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  • Unlocking Optimal Wellness: 8 Essential Health Tips for a Vibrant Life

    Unlocking Optimal Wellness: 8 Essential Health Tips for a Vibrant Life

    Prioritizing your wellness has never been more essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by endless health advice online, take a breath, you’ve just found your clarity

    Understanding Optimal Wellness

    The World Health Organization defines optimal wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

    Optimal wellness is a holistic approach to health, reflecting a state of wholeness where an individual functions well physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually enabling them to fully express their unique potential within their environment. [1]

    A paper featured in Physiopedia noted that wellness is deeply personal and can vary greatly from one individual to another. It is influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and personal beliefs. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that the journey to optimal wellness is unique for each person. By focusing on what makes you feel your best, you can tailor your wellness plan to suit your specific needs and goals. [2]

    Research shows that, to achieve optimal wellness, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses all areas of health. This means paying attention to your diet, exercise routine, mental health, sleep patterns, hydration, stress levels, and social connections. Each of these components plays a vital role in overall well-being, and neglecting any one of them can hinder your progress. [3]

    The Importance of a Balanced Diet

    An analysis appearing in Spring Nature Link documented that balanced diet is fundamental to achieving and maintaining optimal wellness. It provides the essential nutrients needed for the body to function correctly, supports the immune system, and helps prevent chronic diseases. A well-rounded diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups, ensuring that you get a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. [4]

    When it comes to building a balanced diet, variety is key. Incorporate a wide range of fruits and vegetables into your meals, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, provide essential fiber and help regulate blood sugar levels. Lean proteins, including fish, poultry, beans, and nuts, support muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats, found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are crucial for brain health and hormone production. [5]

    Findings reported in AG Salud demonstrated that, while it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense foods, it’s also essential to enjoy your meals and allow for occasional indulgences. Moderation is vital, and a balanced diet should not feel restrictive. By planning your meals, being mindful of portion sizes, and listening to your body’s hunger cues, you can create a sustainable and enjoyable eating pattern that supports long-term health. [6]

    The Role of Regular Exercise in Wellness

    The consistent engagement in physical exercise represents an essential element in achieving optimal wellness. Engaging in physical activity yields a plethora of advantages, such as the enhancement of cardiovascular health, the fortification of muscular and skeletal structures, the elevation of mood, and the improvement of overall energy levels. The integration of regular physical exercise into one’s daily regimen can profoundly influence both physical and psychological well-being. [7]

    Consistency is paramount in the realm of physical exercise. It is advisable to engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly, complemented by muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more occasions throughout the week. It is essential to recognize that the objective is to integrate movement into your daily routine, thus selecting activities that you anticipate with enthusiasm and that seamlessly align with your daily commitments. [8] [9] [10]

    Mental Health: Strategies for Emotional Well-being

    An analysis appearing in IGI Global documented that mental health constitutes a fundamental component of comprehensive wellness and should not be disregarded. Psychological well-being significantly impacts our cognitive processes, affective states, and behavioral responses, and it plays a crucial role in our capacity to manage stress, establish interpersonal relationships, and make informed decisions. Emphasizing mental health necessitates the implementation of strategies that foster emotional resilience and overall well-being. [11]

    One effective strategy for maintaining mental health is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindful movement can help reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and improve emotional regulation. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can develop greater emotional stability and a more positive outlook on life. [12]

    The Impact of Sleep on Overall Health

    Sleep is often overlooked in discussions about wellness, yet it is a vital component of overall health. Quality sleep is essential for physical recovery, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and immune system support. Unfortunately, many people struggle with sleep issues, which can have a significant impact on their well-being. Research highlights that:

    • Emotion regulation and mental health are tightly linked to sleep quality. Poor sleep can impair prefrontal-amygdala connectivity, leading to heightened emotional reactivity and increased risk for mood disorders.
    • Sleep disturbances compromise immune function and increase inflammation, as seen in frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. [13]
    • Consistent, high-quality sleep supports cognitive performance and learning, and its deprivation disrupts attention, working memory, and executive functions. [14]
    • Comprehensive reviews emphasise that sleep health interventions can significantly improve emotional resilience, productivity, and overall well-being. [15]

    Hydration: Why Water is Essential for Wellness

    Staying hydrated is essential because water supports nearly every body function. It helps control body temperature, carries nutrients, removes waste, protects organs, and even keeps your brain working well. Even mild dehydration can cause problems like tiredness, headaches, and trouble focusing. More serious dehydration can lead to health issues such as kidney stones and heat exhaustion.

