Revealed: The foods to eat for a PERFECT night's sleep

• Five foods can help you get better sleep, according to National Geographic Food
• You should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods
• Instead eat foods rich in magnesium and sleep-inducing tryptophan 

Insomnia is a real affliction affecting millions of us everyday, with the average person in the UK losing a whole night's worth of sleep every week.

But experts say you could improve your chances of getting a decent night's shut-eye by eating the right foods.

National Geographic Food has revealed in its new magazine the five foods everyone should eat regularly to put an end to insomnia.

And they include the divisive yeast extract, Marmite. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-5077617/What-eat-PERFECT-night-s-sleep.html

A broken heart can cause as much damage as having a heart attack

Severe emotional stress found to cause permanent injury to the organ

• Severe emotional stress found to cause permanent injury to the organ
• At least 3,000 UK adults suffer from 'broken heart syndrome' every year
• University of Aberdeen researchers say condition permanently weakens heart
• British Heart Foundation says there is no treatment as recovery was expected 

Severe emotional stress can cause as much damage to the heart as a heart attack, British researchers claim.

At least 3,000 adults in the UK a year suffer from ‘broken heart syndrome’ – or takotsubo – but the true number may be even higher.

It is commonly triggered by a bereavement and occurs when the stress of the event causes the heart muscle to become stunned and weakened.

But until now doctors had presumed the damage was temporary and would eventually heal with time. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5076037/A-broken-heart-cause-damage-heart-attack.html

Cannabis oil and fighting cancer - scientific study

Grandmother-of-10 ditches chemotherapy after she claims CANNABIS oil caused her cancerous breast tumour to shrink to an eighth of the size and her case will now be studied by scientists

• Lin Coxon, 69, from Derby, took the £39 oil while waiting for treatment
• Told she needed eight rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiotherapy
• But before she had it, scans showed 33mm tumour had shrunk and is now 4mm
• Cancer also spread to lymph nodes which have reduced from 25mm to 10mm
• Researchers at St George's, University of London, are now looking at her case
• Lin is one of 'a growing and large collection' of patient testimonies, they said

A grandmother-of-ten has claimed her cancerous breast tumour has shrunk to an eighth of the size since she started taking cannabis oil.

Lin Coxon was told she needed aggressive treatment – including eight rounds of chemotherapy – but has now opted to not have it. 

The 69-year-old's cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes and she has said these have now reduced by more than half.

Her case is being studied by medical researchers to see if it offers hope to others battling cancer. Scientists at St George's, University of London, say they are studying her with interest.

Lin, from Derby, said: 'Going public with this was a big decision but I do not feel I can morally keep this to myself any longer.

'I cannot say cannabis oil will work for anyone else but my experience would seem to show it is worth trying. 'I feel people have nothing to lose especially if they are waiting for chemotherapy.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5034701/Gran-s-tumour-shrinks-eighth-size-CANNABIS-oil.html

The world's simplest weight loss plan

You can lose a stone in two months with no calorie-counting and less than 30 minutes of exercise a week

Do you feel out of shape, sluggish or tired all the time – and want to feel better, but don’t know where to start?

With winter looming, it’s often tempting to banish thoughts of getting fit and healthy in favour of curling up on the sofa with a big bowl of comfort food Yet a lack of exercise and poor diet could be sending you to an early grave.

Here’s the good news. You can do something about it, and it needn’t be as hard as you think.

Using my two decades of experience in the field, I have devised a plan to help you lose a stone, sleep better, balance blood sugar, boost your heart health – and even fight dementia.
And it is all achievable with a simple diet and fitness plan that focuses on a set of exercises you can do at home in less than 30 minutes a week. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5027217/The-world-s-simplest-weight-loss-plan.html

Get fit in 15 minutes: Strengthen back and improve posture

Could taking probiotics help the post-baby blues?

New study reveals taking a live bacteria tablet during pregnancy could HALVE a mother's risk of post-natal depression

• New research reveals the benefits of taking probiotics during pregnancy
• Probiotics are a live 'bacteria' that can be found in fermented foods
• Study points to a simple way mothers could manage their mental health
• The outcome of this trial suggests an alternative to traditional medications

Women at risk of depression while pregnant, or after giving birth, could benefit from increasing their intake of probiotics during pregnancy, according to a recent New Zealand study.

