Category: Health

People undergoing chemotherapy will notice different levels of hair regrowth. The speed of regrowth and thickness of your new hair will depend on various factors, including the individual, the drug (or combination of drugs) used, the dosage given, type of cancer, nutritional state, and pre-existing hair loss.

This article discusses how chemotherapy impacts hair loss and regrowth. It includes information about how long it may take for your hair to grow back, how it may look and feel when it does, and how to care for your regrown hair.

Surgery and radiation therapy remove, kill, or damage cancer cells in a specific area of the body. Chemo is different because it works throughout the body. This means that chemo can kill cancer cells that have spread (metastasized) to nearby areas or to areas farther away from the original (primary) tumor. However, chemo also affects normal fast-growing cells throughout the body.

One of the most frustrating side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. Because cancer cells and hair follicle cells are both types of fast-growing cells that divide quickly, chemotherapy will kill both types.

The extent of hair loss can vary among individuals and depends on drug type and dosage. Some people may experience mere thinning of the hair, while others may lose all of their hair.

Hair loss tends to begin after a few chemotherapy treatments. The hair may fall out gradually, or it may fall out in clumps. Some patients shave their heads—opting to wear wigs, scarves, or hats—so they do not have to experience their hair falling out gradually over a period of time. Any remaining hair might look dull or feel dry during chemotherapy.

Some patients lose more than just the hair on their heads—some lose hair all over their bodies. They lose eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, and even arm and leg hair. Each person reacts differently to chemo, so it is impossible to predict who will lose hair or how much hair.

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

Your hair may start to grow back while you are still undergoing chemotherapy, or you may not have hair grow back until after the treatment has ended.

While each person has a unique experience with hair loss and regrowth, looking at general timelines may help prepare you for what to expect.

After treatment ends, you may see the following regrowth pattern:

• Several weeks: Soft fuzz forms.
• One to two months: Real hair starts to grow.
• Two to three months: Hair is about 1 inch long.
• Three to six months: Hair grows about 2–3 inches long.
• Twelve months: Hair is about 4–6 inches long.

As a reference, healthy hair normally grows about 1 centimeter or half an inch per month.

When hair does grow back in, it may be a different texture or color than the hair you lost. For example, if you had straight hair, it may be curly when it comes back in.

Some people also find that their hair grows back gray at first, and then a few months later, it returns to its natural color as the pigment-producing melanocyte cells may take longer to repopulate the hair follicle.

Caring for Hair Regrowth

As your hair grows, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. New hair growth is fragile, and your scalp may still be very sensitive. Talk to your oncologist or your dermatologist for more personalized advice on the topic.

For the first six months after therapy, you may want to hold off on undergoing chemical processes like perming and dyeing. Using a hair dryer, a curling iron, or a straightening iron may also damage the fragile new hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does hair grow in after chemo?

  Hair regrowth after chemo is different for each person. However, many people see hair start to return a month or two after treatment and have several inches back after their first year.

• What vitamins help hair growth after chemo?

  Hair loss from chemo is different from other kinds of hair thinning or loss. There are no reputable studies that show vitamins or supplements are helpful in preventing hair loss or making it grow back faster.

  However, topical minoxidil may be recommended to help hair regrow after chemotherapy.

  Source:  Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

  Related story:  How to Grow Hair Faster So It’s Longer and Stronger – TUTORING YOU

More than half of U.S. adults take supplements, with heart health among the top reasons people report using them. The trend has prompted new medical guidance to advise against using fish oil or supplements to manage cholesterol. Previous versions of the cholesterol guidelines did not address dietary supplements.

These guidelines suggest that supplements do not meaningfully lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. They are not an effective alternative to prescription medications like statins. And, according to the updated guidelines, in some cases, taking fish oil may even worsen heart health.

Evidence Shows OTC Fish Oil Doesn’t Lower Cholesterol

Fish oil supplements are popular among Americans, with estimates suggesting that one in five older adults takes fish oil for their heart.

However, there is “no benefit” for using supplements to treat cholesterol or lower atherosclerotic cardiovascular (ASCVD) risk, according to Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, FAHA.  He is co-author of the new cholesterol guidelines.

Multiple studies have shown that cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins are more effective at reducing cardiovascular disease risk than over-the-counter fish oil supplements.

