Starting one’s day with a comforting cup of coffee is a daily ritual for many. The National Coffee Data Trends report suggests that 65% of individuals nationwide begin each day with coffee. Although the effectiveness of caffeine on general health and wellbeing has been widely debated, it turns out that if not overdone, coffee can have several positive effects on the mind. Let’s look at some ways having coffee can boost one’s brain health. Positive effects of coffee on the brain Reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia Various research studies demonstrate that coffee can help protect older adults against mental health conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Moreover, having a few cups of coffee daily may reduce one’s susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. Enhanced mood Coffee stimulates one’s brain and nervous system, uplifting one’s mood instantly. Specifically, a chemical called adenosine, found in human cells, often contributes to fatigue and low moods. Caffeine blocks receptors in the brain from blending with adenosine, thus enhancing mood and reducing fatigue. Lowered oxidative stress levels Elevated levels of oxidative stress in the body are often associated with depression. Coffee acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress levels and helping manage depression symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintentional or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse with time. Therefore, the most common concern for people diagnosed with the condition is how to continue working if and when the disease progresses. Fortunately, there are a few ways, as mentioned below, for Parkinson’s patients to keep working and further their careers. Let the employer know Most people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s do not tell their employers and coworkers about their condition because they are under the impression they might be treated unfairly. Since every work setting differs, the decision to inform peers lies with the person affected by Parkinson’s disease. But there might be an advantage to keeping one’s colleagues informed right from the early stages rather than waiting for the disease to progress. If the employer knows about the employee’s condition, they can work with them to accommodate their needs. Read about ADA An individual with Parkinson’s should read about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was created, in part, to ensure that employers do not discriminate against people with disabilities or specific health conditions when they are hired, on the job, or let go.

Most adults are recommended between 7-9 hours per night. Constantly sleeping fewer hours may cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to several health complications. The condition may develop due to sleep disorders (insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, etc.), aging, illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, chronic pain syndrome, cancer, etc., or due to other factors such as stress or change in schedule. To try and manage sleep deprivation, here are 10 warning signs to note: Reduced productivity and performance Chronic sleep deprivation hinders the body’s ability to think, function, or perform to its full potential. Sleep deprivation may also impact one’s ability to read social situations and make good decisions. This can hamper productivity and performance. According to certain studies, nighttime sleep and dreaming promote new learning and memory consolidation and improve creativity. While caffeine can help improve productivity momentarily, sleeping will help soak in information more effectively. Insatiable appetite According to a study conducted in 2004, those who sleep for 6 hours or less per night are likely to have reduced levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin. They are also more likely to have increased levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. This development will likely cause more nighttime cravings and increase the risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

Happiness is a state of mind that can be cultivated through conscious effort and self-awareness. Certain factors are known to contribute significantly to one’s overall well-being and to bring a sense of joy, purpose, and satisfaction. Some of these factors give relatively quicker results, while others may need constant practice and patience. A few such proven keys to happiness are listed below. Practicing these can empower one to proactively nurture and experience fulfillment. Accept strengths and weaknesses Self-acceptance involves acknowledging strengths and vulnerabilities while promoting a positive attitude toward oneself. Studies have shown that self-acceptance is crucial in lowering psychological issues and improving overall well-being. It also involves realizing that one will experience moments of joy and success but also sorrow and failures and embracing both without judgment or resistance. In addition, living in alignment with one’s values, passions, and beliefs creates a sense of inner harmony and reduces the need for external validation. Practice self-care habits Practicing self-care habits can help reduce stress, increase creativity, promote a sense of calm, and be a therapeutic way to process one’s emotions. Some common self-care habits can include- Setting boundaries and saying no to activities or commitments that reduce one’s energy or cause excessive stress Taking time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with self Taking time for leisure activities, hobbies, or simply doing nothing to unwind and recharge Spending time in nature Journaling one’s thoughts and feelings Invest in physical well-being Physical well-being encompasses practices that contribute to a healthy and balanced body and bring happiness.

Most sodas in the market have ingredients like carbon dioxide, water, sugar (sucrose, fructose, or glucose), intense sweeteners, acids, preservatives, and added colors. One can of the beverage provides about 150 calories, mostly from added sugar, and hardly any nutritional value. If fact, studies have shown the drink can increase the risk of health complications like fatty liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are nine ways in which sugary sodas are bad for health. Insulin resistance Insulin helps the cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Consuming too much sugar, as found in sodas, causes the cells to become less sensitive to insulin. As a result, the pancreas produces higher amounts of the hormone, leading to a spike. This is known as insulin resistance. High levels of insulin resistance have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Soda cravings Sugar consumption triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Also called the feel-good hormone, dopamine boosts mood and provides a sense of pleasure. Therefore, some people unknowingly crave sweets when they are low, which leads to increased dependence on them. While such cravings can be hard to get rid of, gradually reducing sugar intake can help.