In Australia, figures show that depression can affect up to one in ten women while they are pregnant, and almost one in seven are affected during the first year after birth.

Researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago surveyed a sample group of 423 women who were between 14 and 16 weeks pregnant.

Taking a probiotic tablet once a day during pregnancy and in the first six-months after birth halved a mother's risk of clinically significant anxiety, the research found. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4990842/Taking-probiotics-pregnancy-helps-post-natal-depression.html

World's first child car seat with built-in airbags...

...that instantly inflate in the event of a crash launches globally

• System detects a collision in 0.05 seconds and instantly inflates a set of airbags 
• Bags in the shoulder pads of the harness protect toddlers' heads from impact
• The pads reportedly halve the forces of a crash on a child's neck and head
• The £550 ($730) device will be released in selected stores today

The world's first child car seat with built-in airbags is being launched worldwide today.
It detects a collision in 0.05 seconds and instantly inflates bags in the shoulder pads of the harness - protecting toddlers' heads from snapping forward.

The £550 ($730) device more than halves jerking forces on the neck and head compared to other forward-facing car seats.

The system will be released in selected stores worldwide, and is suitable for children from four months to four years of age.

The seat, which can be used facing forward or backward, can also be used in the front passenger seat, manufacturer Maxi Cosi said. Its shoulder pads automatically deflate one second after impact. In a frontal collision, children in forward-facing seats are at risk of severe spinal and neck injuries or traumatic 'chin-to-chest' strikes. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4984606/World-s-child-car-seat-airbags-launched-UK.html

Firing a Nerf toy gun? Then wear goggles

Doctors warn over danger of foam darts and say users should protect their eyes in case of injury

• Doctors have now said Nerf guns are dangerous and children must wear goggles
• Experts said that the foam darts risked causing internal bleeding around the eye
• It comes after three patients in three months attended an eye hospital in London

For years Nerf guns have been a favourite with boisterous youngsters.

But now doctors say the toys, which fire foam darts, are dangerous – and users must wear protective goggles in case they are shot in the eye.

Experts said the darts risked causing internal bleeding around the eye as well as vision issues. 

It comes after three patients in three months attended Moorfields Eye Hospital in London after being shot in the eye with a Nerf gun from distances of 3ft to 26ft. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4897460/Doctors-warn-danger-foam-darts.html

Do your health kicks always fail?

Experts break down the triggers that ruin get-fit regimes - and their step-by-step guide to achieving your goals

A study has found the average adult starts a new health kick every 3 months, but more than half give up within hours, and 60% say they never follow through. Here, nutritionist Rob Hobson and psychologist Dr Meg Arroll, of Healthspan, explain the classic triggers and how to overcome them to stay healthy.

The average health kick lasts less than 12 days, a study has found. 

Despite starting with good intentions of eating healthier food, exercising more often and cutting back on alcohol and smoking, the average adult will be back to their usual ways before two weeks has passed.

And more than half admit they have embarked on a health kick but given up within 24 hours.
But people's yo-yo health habit pattern is repeated four times a year, with the average adult trying a new regime every three months.

That amounts to the equivalent of eight years of a lifetime spent trying to stick with 252 different health kicks.

Feeling tired is the most common reason for quitting a health kick, followed by a stressful day at work and chocolate is the ultimate food we all fall off the wagon for. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4888656/Experts-break-triggers-ruin-fit-regimes.html

How to stop snoring in just five minutes a day

Top ear, nose and throat consultant reveals the secret to a peaceful night's sleep in new book

Every night, in homes across the country, bedrooms reverberate with the trumpeting, whistling, whining and grunting of the nation’s snorers.

It’s a deafening cacophony that blights an estimated 60 per cent of the population — and their long-suffering partners — and fuels a lucrative and ever-growing trade in snore-busting gadgets and remedies.

But as anyone who’s tried the throat sprays, nasal dilators, jaw slings or mouth splints that claim to ease snoring will know, snoring is infuriatingly difficult to fix.