“There is plenty of evidence, and it clearly indicates that supplements are a waste of time and money.  Both for treating cholesterol and for trying to lower risk for heart attack and stroke,” Lloyd-Jones said.

Fish Oil Might Even Worsen Heart Health

In some cases, fish oil supplements can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), or irregular heartbeats.

John P. Higgins, MD, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said he has seen fish oil having these effects in his patients.

“The most common real-world problem is not dramatic toxicity, but false reassurance and treatment delay. Patients often believe a supplement is a ‘natural’ alternative to statins or other proven therapy.  That leads to LDL-C or triglycerides undertreated for years,” Higgins told Verywell.

Delaying proven treatments can increase the risk for a heart attack or heart failure in the future.

Prescription Fish Oil Is Still Recommended for Some Patients

The new guidance only applies to over-the-counter supplements. Prescription-grade fish oil, icosapent ethyl, is still recommended as a cardiovascular treatment for certain high-risk individuals.

Icosapent ethyl is a purified, high-dose form of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA that has been shown to work alongside statins.

Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not subject to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness testing. OTC fish oil supplements may have impurities and are not effective for cholesterol management.

“OTC fish oil supplements have low levels of the important ingredient (EPA), and it would take at least 10 pills per day to get close to any potential benefit,” Llyod-Jones said.

Supplements Should Not Replace Diet or Drugs

Rather than loading up on supplements, try adding more fish to your diet. Seafood has been linked to a lower risk of stroke, potentially due to the other nutrients in the whole food source.

However, eating more fish also won’t guarantee perfect cardiovascular health. Genetics and family history influence cholesterol levels, and sometimes a statin is still needed alongside lifestyle changes.

And if a statin is recommended, fish oil supplements are not an effective alternative.  “Fish oil supplements cannot provide the proven benefits of statins.  Statins do reduce heart attacks and strokes in people with or at risk for ASCVD. In fact, you wouldn’t get much of anything at all, except for a thinner wallet, mild stomach upset, and belching that tastes or smells like fish, as often happens,” Lloyd-Jones said.

Source:  verywellhealth.com©

To read about a new drug for lowering high LDL, click below:

Enlicitide vs Ezetimibe to Lower LDL Cholesterol – TUTORING YOU

That same frustrating feeling shows up for many people: you follow the advice, take your medication, try to eat better, and still your numbers refuse to cooperate. LDL, the bad cholesterol, in particular, can be stubbornly difficult to bring down.

Now, new research suggests a potential shift that could make treatment both simpler and more effective.

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed an experimental daily pill called enlicitide, which delivered striking results in a large phase 3 trial.

According to findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the drug lowered LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, by around 60 percent. That level of reduction is comparable to some of today’s most powerful treatments, which are typically given as injections.

The trial included nearly 3,000 participants, many of whom were already taking statins but had not reached recommended cholesterol levels.

Why it matters

LDL cholesterol plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Over time, it can build up in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Despite existing therapies, many patients still struggle to reach safe targets. Researchers say this highlights the need for more accessible options.

What comes next

The drug works by targeting the PCSK9 pathway, a mechanism that affects how efficiently the body clears cholesterol from the bloodstream.

While similar approaches already exist, they usually require injections. An oral alternative could make a significant difference in everyday care.

Overview of Enlicitide

Clinical trials have shown that enlicitide can reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly, with some studies reporting reductions of up to 60% in patients with hypercholesterolemia. In head-to-head trials, enlicitide demonstrated greater reductions in LDL-C compared to ezetimibe and other non-statin therapies.

Safety Profile: Enlicitide has been found to be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of placebo in clinical trials.

Overview of Ezetimibe

Efficacy: Ezetimibe is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, particularly when used in combination with statins. It typically achieves a reduction of about 18-25% in LDL-C levels.

Safety Profile: Ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of side effects. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms, but serious adverse effects are rare

The CORALreef AddOn study

This study concluded that patients treated with enlicitide achieved an LDL-cholesterol level of less than 70 mg/dL (and a reduction of 50% or more from baseline): 81.2% versus 2.0% with bempedoic acid, 8.0% with ezetimibe, and 22.0% with ezetimibe and bempedoic acid (P < 0.001 for enlicitide vs all others).

