Being a "Night Owl" can damage you

Just by being a "morning person" can lower the risk of mental health issues, suggest a recent study.

Professor Mike Weedon, who led the University of Essex study, with his team, analysed the genes and lifestyles of 697,828 people,and they identified 351 genetic variations linked to being either a "morning lark" or a "night owl".  Those with the most "night" variations were more likely to suffer from issues, including depression and schizophrenia.

He said - "we have provided the strongest evidence to date that "night owls" are at a higher risk of problems".

HMHB can recognise sleep issues, and other factors that mean you sleep later, stay in bed longer, and the mental health issues that support all of that. Our colleagues have had, and still continue to experience, issues around sleep patterns.

Lazza says - "when I had an office job in London I used to be there before 7:30am, and loved it. Getting up early was not problem at all. However, going  through two very deep depressions squeezes the life from you. You become lethargic, do not eat as well, do not exercise as much, and you naturally stay up later and stay in bed longer".

These are all factors that have to be taken into account. We feel if you are happier in yourself you are more likely to want to get out of bed and experience life. Again, we all have a responsibility to manage our physical, mental and emotional health, so that we have the best life possible.

Can brushing your teeth cut Alzheimer's?

"Brushing teeth twice a day slashes the chance of developing Alzheimer's," so a recent study has suggested.

Experts (although HMHB points out that we are not actually told who) found signs of the bacterium 'Porphyromonas Gingivalis" which causes gum disease and tooth loss, in the brain  tissue, spinal fluid and saliva of dead and living patients.  Tests on mice showed the bug spread from their mouth to brain, where it destroyed nerve cells. But a drug put into their food helped treat the infection and prevented further cell death.

Scientists in San Francisco drug firm Cortesyme, intend on launching human trials (and may already have done so).  They said it was the first time anyone had found solid evidence linking the PG bacterium to the development of the dementia disease. It should be noted that Gum Disease affects nearly half the population.

The British Dental Association said "this study offers a reminder that oral health cannot remain an optional extra in our health service".

HMHB agrees. In our first programs we had a visitor from the local Oral Health Team come down and talk about the links between ill health and clean teeth. It was fascinating. We all need to take personal responsibility to look after the whole of our bodies - including our mouths.

Standing for 30 minutes "cuts early death risk"

An eight year study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, involving 7999 participants aged over 45, who wore activity monitors for four days to track and record their sitting and  exercise, has determined that by swapping just half an hour of sitting for any type of activity slashes the risk of early death by up to a third!!  Wow!!

Low intensity movement, such as walking, leads to a 17% drop, while moderate to vigorous activity, such as a spin class or run, is twice as effective at 35%.

The team from Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, in New York, claimed that even bursts of just a minute or two provides additional benefits.

"Our findings underscore an important public health message that physical activity of any intensity, and any length of time, can provide significant health benefits.  If you have a job or lifestyle that involves a lot of time sitting down, you can lower your risk of early death, by moving more often, for as long as you want and as your ability allows. The greater the intensity, the greater the benefit."

It is reported that one in four adults can spend as much as ten hours a day sitting down - and that increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancers.

One of HMHB's core values is to increase the amount of exercise people do in a week, as well as provide awareness of why it is beneficial. We need to provide opportunities for people to move more together as a group, as people are more likely to enjoy it, as well as move for longer.

Obesity is "not a disease" - take responsibility

I love Ricky Gervais - I know his comedy is not for everyone, but I like it. As part of his live shows - do check them on Youtube if you desire - he has a section on "overweight people", and ironically it is about obesity not being a disease.

Now, before I get any comments about various medical conditions that can cause weight to increase in the body - there is dysmorphia, hypothyrodism, insulin issues, etc. I get that, and that can be controlled with medical supervision.

We are talking about the average person - no overriding condition - just the fact they are either overweight or obese, caused by a lack of exercise and a love of food.

I do get it - I am in the process of losing weight - and that is because i was using food as a comfort due to stress and other issues. It was my fault, my responsibility, and it was up to me to take action - and I have lost 6.5kgs since the start of February - Yay!!!

It is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which means you can have treats. Nobody got clim by eating an apple. Nobody put on weight by eating a doughnut. Even a fatty cut of delicious steak is healthy in moderation. (please don't comment if you are vegan).

The current level of obesity in this country is the highest it has ever been. We cannot solve this challenge without individuals taking responsibility for their nutrition and fitness. Research shows that social prescribing of activity and exercise classes - even things like gardening and walking - can lead to greater outcomes than using drugs. HMHB has been saying this for years, and is desperate to offer free opportunities for lower income people to get that intervention.

