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Berlin (dpa) – If you have developed a cough which you're struggling with or is keeping you up at night, don't be tempted to buy special medicine to calm it down. Chemists sell two kinds, basically. Cough suppressants loosen mucus and are intended to make coughing easier. If a dry, irritating cough develops towards the end of a cold, cough suppressants are supposed to provide relief. The other kind of medicine is expectorants, medication to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, aiming making it easier to cough up and clear from the throat and lungs. But testers in Germany question how effective the remedies are, whether herbal or synthetic. All cough suppressants fail In Germany, consumer organization Stiftung Warentest examined studies on the effectiveness of 27 cough medicines and came to a sobering conclusion. "Shoppers can usually save their money on cough medicines," write the testers. This applies above all to cough suppressants. Both the herbal and synthetic variants failed the test. Their effectiveness has not been sufficiently proven – and some of the active ingredients also carry risks. Dextromethorphan, for example, is an active ingredient that can be addictive and cause hallucinations, albeit rarely. The situation is somewhat better for cough expectorants. The product testers rated the majority of them as "suitable with reservations." Although their effectiveness has been proven, it is only moderate – and there is still room for improvement in terms of evidence of the products' effectiveness. Honey works too If you are suffering from a cough and don't have any cough medicine at home, you don't have to go to the chemist's. Just reach for the honey jar. Honey – whether pure or stirred into warm tea or warm milk – can be soothing for coughs. Here, too, the study results are not conclusive, say the product testers, "but comparable to the cough medicines with limited effectiveness in the test." You may also need some rest and patience. After all, it is normal for a cough to linger for three or four weeks after a cold, says Dr Sabine Gehrcke-Beck, a general practitioner. Her advice is to keep your throat moist. This helps the body fight the cough itself. You can manage this with hot drinks, sugar-free lozenges and by inhaling steam. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid loe xxde arw

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London (dpa) – You may feel worn out after a busy weekend of conversations and appointments – as though your social battery has run out. "The more we move around in large groups, engage in conversations or are exposed to conflicts, the more our energy levels drop, similar to a smartphone battery when used frequently," says Steffen Häfner, medical director of a hospital in Germany's Bad Saulgau and specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy. Everyone feels exhausted after a lot of socializing, says British author Amy Arthur whose book, "Pace Yourself: How to Have Energy in an Exhausting World" is dedicated to the issue. "The upper limit varies from one person to the next." How to recharge your social battery Experts agree that everyone, even extroverts who often draw energy from social interaction, needs time out to recover. "The key is to strike a balance between activity and relaxation," says Häfner. Only by retreating, resting or engaging in relaxing activities can you recharge your social battery. Good strategies for regeneration include: Restful sleep: Getting enough sleep is the basis for recharging your social battery. Exercise in nature: Walks help to recharge your inner battery. Creative activities: Painting, playing music or other creative activities have a relaxing and regenerating effect. Meaningful conversations: A good conversation in which you feel understood can also contribute to relaxation. All these things help to recharge your inner battery in everyday life, Häfner says. Retreating is the most obvious method. Being alone can help if it is the exchange and interaction with others that tires us, according to Arthur. However, if social anxiety or depression makes being with other people so exhausting, being alone may also exacerbate the problems. When your batteries won't recharge And if you still feel exhausted despite rest and relaxation, this could be a sign of mental illness, Häfner says. People suffering from burnout also report that they find it difficult to recover, even after long breaks, "like a smartphone plugged into a power outlet but with a broken charging cable." Warning signs you should take seriously: Permanent overload: The feeling of being permanently overwhelmed does not go away. Social withdrawal: You increasingly withdraw from social contacts. Lack of recovery: Even after breaks, you do not feel refreshed. If you notice these signs or warning signals, it could be "that there is more to it than just everyday exhaustion," says Häfner. "In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional support" and, with help, work on strengthening your resources, mitigating stress reactions and finding a healthy balance between withdrawal and social activity again. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn lue xxde amc tsn arw

