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From unexpected dizziness to shifts in energy, dehydration often shows up in ways we don’t immediately connect to water intake. London (PA Media/dpa) – During the chilly wintry months, most of us have a tendency to wrap up warm, crank up the heating and reach for hot drinks rather than guzzling down glasses of water. However, it’s important to remember that your body still needs consistent hydration to function at its best and has subtle ways of sounding alarm bells. Here are six signs that might indicate that your body is craving more H2O this winter… 1. Dry mouth “The most obvious sign of dehydration is thirst which is often accompanied by a dry mouth, lips or tongue,” highlights Michael Zemenides, co-founding GP of A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. 2. Dark urine “A dark yellow or strong smelling urine is another indicator which usually means that the patient is peeing less often than usual,” notes Zemenides. 3. Dizziness “Dehydration can cause nausea, dizziness and lightheadedness,” says Zemenides. “If you’re dehydrated, your blood pressure will drop and that can affect your sensation of dizziness. Also, in extreme cases, dehydration can lead to confusion which will make you feel even more dizzy and unsteady on your feet.” 4. Headaches “If you’re dehydrated, you’ve got less water in your circulation system going around your body which means there’s less fluid around the brain itself, and that can impede how it functions and cause headaches,” explains the GP. 5. Fatigue “If you don’t drink enough water you might begin to notice that your energy levels are affected and that you feel fatigued and tired,” says Zemenides. “It can also impact your concentration and how sharp you are feeling.” 6. Constipation “Water is quite key in how you’re digesting things and the actual process of moving things through the bowel itself,” says Zemenides. “So, if everything’s quite lubricated and moving smoothly, then you’re less likely to get constipated.” How much water should you drink every day? “The government has quite simplified guidelines in The Eatwell Guide, which recommends about six to eight cups or glasses of fluid per day, assuming that you’re getting about 20% of your intake from eating food,” says Zemenides. “However, this water intake requirement will increase with things like exercises, if you’re in a hot environment or if you’re ill, for example.” Why is staying hydrated so important? What issues can dehydration lead to? “Water is essential for human life and is involved in every biochemical reaction in the body,” highlights Zemenides. “It plays a pivotal role in regulating our temperature, maintaining our blood pressure, helps supports your kidney function and helps aid digestion.” Therefore, being dehydrated can have a big impact on your body. “Dehydration can become more serious overtime and can increase your risk of urinary tract infections and kidney problems, and lead to confusion which can result in an increased number of falls,” warns Zemenides. “In severe cases, you can experience a rapid heart rate, breathing difficulties or even collapse.” When should you seek medical advice about this? “If you’ve got dark urine, you can probably manage that yourself. However, if you’re experiencing those later, and more serious, symptoms, like palpitations, that sensation where you’re feeling unsteady on your feet, headaches or you’re just feeling unwell, then you should be seeking advice from your GP,” advises Zemenides. Here are some tips on how to increase your water intake this winter… “Drinking a full glass of water is a good way to start the day,” says Zemenides. He also recommends small, regular sips throughout the day. “Often people wait until they feel thirsty before having a drink, but I would recommend drinking little and often, whether you feel thirsty or not,” advises Zemenides. “Having a refillable bottle nearby at all times can help with this.” Oral rehydration solution can also help treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and vomiting. “You can get oral rehydration solutions over the counter in a pharmacy which can help replace lost foods and electrolytes,” says Zemenides. In addition, the GP also highlights how a significant portion of our daily fluid intake comes not just from drinks, but also from the food we eat, which helps considerably with overall hydration. “Think about those water-rich foods, like fruits or vegetables and soups to keep some variety,” says Zemenides. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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A sharp side stitch, aching muscles or a sudden cramp can derail even the most dedicated workout — but most of these annoyances are harmless and easy to manage. Berlin (dpa) – Anyone who regularly does sport knows that aches and pains come with the territory. Troublesome though they may be, they're usually quite harmless. Two experts explain what recreational athletes can do to avoid them, and what measures to take when they occur. 1. Side stitch: When your diaphragm pipes up It's not fully clear what causes a side stitch – a sharp pain in your side under the ribcage – during athletic activity. The medical term for it is exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). "Recent studies indicate it involves the diaphragm," says Marcel Reuter, co-director of the Department of Training and Exercise Science at the German University of Applied Sciences for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG) in Saarbrücken, Germany. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular partition between the chest and abdominal cavities. It has several layers, Reuter says, one of which has an especially large number of pain receptors that can be irritated by movements during sport. "If you eat a lot right before sport, pressure on the diaphragm is increased," according to Reuter, who recommends not eating for two to three hours prior. "There's evidence that isotonic and sweetened drinks can also cause side stitches." Posture can play a role as well, which is why they occur more frequently during some types of sport than others. "The diaphragm is under greater tension from the more upright posture in jogging than during cycling, making a side stitch more likely," Reuter says. There are no studies that point to the best way to remedy an acute side stitch. "Try out different things," Reuter advises, suggesting, for instance, slow, rhythmic breathing, slowing your pace if you're running, or massaging/applying gentle pressure to the painful area. "Some people just keep on running and it goes away." To prevent side stitches, Reuter recommends warming up before athletic activity, with a focus on stretching your abdominal region. "No one is immune to side stitches though," he says. 2. Aching muscles after exercise: When your body fixes muscle damage Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the medical term for this condition, isn't always the same. "There are various types and various causes," Reuter says. It often occurs after an activity that places unaccustomed loads on muscles or works them to the point of exhaustion. This causes microscopic damage to muscle fibres and/or connective tissue, which the body can repair itself. The process is accompanied by pain, and your muscles can feel warm or as though fluid has accumulated in them. "Muscle soreness arises 12 to 24 hours after the athletic activity, reaching its peak after 24 to 72 hours," when athletes notice that their performance stagnates. "Whether their injury risk then increases isn't scientifically proven," says Reuter. To prevent DOMS, you should simply start with light loads on your muscles and only gradually increase them. To alleviate soreness more quickly, it helps to stimulate blood circulation in the affected tissue. "So stay physically active – ride a bicycle," Reuter advises, but warns against strenuous activities. A warm bath or warm compress can also stimulate circulation, he adds. 3. Muscle spasms: When a muscle poops out A muscle spasm, or cramp, is often due to muscle fatigue. "There aren't any studies on why a particular strand of muscle cramps up, however," says sports medicine specialist Dr Axel Klein. Muscle fatigue can be caused by an imbalance of electrolytes, which are essential salts and minerals such as magnesium. "During athletic activity, you sweat out certain electrolytes that your body needs, creating an imbalance," Klein explains. Athletes – also recreational ones – who run a lot, such as footballers or regular joggers, often experience cramping. "So jolts to, or compression of, a muscle are a factor," he says. Especially for older people, wear and tear on intervertebral discs due to water loss plays a role. "This reduces cushioning in the lower spine," says Klein, which can make cramps more likely. Runners and joggers can help prevent leg cramps by wearing compression stockings. What's most important, though, is replenishing lost fluids, particularly with electrolyte-rich drinks. "You shouldn't drink two to three litres of mere tap water," Klein says, "since that would actually draw certain electrolytes into the gut to establish a balance there, which would only aggravate the problem." Another factor involved in your cramping risk is your conditioning level. "Accustoming a muscle to an athletic activity by gradually intensifying the workouts will lower the risk," Reuter says. So instead of starting a workout "cold," make sure to warm up first. If you do experience cramping, take a break from the activity or stop it altogether. Applying heat or gently massaging the affected area will improve blood circulation. "Passive stretching [via a prop or partner] can help too," Reuter says. "Have the cramped muscle gently pulled into a stretched position." 4. Headache: When blood pressure or tense muscles act up Have you ever suddenly got a headache during a workout? Getting a headache while you're engaged in an athletic activity should be taken seriously, according to Klein – especially if it occurs regularly, in which case you should have it checked by a doctor. The cause may be sharply rising blood pressure triggered by physical exertion. "Pain is then typically felt in the forehead region," points out Klein, who says an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) can provide clarity. Pain in the back of your head is usually due to tension in neck and shoulder muscles. "Particularly, many people who offset an office job with jogging hunch their shoulders to a great degree," he says. If you're aware that you tend to do this, he advises that you try to relax them during workouts. It's best to immediately stop an athletic activity if you get a headache. What you definitely shouldn't do is simply take a pain reliever and continue. Taking ibuprofen during a workout, for example, will further reduce blood flow to your stomach and encourage stomach issues, warns Klein. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ama yyzz a3 bzl rid loe ob

