment of silence." –Turtleballoon123 2."Put the baby on the floor. Babies don't always need to be in a bouncer, swing, jumper, walker, rocker, chair, etc. They do great on the floor in a safe space." –SleepXParalysis 3."It is really healthy to process some emotions and thoughts on your own. The people who have the most peace and clarity are people who can sort, experience, sit in, and evaluate their feelings without having to put it out to other people for other people to tell them what to think, feel, and do." –OptmstcExstntlst 4."Frozen vegetables. It's seen as cheap and not as good as fresh, when in fact, it's almost always healthier than 'fresh' vegetables." –Hufe Related: 5."You do not have to show up to every argument you are invited to." –Bravely_Default 6."Sleeping all day when you're exhausted. As my trainer says: If you're actually falling asleep, you clearly needed it." –EndlesslyUnfinished 7."Potatoes. It's the oil and what we do to them that makes them high in calories and unhealthy." –yamammiwammi 8."Popcorn. Without all the artificial butter flavorings and low-quality oils, of course. Popcorn is a whole grain, and super high in fiber. As far as snacks go, it's about as good as it gets." –Its_Waffle Related: 9."Being around dirt. Especially for kids. Exposure to a natural, somewhat dirty environment helps your immune system develop properly, which in turn helps reduce the chance of developing allergies or immune system diseases, and even reduces some mental health issues." –the_original_retro 10."Salt. It's been demonized by the 'health' industry for years, but it is WILDLY necessary for damn near everything in your body." –Secret-Spinach-5080 11."Having fat in your body, not an excessive amount, though. You don't need to be ripped with a completely flat stomach to be healthy." –PlasticScheme3609 12."Chocolate.... the right kind. Dark chocolate with 80% or more cocoa has massive amounts of extremely healthy stuff in it. It makes your body release stem cells in the blood, which repair almost everything." –BubiMannKuschelForce 13."Being angry. It's as valid an emotion as any, and sometimes you just need to be angry and let it out. Reacting in anger is never a good thing, though." –TheYankunian Related: 14."Saying no to children and letting them feel sadness sometimes so they can appreciate joy eventually." "My mother-in-law's grandchildren are so spoiled that nothing can make them happy; they are completely self-absorbed and never say a thank you, and they can get absolutely anything they want anytime. I've never seen children like that, and I believe that while she has good intentions, this might be harmful later." –cesonis 15."Giving your body a chance to fight off minor illnesses before turning immediately to antibiotics/virals. Like no, don't let that dog bite fester your arm right off your shoulder, but if you can walk through the sinus infection with a bottle of NyQuil, do that." –alphaturducken 16."Playing video games in moderation." –AromaticHydrocarbons 17."Not showering every day (you can wash sensitive spots every day, though, if you want to, that's understandable)." –Seirazula 18."Fruit. There are people out there who think fruit has too much sugar 🙄 " "I had a woman who full-on believed this sentence. She said, 'I'm being bad and getting a banana, it's my sugary treat.' BE SO REAL RN OMFG. Sugar isn't the enemy people!!! Moderation and sugar that our body can process easily is the key. Honey, maple syrup, sugar in fruit, and less processed/not bleached sugar are fine! Pure cane sugar is yummy, your generic sugar has so much stuff in it, the less processed (processed isn't bad since we need some of it), the better!" –MrCabrera0695 What else belongs on this list? Let me know in the comments! Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword

7 Simple Ways to Add Movement to Your Day (Without Dreading It)
7 Simple Ways to Add Movement to Your Day (Without Dreading It)