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Berlin (dpa) – After a stroke, your body often no longer behaves as it did before. Often, people experience spastic movement disorders. That can mean This means that the muscles suddenly cramp or stiffen, they are under severe tension and hurt. Which muscles are affected and how exactly they behave varies greatly from one patient to the next. The problem is that spastic movement disorders develop gradually, only becoming apparent weeks or even months after the stroke. "Those who are affected and their relatives are often left to cope on their own, with help either not coming at all or coming too late," says Liz Mohn, President of German Stroke Aid, in a patient guide published by the foundation. Here are some signs to be aware of – and what to do next: How to recognise spasticity A stroke can cause damage to the central nervous system, which affects the muscles and their mobility. Anyone who feels that they are experiencing repeated stiffness, pain or restricted movement in their arms and legs should seek medical advice, says the German Stroke Association. It is best to not only consult your GP, but also visit a specialist in neurology. You can also go to a clinic for movement disorders at a hospital, if there is one nearby. Waiting to see if it gets better on its own is definitely not a good idea. If spasticity is left untreated, the muscles can shorten over time, meaning even less range of motion and even more pain, says the German Stroke Association. The challenges of spasticity Washing your hands, going for a walk or putting on trousers – many everyday activities are difficult with spasticity. Plus, the pain affects your quality of life. And often mental health suffers too. People get frustrated by the fact that their muscles no longer function as usual and that can reduce their self-confidence, and lead to symptoms of depression. Treatment options available Spasticity is not curable, but it is treatable, according to the German Stroke Association. A combination of these three things can provide relief: Treatment with medication: Active ingredients that reduce muscle tension are used, such as baclofen, tizanidine or dantrolene. The therapy should be closely monitored by a doctor, as the medication can cause side effects such as dizziness or severe fatigue. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: Physiotherapy strengthens, stretches and mobilises the affected muscles. Occupational therapy teaches patients how to better cope with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, eating or writing. Individually tailored aids. These may be orthoses, which enclose certain parts of the body – and could for example bring the wrist into a position that makes gripping easier. They could also be insoles or special shoes that reduce the risk of tripping and offer more safety when walking. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid amc xxde arw

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Berlin (dpa) – One and two and three and four: skipping rope may transport you back to when you were a kid – even if you feel a bit less light on your feet. No problem. What used to be a good way to fill your break time can now be a good workout and you might not even struggle with your your inner couch potato. That's because skipping is low-threshold and requires very little equipment, space or time. What exactly can I train by skipping? "Just a few minutes of skipping gets your circulation and metabolism going," says Elisabeth Graser, lecturer at the German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG). Specifically, skipping has the following effects: It strengthens the cardiovascular system. It trains the muscles in the legs and torso. The impact loads have a positive effect on bone density. The fasciae also benefit from the cushioning, which strengthens the connective tissue. Balance, coordination and responsiveness are trained. Jumping rope is one of the sports that burns a relatively large number of calories. In some cases, however, it is a good idea to get the green light from your doctor before you start, if you have joint problems, severe obesity or cardiovascular diseases, Graser says. Four things to consider when getting started Determine the correct rope length: Your height is the decisive factor. Stand with both feet in the middle of the rope. If the handles reach to just below your armpits, the length is right, Graser says. Practise the correct technique: When jumping, make sure your elbows stay close to your body. "Move the rope loosely from your wrists, jump only a few centimetres high and land exclusively on the balls of your feet," says Graser, describing the correct technique. Keep your knees slightly bent – this cushions the impact and protects your joints. Speaking of cushioning: it is best to wear sports shoes with good padding in the forefoot area when jumping rope. Start for just a few minutes. "If you haven't held a rope in your hands since childhood, you should start slowly," she says. The strain of jumping rope can be unfamiliar to your joints, tendons and ligaments at first. When you start, it's best to aim for two to five minutes of pure jumping time, divided into small intervals. You can gradually increase the active time. Be patient. If your foot keep getting caught, that's perfectly normal. "It often takes several sessions before you can manage longer sequences without getting caught in the rope," says Graser. Once you master the classic basic jump with both feet, incorporate variations such as "front kicks, side jumps or one-legged variations," she says. Or you can pick up the pace to add a new training stimulus. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid neb xxde arw

