HEALTHY LIVING

Tall Men Are at Higher Risk of Having Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Study Suggests

Published

7 years ago

July 13, 2017

UK scientists find chance of high-grade prostate cancer rises by 21% with every 10cm increment in height

Tall men are at greater risk of contracting aggressive prostate cancer and of dying from the disease, the findings of a large study suggest.

British scientists found that every 10cm increment in height increased the chance of developing high-grade prostate cancer by 21% and the risk of death from the disease by 17%. They also found that obesity raised the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Scientists found that every 10cm increment in height increased the chance of developing high-grade prostate cancer by 21%

The lead researcher, Dr Aurora Pérez-Cornago from Oxford University, said: “The finding of high risk in taller men may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer development – for example, related to early nutrition and growth.

“We also found that a healthy body weight is associated with a reduced risk of high-grade prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer years later.”

The study, published in BMC Medicine on Thursday, found that increased height was not associated with overall risk of contracting prostate cancer, but only with the aggressive forms of the disease.

Healthy body weight is associated with a reduced risk of high-grade prostate canceR

Total prostate cancer risk was found to be related to body mass index and waist circumference, but the latter is considered a better proxy for obesity as muscular people can have a high BMI. Every extra 10cm on the waistline was associated with a 13% greater likelihood of having high-grade prostate cancer and an 18% bigger risk of dying from the disease.

Obesity has been linked to 11 common cancers, but the researchers believe their findings on weight could be – at least partially – a result of detection issues.

They say obese men may be less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, because they have lower concentrations of prostate-specific antigens, are less likely to undergo a biopsy and tend to have larger prostates, making detection more difficult. A reduced likelihood of early detection and treatment might lead to greater incidence of aggressive disease and higher mortality, the researchers suggest.

The analysis drew from data on 141,896 men, nearly all of whom were white, in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. After an average of 13.9 years of follow-up, there were 7,024 cases of prostate cancer, including 726 high-grade cases and 934 deaths from the disease.

Dr Matthew Hobbs, deputy director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It is certainly interesting that, according to this research, certain physical characteristics appear to increase a man’s likelihood of developing aggressive prostate cancer, as it might provide pointers to help uncover certain genetic markers and early developmental processes which hold significance in terms of causing the disease to develop.

“It also underlines once again the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to help defend against a host of diseases, including prostate cancer.”

However, Hobbs stressed that the disease could affect men of all shapes and sizes.

In 2014, there were 46,960 new cases of prostate cancer and 11,287 deaths from the disease in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. Dr Jasmine Just, the charity’s health information officer, said maintaining a healthy weight could help men reduce the risk of contracting a number of different cancers, but that the link between obesity and aggressive prostate cancer was still unclear.

“Further studies are also needed to understand if men who are overweight or obese might be at a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer and, if so, why,” she added.

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HEALTHY LIVING

How To Smell Good All The Time

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Body Odour: How To Smell Good All The Time | Fab.ng

As the saying goes, smelling good is important for leaving a positive impression. It’s essential to be mindful of your body odour and invest in products that help you maintain a pleasant scent. Taking care of your hygiene ensures that you feel confident and comfortable in social situations. No one wants to feel embarrassed by unpleasant body odour when interacting with others.

Even if you start your day feeling fresh and clean, it’s common for your scent to fade as the day goes on. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure you smell great throughout the day. Following these steps will help you maintain a pleasant fragrance and boost your confidence in any situation.

1. Wash the sweatiest parts of your body

Showering regularly is a must for staying fresh. When you wash, use scented soap and a sponge to clean your entire body thoroughly.

Focus on the sweat zones! These areas have more sweat glands, which can mix with bacteria on your skin and cause odour. Pay special attention to your armpits, groin area, inner thighs, and feet. Don’t forget other important areas like your chest, ears, genitals, and buttocks.

If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh soaps with strong perfumes or antibacterial ingredients. These can irritate your skin.

2. Moisturise skin with scented lotion or cream

Lotion can be your secret weapon for long-lasting fragrance.

After you shower, your skin is clean and slightly damp. This moistness acts like a base that helps trap scents and keeps them lingering longer. Apply a scented lotion right after towelling off to lock in that fresh, clean feeling and your favourite scent. Lotions come in a wide variety of scents, so you can find one that complements your perfume or cologne.