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Berlin (dpa) – When you're working, it can make a real difference what stage you are at in your menstrual cycle, from just before ovulation or before your period. "Our cycle can boost our work. It shows us what superpowers we have in each phase and what we need to work healthily and consciously," says Mandy Jochmann, a German coach and author of a book about cycle-oriented work. Get a sense of your own rhythm The first step is self-awareness. "Cycle-oriented working means asking yourself: What do I need today? And what comes particularly easily to me today?" says Jochmann. In order to figure that out, she suggests you keep a diary of your cycle for a while. Ask yourself, where am I in my cycle? How do I feel today? How much energy do I have? Experience shows that you have more energy in the first half of your cycle and are more strategic. "This phase is a good time to start new projects, and it's often easier to appear confident in meetings," she says. This phase most closely corresponds to the ideal of our performance-oriented society. Intuitive thinking in the second half But Jochmann also emphasizes the energy in the second half of the cycle. "A great deal of performance capacity arises, but it is simply polarised differently," she says. Creativity and intuition are very important. "This can be used for free brainstorming," she says. "The progesterone that is then effective is also described as the nest-building hormone. We can use this to tidy up and create clearer structures." Visionary thinking, on the other hand, has a good place in the menstrual phase. "But so does everything to do with letting go," says Jochmann. "This time gives us the clarity to look at projects more objectively and make courageous decisions." Making small adjustments However, it is often not possible to decide flexibly at work what will be done on a particular day. In this case, it is a matter of making small adjustments, such as allowing enough time for a task or keeping an eye on the whole day. "If a task requires a lot of energy, it is helpful to consciously plan some rest time afterwards," says Jochmann. How you communicate this to your boss depends on your personality type. "We don't have to talk directly about the period, although I would welcome more openness," says Jochmann. "It's often enough to talk about energy and say, 'This task is more suitable today than another.’" However you express it, the most important thing is to stand up for yourself and set clear boundaries. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn bac amc xxde arw

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New research suggests that a surgeon no longer needs to be in the same room as the patient, and that operating on a patient remotely using a surgical robot through a secure video-link is also viable. London (PA Media/dpa) – Surgeons can safely perform two common operations from up to 2,800 kilometres away, the equivalent of a medic in southern Europe operating on a patient in the UK, according to a study. Researchers said the evidence on telesurgery – operating on a patient remotely using a surgical robot through a secure video-link – remains “scarce” as they set out to examine the success of common procedures on the prostate and kidney. Academics from China wanted to examine whether telesurgery is comparable, or “non-inferior”, to surgery performed locally using robotic-assisted techniques. They set out to assess patients who had a prostatectomy – the surgical removal of a prostate gland – or a partial nephrectomy, which is the removal of a kidney tumour. Some 72 patients were randomly assigned to be given telesurgery or local surgery, with the main measure of success the outcome of the surgery. The researchers found telesurgery “was not inferior to local surgery in terms of the probability of surgical success”. The telesurgery system was stable with a distance from 1,000km-2,800km they found. Writing in The BMJ, the authors said: “Telesurgery has evolved over more than three decades, progressing from conceptual inception to advanced clinical exploration, however, despite the accumulation of many single arm and uncontrolled studies, robust evidence confirming its reliability remains scarce. “As the first randomised controlled trial in the field of telesurgery, this study establishes that its reliability is non-inferior to that of conventional local surgery.” They highlight the importance of the finding in rural hospitals which lack specialist surgeons, and for care for people in disaster or war zones. But they also called for much larger studies to confirm their findings. Commenting on the study, Naeem Soomro, professor of urology and member of council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: “Telesurgery is an exciting advancement which offers surgeons greater flexibility, access to specialist expertise, and the ability to operate remotely using advanced robotic systems in real time, even from the other side of the world. “This study provides a useful perspective on whether telesurgery could be as reliable as standard robotic surgery. “However, while early findings suggest that telesurgery may be feasible for selected urological procedures, caution is needed before any wider adoption. “The researchers acknowledge that clinical use remains limited and that a full assessment must go beyond technical feasibility to consider long-term clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, workforce training, and patient experience – areas not addressed in this study. “The risks to patients therefore are not yet fully understood, and current findings do not yet show that it matches the safety and effectiveness of standard robotic surgery in routine clinical practice. “Its role in the broader expansion of robotic surgery therefore remains uncertain. “With strong governance and further comparative research, telesurgery could in time become a scalable alternative rather than simply an additional tool.