10 Superfoods that Boost Hemoglobin Levels

10 Superfoods that Boost Hemoglobin Levels

Syrian children suffering staggering levels of trauma, report warns

Children in Syria are suffering from “toxic stress”, a severe form of psychological trauma that can cause life-long damage, according to a study that charts a rise in self-harm and suicide attempts among children as young as 12.

A report by Save the Children and its partner agencies in Syria paints a harrowing picture of the country’s children, 5.8 million of whom are in need of aid, after a war which reaches its sixth year next week.

Authors of the study, the largest of its kind to be undertaken during the conflict, warned the nation’s mental health crisis had reached a tipping point, where “staggering levels” of trauma and distress among children could cause permanent and irreversible damage.

More than 70% of children interviewed experienced common symptoms of “toxic stress” or post-traumatic stress disorder, such as bedwetting, the study found. Loss of speech, aggression and substance abuse are also commonplace. About 48% of adults reported seeing children who have lost the ability to speak or who have developed speech impediments since the war began, according to the report, entitled Invisible Wounds (pdf).

Mohammed, an aid worker with Shafak, a Save the Children partner in Idlib, said children were in a state of constant anxiety: “We notice that they are always stressed and react to any unfamiliar noise – [such as] if a chair moves or the door bangs – because of their fear of the sound of airplanes and rockets. Children are increasingly isolated and don’t like to participate in our activities, and in the young children we’re seeing a lot of cases of involuntary urination.”

Firas*, the father of Saeed*, three, said: “My son wakes up afraid in the middle of the night. He wakes up screaming. A child was slaughtered in front of him, so he started to dream that someone is coming to slaughter him.”

The majority of children interviewed showed signs of “severe emotional stress” and 78% of them felt grief and extreme sadness some of the time. The study focused on 458 children, adolescents and adults, and was undertaken between December 2016 and February 2017, in seven of Syria’s 14 governorates. It also revealed:

• 51% of adults interviewed said adolescents are turning to drugs to cope with stress
  


• 59% of adultssaid they knew children and adolescents who had been recruited into armed groups. Almost half knew of children working at checkpoints or barracks
  


• One in four children is now at risk of developing a mental health disorder
  

Of the adults questioned, 60% cited the loss of education as one of the biggest impacts on their children’s daily lives. Since war began there have been more than 4,000 attacks on schools in Syria, according to Unicef.

The interviews, by Save the Children staff, partners and trained psychosocial practitioners, took place mainly in opposition-held areas, including Aleppo, Damascus, Dara’a, Hasakah, Homs and Idlib. The organisation is unable to operate in places held by the government or Isis, but the charity said that issues experienced by children in these areas are likely to be similar. Two-thirds of children had lost a loved one, had their home shelled or bombed or suffered war-related injuries.

In Madaya, which has been under siege since mid-2015, medical staff reported at least six children, the youngest a 12-year-old girl, and seven adults had attempted suicide in just two months.

All children’s focus groups and 84% of adults cited an “overwhelming feeling of being unsafe” as the single biggest cause of children’s high levels of stress.

Hala, a teacher in Madaya, said: “Children wish they were dead, and that they would go to heaven to be warm and eat and play. They wish they would be injured by a sniper, because if they got injured they would go to the hospital and leave the siege and eat whatever they want.”

However, despite the high levels of need, in some regions of more than 1 million people, there is only one psychiatrist.

Alexandra Chen, a child protection and mental health specialist at Harvard University, said that toxic stress is the most dangerous form of stress response, when children experience strong or prolonged adversity without adequate adult support.

“This is likely to have a life-long and devastating impact on these children’s mental and physical health, disrupting the development of the brain and other organs and increasing the risk of heart disease, substance abuse, depression and other mental health disorders into adulthood,” said Chen.

She said that with an end to the violence and with the right support, children can recover.

“However, the child mental health crisis is reaching a tipping point in Syria just as family support structures and official services are collapsing.”

The report called for a ceasefire and for all parties to stop using explosive weapons in populated areas, schools and hospitals, as well as an end to siege tactics, and unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas. It also called on donors to commit to supporting children’s mental health in Syria.

Dr Marcia Brophy, a psychosocial adviser for the Middle East at Save the Children, said: “We risk condemning a generation of children to a lifetime of mental and physical health problems. We need to ensure that children who have already lost six years of their lives to war don’t have to lose their whole future as well.”

Some 13.5 million people inside Syria, including 5.8 million children, are in need of aid, Save the Children said. About 4.8 million people are trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas.

At least 250,000 people have died and 4.9 million, 2.3 million of them children, have fled the county, the majority to Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

*Names changed to protect identities

Syrian children suffering staggering levels of trauma, report warns

British people unaware of pollution levels in the air they breathe – study

People across the UK are underestimating the impact of the air pollution crisis in their local areas, according to a new survey.

Almost two thirds of respondents said they were concerned about the issue of air pollution, but only one in 10 said they thought the air they breathe is bad.

Last week the Guardian revealed that there are 802 educational institutions in the capital where pupils as young as three are being exposed to illegal levels of air pollution that can cause serious long term health problems.

And government statistics show 38 our of 43 UK “air quality zones” breach legal limits for air pollution.

Friends of the Earth, which carried out the latest survey, said that despite the growing evidence many people – particularly outside London – were still unaware of the dangers of air pollution.

“With only 1 in 10 British adults rating their air quality as poor despite swaths of the country breaking legal limits for air pollution, it seems the message about the scale and danger of air pollution isn’t getting through,” said Oliver Hayes, a Friends of the Earth air pollution campaigner.

“Often you can’t see it or smell it, but it’s there – and air pollution is risking the health of an entire generation of children.”

To coincide with the findings Friends of the Earth has launched what it says will be the “biggest ever citizen science air pollution experiment”. People can apply to the charity for clean air kits, enabling them to test the air quality where they live, and FoE will provide tips on how to avoid air pollution and what people can do to help support the campaign for clean air.

Hayes said: “Our clean air kits help people to find out about the air quality in the places they care about most: on the street where they live, where they work, where their children go to school and at the heart of their communities.

“The results will help us build up a localised picture of the state of our nation’s air to really bring home why everyone, from individuals to businesses and politicians, must do all they can to make the air we breathe safer.”

Air pollution is linked to heart disease, lung cancer, worsening asthma and poor lung development in children and leads to the premature deaths of around 40,000 people every year in the UK.

The Friends of the Earth report coincided with a separate study for the Greater London Authority which found a much higher awareness of air pollution in the capital.

It found that nine out of 10 people in London believe air pollution is at crisis levels and two thirds describe air quality in their local area as bad.

It also found that every London borough has recorded illegally high levels of air pollution in the last two years.

Hayes said: “Whilst Londoners are starting to understand the air pollution crisis, in part due to welcome attention from politicians and the media, outside of the capital it’s a very different story.”

Friends of the Earth said it hoped thousands of people will join in the charity’s experiment so it can create a comprehensive national air pollution picture. It said the data generated will feed into a national map which will help create a “state of the nation” report on air pollution.

British people unaware of pollution levels in the air they breathe – study

10 Tips: Boost Serotonin Levels Naturally & Feel Happier

Millions are Diagnosed with depression every year,  and it is time we begin feeling happier without relying on medication.

As defined by psychologists, a person has a major depressive episode when he or she has symptoms of major depressive disorder, including depressed mood or feelings of emptiness, hopelessness or irritability, that last for two weeks or more.  And, according to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) found that the number of people diagnosed with depression has increased by 450% since 1987. It is often recommended that we start taking a medication to reduce symptoms. However, medication often comes with sometimes dangerous side-effects. Here are some simple ways to feel happier without needing to take a pill.

1. Get enough vitamin B6 – foods like spinach, turnip greens, garlic, cauliflower, mustard greens, celery, fish (especially tuna, halibut, salmon, cod and snapper), poultry (chicken and turkey) and lean beef tenderloin.

2. Eat brain boosting seed grains instead of wheat. This includes: Amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa are seeds with grain-like taste and properties. These are healthy, high-protein carbohydrates and small amounts of the right carbohydrates are critical to boosting serotonin.

