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Eat This, Not That!
Dr. Fauci Just Issued This “Serious” COVID Warning
With three COVID-19 vaccines being distributed, and cases going down, many cities are relaxing restrictions. Not so fast, warn experts. “Things are tenuous. Now is not the time to relax restrictions,” says Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We cannot get comfortable or give in to a false sense of security that the worst of the pandemic is behind us.” So should restrictions be tightened? Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, shared his answer with Dana Bash on CNN’s State of the Union. Read on to hear what he said—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Dr. Fauci Warned That COVID is Not Over Yet Bash played Fauci Walensky’s quotes from the White House COVID-19 Response Team Briefing on Friday. “I know people are tired. They want to get back to life as normal, but we're not there yet,” Walensky also said. “As you know, Dr. Fauci, many governors across the country are beginning to ease,” said Bash. “Some restrictions that you were just talking about. New York is opening movie theaters, Massachusetts and North Carolina are relaxing capacity restrictions on indoor dining. Is that premature?”“Well, I mean, amen to what Dr. Walensky said,” answered Fauci, “because if you look at the curve”—of cases, he meant—“it's coming down sharply, but the last several days, it's kind of plateaued at around 70,000 new infections per day.” That’s higher than many months last year. Keep reading to see Dr. Fauci’s warning. 2 Dr. Fauci Said We Must Learn From the Rebounds of the Past “Let's look at what history has taught us,” Fauci said. “If you go back and look at the various surges, whenever we hit the peak and start coming down, understandably, totally understandably say, ‘Well, let's pull back.’ We're going to ultimately be pulling back, but you want to get the level of baseline infections day very low. Because if you look at that little plateau, particularly in the arena of having variants, such as we have in California and such as we have in New York, it is really risky to say, ‘It's over, we're on the way out. Let's pull back.’”“Because,” he continued, “what we can see is that we turn up. It isn't hypothetical data because just look historically at the late winter, early spring of 2020 of the summer of 2020, when we started to pull back prematurely, we saw the rebounds.” 3 Dr. Fauci Didn’t Give State by State Guidance But Said Cases Could Rebound “Obviously each individual state and city needs to look at the situation in their own location where they are,” said Fauci. “But in general, to think just because the cases are coming down on a daily basis, take a look at the pattern and just watch over the next several days to a week. If we do this and start coming up, then we're going to go right back to the road of rebounding. So that's the reason why I agree completely with what Dr. Walensky has said.” 4 Dr. Fauci Warned of the New Variants New variants are proving more transmissible, and in some cases, more deadly. “We take them very seriously,” said Fauci. “Two tools you have to address them—continue with the types of mitigations, the public health measures that we talk about all the time.” And the other is to get vaccinated ASAP. “If you prevent that by public health measures and vaccination, you'll dampen the effect of these variants. And that's the reason why we keep saying, keep the public health measures up and get as many people vaccinated as you possibly can.”RELATED: If You Feel This You May Have Already Had COVID Says Dr. Fauci 5 How to Stay Safe During This Pandemic So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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Eat This, Not That!
Dr. Fauci Just Said Which COVID Vaccine to Get
There’s very “good news,” according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: The Johnson&Johnson vaccine will soon be distributed, making it the third coronavirus vaccine available to Americans. However, on CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash this morning, Fauci warned that we’re not out of the woods yet. New variants of COVID-19—born from London, South Africa, Brazil, California and now New York City—are proving more transmissible, and in some cases, more deadly. So which vaccine should you get—Pfizer, Moderna or J&J? Read on to hear Fauci’s response—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Dr. Fauci Says to Take Whichever Vaccine is Available to You First “So according to Johnson&Johnson,” said Bash, “their vaccine was 72% effective in preventing moderate to severe cases in the United States, lower than the 95% efficacy rate for Pfizer and Moderna. So what is your message to somebody who sees that and decides, ‘You know what, I'm going to wait and get Moderna and Pfizer and not get Johnson&Johnson.’”“You can understand that type of a concern,” said Fauci. “But in order to really compare vaccines, you have to compare them head to head. And these were not compared head to head. The message that needs to prevail is that these are three highly efficacious vaccines.” Keep reading to see which one Fauci got. 2 Dr. Fauci Said He’d Take the J&J Vaccine if It Were Offered to Him “I can tell you, I have been fully vaccinated with one that was available,” he said. “It was the Moderna. If I were not vaccinated now, and I had a choice of getting a J&J vaccine now or waiting for another vaccine, I would take whatever vaccine would be available to me as quickly as possible for the simple reason of…we want to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible. So this is good news because we have another very good vaccine in mix.” Keep reading to see why he says it’s more urgent than ever to get vaccinated. 3 Dr. Fauci Said the More Transmissible Variants Mean You Should Get Vaccinated ASAP Fauci was asked about the COVID-19 variants—including a new one out of New York City. “We take them very seriously,” said Fauci. “And the thing that we do know from in vitro, a test tube studies, as well as indirectly from the vaccine—for example, the J&J study in, in other areas such as in South Africa, where there's a different type of a variant—that when you have a variant that diminishes the capability of the vaccine, if you get a good vaccine that has a high titer of antibody, you can not necessarily get the best possible response, but it's still within the cushion of effectiveness, which tells us don't despair about the fact that there are variants.” 4 Dr. Fauci Said You Have Two Tools to Fight the Viruses That said, he reiterated: “We need to take them seriously. But again, two ways and two tools you have to address them—continue with the types of mitigations, the public health measures that we do, that we talk about all the time. I don't even need to repeat them now, you know what they are.” He meant washing your hands, avoiding crowds, wearing a snug mask….“but also to vaccinate as many people as you possibly can, because even when you have variants, the vaccines will be important in spreading and in preventing the spread. You get variants when the virus has sort of like a complete field of going wherever it wants to go, because the people are vulnerable. If you prevent that by public health measures in vaccination, you'll dampen the effect of these variants. And that's the reason why we keep saying, keep the public health measures up and get as many people vaccinated as you possibly can.” 5 How to Avoid COVID-19 and Stay Safe So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
an hour ago
Eat This, Not That!