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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London (PA Media/dpa) – Sleeping without a pillow may be better for people with a common eye condition, a study suggests. Stacking two pillows in bed was linked to higher pressure inside the eye among glaucoma patients. This may be down to pressure on the jugular vein, the main blood vessels in the neck, researchers in China said. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, included 144 people with glaucoma. The condition is usually caused when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, damaging the optic nerve, which connects the eye and the brain. It is most common in people over 50 and while it does not usually have symptoms, it can cause blindness if left untreated. Researchers measured internal pressure in the right eye of each patient every two hours for 24 hours while sitting and lying down. Their heads were then raised to between 20 and 35 degrees by two pillows, with pressure measured 10 minutes later, before they were asked to lie down flat again. Researchers found that eye pressure increased in more than two-thirds (67%) of people when they were lying on pillows when compared to lying flat. The position was also linked to an increased fluctuation in eye pressure over 24 hours and a fall in the pressure at which blood enters the eye. Lying on pillows with the neck at an angle may compress the jugular vein, which takes blood from the head back to the heart, the study suggests. To explore this further, the team performed ultrasounds on 20 healthy volunteers and found the high-pillow position led to “significant constriction” of the jugular vein’s lumen – the hollow passageway through which blood flows. Researchers said people with glaucoma “may benefit from avoiding sleeping postures” that cause this compression, although further research was needed. They added that this adjustment represented “a simple yet potentially effective” strategy for maintaining long-term internal eye pressure. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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Once upon a time, being a man meant being strong and unyielding. Today there are many different understandings of masculinity. How can parents support boys on the journey to finding the right kind of manhood? Berlin (dpa) – Expectations of masculinity are changing, and education experts agree that boys need positive guidance to find their identity. When a little boy turns a toy spade into a sword and a bit of digging in the sandpit suddenly becomes a gladiator match, many parents start to worry. Bellicose boys are not always wanted. Yet they are still expected to assert themselves, ideally with words. Coolness, composure and assertiveness – researchers call these the demands of masculinity, the things society has traditionally expected of boys. "These demands cover all basic attitudes that are perceived as male," says Stephan Höyng, professor of boys' and men's work at the Catholic University of Social Work in Berlin. But is that really still the case? Looking back, traditional ideas of masculinity painted a very narrow picture of the heterosexual, tall, muscular and successful man, explains Reinhard Winter, an educational expert, author and lecturer at the Social Science Institute in Tübingen, Germany. For decades this was the prevailing masculine ideal. Those who matched it had an easy ride. Those who fell outside the grid were often devalued and marginalized. Even though this traditional type still carries great weight in academic circles, very few young men still conform to it today. By that yardstick, many in more progressive parts of the world live in a paradise today where everyone has the opportunity to develop themselves. "That is a great advantage to start with," says Winter. "On the other hand, I still have to find out who I actually am. The individual developmental task has therefore become a bit bigger." "The masculine type has been modernized. He is self-critical, decent and cultivated," Winter said. "But when it matters, he can and should unleash his full energy. In my view, this capacity for self-regulation is what currently constitutes the dominant masculine ideal." Different facets are needed depending on the situation, and showing some aggression and going full throttle in the right moments, then bringing emotions back down can be welcome in sport, working life and in certain contexts. Feeling, empathy, self-reflection in demand So how do boys learn to deal with different ideal images? In part by being non-judgemnetal. "I do not judge whether you are wearing a skirt or trousers. As you are, you are okay," advised Stephan Höyng. Allowing feelings is also important. Anyone who tries to emulate a