Not only improve mood, you will Sleep better too. A nice dose of serotonin in the early evening will help you sleep better at night.

These grain-like seeds also provide important B vitamins. As just mentioned B vitamins play a critical role in brain health and in the manufacture of all your neurotransmitters including serotonin.Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (pyridoxine) as well as vitamin D, folic acid and selenium plus calcium, and magnesium are needed to make serotonin.

For protein meals: focus on digestion and food combining – Eating foods that are high in protein – and specifically have a higher percentage of tryptophan (like turkey, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds), will provide much needed tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. But beware: because research shows that eating protein with carbohydrates actually works against your ability to make serotonin.

Good to know: Plant based protein helps to create more serotonin than animal protein does.

To boost your mood and immunity naturally, protein and probiotics – is the delicious natural answer!

3. Include fermented foods and drinks in your diet – Fermented foods and drinks greatly assist in digestion and assimilation of all the important nutrients you need for serotonin. Additionally, they boost the nutrients in your food by at least a hundred fold.

4. Get massages and other forms of body work – We’ve heard about the healing power of touch, but now research backs it up! A study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine shows that massage increases serotonin by 28% and decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) by 31%.

5. Have fun in the sun. Early morning sunlight is more intense and this can boost your body’s production of melatonin in the evening. Serotonin converts to melatonin for a great night’s sleep. Getting outside for a 20-minute walk in the early morning sunlight can boost your mood and improve your sleep!

6. Remove toxins from your life that interfere with brain health. Eat foods like dandelion and citrus fruit to help detox daily.

7. Reduce Stress – prolonged physical or emotional stress produce adrenaline and cortisol, which interfere with serotonin. Shifting your lifestyle and adding more relaxation into your week can make a huge difference. Focus on Emotional Healing – Reducing stress and focusing on spending more time relaxing is a first step to boosting serotonin. You can take this even further by taking action in key areas to remove negative emotions like fear, guilt and anger. Meditate & do yoga!

8. Exercise. A comprehensive review of the relation between exercise and mood concluded that antidepressant and anxiolytic effects have been clearly demonstrated. In the United Kingdom the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which works on behalf of the National Health Service and makes recommendations on treatments according to the best available evidence, has published a guide on the treatment of depression.

9. Eliminate processed sugar (or at least drastically reduce it) – If you have low serotonin, you may have intense cravings for sugar. This is your body’s way of trying to increase serotonin because eating sugar produces insulin, which helps tryptophan go into your brain. However, too much sugar can eventually cause addiction to sugar, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia and type 2 diabetes.

Instead, satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way with pure maple syrup, coconut sugar or pure honey.

10. Give more hugs, love more and fear less.

To learn more about how to treat depression, anxiety, and ADHD more naturally, my book Healing without Hurting can teach you how.

10 Tips: Boost Serotonin Levels Naturally & Feel Happier

New concerns over BPA as workers exposed to levels 70 times the average

Health concerns over Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastic packaging and the lining of food cans, are well documented. Previous studies have linked low levels of BPA to a variety of potential health issues, including obesity, diabetes and fertility problems. A 2008 ruling by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) found that low exposure to the chemical is safe because it is generally ingested orally and thus eliminated from the body quickly, although research is ongoing to determine the chemical’s impact on human hormones.

However, a new study – the first of its kind in the US – has looked at the exposure levels of people who come into contact with high doses of BPA, and found that employees who directly handle the plasticizing chemical had urine levels of BPA around 70 times greater than that of the average US adult.

The federal study, carried out by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh), looked at BPA levels in the urine of 78 American manufacturing workers employed at six companies that either manufacture BPA or use it to make other products.

BPA is used in the production of plastic food containers, the lining of food and soda cans, and in thermal receipt paper. Because of the ubiquity of BPA in food containers, and its ability to leach into food or drink, the estrogen-mimicking chemical can be found in the urine of most of the US population. In addition to finding it in urine, studies have found the chemical in breast milk and umbilical cord blood. BPA was originally researched as a potential source of synthetic estrogen before its current use in plastic manufacturing.

“The Niosh study is a wake-up call about the dangers of workplace exposure to BPA,” says Noah Sachs, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law and director of the Merhige Center for Environmental Studies. “Every company that manufacturers BPA or uses it as a raw material has a responsibility to workers to prevent such excessive BPA exposures. Business-as-usual is putting BPA workers at risk.”

Studies surrounding the long term effects of BPA on health and reproduction have previously centered on consumer exposure. Pressure from consumer advocates led to manufacturers voluntarily removing the chemical from baby bottles and sippy cups in the US. The FDA eventually also banned it from baby formula packaging. Outside the US, a law prohibiting the use of BPA in food packaging of any kind went into effect in France in 2015. The US has attempted to pass similar legislation outlawing the use of BPA in all food containers, most recently with the introduction of the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2016.

While the Niosh study highlights the high levels of BPA found in US manufacturing workers, it does not assess any potential health effects from that exposure.
Previous studies in Chinese manufacturing workers, who had similar levels of BPA in their urine to the workers in the Niosh study, found that male employees who handled BPA had lower levels of testosterone, decreased semen quality and higher levels of self-reported sexual dysfunction.

While the Niosh study raises serious concerns, before there are any policy changes, regulatory bodies will require more research with a larger pool of subjects to show the consequences of BPA exposure in manufacturing workers, explained Lori Hoepner, assistant professor at Suny Downstate Medical Center School of Public Health.

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (Osha) does not set any workplace exposure limit for BPA. Without Osha exposure limits for the chemical, manufacturing workers who are concerned by their exposure to BPA don’t have any real recourse when to avoiding the chemical on the job. “Workers could request reassignment or more protective BPA handling equipment, but they could face retaliation or getting fired,” says Sachs.

To help convince Osha of the potential dangers of BPA exposure for manufacturing workers, a longitudinal study showing the impact of the endocrine disrupting chemical over time would be needed. But longitudinal studies are notoriously expensive and getting manufacturers to agree to the studies would be difficult, explains Hoepner. For example, collecting urine samples multiple times during the workday, as in the Niosh study, is disruptive for companies.

Any kind of policy change from Osha will take years, says Sachs. “We know from past experience that an Osha rulemaking to set a permissible exposure limit can often take five to seven years, with industry challenging it every step of the way.”

Ideally, Osha should initiate that rule making on its own because it is obligated by law to set a standard that assures, to the extent feasible, no “material impairment” of worker health, even if a worker is exposed to that substance for a lifetime.

While there may not be enough evidence yet for Osha to set limits for worker exposure to BPA, amid growing consumer concern over the chemical, scientists and manufacturers have explored alternatives. BPA substitutes like bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS) have been used in plastics that are labeled BPA-free to appeal to consumers. “BPA free is a misnomer,” explains Hoepner. “It should really say BPA substitute.” BPF and BPS are very similar in terms of chemical structure to BPA and there are indicators that they may have similar health effects.

Another alternative that has been studied by scientists is using plastic made from plants. “Studies have determined that it is possible to economically and beneficially switch to plant-based plastic,” Hoepner says. “It costs a lot at the start to make the switch but it pays for itself over time.”

Because of the large economic investment needed to make the switch, companies have been reticent to switch their plastic production. But as companies continue to face pressure to switch away from BPA, and consumers become more savvy and discerning about their plastic consumption, manufactures may eventually make the switch as a way to appeal to customers.

For now, there are no new guidelines around BPA exposure for manufacturing workers around the corner, though Sachs is hopeful that the Niosh study will prompt advocates to file petitions with Osha to set permissible exposure limits for BPA.

But, when it comes to any immediate changes, Sachs warns: “I’m not optimistic about any new BPA regulations under the Trump administration, which has already shown that it disregards scientific conclusions.”

New concerns over BPA as workers exposed to levels 70 times the average

Alkaline Eating: How To Test and Improve Your pH Levels

Alkaline Eating: How To Test and Improve Your pH Levels

Millions of UK asthma sufferers "not receiving basic levels of care"

Millions of asthma patients are not receiving basic levels of care to keep their condition in check, a charity has warned.

Two-thirds of sufferers are not being given fundamental care to manage their condition, Asthma UK said. This is about 3.6 million people across the UK.