Patient Population: Enlicitide may be particularly beneficial for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or those who are statin intolerant.

Further studies are now underway to determine whether these cholesterol reductions will translate into fewer heart attacks and strokes over time.

Source:  ©Welltica+

Related;  What is cholesterol and what are ‘normal’ levels? – TUTORING YOU

For a long time, doctors dismissed forgetfulness, brain fog and mental confusion as normal parts of aging. But scientists now know that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable. In fact, routine memory, skills and knowledge may even improve with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Causes of impairment

Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory.  These include alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency.  In addition, illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

But what many people don’t realize is that a number of commonly prescribed drugs also can interfere with memory. Here, we’ll delve into seven types of drugs that may cause memory loss and explore alternative treatment options.

Memory Loss and Medication

The scary side effect of memory loss is a possibility for many commonly prescribed medications.

According to AARP, the following 8 drugs and drug classes may cause memory loss:

1. Benzodiazepines

Antianxiety agents may cause memory loss due to the sedative effect that they have on certain parts of the brain. Most notably, the drug’s effects are involved in the transfer of events from short-term to long-term memory.

Midazolam, in particular, is believed to have severe amnesic properties.

2. Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Statins and other high cholesterol busters may impair memory by lowering cholesterol levels in the brain as well as in the blood. Lipids in the blood are essential in the formation of connections between nerve cells, which underlie memory and learning.

In 2012, the FDA modified the labels for statins to reflect their increased risk for memory problems.

3. Antiepileptic Agents

Anticonvulsants limit seizures by depressing the flow of signals within the central nervous system (CNS), which may in turn lead to the potential for memory loss.

4. Narcotic Painkillers

Opioid analgesics function by stemming the flow of pain signals within the CNS and blunting one’s emotional reaction to pain, which has been shown to increase the risk of memory loss.

5. Dopamine Agonists

These Parkinson’s medications activate the signaling pathways for the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is key for brain functions like motivation, pleasure, fine motor control, learning, and memory.

Because of this, dopamine agonists may lead to major side effects such as memory loss, confusion, delusions, and compulsive behaviors.

6. Antihypertensive Drugs

Beta-blockers are believed to cause memory issues by interfering with norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are both key chemical messengers in the brain.

7. Incontinence Medications

These anticholinergics may cause memory loss because they block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved with many functions in the body.

The risk of memory loss and cognitive decline is exacerbated when patients take incontinence medications for an extended period of time, or when they’re used with other anticholinergic drugs.

8. Antihistamines

Similar to incontinence drugs, these allergy medications inhibit the action of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that mediates many bodily functions.

In the brain, acetylcholine inhibits activities in the memory and learning centers, thereby potentially leading to memory loss.

Source: pharmacytimes.com©

Photo credit: iStockphoto©

Related reading:  Part 1: Common Side-Effects of Supplements used to Manage Inflammation – TUTORING YOU

An expert MD reveals clear insights into cataract surgery, spotlighting the breakthroughs in treatment: “We live in a time of miracle and wonder.”

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects over 24 million Americans, with 3.7 million having undergone surgery to correct it. This condition typically becomes an issue as we get older. Starting around age 40, the natural proteins in the eye’s lens begin to break down, which can cloud your vision.

But it’s not just age that can bring on cataracts. Genetics, chronic conditions like diabetes, past eye injuries, exposure to UV rays, certain medications including corticosteroids, and smoking can all play a role in their development.

Jeffrey Levenson, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and medical director at Levenson Eye Associates in Jacksonville, Florida, explains: “Before the advent of modern cataract surgery, cataracts were the leading cause of blindness in the world.” This is still the case in many underdeveloped areas, he adds.

Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have brought us a long way. “We are very fortunate today to have very advanced treatment options to offer patients,” Dr. Levenson shares.

Ahead, Dr. Levenson shares what you should know about cataract surgery today and the remarkable advancements that now allow many individuals to regain excellent vision.

What are the signs that show I need cataract surgery?

“There are several key signs that someone may need cataract surgery,” explains Dr. Levenson. These include:

Blurry or cloudy vision that makes everyday tasks challenging.
Trouble seeing in dim lighting or at night.
Halos appearing around lights.
A noticeable increase in light sensitivity and glare.
Needing to update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription frequently.
Difficulty driving, particularly at night.
Requiring more light than before to read or do other activities.