Think about your perfume or cologne as the star of the show, and other scented products like lotion as supporting actors. Choosing a lotion or cream from the same brand as your perfume or cologne creates a layered effect. This layering reinforces your overall scent and makes it more complex and interesting than a single overpowering note.

While smelling good is important, it’s easy to go overboard. Too many competing scents can be overwhelming and unpleasant for both you and those around you. Consider using mostly unscented products for things like deodorant, hairspray, and lip balm.

This allows you to focus on one or two main scents—your lotion and perfume—which will create a more balanced and pleasant overall fragrance. Think of it like building an outfit—you wouldn’t wear clashing prints or colours from head to toe, and the same goes for scents!

3. Make your perfume or cologne last

To make your fragrance last all day, target your pulse points and torso. These areas naturally generate more body heat, which helps activate and release the scent throughout the day. Here’s how to apply:

Skip the rubbing: After applying lotion, gently dab your perfume or cologne on your wrists, neck, and even behind your ears. Rubbing these areas can break down the fragrance molecules, making the scent weaker.
Move down to your torso: For a more subtle but long-lasting effect, lightly spray a small amount of perfume or cologne on your chest and back.
Extend the fragrance to your hair: Spritz your hairbrush with your favourite perfume before brushing your dry hair. This will gently distribute the scent without weighing down your locks.
Less is more: Remember, a little perfume goes a long way. Avoid overdoing it; too much fragrance can be overwhelming. By applying strategically and in moderation, you’ll ensure you smell pleasant all day without being overpowering.

4. Use a deodorant or antiperspirant

Body Odour: How To Smell Good All The Time | Fab.ng

After showering, apply deodorant to your armpits to combat odour and minimise sweat, especially since armpits tend to develop odour faster due to numerous sweat glands. Antiperspirant deodorants work effectively to mask unpleasant smells and regulate sweat production. If you engage in physical activities that induce sweating, reapply deodorant as necessary to maintain freshness.

Deodorants are available in various forms, such as solid sticks, gel sticks, or sprays. Additionally, you have the option to opt for natural alternatives like rock deodorant or create your own using baking soda and coconut oil.

Consider using unscented deodorant if you intend to use perfumes or scented lotions to avoid overwhelming your senses with too many fragrances.

5. Put on clean clothes every day

Always wear fresh clothes each day, including a clean shirt, pants, underwear, bra, and socks, to ensure you maintain a pleasant scent throughout the day.

Changing into clean clothes helps prevent any lingering odours and keeps you feeling comfortable. If you tend to have sweaty or smelly feet, consider changing your socks multiple times throughout the day to maintain freshness and avoid discomfort.

6. Stay hydrated during the day

Staying hydrated is a double win for freshness. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your body flush out toxins and sweat, which can contribute to body odour. Water also keeps your mouth moist, preventing bad breath caused by dryness or lingering food particles.

If you’re worried about strong food smells like coffee or garlic, drinking water helps dilute them in your mouth, leaving you feeling minty and fresh.

Make a habit of drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. This keeps you hydrated, promotes overall health, and helps you stay fresh from head to toe.

7. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that help your body function at its best, and that includes keeping you smelling good. They also promote healthy digestion, which can further contribute to freshness.

Be mindful of strong-smelling foods. While garlic, onions, and spices are delicious and healthy, they can leave behind lingering odours on your breath and even slightly alter your body scent. If you’re worried about staying fresh throughout the day, it might be wise to limit these foods on those specific occasions.

Fruits and vegetables that are high in water content, like watermelon, cucumber, and celery, can help flush out toxins that contribute to body odour. So fill your plate with these cleansing options to support your freshness goals!

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HEALTHY LIVING

What Happens When You Don’t Deworm Your Intestines Often?

Published

1 week ago

April 14, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

See What Happens When You Don’t Deworm Often | Fab.ng

When you neglect to deworm regularly, you leave yourself vulnerable to a variety of health problems caused by intestinal worms. These parasitic creatures take up residence in your gut, feeding off the nutrients you consume. This can lead to a cascade of negative effects on your body, especially if left untreated.