Full provision of this basic care would “reduce the impact of asthma, reduce hospital admissions and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people”, according to a new report by the charity.

Basic care includes having an appropriate asthma review at least once a year – or more often for severe cases and children – being on the right medication and knowing how to use it, and having a written asthma action plan.

The annual asthma survey, based on responses from 4,650 patients from around the UK, found a variation in the proportion of people receiving basic care across the country, with some areas “lagging behind others”.

Patients in Northern Ireland appeared to get the best basic care, with 47.6% receiving all elements of recommended care.

The lowest proportion was in London, where just 27.5% of patients received this level of care.

The report’s authors said it was not just this basic care that was “failing people with asthma”. The report stated that seven out of 10 patients who required hospital care or out-of-hours treatment did not have a follow-up appointment.

The authors said: “Correct discharge arrangements after a hospital stay for asthma saves lives, and this is a particularly worrying finding.”

There are about 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK. In 2015, 1,468 people died from the condition – the highest number for more than a decade. The charity said two-thirds of asthma deaths were preventable with the right basic care.

“It is worrying that basic care is not being delivered on a consistent basis because every person with asthma should be receiving this care,” said the charity’s clinical lead, Dr Andy Whittamore.

Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: “With the 2014 national review of asthma deaths reporting two out of three asthma deaths are preventable with good basic care, it is hugely disappointing that the latest Asthma UK care survey shows little has changed since that damning report.

“It is clear that expecting old ways to tackle long-standing problems won’t work. We must take a bold new approach and take advantage of new asthma digital health solutions to transform the way asthma care is delivered and support self-management.

“Digital asthma action plans, smart inhalers and automated GP alerts are just some of the ways asthma care could be brought up to date and help reduce the risk of potentially fatal asthma attacks.”

The proportion of patients in each region who received all elements of basic asthma care, according to Asthma UK

East Midlands: 33.5%

East of England: 30.4%

London: 27.5%

North-east: 38.5%

North-west: 34.5%

Northern Ireland: 47.6%

Scotland: 41.1%

South-east: 33.2%

South-west: 34.2%

Wales: 32.2%

West Midlands: 32.2%

Yorkshire and the Humber: 28.1%

Millions of UK asthma sufferers "not receiving basic levels of care"

If You are Having Low Libido, Here are Natural and Effective Ways to Revive Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a naturally occurring reproductive hormone that plays a vital role in both men and women – its concentration in men is higher than that of women. As a predominant male sex hormone mainly produced in the testicles, it plays a significant role in men including higher muscle mass, higher energy level, improved cognition, improved bone mass, increased libido, improved erection, and better insulin management.

On the opposite side, however, if testosterone level is low, one will experience a completely different set of characteristic, including muscle wasting, osteoporosis, lack of focus, fatigue, depression, insomnia, low libido, erectile dysfunction, irritability, and prone to gain weight with higher fat storage.

Test

The best way to determine whether or not one is experiencing low testosterone is by getting levels of testosterone tested by allopathic doctors. Experiencing one or more symptoms sometimes not necessarily reflect signs of low testosterone levels as many other factors may create similar symptoms.

Stay lean

There several ways of increasing testosterone levels naturally. Keep lean and stay lean all the time throughout life is one of the natural ways to maintain normal testosterone levels. A research found that 40 percent of obese non-diabetic men and 50 percents of obese diabetic men aged 45 or more have subnormal testosterone levels.

In the conclusion section of the study, authors state that obesity is most frequently associated with subnormal free testosterone concentrations in males. Furthermore, the concomitant presence of diabetes is associated with an additional increase in the prevalence of subnormal free testosterone concentrations.

High insulin

In obese individuals, enzyme aromatase that converts testosterone to estradiol is said increases with the increased of adipose tissue – leads to decreased testosterone levels. Hyperinsulinemia caused by insulin resistance experienced by diabetics is believed to be a mechanism for low testosterone levels.  This is believed to be responsible for decreased testosterone levels too.

Sugar 

A research found that the sugar ingestion decreased blood levels of testosterone by as much as 25 percent, regardless of whether the men had diabetes, prediabetes or normal glucose tolerance. Reducing sugar intake especially ultra-processed carbs and taking more servings of vegetables rather than sweet-taste-fruits on daily basis as sugar replacement is a smart move towards boosting testosterone levels.

Overweight and obese may be resolved by making some lifestyle changes including not to overeating, avoid being a couch potato, and exercising regularly.

Cortisol

It is a fact that chronic and prolonged emotional stress increase cortisol. As cortisol levels are inversely proportional to testosterone levels, one who experience prolonged emotional stress should prioritize stress management as the first step towards overcoming low libido.

Intense training

Overtraining such as intense training exceeding 45 minutes is said to elevate cortisol and lead to a reduction of testosterone levels. However, many individuals who are used to overtraining even by doing the not so intense training close to bed time is said to experience much better libido. In my opinion, this phenomenon is similar to those men experiencing better libido and penile sensitivity to touch after drinking coffee just before having sex. Better blood circulation and higher levels of nitric oxide due to polyphenols might be the best explanation for both phenomena.

Working out

According to a study, working out in the gym can worsen the effects of already elevated cortisol levels. If you are training a lot and start to lose the morning erection (morning wood) it may be a sign of overtraining and plummeting testosterone.

Black tea

According to a study, a mug of tea contains about half as much caffeine as a mug of coffee. Unless you are so addicted to coffee, why not try sipping some black tea for its cortisol lowering benefit. In a study, subjects were asked to complete a stressful task, then sip some black tea. Results demonstrated that the black tea drinkers experienced decreased cortisol levels by 47% while the non-tea drinkers only experienced a decrease of 27%.

Healthy fats

Getting adequate intake of healthy fats, including coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, fish oil, nuts, avocado, and animal meat may be helpful in boosting testosterone levels. Some people still treat fats as taboo to talk and think about. However, there is a significant correlation between consuming diet higher in healthy fats and testosterone production.

Get enough sleep

Research showed that men who sleep just 5 hours or less experienced decreased testosterone levels of 10 – 15 percents. The study suggests that adequate sleep is needed every night in order to have optimal testosterone levels. So, how much sound sleep you need each night? Getting at least 6 hours of sound sleep might be adequate. However, 7-8 hours seems to be optimal. Try to take a nap during the day if possible as napping may relieve stress, subsequently, decreases cortisol and leads to better testosterone levels.

Alcohol

Make some effort to limit alcohol consumption as studies demonstrated ethanol, a component of alcohol produced by fermentation reduces testosterone levels. A study found that short-term alcohol consumption will not affect testosterone levels too much, however, smarter choice is probably to minimize the intake as much as possible.

Be mindful of xenoestrogen. Being chemicals mimicking estrogen originating from outside of the body as it is said to increase total free circulating estrogen and leads to testosterone-estrogen imbalance.

Adaptogens

Herbal intervention by taking adaptogens on a regular basis such as Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, Tongkat Ali, Tribulus, Siberian Ginseng or Horny Goat Weed may help harmonize the production of reproductive hormones including testosterone by regulating cortisol levels.

Adrenal fatigue

Adrenal fatigue that occurs due to prolonged stress may decrease cortisol levels significantly. This, in turn, may cause many symptoms including low libido. Cortisol and two other stress hormones namely epinephrine and norepinephrine are needed in sufficient amount so that our body will physiologically be able to carry out its function optimally.  Whether one experiences adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion (a worse version of adrenal fatigue), taking adaptogen herbs regularly is believed to boost the functions of adrenal glands responsible for the production of stress hormones.

Power pose

A study conducted by Harvard scientists found that standing in a dominant pose with wide legs and arms straight out in the air for just two minutes and performed as daily routine may decrease cortisol levels by 25% while raising testosterone levels by 20%.

These foods offer individual benefits towards reducing cortisol as they are stress busting, which include wild salmon, oats, dark chocolate, olive oils, garlic, oysters, berries, and chamomile tea, among others.

Lamb

Eating meat especially grass fed lamb regularly is said to improve libido. The positive effect is attributed to carnitine which is beneficial in increasing the amount of the active androgen receptors in muscle as well as improving blood circulation.