It is just one more insulting consequence of the ageing process, and therefore extremely common. But despite that, few people appreciate quite how debilitating it can be for your health and your relationships. Read more:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4889158/Snoring-stopped-five-minutes-day-exercises.html

Type 2 Diabetes Breakthrough

• Type 2 'can be REVERSED in weeks by following THIS diet'
• DIABETES can be reversed in a matter of weeks by following a strict low calorie diet, new research shows

Scientists say lifestyle driven Type 2 - a condition that almost 12 million Britons are thought to be at risk of developing - is caused by excess fat in the liver and pancreas.

Findings due to be presented today have given fresh hope that the debilitating disease need not to a life sentence.

They reveal that even if sufferers have been blighted for years the condition can be brought under control by sensible eating.

Professor Roy Taylor, from Newcastle University, said: “The good news for people with Type 2 is our work shows that even if you have had the condition for 10 years you are likely to be able to reverse it by moving that all important tiny amount of fat out of the pancreas. At present, this can only be done through substantial weight loss.” Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/853308/diabetes-type-2-uk-breakthrough-can-be-reversed-low-calorie-diet

Top 10 Healthiest Foods

It's not what you eat, it's WHEN you eat that matters

Study shows timing your meals right is the key to beating obesity - and here's how to work out your food schedule

• Experts warn our meal times can affect our attempts to stay in shape
• A new study has tested this theory in a real-world setting for the first time
• They showed that the most important factor is that you should not eat within a few hours before bed - no matter what your body clock

The food we eat has a huge impact on our body, and our general health. 

But experts warn many of us do not think about the time we consume our meals. 

While some of us may eat extremely healthily, research shows we face ruining all that progress if we eat too close to bedtime, or cram all our meals together, or wait too long between eating. 

It all boils down to metabolism, giving the body enough time to digest.  

However, while the internet is full of specific plans for dieters saying what time of day to eat, none of those take into account how it could be affected by different schedules. 

Our metabolism is affected by our circadian rhythm (i.e. body clock). For some, our body clock is the standard night-day. But for others who work night shifts or burn the candles at both ends, it is not so simple. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4866646/It-s-not-eat-s-eat-matters.html

Children are suffering more serious head lice infestations as parents refuse to treat them

• Parents are failing to treat as they fear using chemicals or 'can't be bothered' 
• Just a quarter of parents with infested children use vouchers to get free therapy
• It causes inflammation and an immune response that leads to poor health
• As well as being irritating, head lice disturbs sleep and makes hair look lank 
• Around one in 10 primary school children in the UK have a head lice infestation

British children are suffering from severe head lice infestations because parents refuse to treat them, an expert has claimed.

An increasing number of parents are failing to treat head lice in their children because they fear using chemicals or simply 'can't be bothered'.

Parasitologist Ian Burgess, director of the Medical Entomology Centre in Cambridge, warned parents' relaxed attitudes were contributing to an increase in serious infestations which can cause skin infections and put other children at risk.

He said: 'People are putting up with them for much longer than they would have done in the past. It could be that they don't want to use a treatment or they simply can't be bothered.'

Around one in 10 primary school children in the UK has head lice - tiny insects which live and lay their eggs in hair. Their empty egg cases which stick to hair are known as 'nits'. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4865730/Children-suffering-head-lice-infestations.html

Lack of sleep is linked to depression and anxiety

• Rates of the condition fell by a fifth among insomniacs given therapy to help them rest
• Insomniacs are at greater risk of paranoia, depression, anxiety and nightmares
• Researchers at the Oxford University, monitored  3,890 sleep-deprived people
• They found that people who miss out on sleep damage their mental health

People who do not get enough sleep are at greater risk of paranoia, depression, anxiety and nightmares.

It was previously thought people struggling with depression and mental health problems could not sleep at night as a result.

But a study now shows it is probably the lack of sleep causing these issues and not the other way around. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4860076/Lack-sleep-linked-depression-anxiety.html

Paltrow's high-fat keto diet can extend your lifespan by 10 years and ward off Alzheimer's

• The keto diet is favored by celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Kim Kardashian
• The diet replaces carbohydrates with high-fat foods such as butter and nuts
• It is controversial because it can cause constipation, kidney stones and obesity
• But new studies have proven that the keto diet can drastically improve one's health during old age
• Researchers are trying to develop a pill that will provide humans the benefits of a ketogenic diet 

The controversial high-fat, low-carb keto diet can add 10 years to your lifespan, research has shown.

