Health

Perimenopause is often seen as a late-life transition, but it can begin in the 30s. This phase, which leads up to menopause, brings a spectrum of unexpected experiences. For Thai women, understanding these changes helps interpret health signals accurately and seek appropriate care.

Many Thai readers associate menopause with a sudden stop in periods in the 50s. Yet new insights show perimenopause can start before 40 and last several years. An obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in reproductive endocrinology notes that irregular cycles, hot flashes, and mood swings are common but frequently overlooked signs.

A recent study challenges the belief that high-intensity workouts are the quickest path to weight loss for women over 50. Researchers found that walking at a slower pace can significantly boost fat loss in this group. The findings appear in Nutrients, published in January 2022.

The study followed 25 postmenopausal women over 15 weeks, with all participants walking about three miles four days a week. Sixteen women continued the program for 30 weeks. Results showed that leisurely walkers averaging 3.2 miles per hour for roughly 54 minutes daily lost about 2.7 times more body fat than those who walked faster at 4.1 miles per hour for around 45 minutes.

A recent study has overturned the common belief that high-intensity workouts are the best way to lose weight, especially for women over the age of 50. Surprisingly, it turns out that walking at a slower pace significantly boosts fat loss for this group, according to research published in the journal Nutrients in January 2022.

The study tracked 25 postmenopausal women over a period of 15 weeks, with all participants adhering to a consistent walking regimen of about three miles, four days a week. Of these, 16 women extended their participation to 30 weeks. The results were compelling: women who walked at a leisurely pace of 3.2 miles per hour for approximately 54 minutes each day lost 2.73 times more fat than those who sped through their walks at 4.1 miles per hour for about 45 minutes.

In India, the “pot belly” was once seen as a mark of affluence and success. Considered synonymous with aging gracefully or living a life of ease, it was a common archetype reflected in novels, films, and even cartoons. However, what was once a cultural depiction of prosperity has transformed into a major health concern. With India ranking second globally in obesity rates as of 2021, according to a Lancet study, an alarming 180 million Indians were categorized as overweight or obese. This number is projected to skyrocket to 450 million by 2050, nearly enveloping a third of the nation’s estimated population.

Our bodies produce various substances, each having its own purpose, even if some, like earwax, may seem bothersome. Despite the common urge to clean it out, experts suggest most people do not need to remove earwax, emphasizing its role in ear health. According to Dr. Erich P. Voigt of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, earwax acts as a natural barrier against infections and water, providing lubrication that prevents the ears from drying out and itching. This is pivotal information for Thai readers, where humid conditions often lead to concerns about ear hygiene. The evolutionary advantage of earwax as a “conveyer belt of skin,” as explained by Dr. Lawrence R. Lustig from Columbia University, highlights how the body’s natural processes typically eliminate earwax. The secretion migrates outwards, mixed with oils from the ear canal, providing a self-cleaning mechanism obviating the need for manual cleaning source.

A new health conversation points to yoghurt as a simple, everyday dietary option that may help lower bowel cancer risk. Researchers and journalists emphasize the potential gut-health benefits of yoghurt, especially as colorectal cancer cases rise among younger people.

Recent observations show colorectal cancer rates increasing, with a notable uptick among those under 55. Experts link part of this trend to ultra-processed foods. In contrast, yoghurt—a source of beneficial bacteria—may support a healthier gut microbiome. The microbiome is a complex community in the digestive system that influences digestion, immunity, and cancer risk.

In a critical breakthrough for dietary health, incorporating yoghurt into your daily breakfast routine may significantly lower your risk of developing bowel cancer. This advice comes from Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, who shared his insights on The Conversation website. As colorectal cancer cases surge, particularly among individuals under 55, yoghurt emerges as a promising dietary intervention to counter this trend.

The alarming rise in colorectal cancer—more than doubling among younger populations—has been linked, in part, to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. However, recent research highlights the protective potential of yoghurt, which Professor Stebbing attributes to its beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract plays a pivotal role not only in digestion and immune function but also in mitigating cancer risks.

A landmark meta-analysis, reported in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that pairing statins with ezetimibe for high-risk patients dramatically lowers mortality and heart-related events. The research, led by experts from the Polish Lipid Association, is the largest analysis of cholesterol management to date and points to meaningful gains in preventing cardiovascular disease worldwide.

The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where heart disease remains a leading killer. The study pooled data from 14 clinical trials, involving more than 108 thousand participants who had a history of heart attack or stroke or were at high risk. Compared with statin therapy alone, the combination of statins and ezetimibe reduced overall mortality by 19 percent and cardiovascular deaths by 16 percent. It also improved cholesterol control, with a higher chance of reaching target LDL-C levels by 85 percent.