How You're Ruining Your Vision Without Even Realizing It
You’re staring at a screen right now. And chances are, you don’t know the #1 thing you can do to protect your eyes while doing so. That’s why we wrote this. The truth is that the power is within your sights—diet, lifestyle choices and good eye hygiene have a lot to do with preserving vision as we age. Here’s what top experts say you should focus on. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 You're Getting Too Much Sun "Regardless of where we live or the time of year, sun overexposure is an ever-present danger to our eye health," says Trevor Elmquist, DO, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Elmquist Eye Group in Florida. "We all know about the importance of sunscreen, but many don't consider the harmful effects of UV rays on our eyes."The Rx: "Make an effort to wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking contact lenses and close-fitting, UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and prevent long-term damage," says Elmquist. When shopping for sunglasses, check the label, and only buy shades that block 99 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. 2 You're Not Eating An Anti-Inflammatory Diet "Diet plays a surprising role in vision health, both helping and harming," says Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet. "Refined and processed foods have inflammatory effects in the body, including the eyes. Chronic inflammation can be damaging to the eyes and cause poor vision."The Rx: Ground your diet in lean protein, healthy fats and the full color spectrum of fruits and vegetables. "We should seek to 'eat the rainbow' for more than just our general wellness, but our eye health as well," says Richards. "Fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats, fatty fish, whole grains and low-fat dairy provide the eyes with support they need to prevent damage.""It's true that carrots are good for your eyes," adds Elmquist. "A diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens as well as fish high in omega 3-fatty acids can help protect your vision." 3 You're Not Following the 20-20-20 Rule Several eye doctors told us that if you stare at your phone or a computer screen all day, practice 20-20-20 to reduce eye strain: "Every 20 minutes, look away from screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds," explains Elmquist. And don't forget to blink. "Blinking regularly is also critical for cleansing and lubricating the surface of the eye," he says. "Studies show that we tend to blink less when using a digital device, and the smaller the screen, the less we blink."The Rx: You might need to remember to make blinking a routine. "Each time you get up to use the restroom or go to a meeting, try to do five complete blinks to remoisten your eyes," suggests Charissa Lee, OD, an optometrist and director of education at Johnson&Johnson Vision. "Complete blinking is important to activate your oil glands in your lids and to spread these beneficial oils—and your protective tear film layer—across your eyes." 4 You're Giving Yourself Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) "We unknowingly ruin our vision when we create a lifestyle that speeds up the aging process," says Kellie Blake, RDN, LD, IFNCP, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in West Virginia. Oxidative stress—the process of cell damage that antioxidants prevent—can increase as the body ages, she explains. "If our lifestyle speeds up this process, the delicate tissues of the eye are susceptible to damage, and diseases like dry eye syndrome (DES) can result. DES can cause vision loss if root causes are not addressed, like an inadequate vitamin D level, a nutrient-poor diet, autoimmune disease, medication use and inflammatory skin conditions."The Rx: "We can slow down the aging of our cells and protect our eyes by creating a lifestyle that keeps our mitochondria healthy," says Blake. "Following a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet is critical, but we must also obtain restful sleep, practice mindful movement, and manage stress in a healthy way." 5 You're Using Expired Makeup "Because makeup can come in contact with your eyes, applying expired makeup products means giving an easy passage to bacteria and other infections," says Christine Joy, OD, an optometrist and VSP Network doctor in New York City.The Rx: "As a rule, you should replace your eye makeup every three months to reduce risk of infection," says Joy. "Also, make it a practice to remove makeup every night, and never share your makeup." 6 You're Stressing Out If you're constantly tearing your hair out, your eyes will pay for it. "Unmanaged chronic mental stress takes a physical toll on the body and can be problematic for the ocular system," says Jeanette Kimszal, RDN, NLC, a registered dietitian based in New Jersey. "According to research, chronic stress that cause surges of the stress hormone cortisol can negatively impact the nervous system. When the nervous system isn't functioning properly, it can affect our brain and eyes, resulting in problems with vision."Cortisol also tells the body to hang onto fat, particularly around your midsection. And it's sneaky. Adds Kimszal: "The biggest problem with stress is that someone may not feel they are under stress, but their body could still be pumping out cortisol. This constant stressed state can also deplete the body of needed nutrients."The Rx: Fight stress with exercise, spending time with loved ones, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness. Diet can help: "Vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are needed to maintain healthy vision," says Kimszal. 7 You're Rubbing Your Eyes Your mom was right: Your face really could freeze that way. "Rubbing your eyes too frequently can cause microvascular damage to the small blood vessels under the skin," says Anthony Kouri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center. "This leads to dark circles and puffiness. Rubbing your eyes also causes premature aging to the skin around the eyes, including wrinkles and drooping eyelids."The Rx: Hands off! "Avoid rubbing this area to maintain your youthful look," says Kouri. 8 You're Smoking Smoke getting in your eyes might have inspired a pretty ballad, but in reality, there's nothing romantic about it. "Smoking creates oxidative stress on tissues throughout the body. In the eyes, the areas most prone to this are the macula [an area in the center of the retina] and the lens," says Wang. "The formation of free radicals may contribute to the development of macular degeneration and cataracts, which have been shown to occur more commonly and at an earlier age in those who smoke. Externally, the smoke is an irritant on the delicate structures of the cornea and conjunctiva, which can lead to chronic dry and red eyes."The Rx: If you haven't stopped smoking, what more are you waiting for? See your doctor if you're having trouble quitting; nicotine patches and gums can help. 9 You're Not Getting Enough Sleep "If we aren't getting enough sleep at night, it can accelerate the aging process," says Kouri. "This can lead to bloodshot eyes, dark circles, eye twitching (known as myokymia) and blurry vision. Over long periods of time with inadequate rest, we can experience popped blood vessels due to eye strain. Additionally, we may experience dry eyes which can cause pain, itchiness, and sensitivity to light."The Rx: Experts including the National Sleep Foundation say that adults of all ages should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. That won't just help preserve your vision—it's been shown to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and depression. 10 You're Not Getting An Annual Eye Exam It's a common misconception that you should only see an eye doctor when you notice there's a problem with your vision. "Even though you may think you see fine, it's important to book an appointment with your eye doctor annually," says Lee. "When you go in, they'll make sure to check all aspects of your eye health, including how healthy the front and back of your eyes are. This can help identify potential issues such as Meibomian gland dysfunction—otherwise known as dry eye—early signs of glaucoma, or even things as serious as a melanoma." 11 You Have Untreated Myopia (Nearsightedness) Nearsightedness may seem like a harmless consequence of aging, but "if it goes untreated, it can cause irreversible vision impairment and blindness," says Lee. Genetics can raise your risk, along with lifestyle factors like doing too much near work (reading, writing or screen time) and spending a limited time outdoors.The Rx: "The Environmental Protection Agency reports Americans, on average, spend 90% of their time indoors, so make a conscious effort to spend more time outdoors, especially while the weather is nice," says Lee. 12 You Have Poor Hygiene Keeping your hands and eyes clean is the easiest thing you can do to maintain eye health. "Poor hygiene can increase your risk of eye health issues like infection," says Lee.The Rx: "To lessen this risk you should wash your hands often to lessen the risk of bacteria being transferred to your eyes if you tend to rub them," says Lee. "If you're a contact lens wearer, make sure you're swapping out your case every two to three months, and use solutions made for your contact lenses specifically. Also, do not wear contact lenses in the shower or while swimming." 