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  • Can’t Solve A Problem? Sleep On It—It’s Backed By Science, Here’s Best Nap For Better Thinking

    Can’t Solve A Problem? Sleep On It—It’s Backed By Science, Here’s Best Nap For Better Thinking

    Have you heard the saying “if you can’t fix an issue, just sleep on it”? It’s not just random advice to calm you down before bed, science now proves how sleep can help you think clearly and solve a problem.

    In a recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, investigators examined how a specific type of sleep, afternoon naps, helps in creative problem-solving.

    The researchers conducted problem-solving experiments in a group of 58 people below the age of 30 from Texas State University. Half of the participants were allowed to take a two-hour afternoon nap before solving a puzzle they had previously been unable to solve, while the other half attempted the puzzle without sleep.

    The results showed that people who took a nap before solving the problems performed better than those who stayed awake. On average, the sleep group solved 43% of the problems, while the wake group solved only 15%.

    The researchers concluded that this is because sleep, especially the type that includes the REM phase, helps people in an analogical transfer to solve issues that could not be done before the nap. Analogical transfer is the ability to use insights from a different problem to solve a new, related problem.

    Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a phase where your eyes move rapidly in different directions, and brain activity becomes as high as when you’re awake. “This sleep stage [REM] may play a key role in putting past experiences to best use by establishing and strengthening associations that are not readily apparent in our waking lives,” the researchers wrote.

    “My previous research has focused on understanding how memories change during sleep. However, the reorganization of knowledge that occurs during memory consolidation undoubtedly impacts other aspects of cognition as well. I was specifically interested in how the initiation and/or strengthening of connections between new and old memories can assist in problem-solving,” said study author Carmen E. Westerberg, a professor at Texas State University.

    “The main takeaway is that if you have a difficult problem that you cannot solve, processes that occur while you are sleeping may give you insights after waking that could help to solve the problem,” Westerberg added.

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  • Stuck On Your Weight Loss Journey? Here’s Nutritionist’s Cheat Code To Shed Pounds In 3 Months

    Stuck On Your Weight Loss Journey? Here’s Nutritionist’s Cheat Code To Shed Pounds In 3 Months

    Feeling stuck in your weight loss journey, despite your best efforts? You’re not alone, many people may face a frustrating stage where progress slows. But according to a nutritionist, the key is not in a fad diet or extreme workout—it’s consistency. Here’s the cheat code to break through the stagnation and shed substantial weight in just three months.

    “Weight loss is a journey and the secret to seeing true and lasting results is by staying consistent and not perfect,” said Amaka, a certified nutritionist in an Instagram post, where she shared a cheat code to lose 20 kg (about 44 pounds) in three months.

    For those looking to kickstart their weight loss journey or those struggling along the way, here are some practical tips from her.

    Focus on low calorie diet:

    According to Amaka, the key to weight loss is maintaining a calorie-deficit diet while staying full. She suggests consuming low-calorie, high-protein meals to achieve this and recommends adding spices like cayenne pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon to boost metabolism for faster results.

    Amaka also recommends eliminating sugar and refined carbs, as an easy trick to reduce the waistline. “Practice 80/20 rule in your nutrition, where you eat healthy 80% and allow yourself to indulge in a cheat meal 20% to help you stay consistent and not restricted, fuels your energy and boost your mood to stay consistent on your journey,” she said.

    How to eat:

    Most people know what should go on their plate while dieting, but according to Amaka, how you eat your food is just as important.

    “Eat your protein and vegetables first before your carbs, it will make you full quickly, and you will struggle to eat your carb left on your plate,” she wrote. Taking smaller plates or bowls while serving food will help to trick your brain into feeling full.

    Drink water:

    Staying hydrated helps to nourish the body and control the hunger pangs. “Always drink water 5-10 minutes before eating your meal, it will help control your appetite,” she said.

    Exercise:

    Regular physical activity is essential for both weight loss and overall well-being. Amaka recommends strength training 2–3 days a week, as it helps build muscle and keeps the body burning calories even at rest.

    “Leave the scale completely, use pictures, your fittings in your old clothes, and body measurements to track your progress, they’re always accurate. Scale fluctuates, and has made me lose hope and stop my journey because I felt I was not making progress,” she added.