1. Malnutrition

Intestinal worms are essentially thieves. They steal vital nutrients from the food you eat, making it difficult for your body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to malnutrition, particularly in children. Malnourished children are more susceptible to illness, have lower energy levels, and may experience stunted growth and development.

2. Anaemia

Certain types of worms, like hookworms, are notorious for feeding on your blood. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where your red blood cells don’t have enough iron to carry oxygen effectively throughout your body. Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin.

3. Digestive Issues

The presence of worms in your intestines can irritate the lining, causing a range of uncomfortable digestive problems. You might experience abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, and even nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, heavy worm infestations can even lead to blockages in the intestines, requiring medical intervention.

4. Weakened Immune System

Chronic worm infections can take a toll on your body’s natural defences. When your immune system is busy fighting off worms, it has less capacity to fight off other illnesses and infections. This can make you more susceptible to other diseases and slow down your recovery time from illnesses you do contract.

5. Long-Term Health Risks

Left untreated, worm infections can lead to more serious health complications down the line. In children, chronic worm infections can hinder their physical and cognitive development. In adults, long-term worm burdens can increase the risk of malnutrition, organ damage, and even death in extreme cases.

If you suspect you or someone you know might have a worm infection, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment with medication prescribed by a healthcare professional can help prevent serious complications and ensure a full recovery. Remember, deworming is a preventative measure that can save you a lot of trouble down the line.

Check out more articles here.

HEALTHY LIVING

See 4 Reasons Men Prefer To Suffer In Silence

Published

1 week ago

April 13, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

See Reasons Men Prefer To Suffer In Silence | Fab.ng

Society often sends mixed messages about masculinity. On the one hand, emotions are a fundamental part of the human experience, something everyone shares. Yet, there’s a strange rule book for men when it comes to expressing their feelings. Phrases like “man up” and “don’t cry” become ingrained from a young age, creating a pressure cooker situation. This makes men suffer in silence.

Men are expected to be these emotionless superheroes, bottling things up to avoid being seen as weak. But this bottled-up approach can have serious consequences for men’s mental and emotional well-being.

Here’s a deeper dive into why men might feel pressure to suppress their emotions and suffer in silence:

1. The Myth of Mr. Invincible

Society has constructed a myth of masculinity that revolves around stoicism and emotional detachment. Showing vulnerability or admitting to struggles is seen as a sign of weakness.

This narrative creates a double bind for men. They’re expected to be these invincible protectors and providers, yet they’re expected to do it all without a single crack in the armour.

This emotional repression can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, as men may feel unable to connect with others on a deeper level.

2. The Lone Wolf blues

Traditionally, men have been expected to be self-sufficient problem-solvers. The “lone wolf” image is often glorified, portraying men who handle everything on their own as the epitome of strength.

Asking for help is seen as a weakness, pushing men further into isolation when they might really need support. This can prevent men from seeking help for mental health issues, which are just as common in men as they are in women.

3. Macho Misconceptions

Our narrow view of masculinity only allows for a limited range of emotions. It’s okay to be aggressive and competitive, but showing compassion or vulnerability? Not so much. This skewed perception not only limits men’s emotional vocabulary but can also lead to feelings of shame or confusion.

Men might experience a range of emotions but feel pressured to suppress anything that doesn’t fit the narrow definition of “manly.” This can be incredibly damaging to their emotional well-being.

4. The Cycle of Silence

The less men talk about their struggles, the more alone they feel. It’s a vicious cycle where men enforce these impossible standards on each other while also suffering under them.

Seeing other men bottle up their emotions reinforces the idea that this is the only acceptable way to behave. This silence makes it difficult for men to seek help or connect with others on a deeper level.

Breaking free from this silence requires a big cultural shift. We need to redefine strength to include the courage to be vulnerable and seek help when you need it. It’s about changing the conversation, one at a time, and creating a space where men feel comfortable opening up without fear.

True strength lies not in silence but in the courage to be honest about your feelings and connect with others. It won’t happen overnight, but acknowledging the problem is the first step. By understanding and challenging these ideas, we can build a healthier society where men are encouraged to express their full range of emotions.

This not only benefits men but strengthens the social fabric as a whole, fostering stronger connections and a more supportive environment for everyone.

Check here for more.