A recent study by researchers from the Universities of Adelaide and the University of Tasmania in Australia, recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, showed that children who are more physically fit are less likely to develop depression in adulthood.
The researchers used data taken from a study that spanned more than 30 years, examining various factors in childhood that have a clear impact on health in adulthood. They found that good physical fitness in childhood had a positive impact on children, not only on the physical level in childhood, but also on the psychological level after they became adults.
The researchers conducted the study on more than a thousand children in two stages: the first stage in 1985, when the ages of these children ranged between 7 and 15 years, and then they were re-evaluated when they were middle-aged, that is, after more than three full decades had passed.
Measuring fitness levels
The researchers measured the children's fitness levels by testing their performance in specific sports that can measure heart and muscle health. For example, the 1.6 kilometer (one mile) running test was used to evaluate respiratory fitness and heart health, where good cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated as (the ability to perform physical work at a heart rate of 170 beats per minute).
The muscular ability of all children and adolescents (7-15 years) was also evaluated through the strength of their performance in the long jump test from stability. The researchers chose this sport specifically because employing the use of the feet and swinging the arms occurs simultaneously to push the body forward. Each participant had two attempts to jump, and the farthest distance he achieved was recorded.
The scientists established all the factors that could affect the final result, such as age, gender, academic performance, as well as the social and economic level of the family, and the educational level of the parents.
Mental health assessment
In the second stage, after more than 30 years, the mental health of the participants was assessed, using a version dedicated to assessing mental health conditions over a lifetime. Participants completed interviews with psychiatrists via computer, and were asked if they had suffered from depression at any stage of their lives. The severity of depression (mild, moderate, or severe) was determined according to World Health Organization standards.
The researchers classified the participants into two categories, the first included those who had ever suffered from depression, and the second included those who had never suffered from it. The year the disease first appeared was calculated based on the participant's date of birth and age when symptoms first began, and they excluded individuals if their year of disease onset preceded or coincided with 1985.
Mental health is a product of physical fitness
The results showed that participants who had good psychological health in adulthood were the most physically fit in childhood, regardless of the type of sport. In general, males recorded higher levels of physical fitness compared to females during childhood and adolescence, which was reflected in their psychological state later, as a larger percentage of females (21 percent) suffered from depression during their lives compared to males (14 percent).
Finally, the researchers explained that the results of the study do not mean that not exercising in childhood leads to depression in the future, but rather demonstrates the significant impact of good physical fitness on mental health.
A feeling of numbness or tingling in the hands may indicate several things: So you should pay attention to the frequency and timing of its occurrence, how long it lasts, and other symptoms that accompany it. Your health care provider can help you determine the cause of this numbness and suggest the best ways to treat it.
What is numbness in the hands?
Hand numbness is an abnormal feeling that may be a symptom of many different health conditions. This feeling is known medically as paresthesia. Numbness may also be accompanied by a tingling feeling, which is often known as a “numbness” or “pins and needles” feeling, according to the Cleveland Clinic health website.
What are the most common causes of numbness in the hands?
Numbness in the hands can be a symptom resulting from multiple causes, ranging from simple and temporary conditions to serious medical conditions. The most common cause is nerve damage in the hand or exposure to pressure; This may occur as a result of sleeping for a long time in one position, leaning on the elbows for a long time, or having a lump or swelling that puts pressure on the nerves.
Other causes of numbness in the hands caused by nerve problems include:
Nerve damage in the hands, arms, or neck, a herniated disc that puts pressure on spinal nerves, pressure on the nerves due to tumors, infections, or enlarged blood vessels, carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common condition that affects the nerves in the wrist, and often occurs as a result of repeated hand and wrist movements while working, and compression of the ulnar nerve resulting from bending or leaning on the elbows for a long time.
The hands may suffer from numbness as a result of other diseases, including:
Shingles (shingles).
Herpes infection. Poor blood circulation resulting from diabetes.
stroke. Migraine headache.
Hypothyroidism.
Raynaud's syndrome.
Vasculitis.
Lyme disease.
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Other causes may also include:
Animal or insect bites.
Certain medications.
Vitamin B12 deficiency (B12).
Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium.