But obesity is not a disease, and people can feel helpless if they think that, and it may even stop them empowering themselves to actually make a difference in their lives..

Daily probiotic "can cut stress"

Scientists at University College Cork in Ireland gave 22 men aged 18-40 the bacterial culture 'bifidobacterium lomgum 1714' for four weeks.  According to the research, they reportedly became less stressed and anxious.

Researchers therefore claim - a daily capsule of a probiotic could cut stress, promote a sense of happiness, and boost brain power.

It should be pointed out that the research was commissioned by PrecisionBiotics, who just happen to be based in Cork, and have released a new food supplement called Zenflore. This has been dubbed on of the first "psychobiotics".

When HMHB things of probiotics we are naturally brought to drinks like Actimel and Yakult - and yoghurts created by Danone - you have probably seen the advertisements.

According to a "patient info" website:

The fact that worldwide the probiotic/prebiotic market is predicted to be anywhere from $28 billion to $42 billion in the next year tells you everything you need to know about how many people swear by their benefits. But really high-quality evidence is remarkably scarce, not least because the people in the studies are difficult to compare.

Sure, millions of people are convinced probiotics and prebiotics work. But people say the same about medicines, yet wouldn’t dream of taking them unless they’d gone through proper scientific studies to prove it. The placebo effect applies to pro/prebiotics as well as medicines - if people think they’ll work, they’re more likely to report that they feel better.

Because probiotics and prebiotics aren’t subject to the control of drug agencies, they don’t need to go through the same rigorous tests as prescribed medicines. But some companies have done the studies anyway

There is no evidence they do you any harm, so if you want to take them you can. But a good healthy diet should provide you with all you need.

The Posture Test" - for a better life - try it yourself

It sounds complicated - but is very straightforward.

Place on hand behind your shoulder, reaching down your back, palm against your skin and extend your fingers. With your other hand, reach round behind your back, and also extend those fingers. If you can, try and touch the fingers on each hand together, and if possible overlap a little. Ask a friend to measure the distance your fingers are short if they cannot touch (a 'minus' score), or how much they overlap if this occurs (a 'plus' score).

Good posture:                 Your fingers touch or overlap
Average:                         A minus score of 1cm between fingers
Needs Improvement:      Moire than 1cm between fingers

What does this prove?
This text measures your upper body flexibility, as well as any postural decline.
Physiotherapists have found our sedentary lifestyles - where we sit down more than we stand, and we bend over phones and laptops (which incidentally is what I am doing at this very second) - is wreaking havoc on our posture, and the health of our shoulders and back.
If you did not manage a good score, you could be putting yourself at a higher risk of future neck and shoulder problems.
Failure to correct bad upper body flexibility can lead to chronic pain later in life, and even symptoms such as hunchback, limiting movement in general.

How can i improve?
Try some mobility exercise for your upper body. This can be fun, learning about new stretches and hold. Do look at your weight, and diet. Take a good hard look at just how much you move in the day. If you are sitting down a lot, look to shake that up with regular breaks, where you move and stand tall.  Think about how you walk, and if you have a straight back, or walk with a hunch. It is possible to change the way you walk.

"Sit and Stand Test" - for a better life - try it yourself

This is quite a tough one, especially for the older generation and those with physical impairments.

Stand upright and, without using anything to assist you (it is not easy), lower yourself to a sitting position on the floor.  Now, if you thought that was hard, you need to stand back up. However, if you can, try not to use your hands, knees, the sides of your legs, or your forearms.  We told you it was tough!!!.

Starting with a score of ten points, subtract a point for putting any of those on the floor, and take away another point for putting a hand on your knee.

Good fitness:              8-10 points

Average                      4-7 points

Needs improvement   3 or less points

What does this prove?

This covers a multitude of tasks, including your flexibility, measuring your balancing skills, looking at your muscle strength, and ultimately it is said to be a guide to expected life expectancy!! 

Scientists writing in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found those who scored under eight were twice as likely to die within the next six years compared to those who scored higher.  Those who scored three or fewer points were ,ore than five times as likely to die within six years compared to those who scored more than eight points.

(It does not explain the age of people - which has to be a factor too - or their size and shapes - it is obvious to anyone that those who are overweight or obese would struggle more than those of ideal weight, and this can also be a factor in early death).

How can I improve?

Try Yoga. Not only does this exercise regime improve your flexibility and balance, but many of the moves help to strengthen weaker muscles while also challenging your mind to concentrate on the movement of your body. Building core strength is also key.