Tag

Health And Families

All articles tagged with #health and families

life-style28 days ago•12 min saved

Five subtle signs of bowel cancer you should not ignore

A health feature outlines five early warning signs of bowel cancer—blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating, and unexplained weight loss—and urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to see a GP promptly. The piece highlights the value of early reporting for better outcomes and explains NHS screening options, including at-home FIT tests and follow-up tests like colonoscopy or CT scans if results are positive.

via The Independent|

#blood #bowel-cancer #cancer

health-and-families1 month ago•12 min saved

Healthy eating can still falter: ultraprocessed foods blunt attention even on good diets

A study from Australia and Brazil found that ultraprocessed foods can impair attention and cognitive processing speed after just one bag of chips, even in middle-aged adults whose overall diet contained about 41% ultraprocessed foods. The effect, observed in more than 2,100 participants, occurred within minutes and persisted despite otherwise healthy eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet. Researchers say additives and the degree of processing may drive this link, which aligns with prior work showing higher ultraprocessed intake associates with increased dementia risk factors (and a Harvard Medical School study suggesting a 25% higher dementia risk with higher ultraprocessed consumption). The findings highlight that not only nutrition but also ultra-processing itself may impact brain function.

via The Independent|

#attention #diet #focus

health-and-families1 month ago•10 min saved

Seven essential steps to spot and respond to a stroke

Seven essential actions when you spot a stroke: use the FAST test (face, arms, speech, time), call 999 immediately, stay calm and note onset time, keep the person upright and comfortable, don’t give food/drink or medications before professionals arrive, don’t delay if symptoms pass, and don’t drive them—wait for paramedics who will take them to the right unit. Time is brain, and rapid treatment improves outcomes; resources include the Stroke Association and the stroke helpline.

via The Independent|

#emergency-services #fast #first-aid

health-and-families2 months ago•12 min saved

Protein smarter: lean meats and plant-based options for a healthier diet

The Independent reports Americans already get two-thirds of daily protein from meat, but health experts say the best protein sources aren’t limited to red meat. Lean meats and plenty of plant-based proteins—beans, lentils, nuts, and soy—can boost fiber, minerals, and heart health. Federal guidance emphasizes balancing protein with fiber-rich options, suggesting small swaps (not elimination of meat) to improve overall diet and nutrition.

via The Independent|

#diet #food #health-and-families