13 You're Not Wearing Goggles When Swimming You don't want to open your eyes too much in the pool. Really. "Human eyes are not intended to function properly under water, hence the blurriness when trying to see there," says Richard Foulkes, MD, an ophthalmologist and founder of Foulkes Vision in Chicago. "Think about everything that goes into a pool: Chemicals like chlorine, sunblock, sweat, dust, urine can all come into contact with your eyes. Believe it or not, saltwater is actually safer on your eyes than chlorine. If you wear contacts, contamination can be absorbed onto a contact lens, and keeping the lens on the cornea can lead to infections. Any debris can also get caught under the contact lens, causing corneal ulcers or corneal lacerations."The Rx: "Always wear good-fitting goggles when you swim," says Foulkes. And make sure they're snug. "If they don't fit properly, water can leak into the goggles, causing irritation and even leading to infection." 14 You're Using Contact Lenses Wrong "Not disposing of contacts within the recommended time frame and sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of bacterial infection and inflammation in the eyes," says Joy. "Wearing contacts too long during the day can decrease the amount of oxygen to the eye and cause dry eyes or irritation. Swimming or showering in contact lenses is also a big no-no. You can put yourself at risk for a dangerous, sight threatening infection called Acanthamoeba, a type of amoeba that lives in the water, which can get trapped under contact lenses."The Rx: "It is highly recommended to remove contact lenses while swimming, showering or taking a nap," advises Joy. "Make sure to dispose your contacts regularly and give your eyes a break with glasses when you're able to." 15 You're Not Exercising "Your eyes benefit from exercise just as much as the rest of your body. High blood pressure and diabetes can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle," says Joy. Both can contribute to vision problems. "Regular exercise not only helps to prevent these diseases, but also reduces your chances of developing glaucoma. Much like our brain, our eyes need oxygen to maintain an optimal level of performance."The Rx: "Exercising regularly, even a light walk, is a great way to keep your eyes sharp." 16 You're Not Wearing Safety Goggles Forty-five percent of eye injuries occur at home, "often due to inadequate eye protection," says Kouri. "Household hazards include chemicals from cleaning or pool supplies, home improvement projects or hot grease from cooking."The Rx: Better to be safe than (really, really) sorry. "If you're doing a home improvement project or cleaning around the house, it's best to wear protective eye gear," says Kouri. 17 You're Drinking Too Much Turns out the expression "blind drunk" isn't just a turn of phrase. "Heavy drinking can have adverse effects on your eyesight by aggravating and intensifying symptoms of dry eye," says Joy. "These symptoms may include stinging or burning sensations in your eyes, sensitivity to light, redness, discomfort when wearing contact lenses and eye fatigue."The Rx: Experts say men should limit themselves to two drinks a day, and women should stop at one. Not just for your vision, but to cut your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. 18 You're Addicted to Screens "Use of digital devices and cell phones can contribute to significant eye strain," says Ming Wang, MD, PhD, an eye surgeon and founder of the Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. "The strain of focusing for close activities can cause the eyes in some people to lock into near focus, which can cause distance vision to be blurry temporarily. Over time, it may lead to the development of more nearsightedness as the eyes adjust to close focus. This is believed to be part of what is causing rise to the development of more high amounts of near-sightedness among young children in technology-heavy countries like China, Japan, Korea and the United States."The Rx: Follow that 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 feet away. 19 You're Not Drinking Enough Water "It's important to keep the eyes hydrated," says Wang. "The surface of the eye is the first surface that light hits before it makes it to the back of the eye, providing vision. When the surface isn't hydrated, it can cause someone's vision to be very blurry temporarily. Over time, a poorly hydrated surface can form cracks and actually lead to minor scar tissue development, which can cause more permanent blurred vision."The Rx: "A healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and taking breaks when doing reading work are ways to keep the eyes hydrated naturally," says Wang. "If those are not enough, then the use of over-the-counter artificial tears daily two to six times daily can be helpful. If this does not provide adequate relief, seeing an eye doctor is recommended." 20 You're Not Taking Off Your Makeup At Night "For those who wear it, not removing makeup opens the eyes to risk," says Wang. "Bacteria and parasites can grow in the areas along the eyelids and eyelashes. These organisms then secrete toxins which can fall into the eye and contribute to irritation, redness, and itching. Over time, they can cause permanent damage to the structures that secrete tear components (the meibomian glands) leading to chronic dry eye."The Rx: Be sure to remove your makeup each night. And to get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.
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Eat This, Not That!
This One Thing Makes You 2x More Likely to Die From COVID
COVID-19 is unpredictable. When you contract the virus, it can seem like a dice roll whether you'll have only minor symptoms or develop a serious case and need to be hospitalized. People of every age and health status have become severely ill and died from it. Although older people are more at risk for fatal COVID-19, experts say there's one condition—one that's within your control—that doubles your risk of dying of the coronavirus: Obesity. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.Those With Obesity are Twice as Likely to Die From COVID"Being obese, which generally means having a body mass index of 30 or more, decreases lung capacity and is linked to impaired immune function. Obese people diagnosed with Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized, 74% more likely to need an intensive care unit and 48% more likely to die, according to a study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill," per the Washington Post. "Research has also linked obesity to lower responses to numerous vaccines. Meanwhile a U.K. survey found twice as many people put on weight as lost it during the initial pandemic lockdown in early 2020."According to a study published in PLoS One, researchers found that COVID patients with severe obesity (meaning a BMI of 35 or more) were twice as likely to be admitted to the ICU and four times as likely to die of any cause. It reinforces several previous studies that found obese people with COVID are more likely to be hospitalized, to need mechanical ventilation, and to die. In an August study published in Obesity Reviews, scientists analyzed 75 studies and found that obesity (BMI over 30) was associated with a 48% higher risk of death, a 113% higher risk of hospitalization and 74% higher risk of admission to intensive care with COVID-19. The researchers also warned that obesity may reduce the effectiveness of COVID vaccines, because obesity has been found to lower the efficacy of other vaccines.And obesity isn't just associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19—it seems to increase the chance you'll be infected with coronavirus in the first place. One UK study found that being overweight, obese, or severely obese increased the risk of COVID infection by 31%, 55% and 57%, respectively.Why Are People With Obesity at Risk?Obesity has been shown to increase inflammation throughout the body and impair the immune system, which has been associated with a higher death rate from other diseases like influenza. Additionally, people with obesity tend to have higher rates of other health conditions associated with severe COVID."Though definitive reasons for poor COVID-19 outcomes in obesity remain uncertain, patients with obesity are uniquely vulnerable," said Dr. Ana Mostaghim, lead author of the PLoS One study. "They may have independent risk factors [type-2 diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease] for poor outcomes in COVID-19, conditions that are inflammatory and immune-mediated." High blood sugar and diabetes have been linked to higher morbidity and mortality with other coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.Additionally, one aspect of the risk is pure physics: When you're obese, larger fat deposits in the chest wall, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity apply pressure to the chest, meaning that obese people have to work harder to breathe, even when they're healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42.5% of Americans over age 20 are obese, and 73.6% are overweight (defined as a BMI over 25).How to Survive this PandemicAs for yourself, do everything you can to prevent getting—and spreading—COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distancing, only run essential errands, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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Eat This, Not That!