What are the different types of cataract surgery?

“There are several types of cataract surgery available, and determining the best method depends on various factors specific to each patient. Phacoemulsification is the most commonly employed type,” says Dr. Levenson.

This method involves a tiny incision in the cornea, using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens, then removing the fragments through suction, and finally inserting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). He adds, “Phacoemulsification typically requires no stitches and patients usually return to normal activities, with excellent vision, within a matter of days.”

Often paired with phacoemulsification is laser-assisted cataract surgery. “This advanced technique uses a femtosecond laser to perform some steps of the surgery,” he says. It enhances precision in the incisions which can help reduce astigmatism, makes lens fragmentation easier, and potentially allows for more accurate IOL placement.

He also notes that the most suitable method for cataract surgery depends on several variables: The density of the cataract—as denser cataracts may benefit more from laser-assisted fragmentation; any preexisting conditions that might affect the surgical approach; the patient’s desired visual outcomes; and what insurance will cover. Some advanced techniques, such as laser-assisted surgery and specialty IOLs, are often not covered by insurance.

What type of lens should I choose?

“When we remove the cloudy human lens [the cataract], we need to replace it with an artificial lens.” Dr. Levenson explains that in his practice, he collaborates with patients to find the best lens to suit their daily needs and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Monofocal IOL: Great for seeing distances clearly. You’ll still need your reading glasses with this one.
Multifocal IOL: These lenses have several focus areas, allowing for a wider range of vision—from reading a book to spotting a street sign, often without the need for reading glasses.
Toric IOL: Specifically designed for those with astigmatism, these implants help sharpen your overall vision.

How long does it take for eyes to fully adjust after cataract surgery?

“Patients can usually resume normal activities within 24 hours after surgery, and vision is usually clear within a day or two after surgery,” explains Dr. Levenson.

While you might need to use anti-inflammatory drops for a few weeks post-surgery, most people are back to their regular routines—including working, driving, and exercising—within a week.

Since cataracts usually develop slowly, many patients are often amazed at how much brighter and more colorful everything looks in the days after their surgery, he adds.

How successful is cataract surgery?

“In the setting of otherwise healthy eyes, cataract surgery is overwhelmingly successful,” states Dr. Levenson. “Over 98% of patients who have otherwise healthy eyes can expect to recover excellent vision from cataract surgery. Depending on the type of intraocular lens used, many will no longer require glasses.”

However, he adds that the situation can become more complex for patients who have additional eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease. In such cases, the outcomes can be less predictable, and the complete restoration of all vision is less certain.

What are new advancements in cataract surgery technology and techniques?

One of the latest innovations worldwide is the TECNIS Odyssey by Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Levenson explains that this advanced IOL helps patients achieve exceptionally clear vision across all distances—whether they’re reading a book, driving, or just going about their daily lives, all while reducing disturbances in night vision. He shares that the majority of his patients are satisfied with their vision after surgery, often finding they no longer need glasses.

“Today, not only are cataracts curable, but with modern phacoemulsification and specialty intraocular lenses, we’re able to restore excellent vision to most patients,” he says. “We live in a time of miracle and wonder, and there’s no more direct manifestation of that than modern cataract surgery.”

Source: ©thehealthy.com/eye-care

Photo credit: Getty Images©

Related:  What are the signs that show I need cataract surgery? – TUTORING YOU

Safe or not

A hidden two-letter code stamped on plastic food containers reveals just how toxic it may be. Consumers are advised to check for labels marked PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), plastics deemed safe for food contact. 

These codes, found near the recycling triangle, identify which types of plastic are safe to use and which should be avoided. 

Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in takeout containers and food storage. It is heat-resistant, BPA-free, and generally microwave-safe, making it one of the safest plastics for reuse. 

Polyethylene (PE) comes in high-density (HDPE, labeled 2) and low-density (LDPE, labeled 4).  These are used in items like milk jugs, plastic bags, and squeeze bottles. Generally safe to use.

Another form, PET (polyethylene terephthalate, labeled 1), is commonly found in water bottles and condiment containers, but it is intended for single use only. 

Recycling Code

The recycling number stamped inside the triangle on the bottom of a plastic container provides another critical clue. 

Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safe for food use.  However, numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided due to concerns over chemical leaching. 

Plastic labeled with a number 5 and the letters ‘PP’ is considered one of the safer types of plastic because it’s heat-resistant and BPA-free. 

BPA’s problem

BPA is an industrial chemical found in many everyday products, including food and beverage containers.  Every time it is used, especially when heated, it’s leaching small amounts of BPA out of them. 

BPA exposure has been linked to many medical conditions.  Hormone disruption, increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, heart problems, and developmental issues have been documented. Even small exposure to BPA can be linked to infertility, behavioral issues in children and hormone disruption. 

Don’t ignore the code

Despite growing awareness, most Americans continue to use plastic containers daily, many without checking the tiny code printed on the bottom. 

Number 3, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), can release toxic chemicals such as lead and vinyl chloride when heated or starts breaking down. These chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and cancer. 

Lead exposure can harm brain development, especially in children. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride is also linked to cancer and liver damage.

Your morning takeout coffee foam cup is number 6, Polystyrene (PS), a plastic that can leach a chemical called styrene.  It’s known to affect the nervous system, potentially causing headaches, fatigue, or memory issues with long-term exposure.  It’s also linked to lung and respiratory issues when inhaled or ingested over time.

Number 7, Others, is a mixture of various plastics, and many of them contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can act like estrogen in the body.

Microwaving plastic containers

Experts also warn against microwaving food in plastic containers, even those marked microwave-safe, due to the increased risk of chemical leaching. 

Experts strongly recommend replacing older plastic containers with ones labeled BPA-free or switching entirely to glass or stainless steel for safer long-term storage. And while recycling numbers 1 through 5 are generally safer, it’s best to avoid reusing single-use plastics, such as water bottles, which were never designed to withstand repeated use.

Source: Dailymail.Com©

Photo by ©Shutterstock/anson

Key signs that someone may need cataract surgery.

These include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision that makes everyday tasks challenging.
• Trouble seeing in dim lighting or at night.
• Halos appearing around lights.
• A noticeable increase in light sensitivity and glare.
• Needing to update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription frequently.
• Difficulty driving, particularly at night.
• Requiring more light than before to read or do other activities.

The choice to undergo cataract surgery often arises when these visual problems start to seriously impact your everyday life and glasses or contact lenses no longer provide the necessary correction. It’s a decision you’ll make alongside your eye doctor, carefully considering both the benefits and the risks.

To determine if cataracts are compromising your vision, a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist will be conducted, and they’ll evaluate your vision and inspect your eyes to decide if cataract surgery is the best course of action for you.

What are the different types of cataract surgery?

There are several types of cataract surgery available, and determining the best method depends on various factors specific to each patient. Phacoemulsification is the most commonly employed type.

Phacoemulsification

This method involves a tiny incision in the cornea, using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens, then removing the fragments through suction.   Then, finally inserting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Phacoemulsification typically requires no stitches and patients usually return to normal activities, with excellent vision, within a matter of days.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery

Often paired with phacoemulsification is laser-assisted cataract surgery, an advanced technique uses a femtosecond laser to perform some steps of the surgery. It enhances precision in the incisions which can help reduce astigmatism, makes lens fragmentation easier, and potentially allows for more accurate IOL placement.

The Important Variables

The most suitable method for cataract surgery depends on several variables.  First, the density of the cataract—as denser cataracts may benefit more from laser-assisted fragmentation.  Second, are there any preexisting conditions that might affect the surgical approach. Third, the patient’s desired visual outcomes and fourth what insurance will cover. Some advanced techniques, such as laser-assisted surgery and specialty IOLs, are often not covered by insurance.

How long does it take for eyes to fully adjust after cataract surgery?

Patients can usually resume normal activities within 24 hours after surgery, and vision is usually clear within a day or two after surgery.

You might need to use anti-inflammatory drops for a few weeks post-surgery.  However, most people are back to their regular routines including working, driving, and exercising within a week.

Since cataracts usually develop slowly, many patients are often amazed at how much brighter and more colorful everything looks in the days after their surgery.

How successful is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is overwhelmingly successful. Over 98% of patients who have otherwise healthy eyes can expect to recover excellent vision from cataract surgery. Depending on the type of intraocular lens used, many will no longer require glasses.