A new study from researchers at the University of Southampton and Mass General Brigham suggests that when we eat may matter as much as what we eat. Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights daytime meals as a potential strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk compared with nighttime eating. The findings resonate with Thai readers facing rising non-communicable diseases and emphasize practical, daylight-centered eating habits.

The study used a simulated night-shift scenario with 20 healthy volunteers to examine how meal timing affects cardiovascular risk markers, such as blood pressure and clotting-related indicators. Results showed that meals eaten during daylight hours did not produce adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A senior researcher notes that misalignment between daily activities and the body clock can influence heart health, reinforcing the importance of aligning meals with natural daytime rhythms.

In ground-breaking research published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a new standard of treatment for “bad” cholesterol, or LDL-C, promises significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, potentially preventing over 330,000 deaths annually worldwide. The study, led by experts from the Polish Lipid Association, represents the most extensive meta-analysis on cholesterol management to date and highlights the substantial benefits of combining statin therapy with the drug ezetimibe for high-risk patients.

When considering heart health, much of the focus traditionally rests on what we consume rather than when we partake in these meals. However, a compelling new study conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton and Mass General Brigham in the United States highlights a different angle—timing could be as critical as the choice of food itself. Published recently in Nature Communications, the study’s findings resonate deeply, emphasizing the potential benefits of daytime eating over nighttime consumption for mitigating cardiovascular risks.

Perimenopause begins well before menopause, often in a woman’s 30s or 40s, and can last months to several years. It’s not a quick transition but a complex phase with a wide range of symptoms. Health professionals note that many signs are subtle and easily overlooked, making awareness crucial for timely care.

A key feature of perimenopause is irregular, sometimes heavy bleeding, known as “menstrual flooding.” This happens because ovulation becomes inconsistent, leading to unpredictable patterns that may resemble menstrual experiences from earlier life stages. Subtle changes in cycle length and flow can signal progression through this stage.

In a disconcerting revelation, predatory journals appear to be proliferating, despite a notorious experiment intended to expose their unethical practices. The now infamous paper, titled “Get Me Off Your Fckng Mailing List,” was originally submitted as a hoax to highlight the shortcomings of certain academic publications, yet its acceptance underscored a troubling trend that persists today.

To provide some context, the paper repeatedly features the phrase “Get me off your f*cking mailing list” over the span of ten pages. Its straightforward, albeit explicit, statement was accepted for publication back in 2014 by the International Journal of Advanced Computer Technology. The continued operations of such journals have been a growing concern among academics, as they exploit researchers by charging fees for publication without providing rigorous peer review processes.

A troubling trend persists in academic publishing: predatory journals continue to operate despite a notorious hoax paper that exposed their flaws. The paper, titled “Get Me Off Your Fcking Mailing List,” was originally submitted as a guide to highlight weak peer review. Its eventual acceptance in 2014 by the International Journal of Advanced Computer Technology underscored a broader problem in scholarly publishing.

The hoax paper centers on a blunt, repeated line across ten pages. While the text is explicit, the central issue it reveals is the lack of rigorous editorial standards in some journals that charge fees for publication without meaningful peer review. This reality remains a concern for researchers who are new to the field or work with limited funding, especially when confronted with aggressive outreach.

Recent groundbreaking research from UCLA Health reveals that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity, which may help explain why some children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, are at an increased risk for developing neuropsychiatric conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The findings, published in Science Advances, provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, offering hope for future interventions.

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by missing DNA on chromosome 22 and is known to be associated with a higher risk of autism and schizophrenia. Researchers from both UCLA and the Italian Institute of Technology utilized functional brain imaging on both humans and genetically modified mice to explore how this genetic anomaly affects neurodevelopment. They observed that certain brain regions involved in social skills and autism were hyperconnected before puberty and shifted to being under-connected post-puberty. These changes were linked to synaptic activity, with significant implications for affected individuals.

A new study from UCLA Health shows that puberty can reshape brain connectivity in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition. The changes may help explain why these children have a higher risk of neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. The researchers published their findings in Science Advances, offering fresh insight into the biology behind these disorders and potential avenues for future interventions.

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome arises from missing DNA on chromosome 22 and is linked to increased risks for autism and schizophrenia. Researchers from UCLA and the Italian Institute of Technology used functional brain imaging in both humans and genetically modified mice to explore how this genetic anomaly affects brain development. They found that networks involved in social processing were overconnected before puberty and became underconnected after puberty, with synaptic activity playing a central role in these changes.

After a lively night of drinking, a 33-year-old man’s seemingly innocuous morning-after symptoms spiraled into a medical crisis revealing an acute heart condition. The man, residing in Qingdao, China, awoke with a swollen face and puffy eyelids, assuming it was merely the effects of his indulgence. However, the true cause was far more severe: a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA), an exceptionally rare and life-threatening heart anomaly.

