You are listening to the Expresso Health Update. Here is the latest news from the world of Health, brought to you by The Indian Express.
“Let’s begin the bulletin with news on Chris Hemsworth, who has recently learnt something about his health that is making him feel wary of his future. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the actor opened up about being genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.
Per the Vanity Fair report, the Australian actor found in his DNA makeup two copies of the gene APOE4 which several studies have linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Annu Agarwal, consultant-neurology, specialist cognitive and behavioural neurology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai concurred and explained that while we all have an apolipoprotein E gene in our bodies, with Alzheimer’s disease, people with particular type of APOE gene are more at risk of developing it.”
“Dragon fruit — the bright-skinned fruit that has a pulp dotted with black seeds — has become extremely popular with fitness enthusiasts. The exotic fruit, also called cactus fruit, dragon pearl fruit, and pitaya is enjoyed for its unique look and taste.
Sonia Bakshi, nutritionist and founder, of DtF Studio, told indianexpress.com that since dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the cells from damage by free radicals that can lead to diseases like cancer and premature ageing.
Bakshi also noted that the dragon fruit can be had as a meal or at night. When had at night, it helps induce better sleep, unlike other fruits that are best had in the mornings.”
“Meanwhile,
A drug used to treat high blood pressure was found to be ineffective in treating even mild COVID-19 cases, according to a study based on ‘real world’ data from India.
Scientists, from the London School of Hygiene, University of Oxford and TPP House, UK, have provided ‘real world’ evidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments, through two studies, helping shed more light on whether the drugs used to treat covid cases can prevent people from becoming seriously ill.
One of the studies, which is published in the British Medical Journal, is based on data from India and involves angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or drugs widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, including telmisartan.”
“In other news,
Scientists have identified an orally administered drug which they found lowers cholesterol in animal models by 70 per cent.
The research, published in the journal Cell Reports, represents a previously unrecognised strategy for managing cholesterol and may also impact cancer treatments.
After statins, the next leading class of medications for managing cholesterol are PCSK9 inhibitors, the researchers said.
They said that these highly effective agents help the body pull excess cholesterol from the blood, but unlike statins, which are available as oral agents, PCSK9 inhibitors can only be administered as shots, creating barriers to their use,”
“During winter, we need to be extra careful about our health as the changing weather can make us prone to various seasonal ailments like the flu and fever. This season can be especially challenging for lactating mothers, who find it difficult to feed their babies as the chilly months can numb their nipples and even block the milk ducts
Dr Radhika Badanahatti, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad said, “Yes, winters can be challenging for lactating mothers as the colder temperature can sometimes slow down the body’s milk ejection reflex. This makes it difficult to get the milk out. These issues can, however, be prevented by warming the rooms where the baby will be breastfed and wearing warm clothing, etc.” “
“Soaking your feet in a tub of warm water sure feels good, especially if you’ve been standing all day. However, foot soaking is pretty much a no-no when it comes to diabetics. That is because people living with diabetes are at risk of several associated complications, especially nerve damage, corns, and calluses. Also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the condition can lessen a diabetes patient’s ability to feel pain, heat, and cold perception, which often means that you may not feel a foot injury until the skin breaks down
Nerve damage or neuropathy can also lead to changes in the shape of your feet and toes, causing uneven distribution of body weight in the feet, and making you more prone to foot injuries.”
“The happiness of fitness enthusiasts knows no bounds when their hard work at the gym pays off and they achieve their target. And why not? Reaching your desired goals calls for a celebration. Sharing one such memorable moment was none other than actor and entrepreneur Gul Panag who shared a selfie reel on Instagram in which she could be seen flexing her quadriceps — the large muscle group at the front of the thighs,
Fitness trainer Sameeran Chetia said noted several exercises to achieve the perfect quads, “We use the quad muscles to perform different movements such as running, jumping, and walking. Some of the best exercises for the quads are the conventional squat, front squat, leg extensions, and also lunges,”
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“Lastly,
While some compromise on their favourite food items to reach their fitness goals and get toned abs, others end up compromising their health and fitness for scrumptious but unhealthy delicacies. Recently, Sonnalli Seygall took to Instagram to share “how you can eat well and still have a flat stomach””
She said that she had limited her junk food intake, had consistently worked out, had early dinners, and ate correctly to her heart’s content, not starving herself.
Dr Rizwana Sayed, a Registered Dietitian said, “If you are eating food which is not good for your body, isn’t rich in nutrition and not exercising regularly, then it is important to make changes in your food choices.””
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