20 Warning Signs You Need to Exercise More, Say Doctors
You know eating nutritious foods and regularly exercising are healthy habits to implement—but it's never been harder to do that than during self-isolation thanks to the coronavirus. Moving your body is the best way to keep your mind healthy, your body lean, and your systems firing on all cylinders. It's also the best way to keep the virus at bay.So, how do you know when the walk from the couch to the fridge isn’t cutting it for daily exercise? Take a look at these warning signs and if any strike a chord with you, it's time to make exercise a daily priority. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 You Get Bad Sleep If you live for caffeine but still feel groggy throughout the day, you may not be getting enough sleep. One reason your sleep is suffering? Not enough movement during the day.If you exercise regularly, you tire out your body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. A study published in Advances in Preventive Medicine analyzed the relationship between sleep and exercise and found that “physical activity promotes improved sleep quality and efficiency.” When you exercise during the day, your quality and the amount of deep sleep you get improves. 2 Your Blood Pressure Is High Whether your doctor warned you about your high blood pressure at your last visit or you tested it yourself at a pharmacy, it should be taken seriously. According to the Mayo Clinic, “The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.”Strengthening your heart is the best way to get your blood pressure under control and that’s precisely what exercise does. "Becoming more active can lower your systolic blood pressure—the top number in a blood pressure reading,” says the Mayo Clinic. By simply adding 30 minutes of regular exercise to your routine, you may be able to avoid blood pressure medications and lower your reading on your own. Apps like Beachbody and Openfit can help. 3 Your Lower Back Hurts If you're spending a ton of time in bed and on the couch, you may find yourself waking up with a stiff lower back on most mornings. You could also start feeling lower back pain throughout the day as you sit at your desk or even at night as you’re sitting on the couch. If you don’t have any underlying conditions that cause back pain, it may easily be eliminated by simply moving more. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed the causes of lower back pain. In most cases, the culprit was—you guessed it—lack of exercise. “The current evidence suggests that exercise alone or in combination with education is effective for preventing lower back pain.” It strengthens your muscles so they can more easily support your back when you’re standing, sitting, or moving. 4 You Always Feel Hungry If you’re not moving, your body shouldn’t need as much food. But it can trick you into thinking it’s not getting enough fuel. If you have a constant appetite but you’re not active, it may be because your body is producing too much ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. In a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicines, some male participants were asked to exercise while others remained sedentary. Their ghrelin levels and appetites were analyzed and the study found that exercise had a “positive effect on reducing appetite which is related to reduced acylated ghrelin responses over time.” Can’t stop eating? Maybe it’s time to start moving so you can regulate your appetite. 5 You Experience Mood Swings You may chalk up your unexpected crankiness or melancholy to the big project your boss just threw at you or the annoying way your spouse hums in the shower. But these mood swings may be due to a lack of exercise and not due to actual emotions you’re feeling.If you’re tired of experiencing these fragile and unexpected mood changes, it’s time to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. According to Michael W. Otto, Ph.D., professor at Boston University, “Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect.” A study published in The Primary Care Companion attributes exercise to mood stabilization due to increased blood circulation and “an influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,” or the part of your brain that creates your physiological reaction to stress. Exercise helps your body stay calm and your mind react more rationally to everyday annoyances. 6 You Don’t Stay “Regular” If digestive problems have you all backed up, exercise may be the answer. If you’re not moving your body regularly, your digestive system just doesn’t have the motivation to continue moving either. According to Harvard Medical School, the colon responds to stimulation and if you’re not exercising, it’s not being stimulated. When your muscles are toned, they can also help ward off constipation because you need them to assist in a successful bowel movement. If you’re dealing with chronic constipation, adding exercise to your daily routine may help alleviate the symptoms. 7 You’re Winded After a Flight of Stairs Even if you’ve consistently skipped your workout for months now, you may still consider yourself “in shape.” But if one flight of stairs has you huffing and puffing, that’s hardly the case. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, keeping your heart strong and making life’s daily tasks easier to tackle. A study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that “sustained physical activity is associated with decreased markers of inflammation, improved metabolic health, decreased risk of heart failure, and improved overall survival.” Add in daily exercise and you’ll be surprised at how easily your lungs and heart handle your next flight of stairs. 8 You’re Pre-Diabetic If your doctor recently diagnosed you with pre-diabetes, don’t panic. There are steps you can take for your health that can still reverse this diagnosis. One important step is exercise. A study analyzed by Duke University Medical Center found that study participants who engaged in moderate exercise (7.5 miles of brisk walking each week) had an average of 7% improvement in glucose tolerance. Follow your doctor's orders for dealing with your pre-diabetic diagnosis, but be sure to add in moderate exercise to your routine. 9 You’re Feeling Stressed and Tense It’s no coincidence that you’re starting to feel more tightly wound at the same time as nixing your daily exercise routine—or leaving the house. You may not have noticed, but moving your body everyday was helping you to deal with stress in a healthy way. According to Harvard Medical School, when the body is enduring physiological stress, it experiences physical symptoms, including muscle tightness, headaches, neck pain, a clenched jaw, and chest tightness. Moving your body or engaging in a quick exercise session “resets” your body’s reactions to stress. While the cause of your stress may not disappear, exercising can eliminate or lessen the symptoms of stress, allowing you to think more clearly and put your issues back into perspective. 10 You Keep Getting Sick If you feel like you’ve caught way more colds this year than you usually do, you can blame a sedentary lifestyle. If you’ve taken exercise and daily activities that require you to move off your schedule, your body’s immune system may not be functioning up to par. A study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science researched the relationship between exercise and the immune system. It found that, “Acute exercise is an immune system adjuvant that improves defense activity and metabolic health.” The study also concluded that “Habitual exercise improves immune regulation, delaying the onset of age-related dysfunction.” If you’re sick of getting sick, add in daily exercise so you can strengthen your immune system. 