If You are Having Low Libido, Here are Natural and Effective Ways to Revive Low Testosterone Levels

15 Signs You Have High Estrogen Levels and How To Lower it Immediately

15 Signs You Have High Estrogen Levels and How To Lower it Immediately

6 Forgotten Home Remedies to Boost Your Energy Levels

That sluggish feeling that you get after being at work for a few hours is all too common. The hectic nature of everyday life often causes fatigue and exhaustion. While busy schedules and active home lives are bound to make anyone tired, there are many ways to boost your energy. People often do not realize that they have the key to more energy right in their own homes. So get to the kitchen and see what you can find. There is no need to go through your days half asleep.

Coconut Oil

So that stuff you can use for everything from cooking to whitening your teeth is actually good for getting an energy boost too. There just does not seem to be anything coconut oil can’t do. The oil contains healthy fats such as medium-chain triglycerides that are processed by the body and used as a source of energy. With all the other health benefits including improving the immune system and reducing body fat, it makes sense to add it to your diet. Take one or two tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to your morning smoothie. It will give you more energy and even give your drink a more tropical flavor.

Green Tea

While most people’s go-to beverage of choice for a burst of energy is coffee, a cup of green tea can actually have the same effect without the dreaded caffeine crash that usually comes a few hours later. It has a mild flavor and is nowhere near as bitter as the alternative beverage of choice. It also helps with digestion while too much coffee can actually do damage to the lining of your stomach. Green tea contains only a small amount of caffeine with an abundance of antioxidants. This combination will wake you up while providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to keep going. Add a little honey to your tea for a little extra sweetness.

Just Breathe

You do not even need to leave the room for this remedy. Studies have shown that increasing the amount of oxygen into the body can fight fatigue and increase overall awareness. Rather than reaching for an energy drink, just take a few deep breaths and see how you feel. To fully benefit from your increased oxygen intake, start with diaphragmatic breathing, otherwise known as breathing from your belly. First, lie on your back and place your hands on the lower part of your midsection. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this for about ten minutes every time you feel like you need a pick-me-up.

Magnesium

This chemical element is responsible for breaking down glucose into energy. If you often find yourself feeling tired or sluggish, consider consuming more foods and drinks with higher levels of magnesium. In general, women should intake about 300 mg of magnesium every day while men should take about 350 mg. Some popular and tasty foods to consider almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, whole grain or bran cereals, and halibut. Giving yourself the correct amount of magnesium will make you feel awake and alert and give you an overall sense of well-being.

Drink More Water

Taking it into account that it is one of the most accessible substances on the planet, people still never seem to drink enough water. The average human is made up of about 70% water, which needs to be replenished on a daily basis. Many complaints people have about fatigue and headaches can be traced back to dehydration. In order to give your body the healthy balance it needs to function, you need to consume enough water to keep yourself properly hydrated. Not only will this help you stay in peak condition, it will also help you feel more energized and awake. By drinking straight, purified water you will be sure to notice a difference in your body and your life.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While I’m sure you have never considered drinking any type of vinegar daily, apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits in addition to keeping you awake. If you add a tablespoon to water every morning you will get rid of any fatigue and also help your digestion, immune system, and even your blood pressure. The malic acid in apple cider vinegar has been known to work as an antiviral. It can rid your body of harmful bacteria and viruses, which can reduce your chances of catching a cold and even ease any allergies you may have. By making apple cider vinegar part of your daily routine, you will improve your health and increase your stamina. That’s not too shabby for something that costs less than $ 5 at any grocery store.

Your afternoon slump is usually the time when you would go for another cup of coffee. To improve your health and lifestyle, ditch the caffeine and try some other remedies. Water and oxygen are all around you and can vastly improve your health. An increase of vitamins and antioxidants will give you more stamina and make your daily tasks more manageable. Being tired all the time is not something you should have to live with and can be put to rest easily. Take the time to go through your pantry and take out a few remedies. Both you and your body will be much happier for it.

6 Forgotten Home Remedies to Boost Your Energy Levels

Prince Charles urged to cut sugar levels in Duchy Organic ice cream

Prince Charles should follow the lead of other food manufacturers by cutting the sugar in his Duchy Organic ice cream to a healthier level, health campaigners have said.

A new analysis by the Action on Sugar campaign group reveals that Duchy Organic ice cream – sold in Waitrose supermarkets – contains almost twice as much sugar as some other brands.

It was singled out by researchers as an example of the differing levels of sugar in exactly the same kinds of foods which appeal to children.

Action on Sugar is urging companies to support Public Health England’s voluntary reformulation programme to help tackle the childhood obesity epidemic, which it claims is the biggest public health crisis facing the UK.

The survey of foods commonly consumed by children including breakfast cereals, yoghurts, biscuits, cakes, confectionery, pastries, ice creams and chocolate spreads shows that products containing less sugar are in plentiful supply.

For example, Duchy Organic vanilla ice cream, with 14.5g of sugar per 100g, was found to have 84% more sugar than Asda’s “smart price” vanilla ice cream, with 7.9g sugar.

Data was collected by visiting Aldi, Asda, Co-operative, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose using the FoodSwitch app to collect data on nutritional information. The survey was carried out during August and products were checked again during September.

Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum and an expert advisory team member of Action on Sugar, said: “George Osborne’s sugar levy announcement in March must be regarded as his swansong as chancellor.

“At a stroke, he concentrated the mind of sugar-happy soft drink manufacturers seriously to consider reformulating their products to an acceptable level.

“As Action on Sugar’s research shows, many food manufacturers got the message, too. All, and Prince Charles in particular, should now follow their lead. The added bonus is that they will have dramatically aided the health of millions of people, let alone the NHS.”

A spokesperson for Waitrose said the Duchy Organic vanilla ice cream was an “indulgent” treat not aimed at children, adding: “The sugar content is clearly labelled and we sell a range of vanilla ice creams with a significantly lower sugar content, which our customers can choose if they want a healthier option.

“Reducing sugar is a top priority and we have an extensive reformulation programme to achieve this, which has already included significantly reducing sugar in chilled juices, cereals, yoghurts, soups, cordials and fizzy drinks.”

Kawther Hashem, a nutritionist and researcher at Action on Sugar, said:“Unhealthy foods are the biggest cause of death and disability in the UK and it is time the food industry took their responsibility for this seriously.

“They now need to make this a priority and ensure children are not eating three times their daily maximum intake of sugar.”

Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and chair of Action on Sugar, said reformulation was one of the most effective ways of reducing sugar and, if done properly, meant the UK could lead the world in this area.

“We therefore urge the prime minister, Theresa May, to fully support it and commit the government to both fat reformulation, as it’s the biggest source of calories than sugar, and to start restrictions of marketing, advertising and promotion of unhealthy foods.”

In August, leading retailers criticised the government’s watered-down childhood obesity strategy just days after its publication, arguing it would be better if ministers imposed mandatory cuts to sugar levels in food rather than leaving it up to voluntary initiatives by manufacturers.

Prince Charles urged to cut sugar levels in Duchy Organic ice cream

Use of strongest antibiotics rises to record levels on European farms

Use of some of the strongest antibiotics available to treat life-threatening infections has risen to record levels on European farms, new data shows.

The report reinforces concerns about the overuse of antibiotics on farms, following revelations from the Guardian of the presence of the superbug MRSA in UK-produced meat, in imported meat for sale in UK supermarkets, and on British farms.

According to the data from the European Medicines Agency, medicines classified as “critically important in human medicine” by the World Health Organisation appear to be in frequent use on farm animals across the major countries of the EU, including the UK. This comes in spite of WHO advice that, because of their importance, these drugs should be used only in the most extreme cases, if at all, in treating animals.

The latest report from the EMA collates data from member states on the sales of antibiotics for veterinary purposes in 2014, and shows that antibiotic use on farms fell by about 2% on the previous year overall, and by as much as 12% in many countries. But this disguises the rise in the use of the strongest medicines, such as colistin, which is a last resort for life-threatening human illness.