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  • ADHD Reduces Life Expectancy? Here’s How It Affects Men And Women Differently

    ADHD Reduces Life Expectancy? Here’s How It Affects Men And Women Differently

    As ADHD diagnoses continue to rise in the U.S., researchers have uncovered a troubling link between the behavioral disorder and reduced life expectancy, with the impact varying between men and women.

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. The condition can impact various aspects of life, including academic performance, professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.

    In a large-scale study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 participants with ADHD, comparing it with a similar group without the condition to understand its effects on longevity. The findings revealed that men with ADHD had a life expectancy reduction of 4.5 to 9 years, while women faced a reduction of 6.5 to 11 years.

    “It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment. However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem,” said senior author, Professor Josh Stott in a news release.

    The researchers also noted that only a fraction of the total population of adults with ADHD could be studied as less than one in nine adults with ADHD had been diagnosed.

    “We know from studies of traits in the community and from studies of childhood diagnosis that the rate of ADHD in our sample is just a fraction of what it should be,” Professor Stott added.

    Since the condition often goes undiagnosed, particularly in adults, this new research may overestimate the reduction in life expectancy for those with the condition. The study findings may not be generalizable to other geographies or settings, the researchers caution. Also, since the study has not evaluated data on the specific causes of death, it is not possible to directly attribute the years of lost life to different factors.

    However, researchers noted that early deaths in ADHD patients could be “caused by modifiable risk factors and unmet support and treatment needs in terms of both ADHD and co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.”

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  • Can Supplements Increase Cancer Risk? Here’s What Cancer Dietitian Says

    Can Supplements Increase Cancer Risk? Here’s What Cancer Dietitian Says

    Turning to supplements to boost your overall health? This seemingly harmless wellness trend is now being questioned by a cancer dietitian, who advises you to evaluate whether you really need them or if whole foods might be a better choice.

    “Many of us turn to supplements like apple cider vinegar, collagen, skin/hair/nail gummies, turmeric, and Vitamin C for quick fixes, but did you know excessive doses can do more harm than good?,” Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian and nutritionist specializing in oncology, said in a video she posted on Instagram.

    “As a cancer dietitian, I’m here to tell you that relying on supplements for health can lead to imbalances and even increase cancer risk in some cases. Whole foods should always be your go-to for nutrients!,” she said.

    Andrews suggests that supplements are essentially for those who cannot get adequate nutrients from their routine diet and she would not take them unless recommended by a doctor. The key concern she raises is the risk of consuming high doses of these nutrients from supplements, which can be harmful, while the same nutrients are absorbed safely in smaller amounts from food.

    “I do not take any supplements unless my doctor recommends it, I get all my nutrients from food. Do not seek out supplements to reduce cancer risk because in fact high doses of supplements can increase cancer risk,” she said in a viral video on TikTok. She also emphasized avoiding alcohol and processed foods to reduce the risk.

    Although Andrews does not pinpoint the specific supplements that are linked to cancer, she highlights a few that could be avoided and shares recommendations for healthier alternatives.

    1. Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules: These capsules, made from apple cider vinegar, are rich in antioxidants and are often praised for benefits like weight loss, reducing acid reflux, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood sugar levels. However, Andrews warns, “The high acidity can irritate your digestive system, and these are not regulated like food and drugs.” For those seeking alternatives, she recommends natural options like lemon water and fermented foods such as kimchi or sauerkraut.

    2. Collagen Supplements: These supplements have gained popularity for their potential benefits, ranging from building muscle mass and preventing bone loss to relieving joint pain and improving skin health. However, Andrews notes that collagen supplements are not necessary unless there is a deficiency. She also cautions that excessive collagen intake can interfere with nutrient absorption. Instead, she suggests incorporating whole foods rich in collagen, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and vitamin C-packed citrus fruits and berries, into the daily routine.

    3. Skin/Hair/Nail Gummies: “High doses of biotin can cause imbalances and interfere with lab tests. Choose eggs, nuts, leafy greens, avocados, and sweet potatoes for balanced vitamins,” Andrews noted.

    4. Turmeric Supplements: These are supplements vouched for several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving metabolic syndrome. However, high doses of turmeric can irritate the stomach and affect liver function, Andrews noted.
As a healthier alternative, she suggests taking turmeric in food and choosing healthy fats like olive oil or coconut milk to improve the absorption.

