It looks like we don't have any news for this title yet. Be the first to contribute.

IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.

Read more from the original source:
"Synchronicity: Mind Body Soul" Conscious Evolution with Barbara Marx Hubbard Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious ... - imdb

BEFORE YOU BECAME YOU, your entire being was wrapped up in just two cells: your mothers egg and your fathers sperm. Yet the dance between these two resulted in an embryo, a ball of cells that differentiated into specialized cells that would grow to become your heart, your gut, your fingers, and all your other parts. The

The reason for such cooperation comes down to a cellular form of intelligence, says evolutionary biologist and physician William B. Miller, Ph.D. Hes co-author of the book, The Sentient Cell: The Cellular Foundations of Consciousness, published in January 2024, which proposes a radical new way of thinking about some of lifes tiniest components.

Miller is among a small but growing group of scientists who believe we should no longer think of cells as passive robots that automatically follow a code of instructions, carrying out orders from our genome like mindless drones. Instead, they say, the roughly 37 trillion cells that make up our own bodies are consciousand that life and consciousness began at the same time.

Its a revolutionary idea, Miller tells Popular Mechanics, but assuming cells have a form of consciousness can give us a better understanding of complex processes. These include cellular communication and decision-making, and even the motivation behind an embryonic cell specializing into a specific organ. While its not widely accepted among scientists, this concept of existential consciousness will profoundly transform the way we approach cellular bioengineering problems like tissue regeneration, provide a different perspective on finding cures for diseases like cancer, and even help us survive on Mars, Miller says.

Now, in a May 2024 paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Miller and his fellow authors argue that random chance did not govern the concept of natural selection; thats what the 1850s naturalist Charles Darwin, known for establishing the theory of evolution, thought. Instead, the authors contend that a form of cellular consciousness actually drove lifes evolutionand its the reason behind all of lifes existence.

CONSCIOUSNESS, AT THE LEVEL OF THE CELL, cannot produce a human beings own, complex thoughts, feelings, and sensations; a cell doesnt have the capacity for abstract thought. But heres how it does work, says Miller: Imagine a typical situationdaylight in a cells environment hits the cells external membrane and passes through it. The cell measures that light signal internally, forming a piece of information about the light. Because it has to analyze it internally, that becomes an experience as the cell analyzes the light to support the state it prefers to be in [to fulfill its function], Miller says. While that example is of a bacterial cell, all cells absorb various data from their surroundings, analyze them, and make decisions about the actions they should take, such as producing a hormone, or moving in a particular direction, perhaps toward the light.

From early in lifes history, cells of all kinds have combined their skills to further a common goalto keep on living and reproducing. Cells have formed colonies. Its very much like a city that we humans might engineer. It has nutrient channels, an outside and an inside, a collective metabolism, Miller says. For example, microbes collaborate with each other. Theyre codependent, trading resources as well as competing. In order to make this ecology flourish, each of these cells is taking intelligent action. Theyre communicating with one another, and both individually and collectively deploying resources. Thats problem solving and decision making. Thats cognitive action, and its one element of consciousness, he says.

Its still a hard concept to swallowthat bacteria and other microorganisms are conscious on any level. To animals like us, consciousness is due to a complex nervous system.

However, Miller and his fellow authors see this higher, human form of consciousness as a natural property our cells createtogether with the more than 10 trillion essential microbes that are a part of our bodies. Every aspect of the consciousness that Im experiencing is a simultaneous aggregation of the consciousnesses of all of my body cells and all of those microbes working in tandem, coordinating so seamlessly that I feel like Im one individual, he says.

Before exploring that idea further, its important to understand one thing: We are holobionts, because we consist of our own host cells and the ones we live with in symbiosis, or mutual cooperation. In particular, we live in symbiosis with a bacterial, viral, and fungal population of cells. In other words, our cells and our microbes mutually benefit one another.

The evolutionary science of the hologenomethat we co-evolved with our microbiomesays that evolution led those first cells to continue forming different kinds of habitats in order to survive and thrive; hence, the development of plants, animals, and fungi. Were a constellation of habitats, says Miller, who spent decades studying the human microbiome and has written several books on the hologenome. He compares human bodies to a successful engineering project for ever more complex groupings of diverse cells living together and adapting to changing environments over millions of years. A form of cellular consciousness has been with us since life first emerged, 3.5 billion years ago. They were able to multiply into abundant varieties of bacteria, amoeba, and then more complex organisms because of their particular awareness. Today, your brain, microbiome and the cells of your gut work together as a community of cells to create your sense of consciousness.

We are a rich, wonderful, delightful environment for cells, he says. So, we bear a resemblance to the first biofilm [microbial colony]. We are one end result, along with every other creature that can be seenwe are a particular solution to a set of biological cellular problems.

