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By Rachel Reiff Ellis A lack of sleep at night can make you cranky the next day. And over time, skimping on sleep can mess up more than just your morning mood. Studies show getting quality sleep on a regular basis can help improve all sorts of issues, from your blood sugar to your workouts. Here's why you should give your body the ZZZs it needs. SHARPER BRAIN When you're running low on sleep, you'll probably have trouble holding onto and recalling details. That's because sleep plays a big part in both learning and memory. Without enough sleep, it's tough to focus and take in new information. Your brain also doesn't have enough time to properly store memories so you can pull them up later...

by Priya Joi As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway, some countries are starting to think about mixing vaccine products, where one vaccine is given as the first shot and a second vaccine of a different type and different manufacturer is given several weeks later. Mixing vaccine products could be a good idea for many reasons. Supply bottlenecks have led to shortages in several countries, so being able to mix vaccines from different manufacturers may reduce the pressure on vaccine supply. Moreover, it there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that it could also potentially lead to a stronger immune response compared to two doses of the same vaccine. Some countries are planning...

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Mental Health It’s as important as physical health Contributor: Psychiatrist Karen Jacobs, DO Ashamed. Embarrassed. Afraid. All too often, these emotions stop people from sharing their mental health concerns with a doctor. But living a full, productive life depends on more than just what you think of as “physical” health. Mental health matters just as much. Unfortunately, mental illness still comes with stigma in our society. Here’s my message to you: Tell your doctor if you are having any signs or symptoms of mental illness. Whether you face common issues such as anxiety or depression or more rare conditions such as schizophrenia, your doctor can hel...

Health experts and researchers have reiterated that getting enough vitamin D bolsters one’s immunity and keeps Covid-19 at bay With a UAE study confirming that vitamin D deficiency can put one at increased risk of severe Covid-19, doctors have highlighted the importance of getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. But how will you know if your vitamin D levels need a boost? Healthcare specialists said that a vitamin D test can be taken if one experiences pain in the joints, bones and muscles, and if he or she often gets sick or experiences fatigue. Dr. Rasha Alani, family medicine specialist at Medcare Medical Centre, said on average, it would be good to get vitamin D levels checked every...

The country recorded its hottest temperature yet over the weekend, with the mercury soaring to 51°C at Sweihan in Al Ain. And it’s only going to get hotter. So, we spoke to experts and doctors to keep you safe and cool amid scorching summer temperatures. STAY HYDRATED AND MAKE A SPLASH: - Keep a water bottle handy, even if you don’t feel thirsty. - It’s important that you’re aware of your body and hydration levels. Dr. Vrishali Rohankar, General Practitioner & Medical Director, Aster Clinic, listed out the signs to look out for to avoid heat strokes: - Dizziness or headaches - Dry mouth - Rapid heart rate - Difficulty walking - Fatigue - Muscle cramps - Shallow, rapid breath...

Medics warned that excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making one vulnerable to Covid-19 Doctors have reported an increase in alcohol-related hospitalization cases amid the pandemic. On World Liver Day, they reiterated how drinking liquor weakens the immune system and leads to critical diseases. Dr. Eswar Moparty, gastroenterologist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, noted that alcohol consumption — especially drinking to cope with work-related stress — is on the rise. “There is an increase in the number of people consuming alcohol. Being off work, confined at home with depression due to lockdown or restrictions, some people tend to drink alcohol in greater quantities. There...

Everyone’s talking about how hot it is outside as if the person sweating next to them wasn’t already aware of it. But there’s no need to avoid the great outdoors—or your workout—just because it’s warm! Just make sure you’re well-hydrated in these types of temperatures. For the most part, it’s an easy task – keep a bottle of water nearby and drink it regularly. But there’s more to just drinking water to stay hydrated. It’s about recognizing the signs of dehydration, in yourself and especially among infants, children, and the elderly, who may not be as diligent about drinking water routinely. Signs of dehydration: · Dry mouth and throat · Fatigue · Little to no urine · Little to no tear...

• BE MINDFUL Relax your body by practicing breathing exercises such as stretching, meditating, or engaging in mindful movements. Mindful movements include slow, intentional activity such as walking, yoga, or exercise. Practice simple mindfulness techniques, such as a breathing exercise – for example, a technique called “4-7-8.” This technique involves sitting comfortably with good posture and counting with the “in breath” to four, holding your breath to a count of seven, and exhaling to a count of eight. Do this four times and breathe normally, practicing as needed. Mindfulness has been found to help relieve anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy. Research also suggests that mi...

Strokes are serious and can be deadly. Being familiar with the signs of stroke and responding quickly can save your older adult’s life or reduce their chance of developing major disabilities. What is a stroke? Think of a stroke as a “brain attack.” It happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. That deprives brain cells of oxygen and those cells begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost, like memory and muscle control. F.A.S.T. is a shortcut to remember signs of stroke Use these initials to remember the key signs of stroke and how to respond. F = Face drooping on one side. Ask your older adult to smile...

Working out an hour a day without distractions is a good way to release mood-boosting endorphins that help boost motivation A regular exercise regime is essential for maintaining our physical and mental health. However, it is very common for people to feel a short burst of motivation where they start working out and eating healthy, only to fall off track shortly after. With a few simple tricks, however, staying consistent can actually be a lot easier than you may think. CREATE A PLAN If you don't know what you are doing, you are more likely to stop doing it. Plan what you are doing each day - whether it that means deciding which body part you are training or what group class you are atten...