Latest news with #healthtips
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
9 things in your bathroom you should probably replace ASAP, according to experts
Most of us don't spend a ton of time in the bathroom, but it's still one of the most important spots in the house for rather obvious reasons. Similarly, most of the stuff we put in our bathrooms, including our toothbrushes and oh-so-glamourous plungers, gets unsung-hero status — we may not think about these things much, but they need to do their job and do it well. Plenty of these bathroom workhorses need to be swapped out more often than we think, and it's our health that's on the line. No one wants an eye infection courtesy of their old, dirty contact lens case, or a nasty burn after slathering on long-expired sunscreen. Here are nine bathroom staples experts say you'll want to make sure aren't overstaying their welcome. Related: 10 household items you should probably replace ASAP, according to experts All makeup should be swapped out at regular intervals, but how often depends on the product. Exercise the most caution when it comes to eye makeup, advises Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist with Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City. "Cosmetics, especially those used around the eyes, need strict expiration awareness," she says. "Mascara and liquid eyeliner should be tossed every three months to avoid eye infections. Foundations and creams generally last 6-12 months, while powders may last a bit longer, around 1-2 years." Kopelman recommends paying particularly close attention if you're using a product for the first time after a long period: "When makeup changes in smell, texture or color, that's your cue to let it go." Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, recommends replacing your contacts case "at least once a month" to keep your eyes healthy. "Many, many times, when a patient experiences a corneal infection, the case is cultured to find the infectious microorganism," he says. In other words, it's like your favorite horror movie: The infection is coming from inside the case. If you'd rather not deal with the hassle of rotating cases, it's worth investigating daily lenses that you toss each night before bed, McLaughlin says. He also recommends using smartphone reminders or designating a certain day of the month to remember when to swap cases. Unfortunately, the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin from harmful UV rays do break down over time. To make sure you're using an effective product, experts recommend tossing that half-used bottle after its printed expiration date. "Sunscreens will more than likely have an expiration date, and if not, it's a good idea to start off each summer with a fresh batch of sunscreens," Kopelman says. If you buy new sunscreen and notice there's no expiration date, grab a permanent marker and label it with the purchase date — it should be good for about three years from when you bought it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It's a dirty job, but some(thing)'s gotta do it. Your toilet brush has an unenviable task that pretty much guarantees it will accumulate an impressive array of bacteria. Joining the potty-brush party, according to a study by Merck, are strains such as E. coli, Enterobacter and Cladosporium. The good news, Merck researchers say: "Toilet brushes are more of an esthetic issue — you don't usually touch the brush portion, and as long as the brush isn't squeezed into a tight containment and doesn't sit in a puddle, it's probably not that bad. Most hygiene experts agree that bathrooms, even those with toilets, are generally not as much an issue as kitchens." (Yikes?) Experts tell Consumer Reports that you can generally wait until your brush looks or smells like it needs to be replaced — for instance, if it's permanently discolored or if it stinks even though you didn't just use it. Otherwise, twice a year is a reasonable guideline. Everyone wants their hair to look its best, but experts say a worn-out hair brush won't get the job done. Even worse, hair brushes can attract dust, yeast, bacteria and other microscopic nasties, boosting your risk for dandruff and other unsavory scalp conditions. "Hairbrushes should be replaced every year depending on the quality of the brush and bristles," Kopelman says. "Regularly cleaning your hairbrush will definitely help it last longer and prevent dirt and particles from going into your hair and scalp. However, cleaning will not help basic wear and tear," because most of us brush our hair several times a day, she cautions. Kopelman says it's easiest to clean paddle brushes and plastic brushes, "especially if they're vented or made with synthetic bristles." To give your brush a fresh start, she recommends removing any hair, soaking the brush head in warm water and shampoo or antibacterial soap for a few minutes, and scrubbing the nooks and crannies with an old toothbrush. The older your toothbrush, the bigger the risk of bacterial buildup, which can lead to cavities and infections like strep throat, says Dr. Sandip Sachar of Sachar Dental in New York City. Frayed bristles also have a harder time removing plaque and can irritate the gums, leaving you vulnerable to "tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath," she says. No thank you. If you've been cleaning your pearly whites with the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months, it's time for a new one, according to the American Dental Association. Sachar says that's a good general guideline, but notes that if bristles "start to get frayed or worn looking," you should start fresh more often. Also a good idea? Swapping out your toothbrush after a cold, flu or Covid-19 to prevent reinfection, Sachar cautions. Otherwise, she recommends making it a seasonal ritual — a new toothbrush for spring, summer, fall and winter. They're called "disposable" for a reason, right? The American Academy of Dermatology says you'll want to swap out your razor every 5-7 shaves to keep your skin in the best shape possible. An old razor can leave you with "razor burn, nicks and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), especially in sensitive areas," Kopelman says. "Plus, razors that sit in a damp shower environment can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria." Unfortunately, this is one of those things that falls into the category of "much dirtier than you think it is." Shower curtains and shower curtain liners stay damp for longer than shower walls, especially if the curtain/liner isn't stretched out to dry after use. Cue mold, mildew and bacteria crashing your daily zen. Experts say that you should replace yours every six months to a year, especially if you live in a high-humidity area. If you're a loofah lover, we're gonna hold your hand while we say this: It might be time to part with your favorite skin scrubber. Experts with the Cleveland Clinic say the famously squishy sponges rarely dry out completely, leaving bacteria to fester and multiply in all those tiny holes and crevices. That's especially true of natural loofahs, though experts warn that their plastic counterparts suffer from similar issues. Bottom line? Natural loofahs need to replaced every few weeks and plastic loofahs every couple of months. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