The percentage of antibiotics sales made up by the most potent antibiotics remained steady or in some cases increased slightly, indicating an increase in the amount of so-called critically important antibiotics used.

For instance, sales of fluoroquinolones – the newest versions of which are used to treat life-threatening illnesses including pneumonia and Legionnaire’s disease – stood at 141 tonnes across the countries surveyed in 2013, and rose to 172 tonnes in 2014. Sales of macrolides, also classed as critically important to human health, rose from 59 to 67 tonnes in the same period. This shows that efforts to prevent the drugs most crucial for human health from being used in farming are failing.

Experts are increasingly concerned by growing evidence that the overuse of antibiotics on farms – which in the EU account for three times the quantity of antibiotics dispensed to the human population – is endangering human health by fostering the development of bacteria resistant to even the strongest medicines.

Cóilín Nunan, of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics, which comprises several NGOs concerned with animal and human health, said: “The shocking overuse of farm antibiotics shown [in the report] is a result of the continued failure by most countries to ban routine preventative mass medication in intensive farming.

“Spain now uses 100 times more antibiotics per unit of livestock than Norway, 80 times more than Iceland and 35 times more than Sweden. The main reason for the difference is that Spain, like most of Europe, allows routine mass medication, whereas the Nordic countries do not. The increased use of last-resort and critically important antibiotics is particularly alarming and confirms that reliance on voluntary and softly-softly approaches is not working.”

The Guardian has exposed new evidence of the superbug MRSA present in meat produced in the UK and on sale in UK supermarkets. When present in food, the bug can be killed by cooking, but lapses in hygiene can result in human infection. It can be contracted from infected farm animals, so the finding that UK farms are becoming a reservoir for the disease shows there is a danger of it spreading more widely in Britain.

Antibiotic resistance has been called a threatened “apocalypse” by the UK’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies. She has warned that in less than two decades operations now regarded as simple, such as hip replacements, could become dangerous to patients because of the risk they could contract untreatable infections. The overuse of antibiotics has been a key factor in the rise of resistant bacteria.

The government’s review of the situation, conducted by Lord O’Neill and published last year, found that farms were a potential source of increasing resistance. Germs that acquire immunity to strong antibiotics in animals can spread to humans.

Routine use of antibiotics on animals – which is frequently practised across the world as a method of promoting their growth – is supposed to be banned within the EU.

However, the new data from EMA showed that farmers and vets are over-using strong antibiotics, campaigners told the Guardian. The O’Neill review advised that the UK and other countries should aim to use no more than 50mg of antibiotic per kilogramme of livestock, but the data shows that the average use across the EU is three times higher at 152mg per kg, according to the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics.

Use of strongest antibiotics rises to record levels on European farms

Childhood obesity: retailers urge mandatory cuts to food sugar levels

Leading retailers have criticised the government’s watered-down childhood obesity strategy, arguing it would be better if ministers imposed mandatory cuts to sugar levels in food rather than leaving it up to voluntary action by manufacturers.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing grocers, said it was disappointed that the government would only propose voluntary reductions because that could lead to some manufacturers trying to taking advantage by retaining more sugar in their food products.

“We believe that the only way to achieve the targets that the government [has] set out is to ensure a level playing field across the food industry and previous experience with salt reduction has proven this to be the case,” said Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability policy at the BRC.

Under the voluntary “responsibility deal” between the Cameron government and industry, some supermarkets cut the salt in own-brand products faster than others and found they were at a competitive disadvantage, Opie said.

Sainsbury’s said it supported compulsory sugar reduction targets and added that it was already removing multi-buy packs of sugary foods, which tempt people to purchase and eat more than they need. No restrictions on such promotions were in the government plan, even though they were recommended by Public Health England.

Related: Former ministers attack ‘massive damp squib’ of childhood obesity plan

“We need a holistic approach to tackle childhood obesity, including compulsory measured targets across all nutrients – not just sugar – and mandatory traffic light labelling across all food and drink products, regardless of whether they are consumed inside or outside the home,” said Mike Coupe, chief executive of Sainsbury’s.

The long-awaited childhood obesity strategy was released by the Department of Health on Wednesday, but was swiftly criticised. Food and drink manufacturers that reduce the amount of sugar in their products by 20% will escape a proposed sugar tax on soft drinks when it is introduced in two years’ time.

The strategy left out two measures that Public Health England had said would have the greatest impact on the childhood obesity epidemic: ending price-cutting promotions of junk food in supermarkets; and restricting advertising of unhealthy food to children through family TV programmes such as Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, as well as on social media and websites.

Two former health ministers also criticised the government’s plan to tackle childhood obesity. Dr Dan Poulter, a Conservative MP, said: “This is certainly not the ‘gamechanging’ plan for reducing childhood obesity that it had been built up to be.” Norman Lamb, a Liberal Democrat who also served in the last coalition government, said it was a “massive damp squib”.

Related: Childhood obesity: UK’s ‘inexcusable’ strategy is wasted opportunity, say experts

Jamie Oliver said the strategy was “underwhelming” because “so much is missing”. “I’m in shock,” added the celebrity chef, who was behind a campaign to improve school dinners. “The long-awaited childhood obesity strategy from Theresa May’s new government is far from robust, and I don’t know why it was shared during recess. It contains a few nice ideas, but so much is missing.

“Where are the actions on the irresponsible advertising targeted at our children, and the restrictions on junk food promotions? With this disappointing and, frankly, underwhelming strategy, the health of our future generations remains at stake,” Oliver continued.

Health experts, the food and drink industry and retailers all agree that sugar, the focus of the government plan, is not the only cause of obesity.Euromonitor, the respected data analyst, said it was unlikely that sugar was solely responsible for the obesity crisis in the UK or across Europe.

Sara Petersson, nutrition analyst, said: “In order to fight the current crisis, we will have to take on a more global approach to improving our diets. For example, our Passport: Nutrition data shows that, similarly to sugar, fat intake is also higher in diets of countries with higher overweight and obesity rates.”

Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the statutory body that advises the Scottish government, said the UK obesity strategy fell short of what has been proposed to ministers in Scotland.

“It is particularly disappointing that some crucial measures such as taking action on promotions and on advertising and marketing have been ignored,” said the chair of FSS, Ross Finnie. In January, the FSS board agreed a package of proposals, including regulation on food and drink promotions, portion-size reductions and tougher targets on the salt, sugar and fat content of foods and drinks.

Soft drinks manufacturers have been lobbying against the sugar tax since the former chancellor, George Osborne, announced it in March.

Related: Is a sugar tax enough to tackle childhood obesity? Our readers debate

“We agree with the government that obesity rates are too high, but we do not believe a tax on only some soft drinks with sugar will reduce them,” said a spokesman for Coca-Cola. “A policy focused on a single nutrient in a narrow range of products – that provide an average of just 5% of the total calories in a British teenager’s diet – is not the right response.”

Ian Wright, director general of the Food and Drink Federation, said the soft drinks tax was a “disappointing diversion from effective measures to tackle obesity”. The 20% sugar reduction in foods such as yoghurts and desserts, he said, “focuses too strongly on the role of this single nutrient, when obesity is caused by excess calories from any nutrient”.

Health experts had little positive to say, even on the proposal that children should be encouraged to do an extra hour’s physical activity every day, because of its limited impact. “Exercise is good but exercise alone will not curb obesity,” said Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. “It would take an hour of hard exercise to work off one chocolate chip muffin.”

• This article was amended on 19 August 2016. An earlier version referred to “the 20% sugar reduction in foods, such as yoghurts, desserts, ketchup and pasta sauces”. Ketchup and pasta sauces are not foods that are subject to the sugar reduction targets, so the reference to them was removed.

Childhood obesity: retailers urge mandatory cuts to food sugar levels

KFC and McDonald"s use widely various levels of salt in identical children"s meals

The exact same children’s meals at well-liked quick food chains have been located to have hugely various ranges of salt in different nations, which campaigners say shows that the businesses could lessen levels if they wanted to.

Investigation by campaign group Globe Action on Salt and Well being (Wash) discovered that a KFC child’s meal in Costa Rica contained 18 far more teaspoons of salt than the exact same meal in the United kingdom.

