Author: healthtost
Cancer cells are like thriving cities without city planners. They expand rapidly, and in doing so, the resulting tumors use up more energy and other resources than they can get from nearby blood vessels. Instead of limiting their growth to more sustainable rates, cancer cells adapt by finding alternative ways to scavenge what they need. A prevalent encroachment strategy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) involves cancer cells remodeling their cell surfaces to grab extra nutrients from the jelly-like substance between cells or the extracellular matrix. This cell deformation is a process called macropinocytosis. Blocking it and cutting off the energy…
Sharing is caring! Winter is here and that means it’s warm season! Sweaters, thick socks, fuzzy blankets and a creamy cup of hot cocoa are all essential for ultimate coziness! In this post, get my recipe for a big batch of hot cocoa mix that will keep you warm and cozy all winter long! It’s easy to make, cuts down on some not-so-great ingredients, and is so delicious you’ll never go back to store bought! For years I wanted to make hot chocolate mix and this year I succeeded! I love having a big pot of homemade hot chocolate mix…
Antidepressant use is associated with sexual side effects, including reduced genital sensitivity that persists after the drug is stopped, according to a new Simon Fraser University study. The study, published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiologyshows that 13 percent of people who used antidepressants reported a decrease in genital sensitivity, compared with 1 percent of users of other psychiatric drugs. It’s been off the radar for so long, mostly due to stigma, shame and embarrassment. For some, it resolves with time, but for many people, it doesn’t go away. I have spoken to someone who developed this syndrome at…
Are you a single mother feeling physically, emotionally and mentally drained? Balancing care, work and personal well-being can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Often, these challenges can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and lack of rest. In this blog post, we’ll explore the early signs of burnout in single moms, providing evidence-based research and references to help you identify and address the symptoms of burnout. Being a single mother and single breadwinner, I felt the pressure and taking a step back to think helped me…
Sunscreen is often in the spotlight during the sunny summer months when we are most aware of potential sun damage. It protects us from harmful UV rays, reduces the risks of skin cancer and helps prevent early wrinkles – they start working minutes after application. In short, it is one of the most effective beauty products. But to really keep your skin healthy and glowing, sunscreen should be a daily habit. Here’s why: Why Do I Need SPF? The benefits of sunscreen 1. Reduces the risk of skin cancer Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces the risk of developing skin…
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Although not usually classified as a ‘disease’, it occurs as a spectrum of characteristics that vary widely between individuals. Recent research has shed light on potential links between a mother’s health during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of autism in children, sparking debate about the role of environmental factors such as infections in fetal development. In the United States, autism diagnoses have risen sharply over the decades. According to 2022 data, 30.3 per 1,000 children aged 5 to 8 and 28.8…
Study evaluates large language model for emergency medicine handover notes, finding high utility and safety comparable to physicians Study: Development and Evaluation of Emergency Medical Emergency Management Notes Generated by the Large Language Model. Image credit: Kamon_wongnon / Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in JAMA Network Openresearchers developed and evaluated the accuracy, safety, and utility of Emergency Medicine (EM)-generated Long Language Model (LLM) handoff notes to reduce physician documentation burden without compromising patient safety. The critical role of transfers in health care Handles are critical points of contact in healthcare and a known source of medical errors. As a…
Discover how creatine and resistance training transform muscle health and cognitive vitality in older adults. Study: The power of creatine and resistance training for healthy aging: enhancing physical vitality and cognitive function. Image credit: TanyaKim / Shutterstock A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology advocates combining resistance training with creatine supplementation as a safe and effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related musculoskeletal condition characterized by reduced functional capacity, muscle strength and lean mass. It can lead to adverse outcomes such as lower quality of life and reduced physical function, and…
Planks-Giving Remix: A basic challenge to keep you in shape this Thanksgiving Maria Sollon, MS, CSCS, PESBefore you gather around the dinner table, gather at your Total Gym this Thanksgiving for a core workout that’s sure to keep you trim and looking great for the holidays! In response to popular demand, we’re mixing up a previous Challenge that gives planks by adding a new twist to keep your core strong and balanced during the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to align with the season of gratitude by taking care of your health and wellness while giving those core muscles…
In the split second it takes to see a stop sign and react to it, our brain navigates a complex process that seamlessly transitions from perception to action control. This ability to stop or inhibit actions, known as response inhibition, is fundamental to human cognition. It plays a key role in decision-making and self-control, enabling us to suppress impulsive or inappropriate behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this process is essential to understanding how we manage our thoughts and actions and to treating impulse control disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction in the future. In a recent…