CNET

time4 hours ago

  • CNET

7 Simple Ways to Add Movement to Your Day (Without Dreading It)

I'm far from the first person to say it, but exercise is essential for your overall health. Exercise helps to boost your mood, relieve stress, increase energy, improve sleep quality and lower your risk for developing chronic illnesses and diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. So, you might be wondering, if exercise is so important to our overall health, why can it be so miserable? Trust me, I get it. I live an active lifestyle, making an effort to work out four to five times per week, and yet I still have that mental debate every single day where I spend several minutes attempting to talk myself out of exercising. Although I never regret working out after the fact, it can be hard to jump the mental hoop. Over the years, I've found some easy tricks to get myself more active each day. No, going to the gym and doing a hard-core weight workout isn't required. There are actually sneaky ways to get more exercise day-to-day that won't leave you exhausted and miserable. Here's my secret sauce. For more health tips, learn about how to prepare for your first therapy appointment and how to determine your blood type if you don't already know it. 1. Set a routine CNET OK, so this isn't really a secret. Creating a regular habit of working out would be ideal -- duh! But it's creating that habit that's the tricky part. Here's where I can help. One of the most efficient ways to build a habit is through the Cue-Routine-Reward system. MIT researchers discovered the power of the neurological loop at the core of every habit. This "habit loop," later coined by Charles Duhigg in his 2012 book The Power of Habit, consists of three parts: a cue, a routine and a reward. This system can be applied to building any habit, from drinking more water to waking up earlier. It can certainly apply to creating a workout habit. For example, say you want to wake up and go to the gym each morning before work. The cue, what triggers the habit, would be the morning and your alarm going off. (Choose a time that works best for you and be consistent. Using multiple cues like time of day and sound can increase your likelihood of performing your routine.) Your routine, the habit or action you want to create and reinforce, would be getting up and changing into your workout clothes. This can help prevent you from going back to sleep and ensure you hit the gym since you're already ready. And once you finish the routine (the exercise), you'll be rewarded. This could appear in the form of endorphins as a bodily reward that can motivate us to do the routine again, or it could even be a tangible reward, like buying yourself new socks after a week of hitting your exercise goals or investing in a new yoga mat after a month of doing yoga each day. Each person will have a different response to these three elements. It's important to experiment with what cues and rewards work best for you to develop a consistent routine of training. 2. Start small A lot of people assume they need to run themselves ragged in the gym to get more fit, but that's really not true. All you need is about 20 or so minutes a day. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week -- that breaks down to a little more than 20 minutes each day. They also recommend strength training to work the major muscle groups at least two times a week. Thirty minutes of activity each day is an ideal place to start to fulfill your weekly needs, but if that sounds daunting, you can start with even smaller increments. Simply walking on the treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike for five minutes can get you into the habit of exercising a little each day. What you'll likely find is that those five minutes actually aren't too brutal, and are maybe even enjoyable. So, the next time you jump on the treadmill, bike or other equipment, you'll decide to stay for 10 minutes then 15 minutes then 20 minutes, building yourself up bit by bit until you're getting your heart rate up for 30-plus minutes each day. You can also start with low-impact activity. A brisk walk in the evening is a more than sufficient workout. You can also refer to this guide for the best workouts for beginners. 3. Habit stack Habit stacking, popularized by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits, is a way to create small yet healthy habits. This term might be new to you, but it's really straightforward: you "stack" the new behavior (exercising) onto a habit you already have to help you remember to do it. This will cause the combo to become a habit. For instance, if you listen to a podcast every day, try going for a walk while you listen. Waiting for your morning coffee to brew? Try stretching while you wait. Habit stacking can be used in a multitude of ways to make new fitness habits blend into your daily routine. Exercise while catching up on your favorite podcast. Ivanko_Brnjakovic/Getty Images 4. Get active at work Your workday doesn't have to be totally sedentary. Rather than using your full lunch hour to eat, take some time to go to the gym, speed walk around the office or run errands. You can also break up the drudgery of the day by taking a walk during one-on-one meetings instead of sitting at a desk or conference room -- anything to get up and get moving. Try to get up every so often to stretch your legs: rather than emailing or Zooming coworkers, get up and talk to them in person if you can; use the stairs rather than the elevator; get up and refill your water every so often. 5. Do exercises you actually like This is a big one. If you hate exercising, it might be because you aren't doing workouts you enjoy. Very few people actually enjoy running around in circles for miles. So don't. Branch out and try different kinds of workouts until you find one you genuinely enjoy. Biking, surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, kayaking and ice skating are all fun activities that get your heart rate up. This will require you to go out of your comfort zone and to be patient as you try things out, but it'll be worth it when working out no longer feels like a chore. One trick I used when first getting into working out was using the ClassPass free month trial to try new gyms and classes. The free first-month subscription allows you to visit a particular gym or studio only once throughout the month (you can visit as many times as you want throughout the month after the free trial). This plan is meant to encourage new users to try exercises that might be totally foreign to them, like reformer pilates or hot yoga. During my first month, I tried a boxing class and I was immediately hooked (pun only slightly intended). Now, boxing is one of my favorite ways to incorporate cardio without feeling miserable. I initially felt insecure about trying something so out of my comfort zone, but I felt comfortable within a week and now feel grateful that I found a new activity that I love. Exercise doesn't have to feel like a chore. gradyreese/Getty Images 6. Get active while watching TV Let's be honest, running on the treadmill is boring. Riding on a stationary bike is boring. Watching TV is way more fun. That's why you should combine the two. There's no shame in catching up on your favorite show while hitting the gym. Trust me, I've been rewatching Game of Thrones on my phone while riding on the stationary bike each day. Not only does the entertainment keep my mind off the burn in my legs, but it pushes me to stay longer. Before downloading Netflix and HBO Max on my phone, I'd stay at the gym for 20 to 30 minutes. Now, I usually stay on the bike or treadmill for 50 to 60 minutes -- until the episode is over. 7. Make it social Exercise doesn't need to be solitary. Having a workout partner can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable in your routine. If you don't have one buddy to join you, sign up for a workout class. The structure of working out in a group can push you to work harder while also introducing you to new people. Workout classes can hold you accountable -- and introduce you to new people. twinsterphoto/Getty Images I recommend exploring the fitness course schedule at your local YMCA or gym, signing up for a boxing, dance or yoga class or purchasing a ClassPass membership, which can grant you access to thousands of health clubs in your city. For more health tips, explore how you can track your blood pressure with your Apple Watch and learn why expired makeup is dangerous to use.