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Berlin (dpa) – One and two and three and four: when you swing a skipping rope, it might transport you back to when you were a kid – even if you feel a bit less light on your feet. No problem. What used to be a good way to fill your break time can now be a good workout and you might not even struggle with your your inner couch potato. That's because skipping is low-threshold and requires very little equipment, space or time. What exactly can I train by skipping? "Just a few minutes of skipping gets your circulation and metabolism going," says Elisabeth Graser, lecturer at the German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG). Specifically, skipping has the following effects: It strengthens the cardiovascular system. It trains the muscles in the legs and torso. The impact loads have a positive effect on bone density. The fasciae also benefit from the cushioning, which strengthens the connective tissue. Balance, coordination and responsiveness are trained. Jumping rope is one of the sports that burns a relatively large number of calories. In some cases, however, it is a good idea to get the green light from your doctor before you start, if you have joint problems, severe obesity or cardiovascular diseases, Graser says. Four things to consider when getting started Determine the correct rope length: Your height is the decisive factor. Stand with both feet in the middle of the rope. If the handles reach to just below your armpits, the length is right, Graser says. Practise the correct technique: When jumping, make sure your elbows stay close to your body. "Move the rope loosely from your wrists, jump only a few centimetres high and land exclusively on the balls of your feet," says Graser, describing the correct technique. Keep your knees slightly bent – this cushions the impact and protects your joints. Speaking of cushioning: it is best to wear sports shoes with good padding in the forefoot area when jumping rope. Start for just a few minutes. "If you haven't held a rope in your hands since childhood, you should start slowly," she says. The strain of jumping rope can be unfamiliar to your joints, tendons and ligaments at first. When you start, it's best to aim for two to five minutes of pure jumping time, divided into small intervals. You can gradually increase the active time. Be patient. If your foot keep getting caught, that's perfectly normal. "It often takes several sessions before you can manage longer sequences without getting caught in the rope," says Graser. Once you master the classic basic jump with both feet, incorporate variations such as "front kicks, side jumps or one-legged variations," she says. Or you can pick up the pace to add a new training stimulus. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid neb xxde arw

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London (dpa) – Be they blended into smoothies or scattered across a lump of ice-cream or slice of pie, most people don't need health-based reasons to get stuck into the likes of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Indulgent as such eating may sound, those who are fond of berries can rest easy knowing that a diet enriched with them likely means better long-term heart health. Following a decade of tracking the eating habits of around 3,100 people, a King's College London (KCL) team of nutritionists has found that those who regularly eat polyphenol-rich food such as berries "may have better long-term heart health." In research published in the journal BMC Medicine, the team concluded that foods containing polyphenols – compounds found not only in berries, but also cocoa, coffee, grains, nuts, olive oil, tea and wine – led to "lower predicted cardiovascular disease risk." "Even small, sustained shifts towards foods like berries, tea, coffee, nuts and whole grains may help protect the heart over time," said Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, professor of human nutrition at KCL. Rodriguez-Mateos and colleagues said that flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are forms of polyphenols, are of particular benefit. "These plant compounds are widely available in everyday foods, making this a practical strategy for most people," said Yong Li, also of KCL. The market for berries is set to grow as their health benefits become as widely known and appreciated as their taste. "Global blueberry demand is gaining momentum, led by North America and Europe," according to food industry researchers at Rabobank. "Asia offers long-term potential, with countries like India and Thailand showing early import growth. China, although the largest producer, still consumes less than 0.5kg per capita, highlighting room for expansion," the Dutch lender’s analysts said in a recently published paper. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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Our preferences, resilience and inventiveness are all shaped by our age. Scientists have clearly defined distinct stages of development in the brain structure from childhood to old age. Check out what is ahead, in terms of your development, efficiency and stability. Cambridge (dpa) – Our brains rewire themselves completely five times over the course of our lifetimes, says a research team, whose insights suggest changes we can expect in these different phases of our lives. The turning points in neural networking occur at an average age of around 9, 32, 66 and 83, they say. The rewiring is accompanied by different ways of thinking as we grow, mature and age, says the study published in the journal Nature Communications. "These phases provide important clues as to what our brain is best suited for at different stages of life or when it is most vulnerable," says Alexa Mousley from the University of Cambridge. "They help us understand why some brains develop differently at important points in life, for example in the form of learning difficulties in children or dementia in old age." The team evaluated around 3,800 data sets from people up to 90 years old with no known neurological diseases for the study. They used MRI diffusion scans, which map neural connections by tracking the movement of