By now, much of the world is under some form of isolation in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19—a worthwhile effort, but one that can create some emotional distress, as well. The constant inundation of emotionally fraught images and information about the disease can drive a dramatic increase in our sense of fear, […]
From cutting back on salt and booze to taking your statins… How to keep your immune system fighting fit and ready to tackle infections Exercise is recommended as a way to boost your body’s immune system Readers should avoid salt as scientists say it reduces white blood cell’s strength It is also recommended that people […]
You might have heard about contact tracing which, when combined with social distancing, has proven a powerful asset in controlling the spread of COVID-19. In short, it means assigning a “contact tracer” to interview each person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. The contact tracer, through painstaking and quick detective work, finds out who else […]
An international collaborative study led by researchers from the NUI Galway provides findings on the neural basis of intelligence, otherwise known as general cognitive ability (IQ). This new research uses an imaging technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to provide an insight into how small variations in this wiring system are associated with differences in […]
The New South Wales government has passed emergency legislation providing the Corrections Commissioner with powers to release some of the state’s 14,034 prisoners. This legislation was introduced in the wake of the global release of prisoners to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the United States has begun to release thousands of prisoners across […]
Always use a digital thermometer to check your temperature. Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended. No matter which type of thermometer you use, take these precautions: Read the instructions that came with the thermometer. Wash your hands with soap and […]
Lactation temporarily changes how a mother’s neurons behave, according to new research in mice published in JNeurosci. Mothers experience profound changes in their body after giving birth, many of which are controlled by the hormone prolactin. Neurons in the hypothalamus called TIDA neurons regulate prolactin secretion as it fluctuates during the estrous cycle. However, during […]
Panic buying of toilet paper, no meat or soap on supermarket shelves, and now an apparent run on medicines such as asthma puffers and children’s paracetamol. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us in ways we’ve never had to deal with before. So Australia has announced measures to help people access their medicines. These include limiting […]
What do stress, loneliness and lack of sleep have in common? They are all factors that can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to COVID-19, according to Rice University’s Christopher Fagundes, an associate professor in the department of psychological sciences who studies the link between mental and immune health. Fagundes is available […]
Your guide to staying healthy (and happy) at home: As millions begin out-of-office working and nation is advised not to go out, here are our must-read tips on how to survive self-isolation Good Health special looks at what you can you do during the lockdown period Experts suggested eating protein, pepping your food and taking […]