Over a grueling three-month period, the man’s symptoms escalated. Swelling transitioned from his face to a full-body condition, accompanied by tightening of the chest and abdominal swelling. Despite numerous consultations, initial tests showing high protein levels in his urine led doctors away from diagnosing his cardiac struggles. The diagnosis only came after his admission to Qilu Hospital’s emergency department, where doctors identified the rupture likely precipitated by “strenuous exercise” following his alcohol consumption, according to their publication in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.

A 33-year-old man in Qingdao, China, woke after a night of heavy drinking with facial swelling and puffy eyes, mistaking these symptoms for a hangover. In reality, he was experiencing a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA), a rare and potentially deadly heart abnormality.

Over three months, his condition worsened. Facial swelling spread to his entire body, his chest tightened, and abdominal swelling appeared. Initial tests showed high protein in the urine, which misled clinicians away from a cardiac diagnosis. The breakthrough came after his admission to the emergency department at Qilu Hospital, where doctors linked the rupture to strenuous exercise following alcohol use. The finding was reported in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.

In Thailand, the daily cup of coffee is a cherished ritual. New concerns about popular creamers are prompting readers to reconsider what goes into their cups. Creamers are meant to improve taste and texture, but some ingredients may carry health risks. This article revisits how certain components could affect Thai coffee enthusiasts and offers practical, culturally relevant alternatives.

Recent evidence points to potential hazards in common creamers, including hydrogenated oils, carrageenan, and brominated vegetable oils. These ingredients are sometimes added to extend shelf life. Health experts note they can trigger inflammation and digestive discomfort in some people. The European Union has tightened rules on certain oils due to safety concerns, while in the United States, the FDA still regards carrageenan as generally safe, though debates continue.

As climate change intensifies its grip on our planet, it brings with it an unexpected and potent consequence for millions worldwide: the exacerbation of pollen allergies. The recent article from BBC Future delves into how climate-driven thunderstorms are enhancing these allergies, posing a significant threat to public health. This alarming trend, highlighted by experts, is not just a seasonal inconvenience but a potential catalyst for extreme allergy events that affect vulnerable populations globally.

Allergic sufferers face a mounting challenge as climate change drives longer, more intense pollen seasons. A recent examination of the topic explains how weather changes—especially thunderstorm events—can fragment and intensify pollen, increasing respiratory risks for vulnerable populations. This is not merely a seasonal nuisance but a public health concern requiring attention from health authorities and communities alike.

The most well-known example dates to Melbourne in November 2016, when a thunderstorm burst released trillions of pollen particles into the air. Rain and lightning broke pollen into smaller, more potent fragments, which returned to earth and overwhelmed many people’s lungs. Emergency services were stretched thin, and ten lives were lost. This event underscored the clear link between climate dynamics and respiratory health. Experts from reputable institutions have emphasized that such events may become more common as weather patterns shift.

A new study in Aging suggests senolytics—drugs once linked to anti-aging benefits—may slow Alzheimer’s disease progression. The findings are hopeful for millions affected by the condition, and they come as Thailand’s aging population grows. Experts urge cautious interpretation and careful clinical use as research continues.

Alzheimer’s disease involves amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, a factor associated with cognitive decline. The Thai audience especially understands the burden as families increasingly care for elderly relatives. The international study investigated six compounds known for anti-aging or cognitive-enhancing effects, including dasatinib and nintedanib, both considered senolytics. When tested on brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer’s, these compounds appeared to selectively reduce pathological forms of brain enzymes linked to the plaques—without harming normal enzyme function.

In a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Aging, researchers have discovered that senolytics—compounds traditionally known for their anti-aging properties—might be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This finding offers a glimmer of hope to the millions impacted by Alzheimer’s, particularly as Thailand sees a growth in its aging population. The study’s promising results have sparked a renewed interest in senolytics, albeit with caution from the medical community about their application.

Women have long prepared themselves for menopause, often perceived as a defining milestone occurring in the 50s. Yet, the journey begins much earlier, sometimes as early as the 30s, with perimenopause marking the onset of significant physiological changes. This precursor phase, laden with unexpected and easily overlooked symptoms, underlines the need for a comprehensive understanding and dialogue.

Perimenopause, the transitional stage leading up to menopause, can start in the 30s or 40s and last from months to several years. Contrary to some misconceptions, perimenopause is not a swift process but a complex period characterized by a wide array of symptoms. Dr. Natalia Llarena, an esteemed OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, emphasizes that the signs of perimenopause are commonly dismissed due to their subtlety and variability, with many women uninformed about their significance until they manifest more severely.