Latest news with #JonathanWebster
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
This is how much water you should really drink every day, according to your age
We all know we should be drinking more water, but for many of us, our daily fluid intake often involves one too many crisp Diet Cokes at our desk and some wine after work. Buying giant Stanley Cups might encourage some to consume a little more H2O, but for others it'll take something drastic to get them to head to the tap. Our bodies consist of 50% water and we lose some of this each day through breathing and sweating, so we need to ensure we're constantly replenishing this. If we didn't, we wouldn't survive for more than a few days. (Is that drastic enough for you?!) Not replenishing enough water each day can cause us to become dehydrated and according to Dr. Jonathan Webster, this can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. The Doctify GP tells Metro that there are several nasty side effects of dehydration, including headaches, confusion, tiredness, constipation, lack of concentration and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Never experienced a UTI? Count your blessings, as they can be agony. Trust me, it's not something you want to have to deal with. According to the NHS, most of us need between 1.5 to two litres per day and while plain old water is the best thing for this, it can also be consumed through various food and drink that contain water, such as tea and coffee, as well as things like milk, melon, soups and stews. This is a rather general recommendation though and the exact amount of fluid a person requires can vary by age and gender. Dr. Webster has shared a more detailed breakdown of how much we should be drinking each day, depending on the stage of life we're at. Young children, under the age of eight should aim for about 1.2 litres of fluids per day, according to Dr. Webster. This is the equivalent of six to eight 200ml glasses. 'Their bodies are still developing and hydration is crucial for brain function, digestion and regulating body temperature,' he explains. But the expert warns you'll likely have to encourage the little ones to drink regularly, as they might not be able to recognise that they are thirsty. Turns out teenagers need to drink more than most of us, especially those aged between 14 and 18. During this key period of growth, their hydration needs rise and water is essential for helping them maintain energy, support their metabolism and aid in muscle function. Teen boys need a little more water than girls and Dr. Webster recommends between 1.6 and 1.9 litres for them per day. For teenage girls, the requirement is a little less at 1.5 litres. For reference, 1.5L to two litres is the equivalent of about three to four pint glasses of water, so you can use this as a rough guide. The general advice for adults under the age of 60 is for men to drink two litres of water per day, and women to have 1.6 litres. However, Dr. Webster notes that factors such as excercise, climate and diet will influence individual needs. He states: 'Proper hydration helps with temperature regulation, kidney function and concentration.' Those over 60 should aim for an intake of between 1.6 and two litres per day and this goes for both men and women, as it's important everyone drinks enough as they get older. Dr. Webster says this is because our thirst sensation decreases with age, making dehydration more likely. Staying hydrated is a must as it supports joint health, digestion and helps to prevent urinary tract infections. The expert adds: 'Conscious effort to drink regularly is key.' According to the NHS, the best way to tell if you're dehydrated is to check the colour of your urine. If you're drinking enough fluids, it should be the colour of white wine. Any darker and you should probably go pour yourself a cup. According to healthcare professionals, the exact amount will vary depending on a person's age, gender, activity level, the climate and their overhaul health state. Dr. Nadira Awal, a Doctify rated GP, who is the founder of Pause and Co Healthcare, has shared a closer look at reasons why a person may need to drink more water. However, she shared an important disclaimer, saying that 'while these guidelines provide a general framework, the best indicator of appropriate hydration is frequently listening to your body's cues and examining the colour of your urine.' She continued: 'Thirst is a reliable indicator that your body requires more fluids, while pale yellow urine typically suggests enough hydration.' Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Dr. Awal claims a woman's water requirements rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She says: 'During pregnancy, the recommended intake is approximately 10 cups (2.3 litres) per day. This heightened demand persists after, particularly among lactating women. Lactating women should aim for about 13 cups (three litres) of water each day to support milk production and keep themselves hydrated.' Physical activity levels Exercise or strenuous physical work can 'drastically' raise fluid requirements. It is recommended that you drink two cups of water before starting exercise and then have one cup every 15 to 20 minutes of activity you carry out. Then continue to drink water after your workout to replenish any fluids lost through sweat. Climate and environment Where you live can also be a factor, depending on whether there's a lot of hot weather, or if you're at a high elevation. According to Dr. Awal, both of these things can cause increased fluid loss, as people tend to lose water through sweat and respiration. More Trending 'Individuals in these conditions should be especially mindful of their water intake, seeking to drink water on a regular basis throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty,' she advises. Health issues For those experiencing fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, it is critical to increase water intake to restore lost fluids and avoid becoming dehydeated. View More » Dr. Awal claims: 'The exact amount required will vary depending on the intensity and duration of the sickness, but in general, strive to drink enough to maintain urine pale and avoid thirst.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know MORE: We tried London's hottest new pizza spot that doesn't 'scrimp on the toppings' MORE: The biggest pros and cons to consider before taking weight loss jabs
WIRED
19-02-2025
- Health
- WIRED
Your Earbuds Are Gross. Here's How to Clean Them Properly
