Latest news with #ProwiseHealthcare
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Experts explain why your hay fever is so bad this year
Many Brits have experienced worse hay fever symptoms this year, with a number of factors making allergies more severe. Here's why your runny nose and itchy eyes are worse this spring Many of us might have noticed itchier eyes, runnier noses, and more frequent sneezing this year. In short: it appears hay fever has intensified compared to previous years. But what causes the escalation of hay fever symptoms? Kristy Thomas, a physician with Prowise Healthcare, explained that the severity of hay fever fluctuations is attributable to the weather and pollen levels. She remarked: "A warm spring is then more favourable to pollen production; hence the two periods coincide and are prolonged. Rising temperatures cause plants to release pollen earlier, and additional moisture from rain indoors can also prompt greater pollen production in plants." This spring has brought a "perfect storm of conditions", says NHS GP Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp. "A mild winter followed by a sudden warm spring has led to high tree pollen levels being released all at once - a so-called 'pollen bomb," the GP added. Furthermore, climate change's extension of growing seasons, coupled with heightened air pollution, can amplify pollen potency and exacerbate allergic reactions, the doctor explained. According to Dr Helen Evans-Howells, pollen seasons are stretching out due to warmer temperatures, leading those with previously mild symptoms to notice their struggles more and drawing new sufferers into the fray, reports Surrey Live. The GP and allergy expert pointed out: "Last year, the weather was particularly warm, meaning more pollen formed in the trees, increasing that which was released this year. "Trees also follow cycles, with some years being worse than others for release of their pollen, this year was a high pollen release year." But when do hay fever symptoms really hit hard? Symptoms tend to worsen on days with high pollen counts, as well as during windy conditions and thunderstorms. Dr Evans-Howells noted: "During a thunderstorm or a windy day, pollen circulates more and is inhaled, triggering reactions." Tree pollen tends to affect people from March to May, with grass pollen becoming more of an issue from mid-May to July, and weed pollen comes into play from late-June through September. Dr Misra-Sharp advises that "Symptoms often flare in the early morning and late evenings, especially on warm, dry, breezy days." Climate change has been blamed for our discomforting allergenic symptoms like watery eyes and sniffles, as stated by physician Kristy Thomas, who suggested it's resulted in longer allergy seasons. Air pollution can further exacerbate hay fever symptoms, she mentioned. Additionally, Kristy recommended checking your local pollen forecast before heading outdoors in the summertime, with several weather applications now providing up-to-date pollen levels. When pollen levels soar, it's advisable to stay inside, especially during peak times. You can attempt to dodge pollen by donning wrap-around sunglasses, keeping windows shut when indoors, showering after spending time outside, and drying your laundry indoors.
Irish Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two key symptoms to look out for if you think you have shin splints
As marathon season kicks off, runners are lacing up and hitting the streets in droves, chasing that runner's high. But with increased mileage comes the risk of injuries, including the dreaded shin splints. Physiotherapist and ultrarunner Danny Brunton warns: "Shin pain, often known as 'shin splints', can be a very common injury for runners." He adds that in medical circles it's referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome or MTSS, which is essentially inflammation of the outer lining of your Tibia (shin) caused by overuse. Brunton, who is also an ambassador for Enertor running insoles, advises that distinguishing between simple inflammation and a more serious condition like a stress fracture is crucial. He notes: "With MTSS there would be a wider spread of pain (on the inside border of your shin) when pressing the area and when carrying out higher impact activity." Conversely, he points out: "Whereas with a stress fracture there would be a pain more specific/focal to a particular point.", reports Surrey Live. It's not just runners who need to watch out for this painful condition, says Kristy Thomas, a physician at Prowise Healthcare. High-impact dancers, military recruits, and other athletes are also at risk of developing shin splints. Thomas highlights that "improper form and inadequate footwear" can increase susceptibility, especially for beginners. Shin splints can flare up when you ramp up your activity or switch up your training routine, according to Sarah Campus, a personal trainer and nutrition coach. She pointed out that this increase in activity could strain the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue. She also mentioned that "anyone who has flat feet or high arches" might be more prone to shin splints, as