    5. Vitamin C Supplements: Known for immune boosting benefits, many people take vitamin C supplements to ward off cold and flu viruses. But, taking “Over 200% of the daily value can lead to kidney stones and digestive issues,” Andrews said. “Choose: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli for natural, balanced Vitamin C,” she added.



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  • Here’s What We Think of Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner That Does It All

    Here’s What We Think of Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner That Does It All

    As any parent knows, the never-ending cycle of washing, sterilizing, and drying baby bottles can feel like a full-time job.

    Enter Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner —a device that promises to handle it all in one go. With promises of thorough cleaning, sterilization, and quick drying, it sounds like the ultimate solution for time-strapped parents. But does it really live up to the hype? We put it to the test to see if this gadget is worth the buzz, and most importantly – whether it’s worth adding to your must-have baby gadgets.

    All-in-One Convenience for Busy Moms

    After giving Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner a go, it’s clear this little machine is more than just a fancy gadget—it’s a parenting game-changer. Designed to wash, sterilize, dry, and even store baby essentials, it checks all the boxes for busy moms who need to save time and energy.

    Instead of juggling scrubbing brushes, sterilizers, and drying racks, this all-in-one system takes care of everything in one compact package so you can focus on what matters: spending time with your baby.

    Deep, Reliable Cleaning You Can Trust

    One of the standout features of the Papablic 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner is its ability to provide a thorough and reliable cleaning. Equipped with 26 high-pressure jets operating at 25,000Pa, this machine ensures that every corner of your baby’s bottles, sippy cups, and even wearable pump parts are spotless.

    It operates at 162°F, delivering a deep clean that eliminates germs, bacteria, and stubborn milk residue. No more worrying about hard-to-reach spots—this machine has you covered.

    To make things even better, the cleaner comes with 60 deep-cleaning tabs, designed to tackle milk stains and leave your baby’s bottles gleaming. Whether dealing with harsh overnight residue or just wanting a quick refresh, this device offers customizable cleaning options.

    The 19-minute quick clean is a lifesaver for when you’re in a rush, while the 29-minute powerful clean is perfect for tackling those more demanding jobs.

    Spacious Yet Compact Design

    Another feature that sets Papablic apart is its sizable dual-rack capacity. No matter the size or shape of your bottles, this cleaner can handle them all. It’s also versatile enough to accommodate wearable pump parts, silicone toys, and other baby essentials, making it an excellent choice for multitasking moms. Despite its impressive capacity, the cleaner is surprisingly compact, fitting neatly into most kitchens without requiring additional installation. And here’s the thing–while some existing products in the market could only hold 4 bottles, Papablic’s cleaning system can clean up to 8 bottles at a time!

    The intuitive control panel makes it easy to customize your cleaning cycles, so there’s no need to stress over complicated instructions. This is especially helpful when you’re managing the many moving parts of parenting and need something that works seamlessly. Its thoughtful design means you can trust it to adapt to your needs, whether you’re a new parent or have a toddler at home.

    ***

    Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner is a practical solution for parenting’s most time-consuming tasks. It combines thorough cleaning, sterilization, and drying in a single device, simplifying bottle maintenance for busy families.

    Its deep-cleaning capabilities and customizable cycles ensure effective hygiene, while the spacious yet compact design makes it convenient for any home. Whether handling newborn bottle rotations or cleaning other baby essentials, this device offers reliable performance and peace of mind.

    For parents seeking to save time and reduce stress, Papablic’s 4-in-1 Bottle Cleaner is a valuable addition to daily routines.

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  • Here’s How Many Calories You Need For Morning Meal

    Here’s How Many Calories You Need For Morning Meal

    Breakfast isn’t just the most important meal of the day, it’s a key factor in healthy aging. Researchers now found that it is not only essential to have breakfast, but also to ensure that it is both high in quality and appropriate in quantity. A recent study found that consuming 20 to 30% of your daily calories at breakfast is linked to better long-term health.

    In the latest study, researchers explored how the energy intake and quality of breakfast impact key health indicators like cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight, and other cardiometabolic factors. For the trial, researchers followed up with 383 participants between the ages of 55 and 75 with metabolic syndrome for 3 years.

    The results showed that individuals who ate breakfast had better overall diet quality and lower cardiometabolic risk. “Healthy breakfast habits relate to healthy aging by improving heart risk factors,” the researchers wrote in the study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging.

    Among those who consumed breakfast, both low and high-energy, low-quality breakfasts were associated with higher body fat, elevated triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol in older adults at high risk. The study also revealed that low-quality breakfasts were linked to poorer kidney function.