South China Morning Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
‘Secret to eternal youth': Korean school principal, 93, shares tips for staying young
A 93-year-old school principal in South Korea who is known for her radiant skin, sharp mind and tireless passion for work, has shared tips for staying youthful. A recent video from Gachon University in Seongnam, a city in the country's most populous province of Gyeonggi, has gone viral for highlighting its president, Lee Gil-ya. Born in 1932, Lee speaks confidently about artificial intelligence, showcasing both insight and energy. Lee Gil-ya, 93, could easily be mistaken for a woman half that age. Photo: Lee has often made headlines for her age-defying youthful appearance. In 2023, she danced with students at a university festival, earning loud cheers from the crowd. In an interview with Chosun Daily, Lee said her secret to staying young is 'consistently doing very ordinary things'. She sticks to a strict routine, avoids alcohol and smoking, drinks tea instead of coffee, and makes sure to stay hydrated by consuming 1.5 litres of water a day.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
5 Life-Saving Tips for Surviving a Heart Attack
Panic attacks are often confused with heart attacks. While panic attacks may feel life-threatening, they aren't. A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart. When the heart doesn't get enough oxygen, it can become life-threatening. Heart attacks are medical emergencies that shouldn't be ignored and should be addressed as soon as possible. CNET The chances of surviving a heart attack or saving a life depend on several factors, but what matters most is being able to identify when one is taking place and remembering five steps. As the weather gets warmer, health issues that you may not be aware of may flare up. To be prepared, read on for life-saving tips for heart attacks. Learn more about heart health tips by reading how to check your heart metrics at home, six important blood tests to take and understanding the importance of your blood type. Common symptoms of a heartWhen you think "heart attack," classic symptoms such as chest discomfort might first come to mind. Heart attacks can present differently in men and women and in people with certain diseases, like diabetes. Heart attack symptoms could include: Chest discomfort, pain or pressure that radiates up to your jaw, your back and/or your left shoulder Bad indigestion or nausea Extreme fatigue Shortness of breath Feeling generally unwell "Essentially anything from the belly button up," says Dr. Khadijah Breathett, a heart failure transplant cardiologist and tenured associate professor of medicine at Indiana University. "Constant pressure should raise concern that you should see your doctor, and it's OK if it's something else. We'd rather have an individual come see a health care professional and get evaluated rather than toughing it out at home, because that is what contributes to the escalating risk of death." 1. Call 911, no matter what If you feel any of the above symptoms, even if you aren't sure it's a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately, doctors recommend. "If you feel unwell, or you're starting to have chest discomfort, seek medical attention quickly, because the sooner you get treated, the better," says Dr. Grant Reed, an interventional cardiologist and director of Cleveland Clinic's STEMI program. "A lot of patients ignore their symptoms, and by the time they come in, their heart muscle has already died." Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images The No. 1 indicator of how well you're going to do after a heart attack is how fast you recognize your symptoms, Reed adds. There's a strong relationship between when you start to have your heart attack (which is generally when symptoms start) and how fast doctors can open up the blocked coronary artery that's causing it -- the shorter the time, the better the outcomes, not just regarding survival but also the likelihood of heart failure or needing to be readmitted to the hospital. When you get to the hospital, medical professionals will likely perform an electrocardiogram, which will determine the diagnosis of a heart attack. If it is a heart attack, you'll be taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where a coronary angiography will be performed. If you have a blockage in your coronary artery, the doctors will offer treatment with a balloon and a stent to keep the artery open. Many people are hesitant to seek emergency medical care due to a lack of insurance or immigration status. In the US, hospitals are required to treat all people who come in with life-threatening emergencies. "It's a lot better to be treated and deal with the financial ramifications after the fact," Reed says. In most cases, costs can be sorted out with the hospital, he adds. jayk7/Getty Images 2. Have an ambulance take you to the hospital If you suspect you're having a heart attack, don't drive yourself to the hospital: Call an ambulance. You could lose consciousness and hurt yourself or others on the road, says Dr. Joel Beachey, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The same goes for having a loved one drive you -- if your symptoms worsen, they won't be able to help you while they're driving, and may be distracted. Paramedics can provide the best and fastest care while you're on the way to the hospital, including giving you an assessment and providing some treatment, Beachey says. If you're with someone who is having heart attack symptoms and becomes unconscious, you should first call 911 and then engage in CPR, Breathett says. (You can find free CPR training at your local American Heart Association branch and many other places.) 