The authors of The Sentient Cell arent alone in hypothesizing that our microbes, the bacteria and viruses in us, have a great deal to do with our consciousness. Various studies show that our own cells communicate with our microbiome, and that our brain, gut, and microbiome are deeply entangled, forming a complex system. Besides being responsible for our health, these complex interactions contribute to our higher level consciousness, according to a 2020 paper in the peer-reviewed Inquiries Journal.

HOWEVER, NOT ALL SCIENTISTS who study the biology of life are convinced that cells are conscious. Cells respond to both chemical and physical signals, including pressure from surrounding cells. The cells of a developing embryo know, for example, when their number has grown to 400. At this exact point, the group begins to separate into three axes that determine the bodys final orientation: front and back, left and right, up and down. They know how to differentiate themselves into the tissues that will become your organs and other parts. Cells are the architects of the organism, cell biologist Alfonso Martnez Arias, Ph.D., tells Popular Mechanics.

His work shows that a persons genome is a toolbox for the cell to use as it may. Yet we cannot presume that a cells behavior is due to consciousness, says Martnez Arias, who spent 40 years at the University of Cambridge researching how a fertilized egg can become an individual with billions of specialized cells.

While cells exhibit behaviors that you could call a sort of intelligenceresponding to other cells and their environmentthe crux of the problem is that its hard to define consciousness, he says. With cells, there is some kind of computation going on, with an output that can be predicted. I think increasingly, there is evidence that cells have capacities that are not encoded in the genome. For instance, the ability to pick and choose from the toolbox of genes that give us our ultimate characteristics. Through experiments, researchers have been able to study cell responses to different chemical and physical stimuli, such as exposing them to a chemical compound that would cause the cells to produce a different compound. So we are able to communicate with them, but we do it badly. But I think we are learning their alphabet, were learning their language, Martnez Arias says. He hopes that continuing such investigations will lead us someday to knowing what makes cells tick.

Conventional resistance to labeling cells as conscious comes from defining consciousness from a human point of view, Miller believes. We compare our own consciousness to the capacity of other animals, such as the mosquito or the lion. And the more you look, the more you realize that our form of consciousness, with its own intelligence, is different from other animals, [so our view is skewed]. A cells consciousness is more elemental, a simpler form of cognition, he says.

Heres a practical reason to treat cells as conscious, Miller says: Once we realize that cells are creative and intelligent problem-solving materials, we can treat them as partners in designing better biomedical therapies and solutions. By studying their motivations and decision-making, well find more ways to manipulate cells, such as interrupting their processes. For example, cancer cells communicate with each other and with non-cancer cells in the body. We are finding promising cures for some cancers that break down the communication cancer cells use in their efforts to propagate and form tumors. This type of directed immunotherapy leaves patients own healthy cells undamaged, unlike chemotherapy, or radiation, which damages healthy cells too.

Were already taking advantage of cell behavior to engineer microbes that eat plastic. Such creative solutions in the future wont be possible if we treat cells as robots without preferences, Miller says. Well even understand how to explore space better. For example, the radiation levels on a journey to Mars are too high to survive. One of the solutions could be figuring out a way to strengthen our cells against dangerous radiation. Miller believes a study of how cells themselves could engineer an adaptation to radiation would help.

Before joining Popular Mechanics, Manasee Wagh worked as a newspaper reporter, a science journalist, a tech writer, and a computer engineer. Shes always looking for ways to combine the three greatest joys in her life: science, travel, and food.

Read the original post:
Every Single Cell in Your Body Could Be Conscious, Scientists Say. That Could Rewrite Everything We Know About ... - Popular Mechanics

On Saturday, February 24, 'The Symbolism of Tarot' by P.D. Ouspensky will be presented at the iocisto bookstore in Naples. The translator Eva Serio will have a conversation with... Gi abbonato? Accedi qui!

OFFERTA SPECIALE

OFFERTA FLASH

ANNUALE

49,99

19 Per 1 anno

MENSILE

4,99

1 AL MESE Per 3 mesi

OFFERTA SPECIALE

OFFERTA SPECIALE

MENSILE

4,99

1 AL MESE Per 3 mesi

- oppure -

Sottoscrivi l'abbonamento pagando con Google

OFFERTA SPECIALE

Leggi l'articolo e tutto il sito ilmattino.it

1 Anno a 9,99 89,99

oppure 1 al mese per 3 mesi

Rinnovo automatico. Disattiva quando vuoi.

On Saturday, February 24, 'The Symbolism of Tarot' by P.D. Ouspensky will be presented at the iocisto bookstore in Naples. The translator Eva Serio will have a conversation with Maurizio Pacelli, Paquito Catanzaro.

In bookstores since last November 10, 'The Symbolism of Tarot' is a small and successful classic dedicated to the 'philosophy of occultism through images and numbers'.

Republished by Eva Serio in the historic series 'The Mirror of Silvia' of the Colonnese editions.

