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Research shows that weight, depression and diet are related to the number of siblings and their gender

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A study of adolescent siblings linked conflict with a greater risk of being chubby, and the risk was lowest in sister-sister relationships.

Anyone who has worn hand-me-down clothes, shared a rest room, or experienced a protracted automotive trip with a brother or sister knows that siblings can influence your life in almost every way conceivable.

However, scientists are just starting to discover how these relationships affect health.

“It’s a pretty underdeveloped area,” said Dr. Susan B. Sisson, a professor of dietary sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences in Oklahoma City, who has studied the links between siblings and health. But research points to the power of siblings – or lack thereof.

Evidence suggests that siblings have “quite a big influence” on health behaviors related to obesity, physical activity, nutrition and more, Sisson said.

Children with siblings show higher levels of physical activity than children themselves, said a researcher who studied the links between siblings and health. (Adobe Stock image)

Research could be difficult. Let’s start with the fact that “families are quite complex,” Sisson said. Siblings could be joined through birth, adoption, or stepparenting.

“It’s really hard to make any blanket statements about sibling relationships and influence because there are so many factors to consider,” said Dr. Keith Vakafatu Osai, assistant professor of child and family studies at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

But Osai, who conducted her own research, examined how siblings influence one another decision to practice youth sportsstated that there is no such thing as a denying the huge role siblings play in shaping one another.

“We usually say it’s the most enduring relationship of all,” he said. “We are with our parents when we are born, but usually our siblings are there too.” Spouses and significant others may come and go, but siblings still exist. “And then our parents passed away,” he said, “but our siblings are still there.”

Here are some of the links scientists have found between siblings and various health aspects.

How we eat

Sisson was a co-author of, amongst others, test, published in 2019 in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, which compared the habits of 43 children with siblings with 27 only children. It has been shown that young children with siblings ate healthier than children without siblings.

A 2019 study found that amongst older adults, warm relationships with siblings were related to lower levels of loneliness. (Adobe Stock image)

“Some of this is probably just an example of busy parents,” she said. For example, parents may find it easier to afford fast food with one child than with several. And large families tend to eat more family meals, she added, which is related to healthier eating.

Actually, children who’ve more siblings A study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine in 2017 found that they eat healthier diets and watch TV less often. Each additional sibling has been shown to be related to a 2.6 percentage point decrease in the odds of obesity in early adolescence. Other exercise are also related to having siblings with lower levels of obesity compared to those without siblings.

But this shouldn’t be all the time the case. A study involving 326 families with two adolescent siblings linked sibling conflict with an increased risk of being chubby in adolescence. In a study published in 2014 Family relationsthe correlation was highest in brother-brother and older brother-younger sister relationships, and lowest in sister-sister relationships.

How we move

Sisson found that children with siblings showed higher levels of physical activity than single children. Some evaluation of previous research that she helped write suggested that children who had more siblings were more energetic.

AND separate examination on 161 children in kindergarten in Portugal, published in Children in 2021, found that children from homes with siblings tended to have higher motor skills than children without siblings.

Siblings is usually a “built-in playmate,” Sisson said. A parent could also be more willing to send a baby outside to play in the event that they have an older brother or sister who can control them, she suggested, or children is likely to be more likely to have the opportunity to walk home in the event that they can accomplish that as a pair. and not alone.

Genes obviously play a giant role in fitness and obesity, she added. “But genetics doesn’t necessarily affect whether you have someone who will kick the ball for you.”

And then there are responsibilities. “When there are more people in a household, there is more work to be done,” Sisson said, and parents are more likely to outsource that work.

Osai’s own research on youth sports has found that siblings who’ve warm relationships with older siblings tend to follow their interests in sports. He also knows it from his private life.

“My siblings have really helped shape the way I play sports and physical activity,” Osai said. He is the youngest of eight children – 4 boys and 4 girls. The oldest of them was 17 years old when he was born.

He said his first unofficial coaches were his brothers. On the street, in the yard, in parks and in church gyms, “they were the first to teach me how to catch a ball and shoot.” When a sister with a son who played youth soccer saw that Osai was eager to join, she brought the idea to her parents, then drove him to practice and cheered him on. He ended up playing all through elementary school.

The risk we take

Osai stated that siblings influence our selections related to crime and dangerous behaviors reminiscent of smoking, drug and alcohol use. Siblings similar in age or biological sex feel more socially connected or report warmer relationships and are more likely to follow older siblings who engage in dangerous behavior, he added.

Research shows that siblings similar in age or biological sex feel more socially connected or report warmer relationships. (Adobe Stock image)

Sanity

Research suggests that siblings can influence us for higher or worse.

A study published in December in the journal Journal of family problems which analyzed data on about 9,400 eighth-grade students in China and about 9,100 in the U.S., linked more siblings to poorer mental health.

Harvard Study of Adult Development, which was has been tracking two groups of men since 1939linked poorer relationships with siblings before the age of 20 with the risk of major depression in maturity.

On the other hand, a study of Latinos in southern California published in: Evolution, medicine and public health in 2021found that having sisters and having more communication with siblings was related to fewer depressive symptoms while pregnant.

A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology in 2019 found that amongst older adults: warm relationships with siblings was related to lower levels of loneliness.

Given all the potential ways siblings can influence health, what should someone do? Sisson suggested that it is vital for fogeys to just bear in mind of the role that siblings and family play.

It encourages parents to “do what you can to promote shared family meals, healthy eating, healthy food choices, limited screen time and more exercise.” Parents of only children might want to pay special attention to family meals or create opportunities for energetic play.

Osai stated that given the potential lifelong impact of siblings, it is vital to cultivate relationships between siblings.

“It’s an intimate relationship,” he said. Siblings could be allies who share secrets, but they may also cause lots of harm. Therefore, “leaving room for forgiveness” and mutual interest in the actions of others may bear fruit over time, he added.

Osai admits that sibling relationships could be full of conflict, rivalry and jealousy. However, he recognizes the support he received from his siblings and their contribution to his success each in and outside of sports.

“Sibling relationships can be difficult at times,” he said. “But these relationships can be incredibly warm and beneficial in many ways.”

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Health and Wellness

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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