Two new studies have concluded that the lifestyle - favored by self-modeled health expert Gwyneth Paltrow and others such as Mick Jagger and Kim Kardashian - can even ward off Alzheimer's and cancer.

The studies tested mice who were fed the keto diet and found that they were more resistant to life-threatening diseases, and were more likely to live to old age in good health.

Researchers are now trying to create a supplement that will provide humans with the benefits of the diet without making them adhere to it. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4854314/Gwyneth-s-keto-diet-add-10-years-lifespan.html

'I assumed it was a pulled muscle': The terrible moment Lisa, 46, learned her agonising back pain was breast cancer

• One in six women with breast cancer have symptoms other than a raised lump
• These can include swollen or sore arms, breathlessness, weight loss or back pain
• One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime

Like many people, Lisa Harvey was used to the occasional twinge in her back. 

But three years ago, she experienced pain which was so intense that, at times, it took her breath away.

‘It came on gradually, starting as a nagging pain just below my right shoulder blade, but soon built up into a constant throbbing sensation — as if someone had pressed a hot needle into my back,’ says the deputy registrar of marriages and deaths, from Cardiff. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4851764/The-moment-learned-pain-breast-cancer.html

Add nutrients to your breakfast WITHOUT clocking up calories

From pancakes to toast, we reveal how to supercharge 8 morning meals

It is the most important meal of the day.

So, naturally, it's a great opportunity to load up your breakfast with ingredients rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

However, a few additions here and there could drive up your calorie count far higher than necessary.

But these healthy breakfast hacks are some options for loading up on volumes of nutrients, with virtually no calories.

From porridge to pancakes, it's time to get sprinkling. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4844218/8-breakfast-hacks-add-nutrients-without-calories.html 

Cute neck floats for babies are 'DEATH TRAPS'

Expert warns of the drowning risk should the trendy gadgets deflate while your child is in the water

• Kyran Quinlan is an associate professor of pediatrics at Rush University, Chicago
• He warned that seams on the inflatable gadgets for babies can be poorly sealed
• He said: 'Neck floats for babies scare me to death, and I hope they scare parents'

They may look cute and seem harmless, but neck floats for babies can have deadly consequences, an expert warns.

Kyran Quinlan, associate professor of pediatrics at Rush University, made the claim as the trendy gadgets continue to flood social media.

The former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said seams on the inflatable gadgets, sold across the world, can be poorly sealed. 

Speaking of the growing sales of the dangerous devices, he said: 'Neck floats for babies scare me to death, and I hope they scare parents.

'These are potential death traps... To have your precious baby one poorly sealed seam away from going under at the pool is frightening.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4801996/Cute-neck-floats-babies-DEATH-TRAPS.html

A handful of almonds a day boosts 'good' cholesterol that protects against heart disease

• Just 43g improves cholesterol levels by 19% and plaque removal from the body
• Previous research reveals an increase in good cholesterol reduces heart disease
• Adding almonds into the diet has multiple benefits aside from heart health
• The healthy snack also contains a good source of fats, vitamin E and fibre

A handful of almonds a day boosts 'good' cholesterol levels, new research reveals.

Eating the nuts every day increases levels of so-called 'good' cholesterol while also improving plaque removal from the body, a study found.

Just 43g of almonds improves good cholesterol levels by 19 percent, as well as boosting the removal of its 'bad' counterpart, research reveals.

Previous research reveals an increase in good cholesterol, and a decrease in bad, reduces a person's risk of heart disease.

Study author Professor Kris-Etherton from Pennsylvania State University, said: 'If people incorporate almonds into their diet, they should expect multiple benefits, including ones that can improve heart health. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4788442/Handful-almonds-day-boosts-good-cholesterol.html

Revealed: The simple memory trick that will stop you from ever forgetting your keys or umbrella again

• The key, scientists have found, is to imagine an action between two objects 
• Then you must think of a potential consequence as a result of not having it
• They tested the tactic in older people, who boosted their memory in tests

The next time it is raining outside and you need to remember your umbrella, imagine the tip being stuck in the lock of the front door, preventing you from opening it.

It may seem an unnecessarily complicated way to keep dry in bad weather, but this technique has been shown to work dramatically for people who are forgetful.

The strategy means if you often lose your keys, it might be helpful to imagine them badly scratching the kitchen table you have left them on.

