📰 4 tips to get a better night’s sleep during sweltering summer temperatures
During hot summer months, achieving quality sleep can be challenging due to the body’s need to cool down for optimal rest. Dr. Michael Gradisar, a sleep expert, shared tips on how to improve sleep during extreme heat. The body naturally releases heat from hands, feet, and face before sleep, but overheating can disrupt sleep by causing awakenings, night sweats, and reduced sleep quality. Couples who cuddle before sleep may experience health benefits, but sharing a duvet can lead to sharing body heat, affecting sleep quality. To improve sleep in hot weather, Gradisar recommends keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, using fans or air conditioning, taking cool showers, and considering separate duvets for partners to avoid excess heat sharing.
📰 Ancient ‘pharaoh’s curse’ fungus shows promise in killing cancer cells
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a compound derived from the Aspergillus flavus fungus that shows promise in fighting cancer by enhancing its cancer-killing properties. This fungus, also known as the “pharaoh’s curse fungus,” has a history linked to mysterious deaths, such as those of archaeologists who entered King Tut’s tomb and a team in Poland. The compound from the fungus has shown potent effects against leukemia cells, comparable to FDA-approved drugs used for treating leukemia. However, further testing is needed to determine its effectiveness on different subtypes of leukemia and other types of cancer. The study is still in early stages and researchers plan to proceed with animal and human trials to explore the potential of this compound as a new form of cancer therapy.
📰 Billionaire’s death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent billionaire from India and chairman of Sona Comstar, died suddenly at the age of 53 in Windsor, England. His death was confirmed by his close friend, Suhel Seth. Reports indicated that Kapur died while playing polo after swallowing a bee, potentially triggering a fatal heart attack. However, no official confirmation linked the bee to the heart attack. Dr. Nishant Kalra explained that swallowing a bee can lead to a heart attack through specific mechanisms, especially if the individual is allergic. While rare, bee stings can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis and cardiac events, particularly in individuals with known hypersensitivity or underlying cardiac issues.
📰 Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say
A new study from the University of Florida challenges the accuracy of using BMI as a predictor of mortality risk, suggesting that body fat percentage is a more reliable indicator. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, involved 4,252 participants over a 15-year period and found that those with high body fat levels were significantly more likely to die, particularly from heart disease. The lead researcher, Dr. Frank Orlando, emphasized that BMI should not be solely relied upon as a measure of health, especially considering its limitations in distinguishing between muscle and fat mass. Alternative methods like DEXA scans are considered more accurate but less accessible. The study highlights the need for more standardized approaches to measuring body fat percentage and its implications for public health initiatives.
📰 Extreme heat affects the brain — here’s how to protect your cognitive health
The article discusses the impact of extreme heat on mental health, emphasizing how hot weather can affect the brain. Dr. Jace Reed warns that heat can lead to mental health changes like irritability, anxiety, and decreased cognitive function. Symptoms such as confusion could indicate the beginning of a heat stroke, requiring hospitalization. Thea Gallagher highlights that overheating can disrupt internal balance, leading to issues like poor concentration and impaired decision-making. Excessive heat can weaken the blood-brain barrier, making the brain more vulnerable to toxins and pathogens, and increasing the risk of mood disturbances and violent behavior. Individuals with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable in hot weather, as some psychiatric medications can impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature and stay hydrated. The experts recommend prioritizing sleep, rest, and finding ways to slow down to protect brain health during extreme heat.
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