Its evaluation of children’s meals sold in fast meals eating places in 37 various nations also uncovered that eight out of 10 meals have more than 1g of salt per serving.

The greatest advised salt intake for children aged four to 6 is 3g a day, and 5g for 7 to 10-year-olds. Anyone older must consume no much more than 6g of salt a day.

The Uk performed far better than most countries, with a Burger King child’s meal burger and fries containing 1.06g of salt and a Subway child’s turkey sub sandwich containing 1g, in contrast with 2.54g in Finland and one.5g in Germany respectively.

Connected: Salt: no great shakes for your overall health

It was rated lowest of all for a KFC popcorn nuggets and fries meal, which measured at .9g of salt per serving, and the McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Pleased Meal at .78g.

The highest salt level for KFC was in Costa Rica at 5.34g , and for McDonald’s it was 2.4g in Turkey.

Wash stated too significantly salt in childhood habituates youngsters to its taste, and raises blood stress, major to strokes and heart failure.

The group is calling for all meals producers to universally lessen their products’ salt material, to support obtain the target of 5g salt a day.

Nutritionist and international programme lead at Wash, Clare Farrand, said: “The fact that these fast food chains are capable to make less salty children’s meals in some nations implies they can do the exact same in all countries, and should instantly.

“All youngsters, regardless of the place they are from, should be able to enjoy the occasional meal out, as a deal with, with out putting their overall health at chance.”

KFC and McDonald"s use widely various levels of salt in identical children"s meals

Autistic boys exposed to higher levels of hormones in womb, study finds

Outcomes might assist scientists unravel some of the underlying leads to of the autism. Photograph: Alamy

Research on youngsters in Denmark has found that boys with autism had been much more probably to have been exposed to larger levels of hormones in their mother’s wombs than individuals who created normally.

Boys diagnosed with autism and related ailments had, on typical, raised amounts of testosterone, cortisol and other hormones in the womb, in accordance to analyses of amniotic fluid that was stored soon after their mothers had medical tests in the course of pregnancy.

The findings add to a increasing body of proof that the biological foundations of autism are laid down properly prior to birth and involve elements that go past the child’s genetic make-up.

The outcomes could assist scientists to unravel some of the underlying triggers of the autism and clarify why boys are 4 to five occasions more most likely to be diagnosed with the situation, which influences about a single % of the population.

Amniotic fluid surrounds the little one in the womb and is made up of hormones and other substances that they pass through their urine. The liquid is collected for testing when some women have an amniocentesis around 4 months into their pregnancy.

Scientists in Cambridge and Copenhagen drew on Danish healthcare records and biobank materials to uncover amniotic fluid samples from 128 boys who have been later on diagnosed with autism. In contrast to a handle group, the boys with autism and related circumstances had higher ranges of four “sex steroid” hormones that form a biological production line in the physique that begins with progesterone and ends with testosterone.

“In the womb, boys create about twice as considerably testosterone as women, but compared with typical boys, the autism group has even larger ranges. It truly is a considerable big difference and may have a huge impact on brain improvement,” said Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University.

Simply because boys are naturally exposed to much more testosterone in the womb, even a modest rise in the hormone may possibly place them in the threat variety for autism. Ranges of the tension hormone, cortisol, had been also larger in the autism group. “From this study we can’t say this is causal, but it is telling us that component of the biology of autism commences prenatally,” Baron-Cohen extra.

Prior function in animals has shown that testosterone plays a key role in shaping the male brain in the womb. The newest review, published in Molecular Psychiatry, will now be followed up, to solution whether or not higher ranges of hormones lead to more autism in ladies, and why ranges may well rise in the womb in the very first area.

The work does not aim to produce a prenatal test for autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or milder, relevant situations. In the examine, some boys exposed to high levels of testosterone in the womb designed properly generally, although others exposed to lower amounts were diagnosed with autism. The results cannot indicate whether or not an personal will go on to produce autism or not.

Even if a test could predict autism, it would raise significant ethical problems. “A prenatal check that is utilised to make a decision to terminate a pregnancy could efficiently be a form of eugenics. A prenatal test that is utilised for early detection, with a see to starting intervention in early postnatal life could be significantly less ethically contentious, and would need to be evaluated for its positive aspects. But we are a prolonged way from that at present,” stated Baron-Cohen.

He went on to warn that the review does not justify the use of drugs that block sex hormones as a treatment method for autism. Drugs that do this have already been supplied, inappropriately, to individuals with autism, but they could have damaging side results and could do nothing at all to alter the brain once it has been shaped in the womb.

Richard Sharpe at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Well being at Edinburgh University described the function as “pioneering”.

“We now know that subtle variations in foetal advancement are an crucial determinant of later condition, which could be lifelong. Studying this in people is exceptionally challenging since of the obvious limitations in accessing what is occurring in the foetus inside the womb,” he said.

Autistic boys exposed to higher levels of hormones in womb, study finds

Stress levels higher at home than work for those balancing career and family

In her 1997 book, The Time Bind, the sociologist Arlie Hochschild shook up conventional notions of family life when she argued that work was becoming more like home for many parents, a place of order and belonging where they willingly put in long hours. “I come to work to relax,” one person told her. Home, Hochschild said, was becoming more like work, with sullen children, resentful spouses, endless chores, stress and chaos.

Hochschild blew everyone’s mind by arguing that home, that once-sacred haven of rest and renewal, was in fact more stressful for people than work.

Researchers now have the data to prove she was right. In a study in the Journal of Science and Medicine, researchers carefully examined the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, of a variety of workers throughout the day. The data clearly showed that both men and women are significantly less stressed out at work than they are at home.

And the women they studied said they were happier at work. While the men said they felt happier at home.

“We found a big gender difference,” said Sarah Damaske, a sociologist and women’s studies professor at Penn State University in the US and one of the report authors. “Women were much happier at work than at home. And men were only moderately happier at home than at work.”

The results, Damaske said, are mind-blowing. Most people blame work as the source of stress in their lives.

Yet their findings – study subjects took saliva swipes five times a day to measure cortisol levels and wore beepers to report on their moods when contacted by researchers – support earlier research that people who work have better mental and physical health than those who don’t. And mothers who work steadily full-time in their 20s and 30s report better mental and physical health at age 45 than mothers who work part-time, stay home with children or have been unemployed.

“At work, people are potentially completing tasks. They’re able to focus their attention and accomplish things, both those with low and high incomes. They’re not multitasking,” she said. “We tend to think that jobs are rewarding if they’re professional, but actually people with lower incomes have more stress reduction at work.”

Those with high incomes, she said, were the only outlier: both men and women had much higher levels of cortisol at work, and both felt happier at home.

Why do most people feel more stressed at home?

“Well, you just have a lot more going on,” Damaske said. “Trying to get anything done is a challenge.”

The findings are disturbing. Stress and elevated levels of hormones like cortisol have been associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammation and cancer.

It’s not so much that people prefer to be at work than at home, it’s that trying to do both in the same day is stressful. Photograph: Alamy

But before you go off and think that parents, and mothers in particular, are heartless workaholics who prefer endless hours at the office or on the job to the joys of home and hearth, consider this key point: both men and women were a lot less stressed out on the weekend – when they were home – than on the weekdays.

What does this tell you? It’s not so much that people prefer to be at work rather than at home or with kids. It’s that trying to do both in the same day is stressful. It’s the juggling that’s killing us.

“I don’t think it’s that home is stressful. When you’re home on Saturday, you’re not working. You go to the park, catch up on laundry. The day goes at a slower pace,” Damaske said. “I think it’s the combination of the two, work and home, that makes home feel so stressful to people during the work week.”

It’s something I can relate to. Once, when my husband, Tom, a military reporter, was overseas for another long stint covering the war in Afghanistan, he sent me a photo of himself in the middle of nowhere. He was sitting outside a metal box, his bunk. He was wearing a bullet-proof vest, probably hadn’t showered in days and was beaming. My reaction shocked me: I was jealous. All he had to do when he woke up, I thought at the time, was go to work. And in my world, I was trying to manage work and kids and home and broken appliances.