The key, scientists have found, is to imagine an action between two objects, such as the umbrella lodged in the door lock, and a potential consequence, such as being unable to unlock the door.

They tested the tactic in 80 people aged 61 to 88, who boosted their performance significantly in memory tests. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4782246/Easy-memory-trick-stops-forgetting-umbrella.html

New treatment for early breast cancer that has fewer side effects

Targeting tumours directly with radiotherapy is as successful as treating the whole breast

• Women could be treated effectively and with less unwelcome changes to breasts
• Treatment is easy to administer with existing radiotherapy machines on the NHS
• Experts welcomed results as 'major step' in improving patients' quality of life

A breakthrough treatment for early stage breast cancer destroys the disease with fewer side effects than the usual approach, trials show.

Targeting tumours directly with radiotherapy is as successful as treating the whole breast, the research led by Cambridge University found.

It means women could be treated just as effectively but experience fewer unwelcome changes to their breasts.

The treatment is easy to administer with existing radiotherapy machines available on the NHS, meaning it would be simple to roll it out across the UK. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4755360/New-treatment-breast-cancer-fewer-effects.html

Active children may lower their risk of heart disease and even cancer in later life

Exercising in youth permanently 'turns down' genes that cause inflammation

• Exercise before maturation turns down genes even if a high-fat diet is eaten
• These effects continue in mice even once the animals have reached adulthood
• Past research has linked fatty diets to increased activity of inflammation genes
• Inflammation has been associated with obesity, heart disease and cancer 

Children who exercise may be at less risk of heart disease and even cancer in later life, new research suggests.

Mice who are physically active before reaching sexual maturity have 'turned down' genes for inflammation, even if they eat a high-fat diet, a study found.

These effects continue even once the mice reach adulthood, the research adds. 

Past research demonstrates eating a fatty diet increases the activity of genes that cause inflammation.

Inflammation has previously been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4750334/Exercising-early-life-prevent-future-cancer.html

Scientists discover brain cells that control hunger

Could THIS lead to a cure for obesity? Scientists discover brain cells that control hunger

• Regions of the brain become activated in response to hunger, a study found
• Such cell activation may encourage people to seek out food, the research adds
• Targeting such cells could help with weight loss, particularly among diabetics
• Yet, such cell activation may occur due to hunger and not change behavior 

Scientists may have discovered a new treatment for obesity after uncovering cells in the brain that control hunger, new research reveals.

Experiments reveal certain regions of the brain become activated in response to hunger, a study found.

This may encourage people to seek out food, according to the researchers.

Targeting such cells could be an effective weight-loss solution, they add.

Patients with diabetes and other weight-related conditions may particularly benefit, the researchers said. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4745700/Scientists-discover-brain-cells-control-hunger.html

If you're yawning as you read this, the chances are you're not alone

Worn out UK: How 20million Britons don't get enough sleep with those aged 35 to 44 the worse affected

• 38 per cent of UK adults – some 20million of us – are not getting enough sleep
• Britons were worst affected by lack of sleep in a poll of 14,000 in 14 countries
• Indians were the best sleepers with only 7 per cent saying they don't get enough
• They also seem to sleep very well in China where only 11 per cent have a problem

If you're yawning as you read this, the chances are you're not alone.

According to a study, an astonishing 38 per cent of UK adults – some 20million of us – are not getting enough sleep.

Britons were the worst affected by lack of shuteye in a poll of 14,000 in 14 countries. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4737838/Worn-UK-20million-Britons-don-t-sleep.html

Don't finish the course of antibiotics' - experts turn medical advice on its head

Doctors must stop telling patients to finish an entire course of antibiotics because it is driving antimicrobial resistance, a group of eminent specialists has warned.

Patients should be encouraged to continue taking medication only until they feel better, to avoid the overuse of drugs, experts from bodies including Public Health England and the University of Oxford are now advising.

Current guidance from the NHS and the World Health Organisation says it is essential to ‘finish a course’ of antibiotics to avoid triggering more virulent forms of disease. Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/07/26/gps-must-stop-telling-patients-finish-course-antibiotics-say/

Is your diet sabotaging your fitness routine?

