Insomnia, heart attacks and tips for a more restful sleep

People with insomnia are nearly 70% more likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who do not have the sleep disorder, according to a large analysis presented yesterday at the American College of Cardiology’s annual conference. The new study published yesterday in Clinical Cardiology was conducted by an international team of researchers who examinedContinue reading “Insomnia, heart attacks and tips for a more restful sleep”

When should I check for hormonal imbalances?

Are you struggling with any of the following? Exhaustion/ fatigue, sleep or stress issues, decreased libido/ sex drive Fertility problems Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, breast cysts, breast fibroadenoma Irregular periods, peri-menopause Acne associated with the menstrual cycle Painful periods, endometriosis Fibroids, adenomyosis PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) with symptoms such as (but not limited to)Continue reading “When should I check for hormonal imbalances?”

Insufficient sleep linked to belly fat

Do you struggle with unwanted belly fat? Not getting enough sleep may be the culprit, a recent study suggests. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study found that insufficient sleep increases calorie consumption and fat accumulation, leading to unhealthy fat deposition inside the belly. In the study, getting 4 hours ofContinue reading “Insufficient sleep linked to belly fat”

How to delay memory loss and cognitive aging

Everyone ages, but have you noticed that no two people age in the same way? Some people experience dramatic memory loss as they grow older, while others remain cognitively fit. Some experts say that diet is key, while others emphasise exercise and keeping active. Both factors have an impact on how your brain will age,Continue reading “How to delay memory loss and cognitive aging”

Loneliness: how it impacts your health and how to overcome it

Have you ever felt lonely? Nearly everyone feels lonely at some point in their life, perhaps due to a life change such as starting a new school or job, or moving to a new city. But for some people, loneliness is a way of life. For the younger generation, it may stem from a lackContinue reading “Loneliness: how it impacts your health and how to overcome it”

Got a stuffy nose? Tips for a better sleep.

Whether you’ve got a stuffy nose from a cold, flu or allergies, sleeping through the night can be a challenge with all that congestion. Read on for tips on how to sleep better when you are congested. Elevate your head. Congestion tends to be worse when you lie down because it is harder for the noseContinue reading “Got a stuffy nose? Tips for a better sleep.”

Top back-to-school concerns (and solutions)

It’s back-to-school season again, and with it come a variety of issues that parents and kids face. Here are a few of the most common concerns that arise at the beginning of the school year: 1. PRESSURE TO SUCCEED: Kids nowadays often feel pressured to get top grades, earn numerous awards and trophies as well asContinue reading “Top back-to-school concerns (and solutions)”

Can I take melatonin for jet lag or insomnia?

What is melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle. It is made by the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise during mid- to late evening, stay high for most of the night, and then decrease in the early morning. As we age, melatonin levelsContinue reading “Can I take melatonin for jet lag or insomnia?”

Optimal pregnancy: steps to a healthy, full-term baby

Ever wonder why some women sail smoothly through pregnancy? Want to carry a healthy baby to full term and reduce the risk for pregnancy-related complications? It turns out that what you do during pregnancy has a huge impact on your pregnancy journey and your baby’s health. Nutrition and other lifestyle factors during the early periods in theContinue reading “Optimal pregnancy: steps to a healthy, full-term baby”

Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease

A study published last week in the British Medical Journal has found that people who take benzodiazepines are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. People who used benzodiazepines for 3 months or longer had up to a 51% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s comparedContinue reading “Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs linked to Alzheimer’s disease”