Tom said he hears the same from soldiers and marines he interviews all the time: that in some ways it’s easier to be deployed, doing one thing, no matter how dangerous, than back in the swirl of work and doctor appointments and bills to pay and unpredictable toddlers.

And, although Damaske said their study findings are counter-intuitive, in some ways, truthfully, they’re entirely predictable. Think about it. Although gender roles have shifted far enough for women to go to work, they haven’t budged much for men to do more at home. So women not only shoulder about twice the housework and childcare, they’re carrying the mental load of planning, organising and keeping track of it all. So home, really, is just another demanding workplace. And without fair help, one that can leave you feeling resentful and unappreciated after a long day at work.

“Women are happier at work because at work they are only performing one role,” said Nannette Fondas, author of The Custom Fit Workplace, who studies the economics and sociology of work. “At home, women juggle multiple roles such as housekeeping, parenting and the emotional work of the family. These have been called the second and third shifts by sociologists. Men certainly have begun to take on more of the second shift [childcare], but they still do far less than women do. So it makes sense that women would be less stressed at work. Many men may be happier and less stressed at home because, relative to their load of responsibilities at work, the home load is light.”

Liz O’Donnell, who interviewed a host of women for her book Mogul, Mom & Maid, said that unrealistic expectations likely play a role in women’s relative unhappiness at home compared to work.

“Women feel pressure to be the kind of mother that is portrayed in media images – on TV shows and in ads – or to be the mother they had growing up. But that’s not a realistic expectation for the modern mother,” she said. “Women today face different pressures and live different lives than the women who came before them. It’s the same for men. There is an expectation that men will perform at work and be the stalwart provider. Maybe men and women are happier in the domain where they face fewer expectations.”

Damaske and her co-authors argue that the best way to lower stress levels is to make the juggle more manageable. And the best way to do that is to foster creative workplace policies like results-only work environments, or Rowe, which measures employees by their performance, not when, where, how or the hours they put in. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health has found Rowe significantly lowers stress levels, improves health, mood, employee commitment and loyalty and has other benefits.

“I know it can feel like we’re stuck, like we’re still in the era of the Organisation Man of the 1950s,” Damaske said. “But the more we learn, the more we listen to people, like millennials, who want to find meaningful work, don’t want to be so devoted to work that they don’t have time for their outside lives, the more we can change.”

For our kids’ sakes if not our own, let’s hope so.

This article appeared in Guardian Weekly, which incorporates material from the Washington Post

Stress levels higher at home than work for those balancing career and family

WHO names and shames United kingdom cities breaching protected air pollution levels

British towns and cities have been named and shamed by the World Health Organisation for breaching safety amounts for air pollution.

Nine urban locations in the Uk have been named by the international well being entire body for breaching protected health ranges of air high quality.

WHO said that across the planet most cities that measure outdoor air pollution are failing to meet its guidance for protected levels and are putting residents at danger of respiratory disease and other well being issues. Total, only twelve% of the people residing in cities reporting on air quality reside in areas which comply with WHO’s security ranges.

A spokesman stated that it appears that air pollution is “receiving worse”.
WHO’s air high quality database monitors one,600 areas close to the globe, which includes 36 in Britain.

Earlier this 12 months it estimated that outdoor air pollution was responsible for the deaths of three.7 million folks globally for the duration of 2012. Air pollution is linked with deaths from heart disease and stroke, as nicely as respiratory illnesses and cancers, a spokesman mentioned.

One way to measure air good quality is to asses the amounts of a sort of pollution recognized as particulate matter (PMs).

WHO sets out a risk-free yearly typical degree for PMs and its most current data demonstrates that nine British towns and cities breached these restrict set for particles acknowledged as PM10. These contain Birmingham, Chesterfield, Leeds, London, Nottingham, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Thurrock.

Nevertheless, of the British towns measured, not all supplied information for the amounts of PM10 including Manchester, Bournemouth and Northampton.

Cities and towns in other parts of the world such as China, Pakistan, and India had considerably larger levels of pollution.

“Too a lot of urban centres nowadays are so enveloped in dirty air that their skylines are invisible,” stated Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO’s assistant director-basic for family, children and women’s wellness. “Not remarkably, this air is harmful to breathe. So a expanding number of cities and communities globally are striving to much better meet the needs of their residents – in distinct children and the elderly.”

Dr Carlos Dora, coordinator for interventions for healthier environments at WHO’s Department of Public Well being, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, additional: “We are not able to acquire clean air in a bottle, but cities can adopt measures that will clean the air and save the lives of their people.”

Lately English wellness officials called on regional authorities to do more to shield men and women from damaging air pollution. Prolonged-phrase publicity to air pollution led to close to 25,000 deaths in England in 2010, Public Well being England (PHE) explained.

PHE said that air top quality has improved “considerably” in the United kingdom in latest decades due to new, cleaner technologies and tighter environmental legislation. But it mentioned that local action can be taken to lessen the emissions of these guy-created particles and people’s publicity to air pollution.

WHO names and shames United kingdom cities breaching protected air pollution levels

Cycling levels in England fall slightly

A new release from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows the percentage of England’s population who cycle at least once a month has dropped from 15.3% to 14.7% in the year to October 2013.

The DfT report states:

Although the change is small, the size of the sample means that we can be confident that this decrease exists in the whole of the English population

The local area walking and cycling in England report, which presents data on cycling and walking among adults in England, uses statistics based on the results from the Active People survey, an annual telephone survey run by Sport England.

A larger proportion of people cycle recreationally than do for utility purposes (for example commuting, shopping or visiting friends) according to the report, whereas the proportions of people walking for pleasure and utility purposes do not differ significantly.

Combined the proportion of people who cycle recreationally and the proportion who cycle for utility purposes is more than those who cycle for all purposes because some people do both. However, a considerably greater proportion walk for both purposes than cycle for both purposes.

The chart below shows the prevalence of people walking and cycling. Click on the tab to see the data for ‘at least once a week’ and for ‘at least five times a week’.

The areas that boast the highest percentage of cyclists for utility purposes are, predictably, the places considered to have better cycling infrastructure and with cycling communities such as Cambridge, Oxford and the Isles of Scilly.

The table below shows the top eight local authorities for those cycling for utility and for those cycling recreationally. It is worth noting that the survey records cycling in the authority where people reside, not where they cycle.

The proportion of male cyclists compared to female cyclists is considerably higher across all age groups – unlike walking, where both genders have similar numbers.

Download the data

• SOURCE: DfT

More open data

Data journalism and data visualisations from the Guardian

Development and aid data

• Search the world’s global development data with our gateway

Can you do more with this data?

• Contact us at data@theguardian.com
• Follow us on Twitter
• Like us on Facebook

Cycling levels in England fall slightly

Salt levels in a lot of foods "unnecessarily high"

Amongst 2003 and 2011 regular salt intake in England reduced by around 15 per cent although the number of deaths from heart illness and stroke fell by 40 per cent, a review of more than 30,000 sufferers found.

Companies insist that they have already reduced salt levels in food and that clearer labelling allows buyers to make “informed choices” about what they eat.

However professionals warn that most men and women even now eat far as well significantly salt, with typical consumption at eight.1 grams a day – significantly above the official suggestions.

^{Photo: Julian Simmonds}

Campaigners stated The Telegraph’s survey showed that companies have been “dragging their heels” and should act urgently to cut salt levels in supermarket products.

Katharine Jenner, a public health nutritionist and campaign director of Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash), stated: “It’s not surprising folks are nevertheless consuming a lot more salt than the recommended six grams a day when there are nonetheless so several unnecessarily higher salt products on the shelves, like prepared meals that include effectively above half your every day maximum.

“If some companies can make meals with significantly less salt: they all can. They need to have to cease dragging their heels and act now, as salt reduction saves lives.”

Ms Jenner additional that people wishing to steer clear of much less salt need to examine the labels of food items and avoid items with higher amounts of the ingredient, or “even better” make meals from scratch without including the substance at all.

“You can rapidly get used to significantly less salty food items if you give your taste buds a possibility to recover,” she said.

The Telegraph surveyed 50 foods objects from four supermarkets, analysing a wide range of groceries like prepared meals, soups, sandwiches and dairy and breakfast items.