11 Your Joints Feel Stiff Think a stiff neck and rigid knees are just a sign that you’re getting old? Think again. If you don’t exercise regularly or make sure your body is moving at least 30 minutes each day, it may be the reason your joints are stiffening up. It’s a common misconception that exercise is tough on your joints and can even cause arthritis. The Mayo Clinic actually suggests that arthritis patients engage in low to moderate intensity exercise to improve joint stiffness. Daily exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints and your bones, alleviating some stiffness. If you’re experiencing joint stiffness, don’t mistake it as your body asking for a break. Get involved in an exercise regimen to help your joints feel better fast. 12 You Can’t Focus If you’ve been spacing out in Zoom meetings or scrolling through socials when you should be working on a project, think about how consistent you’ve been with exercise. Losing focus on daily activities is common if you’re not engaging in a solid daily exercise routine. Dr. John J. Ratey from Harvard Medical School extensively studied how exercise can improve learning and focus. He concluded that, “Aerobic exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance on all fronts.” More specifically, it improves alertness and attention while making it easier for you to log new information. Next time you feel your eyes glazing over while staring at a spreadsheet, consider upping your exercise game. 13 You’re at Risk for Heart Disease If heart disease runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk for experiencing a cardiac event at some point in your life. Exercise can help ward off heart disease because it keeps your heart strong and blood circulating. A daily exercise regimen can also reduce certain risk factors for heart disease. According to a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine, “Regular physical activity helps reduce several cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.” Don't just sit around and worry about your risk for heart disease, lower it by moving your body. 14 You’re Having Trouble Breaking Bad Habits Can’t quit smoking? Having trouble saying no to sweets? Can’t quite kick the soda habit? If you’re having trouble breaking a bad habit, adding more exercise into your life may make it easier to say no.A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry examined how exercise helped drug abusers break their addictions. After examining how exercise affected drug addicts’ brains, the study concluded that “enough is now known to begin the process of designing and implementing exercise-based interventions in clinical and at-risk populations.” While you may not be trying to quit using drugs, implementing a solid exercise plan or just a commitment to move your body everyday may be the focus you need to break a bad habit. 15 Your Doctor Diagnosed You as Overweight You may have felt your pants getting a little tighter, but when your doctor specifically referred to you as “overweight,” it was your wake-up call. One of the best ways to shed the pounds is to begin incorporating an exercise routine. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, your daily exercise goals don’t have to be lofty. Only about 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday is recommended to aid in weight loss. 30 minutes is only 2.5% of your day. Make the commitment and you’ll see changes quickly. 16 You Feel Anxious Sweaty palms, racing heart, constant feeling of impending doom…anxiety can ruin your day. If you’ve been experiencing bouts of anxiety more often lately—and who hasn't?—it could be due to a lack of movement. Exercise is known as a way to release anxious energy and leave your body feeling calm and restful. Physical activity produces endorphins and improves mood, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, which is why many psychologists prescribe exercise for patients with anxiety disorders. And the results are dramatic. The association concludes that, “One vigorous exercise session can help alleviate symptoms for hours, and a regular schedule may significantly reduce them over time.” 17 Your Skin Is Dull You’ve stuck with the same skincare routine but you’ve noticed a lackluster dullness. Before you buy a $400 skin rejuvenating cream, take a look at your exercise schedule. If you’re not working up a sweat regularly, your sedentary lifestyle could be contributing to your dull skin.Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York, says that exercise increases blood flow to your skin, which decelerates the skin aging process. This increased blood flow also provides nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, giving it a desirable glow. Move more everyday and you may notice the disappearance of dull skin. 18 You Find Yourself Slouching Your parents always told you to sit up straight and they were right. Having good posture is better for your bones and the alignment of your spine. If you hunch over at your desk for most of the day, or you're lying in bed working, it could be due to a lack of exercise. Without a solid exercise plan, your ab muscles can weaken. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, weak ab muscles lead to postural imbalance, which can cause spinal and bones issues in later years. After experimenting with 88 students on posture correction and exercise, the study concluded that to correct postural imbalance, an “increase of muscle strength and flexibility through regular overload exercise is necessary.” Move your body, build your muscles, and prevent posture problems later in life. 19 Your Blood Sugar Levels Are Off If your routine blood work delivered the shocking news that your blood sugar levels are off, a high-carb diet may be to blame. If cutting bagels and bread from your diet indefinitely makes you want to cry, consider adding exercise to your daily routine. According to the American Diabetes Association, “Physical activity can lower your blood sugar up to 24 hours or more after your workout by making your body more sensitive to insulin.” With a higher sensitivity to insulin, the small amount of carbs you safely add to your diet won’t affect your blood sugar levels as dramatically. Consult with your doctor about exercise recommendations before you add it into your routine. 20 Everyone Else is Lapping You You shouldn’t compare yourself to others. But if you can’t keep up with everyone else on the rare trip out to the grocery store, it’s a warning sign you need to step up your exercise routine.Recruit the very same friends and family members who are in better shape to be your social support system—and start an exercise group online. A study published in the Journal of Physical and Health analyzed 100 adults planning to take on an exercise program. The study concluded that social support was the most important factor when it came to adhering to a 12-month program. If you’re on board for increasing your stamina through exercise, taking on a new routine with a partner may help you stay on track. And to get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.
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Rihanna says this $42 cream is her 'top secret weapon' for fighting dark and puffy undereye bags
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Eat This, Not That!
Dr. Fauci Said “Don't Get Vaccinated” If You Have This Condition
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been doing his best to assure Americans the coronavirus vaccines are safe for one and all. But there is a very small contingent that may have an adverse reaction to the shot, and Fauci was asked about just that this very week. Read on to see who should not get vaccinated—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Dr. Fauci Says If You Are Allergic to an Ingredient in the Vaccine, Then Wait for Another OneDuring a recent Q+A from viewers on CBSN, someone told Fauci they were concerned, given an autoimmune disorder and allergies to some foods, they’d get a “severe anaphylaxis reaction.”“Well, I mean, whenever you deal with a situation with an intervention, as rare as it might be, you can never assure someone that they would not have an allergic reaction,” said Dr. Fauci. “People who have a propensity to an allergic reaction, particularly anaphylactic reaction, have a greater likelihood of getting an allergic reaction to a vaccine.”Fauci said a few months back: “We are very carefully monitoring these things. And when we see something like an allergic reaction, you modify the recommendation and you say that someone who has a history of a severe allergic reaction, that those individuals don't get vaccinated now with this product, or if they do get vaccinated, they do it in a location that has the capability of responding to an allergic reaction. You just don't want to go and get in a place that has no capability.”“But,” Fauci added on CBSN, “if you look at the allergic reactions just recently reported in the scientific literature, there's about between four and five per million vaccinations with the Pfizer and between two and three per million vaccinations with the Moderna. If you do have a history of allergic reaction—if it's an allergic reaction to something you definitely know is in the vaccine, you might want to wait for another vaccine, but if you just have an allergic person in general to foods and other things, you can get vaccinated, but you should do it in a situation where you're in a location where someone can handle and treat an allergic reaction, rather than having it in a place where if you do get an allergic reaction, there was no way for it to be treated, but it is an unusual, not rare occurrence based on the numbers that I just told you.”The FDA Says Those Who Had a Severe Allergic Reaction After a Previous Dose Should Not ContinueAccording to the FDA, which approves the vaccines, “you should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if you: had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine."And the FDA says you should “tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have any allergies have a fever have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system are pregnant or plan to become pregnant are breastfeeding have received another COVID-19 vaccine."So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you (unless you are allergic), and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
3 hours ago
Eat This, Not That!