water molecules through brain tissue. "From this, we identified four important topological turning points in the course of life – at around the ages of 9, 32, 66 and 83," says the research group in the study. Each of these age groups marks the beginning of a new era in development, accompanied by characteristic age-related changes in the structure of the brain. According to the study, the longest phase is adulthood, which lasts more than three decades. From infant to child: Ongoing building site In the first phase, from birth to around the age of nine, the multitude of synapses overproduced in a baby's brain is reduced, the researchers say. The more actively used connections between neurons are retained. The first turning point at around the age of nine is accompanied by a sudden change in cognitive abilities, but also by an increased risk of mental disorders, say the scientists. Adolescence and early adulthood: Peak efficiency Between the ages of about 9 and 32, the brain enters its second phase – and really takes off. The organization of the brain's communication networks becomes increasingly refined, the team says. This is characterized by rapid communication throughout the brain, combined with improved cognitive performance. Adolescence is the only phase in life in which neural efficiency increases, says Mousley. The adult brain – three decades of stability On average, the research team says the brain reaches its maximum performance in our early 30s, marking the most significant turning point in our whole lifespan. "At around the age of 32, we observe the greatest changes in wiring and the greatest overall shift in development compared to all other turning points," says Mousley. The exact timing varies and depends partly on cultural, historical and social factors. Compared to earlier phases, the brain's architecture stabilizes – and remains so for around three decades. There is a plateau in terms of intelligence and personality, the researchers say. Mid-sixties: early ageing begins At around 66 years of age, the least pronounced turning point without major structural changes occurs: in the mid-sixties, a gradual restructuring of the brain networks reaches its peak. "At this age, people are at increased risk for a variety of health problems that can affect the brain, such as high blood pressure," says Mousley. Late ageing – the final stage of development The final turning point occurs at around 83 years of age, when the human brain enters the late ageing phase, the analysis says. Networking continues to decline. As there were no study participants over the age of 90, the study period only extended to this age. The team hopes that future studies will include larger samples and examine gender-specific differences. "Understanding that the structural development of the brain is not a matter of steady progress, but rather a matter of a few important turning points, will help us recognise when and how its wiring is vulnerable to disruption," says lead author Duncan Astle of the University of Cambridge. The following information is not intended for publication dpa fm zlw kll xxde arw

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Berlin (dpa) – Ubiquitous industrial chemicals and pesticides have a "toxic effect" on germs that play a key role in maintaining human health and could be a threat to male reproductive health, according to two teams of scientists. "Many chemicals designed to act only on one type of target, say insects or fungi, also affect gut bacteria," says the University of Cambridge’s Indra Roux, whose team’s probe of more than 1,000 potential contaminants found 168 that are likely a danger to the human microbiome. "Most of these chemicals had not been previously reported to have antibacterial properties," the researchers say, in a paper published in the journal Nature Microbiology. "Fungicides and industrial chemicals showed the largest impact, with around 30% exhibiting anti-gut-bacterial activity," the team says. "When the microbiome is knocked out of balance there can be wide-ranging effects on our health including digestive problems, obesity, and effects on our immune system and mental health," the researchers warn. The findings followed the publication in November of a warning by George Mason University researchers that "insecticide exposure," particularly to neonicotinoids, could undermine sperm production. "We concluded it is possible that exposure to these chemicals can lower sperm quality, disrupt hormones, and damage testicular tissue," says Sumaiya Safia Irfan, who was part of a team whose findings were published by the journal Environmental Research. While the data used were animal-based, the team found that "the "nature of reproductive processes across mammals supports the relevance of these findings to human health." The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr arw

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Ridges, white spots and peeling are among the health red flags, so experts offer advice on how to get nails back to their best. London (PA Media/dpa) – Nail inspiration often comes in the form of perfectly glazed manicures – chrome-dipped stiletto nails that are perfectly smooth and shaped. But behind the colour and shine, our nails can reveal a great deal about what’s going on beneath the surface. Your manicurist may be able to tell before you do. According to award-winning nail artist Jessica White, founder of Blanc Studios, “the earliest signs I look for are changes in colour, texture and growth.” She explains that “pale or blue-tinged nails can suggest circulation issues, while yellowing nails may point to fungal concerns”. Other shifts – like ridges, pitting or sudden changes in nail thickness – can also flag health