3. Take aspirin, if you have it If you're having heart attack symptoms and have access to aspirin, take a full dose of 325 mg after calling the ambulance, Beachey says. (If you have baby aspirin, which comes in an 81 mg dose, take four of those.) He recommends chewing it instead of swallowing, so it gets into your system faster. The reason? When you're having a heart attack, a plaque inside your arteries becomes unstable and ruptures, which forms a blood clot that can close off supply to that artery. Taking aspirin can help break down some of that blood clot. ER4. Advocate for yourself In an ideal world, healthcare providers would take all patient concerns seriously when it comes to heart attack symptoms, but studies show women and people of color are less likely to receive adequate treatment for heart attacks and heart disease. For example, older Black women were 50% less likely to be treated when they arrived at a hospital with a heart attack or coronary artery disease symptoms than white women, including after accounting for education, income, insurance status and other heart health complications like diabetes and high blood pressure, a 2019 study found. "It's been very clear over most of our history in the US that women and people of color are not heard," Breathett says. "Their symptoms get dismissed, and they have worse outcomes. As a health care system, we have a lot more work to do to change that system so that each person can get equitable care irrespective of their demographic." Until that time comes, patients need to be their own advocates and speak up for themselves, she adds. If they aren't being heard, they have the right to seek care elsewhere. One tip recommended by a resident on TikTok: If you feel a provider isn't taking your symptoms seriously, for heart health or otherwise, you can ask the provider, "What is your differential diagnosis?" A differential diagnosis is a term to describe what the different diseases are that could be contributing to your symptoms, basically asking the provider to explain why they've ruled out a heart attack and what else it could be. "That might help a person realize, oh, I haven't effectively tested to make sure this is not cardiac disease," Breathett says. You can also bring a family member or friend to help ask questions on your behalf. Write down questions in advance if you can, so you can have them addressed during your short visit. And call back with any questions that weren't answered. If you're not satisfied or feel that you're not being heard, seek out another care team. 5. Work on prevention You've heard it a million times, but that's because it's true: The best way to prevent a heart attack is by maintaining a healthy diet, doing moderate exercise for 120 to 150 minutes per week, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure under control and not attacks can happen to people of any age, race or gender. You should get regular physical exams with your primary care provider to assess your risk and make lifestyle changes that can help with prevention. Some people might also benefit from taking a baby aspirin every day as a preventative measure, but you'll need to talk to your care provider about that. Exercise is important even if you have a history of heart trouble, Beachey says. Knowing what to do to prevent and respond to a heart attack is just one of the many important elements of your health you should know about. Read on to discover the best workouts to strengthen your heart, the difference between the types of cholesterol and how your diet affects your health. Plus, if you're looking for new ways to monitor your metrics, check out CNET's list of recommended fitness trackers and blood pressure monitors.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a pediatric doctor... here's what you MUST do if you ever go to the ER
A pediatric doctor has revealed the most important tips to remember in order to make a visit to the emergency department as 'smooth' as possible. The information was shared in a new video on TikTok by Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida-based pediatric emergency medicine doctor who goes by the username @beachgem10 on the social media platform. She often makes videos about kids' safety tips, breaks down medical news, and provides guidance during cold, flu and norovirus seasons. This time, however, Dr. Martin tackled her top suggestions about what you need to do if you ever find yourself in the emergency room to make things just a little bit easier. The first tip that Dr. Martin offered was to make sure that you bring a phone charger with you. 'You will be here for a while, your phone is going to die, and we don't have extra,' the doctor said simply. On a similar note, she recommended bringing an iPad or tablet if your kids will be coming with you. 'Bring toys or activities, I promise you they are going to get bored, bring something for them to do,' Dr. Martin instructed. Next, she spoke about why it was important to avoid eating when in the ER. 'We will starve you because we love you, and we want to expedite if you need a procedure or a surgery, so we want to keep your belly empty,' she told viewers. Dr. Martin also said that if you have to use the bathroom while in the hospital, it's important to use a cup to do so. 'Even if you're in triage, ask for a cup,' she shared. 'Come ready to pee, drink some water before you come, be ready to pee.' 'We will almost always, especially if you're a woman, need a urine sample.' She added that you should lower you expectations when it comes to hopes for a quick wait time. Dr. Martin noted that during busy times of day, or during busy seasons, you could be waiting at the ER for four to six plus hours. On average, wait times are at least one to two hours. 'And then once you get back, it takes time to do things,' the doctor continued. 'If we order labs, it takes somebody time to get in and get your blood taken, we have to send it to the lab, the lab has to process it, upload it to the system, and then we have to see it and come back and tell you, usually at least 80 or 90 minutes,' she shared. She noted that it's the same wait time for radiology, especially if you're getting a CT scan. 'Emergency departments are constantly multitasking, you don't know what's going on in other parts of the department, I apologize that it's a long wait, we're doing our best,' Dr. Martin concluded. In the comments section of the doctor's video, other users even offered their own tips for surviving a night at the emergency department. 'Bring headphones for the kiddos to play their games. Everyone is stressed enough without Baby Shark at top volume,' one person wrote. Another shared, 'Not only a charger but a POWER BANK! Oftentimes there aren't enough power outlets for everyone to plug in...' 'As a frequent flyer I also bring headphones, comfortable and warm clothes, and gum,' someone else wrote.
