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Health and Wellness

Olympic athletes live much longer than ‘average Joes’, but elite AFL and rugby players don’t

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It’s protected to assume that athletes who dedicate their lives to staying fit and healthy generally live longer.

Elite athletes are expected to live longer Because physically fit persons are less more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes) and cancer.

Unfortunately, our latest research suggests this doesn’t seem like true for elite Australian rules football and rugby players.

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What we discovered

Our research examined survival and longevity in three groups of elite Australian male athletes: Australian Football League (AFL) players, national rugby union players (Wallabies), and Summer Olympians participating in cardio sports with out a high risk of head injury, similar to rowing, swimming, and triathlon.

Before we dive into the main points, a number of definitions: survival it’s a state of continuous to live while longevity is the power to live an extended life that exceeds the typical lifespan of individuals in the overall population.

In our study, Olympic athletes lived longer than the overall population by 3.4 years. In contrast, neither AFL players nor Wallabies lived significantly longer than the overall population.

AFL players lived on average almost 4 months longer, while Wallabies lived around eight months less than the overall population.

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We also compared athletes who debuted before and after January 1, 1970, to see whether survival improved over time.

As expected, the younger generation survived higher than the older generation. However, similar improvements in survival also occurred in the overall population.

In other words, there was no significant improvement within the survival rate of athletes in comparison with the overall population.

These findings are surprising considering the handfuls previous studies involving half one million elite athletes indicate that elite athletes typically outlive the overall population by 4 to seven years.

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Comparisons with previous studies

Our findings for wallabies are consistent with previous research on elite rugby players Scotland AND New Zealand.

However, our findings regarding AFL players appear to contradict: previous studywhich shows that AFL players have a lower death rate than the overall population.

Differences in research methods are likely behind the several results. The most significant of those is the player inclusion criteria.

For the study, we included all players who debuted since 1921, whereas the previous study included players who debuted at any time but omitted players who died before 1970.

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In other words, the previous study preferentially excluded older generation players who died young. It also preferentially included older generation players who lived into old age.

This would skew the outcomes of the previous study towards higher survival and longevity.

Why aren’t elite AFL and rugby players living longer?

Survival advantages (how long athletes outlive the overall population) vary by sport.

Athletes participating in non-cardio sports (similar to weightlifting and discus throwing) they don’t benefit from the same survival advantages as athletes practicing cardio sports (similar to running and swimming).

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However, survival advantages also vary between different cardio sports, suggesting that there are additional aspects that determine longevity amongst elite athletes.

The determinants include the characteristics of the game practiced (whether there may be a risk of head injury) and characteristics related to the style of person practicing a given sport (e.g. socioeconomic status).

Unfortunately, in our study we didn’t have access to information on the causes of death or potential determinants of longevity.

However, we will find some clues from previous research on professionals football AND rugby players from abroad.

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These studies have shown that athletes are prone to death from heart problems, cancer and respiratory diseases (similar to: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which is consistent with the concept that increased fitness provides survival advantages.

However, studies have also shown that athletes were roughly 140-250% more more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases (similar to dementia, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease).

The conclusion appears to be that the survival advantage of increased fitness is offset by the increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.



We don’t know if this explanation applies to AFL players and wallabies, but further research could discover by combining athletes’ data with government death registration data.

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This style of research might be expensive and time-consuming and unfortunately this time we were unable to secure the required funding.

Opportunity cost?

Whatever the explanations, the indisputable fact that AFL players and wallabies don’t survive significantly longer than the overall population is a cause for concern.

It suggests that it exists opportunity cost for these athletes.

In other words, by participating within the elite Australian Football and Rugby Association, they gave up the advantages of participating in sports during which athletes outlive the overall population by 4 to seven years.

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From a population health perspective, when promoting sports participation, we should always consider this chance cost.

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

The best 8 foods for mental health

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We all heard the sentence “You are what you eat”, however it could also be a more accurate saying: “You eat what you eat.” The more we learn concerning the weight loss program and SanityIt seems all of the more that these two critical elements of well -being are related. Growing research shows that what we placed on our plates and within the mouth can have an actual impact on how we expect and feel.

Although the context matters (should you collect a friend’s birthday and everyone seems to be blissful chocolate cake Together, Binding event It can increase mental health), often boils right down to the incontrovertible fact that some foods promote inflammation while others tame them. Inflammation is said to every kind of mental health problems, including the 2 most typical ailments amongst Americans: Bow AND depression. Fortunately, quite a few nutrients, equivalent to antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, L-theanine and resistant starch, are promising to cut back inflammation and/or raising serotonin (“sensation hormone”) within the brain.

Try these eight food products to fight inflammation and increase mental health.

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1. Nut and seeds

“Chia seeds, hemp seeds and ground flax seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health and fight inflammation,” he says Nichole Deandra, MS, RDNwriter (*8*).

In fact, regardless of what variety you like, you actually cannot get mistaken with seeds.

“All seeds, such as chia, linen and hemp, as well as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, include the abundance of nutrients that support mental health and mood, such as magnesium, vitamin B and iron,” says Deandra.