concerns. “Brittle nails, excessive peeling or lifting from the nail bed are other red flags that deserve attention,” says White. “Our nails respond slowly, so these changes often reflect what’s happening inside the body over time.” So what means what when it comes to our nails? A doctor and a nail technician reveal what you should be looking out for. When it’s cosmetic and when it’s not Of course, not every chipped edge or discoloured nail signals a health crisis. Both experts stress that it’s important to distinguish between purely cosmetic wear and signs of something systemic. Dr Dave Reilly, senior scientist at Absolute Collagen, says “Most nail changes aren’t anything to worry about, but if something looks unusual or doesn’t go away, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor. “If they suddenly become weak or brittle, it could be linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, dehydration or possibly a nutrient deficiency of biotin or iron.” White explains that “cosmetic issues are usually linked to external factors such as staining from polish, dehydration from removers, or breakage after gels.” These usually improve with gentle care and hydration. “Concerns begin to arise when changes appear suddenly, affect multiple nails, or don’t improve over several weeks,” she says. The lifestyle link Diet, stress and hydration are all surprisingly visible on your fingertips. Nails, after all, are made of keratin – a protein also found in hair and skin – and depend on nutrition and moisture for strength. Reilly says “when you’re properly hydrated, your nail plate is actually about 18 per cent water. When that moisture level drops, that’s when you start seeing brittle nails, flakiness and breakage.” He explains that diet plays an equally vital role: “Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential B vitamin that can help with nail growth.” For meat eaters, he recommends “egg yolks, salmon and liver,” while for vegetarians or vegans, “sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, broccoli and avocado” all provide rich sources of the nutrient. Stress and illness can also leave their own imprint. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau’s lines, can appear after the body experiences strain or illness that temporarily interrupts nail growth. “These often signal that your body has gone through a period of stress, causing a temporary pause in nail growth,” he says. Your daily nail-care non-negotiables Both experts agree that good nail health starts with everyday habits, not just salon visits. White’s mantra is simple – “daily cuticle oil is my number one recommendation as it keeps the nail bed flexible and resistant to splitting.” She also suggests pairing this with “a gentle nail strengthener to support structure, and avoiding over-filing or aggressive buffing.” Keeping nails at a sensible length helps prevent breaks and White is firm when it comes to acetone-based nail polish removers: “Always use it sparingly to avoid dehydration.” Reilly recommends thinking of nails like skin – they need both protection and nourishment. “Start by protecting your hands by wearing gloves in cold weather to prevent brittleness, and for chores like dishes or gardening to avoid harsh chemicals and hot water,” he says. “Collagen contains the essential amino acids needed to form keratin, which is the protein your nails are made of.” As collagen production naturally declines from age 25, Reilly says supplements can help support nail strength and elasticity. Hydration, too, goes beyond drinking water. “Regularly use a rich, nourishing hand cream, focusing on your cuticles. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or glycerine for intense hydration,” he says. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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Washington (dpa) – There has long been anecdotal evidence that masturbation makes menopause easier for the women who give it a go, and yet doctors have not been able to put their finger on hard data to back this up. Now, a survey of almost 1,200 women aged between 40 and 65 shows that only 14% turn to masturbation to relieve menopausal symptoms – a lower percentage than reported for other perceived remedies such as diet, exercise and medication. However, among those who do partake, masturbation was rated highest of all potential symptoms-relief options discussed, scoring 4.35 on a five-point scale for effectiveness. The researchers at Kinsey Institute at Indiana University suggest the low adoption of this approach may be because doctors are not suggesting it, with just 7% of perimenopausal women reporting that self-pleasure had been suggested for relief. "Conversations about menopause often focus on hormone therapy or lifestyle changes, but self-pleasure remains overlooked," said Dr Cynthia Graham, Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute. The research, published in the journal Menopause in November, was based on canvassing participants about "experiences with menopause and the effectiveness of their current symptom management strategies." Respondents spoke about areas such as hormone therapy, supplements, lifestyle factors and sexual pleasure. And rather than dismiss the idea out of hand, two-thirds of the women who responded said they would masturbate "if they knew it could positively impact their symptoms," while 60% said they would follow a doctor's orders on the matter. "Masturbation may play a valuable role in managing menopause symptoms," the researchers concluded in their paper, calling on doctors to discuss the potential benefits of self-pleasure with their patients. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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