    “Individuals at high cardiovascular risk may benefit from a balanced breakfast to maintain a healthy body weight, waist circumference, lipid profile, and renal function. A breakfast containing 20−30% of total caloric intake was linked to lower values of BMI, WC, triglycerides, and higher HDL-C concentrations, and a high-quality breakfast was associated with healthier values of WC, HDL-C, and eGFR,” the researchers wrote.

    The new findings build on the idea that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and suggest it should be rephrased to include “What and how you eat it matters,” said Álvaro Hernáez, a lead researcher of the study.

    According to the study findings, for a person who takes a 2,000-calorie diet, breakfast should provide around 400-600 calories. In terms of quality, the focus is on achieving balanced meals that include whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits or vegetables while steering clear of processed foods that are high in added sugars and unhealthy fats.

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  • All Set For Holidays? Watch Out For Accidental Poisoning; Here’s How To Keep Kids Safe

    All Set For Holidays? Watch Out For Accidental Poisoning; Here’s How To Keep Kids Safe

    The holiday season is meant for joy, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, amid the festivities, a hidden danger lurks—accidental poisoning.

    More than 90% of all poison exposures occur in the home, with over half involving children under the age of six. From seasonal plants to cleaning products, many hazards can often be overlooked, especially with curious little ones around. Taking a few simple precautions, such as those offered by the Nebraska Regional Poison Center can ensure your holidays remain stress-free, keeping your family safe from unexpected dangers.

    Here are a few things to take caution of:

    Medications: Accidental ingestion of medicine is one of the leading causes of poisoning in young children. During holiday gatherings, when guests of all ages may be visiting, it is especially important to be vigilant about where medications are stored. Always make sure medicines are securely stored out of reach and out of sight as curious kids might mistake pills or liquids for candy or treats.

    Cleaning products: Cleaning products like disinfectants and cleaners should never be stored on the counter, even though it may seem convenient. When stored in easily accessible areas, children may explore them and accidentally swallow them or spray them on their skin or in their eyes.

    Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are an inevitable part of Holiday gatherings. All items with alcohol, including hand sanitizers, and perfumes should be kept from sight and reach of kids to prevent accidental ingestion.

    Nicotine: Nicotine exposure in children can have serious and life-threatening consequences. Early signs include agitation, sweating, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. With higher doses, the effects can escalate to a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, respiratory failure, and even coma, making immediate medical intervention essential.

    Food: Caution should be taken while cooking and storing food during gatherings. When preparing meals with frozen meats or other items, always thaw them in the refrigerator and never on countertops to avoid food poisoning. Once the meal is finished, refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours, as bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature and can cause illness.

    Plants: Seasonal plants like mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants, and poinsettias, often featured in holiday decor, may seem harmless but can be harmful if ingested.

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  • Your Menopause Treatment Tablets Could Affect Heart Health: Here’s What Study Says

    Your Menopause Treatment Tablets Could Affect Heart Health: Here’s What Study Says

    Hormone tablets taken during menopause provide relief from symptoms, but do they have long-term health risks? Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablets containing both estrogen and progestogen may increase the risk of heart disease and blood clots in menopausal women.

    During menopause, women’s body goes through a series of changes due to a decrease in female hormones, progesterone, and estrogen resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, insomnia, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are often frustrating, interfering with their daily lives and mental well-being.

    HRT was once commonly prescribed for menopausal symptoms and to reduce the risk of bone loss during this stage. However, recent studies pointing to long-term risks have led to a more cautious approach. It is now recommended only for those where the benefits outweigh the risks. The estimate shows that only 5% of women in the U.S. use it now, a significant drop from about 27% two decades ago.

    The latest study published in The BMJ examined the effects of HRT tablets on heart health based on the route of administration and the combination of hormones used. The study suggests that tablets containing both estrogen and progesterone, such as oral combined continuous, oral combined sequential, oral unopposed estrogen, and transdermal combined therapy, increased the risk of ischemic heart disease and venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in women.

    The researchers also found that the tablet tibolone in particular was linked to a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, but not blood clots. Tibolone is a synthetic hormone that contains estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

    “Compared with not starting menopausal hormone therapy, starting oral combined continuous therapy or tibolone was associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease,” the news release stated.