Combine crunchy seeds with Nuts To strengthen these effects. Study 2022 in He stated that consuming about half a glass of nuts day-after-day was related to higher mental health and reduced stress in students.

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2. Green tea

“If you want to improve your mental health, drink green tea,” says a registered dietitian Lisa Andrews. “AND Systematic review He stated that drinkers had lower depression indicators. “

Probable reason for anti -corporate green tea? The amino acid called L-teania.

“This amino acid works by releasing the degrees of some chemicals within the brain, equivalent to serotonin and dopamine“Explains the registered dietitian Jess Degore. “They help the body deal with stress, increase cognitive functions, affect mood and improve sleep.”

3. Fatty fish

Perhaps you could have heard that fatty fish equivalent to tuna, salmon and sardines Help prevent cognitive decline Because of their EPA and DHA fats. The same omega-3, which may sharpen memory, also can affect the mood.

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“The brain is made mainly of fat, and omega-3 is used to build brain and nerves,” says a registered dietitian Sarah Schlichterco -host Podcast, nail your dietary. “There isn’t enough omega-3 fatty acids from food, equivalent to fatty fish connected For inferior cognitive health and even depression. “

One budget -friendly source: sardines.

“These inexpensive, stable fish are a powerful source of omega-3 fat,” he says Kim Kulp, RDN. “They can be easily added to salads or made in a sandwich.”

4. Broccoli

We already love broccoli for vitamin C and fiber and the strength of fighting cancer. Now we love him much more due to his potential profit for mental health.

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“Broccoli are associated with better brain and mental health due to its anti -inflammatory effect,” says Schlichter.

And this isn’t all floral green vegetables to supply. “Broccoli are also high in vitamin K, i.e. connected To improve mental health, “he says.

Healthy food, food and mental health, cerebral food, food and anxiety, food and depression, thegrio.com
Photo: Adobestock

5. Beans, peas and lentils

Small but corneum “pulses” (aka beans, peas and lentils) should not only a preferred source vegetable proteinThey are also a terrific source of fiber. We all know fiber resulting from its impact on intestinal health, but increasingly more often research combined weight loss program high in fiber with the advantages of the brain.

Tests It shows that food with a high fiber content will help reduce anxiety, increase cognition and support a blissful mood, “says Deandra. “A possible mechanism is the effect of fiber on feeding healthy intestinal bacteria, which supports short -chain production of fatty acids, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.”

Another theory is that since the fiber increases the range of microorganisms within the intestines, it may improve the production of neurotransmitters through the intestinal axis, Deandra notices.

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Regardless of history, one thing is obvious: impulses are healthy for your intestines and brain. To try Camelliawhich offers beans, peas and lentils of their dry form, in addition to in convenient starter meal sets.

25 small changes to which you can commit yourself for a healthier new year

6. Tofu

Go Türkiye. There is one source of tryptophan in the town – and this will help find Zen.

“Tofu is an excellent vegetarian source of tryptophan, which our bodies need to live a neurotransmitter serotonin,” says Kulp.

Consider soft tofu as an alternative for cheese Lasagnaor fry right into a special variety as the start of a spicy curry. Tofu works even well Cream desserts.

7. Oats

Choosing the precise food for mental health can start with breakfast.

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“Oats, especially when it’s undoed, for example in night oatsThey contain resistant starch, “explains Kulp. “This form of starch corresponds to digestion and It becomes food for intestinal microorganismswhich can produce neurotransmitters Dopamina and GABA. Both of these substances can communicate with the brain through our nervous system to improve anxiety and depression. “

8. Blueberries

Do you’re feeling blue? Reach for berries.

“The berries are high in antioxidants and flavonoids that were related At a lower risk of depression, especially in women, “says Schlichter.

Look for wild berries which might be often frozen. AND Study 2020 He stated that after 4 weeks of supplementation of untamed berries, teens reported fewer symptoms of depression.

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(Tagstranslatate) healthy eating

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

Odell Beckham Jr. For years, he has been thinking about struggling with a “uncomfortable” skin disease

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Odell Beckham Jr. For years, he has been thinking about struggling with a

Ghettos

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NFL Star Odell Beckham Jr. He reminds us that you might have no idea what persons are struggling with closed doors. The athlete, who could easily double as an icon of fashion, recently opened with chronic skin diseases, which he has been navigating for several years.

“I began to notice things with skin, really my beard and lining of my hair,” he told people, describing symptoms akin to flaking in his characteristic beard and “deep, burning itching” along his hairline.

Some potential reasons studied Beckham included drugs that he took after ankle surgery in 2017 and weather conditions.

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“I didn’t really think anything about it, especially because I was a person who had no skin care routine all my life,” said the 32-year-old. “But for some time it was uncomfortable, so I tried to find solutions myself. I started applying vitamin oil to it to help, so at least it is not dry. ”

About two years ago, the athlete decided to search for skilled help after attempting to treat this state independently. One of Beckham’s motivations to search for help was to keep up his physical image.