Feb 19, 2025 8:00 AM Filthy buds look bad, impact sound quality and even risk infection. WIRED asked the experts how to correctly banish that ear gunk. Photo-Illustration:If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED Have you looked closely at your earbuds lately? I did, and I was horrified at how gross they were. My trusty Apple AirPods had become so mucky and caked in ear wax I was genuinely embarrassed, and almost reluctant to put something so nasty back in my ears. But are my yellowing Airpods actually a risk to my health? I asked general practitioner Dr. Jonathan Webster, from Doctify, who explained that while earwax is protective and part of the normal cleaning process of the ear, 'problems arise because long-term use of the earbuds prevents the wax from naturally migrating outwards—and so it builds up, trapping moisture, and making it prone to getting infected.' Earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages and discomfort. There's a reason your ENT surgeon likes the saying, "Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear." Dr. Webster also explained that 'there has definitely been a rise in problems associated with earbud use, including hearing loss, tinnitus and infections.' Hearing loss has little to do with my poor headphone cleanliness, but it is worth remembering that 'prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the very delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlear), leading to permanent hearing loss. With the in-ear headphones there is a concentration of the sound directed into the ear, which may make it more likely to cause a problem.' It's also worth noting that the UK's National Health Service advises that headphone users should not listen to music at higher than 60 percent of the maximum volume, and not for more than an hour at a time. Can Dirty Earbuds Really Cause Infections? There's not been a huge amount of clinical research into headphone cleanliness, but according to an investigation by ABC 11 back in 2019, microbiologist Dr. Michael Taveirne, from North Carolina State University, swabbed several different headphones and sent the cultures in for testing. The results showed staphylococcus and pseudomonas, two types of bacteria that can cause infection under the right circumstances. Similarly, according to a Florida based ENT specialist headphones house around 2,700 times more bacteria than the average cutting board, or six times more bacteria than the kitchen pretty gross—but even then you're not guaranteed to get infected. Bacteria isn't inherently problematic, but if your earbuds don't fit properly and you're always fiddling with them, there's a higher risk of you scraping or damaging the ear canal, which will create the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. Add in sweat from sports, and hours of daily wear, and you could be in for a nasty surprise. How to Clean Your Earbuds So, your earbuds are disgusting—but fortunately it is surprisingly easy to restore their cleanliness safely with just a few household essentials. Disinfectant spray or wipes : Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly. : Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly. Earbud cleaning tool : There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first. : There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first. A microfibre cloth : If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up. : If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up. Soapy water : A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe. : A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe. Silica gel pack: Chuck one in your gym kit bag along with your headphones and it will help to absorb excess moisture. Some people recommend using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but do so with caution as it can damage certain materials. If you do, always dilute it with water and use a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth. Apple has a comprehensive guide to AirPod maintenance that is equally relevant for other earbud brands. The main takeaway from their guide is that everything from soap to moisturizer, hair dye and acidic food can stain your earbuds, but a quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe should do the trick. Similarly, Kimberley Bradshaw, from Hearing Aid UK suggests 'wiping down your earbuds and case with a microfibre cloth after each use [especially after sport] to remove dirt and sweat. Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes are great for earbuds, but avoid getting moisture on the internal parts.' Use a cotton bud or old toothbrush: This ensures that you can get deep into every corner. With AirPods, for instance, the protective mesh over the ear tip gets blocked easily, but a quick brush should remove even the smallest particles. Having done this, I also noticed my headphones sounded better, too. Soak your ear tips: Once you've removed any wax or dust, let the silicone tips soak in soapy water for half an hour. Dry thoroughly before reattaching them to the headphones. Don't forget the cable: If you're a hipster or an audiophile you may still have wired headphones. You'd be surprised how often you touch the cable, so remember to give it a regular wipe to remove any bacteria buildup. Clean the charging case: There's no point cleaning your buds if you're just going to plonk them back in a wax-smeared charging cradle. A once-over inside with a clean cotton bud will remove any debris and keep the charging points clear. The outside can be wiped down with soapy water, although avoid contact with the charging socket. Remember to remove any dust from the socket with the toothbrush or (carefully) with a bent paperclip if it's really impacted. Headphone Cleaning Kits If you want to really go to town on your wax-off overhaul, here are our recommended all-in-one solutions to give your earbuds (and your ears) a treat. iFixit Precision Cleaning Kit : This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10. : This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10. Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit : A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth. : A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth. Jlab headphone cleaning kit: Multipurpose one-piece tech cleaning kit with push-up pen nib for getting in the cracks, refillable cleaning spray bottle, soft sponge and brush—plus the outer case is covered in microfiber for polishing.
