March 29th, 2014
Canadian doctors unearth a critical time for women to lose weight following childbirth to promote good health.
New research published in the Diabetes Care journal suggests that three to 12 months after giving birth is the most appropriate time for mothers to start losing the ‘baby weight’.
Those who fail to lose any excess weight within a year of delivery (or put more weight on) could be putting their health at serious risk.
The study – which was conducted at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto – tracked the weight-loss of 300 healthy women following the birth of their babies. It also monitored risk factors such as blood pressure, bad cholesterol and resistance to insulin.
Whilst most of the women did not start losing weight immediately after the birth, between three and 12 months 75% of them lost weight – with exercise and physical activity cited as a key factors in this weight-loss.
The 25% who had no weight-loss, or...
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March 26th, 2014
Stop chasing sleep and let sleep find you with these simple steps.
According to surveys, one in three of us has difficulty sleeping – with insomnia considered the UK’s most common mental health complaint. While an average night’s sleep hasn’t changed from 50 years (about seven hours), these days we are bombarded with information 24/7, making sleep more fragmented and hard to come by.
If you struggle to get enough sleep, try the following tips for a more harmonious bedtime.
1. Stop worrying
Worrying that you are not getting enough sleep ironically will only stop you from sleeping, creating a vicious cycle. Experts say the notion of needing eight hours sleep is exaggerated and that most of us can happily get by on six hours a night without any knock-on effects. Reducing your anxiety about sleeping enough will help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
2. Establish a...
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March 19th, 2014
If you’re struggling to stub out for good, the following hints and tips may help.
Last week on 12 March it was National No Smoking Day, a day dedicated to help smokers quit their addiction for good. Since the campaign was introduced in 1983 the proportion of smokers in the UK has dropped from one third to one fifth. Despite this impressive decline, there are still around 10 million smokers in the country, and 100,000 of them die every year from their addiction.
The implications of smoking on health are widely known and include increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, blood clots and premature ageing – not to mention bad breath, gum disease and a rapidly emptying bank balance.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) organise No Smoking Day and believe that there are two factors that are essential for successful cessation:
- that you are ready for the change
- that you realise you needn’t do it...
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March 14th, 2014
Wherever you are in your journey to better fitness, there are some simple tweaks you can apply to help you get to the next level.
Whether you have only just started exercising after years of sedentary habits, or you are a regular at the gym but have reached a plateau – it can do you some good to go back to basics. The following tips should help you fulfil your fitness goals by taking things one step at a time.
Make lifestyle changes slowly
This is especially important if you are at the beginning of your fitness journey. Trying to overhaul your diet and exercise routine too quickly could cause injury and make you feel demotivated. Instead, look to make small changes over time – you’ll be surprised at how quickly they add up.
This tip also helps those who are stuck at a plateau. Pushing yourself too hard to get out of it may make matters worse, so look to change things slowly yet...
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March 7th, 2014
Panic disorder can greatly impact a person’s health and well-being, so providing the best care and support to sufferers is crucial.
While feelings of anxiety are something we all experience every now and then, for some these become excessive and difficult to control.
Panic disorder affects an estimated seven in 1000 people and it occurs when the body experiences a rush of intense psychological and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, trembling, hyperventilation, and an overwhelming sense of fear and distress.
There are many types of treatment for anxiety and panic attacks, but sufferers will also benefit greatly knowing they have the understanding and support of those close to them. If you have a friend or family member with panic disorder, see below for a helpful guide on how to provide the best means of support.
Listen: When someone is experiencing a panic attack, you mustn’t...
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March 5th, 2014
Whether you snack on high-sugar foods for energy or have your dinner in front of the TV, find out how to overcome bad eating habits in six easy steps.
With so much conflicting information about healthy eating, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to addressing your diet. Many of us know how to eat healthily, but become stuck on old habits. Try the following tips to kick-start a healthier attitude towards food:
1. Make realistic goals
Completely overhauling your lifestyle in one fail swoop isn’t realistic. Instead aim to change a few habits at a time and work your way up to the bigger changes. It’s also important not to give up at the first hurdle – if you fall off the wagon – get back on it. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
2. Identify your bad habits
Keep a food diary and note down your emotions and what you’re doing every...
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