80% of COVID Transmissions Happen Here, Doctor Says
Late last year, while covering the coronavirus, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta declared on New Day that the country is at a “breaking point” and that things are about to go from bad to worse. In hopes of slowing the spread he also revealed five places where coronavirus transmission is more likely to occur than others. "It's really these five primary locations where 80 percent of viral transmissions are happening in our society,” Dr. Gupta revealed. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Restaurants There is an ample amount of research supporting that indoor dining increases risk of COVID transmission. One September study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Americans who tested positive for COVID-19 were twice as likely to report having dined at a restaurant within the last 14 days. 2 Bars Top health experts – including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Robert Redfield – have both confirmed that bars and nightclubs are two of the most dangerous types of places to visit during the pandemic. Why? They aren’t exactly conducive to mask wearing or social distancing. "Close the bars, open the schools," Fauci revealed during an interview last month. "And that's it and that really succinctly says it." 3 Cafes Even your local cafe or coffee shop isn’t a great place to hang out during the pandemic. Sipping on a drink or chewing on a bagel is tough to do with a mask on. Add that to the fact most people hang out in cafes for an extended period of time — which health experts maintain is a no-no. 4 Hotels According to Dr. Gupta, staying in a hotel during the pandemic isn’t a great idea. Why? Hotels are usually filled with guests from many different places, so even making contact with one of them could be seriously compromising your health. 5 Houses of Worship A number of major outbreaks have been tied to places of worship, such as churches and synagogues. For this reason, the CDC has devoted an entire page to offering guidance for Communities of Faith, urging such measures as mask wearing, social distancing, avoiding communal items, and holding services outdoors. 6 How to Survive the Pandemic—and Save a Life Observe Dr. Anthony Fauci's fundamentals: Wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with, practice good hand hygiene and, to protect your life and the lives of others, and to get through this pandemic without catching coronavirus, don’t miss this essential list: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick.
3 hours ago
Eat This, Not That!
One Major Side Effect of Drinking Tea, Says New Study
More than 159 million Americans are drinking tea on any given day, according to the Tea Association of the USA. What's not to love about tea? It's healthy, light, and also quite delicious.And, if you're a younger woman who regularly drinks the calming beverage, you could be setting yourself up to prevent a major health issue that's associated with menopause.A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who began drinking tea before menopause had significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) after menopause than those who didn't drink tea before menopause. (Related: 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work).Typically, menopause can cause a rapid reduction in BMD. This, in turn, puts older women at risk for conditions like osteoporosis, a debilitating bone disease. During the menopausal period, estrogen levels significantly drop. This drop in estrogen is associated with a process called bone resorption which can lead to osteoporosis.Studies have found that high caffeine intake actually may increase the rate of bone loss in older women. While that sounds contradictory, researchers have pointed out that most of those studies have been done on populations that drink coffee—which typically has more caffeine than tea. For example, one 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, whereas the same size cup of green tea has about 35 milligrams. This new study—which looked at over 1,300 women under the age of 80—found that the link between high postmenopausal BMD and tea drinking was even more significant in women who drank more than four cups of tea per week.The latest research supports an existing body of evidence that drinking tea can help older women retain BMD. Almost two decades ago, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a similar link.The findings also reveal that picking up a tea-drinking habit earlier in life may pay off in the long run. The study found no significant improvement in BMD in women who started drinking tea after menopause.So, why not stock up on some healthy teas next time you're at the grocery store—aside from helping you wind down before bed, it could also help to set you up for a healthier future.For more, be sure to check out 6 Ways Drinking Green Tea Can Add Years to Your Life, According to Science.
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Eat This, Not That!
Every Long COVID Symptom, Ranked in New Study
A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic it became clear that not everyone was fully recovering from the highly infectious virus. In fact, some people, who initially suffered mild to moderate infections, were experiencing curious symptoms several months after the virus had gone away. These people are now referred to as “long haulers” and their condition, long hauler syndrome or Post-acute COVID Syndrome. A new systemic review and data analysis has compiled much of the data collected from long haulers, and put together a comprehensive list ranking their symptoms. Here are the 48 most common long hauler symptoms, ranked from least to most prevalent. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 48 Paranoia One extremely rare but frightening symptom experienced by COVID long haulers is paranoia. According to the surveys examined, 0.3 percent of people suffered from the psychological condition after battling COVID-19. The New York Times recently profiled those who suffered mental health complications after an infection, detailing the paranoia—and even hallucinations—some experienced. 47 Arrhythmia Per the NIH, an arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. “During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm,” they explain. According to the surveys, 0.4 percent of long haulers experience either tachycardia, when a heart beats too fast, or bradycardia, when a heart beats too slowly. "Arrhythmia is caused by changes in heart tissue and activity or in the electrical signals that control your heartbeat,” the NIH explains. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from genetics or injury to disease—including COVID. “Often there are no symptoms, but some people feel an irregular heartbeat. You may feel faint or dizzy or have difficulty breathing.” 46 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event, according to the NIH. Due to the fact that COVID-19, especially in severe cases, can fit this description, it isn’t surprising that 1 percent of long haulers identify with PTSD. 45 Renal Failure COVID-19 can damage many organs, including the kidneys. According to this research, about 1 percent of long haulers report kidney failure. C. John Sperati, MD, MHS., a Johns Hopkins expert in kidney health, explains that some people suffering with severe cases of COVID-19 are suffering kidney damage—some who had no underlying kidney problems before they were infected with the coronavirus. “Many patients with severe COVID-19 are those with co-existing, chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Both of these increase the risk of kidney disease,” he says. There are a number of reasons how the virus can damage the kidneys including an extreme immune response to the virus leading to what is called a cytokine storm, a lack of oxygen, and blood clots clogging the kidneys. 44 Myocarditis Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), usually caused by a viral infection—including COVID-19—per the Mayo Clinic. “Myocarditis can affect your heart muscle and your heart's electrical system, reducing your heart's ability to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias),” they explain. Chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and arrhythmias are all signs of myocarditis, which was reported by just 1 percent of long haulers. 43 New Hypertension High blood pressure (hypertension) “is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease,” per the Mayo Clinic. However, what isn’t common is new hypertension reported by one 1 percent of long haulers. 