However, the situation can become more complex for patients who have additional eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease. In such cases, the outcomes can be less predictable, and the complete restoration of all vision is less certain.

Source: msn.com©

Related:  A doctor details what patients should know about cataract surgery – TUTORING YOU

Centenarians share healthy eating habits

Living to 100 is relatively rare: only 0.03% of the US population are centenarians, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center. But Pew predicts that the number of centenarians in the US will quadruple by 2054, as life expectancy increases. Genes, environmental factors, and luck play big roles in how long someone might live, but lifestyle choices matter, too.

Here’s how eight centenarians who have spoken to Business Insider eat, which may have contributed to their health and longevity. 

Eat fresh, whole foods

Many of the centenarians BI has reported on eat lots of fresh, whole foods — and not much meat.

102-year-old Deborah Szekely has been a pescatarian all her life and grows a lot of her own vegetables on the ranch in Baja California, Mexico, where she still works.

Pearl Taylor, also 102, based in Dayton, Ohio, said she eats a mostly vegetarian diet, and meat on occasion. She also swears by her homemade green juice, which contains aloe root, celery, parsley, ginger, and water sweetened with Splenda.

Meanwhile, Lousie Jean Signore, the second oldest person in New York at 112 years old, follows the Mediterranean diet, which is high in whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans, and olive oil.

Signore eats salad, fruit, and vegetables every night, and adds tomato sauce, garlic, or olive oil to all her main meals, as BI previously reported.

The Mediterranean diet is widely considered to be the healthiest way to eat, and research has linked it to improved heart health, weight loss, and preventing cognitive decline.

Cook at home

Taylor prepares all of her meals and hasn’t eaten a pre-packaged meal in “years,” she said.

This is common among centenarians, many of whom grew up before fast food and microwaveable meals became widely available.

For example, 101-year-old William, from Toronto, cooks all his meals, featuring lots of sardines, which he thinks are his longevity secret.

Jack Van Nordheim, 101, known as Uncle Jack on social media, never developed a taste for fast food, instead preferring simple homemade meals such as boiled chicken.

Eating more home cooking can mean people eat fewer ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to major health problems, including depression, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that participants who cooked at home five times a week were more likely to follow healthy ways of eating such as the Mediterranean diet; eat more fruit and vegetables; and be a healthy weight.

Eat moderately…

Many Japanese centenarians follow the principle of “hara hachi bu,” which means they eat until they are 80% full, Yumi Yamamoto, who works for LongeviQuest, an organization that verifies the ages of supercentenarians, told BI.

Yamamoto’s great-grandma, Shigeyo Nakachi, was the second-oldest living person in Japan when she died in 2021. Yamamoto said that Nakachi never ate to excess and wouldn’t finish a whole chocolate bar in one sitting.

Similarly, the mantra of Ireland’s oldest man, 108-year-old Martin McEvilly, who cycled regularly until he was 99, is “everything in moderation.”

For McEvilly, this means only drinking alcohol on Sunday evenings, when he enjoys three pints of Guinness.

… but treat yourself

Although Japanese supercentenarians tend to eat in moderation, Yamamoto said they still treat themselves.

Kane Tanaka, the second oldest person in recorded history, who lived to 119, enjoyed a bottle of Coca-Cola every day, she said.

Likewise, Szekely enjoys the occasional serving of coffee ice cream, and Uncle Jack attributes his longevity to eating dark chocolate and honey daily.

Experts agree that incorporating treats into your diet can make healthy eating more sustainable. Dietitian Nicole Ludlam-Raine promotes the 80/20 diet, where you eat healthily 80% of the time and allow yourself to eat what you like the other 20%.

Source: Business Insider©

Photo credit: Leren Lu/Getty Images

Related:  People Who Live Past 105 Have This in Common – TUTORING YOU

9 Lifestyle Habits of People Who Live Past 100 – TUTORING YOU

Most of the time, blood clots are a good thing. When you get injured, you need your blood to solidify and clump together at the site to help stop the bleeding. But sometimes clots crop up when they’re not needed, and that can spell trouble—especially if they form in the deep veins near your muscles.