In this agile essay - enriched by the traditional illustrations of the Major Arcana - Ouspensky clarifies that tarot cards are not a trivial means 'to predict the future', but should be considered a real 'narrative through images' of an initiatory journey to undertake to grasp the meaning of life and its deepest mysteries. From card to card, the learned and inspired philosopher introduces the reader to the charm of a symbolic language that serves to suggest new insights, spur reflection and look beyond the 'wall built by our conceptions of the world'.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated

Read the original here:
Presentation of 'The Symbolism of Tarot' by P.D. Ouspensky in Naples - Il Mattino - English Edition

OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma City Indian Clinic a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is promoting mental and physical health for children of all ages.

Every Kid Healthy Week will be observed April 24-28 to encourage families to take action and improve the health and wellness of their children. Here are five fun ways to get your family started on the path to better health.

Take brain breaks:A brain break is a quick physical activity that allows your brain and body to reset after a long period of hard mental work. This can include yoga, jumping jacks or even a short dance party. Both children and adults can benefit from brain breaks, so try out different activities to see what works best for your family.

Cook a healthy meal together:Giving your children an age-appropriate kitchen task, like setting the table or stirring a bowl, builds confidence and encourages adventurous eating. Remember to eat meals together with no distractions so you can enjoy your meal. Find low-cost, healthy recipes here:okcic.com/programs/sdpi/okcic-cooking/

Get plenty of exercise:In addition to benefiting your overall health, exercise produces stress-relieving hormones. Pick an activity your family enjoys and incorporate it into your daily routine. One unique way to ensure your family gets enough physical activity is to track each family members steps, then crown a champion at the end of the day. There are various activity apps that track that information for you and give you an option to compete between friends and family automatically, including Samsung Health, FitBit and more.

Explore the outdoors:Spending time outside can improve your mood and attention span. Visiting local parks or hiking trails are a great way for families of all ages to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather. Dont forget to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before spending time outdoors.

Sign up for health and wellness programs near you:OKCIC offers a variety of youth camps, after-school programs and fitness and health education classes for all ages. These programs offer exciting and educational experiences for patients. Learn more:okcic.com/programs/hpdp-health-promotion-disease-prevention/.

Read the original:
5 ways to celebrate 'Every Kid Healthy Week' | Health ... - Cherokee Phoenix

Traveling can be beneficial for health, but there can also be challenges when it comes to eating a balanced diet, staying active, and protecting against travel-related illnesses.

People who travel frequently may find that jet lag, sudden changes in diet, or sitting down for long periods makes it difficult to follow their usual routine. However, there are ways to continue taking care of ones health while traveling for work or leisure.

Read on to learn more about staying healthy while traveling, including how to eat a healthy diet, exercise, reduce stress, and more.

Before traveling, there are precautions people can take to stay healthy. This may include:

Eating in a balanced way while traveling can sometimes be challenging. It may help to try:

Food safety is also an important consideration. Some of the foods that are usually safe to eat while traveling include:

Some of the options that carry a higher risk include:

It can be easy to forget to drink enough water while in transit. Visiting hot climates can also increase thirst. Drinking enough water is important for preventing dehydration.

When traveling, a person can hydrate by:

In some locations, tap water is not always safe for travelers. Even if the water looks clean, it can contain germs that cause water-borne diseases.

Factory-sealed bottled water is a safer option and may be the most convenient. People may need to use this exclusively for their drinking water while in some parts of the world and avoid swallowing any water from faucets.

Other drinks that may be safe include:

People should avoid:

People can also disinfect tap water by:

Frequent or long-haul travel can make it more difficult to exercise in a regular routine. Similarly, jet lag can interfere with a persons ability to get to the gym or do fitness classes when they land.

Some tips that may help with this include:

Sitting still for long periods can also increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs. People can help prevent the development of clots while traveling by:

Travel can be stressful at times. This might be due to disruption in daily activities, culture shock, language barriers, and unexpected situations.

People can reduce stress while traveling by:

Additionally, people may find it helpful to have an extra day or two away from work when they get back so they can adjust to being home.

Between 43 and 79% of people who visit low- or middle-income countries experience travel-related illnesses. Most travel-related illnesses are mild, but they can be disruptive. In some cases, people require medical help.

Some examples of conditions people may experience while traveling include:

Most travel-related infections appear soon after returning home, but some can appear after several weeks or months, depending on their incubation period.

People can take steps to avoid these illnesses by:

Speak with a doctor if any unusual or severe symptoms develop during or after travel.

Travel can be beneficial to a persons well-being, but it can also require precautions that help people stay healthy while in new places.

Depending on the circumstances, people may need to adapt their diet, exercise in different ways, or consult a healthcare professional to help prevent certain illnesses before they travel.

People who would like tailored advice, or who have chronic conditions that require ongoing management, can speak with a doctor or travel health specialist about this.