From cutting energy drinks to having cake once a week and a coffee BEFORE you workout, expert reveals what you need to do for top results

• Personal trainer Cristian Angeli has shared how people are sabotaging workouts 
• He's noticed that some eat too much sugar and not enough protein in their diets 
• He recommends that people have coffee before a workout for an energy boost 

An Australian personal trainer has shared how your diet could be sabotaging your well-intentioned workouts.

Cristian Angeli believes that many people include too much sugar and not enough protein in their diets, which can be detrimental to their workout routine.  

'What you do in the kitchen weighs heavily on your results whether it be muscle gain or fat loss, when losing weight we want to lose body fat not muscle,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
'Not eating enough protein or enough period causes your body to lose muscle.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4730774/Expert-diet-sabotaging-fitness-routine.html

The air in your HOME is ruining your lungs

Forget outdoor pollution - it's the air in your HOME that is ruining your lungs: Study warns gas cookers and cleaning products are driving an asthma epidemic in the US and the UK

• Outdoor air pollution causes 200,000 early deaths in the US, 40,000 in the UK
• But experts warn indoor air quality is also a danger as we spend more time inside
• A report warns mold, cleaning products and gas cookers drive up asthma risk

Indoor pollution is driving an epidemic of asthma and lung diseases in the US and the UK, experts have warned. 

Outdoor air pollution is known to be a killer, accounting for 200,000 premature deaths a year in the United States and 40,000 in the United Kingdom.

But experts warn we have turned a blind eye to the damaging impact of poor air in the home.

Now, new research has shed light on the damaging impact of central heating, gas cookers, cleaning product chemicals, and mold on our lungs. 

The researchers insist it is particularly concerned since we now spend 90 percent of our time inside. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4725706/Indoor-pollution-driving-asthma-epidemic-experts-warn.html

Struggling to breastfeed? Temperature may be the key

Struggling to breastfeed? Warm up your nipples! Bosoms with a different temperature to a baby’s lips may help infants latch on

• 'Mother-infant thermal identification' encourages babies to crawl to the nipple
• This is a form of communication and guides babies from birth to breastfeeding
• Researchers from Policlinico Abano Terme hospital analysed 41 mother-babies
• Previous research has shown babies can struggle to 'latch on' if nipples are big 

Mothers who are struggling to breastfeed may benefit from warming up their nipples, new research suggests. 

A significant difference in temperature between a mother's nipples and a newborn's lips helps guide babies towards the breast, a study found.

So-called 'mother-infant thermal identification' is thought to be a form of communication that encourages babies to crawl towards the nipple, according to the researchers. 

This is believed to help guide babies through the progression from birth to breastfeeding, they add. 

Previous research has shown babies can struggle to 'latch on' if a woman's nipples are too large. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4710260/Struggling-breastfeed-Warm-nipples.html

Vitamin D will NOT protect your child from a cold

Myth-busting study says 'more isn't always better' to help toddlers stay healthy

• Higher doses of vitamin D won't keep toddlers from catching a cold in the winter 
• Study says the recommended daily dosage is plenty to keep them well 
• Lead author Dr Jonathon Maguire said more vitamin D doesn't make a difference
• Colds in the upper respiratory tract are the most common illnesses in children 

Giving children a high dose of vitamin D won't keep them from catching a cold during the winter, a new study claims.

Children aged one to five did not benefit from increased amounts of the 'sunshine vitamin' during the winter, according to a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association

Viral upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, are what children aged one to five are most likely to catch. 

There is a link between low levels of vitamin D and the chance of catching a cold, but researchers found no statistical difference to prove that giving a toddler more than the daily recommended amount will make them any less susceptible. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4707534/High-doses-vitamin-D-don-t-help-toddlers-avoid-colds.html

Why aging is GOOD for your brain

Were YOU depressed at turning 30? Study reveals why ageing is GOOD for your brain - and people who panic out have suffered a lack of development that leads to anxiety

• Researchers at the University of Toronto have analyzed brain connections in people aged between 22 and 36 years old
• After 30, healthy brains are more focused and better at processing information
• But some people suffer a delay in that development and are prone to anxiety

Many 20-somethings fear turning 30, desperate not to lose their youthfulness.

But a new study has shown why ageing is good for your intelligence, brain connectivity, and mental health.

In fact, the researchers at the University of Toronto have found, those who suffer more anxiety and depression at hitting the milestone are likely suffering a delay in their brain development. 