    A recent review according to Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research confirms that dehydration can impact everything from physical performance and cardiovascular health to cognitive function and recovery after exercise. It emphasizes that proper hydration is especially important in settings like physical therapy, where movement and recovery are key to healing. [16]

    Stress Management Techniques for a Healthier Life

    Stress is part of life, but chronic stress can harm both your body and mind. Learning how to manage stress is crucial for staying healthy and feeling good. By adding simple stress-reducing habits into your routine, you can become more resilient and enjoy a better quality of life.

    1. Relaxation Techniques

    Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery help calm your nervous system. These methods activate the “relaxation response” the opposite of the “fight or flight” stress reaction. With regular use, they can improve your emotional balance and help you cope better over time.
    A study published by Human Movement showed that adding relaxation methods to physical education helped students improve stress coping skills. [17]

    1. Physical Activity

    Exercise boosts feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins and lowers cortisol, the main stress hormone. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or doing yoga, any enjoyable movement can help reduce stress.
    Research published by ScienceDirect also confirms that combining stress management strategies like progressive muscle relaxation with physical activity improves health in people with asthma. [18]

    1. Hobbies and Creativity

    Doing something creative or fun — like painting, gardening, or playing music — gives your brain a break and provides a sense of achievement. These mental “timeouts” help reduce stress and lift your mood.
    A broad review published by Karger found such approaches effective in children, too, improving both emotional and physical symptoms of stress. [19]

    Building Healthy Relationships and Community Connections

    Studies published by SpringerNature Link show that strong relationships and supportive communities are key to living a healthy and happy life. Having people to rely on can reduce stress, boost your immune system, and lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. [20]

    According to Wiley Online Library, these benefits start early in life close family ties and friendships help shape our emotional well-being and make communities stronger [21]. Even in tough environments, like military life, being connected to others improves mental health for both individuals and couples [22]

    According to MDPI, children living in supportive neighborhoods with parks and services helps them grow emotionally and socially [23]

    And for older adults, spending time with younger family members boosts happiness and keeps them engaged in life, according to Goldnclouldpublications [24]

    Preventive Healthcare: Regular Check-ups and Screenings

    Preventive healthcare is a proactive approach to maintaining health and preventing disease. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. By staying on top of your health and addressing concerns before they become serious, you can improve your chances of living a long and healthy life.

    Key Preventive Measures

    • Regular Check-Ups: Annual visits to a primary care provider help monitor vital signs, assess risk factors, and update vaccinations. [25]
    • Screenings: Age and risk-based screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies), are crucial for early disease detection.  [26]
    • Vaccinations: Immunizations protect against various infectious diseases and are recommended throughout life.

    Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

    Lenstapes Med relies solely on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to back the information presented in our articles.