42 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Mental issues were a common complaint of long haulers. “Adults have a double risk of being newly diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder after the COVID-19 diagnosis,” the researchers wrote, noting that 2 percent complained of obsessive compulsive disorders. 41 Dysphoria Dysphoria is one of the many mental health related complaints of long haulers, defined as “a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life.” According to the surgery, 2 percent of long haulers struggle with it. 40 Mood Disorders Mood disorders were reported by 2 percent of respondents. “Prompt diagnosis and intervention of any neuropsychiatric care is recommended for all patients recovering from COVID-19,” the researchers wrote. 39 Throat Pain The CDC explains that viruses and infections can cause sore throats. While many COVID sufferers report a sore or scratchy throat as an initial symptom of the virus, 3 percent of long haulers report that it lingers long after their initial infection. 38 Stroke A stroke is one of the most severe symptoms reported by long haulers. According to those surveyed, 3 percent with the condition claim to have suffered the medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. 37 Dizziness Feeling dizzy or unbalanced is another neurological manifestation of the virus, reported by 3 percent of respondents. “This may be due to the weakness many patients have after a tough bout with COVID, but any balance or persistent dizziness should be evaluated by a medical professional,” F. Perry Wilson, a Yale Medicine physician and clinical researcher and associate professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, previously explained to Eat This, Not That! Health. 36 Limb Edema According to the Mayo Clinic, edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. “Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs,” they explain. It can be the result of a variety of factors, including medication or an underlying disease, “often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.” According to the survey, 3 percent of long haulers reported limb edema. 35 Sputum Sputum is basically thick mucus, aka phlegm, and was reported by 3 percent of those surveyed. 34 Diabetes Mellitus 4 percent of long haulers reported diabetes mellitus, or a new onset of diabetes. “New-onset diabetes and severe metabolic complications of preexisting diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarity for which exceptionally high doses of insulin are warranted, have been observed in patients with Covid-19,” explained one study surrounding the relationship between the two. 33 Discontinuous Flushing Discontinuous flushing was reported by five percent of long haulers surveyed. “Flushing is an involuntary (uncontrollable) response of the nervous system leading to widening of the capillaries of the involved skin,” reports RXList. 32 Pulmonary Fibrosis According to the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. “This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath,” they explain. The survey found that five percent of long haulers identified with this severe symptom of long hauler syndrome. 31 Red Eyes Pink eye is an uncommon symptom of COVID-19. However, according to those surveyed, 6 percent of long haulers also report that “red eyes” to be an issue. This could be due to the fact that many long haulers experience “lingering sinus congestion and runny nose,” per Dr. Wilson. However, it is just one of many vision related complaints of those who previously battled COVID. 30 Psychiatric Illness As previously mentioned, psychiatric illness has been reported by many long haulers, some of who are forced to seek inpatient care as a result. 6 percent of those surveyed reported psychiatric illness as a symptom. 29 Health Care-Related Mental Health 7 percent of those surveyed reported health care-related mental health issues. This could have something to do with the stress caused by an infection-related hospitalization. Nonetheless, researchers encourage “an increase in mental health attention models in hospitals and communities” during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 28 Chills Just as fever is a common long hauler symptom, so is the chills, which was reported by 7 percent of all those surveyed. 27 Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, according to the Mayo Clinic, is one of the many sleep conditions reported by long haulers. “If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea,” the Mayo Clinic explains. Per the surveys, 8 percent of respondents reported it. 26 Reduced Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Abnormalities in pulmonary function, such as decreased diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, were present among 10% of patients in this meta-analysis, according to the researchers. “Although these findings are not as high as compared to other available studies of survivors with COVID-19 or SARS, where the estimate of lung dysfunction is 53% and 28% respectively, the reasons behind these differences could be distinct follow-up periods, definitions of pulmonary dysfunction, or characteristics of the patient population. Nevertheless, residual radiographic findings or lung function abnormalities require additional investigation on their clinical relevance and long-term consequences,” they write. 25 Sleep Disorder Yes, COVID can even impact your sleep. According to the survey, 11 percent of long haulers identified sleep disorder as a symptom. “Sleep disturbances might contribute to the presentation of psychiatric disorders,” the researchers pointed out. 24 Intermittent Fever Temperature fluctuations—including low body temperature and fever—are commonly reported by COVID long haulers. In fact, 11 percent of those surveyed reported an intermittent temperature spike. 23 Pain Pain in one form or another was reported by 11 percent of long haulers, per the survey. This pain can be in the muscles or joints. 22 Palpitations One of the many heart-related symptoms of long hauler syndrome is heart palpitations—“feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart,” per the Mayo Clinic—reported by 11 percent of those surveyed. “Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them,” they explain. 21 Resting Heart Rate Increase As previously mentioned, heart fluctuations are a common sign of long hauler syndrome. 11 percent surveyed reported an increase in their resting heart rate. RELATED: Simple Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack, According to Doctors 20 Cutaneous Signs According to 12 percent of long haulers, the virus manifests itself in skin and dermatological conditions. Some of them experience pernio/chilblains, or redness and swelling of the feet and hands, which has come to be commonly known as "COVID toes." 19 Weight Loss 12 percent of long haulers claim they lost weight as a result of their condition. This could be due to the fact that many simply lose their appetite, which “might be due to the loss of sense of smell that many patients report,” Dr. Wilson pointed out. 18 Digestive Disorders Digestive disorders—including constipation and diarrhea—were reported by 12 percent of long haulers. “A lot of patients with lingering symptoms report constipation or diarrhea that persists for a few days, then resolves, then returns again,” says Dr. Wilson. 17 Depression Due to a variety of factors, including the physical and mental toll that COVID-19 and long hauler syndrome can take on an individual, it isn’t surprising that 12 percent of long haulers report depression. 16 Anxiety Similar to depression, 13 percent of long haulers report experiencing anxiety. "Ah anxiety, my old friend," says Tessa Miller, author of the book What Doesn't Kill You. "This is such a common symptom of chronic illness that I dedicated a whole appendix (on top of the existing writing within the chapters) to it in the book. The very thing that carries you around the world (your body) has become wild, unpredictable, unrecognizable. Of course you're anxious! You feel irritable and exhausted, like your mind is constantly spinning and you can't concentrate. You can't sleep, or when you do, you have nightmares. You're isolating from your support systems. You're trying to distract yourself all the time to avoid getting at the root of what's making you feel this way. More severely, you might experience panic attacks, which speaking from experience, feel like literal death." 