The research sheds new light on the impact each person's physical development has on mental health, and how that shifts over time. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4705092/Were-depressed-turning-30.html

The 27 stressful life events that can help trigger Alzheimer's

How just one serious traumatic incident can set you on the road to dementia

• Scientists have identified 27 life events that damage the brain causing it to age
• It can begin in childhood when problems such as being expelled occur
• The experts believe stress causes inflammation of the brain leading to dementia

A stressful experience such as losing a loved one, getting divorced or being fired can age the brain by up to four years, scientists say.

They have identified 27 life events that are so damaging to the brain that even one can age it prematurely, potentially leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s later in life.

The damage can begin in childhood when problems such as having to repeat a year at school or being expelled were found to be significant stressful events. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4702154/Stressful-experiences-increase-risk-Alzheimer-s.html

Breastfeeding protects women against MS

'Pregnancy state' blocks female sex hormones linked to the disease

• Women who do develop the condition suffer far less severely if they breastfed 
• It's believed the way breastfeeding influences sex hormones may explain the link
• Women should breastfed for at least 15 months over their life to half the risk 
• Some 100,000 people in the UK suffer with MS - with women being most at risk

Breastfeeding may protect women against developing multiple sclerosis, research suggests.

And women who do develop the condition suffer far less severely if they have breastfed their child, experts discovered.

Some 100,000 people in the UK suffer with MS - and the disease affects twice as many women as men.

People who are affected suffer loss of mobility, sight problems, tiredness and excruciating pain - and there are few effective treatments.

The new research, led by US researchers at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, suggests women who breastfeed their children for a combined total of at least 15 months over their lifetime have half the chance of developing MS as those who breastfeed for less than four months or not at all.Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4689806/Breastfeeding-protects-women-against-MS.html

How three cups of coffee a day can extend your life

Studies find antioxidant properties helps to improve liver function

• Two major studies found three cups a day can reduce the risk of an early death
• Found it reduced risks of liver disease and digestive and circulatory problems
• Research shows antioxidant plant compound is responsible rather than caffeine
• Drink improves liver function, reduces inflammation and boosts immune system

Drinking three cups of coffee a day could extend your life, research suggests.

Two major studies, one led by British researchers and one in the US, have independently found consuming up to three cups a day reduces the risk of an early death.

The papers, both published last night in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found links between coffee and reduced risks of liver disease, circulatory problems and diseases linked to the digestive tract.

The scientists believe the antioxidant plant compounds in coffee are responsible for the benefits, rather than caffeine. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4683366/How-three-cups-coffee-day-extend-life.html

Motivated people sleep better

Finding a life purpose is a 'drug free cure' for sleep apnea and insomnia, study claims

• Researchers in Illinois surveyed more than 800 people aged 60-100 for 2 years
• Those who said they'd found a purpose in life slept better than those that felt lost
• It is the first long-term study to assess how a life purpose affects sleep patterns 
• The research said it is applicable to all ages, and could be a drug-free alternative

Having a good reason to get out of bed in the morning can help you sleep better at night, research has shown.

The study found that those who feel their lives have a purpose are less likely to suffer insomnia and sleep disturbances over a long period.

Although researchers looked at older adults, who generally sleep less than younger ones, they believe the findings should apply to the broader public.Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4680066/How-sense-purpose-helps-sleep-well.html

Don't forget to put sunscreen on your eyelids

Shocking UV pictures show we miss 10% of our face when applying sun cream, leaving us open to cancer

• Some 77% of people fail to rub sun cream into the bridge of their nose
• Eyelids are unprotected by 13.5%; the inner eye corners are also forgotten
• Experts believe warnings about avoiding the delicate eye area are to blame
• They recommend people wear sunglasses to help protect their face from rays
• More than 90% of skin cancer cases occur on the head or neck in the UK 

We've all heard the warnings: excessive sun exposure damages our skin and can lead to skin cancer. 

But it's easy enough to not pay too much attention to the advice if you can't really see the negative effects with your naked eye.

So consider these pictures your wake-up call.

Researchers took images of volunteers using an ultra-violet-sensitive camera to show how much of their face they had covered with suncream.

They found that people fail to put sun cream on a tenth of their face – despite it being the most common area for skin cancer. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4671486/We-miss-10-percent-face-applying-sun-cream.html