What tests will the health care provider perform to determine the cause of hand numbness?
The health care provider will begin the examination by taking a medical history to find out how long the numbness has lasted and any other possible symptoms.
He may perform several tests to determine the cause, including:
Blood count analysis.
Thyroid function tests.
Tests to measure vitamin levels.
Toxicology reports (tests that measure substances in the body).
Tests for electrolyte levels (salts and minerals in the body).
The caregiver also performs tests to rule out serious causes, such as tumors and strokes.
These tests include:
Computed tomography (CT scan) of the head and spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and spine.
Ultrasound examination of the neck vessels.
X-ray.
Angiogram to examine the inside of the blood vessels to look for any blockages or narrowing.
Lumbar puncture (removal of a sample of spinal fluid) to detect nervous system disorders.
Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function and health.
Once your healthcare provider determines the cause of hand numbness, he or she will discuss with you the best ways to treat the condition causing the symptom.
How is hand numbness treated?
Treatment for hand numbness depends on the underlying cause.
For example, if one medication is the cause of numbness, the doctor may substitute another type for it. Or if the condition responds to drug treatment, such as infections, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
If there is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, your doctor may suggest modifying your diet and/or taking nutritional supplements.
Some treatments may involve surgical procedures; You may need surgical intervention if you suffer from a tumor, a back problem, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Your doctor may advise you to see other specialists for treatment, such as neurologists, rheumatologists, surgeons or pain specialists.
What can I do at home to treat hand numbness?
You can try some home remedies to relieve hand numbness, including:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Wear hand splints, according to medical recommendations.
Use heat or cold therapy.
Rest your hands when performing tasks that require repetitive movements.
Doing exercises that help strengthen the hands.
What are the potential complications or risks of not treating hand numbness? And prevention?
If the numbness is due to a minor or temporary cause, you may not experience any complications. If the cause is more serious, you will need treatment for the condition causing the numbness.
You may be able to prevent hand numbness resulting from certain causes by: making an effort to control chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Make sure to take breaks if you use your hands to perform repetitive tasks.
Maintain regular medical examinations and tests.
You may be wondering: When should you be concerned about hand numbness? If numbness in your hands persists for more than a few hours, or if you notice that it comes and goes, you should seek medical care immediately; This may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
It is very important to seek medical care if you experience numbness in the hands accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
Numbness in other parts of the body.
paralysis.
Confusion or confusion.
Vertigo (dizziness).
Stuttering in speech.
Loss of bowel and/or bladder control.
rash.
Some of the habits we practice in the last hours of the day may seem simple, but they may help support the health of the prostate and urinary tract in the long term, especially as we age.
Although there is no single habit before bed that guarantees the prevention of prostate diseases, following a healthy lifestyle may help maintain its health.
Here are 4 simple habits before bed that may help protect the prostate:
Avoid drinking excessive fluids before bed
Reducing fluid intake during the few hours before bed may help reduce the need to wake up at night to urinate, and relieve some of the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
The Mayo Clinic website recommends reducing fluids an hour or two before bed.
But this does not mean abstaining from drinking water, as obtaining an appropriate amount of fluids throughout the day is necessary to maintain a healthy body.
Limit caffeine and stimulating drinks in the evening
A cup of coffee or tea in the evening may be part of the daily routine, but it may not be the best option for those who suffer from frequent urination or symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
The Mayo Clinic explains that caffeine can increase the need to urinate and irritate the bladder, which may exacerbate some urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems.
Therefore, reducing caffeinated drinks, especially in the evening, may help you get more restful sleep and reduce nighttime visits to the bathroom.
Do regular physical activity
Physical activity is an important habit that may support prostate health.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that regular exercise may help reduce some urinary problems associated with an enlarged prostate. Regular movement is also linked to general health benefits that help maintain an appropriate weight and improve body health.
Follow a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight may help prostate health, as obesity is linked to an increased likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate.
The importance of following a healthy diet increases at night, as many people tend to eat unhealthy foods while staying up late and watching TV.
The Harvard Health website indicates that following a healthy, long-term diet that relies more on plant foods, while maintaining an appropriate weight, may be associated with a lower risk of developing more severe forms of prostate cancer.