more traditional image of masculinity runs the risk of unlearning how to feel, empathize and tune in to themselves. These are all abilities that play no role in the traditional male ideal. “Then a kind of emotional coldness can develop inside. A development that leads to no longer being able to sense what is good for others — or for myself — and what is not,” says Höyng. While most parents could say very precisely how their son should not be — namely not too loud, not too wild, not sexist or exclusionary — many people find it difficult to name positive qualities, says Winter. “In the past, one could say: men have to be strong. And as a boy, you could react to that and consider, for example, going to the gym. But if I only ever know how I should not be, I lack orientation as to who I can and should be,” he says. Telling someone “just be yourself” also offers little guidance. Instead, boys need to be positively encouraged and shown how they can behave in difficult situations. This applies not only to marginalized boys, but also to those who more closely resemble the traditional male type. Learning how to fight – and help “When boys enjoy fighting, many parents shy away from it. But if we say you’re allowed to be as masculine as you are, that also includes the fact that some boys tend toward a dominant form of masculinity and need support in cultivating it,” says Winter. For example, through play. There is nothing wrong with playing knights in a castle where fierce battles are fought. “I can enjoy fighting and at the same time expand the game. For instance, the injured knights need to be cared for. We need a Red Cross knight.” Learning to respond appropriately to different situations is best achieved by boys through positive male role models. “Children need images they can act by. It’s wonderful when there are concrete men who are caring and able to show emotions. But of course children and adolescents also get their role models from the media, and these are often stereotypical figures,” says Höyng. Reinforcing the positive When it comes to media consumption and social networks, the professor recommends staying close to the topics that interest young people: apart from warning children about sites to avoid, parents should talk to their children about their own interests. "That sometimes means taking a look at one or two influencers myself." Even when boys suddenly want to go to kindergarten dressed as a princess or a unicorn. "My son also absolutely wanted to go to kindergarten as a princess," Winter says, adding he was worried about his son being excluded. And then they came up with an emergency plan: a change of clothes. Nothing happened, he says, and his son "was a beautiful princess and completely happy in that situation." Of course, in such situations there is a risk that strangers might make fun of them. But for Winter it would have been terrible “if we had spoiled the costume for him or warned him. As parents, you can trust that boys can handle such situations. If it really escalates, that’s an opportunity to discuss gender issues together and continue developing from there.” The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ada xxde mew

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Even after the coronavirus pandemic, anti-vaccination activists are still active on social media, spreading rumours of allegedly severe side effects from vaccines and raising fears of "turbo cancer". Is there any truth to their claims and can vaccines raise cancer risk? Berlin (dpa) – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, claims that vaccines can cause severe disease have been widespread on social media, with sceptics raising the alarm about what they call "turbo cancer". Recently, the anti-vaccine scene has been referring to a study that purports to link Covid-19 vaccinations to certain tumours. Asked whether vaccinations are currently linked to serious illnesses such as cancer, immunologist Carsten Watzl replied with a clear "No." He said the roots of the claim, especially for coronavirus vaccines, go back to the technology used to develop them. Because they are based on the virus’s genetic information, a theory arose that this genetic material would integrate into the genome of human cells, Watzl explained. Many anti-vaxxers say this leads to mutations that supposedly turn these cells into cancer cells. Although there were early explanatory approaches, he said it took well-conducted epidemiological studies to refute this. Cancer from coronavirus vaccination? A misinterpreted study A study has recently put fresh wind in vaccine opponents’ sails. The paper, published in the journal Biomarker Research, examined prostate, lung and thyroid cancer diagnoses among vaccinated and unvaccinated people in South Korea. The study shows a statistical association between vaccination and cancer diagnoses, but that does not mean the vaccination is the cause. A warning to review the study’s findings for methodological shortcomings was already added in autumn 2025. "Vaccinated people tend to be older and have pre-existing conditions," Watzl said. That is generally associated with a higher cancer risk. If there are more frequent doctor visits and check-ups, possible diseases such as cancer are detected earlier. This explains why more diagnoses appear in the study’s data among vaccinated people. They were not triggered by the vaccination, but merely identified earlier. The authors note this effect