lifestyle

A much quicker – but equally ill-advised – shortcut for massive guns (but not gains) involves injecting an oil called “synthol” directly into muscles to instantly bulk them up – rather like inflating a balloon. This process is known colloquially as “fluffing”.

Many people might think eating less meat just means eating more plant-based meat alternatives like veggie burgers. But while these kinds of alternative protein products are better for the environment because they use less land and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions, there are drawbacks.

Have you ever been drifting off to sleep, only to be jerked awake by the sound of a bomb going off inside your head? If you have, then you have most likely experienced exploding head syndrome, a mysterious and poorly understood sleep disorder.

Just like our gut and mouth, our homes also have a microbiome. Known as the “indoor microbiome”, this is the intricate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that thrive in the places we live, work and study.

The long-term effects of respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19 are a major public health burden. Some estimates suggest over 65 million people around the world suffer from long COVID-19.

Imagine you turn up to the hospital looking for help because you feel dizzy and can’t stop slurring your speech – only to be told that you’re simply drunk. Yet, you haven’t had a drop of alcohol.

How far would you go to lose weight? Maybe cut down on sugar? Take up the Couch to 5K challenge? Well, some TikTokkers are so eager to drop the pounds that they’ve taken the extreme-sounding measure of drinking “tadpole water”.

Still or sparkling? It’s a question you’ll commonly hear in a café or restaurant and you probably have a preference. But is there any difference for your health?

Everyone wants to live longer. And we’re often told that the key to doing this is making healthier lifestyle choices, such as exercising, avoiding smoking and not drinking too much alcohol. Studies have also shown that diet can increase lifespan.

A study from the United States has, for the first time, found microplastics in human brains. The study, which has yet to be independently verified by other scientists, has been described in the media as scary, shocking and alarming.

When it comes to rehydration after exercise, unflavoured milk (full fat, skim or soy) is better than sports drinks. A small study looked at the effects of chocolate milk compared to plain milk on rehydration and exercise performance in futsal players (futsal is similar to soccer but played indoors) and found no difference in rehydration between the two.

For parents of autistic children, addressing children’s potential anxiety or sensory triggers and having a plan to manage transitions are steps they can take to promote a successful start to the school year.