News24
17-05-2025
- Health
- News24
Can food order and vinegar hacks help manage blood sugar?
Jessie Inchauspé, aka the Glucose Goddess, shares practical tips on managing blood sugar, such as eating foods in the right order, adding veggies to meals, and choosing savoury breakfasts. Her Instagram account and books translate complex nutritional science into easy hacks to boost energy, reduce cravings, and improve overall health. Experts acknowledge her advice as valid but note that much of it aligns with established nutritional principles. French content creator and New York Times bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé, aka the Glucose Goddess, is changing how people see food and manage their blood sugar levels. She is the author of two books on managing glucose levels for wellness: Glucose Revolution and The Glucose Goddess Method. She has also appeared on countless TV and radio shows, spreading the message about her journey into the health world which began with a life-changing accident that left her with a broken back. Years later, after earning a master's degree in biochemistry at Georgetown University, she started working as a product manager for 23andMe, a genetics start-up. During her time there, Jessie tried wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as part of an internal study. While she does not have diabetes, she describes the experience as 'life-changing'. She states that her interest in glucose levels arose from linking glucose spikes to mental health episodes of depersonalisation-derealisation disorder, which she says she had suffered from since her accident at 19. Inchauspé then started the @glucosegoddess Instagram account on which she shared graphs from her CGM data to explain nutritional science clearly and engagingly. She describes herself as a 'science communicator trying to help people understand how food impacts their bodies.' Her goal? To 'impact public health on a global scale.' So, what are some of her hacks? Eat foods in the right order According to Inchauspé, each meal should start with fibre—so veggies. Then, proteins and fat, and lastly, carbs and sugar. Add a green starter to all your meals Every meal must start with some veggies, she shares. 'Veggie starters reduce the glucose spike of the meal that follows them. The objective is for the veggie starter to make up about 30% of the meal.' Stop counting calories According to the Glucose Goddess, counting calories is sometimes a waste of time. She shares, 'Counting calories doesn't necessarily improve health outcomes. Not all calories are equal: calories derived from fructose are more detrimental than those from glucose.' Have a savoury breakfast She proposes eating a filling, savoury breakfast packed with nutritional value. According to her, a savoury breakfast is composed of: - Protein (the centrepiece) - Fat - Fibre (if possible) - Optional starches - Nothing sweet except optional whole fruit (just for taste). Have any type of sugar you like – they're all the same According to her, no sugar is better for you, so choose what you prefer. Pick dessert over a sweet snack If we want to eat something sweet, our glucose should be as dessert after a meal rather than as a snack between meals, Inchauspé believes. Reach for vinegar before you eat Like many, she believes in the benefits of Apple cider vinegar for weight management and preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. She suggests vinegar can be taken as: - 1 tablespoon in a tall glass of water (with a straw), or - As a salad dressing, 'Ideally, up to 20 minutes before a meal. This reduces the spike of your meal by up to 30%,' she shares. After you eat, move After meals, use your muscles for 10 minutes to reduce the glucose spike of the meal. Examples: - Walking - Tidying your house - Doing calf raises, etc. Put some clothes on your carbs This means dressing your carbs up with other nutrient-dense foods, such as proteins and fats, to reduce the speed of glucose absorption in our body. She claims that these hacks can help improve energy levels and reduce cravings and that blood sugar balance is the key to physical and mental health. Not everyone, however, believes that she has unlocked new secrets to blood sugar management. Many have accused her of revamping some of the oldest tricks in the book. Laura Bellows, associate professor of Nutritional Science at Cornell University, said some of the 'glucose hacks' are 'widely accepted by nutritionists', such as having protein and fat with carbs.
