Sadness, feeling down, and having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us. But if they persist and affect our lives substantially, the issue may be depression. Depression is the main cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can…

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects some women after giving birth to an infant. Symptoms include sadness, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, low energy, anxiety, and irritability. Typically, the condition develops within 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, but it can sometimes take several months…

After completing an enormous study, scientists have dismissed claims that single gene variants, or even a small group of them, can dictate susceptibility to depression. Instead, they suggest that any genetic risk for depression likely arises from very large numbers of variants, each contributing a small effect. Researchers at the…

In a press briefing on March 3, 2020, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported a 3.4% mortality rate from COVID-19. But how reliable is this figure? We take a look at what British experts have to say on the matter. For live updates…

Sleep is a vital component of human health, and the amount of sleep a person needs changes with their age. And, as with other body functions, sleep has patterns. Some sleep patterns mean a person will sleep once per day while others mean they sleep at intervals. However, the pattern…

It is not just a lack of sufficient sleep that affects a person’s health, a new study suggests. Having irregular sleeping patterns may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular problems, according to recent evidence. Scientists already know that sleep is of utmost importance to health. Research has shown that without sufficient…

Viral infections are caused by a virus. Millions of types of virus are thought to exist, but only 5,000 types have been identified. Viruses contain a small piece of genetic code. They are protected by a coat of protein and fat. Viruses invade a host and attach themselves to a cell. As…

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the respiratory illness now known as COVID-19. Authorities first identified the virus in Wuhan, China. More than 74,000 people have contracted the virus in China. Health authorities have identified many other people with…

It’s likely that we all enjoy a hot cup of tea — or herbal infusion — at least from time to time, if not on a daily basis. But what are the most important health benefits that some of these soothing teas can bring us? Read on to learn more…

In 2017, the city of Philadelphia introduced a tax on sugary drinks, such as soda. Has this made any difference to people’s attitudes toward these beverages? In January 2017, the city of Philadelphia implemented a beverage tax that targets all sweetened drinks distributed on the local market. The tax, which…

Meditation offers time for relaxation and heightened awareness in a stressful world where our senses are often dulled. Research suggests that meditation has the potential for more than just temporary stress relief. Educators, spiritual leaders, and mental health experts have developed dozens of forms of meditation. The variety suggests there is a…

Eat well for a long and healthy life – that’s a mantra that we’re all familiar with, but what are the best foods to help us achieve that goal? In this article, we give you an overview of some of the most healthful and nutritious foods. Official figures indicate that, currently,…

Neurons die earlier than experts previously thought in Alzheimer’s disease, and stopping the process could prevent the disease from ever developing, finds a new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, and as many as 5 million people in the United States…

New research has found that a 30-minute introduction to mindfulness can significantly reduce negative emotions and ease physical pain — even for those who have never practiced the technique before. Research has shown that mindfulness and mindful acceptance have multiple benefits for physical and emotional health. Medical News Today have covered…

Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. It is a rheumatic condition. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions related to arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatic…

Abnormal gait or a walking abnormality is when a person is unable to walk in the usual way. This may be due to injuries, underlying conditions, or problems with the legs and feet. Walking may seems to be an uncomplicated activity. However, there are many systems of the body, such…

According to the authors of a new study, monitoring changes in memory and walking speed over time may help identify those most at risk of dementia. Dementia is predominantly associated with advancing age. So, as the average age of humans on planet Earth steadily rises, the burden of dementia is…

Is dairy good or bad for health? Is cholesterol evil? Does red meat kill or cure? Is the ketogenic diet a godsend or a health hazard? Can the vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or raw food diet extend disease-free life? Nutrition is wrapped in multiple confusions. Why is it so hard to…

New research reviews the basic reproduction number (R0) of the new coronavirus, that is, the number that indicates how transmissible a virus is, and finds that it is much higher than current estimates. Since its breakout in December 2019, scientists have grappled with the highly contagious new coronavirus that they…

Farting is a natural process and often occurs without help, but sometimes a buildup of gas in the body can cause pain and bloating. In these cases, it may help to use one or more poses or other techniques to help the body fart. Certain foods or eating too quickly…

Several problems can arise in people who have an uncircumcised penis. However, it is possible to avoid most of these issues by practicing good hygiene and safe sex.  The foreskin is a thin layer of skin covering the head of the penis. Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the…

Fat is a nutrient. It is crucial for normal body function, and without it, we could not live. Not only does fat supply us with energy, it also makes it possible for other nutrients to do their jobs. Fats, which consist of a wide group of compounds, are usually soluble…

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the upper layer of the skin of the foot, especially when it is warm, moist, and irritated. It is as also known as tinea pedi and ringworm of the foot. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton and is commonly found on floors and…

Scientists have found an association between an increase in ozone exposure and short-term risk of death. An international team of scientists has found an association between increased exposure to ozone and the short-term risk of death.  The findings, which appear in the BMJ, suggest that stricter air pollution policies would significantly…

A happy partner may indeed mean a happy life, but what if it helps with physical and mental health in old age, too? A new study suggests that it can do just this. Does your partner see the glass as half full or half empty? Do they tend to expect…

With awareness of the environmental impact of plastic bottles increasing, more and more people are now questioning the advantages of tap water over bottled water. Some people may wonder which option is safer, or which tastes better. However, there are also a range of other factors to consider when choosing…

Pesticides are chemicals that prevent insects, weeds, and fungi from damaging crops. Farmers use them to increase the amount of crops they are able to produce. The United States government tests and regulates pesticides. Testing produce ensures that levels are low enough to not pose a risk to human health.…

The World Health Organization (WHO) have recently published a report that looks at the impact of microplastics in drinking water on human health. They conclude that currently, the effects are unknown. In 2015, humans produced around 407 million tons of plastic. However, plastic does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into progressively…

Composting is a natural way to recycle certain food and yard products. It is also an opportunity for people to help the environment and enrich the soil for plants to grow. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food scraps and yard waste make up more than 28% of garbage in landfills…

One of the three drugs that China’s Ministry of Science and Technology has tapped as potential COVID-19 treatments to watch has notched its first Chinese OK — for the flu. While there’s no proof yet that fapilavir, or favipiravir, is the cure that patients and physicians are yearning for, it…