Read more:
How to stay healthy while traveling for work or vacation - Medical News Today

On August 3, 2023, four-time Mr. OlympiaJay Cutlerwill turn 50. For his birthday, thebodybuildingicon is doing a body transformation. While the former champion last competed a little over a decade ago, he has maintained his physique. However, Cutlers objective is to get in the best shape humanly possible at his age. Earlier today, the 49-year-old revealed hell be starting a 12-week transformation program and sharing it with his fans. Shortly after posting the video, Cutlers friend and former rival,Ronnie Coleman, commented on his Instagram video.

The eight-time Mr. Olympia has battled numerous health issues after retiring. While he still works out in the gym, the 58-year-old asked for some advice from his former bodybuilding rival.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Cutler addressed his followers on social media in the video he shot on his way back from a leg day session.I have a big journey in front of me,said the four-time Olympia, alluding to his birthday body transformation.In 10 days, Ill be 12 weeks from my transformation,added Cutler. Ive been talking about this as you know, I turn 50, (on) August third, so Im doing a 12-week program,announced Cutler. Jay also said he would share his journey on all social media platforms. Besides social media, Cutler will also use his newsletter,Jay Mail, to give updates and some tips and urged his fans to follow it.

Hearing Jay Cutler willing to dish out some tips, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie The King Coleman commented on his post.I need some tips too, Im getting old,wrote the 58-year-old. Unlike Cutler, who has kept his health, Coleman has faced a plethora of health issues after retiring.He has had 13 surgerieson his neck, back, and hips. He also suffers from spinal cord issues, and all this has left Coleman on crutches.

However, his champions spirit has proved indomitable. Even at 58, Coleman regularly workouts and remains a student of the craft to which he dedicated his life. The humble champion has no qualms about asking for tips from a fellow champion. However, Coleman isnt the only one showing humility.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While the four-time Mr. Olympia exudes confidence, Cutler admitted that a transformation program at 50 isgonna be a challenge.In the video, Cutler said,So everyone thinks Im a total expert in body transformation. Ill be honest, Im a little rusty.

However, the bodybuilding icon is humble in his approach.Im not going to be you know exactly what I used to be but Im going to be the best I can,said Cutler. The 49-year-old also acknowledged that while hell face challenges, he said,Im going to push myself,and hopefully inspire his fans along the way.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story | 4X Mr Olympia Jay Cutler Amazes Fans with Jaw-Dropping Shoulder Workout

While Cutler ended the video by saying he appreciates his fans, Itll be interesting to see if he has some exclusive tips for The King.

More here:
Im Getting Old: Having Battled Through Harrowing Health Issues, The King Ronnie Coleman Requests Fitness Tips From Rival Jay Cutler -...

Your smartphone may bring the world to you today but when science has a face-off with myths in daily life, it is still usually myths that triumph. Many, sometimes passed down through generations, ratified and amplified by social media, are now accepted as facts of life. Who hasnt heard that you can increase your height by hanging from bars or that drinking a glass of warm water in the morning helps in fat loss? We put 16 such popular myths under the microscope.

There is no scientific evidence to back this, says Amite Pankaj Aggarwal, director and head of the department of orthopaedics at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. Krishan Chugh, director and head of the department of paediatrics at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, Haryana, agrees: Age-appropriate weight-lifting as a strengthening exercise under expert supervision does not result in stunting." In fact, there are really no downsides as long as you are careful and smart about it, says Dr Aggarwal, adding that one should only start when children begin to understand the importance of training effectively.

SIMILAR STORIES

Children actually stand to benefit if they start strength training early. A safe resistance-training programme helps children and adolescents improve body composition, build muscle strength, muscle power, muscular endurance, bone strength, flexibility, physical performance, cardiovascular health, injury resistance, psychosocial well-being, apart from promoting good exercise habits, says Rajesh Parameswaran, head coach and founder of The Den Strength and Conditioning studio in Bengaluru.

Again, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, says Dr Aggarwal. A lot of factors determine heightfrom genetics to diet to muscle strength. Those who go out and play sports like basketball or football are more likely to grow stronger because they are actually running around and are being able to use all their bigger muscles. So, it really is a combination of things and cannot be attributed to a single activity like doing pull-ups or hanging from a bar," explains Poonam Sidana, a neonatologist and paediatrician at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Swimming is one of the best exercises out there, says Dr Sidana, because it ensures that all the big muscles are used and it strengthens the core. But swimming alone wont make a child grow taller. The strength that a kid gains from swimming can impact the height positively but there is no isolated factor which can help children become taller. It depends on their genes, their food, their lifestyle and the amount of time they spend moving," she adds.

Height varies slightly through the day due to the compression and decompression of the cartilage discs in the spine, explains Dr Aggarwal. By decompressing your discs, some of these activities could temporarily increase your height to a very small extent. However, this wont actually help increase your height, as any changes are quickly reversed," he adds.