themselves. The South Korean study has been critically assessed by experts worldwide. Watzl pointed to another study from France in which vaccinated and unvaccinated people were better matched. The result was that cancer-related deaths in the vaccinated group were not higher. Medical misinformation: Who wants to achieve what? Laypeople and amateurs are chiefly behind myths like these, says Jan-Henning Steeneck, a lawyer in Germany who wrote a doctoral thesis on medical misinformation on social media. These people create content without medical qualifications and without editorial standards, Steeneck says, describing them as "new actors in science communication". According to him, further sources include former experts and doctors whose formal scientific background lends such myths a veneer of legitimacy. Celebrities and politicians use their reach to amplify such narratives, Steeneck explains. Multipliers share this content online and thereby become producers themselves. The legal researcher says there are different reasons why such content is spread, and malicious intent is not always one of them. A significant share, such as parents in private chat groups, consider the information true and act out of misdirected concern or a desire to help. However, there are also actors who earn money by spreading misinformation or who pursue ideological and political goals to undermine trust in governments, authorities or science, he said. ‘Turbo cancer’ myth resurfaces again and again The term "turbo cancer" repeatedly crops up on social media posts raising the alarm about a supposed link between coronavirus vaccinations and a sharp increase in cancer risk. Used for years in anti-vax circles, the phrase is meant to imply more aggressive types of tumour that allegedly spread faster than previously known. The claim is false and the term is not a medically recognised technical expression. Neither medical societies nor public institutions use "turbo cancer" in the context of the disease. According to dpa research, the coinage originated with a lawyer. Watzl points to 2021, when more than 60 million people in Germany alone were vaccinated against coronavirus. After that, he said, cancer rates did not shoot up. Even after the administration of billions of doses worldwide, there is no scientific evidence that vaccines have triggered more cases of cancer, the German national health body Robert Koch Institute (RKI) says. Some vaccinations even have the opposite effect. According to the RKI, they protect against infections that can cause cancer. The HPV vaccination can thereby prevent, among other things, the development of cervical cancer, and the hepatitis B vaccination can prevent the emergence of liver cancer. The following information is not intended for publication dpa mfl yyzz a3 may

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Protein has become a marketing buzzword, with everything from Pop Tarts to coffee drinks boasting boosted amounts. Which high-protein foods actually support good health and when does the protein craze become more hype than help? Los Angeles (tca/dpa) – Protein is having a moment, with federal guidelines significantly raising the recommended amount people should eat every day and products ranging from coffee drinks to Pop-Tarts touting enhanced levels of the nutrient. Eating enough protein is important for good health, Denver-area dieticians said, but people who want to increase their intake need to make sure they choose quality foods and don’t crowd out healthy carbohydrates and fats. Data from the US Department of Agriculture showed that, as of 2020, the average US resident already ate enough protein to meet the new recommendations. Consumers in the European Union are also getting enough or more than enough protein on an average day, according to the European Food Safety Authority. In poorer parts of the world, however, protein inadequacy remains a major public health issue. In the US, the most recent edition of the federal nutrition guidelines, released in early January, raised the recommended floor for protein consumption, setting a range from 50% higher to double the previous recommendation. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also unveiled a flipped food pyramid, with beef and full-fat dairy among the foods to emphasize at the top. Federal recommendations had ditched the pyramid about 15 years ago for a model plate divided between produce, protein and whole grains. The previous protein guideline was a bare minimum to avoid malnutrition, so raising that was probably the right call, said Jessica Crandall, a registered dietitian nutritionist who works at HCA HealthOne Rose. Generally, Crandall recommends 60 to 80 grams of protein each day for women and 80 to 100 grams for men. For comparison, a three-ounce serving of ground beef has 22 grams, a skinless chicken breast has 18 grams and 6 ounces of Greek yogurt has 15 to 17 grams, according to Washington University in St. Louis. But the right amount for any individual will depend on their body weight, age, level of physical activity and health, with some conditions requiring more protein and others demanding restrictions, Crandall said. The International Food Information Council’s 2024 Food and Health survey found about 71% of US residents were specifically trying to eat protein, up from 59% in 2022. About one in five said they specifically follow a “high protein” diet, making it more popular than calorie counting, low-carb or Mediterranean food plans. People who work in nutrition have known about protein’s importance to the muscles and immune system for quite some time, but public perception of it has changed significantly in recent years, said Kelly Elliot, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Saint Joseph Hospital. “It’s interesting how marketing sways the public and how the public sways marketing,” she said. While protein shakes and bars have been staples among the gym-going set for some time, other food brands are getting in on the game. Snickers and Pop Tarts unveiled higher-protein options, and Thomas’ bagels added a line about protein content to the front of the packaging for their existing products. Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts recently debuted drinks enhanced with whey protein, and Chipotle’s menu now promotes a “protein cup” of chicken and a chicken taco, designed to offer a similar mix of protein, fat and carbs to a protein bar, said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s interim chief marketing officer. “We’ve seen growing demand for protein-forward choices across more occasions, especially snack-sized portions at accessible prices,” she said in a statement. “We’ll carry this focus throughout 2026, with our culinary team driving protein-led innovation informed by customer behavior and emerging trends across our restaurants and digital channels.” As more people get the message that they need to increase their protein intake — despite the fact that most Americans already eat enough — food companies have responded by adding protein in unexpected places, including pretzels, chips and even bottled water, said William Hallman, a psychologist at Rutgers University who studies how people think about food. Emphasizing protein creates a “health halo” around products that makes people think they’re a better option, even if the manufacturer had to increase sugar and fat to mask the taste of protein powder, he said. “Consumers think it’s healthier for them, and that’s the problem,” he said. Brands highlight the positive aspects of their food, but that doesn’t mean that every high-protein product is a good choice, Elliot said. Consumers need to consider other factors such as sugar and saturated fat content, and whether the ingredients list includes a string of additives, she said. The new nutrition guidelines also warned the public to avoid added sugars and ultra-processed foods, while maintaining the existing advice to limit saturated fat for heart disease prevention. “Some of these protein bars, many of them are glorified candy bars,” she said. The new nutrition guidelines may encourage products to continue jumping on the protein bandwagon, but in the long run, food companies will have to consider whether the costs of fortifying their products are worthwhile in an increasingly crowded marketplace, Hallman said. “At some point, people are going to figure out they’re getting plenty of protein,” he said. Most people will be able to meet their needs as long as they have a good source of protein at each meal, alongside fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Crandall said. While most people think of meat when discussing protein, other options with less saturated fat include eggs, dairy foods, seafood, nuts, seeds and beans, she said. “Protein is one piece of the puzzle,” she said. For most people, eating more protein than they need isn’t likely to cause a problem, though it can exacerbate kidney or liver disease. The concern is that they’ll forgo foods that are low in protein but high in fiber or vitamins and minerals that also contribute to good health, Crandall said. “Sometimes when we hyper-focus on one area… we miss out on those other nutrients,” she said. The following information is not intended for publication tca dpa coh

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Merino sheep's wool or non-slip plastic? There is a wide range of yoga mats you can choose from, each with different characteristics. The most important thing is that the mat suits your style of yoga, one teacher explains. Berlin (dpa) – Yoga mats protect the body when performing exercises on hard floors and ensure a secure footing when practising a yoga pose, but the right choice depends on thickness and material, yoga teacher Kerstin Kopp says. Asanas, the body postures in yoga, benefit from grip when standing and warmth and relaxation when lying down. Mats come in different thicknesses and materials such as PVC, TPE, natural rubber, cork or virgin wool, which in turn affect grip, cushioning and sustainability, she says. Kopp, who has health insurer certification and has taught Vini and Hatha yoga for around 10 years, is also the press officer of BDYoga, the professional association of yoga teachers in Germany. For beginners, a standard sports mat or even a camping mat may suffice, she says. However, these often have the drawback that the material stretches in certain postures such as downward-facing dog, and they often have a pronounced curl, a wave that can hinder some asanas. By the second course at the latest, people should opt for a proper yoga mat so that their own practice can take centre stage rather than struggling with the mat, she explains. For quieter styles such as Yin yoga or Yoga Nidra, virgin wool blankets are ideal because they are soft and warm. For more physically active styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga, people should prioritise