    1. HOLISTIC APPROACH ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS – IJSREM [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://ijsrem.com/download/holistic-approach-on-health-and-wellness/
    2. The Concept of Wellness – Physiopedia [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/The_Concept_of_Wellness
    3. (PDF) Achieving Optimal Health: Nutrition, Fitness, Rest, and Stress Control [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389889020_Achieving_Optimal_Health_Nutrition_Fitness_Rest_and_Stress_Control
    4. Chakrabarty K, Chakrabarty AS. Food Groups, Balanced Diet, and Food Composition. Textbook of Nutrition in Health and Disease [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 30];141–50. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-0962-9_7
    5. Ruiz-López MD, García-Villanova Ruiz B. Fruits and vegetables. Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition: Volume 1-4, Fourth Edition [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];1–4:397–411. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128218488001244?via%3Dihub
    6. Salud AG, Arias JV, Guerrero CC, Gómez Espinoza L, Ángel Enríquez Jácome M, Fredy J, et al. Healthy eating and nutrition, a review of the theoretical aspects of a healthy diet. AG Salud [Internet]. 2025 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];3:112–112. Available from: https://agsalud.ageditor.org/index.php/agsalud/article/view/112
    7. WHO GUIDELINES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR.
    8. WHO GUIDELINES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR AT A GLANCE.
    9. Adult Activity: An Overview | Physical Activity Basics | CDC [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
    10. Bhatt M, Patel M, Bhatt M, Patel M. Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality for Health and Well-Being: Mental Health Treatment. https://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve.aspx?doi=104018/979-8-3693-5493-3.ch008 [Internet]. 1AD Jan 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];129–40. Available from: www.igi-global.com/gateway/chapter/345886
    11. Keng SL, Smoski MJ, Robins CJ. Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clin Psychol Rev. 2011 Aug 1;31(6):1041–56. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273581100081X?via%3Dihub
    12. Almondes KM de, Marín Agudelo HA, Jiménez-Correa U. Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Emotional Regulation and the Immune System of Healthcare Workers as a Risk Factor for COVID 19: Practical Recommendations From a Task Force of the Latin American Association of Sleep Psychology. Front Psychology. 2021 May 20;12:564227. Available from: www.frontiersin.org
    13. Yang Y. Current Perspective on Sleep and Emotion Regulation. Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology [Internet]. 2023 Dec 29 [cited 2025 Apr 30];74:1378–84. Available from: https://drpress.org/ojs/index.php/HSET/article/view/15439
    14. Robbins R, Quan S. Sleep Health. NEJM Evidence [Internet]. 2024 Jul 23 [cited 2025 Apr 30];3(8). Available from: /doi/pdf/10.1056/EVIDra2300269?download=true
    15. JCDR – Dehydration, Health, Loss of fluid [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2024&month=August&volume=18&issue=3&page=42-&id=19944
    16. Urbanska A, Kulmatycki L, Boron-Krupinska K, Torzynska K. Relaxation techniques interventions during physical exercise classes and coping with stress. Human Movement [Internet]. 2018 Jul 26 [cited 2025 Apr 30];19(3):38–47. Available from: https://hummov.awf.wroc.pl/Relaxation-techniques-interventions-during-physical-exercise-classes-and-coping-with,80965,0,2.html
    17. Georga G, Chrousos G, Artemiadis A, Panagiotis PP, Bakakos P, Darviri C. The effect of stress management incorporating progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback-assisted relaxation breathing on patients with asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Adv Integr Med [Internet]. 2019 May 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];6(2):73–7. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958817301416?via%3Dihub
    18. Zisopoulou T, Varvogli L. Stress Management Methods in Children and Adolescents: Past, Present, and Future. Horm Res Paediatr [Internet]. 2023 Mar 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];96(1):97–107. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000526946
    19. Zachariae R. Social Relations and Health. 2020 [cited 2025 Apr 30];383–403. Available from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-52663-4_22
    20. Kozma R. Build Supportive Relationships and Communities. Make the World a Better Place [Internet]. 2023 Apr 25 [cited 2025 Apr 30];267–87. Available from: /doi/pdf/10.1002/9781394173495.ch15
    21. O’Neal CW, Mancini JA, DeGraff A. Contextualizing the Psychosocial Well-being of Military Members and Their Partners: The Importance of Community and Relationship Provisions. Am J Community Psychol [Internet]. 2016 Dec 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];58(3–4):477–87. Available from: /doi/pdf/10.1002/ajcp.12097
    22. Poon BT, Atchison C, Kwan A. Understanding the Influence of Community-Level Determinants on Children’s Social and Emotional Well-Being: A Systems Science and Participatory Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health [Internet]. 2022 May 1 [cited 2025 Apr 30];19(10):5972. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/10/5972/htm
    23. Punitha DrM, P DrS, Shammine MsGL, T MsA, S MsAS, C MrB. A Study on Intergenerational Relationship and Older Adult Well-being. International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management (IRJAEM) [Internet]. 2024 Nov 16 [cited 2025 Apr 30];2(11):3290–4. Available from: https://goldncloudpublications.com/index.php/irjaem/article/view/566
    24. Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? | Chronic Disease | CDC [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html
    25. Preventive care benefits for adults | HealthCare.gov [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/
    26. Why it’s important for you to drink water and stay hydrated [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07
    27. Abdelaziz B. WHO Global Framewrk on well-being and health promotion. [cited 2025 Apr 30]; Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240038349
    28. Unlocking Your Health Potential: 10 Tips for a Vibrant Life: James E Race MD: Internists [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.jameseracemd.com/blog/unlocking-your-health-potential-10-tips-for-a-vibrant-life
    29. Unlock Optimal Health: 10 Proven Habits for a Vibrant Life – WINDY CITY PHARMACY [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://windycitypharmacies.com/unlock-optimal-health-10-proven-habits-for-a-vibrant-life/
    30. Is it okay to eat peanut butter before bed? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peanut-butter-before-bed
    31. Stress Management: Techniques to Deal with Stress [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/stress-management
    32. Maximizing Health Potential: The Key to a Vibrant Life – Today Environment News [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://todayenvironmentnews.com/maximizing-health-potential-the-key-to-a-vibrant-life/
  • Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment – What You Need to Know

    Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment – What You Need to Know

    Have you ever returned from a hike, spotted a tiny tick on your skin, and thought, “Should I be worried?” You’re not alone. In a study published by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 500,000 Americans diagnosed annually.

    Lyme disease has indeed become the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, according to The Journal of Infectious Diseases with significant increases in reported cases over recent years.

    What Is Lyme Disease?

    Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused primarily by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (and in Europe/Asia, sometimes Borrelia afzelii or Borrelia garinii). It is the most common vector-borne disease in North America and Europe. The infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis in the U.S. and Ixodes ricinus in Europe).

    In an article published by U.S. Pharmacist, it was noted that Lyme disease named after Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified in 1975, now spans across much of the U.S., particularly in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. Tick season peaks from April through October, but cases can occur at any time of the year.

    What Causes Lyme Disease?

    Lyme disease is caused by infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, transmitted via bites from infected black-legged ticks. The risk increases with outdoor exposure in tick-endemic areas, especially during warmer months.

    These ticks become infected after feeding on small animals like mice or deer, which act as natural reservoirs for the bacteria. For the infection to be passed to a human, the tick must typically be attached for 36–48 hours.

    Is Lyme Disease Contagious?

    No. Lyme disease cannot be spread from person to person.

    You cannot contract it through:

    The only way to get Lyme is from the bite of an infected tick.

    Symptoms of Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease symptoms progress in stages often beginning with a bull’s-eye rash and flu-like illness, and potentially advancing to involve the nervous system, joints, or heart if untreated. Prompt medical care is key to avoiding serious complications.

    Early Stage (3–30 days after tick bite)

    • Bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans) in 70–80% of cases
    • Fatigue
    • Fever and chills
    • Body aches
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Headache
    • Joint pain

    Later Stages (days to months after infection)

    • Severe joint swelling and pain (especially in knees)
    • Facial palsy or drooping
    • Additional rashes
    • Lyme carditis – irregular heartbeat
    • Dizziness, shortness of breath
    • Neurological symptoms: brain inflammation, nerve pain
    • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

    Can Lyme Disease Be Fatal?

    While Lyme disease is rarely fatal, severe complications can occur, especially if the infection is left untreated. Deaths from Lyme disease are extremely uncommon, but in rare cases, it can lead to life-threatening cardiac or neurological complications. Most people recover fully with prompt antibiotic treatment.

    What Does the Lyme Disease Rash Look Like?

    The Lyme disease rash, known as erythema migrans (EM), typically appears in the following ways:

    1. Shape and Size: The rash often has a circular or oval shape. It may start small and expand gradually. It can range in size from a few inches to several inches across.
    2. Bull’s-eye Appearance: A classic feature of the rash is its characteristic “bull’s-eye” or target-like appearance. The rash has a central red spot with a clear or lighter-colored area in the middle, surrounded by a red ring.
    3. Color: The rash is usually red, but it may also appear pink or darker depending on skin tone. The outer edge of the rash might be slightly raised and swollen.
    4. Location: It often appears around the site of the tick bite, but it can appear anywhere on the body, commonly on the thighs, groin, armpits, or upper arms.
    5. Symptoms: The rash is usually not itchy or painful, but it may be warm to the touch. It typically appears 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may last for several weeks.

    Not everyone with Lyme disease develops this rash, and it might be subtle in some cases. If you notice a rash like this and have had a tick bite or exposure to areas where ticks are common, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

    Is Lyme Disease Curable?

    Yes, Lyme disease is generally curable, especially when diagnosed and treated early. According to Health.com, the tick-borne illness can be treated with antibiotics, and most people are cured within two to four weeks.

    The typical treatment involves a short course of oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, which can effectively clear up symptoms in most cases. The exact drug, dosage, and duration a healthcare provider prescribes depend on factors like your age and health history.