This is far from true. Women are built differently and it is very difficult for them to gain big muscles and bulk up. Women have more oestrogen and men have more testosterone. And hence weight lifting will apply differently for both sexes. Due to the low levels of testosterone, women can never become like Arnold Schwarzenegger, not even close," says Shwetambari Shetty, a Cult.fit/descrip/where fitness expert. I have been lifting heavy weights for a decade now. I still wear XS-sized clothes and I am still petitebut toned and well defined." Shetty says weight training does bring a host of benefits: building strength, reducing the risk of joint pain and injuries in old age, reducing risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia. It also improves metabolism, helping you to burn fat, adds Shetty.

Both doctors and fitness experts agree that walking is one of the best exercises. But they dont see eye to eye when the question is: Is it enough exercise?" It is for Vaibhav Daga, head of sports sciences and rehabilitation at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Brisk walking is one of the best exercises as it is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. It is recommended to have 150 minutes of moderate to 75 minutes of severe activity weekly to lead a healthy and active lifestyle," explains Dr Daga, also a sports medicine consultant. Walking is also very effective when it comes to building a baseline cardiovascular fitness level and a great form of exercise, especially for those who have not previously been active, says Rajeev Verma, consultant and head of the department of joint replacement and orthopaedics at the HCMCT Manipal Hospitals in Dwarka, Delhi. Walking prevents diseases that affect our mental health and some heart-related conditions. About 30 minutes of walking a day can help you make progress towards your weight loss plus, its a comfortable and familiar form of exercise," says Dr Verma.

While it is exercise enough to safeguard your health, walking may not be enough to achieve fitness goals. Gagan Arora, Delhi-based celebrity coach and founder of Kosmic Fitness studio, says it should be a stepping stone to exercises such as running, strength training and the like that will help your fitness.

Sweating out is a sure-shot way to lose weight but not if you are sweating buckets because of a break from the air-conditioning or layering up to make yourself sweat. In fact, layering up to sweat a little extra while exercising can be harmful. Neither wearing a sweatshirt nor jacket will help to lose weight," says Bikky Chaurasia, consultant for internal medicine at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Only the sweating which occurs through workouts and exercise helps reduce weight. Wearing jackets and sweatshirts is likely to cause a vitamin D deficiency as our body becomes less exposed to sunlight."

While fitness coaches steer clear of this debate as they have classes and clients at all times of the day, doctors agree that the most important thing is getting the workout and exercise done. Theres so much conflicting research out there on the optimal time to workout that I would suggest to pick a time and stick to it. It will help the biological clock of your body. Being consistent is the key to improve performance or get results," says Dr Daga.

Regardless of the time of day you exercise, you will achieve gains in cardiorespiratory fitness and strength if done regularly," says Dr Aggarwal.

Just think about how you breathe while swimming. You inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose. If you get tired, its because of the strain of swimming, not because you are breathing through your mouth. People consume same amount of oxygen while exercising and running whether they breathe through their nose or mouth. However, the respiratory rate, or number of breaths per minute, is lower when you breathe through your nose, says Dr Aggarwal. This means it takes less work to consume the same amount of oxygen while breathing through your nose, which could potentially improve athletic performance and endurance," he adds. While breathing through your nose is more efficient, breathing through the mouth may at most leave your mouth dry.

Well, it is true that crunches will tone your midriff and help your abs pop but there is a caveat: Your body fat percentage should be extremely low, roughly 8-14%. In people with low body fat, the ab muscles are already visible and when they do crunches, the abs become defined and the sought after six-pack" starts showing. Others wont see any abs because they are getting toned underneath a layer of fat, which doesnt get toned or tamed. They must first burn the fat sitting atop the abdominal muscles, through as cardio, sprints, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and strength training and complement it with proper nutrition. While crunches do improve core strength, other exercises, such as planks, Russian twist, hollow rock hold, hollow rock, L-sit and L-hang, may be more effective.

The notion that exercising immediately after eating is unhealthy or not advisable is believed even by gym trainers, fitness enthusiasts and health professionals, says Deeksha Ahlawat, a senior dietitian at the HCMCT Manipal Hospitals.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim," she says, but adds that waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour after a meal before engaging in physical activity is clinically recommended. What we eat goes through a process of digestion it is broken down into smaller components and absorbed into the bloodstream. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on what and how much you have eaten and your digestive system," adds Ahlawat.

Contrary to popular belief, exercising after eating does not harm the body or hinder digestion. In fact, studies have shown that exercising after a meal can have several benefits, such as improving blood sugar levels, enhancing metabolism and aiding digestion by increasing the blood flow to the digestive system, which can improve nutrient absorption," she notes.

But how much you eat and when should decide your workout, say experts. Eating a large meal or too much just before exercise can divert the bodys energy to the digestive system, reducing the energy available for physical activity. Trying to exercise on a full stomach can be painfully uncomfortable and lead to cramping, bloating, sluggishness and nausea," warns Dr Daga. Stick to a small pre-workout snack.