The six natural alternatives to statins to lower your cholesterol
The six natural alternatives to statins to lower your cholesterol

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

The six natural alternatives to statins to lower your cholesterol

For those of us in middle age and beyond, conversations about cholesterol are hard to avoid – and with good reason. In England, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, high cholesterol leads to more than 7 per cent of all deaths and affects six in 10 adults, a number that rises for those in middle age: the most recent NHS Health Survey for England found that in the 45-64 age group, 77 per cent of women and 67 per cent of men had raised cholesterol. Surprisingly, these figures drop in the over-64 age group. Why? Because many of this older cohort are on statins. Statins are currently prescribed to around eight million people in the UK, and taking this daily tablet is a proven way to lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. 'We are the first generation of people who have the opportunity to reduce our cardiovascular risk – still the number-one killer – because we have effective treatments in the form of statins,' says Robin Choudhury, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford, a consultant cardiologist at John Radcliffe Hospital and the author of The Beating Heart: The Art and Science of Our Most Vital Organ. The turn against statins However, for some people with a lower cardiovascular risk, it may be possible to avoid statins by adopting lifestyle changes and/or seeking out other natural options. This is welcome news for many, because statins are often viewed with mistrust. Some critics argue that perhaps these pills are being doled out too liberally and that lots of people shouldn't be on them at all. Others think that statins may even be bad for us. In his 2007 book The Great Cholesterol Con, Scottish GP Malcolm Kendrick argues that high cholesterol levels don't cause heart disease, that statins have many more side effects than has been admitted and that their advocates should be asking more questions. This is something Prof Choudhury finds mystifying. 'I really don't know why people are reluctant to take them,' he says. 'There is one serious side effect associated with statins, called rhabdomyolysis, which is a severe muscle inflammation. But it's extremely rare. It affects one to two patients per 10,000 treated.' 'A lot of people just don't want to take a tablet every day,' suggests Dr Oliver Guttmann, a consultant cardiologist at the Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. 'People also want to try and do it in what they call the 'natural' way.' The other natural options So, are there other effective natural options to statins? The answer is yes – but only up to a point. 'The bottom line,' says Dr Guttmann, 'is that with all the natural alternatives, there's some effectiveness, but they're not magic bullets.' He accepts, however, that other natural options can play 'a supporting role, especially for those people who are generally healthy and just want to try complementary treatments to decrease mild cholesterol elevation'. If you have been offered statins and decide not to take them, it's crucial to discuss the risks with your GP or cardiologist. Prof Choudhury emphasises that if you've already had a heart attack, angina or stroke, or if your percentage risk of a future event is high, taking statins is usually a sensible route that is grounded in evidence. 'For those who have heart disease, very few people have a good reason not to be on statins. For those who've never had an event, it's important to take an holistic view of risk [incorporating blood pressure, diabetes and family history] but for many individuals, alternatives to statins are perfectly reasonable.' Here are six other cholesterol-lowering options to consider: Plant sterols and stanols Plant sterols and stanols, also known as phytosterols, are naturally occurring compounds that have a similar structure to cholesterol. Prof Choudhury explains: 'They help lower LDL cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the gut because they compete for the same absorption sites.' Found in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and whole grains, phytosterols have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by eight to 10 per cent when eaten regularly as part of a healthy diet. They also work well in combination with statins. However, according to the British Dietetic Association, you need to consume reasonably large quantities – around 2g – each day, with meals, for them to be effective. Most people achieve this by having a plant sterol- or stanol-fortified mini yogurt drink every day or by eating two to three portions of foods with at least 0.8g of added plant sterol/stanol, such as 10g of fortified spread (eg margarines) or one 250ml glass of fortified milk. Oats and barley Oats and barley contain beta-glucans, a soluble fibre, which can be consumed in food or as supplements to regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Cholesterol can go into the blood or the gut, Prof Choudhury explains. 