15 Hearing Loss or Tinnitus According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is defined as “ringing or buzzing noise in one or both ears that may be constant or come and go, often associated with hearing loss.” 15 percent of long haulers report a loss of hearing, and according to case reports, sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can be irreversible. 14 Memory Loss Since COVID-19 impacts the neurological system, memory issues are just one of the many neuro manifestations that plagues long haulers. According to the findings, 16 percent report a difficulty remembering things. 13 Chest Pain/Discomfort COVID-19 is known to wreak damage on the lungs and respiratory system, and according to 16 percent of long haulers, chest pain and discomfort plague them long after the virus is gone. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden, sharp chest pains—aka pleurisy—may indicate that the lung walls are inflamed, which can signal pneumonia or other types of infection. “Chest symptoms like cough, congestion, rattling, can persist in some patients,” Dr. Wilson said. 12 Nausea or Vomit There are many digestive complaints from long haulers, including nausea and vomiting reported by 16 percent, likely the result of the gastrointestinal damage wreaked by the initial COVID-19 infection. “Some patients report gastrointestinal symptoms after COVID, like nausea and diarrhea,” Dr. Wilson previously explained. 11 Sweat Temperature fluctuations are a common complaint of long haulers. According to the research, 17 percent complained of the sweats. 10 Cough Another incredibly common long hauler symptom is a cough—which is also one of the main symptoms of an initial infection. According to the survey, 19 percent reported it. The study points out that abnormalities in CT lung scans are also quite common. 9 Joint Pain Joint pain was reported by 19 percent of long haulers. The Mayo Clinic explains that joint pain often arises as a result of inflammation. It has been established that inflammation is common in COVID-19 infections. “Inflammation attacks joint tissues, causing fluid in your joints, swelling, muscle damage, and more,” explains Penn Medicine orthopedic surgeon, Christopher S. Travers, MD. 8 Post-Activity Polypnea According to the survey, over one in five surveyed reported post-activity polypnea—a difficulty breathing after exertion. 7 Anosmia The loss of smell is one of several neuropsychiatric symptoms experienced by long haulers. According to the research, over one out of five (21 percent) long haulers reported it as a symptom. “Some patients still haven't fully recovered their sense of smell months after they lost it during the initial infection,” Dr. Wilson explained. “Many people might not recognize how serious this is, but without smell people may not eat as well, may inadvertently expose themselves to contaminated food, and, more broadly, life just feels less colorful. Though we don't often think about it, smell is hugely important for our well-being.” 6 Ageusia Similar to loss of smell, loss of taste was even more common. 23 percent of those surveyed reported ageusia post COVID infection. 5 Dyspnea Dyspnea is defined as difficulty or labored breathing—aka shortness of breath—and was reported by nearly one in four (24 percent) surveyed. John Hopkins Medicine explains that shortness of breath is when you feel like you can't get enough air or your chest is tight. While this might be normal after a workout or period of exertion, post COVID shortness of breath can occur at any time—even when laying in bed or sitting on the couch. 4 Hair Loss Hair loss after COVID-19 could be considered as telogen effluvium, defined by diffuse hair loss after an important systemic stressor or infection, and it is caused because of premature follicular transitions from active growth phase (anagen) to resting phase (telogen). It is a self-limiting condition that lasts approximately 3 months, but it could cause emotional distress 3 Attention Disorder While this survey didn’t include “brain fog,” they did find that 27 percent of those surveyed reported experiencing a difficulty paying attention after a COVID-19 infection. RELATED: 7 Tips You Must Follow to Avoid COVID, Say Doctors 2 Headache Headache was the most common neuropsychiatric symptom, reported by 44 percent of long haulers. “The etiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients is complex and multifactorial,” the researchers write. “They could be related to the direct effect of the infection, cerebrovascular disease (including hypercoagulation), physiological compromise (hypoxia), side effects of medications, and social aspects of having a potentially fatal illness.”RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to Normal 1 Fatigue Fatigue is the most common symptom of long and acute COVID-19, experienced by 58 percent of long haulers per the research. “It is present even after 100 days of the first symptom of acute COVID-19,” the researchers explain. The symptoms observed in post-COVID-19 patients, resemble chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), “which includes the presence of severe incapacitating fatigue, pain, neurocognitive disability, compromised sleep, symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction, and worsening of global symptoms following minor increases in physical and/or cognitive activity,” they explain. If you experience fatigue or any of the symptoms you’ve just read about, contact a medical professional and tell them you may have Long COVID. There is no cure but you may find relief from certain symptoms. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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Redemption Room review – fear is the winner in scary celebrity gameshow
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Eat This, Not That!
One Major Effect of Working Out Once Per Week, Says New Study
You already know that doing regular exercise regularly is essential for maintaining good health. After all, research has shown that exercise can extend your life, prevent diseases, and help you sleep. Plus, of course, you can't get ripped if you don't work out, right?Well, as it turns out, when you continue to make time to get moving as you grow older, it's not just your body that's going to thank you. A new study has discovered that, for adults ages 54 and over, exercising just once a week can improve cognitive function and protect against dementia.The study, published in the journal Economics&Human Biology, analyzed data from over 16,000 Europeans between the ages of 54 and 75 for a period of 13 years. The results were clear—exercise has a significant impact on mental fitness, especially for women. (Related: 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.)More specifically, the study found that physical activity improved men's brain function scores by 5%, according to the University of Queensland, where the research was conducted. Meanwhile, researchers found, exercise improves women's scores by as much as 14%.Unsurprisingly, the more intense the exercise, the more of an impact it has on mental fitness. When men got both moderate and vigorous activity each week, their scores were 8% higher, while for women, their scores were 15% higher. So basically, per Health Department exercise guidelines, that could mean taking one brisk walk and one jog each week."It is important to understand that this effect on cognition doesn't happen overnight and it is critical to make it a habit," corresponding author Sabrina Lenzen told Eat This, Not That! In an interview. "…I think a great start to modify behavior, especially at older ages, is making small changes…It is critical to find something that you are able to maintain in the long run and that is enjoyable."This doesn't mean, if you're younger than 54, that you're off the hook. While this study specifically looks at exercise's ability to improve cognition as you grow older, there has also been research indicating that exercise can help your brain function throughout your life. Just this month, study results showed that moving your body can seriously improve your attention span.For more on boosting your cognition throughout your life, be sure to check out these 40 Ways to Boost Brainpower After 40 and then, don't miss The Way You Walk Can Predict Your Risk of This Disease, Says Study.
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The Easiest Egg Decorating Ideas For Your Most Egg-cellent Easter Yet

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