Theres no direct correlation, says Dr Aggarwal. Most of the time, flu, cold or cough are caused by a virus, he adds. So, ice doesnt make you sick, its other people. Most people catch a cold from a virus, which is generally passed from person to person whenever a sick person coughs or sneezes all over the place. The tiny mucous particles escaping your body contaminate whatever is around them, causing whoever is close by to potentially fall ill," says Dr Verma. In fact, ice would be a good treatment for sore throat as it has a cooling effect on inflamed tissues, he adds.

Bhakti Samant, chief dietitian at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, admits this is a common belief. But that is not the case," says Samant. It is a good habit to start your day with a glass of water but its temperature doesnt matter, especially not for weight loss. There is no scientific data to back the idea. What a glass of water does is, it kick-starts your metabolism first thing in the morning. While warm water can have several benefits, like soothing your throat, flushing out toxins, relieving constipation, weight loss is questionable." For weight loss, balanced meals and a good exercise routine would help, says Dr Aggarwal.

This is a classic example of social media wisdom, says Samant. A microwave oven works by using electromagnetic waves to agitate the water molecules in food; this, in turn, generates heat and cooks the food. As a matter of fact, a microwave oven cooks or heats food quicker. Loss of nutrients while cooking is not unique to microwaving alone. Nutrients can be lost through any form of cooking, including boiling, frying or baking," says Ahlawat. The less the food gets exposed to any source of heat, the less the loss of nutrients. In fact, microwave cooking helps to better preserve the heat-sensitive nutrients in our food due to quicker cooking," adds Samant.

The nutrient content in any food depends on a variety of factors, including the type of food, how it is prepared, and how it is cooked. Microwaving is generally a safe and healthy way to cook food without significantly impacting its nutrient content," says Ahlawat. What really kills the nutrients in food is repeated reheating. So, stop doing that.

Milk is definitely a superfood for babies aged up to six months, but it is certainly not so for adults, says Amit Gupta, senior paediatric consultant at the Fortis Escorts Hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. Too much milk could lead to digestive and gastrointestinal issues and leave you feeling bloated, uneasy and nauseous. Many people cannot tolerate lactose and milk could disturb their digestion and release enzymes in the bloodstream which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Too much milk could even leave you feeling fatigued, sluggish, and your skin prone to breakouts, including acne.

Ahlawat says the powerful dairy industry lobby has successfully promoted the idea that milk is essential for health and that we need to consume large amounts of it to meet our nutritional needs. Milk does, of course, provide multiple nutrients: protein, calcium, several B vitamins, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D, potassium and phosphorus, says Samant. But while milk does contain a high amount of calcium, other foods, such as leafy greens, almonds and tofu, can provide this essential nutrient, notes Ahlawat, adding, Some studies have shown that consuming too much milk can actually increase the risk of bone fractures."

There are clear downsides. Milk is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease. Some people have an allergic reaction to the proteins in milk, which can cause symptoms such as hives, swelling and difficulty in breathing. Many commercial dairy farms use antibiotics and hormones to increase milk production, which can have negative effects on both human and animal health," warns Ahlawat. Simrun Chopra, founder of Nourish With Sim (descrip), suggests limiting milk intake to a glass a day and having yogurt for a second dairy helping.

Gin gets its distinctive taste from juniper berries. It was a very popular drink in the colonial era, when it would be mixed with tonic water, which contains quinine, and consumed widely. The quinine was used as a pre-emptive strike against malaria. It is widely believed that a high intake of gin could result in lower testosterone levels and impotency, says Samant. However, there is limited scientific data available to prove this and hence further research is needed," notes Samant, adding, Alcohol, when consumed in larger quantities, can lead to low count and poor mobility of sperms." So, the problem isnt juniper berries or gin but excessive drinking and that causes more harm than merely affecting sperm count and mobility.

Our forefathers believed that drinking water immediately after a meal dilutes acids released by the stomach that help in digestion, weakening the Jathar Agni", notes Samant. As per modern nutrition science, this is not true." In fact, water aids in the breakdown of nutrients, leading to better digestion. It also helps in keeping gut health issues like constipation at bay, adds Samant. If you drink too much, though, you may feel bloated or too full.

See the original post here:
16 fitness myths that need to be busted - Mint Lounge

I've always loved gym classes (opens in new tab) - you know, the kind where you lift heavy weights and get your heart rate up. Something about being in a gym, for me, motivates me to push myself and smash my workout.

I'll admit this isn't the norm, in my friendship circle at least (most of my friends much prefer home workouts (opens in new tab) or getting a sweat on from the comfort of their homes). But for me, there's nothing more empowering than plugging in my headphones, ignoring the world and lifting heavy weights in a dedicated gym or studio.

So, when I went to Mexico to work remotely for six weeks earlier this year, I wasn't sure how I'd fare. Realising I'd be gymless (a good problem to have, sure), I was worried about how I'd take time for myself and my body without a gym within walking distance.