Of individuals, twenty items contained at least a quarter of the advisable daily allowance (RDA) of salt in one particular serving, with 13 containing much more than a third of the restrict. In some cases the quantities were a lot larger than different products also offered by the supermarkets.

The item with the highest amount of salt in a single serving was a Tesco prawn masala ready meal, which contained 3.7g of the ingredient – 62 per cent of the RDA. The amount is considerably higher than that found in some other meals, such as the Tesco Healthful Residing chicken and broccoli pie, which consists of .9g.

^{Photo: Julian Simmonds}

A southern fried chicken sandwich from Sainsbury’s had the second highest amount, with three grams of salt – half the daily restrict – in every single sandwich.

A Tesco thin and tasty meat feast pizza and a Sainsbury’s pepperoni pizza contained 45 per cent and 44 per cent of the RDA respectively in 1 “serving”, which the packaging in every single case says is half a pizza. Eating all of both pizza would suggest consuming 90 per cent or 88 per cent of the RDA in one particular sitting.

Money highlighted Branston Pickle and a chicken skewers snack from Marks &amp Spencer as every possessing higher concentrations of salt than seawater. The salt level in Branston Pickle is 4g per 100g and the skewers include 2.78g of the ingredient per 100g, or one.8g overall.

Income say Atlantic seawater has only 2.5g of salt per 100g. Ms Jenner additional of the pickle: “When you include it to a sandwich of cheese or ham, you can see how your salt consumption speedily adds up.”

She warned that the skewers contained nearly a third of the every day advisable restrict “in just a tiny snack”.

^{Photograph: Julian Simmonds}

She also highlighted how a sponge pudding from Marks &amp Spencer contained 1g of salt “which is much more salt than you would discover in two packets of crisps.”

Several of the products with large salt amounts have red “traffic light” labels on the packaging as a result of merchants beneath a government scheme which has been adopted by main stores, including Marks &amp Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. However, not all companies have signed up to the program, that means customers have to check out the dietary information on the back of packets to gauge salt levels.

Beneath the newest government advice products classified as getting “high” levels of salt – and as a result provided red labels – are those with more than 1.8g in a single portion or 1.5g per 100g.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman explained the supermarket was “the very first main retailer” to put into action targeted traffic light labelling and was creating it “even easier for our clients to make informed alternatives.”

A Tesco spokesman mentioned: “We make sure that our merchandise are plainly labelled so that consumers can make informed alternatives about the food we acquire. As properly as offering a range of alternatives we are functioning in direction of minimizing salt across several of our lines.”

A spokesman for Marks &amp Spencer explained: “M&ampS has lead the way on salt reduction in many products. We are committed to continuing to overview the salt in our goods, reformulating the place possible and providing labelling and information that assists consumers and staff consider action to reduce the salt in their diet regime.”

A Branston Pickle spokesman said: “Branston Pickle is usually consumed in modest portion sizes. It’s a experimented with, trusted and considerably loved British brand with a recipe that customers have enjoyed because 1922. As a brand, we are aware of the ever altering needs and would usually seem at any product innovation our consumers had been asking for.”

Barbara Gallani, director of regulation, science and health at the Foods and Drink Federation (FDF) stated: “Food companies have been minimizing salt in their items for many years and gradual reductions in salt levels have attained considerable outcomes.

“Current Kantar data present that above the final 5 many years alone FDF members have diminished salt in their goods by ten per cent even though continuing to meet customer expectations with regard to taste and texture.”

She added: “United kingdom food and drink manufacturers have been delivering customers with clear nutrition data on both the front and back of food labels for numerous many years.”

Salt levels in a lot of foods "unnecessarily high"

Fruit juices and smoothies have "horrifying" sugar levels

Much of the sugar in fruit juices is naturally occuring rather than extra. However, the NHS advises that fruit juice, limited to a 150ml serving, must only make up 1 of the five daily portions of fruit.

It warns that such drinks can injury teeth beause sugar that would otherwise be contained inside the construction of complete fruit is launched when the fruit is juiced or blended.

Action on Sugar, a campaign group, stated ministers should now act to get rid of fruit juices and smoothies from the recommendation, relegating sugary drinks to an “occasional treat”. The contact comes after Prof Susan Jebb, a government weight problems advisor, warned earlier this year that individuals must “swap” juice for a piece of fruit, or at least dilute it.

Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and Action on Sugar’s science director, mentioned: “The degree of sugar in some of these drinks is horrifying with a lot of containing nicely above the upper limit of 6 teaspoons free of charge sugar consumption advised by the Globe Health Organisation.

“In my view sugary drinks this kind of as these need to be consumed as an occasional deal with, probably as soon as a month.

“Scientific scientific studies have shown that consuming even 1 sugary drink a day is associated with a significantly elevated threat of building sort 2 diabetes even in normal fat men and women.

“The Division of Well being and the Foods Specifications Agency need to act immediately to get rid of fruit juice and smoothies from the ‘five a day’ suggestions and need to emphasise that these drinks ought to not be advisable to youthful kids as element of a healthy diet.”

Prof Paula Moynihan, professor of nutrition at the University of Newcastle, who advised the WHO on its sugar limits, added that a lot of of the drinks seemed “unnecessarily large”. Some of the drinks served by foods retailers amounted to almost two thirds of a litre.

One particular supermarket, Waitrose, stated it was introducing a new range of fruit juices with lowered levels of the substance – as effectively as replacing existing drinks – as it acknowleged they could include “high levels” of naturally occuring sugar.

The Telegraph carried out a survey of 50 fruit juices, smoothies and other fruit-based drinks located at a series of supermarkets, large street stores and meals retailers.

Of the objects surveyed, 21 contained much more than six teaspoons of sugar – which equates to close to 24g. Ten drinks contained 12 or more teaspoons of the substance.

Costa’s red berry cooler had the highest quantity of sugar, with a “massimo” (610ml) takeaway cup containing 97.1g of the substance, or around 24 teaspoons – four occasions the every day restrict now advised by the WHO.

Costa’s “tropical fruit” and “mango and passionfruit” drinks contain 23 and 17 teaspoons of sugar respectively in a massimo serving.

Other drinks containing twelve or far more teaspoons of sugar include Cafe Nero’s 655ml rasberry, orange and green tea “fruit booster”, with 17 teaspoons Starbucks’ “venti” (591ml) rasberry blackcurrent frappuccino with 14 teaspoons a massive (500ml) strawberry and banana iced fruit smoothie from McDonald’s, with 13 teaspoons, and Pret a Manger’s “beet stunning juice”, which has twelve teaspoons in a 400ml bottle.

A lot of of the drinks from coffee outlets and meals shops came in significantly bigger sizes than the bottles offered in supermarkets, or the recommended serving – normally amongst 150ml and 250ml – listed on bigger cartons of drinks.

Even so, of the 29 drinks containing six or much more teaspoons of sugar, 14 were from supermarkets. They included fruit juices and smoothies produced by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda.

The huge bulk of the drinks – 41 – contained 5 or more teaspoons of sugar in a single serving.

Final week the WHO closed a consultation on new draft guidance which retains its present formal recommendation that no more than ten per cent of an individual’s every day calories should come from “free” sugar – the equivalent of twelve “level” teaspoons for the average grownup (1 degree teaspoon equates to around 4g). “Free” sugar is additional sugar, plus that naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices.

Nonetheless, its proposed tips state that a further reduction to five per cent – about 6 teaspoons – “would have extra benefits”. A senior WHO official described the target as the “ideal” limit for which folks ought to now aim.

Merchants insisted that clear labelling, or dietary details detailed on their websites, enabled consumers to make “informed” choices.

A spokesman for Costa said: “Costa seeks to offer consumers with a decision of items across its drink and foods ranges, allowing them to choose decrease-calorie alternatives if they so want as properly as a far more indulgent occasional deal with.”

A spokesman for Pret a Manger mentioned: “We believe that all-natural sugars extracted from fresh fruit and veggies are a much better option to artificial sugars this kind of as aspartame and fructose-glucose syrups which are so frequently found nowadays.”

Fruit juices and smoothies have "horrifying" sugar levels