'If you can take that cholesterol out of the gut and stop it being reabsorbed, that has a beneficial net effect on blood cholesterol levels. Beta-glucans bind to the soluble cholesterol that's in the gut and it then exits the bowel.' Some studies suggest that if a healthy adult consumes around 3g of beta-glucan daily – a bowl of porridge – they can decrease their LDL levels by five to 10 per cent over three months. Omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids do not lower LDL cholesterol, but they have been shown to reduce triglycerides – a different type of fat found in the blood that are deemed to be harmful. Taken in supplement form, omega-3 can lower triglycerides by around 20-30 per cent. 'I tell my patients to take omega-3s all the time,' says Dr Guttmann. 'You find them in oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, though most people take them in supplement form. They work really well taken together with statins to lower your risk of heart disease. They've also been shown to support your brain health, cognitive function and mood.' Red yeast rice Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is sometimes described as a natural statin. 'It blocks cholesterol production in the liver in a similar way to statins,' Dr Guttmann explains. 'The problem is, it's very difficult to get the exact amount you need because the dosages and qualities can vary from one supplement to another. People can also sometimes consume red yeast rice in very high doses, which may cause liver problems.' Prof Choudhury is also concerned by the unregulated nature of red yeast rice capsules, which have been linked to safety issues. 'Statins originated from yeast,' he says, 'and there's a component of red yeast rice [a compound called monacolin K] which has a statin-like action that lowers LDL cholesterol. But it's not a regulated product, so you don't know what you're getting when you take it.' Psyllium husk Psyllium husk is a soluble fibre that helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels. When consumed, it forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that traps bile acids and prevents their absorption, causing them to be excreted through the stool. The liver responds by pulling in cholesterol from the blood to produce more bile acids, reducing the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. 'Psyllium husk is basically a digestive aid,' says Dr Guttmann. 'It's used as a laxative because it helps regulate your bowel movement, and in the process, it can lower cholesterol and decrease reabsorption. If you take it regularly, it probably reduces your LDL level by about five per cent. So it's great if you just want to be living a healthier lifestyle but inadequate as a medical intervention.' Garlic Some research suggests that allicin, a chemical found in garlic, can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. One clove (3-6g) of garlic a day may help decrease your LDL by up to 10 per cent, though the evidence is not yet conclusive. 'The problem is that if you just eat fresh garlic, you need to consume a very high amount,' says Dr Guttmann. 'And that's difficult for most people to achieve. So most people take garlic supplements in quite a high dose. I advise people to try this for a while and then re-monitor their LDL to see how they react to it. But it's certainly not a replacement for statins.' And one to be sceptical about… Apple cider vinegar 'The one product often mentioned as an alternative to statins that doesn't really have any significant evidence to back it up is apple cider vinegar,' says Dr Guttmann. 'While it might help to decrease your sugar levels, it does not appear to affect your LDL significantly.' Prof Choudhury concurs: 'I'm not aware of any convincing evidence to suggest that this is effective.' Lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol 'Our cholesterol level is, to a large extent, genetic,' says Prof Choudhury. 'With lifestyle modifications, you can make some impact on it, though usually not more than 10-15 per cent. For people who don't have very high cholesterol, but have other risk factors, it's a sensible thing to do.' There are five main ways to reduce your cholesterol level without taking statins: Eat a healthy, balanced diet that's high in fibre Exercise regularly Maintain a healthy weight Limit the amount of alcohol you drink Stop smoking For Dr Guttmann, increasing our consumption of dietary fibre is perhaps the quickest and easiest lifestyle change to make. 'Eating a high-fibre diet not only improves your gut health, it also decreases your cholesterol absorption. It binds to the cholesterol in your gut and prevents it being absorbed by the body, which lowers your levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.' He adds: 'My patients often ask me, 'If I do all of these things, surely it's the same as taking a statin?' But the truth is, because they're all working in a similar way, the benefits are not cumulative.' He does concede, however, that it very much depends on the individual. 'I've had some patients surprise me,' he nods. 'By changing their diet and lifestyle and by incorporating some of the interventions in the list above, people can achieve dramatic improvements. But, overall, statins are still the gold standard.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

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