That's where the FIIT app (opens in new tab) came in, arguably one of the best fitness apps (opens in new tab) with over a million downloads to date. I landed on the app - which is jam-packed with over 1,000 follow-along home workout videos FYI - as it's one of the top-rated fitness apps on the Apple store. With everything from yoga for beginners (opens in new tab), to arm workouts (opens in new tab), to Pilates exercises (opens in new tab), the app really does offer every kind of workout, and the sessions are delivered by some of the world's best personal trainers and coaches (think Gede Foster, Laura Hoggins, Adrienne Herbert, and more).

I was apprehensive about putting my training in the hands of the app - so, would I finally begin to enjoy home workouts and even see my fitness improve over the six weeks? Keep scrolling to find out - and don't miss our guides to the best running apps (opens in new tab), best weightlifting apps (opens in new tab), and best yoga apps (opens in new tab), while you're here.

Founded in 2017, the app was designed from the belief that we should all have access to the crme de la crme of fitness classes from home. Given how expensive some boutique fitness studios are in London, taking the same expert trainers that worked at these state-of-the-art studios and putting them on an app for people to follow along in their own time and for less money was in genius and ahead of its time.

Now, of course, we're very used to fitness apps, largely thanks to the pandemic when brands scurried to have digital wings to their bows. But FIIT was already there with some of the best content and hasn't stopped growing since, with profits rising 30% every year.

Not to mention the fact that people have clocked that home workouts can be as effective as sweaty gym sessions, more time-effective, and a more realistic option if you're a busy CEO, time poor parent, or simply don't want to commit to a gym membership.

So, what should you expect from the app? Well, there are a vast variety of classes for every experience level. When I first opened the app, I was pleased to find I could filter by workout style, equipment, workout length, trainer and my experience, from beginner to advanced. (Also great if you only have five or ten minutes, as you can get a good sweat on with only a small amount of time).

When you click on a workout, you can see a class breakdown of every exercise in the video, so if you want to avoid a certain move for injury or hatred, you can before you start.Clicking play on the video, you have the opportunity to pair the heart rate monitor that comes with your subscription, which measures your calorie burn as well as the number of reps you completed during your session.

Then you're off - your instructor will welcome you and take you through five minutes of warm up exercises (opens in new tab) before moving on to the main workout.

Fun fact: you can also participate in live classes, following along in real-time with the instructor and other participants to compete for the most reps - great for if friends of yours have the app and you fancy scheduling classes together from the comfort of your own homes.

I find exercise hugely beneficial for reducing my anxiety, as well as being essential for my physical health and comfort. Plus, after just a few days in Mexico, I realised that, while beautiful, working from beachfront cafes is dreamy but not the best for your posture, making me even keener to get moving in a bid to unfurl my tight muscles.

Day one and I'm impressed - FIIT is affordable, easy to use, and even easier to follow. Trying a mix of yoga poses (opens in new tab), bodyweight exercises (opens in new tab), and no kit home workouts (opens in new tab) over my six-week test, I was pleasantly surprised that I was getting the same satisfaction from the home workouts as I usually do from exercising in a proper gym, full of heavy weights and expert equipment. I quickly discovered that FIIT is designed for people who already love exercising as much as it is for beginners, which means the advanced workouts are almost as tough and rewarding as training in the gym.

Come week two and I'm loving the variety of the workouts. I'm an intuitive exerciser who likes switching up between Pilates, strength and high intensity interval training (opens in new tab) depending on my mood and energy levels, and did this for the entirety of my six weeks. I'm sure you'll agree that any programme with only one type of training can feel limiting to me, so I found it great that FIIT has so many choices depending on what I fancied doing.

Week three and I'm a convert. I liked that for the strength and HIIT classes, there's usually an intense finisher at the end of your session, great for getting your heart rate up and a sweat on, even if you only have ten minutes to spare. Similarly, all workouts offer dedicated warm up and cool down exercises (opens in new tab) which so many home workouts skip, key to avoiding injury and looking after tired, post-workout muscles.

Fitness writer Chloe Gray testing the FIIT app while abroad

(Image credit: Chloe Gray)

After six weeks of testing the app, I can confidently say that FIIT is one of the best home workout apps I've tried. It's definitely worth trying out if you're on the hunt for a home workout you'll both stick to and look forward to - one of the best parts being that the app is designed for everyone, whatever your workout of choice or fitness ability. I did head to the gym a few times while away, I still followed along with their sessions, simply adding weights or equipment (there's the option of gym workouts on the app, too).

So, any cons of the app? In all honesty, I've been scratching my head trying to find a downside to FIIT. While I haven't continued to use it quite as religiously since returning home to my usual workout routine, I have followed some of the bike classes as I've found it the perfect way to add some cardio into my workouts without signing up for an hour-long, expensive studio spin sessions.