In today’s modern life, sugar, found in a myriad of processed foods and sweet treats, has become a ubiquitous and tempting ingredient. While its sweet allure pleases our taste buds, excessive sugar intake can have detrimental effects on our health, including its impact on cholesterol levels. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in the blood, is vital in various bodily functions. However, when cholesterol levels are not balanced, it can lead to health complications, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Triggers insulin resistance Regularly including sugary foods and beverages can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin signals. This can further lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is linked to an increase in triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with low HDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. Elevates triglyceride levels High sugar intake, particularly in the form of fructose found in sugary beverages and processed foods, can lead to elevated triglyceride levels. A spike in triglycerides is often seen in individuals with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that increase the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Most people with moderate pain in a particular area may not consult a doctor. While the pain can seem harmless, it may be associated with an underlying health issue. Furthermore, if left untreated, these run-of-the-mill aches can become chronic and affect day-to-day life. Hence, it’s considered best to keep an eye out for specific pain symptoms and, if noticed, consult a healthcare professional. So, below are some pain symptoms that should not be ignored. Common pain symptoms that should not be ignored Typically, as one grows older, one can experience bouts of pain which can be written off as a part of aging. However, pain in any body part, especially new and unexplainable ones, should be checked by certified doctors. This is because some types of pain symptoms can indicate serious issues. Therefore, it is recommended that one keep an eye out for the pain symptoms mentioned below. Chest pain Today, heart disease can be considered one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Moreover, heart issues such as atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and heart failure are recurrent reasons that can require hospital visits. Therefore, older adults showing any signs of chest pain must be evaluated at the earliest.

Parkinson’s disease is a common but complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. More commonly seen in older adults, the disease usually creeps in slowly and begins to disrupt the motor functions of individuals, thus hampering daily activities. Those who suspect the development of the condition, either in themselves or a loved one, can take the questionnaire. The article also delves into diagnosis, causes, and available treatment options for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease self-assessment questionnaire Here are some questions one can ask to know whether one shows any early signs of Parkinson’s. If most of the answers to these questions are yes, one should promptly visit a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for the condition. Have you noticed any tremors or shaking while you are active or moving? Shaking without physical activity, external injury, or muscle strain in the arms, legs, lips, or hands can indicate Parkinson’s. Do you have difficulty with movement and coordination? This may include a gradual slowing down of movements, stiffness in muscles or rigidity, and a reduced range of motion. Have you noticed any changes in balance or gait while walking? This symptom usually occurs when the disease has progressed.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting the respiratory system. It is a common cause of respiratory illness in young children and infants, and it typically spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While most cases of RSV are mild and resemble a common cold, the virus can lead to more severe respiratory complications, especially in vulnerable people with pre-existing conditions. Recognizing the warning signs of RSV is crucial for early detection and timely intervention to ensure the well-being of young children. Persistent cough RSV in children comes with the hallmark symptom of a worsening, persistent cough. Something that might start as a mild but dry cough slowly progresses into a wet cough with mucus production. The change occurs as the condition advances into a more severe infection. Children who are affected by the condition may have difficulty clearing the mucus in their lungs. This can prolong the coughing episodes, as peristaltic movement is essential to eliminating mucus from the system. In some cases, the episodes of coughing, forced or otherwise, can be serious enough to disrupt the child’s sleep cycle. Wheezing and breathing difficulties Another common symptom children face due to an RSV infection is the constriction of their airways.

A healthy immune system is responsible for keeping the body safe from foreign viruses and bacteria that attack the healthy cells in the body. In this manner, it plays a huge role in warding off any infections or diseases. However, some factors can weaken the immune system over time, including unhealthy lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Thus, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for that indicate a weak immune system. Frequent illnesses This is a very common symptom in anyone with a poor immune system. One may catch colds easily, and the symptoms that usually go away in a week last for longer. These individuals are also susceptible to getting food poisoning easily, which may take more than a couple of days to get treated. There are some barrier responses from the immune system which usually helps keep illnesses in check, and this includes: Cough reflex, which helps in expelling any foreign object which suddenly causes irritation. Stomach acid, which helps in killing the microbes which can enter the body through the food and drinks consumed. Mucus production, which helps in trapping bacteria and any other small particles which can cause irritation or cause infection in the body.