a non-slip surface to perform postures such as the hero pose, also known as warrior, safely. Specialist retailers offer advice and, where possible, allow mats to be tested on site. A thicker mat is kinder to the joints. A thinner one is advantageous for balance postures. Depending on the posture, a thinner mat can be folded to cushion the knees, or a folded towel or cushion can be used. Sometimes resourcefulness with props is called for but whatever helps is allowed. Generally, mats are quite durable with normal use. However, people should avoid folding a mat and always roll it to prevent the material from breaking. They should also avoid rolling it against the curl. Avoiding harmful substances is also key. Depending on how mats are made, production can burden the environment and endanger the health of workers and end users. Yogis should look closely before buying and, ideally, ask the manufacturer. Some brands have dedicated eco lines and describe their quality guidelines in detail. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn mod xxde mew coh

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Ever find yourself at work trying to get everything done even though you'd rather be in bed nursing your cold? Researchers say this can lead to a vicious circle of excessive demands and constant fatigue – especially when working from home. How can we limit our presenteeism? Berlin (dpa) – Many people go to work ill, be it because they need the money and can't afford to take time off or because of job insecurity, a heavy workload, the feeling that they're irreplaceable the love of their job or management expectations. But the price may be more than a headachy, sniffly slog through the day. A recent study by researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and the Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz) and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences in Germany found that "frequent sickness presence episodes contributed to increases in fatigue over time." "Those who regularly exhibit presenteeism run the risk of falling into a spiral of excessive demands and permanent exhaustion," warns Dr Oliver Weigelt, assistant professor of organizational psychology at the University of Groningen and co-author of the study. While the broader meaning of "presenteeism" is being present at your place of work longer than is required – for whatever reason – it's usually understood to mean going to work when you're ill. In the study, published in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 123 employees kept a weekly diary for 16 weeks in which they noted whether they had worked while ill and how fatigued they felt. The findings were clear: Their level of fatigue rose substantially in the weeks they worked ill, and remained elevated in the following weeks. The researchers also took other factors into account as possible causes of exhaustion, namely illness symptoms, workload and time pressure. "People who work while sick need considerably longer to recover," says research team leader Dr Carolin Dietz, scientific researcher in work, organizational and economic psychology at TU Chemnitz. While many people underestimate how much energy the body needs to return to normal, "the data showed that exhaustion only dissipates slowly over several weeks after such phases." So what should ill employees do? Honestly assess your ability to work and willingness to jeopardize your long-term health by showing up, says Dr Bertolt Meyer, professor of work, organizational and economic psychology at TU Chemnitz, adding that employers also benefit from employees taking time off when ill.  "Presenteeism can seem pragmatic in the view of employees, but in the medium term leads to reduced performance and higher costs [for employers]," he remarks. Speak with your superior if you don't feel physically up to your job, advise experts. And don't wait until you're completely exhausted – it's not like a salary negotiation, when you try to catch your boss in a particularly good mood, says Cologne-based career coach Bernd Slaghuis. A brief heads-up (e.g. "I've got a lot on my plate and am not in the best of health at the moment") is straightforward and allows management to redistribute tasks or alter priorities. Remote and flexitime workers in particular should make sure to utilize rest periods – not merely observe them formally, but truly recharge their batteries both physically and mentally. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, multiple studies showed that employees working from home are more likely to risk their health by working when ill, notes Germany's Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). Employers have a role to play too. To prevent presenteeism, they should create a workplace atmosphere in which employees who are under the weather are fully free to decide whether they're fit enough to work, the BAuA says, for example via flexible working hours, sound personnel shortfall management and a company culture emphasizing the importance of recuperation in cases of illness. "Companies should therefore actively encourage ill employees to take the measures necessary to recover," says Meyer. This will not only avoid the risk of infecting other employees, but also medium-term costs associated with the ill employee's reduced productivity. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn amb lue yyzz n1 sw ob coh

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