    How to Prevent Lyme Disease

    Preventing Lyme disease primarily involves reducing the risk of tick bites. Here are some effective measures to protect yourself:

    1. Avoid Tick-Infested Areas: Stay on cleared, well-traveled paths when hiking or walking in wooded, grassy, or bushy areas, as these places are more likely to harbor ticks.
    2. Use Tick Repellents: Apply insect repellents that contain DEET (for skin) or permethrin (for clothing and gear) to reduce the risk of tick attachment.
    3. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier.
    4. Check for Ticks Regularly: After being outdoors, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and pets. Pay close attention to areas like your scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
    5. Shower After Outdoor Activities: Take a shower or bath within two hours of being outdoors to help wash off any ticks that may be crawling on your skin.
    6. Tick-Proof Your Yard: Keep your yard tidy by mowing the grass regularly, clearing brush, and creating barriers such as wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and recreational spaces. If possible, keep play areas away from tall grass or shrubs.
    7. Treat Pets for Ticks: Use tick prevention treatments on pets, such as collars, topical treatments, or oral medications, as they can carry ticks into your home.
    8. Remove Ticks Promptly: If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull straight upward with steady, even pressure.

    Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

    Lenstapes Med relies solely on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to back the information presented in our articles.

    1. MedlinePlus – Lyme disease.
    2. Britannica – Lyme disease | Definition, Cause, Rash, & Treatment | Britannica
    3. CDC – How Lyme Disease Spreads | Lyme Disease
    4. UpToDate – Patient education: Lyme disease symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
    5. Mayo Clinic – Lyme disease – Symptoms and causes
    6. Health.com – Lyme Disease: Cures and Treatment
    7. NIAID – Lyme Disease | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
    8. Patient.info – Lyme Disease (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)
    9. Cleveland Clinic – A Tick Bite That Causes a Meat Allergy
    10. Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Tickborne Disease – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    11. Oxford Academic – Lyme Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology in the United States: A Historical Perspective | The Journal of Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic
    12. U.S Pharmacist – Lyme Disease
    13. Wikipedia – Erythema migrans – Wikipedia
    14. NEVBD – Blacklegged Tick – NEVBD
    15. IDPH – Lyme Disease Information for Clinicians
    16. Healthline – Is Lyme Disease Contagious? How It Spreads (and How It Doesn’t)
  • Scientists Develop Pill that Monitors Vital Signs

    Scientists Develop Pill that Monitors Vital Signs

    Scientists have developed a pill that can monitor vital signs from inside the body. The pill, known as the Entero Phone or physiological status monitoring (PSM) pill, contains special microphones that pick up the sounds of the heart and lungs, as well as a tiny thermometer that measures core body temperature. It is the only pill of its kind that can track three vital signs at once. The pill is designed to be swallowed and is capable of monitoring heart rate, respiration, and core body temperature. The prototype has been successfully tested in pigs, and the researchers plan to conduct human trials in the future. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring, allowing for remote tracking of vital signs and early detection of health issues.

    spilled-pills-from-a-bottle

    The pill that monitors vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and core body temperature, works through innovative technology embedded in an indigestible capsule. The capsule, which is the size of a multivitamin, contains microphones to pick up the sounds of the heart and lungs, a thermometer to measure core body temperature, and a battery for power. As the capsule travels through the digestive system, it can track these vital signs with high accuracy. The captured data is then transmitted at regular intervals to an external receiver, allowing for real-time monitoring and the potential for triggering alerts in case of abnormal vital sign readings. The capsule is designed to be excreted from the body a few days after ingestion. This technology has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring, enabling remote tracking of vital signs and early detection of health issues.

    Sources

    1. Harvard University (2023). A pill that monitors your vital signs. April 19, 2016. Avaliable at https://hms.harvard.edu/news/pill-monitors-your-vital-signs[Accessed: December 27, 2023]
    2. Popular Science (2023). A Pill That Monitors Your Vital Signs. May 18, 2016. Available at: https://www.popsci.com/swallow-pill-to-monitor-your-vitals/ [Accessed: December 27, 2023]
    3. Inside Precision Medicine (2023). Wireless Pill Can Monitor Vital Signs from Stomach. November 17, 2023. Available at: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/precision-medicine/wireless-pill-can-monitor-vital-signs-from-stomach/ [Accessed: December 27, 2023]
  • Success achieved with the first-in-class oral anti-cancer drug, Inobrodib, by CellCentric and Sygnature Discovery.