    “If 1,000 women started each of these treatments and were observed for a year, we would expect to see seven new cases of venous thromboembolism across all groups,” the researchers wrote.

    However, there was no increased risk associated with transdermal treatments such as skin patches, gels, and creams.

    The researchers caution that the study does not prove that HRT causes heart health risks, as the findings are based on observational data. Also, the lack of information on menopausal status and other unmeasured factors, such as smoking and body mass index, may have influenced the results.

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  • Scheduling Surgery After A Heart Attack? Here’s How Long You Might Have To Wait

    Scheduling Surgery After A Heart Attack? Here’s How Long You Might Have To Wait

    Individuals are at a greater risk of complications from routine surgeries soon after a heart attack. Researchers have now identified a “sweet spot” for safely scheduling surgeries in those who had a heart attack.

    Identifying the optimal timing for scheduling elective surgeries after a heart attack is also crucial because delaying these procedures can often result in individuals enduring prolonged pain and other difficulties.

    “Perioperative teams analyze a variety of health and lifestyle factors when we assess a patient’s risk and work to optimize their outcomes. It can be frustrating for individuals who suffer from joint pain to postpone a long-awaited knee or hip replacement after surviving a heart attack,” said Dr. Marjorie Gloff, a co-author of the latest study in a news release.

    The study published in Jama Surgery revealed that elderly cardiac patients who had a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction should wait for three to six months for routine surgeries. The researchers noted that the risk of life-threatening complications, such as another heart attack or stroke, is around two to three times higher if such patients get elective surgeries too soon.

    The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s 2014 recommendations advise heart attack patients to wait two months before undergoing elective surgeries. This guidance was established based on a study involving 500,000 patients from 1999 to 2004.

    However, researchers from the recent study propose that these recommendations should be revised based on new findings. “The data physicians are using for patient care decisions today is outdated. Given the advances in care and the ever-changing mix of patients, clinicians need the latest information,” said Dr. Laurent Glance, lead author of the study, in a news release.

    The current study used insurance data covering 5.2 million major non-cardiac surgeries performed between 2017 and 2020 on patients aged 67 and older. Among the patients analyzed in the study, over 42,000 had experienced a heart attack before their surgery.

    The researchers observed that the majority of deaths and significant complications typically occur within the first 30 days following surgery. Interestingly, they also found that the risk of such adverse events decreases during the first 90 days of recovery. After this initial period, the risk tends to stabilize and remain consistent for the subsequent 180 days.

    “Delaying elective noncardiac surgery to occur between 90 and 180 days after an NSTEMI may be reasonable for patients who have had revascularization,” the researchers concluded.

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  • Curious About Your Aging? Here’s A Simple Test To Find Out

    Curious About Your Aging? Here’s A Simple Test To Find Out

    The speed at which a person walks and their muscle strength may indicate how well they are aging. However, researchers now say there’s an even simpler and more effective test for assessing aging: standing on one leg.

    According to the latest study published in the journal PLOS ONE, balance is a better measure of biological aging than muscle strength or gait.

    In the study, researchers tested 40 healthy individuals aged over 50 to assess various aspects of aging. The participants were divided into two equal groups: those under 65 and those 65 and older.

    Participants took walking, balance, grip strength, and knee strength tests. For the balance assessments, they stood on force plates under different conditions: with both feet on the ground and their eyes open or closed, and on one leg (dominant and non-dominant) with their eyes open. During each balance test that lasted 30 seconds, the participants were allowed to position the lifted leg as they wished.

    The researchers noted that out of all the tests, the balance test, especially tested with the nondominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age.

    There were no age-related declines in strength tests that were specific to sex, indicating that participants’ grip and knee strength declined at a similar rate regardless of gender. Also, the gait and balance test showed no significant difference in the sexes.

    “Balance is an important measure because, in addition to muscle strength, it requires input from vision, the vestibular system and the somatosensory systems. Changes in balance are noteworthy. If you have poor balance, you’re at risk of falling, whether or not you’re moving. Falls are a severe health risk with serious consequences,” explained Kenton Kaufman, senior author of the study in a news release.

    The good news is that even for the elderly, balance is something that can be improved with constant practice. “If you can stand on one leg for 30 seconds, you are doing well. If you don’t use it, you lose it. If you use it, you maintain it. It’s easy to do. It doesn’t require special equipment, and you can do it every day,” Kaufman said.

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