All in all, FIIT was the perfect home workout and travel companion and I'll definitely continue to use it. The fact that it offers both home and gym workouts means you get the best of both worlds and options for every occasion. I'd also recommend FIIT to those who love home workouts year-round or want to mix up their workout routine.

Everyone who signs up to FIIT receives a fourteen-day free trial. Then there are two levels of subscription you can continue with:

To use FIIT, you need the app, a workout mat and one of the best sports bras (opens in new tab). Optional equipment includes:

Visit FIIT.tv (opens in new tab) to download the app or find out more.

Read more here:
I finally found an app that made me look forward to home workouts ... - Marie Claire UK

FEELING STRONG ENOUGH to go sleeveless to show off the big guns is a go-to gym goal. If you're coming up short on your triceps training, however, you're not going to be able to show off even half of what you're hoping for when you throw on a cutoff. You need an exercise that flips the scriptlike the lying dumbbell triceps extension.

Achieving maximum arms gains requires a three-headed attack approach to your triceps musclesthe lateral, medial, and long heads. No matter how many reps of pushdowns and skullcrushers they knock out during workouts, however, many people miss out on hitting the long head of the triceps.

The long head of the triceps isn't just needed for that desired arm symmetry; it's also responsible for day-to-day movements such as elbow and shoulder extension. This is where a major move such as the dumbbell lying triceps extension should come into play if you really want to build up your arms.

The lying dumbbell triceps extension is visually similar to a host of other exercises; pullovers, skull crushers, and even seated triceps extensions come to mind. What separates the dumbbell lying triceps extension is that it hits all three triceps muscleswhile also allowing for a greater stretch to the long head of the triceps than other exercises.

The lying dumbbell triceps extension is also a little more shoulder friendly, and you actually get some core work as well. Another advantage, according to Mens Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., you can personalize the movement according to your training style and mobility limitations to help pack on additional arm size.

The best part of it to me is at the very top of the dumbbell lying triceps extension, your triceps are working overtime, Samuel says. This is a great exercise for just about anybody who wants to grow their arms. If you want big triceps, you want this move in your routine.

You're isolating your triceps muscles, so they'll be the main focus of the exercise. But you'll also be forced to keep up your core integrity, too.

The lying dumbbell triceps extension is a valuable accessory movement for all types of trainees. "If you want big triceps, you want this move in your routine," says Samuel.

You'll need a dumbbell and a bench to do the dumbbell lying triceps extensions.

To perform this move, ideally you want your upper arms to form a straight line with your torso without arching your back as you bring the dumbbell over and behind your head. Doing this requires you to keep your ribcage down to the bench and keeping your abs tight.

Problem is, not everyone has that that much of midsection mobility to completely eliminate the arch. By lying on the bench, we have some luxury of getting feedback that were keeping our abs nice and tight during the moveor not. And from a personalization standpoint, thats a reason why this move separates itself from many other triceps exercises.

The lying dumbbell triceps extension will torch your tris, and its one exercise you can add to many different areas of your training routine. It can work as a legitimate opening or second exercise on triceps day, or it can even stand alone on a push day, when either chest or shoulders dominate the workout.

Keep the reps on the high side. Three to four sets of anywhere from 10 to 15 reps should do the trick. For this exercise, packing on as much load as possible isnt the objective. Still work to get that maximum stretch at the bottom of the move while working to keep your elbows tight to your torso as possible.

Jeff Tomko is a freelance fitness writer who has written for Muscle and Fitness, Men's Fitness, and Men's Health.

Brett Williams, a fitness editor at Men's Health, is a NASM-CPT certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts, and running. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.

Continue reading here:
How to Do the Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extension for Arm Workouts - Men's Health

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Apr 24, 2023, 18:00 IST

Urine consists mainly of water and should generally be odorless, according to health experts. However, sometimes urine takes on a certain odor which can be because of varying reasons. An odor in urine is usually not a bad thing. However, it can be a cause of concern, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as blood in the urine or a burning sensation while peeing. Frequent trips to the bathroom could also indicate that there is a problem. If your urine is accompanied by a strong smell of ammonia, it can be a sign of a UTI.

Cystitis is a urinary tract infection which leads to bladder inflammation. It is usually caused by bacteria from poo getting into the urethra (tube that carries urine out of your body). This can happen from having sex, wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet, urinary catheters, kidney stones, being pregnant, enlarged prostate gland in men, menopause, diabetes and/or a weakened immune system.

Advertisement

According to the NHS UK, cystitis can lead to:

For women, a distinct fishy odor could be caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV). This fishy smell comes from the vaginal discharge which is usually grayish-white, thin, and watery in this condition. Bacterial vaginosis is usually not serious, but you should see your doctor for proper treatment if you have it. According to health experts, you will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Expand

Go here to read the rest:
3 types of urine smells indicate THESE risky health problems - Times of India