    Success achieved with the first-in-class oral anti-cancer drug, Inobrodib, by CellCentric and Sygnature Discovery.

    An integrated project team at Sygnature Discovery worked collaboratively to design, synthesise, and support the pre-clinical development of Inobrodib, a new, first-in-class oral anti-cancer drug being developed by CellCentric.

     

    What are Androgens?

    Androgens are ‘male hormones’ including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. They carry out their actions through a receptor called Androgen Receptor (AR), which is expressed on many cell types and therefore plays crucial roles in the development and function of many systems in the body including the reproductive, musculoskeletal, immune, and cardiovascular. Owing to the diverse function of the AR in different cells, defects in its mediation have been implicated in the development and ‘drug-resistance’ of some cancers in the prostate, bladder, liver, kidney, and lung.

    How Inobrodib works

    Inobrodib lenstapes med

    What Inobrodib does is it binds to two proteins that are needed for the activation of AR. The targeted blockage of Cyclic adenosine monophosphate Response Element Binding protein (CREB-binding protein, CBP) and E1A-associated protein p300 (p300) means that the growth of cancers in AR-positive cells could be inhibited.

    This is a major breakthrough because the proliferation of many cancer cells that rely on AR/P300/CBP activation such as in prostate, lymphomas, and lung, bladder, and breast cancers may effectively be inhibited.
    Top of it all, Inobrodib can be taken orally!

     

    Congratulations to the team at Sygnature Discovery and CellCentric!

  • LESSONS OF 2021 NOBEL PRIZE

    LESSONS OF 2021 NOBEL PRIZE

    Bring 2021 Nobel Prizes into the classroom!

    From receptors for temperature and contact to organocatalysis. A compassionate voice of the consequences of colonialism to efforts to protect freedom of expression. Understanding complex frameworks to new bits of knowledge about the work market.  Now you can show your students the accomplishments granted the current year’s Nobel Prizes in a straightforward manner.

    Choose a lesson that covers all of the rewards for 2021 or a session that focuses on a single prize category. They can be found here: https://bit.ly/3macaqm

  • CERTAIN BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER MEMORY

    CERTAIN BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER MEMORY

    The blood-brain barrier shields the brain from toxic substances. While some medications are able to cross this defensive wall and cause memory problems, some medications for the treatment of high blood pressure appear to be linked with better cognitive function.

    In a study published in the August 2021 issue of Hypertension, researchers assembled information from 14 observational studies of nearly 12,900 adults ages 50 years and older with high blood pressure. It looked specifically at people who took either angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for the management of their condition. There are many types of drugs within these two classes, some of which are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

    After three years on their medication, those who were on an ACE inhibitor (such as lisinopril) or an ARB (like candesartan) that crosses the blood-brain barrier, scored higher on memory recall tests, when compared with those who took a different drug in the same class that doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier.

    High blood pressure is a risk factor for a decline in cognitive function and dementia in older adults, and treatment with lifestyle changes and all types of blood pressure medications can lower the risk. But these findings suggest that certain blood-brain-crossing blood pressure drugs may offer additional brain benefits.

     

    Source: Harvard health publishing

  • ARE YOU HAVING FREQUENT MIGRAINES? FATTY FISH MAY OFFER SOME COMFORT

    ARE YOU HAVING FREQUENT MIGRAINES? FATTY FISH MAY OFFER SOME COMFORT

    People who suffer from chronic migraines could find relief by eating more of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and trout.

    A clinical trial in the July 3, 2021, issue of The BMJ involved 182 people who averaged about 16 headache days per month with attacks lasting more than five hours each.

    Study participants were randomly assigned to one of three diets: One was high in EPA and DHA (1.5 grams total per day) from fish and also high in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid found in corn and soybean oils and some nuts and seeds). Another diet had high EPA and DHA and low linoleic acid levels. The third was a control diet high in linoleic acid and low in EPA and DHA (only 150 milligrams total per day), a ratio that reflects the average American diet.

    After 16 weeks, those who ate the diets high in EPA and DHA had 30% to 40% fewer headache days per month and headache hours per day than people who had a lower intake of these omega-3s.

    Source: Harvard Health publishing
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