well as those who run on hard or "uneven terrain". If you're struggling with shin splints, Thomas advises that the first step is to take a break. Applying "Ice packs placed on the shin for 15-20 minutes at regular intervals during the day can help bring down inflammation of the area," she recommended. She also suggested that "Controlled ranges of motion of stretching and strengthening of the calf region and foam rolling can decrease tension." It's crucial to consider your footwear, as shoes that absorb shock and provide support can make an "incredible difference". But if these strategies don't cut it, she warned: "When you have tried these measures to no avail, you should consider seeing a doctor to ensure there are no other injuries, such as stress fractures." Brunton chimed in on the importance of strength exercises to prevent future bouts of shin splints. He recommends easing back into running only after you've managed to walk without pain for five straight days, can sustain a 30-minute walk pain-free, pass impact tests like single-leg hopping without discomfort, and can jog for three-to-five minutes pain-free. "Running can slowly be built up with the focus on being pain free and the volume being built slowly (quicker running/intensity to follow only once volume built at slower pace). It is also important to plan recovery and allow adaptation such as running with rest days in-between," he said. However, not all shin pain will be shin splints. Thomas explained: "Other forms of shin pain include stress fractures, which are small cracks along the bone, compartment syndrome or powerful pressure within muscles, tendonitis, and nerve entrapment. "Shin pain stemming from these needs to be diagnosed accurately, as they require an entirely different treatment plan."
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Dog Notices Owner Cooking Sausages, What She Does Next Delights Internet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When it comes to irresistible scents, nothing quite tops the smell of sizzling sausages — at least not for one cheeky pup who's become an internet sensation. In a viral video shared by owner @srv2277, a man can be seen making hot dogs, and the terrier-mixed dog cannot contain her excitement. But rather than jumping up to get one, she politely yet impatiently slams her paws on her treat button, then sits down, expecting one to be thrown her way. Newsweek discussed the comical TikTok clip that has 1.4 million views with Kisty Thomas, a registered nutritionist who has experience in both pet nutrition and human preventative health and animal healthcare. She said: "While dogs can eat sausages in small amounts, it's generally not safe. Most sausages are high in fat, salt, and spices, which aren't ideal for dogs and can lead to stomach upset or more serious health issues." Thomas, who works for a wellness and fitness service called Prowise Healthcare, has shared the following tips for owners who want to give their dog a meaty treat: Always check the ingredients first. Avoid sausages that contain garlic, onions, or heavy seasoning. Make sure it's plain, cooked, and given in a very small quantity as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of their diet. In this instance, the main focus isn't the sausages. It is how the rescue dog has requested them. But can dogs really communicate with soundboards? According to one study, published in PLOS One,they can. Last year, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found dogs can use soundboard buttons to communicate meaningfully. The findings suggest dogs aren't just mimicking their owners but are processing words to give contextually appropriate responses. According to lead researcher Federico Rossano, this marks just the beginning of exploring canine vocabulary, with future studies aiming to delve into more abstract concepts to better understand dog cognition and communication. Newsweek previously spoke to a woman who has trained her Yorkshire terrier to use a selection of sound buttons. However, it doesn't always work in her favor as her dog called Waffles isn't shy when it comes to cursing when he doesn't get his own way. Leslie Trimble said: "One day I wondered what he would actually say if given the chance so created some buttons with swear words. He didn't disappoint and quickly used the a****** button to express frustration when I said he couldn't have more bacon. "He now swears like a sailor and even his ginormous swear jar doesn't deter him! His favorite is probably saying m********k in the voice of Samuel L. Jackson!" A stock image of a dog eating sausages. A stock image of a dog eating sausages. NATALIA ANDREEVA/iStock / Getty Images Plus So far, the viral clip from April 19 video has over 264,000 likes and many comments – from users saying what they think the dog is thinking. "She said gimme 14," said one user, and another wrote: "She said 'human I'm using my words, now treat please!?'" "She's too cute, I would just give her all the hotdogs..." wrote a third user and a fourth pointed out: "She's so joyful [with] anticipation." Newsweek reached out to @srv2277 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