“When blood clots form in this deeper system, they can be painful and very dangerous,” says Luis Navarro, M.D., founder of the Vein Treatment Center in New York City. This kind of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. They’re like roadblocks on your blood highway, causing traffic jams in your circulation and prevent the blood flow that keeps your system up and running.

Things can get even more serious if a DVT breaks away from its original spot and travels to your lungs. Then it becomes a pulmonary embolism, a clot that prevents these vital organs from getting the oxygen and blood they need. That can damage your lungs and other organs and may even be fatal.

Some people are more prone to a DVT than others, so it’s worth staying on top of any risk factors. What’s more, “it’s important to recognize symptoms of a blood clot because they can often be minimal or overlooked,” and getting prompt treatment is key, says Dr. Navarro. Here are the warning signs of a blood clot to watch for, so you can act quickly if one strikes.

Swelling in one limb

A swollen leg or arm is one of the most common signs of a DVT. “Blood clots can block the healthy flow of blood in the legs, and blood can pool behind the clot causing swelling,” says Dr. Navarro.

It’s normal to overlook leg swelling as a symptom of a DVT if you always get large or stiff legs when you fly or during periods of immobility. But be suspicious if your bloated limb comes on quickly, especially if it shows up with a side of pain.

Leg or arm pain

Usually, DVT pain comes as a combo with other symptoms like swelling or redness, but sometimes it can stand alone.

“Unfortunately, pain from a blood clot can easily be mistaken for a muscle cramp or strain, which is why the issue often goes undiagnosed and is specifically dangerous,” says Dr. Navarro.

DVT pain tends to strike when you’re walking or when you flex your foot upward. If you have a charley horse you can’t seem to shake—especially if the skin near it is warm or discolored—have your doctor take a look.

Redness on your skin

While it’s true that a bruise is a type of blood clot, it’s not the kind you have to worry about. You can’t see a DVT. You might see some bruise-like discoloration, but you’re more likely to see red. A DVT causes redness in the affected limb and makes your arm or leg feel warm to the touch.

Chest pain

A pain in your chest may make you think heart attack, but it could be a pulmonary embolism. “Both a PE and a heart attack share similar symptoms,” says Dr. Navarro. However, PE pain tends to be sharp and stabbing, and feels worst when you take a deep breath.

Heart attack pain often radiates from upper areas of your body like your shoulders, jaw, or neck. The biggest clue is in your breathing—PE pain gets steadily worse with every breath you take. Either way, you need help immediately, so call 911.

Shortness of breath

A blood clot in your lung slows your oxygen flow, and that can leave you feeling winded. “You often won’t have the stamina or breath to make it up stairs. You feel lousy,” says George P. Teitelbaum, M.D., interventional neuroradiologist and director of the Stroke & Aneurysm Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. Get help quickly, especially if this comes on suddenly.

Unexplained cough

Can’t stop hacking? If you’re also having shortness of breath, fast heart rate, or chest pain, it could be a PE. “The cough will be dry, but sometimes people can cough up mucus and/or blood,” says Dr. Navarro. When in doubt, phone your doc or go straight to the ER.

A racing heart

When oxygen is low, your heart rate goes high to try to make up for the shortage. Feeling a flutter in your chest and having trouble with deep breaths could be your body sending out an SOS that you’ve got a PE lurking in your lungs, Dr. Teitelbaum says.

“For a small blood clot, the heart rate rises in part due to chest pain, shortness of breath, and the related anxiety that these cause,” says Lewis Nelson, M.D., chair of the department of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. There is also a release of chemicals from lung tissues that leads to a rise in heart rate.

If the clot is larger, it can cause a reduction in blood oxygen content “and even changes in blood flow that lead to a compensatory rise in heart rate,” Dr. Nelson says.

Feeling faint

“The lightheadedness is due in part to the chemical released from the lungs, changes in oxygenation of the blood, and in the blood pressure and heart rate,” Dr. Nelson says. “The brain is sensitive to changes in oxygen and to changes in blood flow.”

While it’s not an overly common symptom of a blood clot, it happens enough. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that pulmonary embolisms were responsible for about 17% of hospitalizations for fainting in the 560 older people who were studied.

Source: Woman’s Day©

Photo credit: ©Christoph Burgstedt – Getty Images

The old-fashioned way:

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Source:  hotchpotchdaily.com/

Photo Credit:  Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images

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