“Of course, my appearance will bring money or make some offers. So I wasn’t very embarrassed, but I also know that being in many photos is not something I want to see, “he says. “I really had to figure it out and find it for it.”

A large receiver from dolphins in Miami met with a dermatologist, who ultimately diagnosed him with seborrheic dermatitis – a condition that causes itching of a rash on a greasy a part of the skin, which regularly appears as patches with flaky scales.

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“I saw this peeling with other people and I never understood what it was,” says Beckham about his diagnosis. “But there are millions of us who have it and we would probably never find out because you usually don’t look for medical advice at this level.”

The Dolphins player was released when he received a formal diagnosis and I’m glad that he had access to treatments now to assist him move across the skin.

“I wasn’t worried too much, but it was also serious to me, especially as someone who went to study for anatomy and kinesiology. The body will always be my tool and my way to provide my family, “he shares. “So I always want to improve my health because I have a son at the end of the day. I want to live for a long time and be able to be there and experience his life. ”

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

DNA there was once a royal ailment, but now it is a disease of the mass

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“The queen had a bottom attack! Hurry!”

So she exclaimed Mrs. Meg in the favorite of Yorgos Lanthimos, through which Olivia Colman plays Queen Queen Anne. The queen was affected, amongst many other conditions, hands – a disorder that causes arthritis and severe pain.

In the film, shouting in pain, her swollen feet are wrapped in stripes of soothing beef. The next day, her recent favorite, Abigail, collects wild herbs to make a compress for her. He discovers that a bit simpler than a raw steak.

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You must sympathize with Queen Anne. She really did not have a big likelihood, because the doctors of their time didn’t have any options for the treatment of DNA aside from Kwacker.

Perhaps she was subjected many other absurd treatment methods At this time, alleviate symptoms equivalent to burning blood vessels supplying the feet, lighting them in goose fat or blood. Before she died in 1714 at the age of only 49, death might have been welcome relief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnu4fzulma0

Queen Anne was not the only member of the royal family who suffered from gout. Prince Regent George (later George IV) was similarly affected. Driving days have turn out to be related to aristocracy and excessive indulgence.

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DNA still affects many individuals. In fact, it is estimated that the affected DNA in 2020. Almost 56 million people around the worldThe number that is expected will increase to 96 million to 2050. So the state considered to be the disease of kings and queens is currently a disease of masses, with younger patients also diagnosed.

Fortunately, raw meat and herbs aren’t any longer required. We now know rather more about methods to treat gout and methods to prevent it from repeating.

Understanding gout

Gout It is a crystal arthropathy – a group of joint disorders that occur when crystals accumulate in the joints and soft tissues. Duca develops when the level of uric acid increases in the bloodstream, before it infiltrates the joints through which it solidifies and becomes crystals just like the needle, which ignites the joints, which makes them incredibly sore.

And once I say “sore”, I actually mean sore: Many individuals who experience gout often describe this as one of the worst pains they’ve ever felt. Most often affects big finger And it could make even the lightest touch of the skin unbearable.

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Some gout patients sleep with Special frame Above the foot, which raises traces, because they can not even bear the weight of the bed sheet on the affected joint.

Gout can affect other ponds. This also can cause the development of “THEM” (hard swelling around the joints and ears).

James Gillray gout. Posted on May 14, 1799.
Wikimedia Commons

Gout is normally present in attacks or attacks before it agrees with treatment and sleeping. But it can repeat itself, requiring more acute treatment.

DNA diagnosis is based on classic symptoms: excruciating pain, swelling of affected joints and redness. Microscopic examination of the fluid taken from the swollen joint also can show crystals and frequently raised uric acid levels on blood tests.

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High uric acid

High uric acid levels are often related to Excess alcohol, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. AND Food wealthy weight loss program wealthy in purines It turned out that he had the strongest association.

Purines They are compounds consisting of uric acid. Foods wealthy in purines They include meat and offal, fatty fish equivalent to mackerel and anchovies, in addition to yeast dishes equivalent to marmed and beer. It may very well be a good idea Avoid these dishes In addition, in case you suffer from frequent gout episodes.

Bow

But dietary changes themselves are unlikely to stop gout symptoms. Medicines It can treat each a sharp stretch of gout and forestall it from repeating it.

When the joints are inflammatory, the options include anti -inflammatory drugs, equivalent to ibuprofen, naproxen or steroid drugs. Another option is colchicinewhich is normally used for a short time and may be very effective – although it commonly causes Fighting diarrhea.

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When the inflammation subsides, it is necessary to forestall future attacks. Allopurinol It can reduce uric acid levels, and thus the risk of further attacks. There is also suggestive evidence Eating cherry or drinking Tart juice made of cherry may reduce the risk of gout attacks, especially if In combination with alloprinol.

If you should remain free from gout, perhaps it’s time to take preventive actions by making subtle lifestyle modifications. Keep a healthy weight, eat a balanced weight loss program, reduce alcohol and avoid drinking symptoms, exercise often and stay well.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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