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London (PA Media/dpa) – New research indicates that a drug commonly prescribed for gout may also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken at an appropriate dose. Researchers from the UK, Sweden and Italy analysed data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum, linked with hospital admissions and mortality records, covering the period from January 2007 to March 2021. The study included 109,504 adults aged 18 and over who had been diagnosed with gout and had uric acid levels above recommended targets before starting treatment. Participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving uric acid-lowering medication – primarily allopurinol. Researchers then tracked the incidence of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular-related deaths within five years of the first prescription. The findings showed that patients taking uric acid-lowering medication had a reduced risk of cardiovascular events over the five-year period, as well as fewer gout flare-ups, compared with those who did not receive treatment. The greatest reduction in risk was seen among patients who achieved uric acid levels below 300 micromol/L. In light of this research, we spoke with Abhishek Abhishek, professor of rheumatology at the UK's University of Nottingham, who explained what exactly gout is and highlighted some early warning signs to look out for. What is gout? “Gout is a form of arthritis in which patients have high levels of a chemical called uric acid in the bloodstream,” explains Abhishek. “Over time, the uric acid deposits inside joints form very small crystals and when these crystals are released, it causes arthritis, which is characterised by severe pain and joint swelling. “The arthritis usually lasts for a week to about 10 days, and people get recurrent flare-ups, because once the crystals of uric acid form inside joints, they stay inside the joints and keep on causing these flare-ups periodically. What causes gout and what increases your risk of it developing? “In the olden days, gout was believed to be caused exclusively by poor lifestyle factors, such as eating a lot of red meat, having a rich diet and drinking a lot of alcohol,” says Abhishek. “However, now we realise that these factors only contribute towards a patient getting gout, and that the main problem is that some people’s kidneys and gut are not efficient at clearing excess uric acid out of the body. “So, we now realise that gout is mainly a genetic disorder in which lots of changes in genes result in people accumulating uric acid in their body.” What can trigger a gout attack? “There are several triggers of gout attacks, such as dehydration, a joint injury, illness, starting diuretic medication and drinking a lot of alcohol over a short period of time,” says Abhishek. “These are the reasons why some people can get recurrent gout flare-ups.” Is gout more common in older people? “Gout is generally present in people who are at least 40 years in age and it is very rare to get gout below this age group,” notes Abhishek. “It tends to become more common with increasing age. If you look at people who are over 70 or over 80 years in age, gout is quite common.” What are some early signs to look out for? “High uric acid levels do not cause any symptoms [alone], so the first symptom that most people usually experience is an acute arthritis episode, which typically affects the big toe,” says Abhishek. “During this, there’s a fairly acute or abrupt onset of joint pain, swelling and redness on the big toe.” People might also experience this on their mid foot, ankle, knee or the wrist, he adds. “In some people, the crystals can form below the skin, and they can be visible as small lumps of whitish chalk-like tissues,” says Abhishek. “This typically happens at the elbow or the fingertips.” These small, firm lumps are called tophi, and the Arthritis UK website states that although tophi aren’t usually painful, they can get in the way of normal daily activities. They can sometimes become inflamed, break down and leak fluid with gritty white material – the urate crystals. What complications can occur if you don’t seek treatment for gout? “If you don’t seek treatment, you can get attacks that affect multiple joints,” highlights Abhishek. “It can affect your big toe, ankle, foot and knee at the same time, or several joints in the hands and feet together at the same time. “Untreated gout can also last longer and lead to more severe and persistent pain and swelling. Over many years, these attacks can become more frequent, and it can then lead to permanent joint damage. The joint damage can affect small joints, such as the big toe or joints in the hands, but it can also affect larger joints, such as the knee or the elbow.” How is gout diagnosed? If someone thinks they have got gout, they should consult their GP, advises Abhishek. “The doctor can do a blood test to check uric acid levels, and if the uric acid level is high in somebody who has typical symptoms of of big toe arthritis, that is usually sufficient to diagnose gout,” says Abhishek. “In addition, if somebody has got white tissue deposits below their skin or on the fingertips or on the elbow, or sometimes on the knee, that’s sufficient to diagnose gout as well, if they have high blood uric acid levels.” In some cases, fluid is drained from the joint. “A doctor can stick a needle inside the joint to drain a bit of joint fluid and then look at it, or ask the labs to look for any crystals under a microscope,” says Abhishek. “If it is difficult to get fluid out, in these situations you can have an ultrasound to look for crystal deposits in the joints.” How is gout treated and managed? “If a patient is experiencing a gout flare-up, the treatment is generally painkillers to control the pain, which could be paracetamol,” says Abhishek. “It’s also important to rest the area and to apply some ice bags.” There are several options to control the inflammation in the joint. “Somebody can either be prescribed naproxen, which is an anti-inflammatory drug, for a few days or a tablet called colchicine, or a tablet called prednisolone, depending on the patient’s preference and their other illnesses,” says Abhishek. In some rare cases, you can also have a joint injection. “A doctor can inject the joint with some steroids to settle the inflammation,” says Abhishek. “This is to control the acute arthritis flare-up but does not control the underlying problem of high blood uric acid level or crystal deposition.” Patients can also be given long-term medicines to lower their uric acid levels. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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Geneva (dpa) – Regular reading, having a command of more than one language, remaining fit or at least physically active, healthy eating, and sleeping well earlier in life have all been linked in recent years to preventing dementia or at least delaying its onset among those whose family history implies susceptibility. According to researchers at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, the University of Geneva and Sweden's Karolinska Institutet, regular babysitting by granny and grandad is likely another potential bulwark against the effects of ageing. "Grandparents who provide care for their grandchildren tend to show better cognitive functioning than those who do not," the team said in a paper published in Psychology and Aging, an American Psychological Association (APA) journal. "Grandparents who provided childcare scored higher on tests of both memory and verbal fluency compared with those who didn’t, even after adjusting for age, health and other factors," the researchers found, after examining survey data covering almost 2,900 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Between 2016 and 2022, the grandparents involved in the study were asked three times if they had helped parents by taking care of sick grandchildren, picking them up from school or nursery, preparing meals for them, helping with or overseeing  homework, having them stay overnight or generally being quickly available should any need arise.  "What stood out most to us was that being a caregiving grandparent seemed to matter more for cognitive functioning than how often grandparents provided care or what exactly they did with their grandchildren," said Tilburg’s Flavia Chereches. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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Washington (dpa) – Getting on in years has arguably always been a puzzle. There's the 82-year-old part-time farmer down the road who remains light on his feet and a repository of repartee while his 60-something accountant neighbour gets short of breath walking from car to office. According to a team of scientists at Vanderbilt University, such "super agers" could have an innate advantage over the prematurely old, at least when it comes to cognition. According to the university, those in their 80s with brain function "comparable to people 20 or 30 years younger" are much less likely to carry the dreaded APOE-ε4 gene than those of the same age bracket exhibiting signs of mental decline. Not only are the forever-young octogenarians 68% less likely to harbour "the gene that nobody wants" than peers with dementia, they are 19% less likely to have it than the "cognitively normal" of the same age. Published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, the team's findings were based on a study of around 18,000 people and carried even more good news for super agers, who are almost 30% more likely to have APOE-ε2 – "the variant you’d want," according to Vanderbilt – than those who age as expected, and 103% more likely than those with dementia. According to Leslie Gaynor, a professor of medicine at the university, there appears to be a "super-ager phenotype" which can in turn "be used to identify a particularly exceptional group of oldest-old adults with a reduced genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease." The findings should not prompt apathy or fatalism among those who may be genetically susceptible to decline. And the same goes for those with super-ager genes who might become complacent. Other recent research has pointed out the interplay between physical and cognitive health and at the same time spelled out that eating well, getting enough sleep, staying physically active and having a track record of reading, learning languages and keeping a few hobbies alive can contribute to delaying or even preventing decline.  "High body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure are direct causes of dementia," said Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, a doctor at Copenhagen University Hospital and whose team's investigation was published last week by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.  In 2024, a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found evidence that exercise stimulates motor neurons. Around the same time, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published research explaining that those who keep fit have "lower dementia risk long-term." The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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The new IM5 is part of a new upmarket sub-brand for China's MG, but what can it offer? London (PA Media/dpa) – As far as transformations go, MG is right up there. Since 2011, this now Chinese-owned brand has pivoted from a maker of saloons and sports cars into one of the best-known EV builders around, championing battery-powered and plug-in hybrid models which offer space at a more affordable price than many alternatives. However, MG is now putting a new focus on premium touches and more refined driving characteristics with its ‘IM’ sub-brand. This car, the IM5, is how the brand is launching in some Western markets, and we’ve been finding out what it’s like. IM stands for ‘Intelligent Mobility,’ and although it may sound like a tech start-up, it has been designed to differentiate this sub-brand from the wider MG lineup. Whereas those cars are more focused on budget-conscious models, IM is more concerned with delivering high-end cars with extra refinement than your typical MG. The IM5 arrives alongside the IM6, which is a more crossover-style model, albeit with the same selection of powertrains. As we’ve come to expect from the latest breed of Chinese-made models, both cars get a high level of in-car tech and pretty much every feature you could think of. What’s under the bonnet? The IM5 is available with a trio of powertrain options through Standard Range, Long Range and Performance variants. We’re testing out that middle setup, which brings – as the name suggests – the longest range of the three. With a headline range of 709 km, it’s got a lot of distance to offer while a maximum charge speed of 396kW is one of the speediest that you’ll find on any EV on sale today. It’s enough to get the IM5’s large 96.5kWh battery from 10 to 80% in just 17 minutes, in fact. Performance-wise, the IM5 will manage a more than adequate zero to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. Want some genuinely supercar-scaring acceleration? The range-topping Performance model will manage it in a scarcely believable 2.9 seconds. What’s it like to drive? The seating position in the IM5 is quite refreshing. In the recent age of crossovers and SUVs dominating the market, being able to sit quite low in the car is something of a novelty, but it does lead to a lovely cocoon-like feeling here. The IM5 is remarkably hushed at motorway speeds, reflecting that greater emphasis on refinement. As a long-distance cruiser, it does very well. At slower speeds, there is a slightly sharp edge to the ride and things can feel fussy, with the car struggling to settle down no matter what speed you’re doing. The steering is largely devoid of feel, but this doesn’t feel like much of a talking point since it’s a characteristic which afflicts many new cars today. Visibility, however, is pretty poor; the rear screen is tiny and even though there are plenty of cameras and sensors, the lack of rearward sight is a pain. How does it look? It’s quite hard to judge how the IM5, given that it doesn’t have all that many styling elements to talk about. Reflecting a current ‘soap bar’ trend which is visible across many of the latest electric cars, the IM5 is smooth and rounded, but doesn’t differentiate itself from the rest too much. In white, like our test car, it’s all quite nondescript. Of course, styling is quite a personal thing but, in our view, it’d be nice to have a few more features to talk about on the IM5. What’s it like inside? There’s lots to like about the interior of the IM5. As mentioned earlier, it’s quite cocoon-like in design, so both forward passengers get a low-slung and comfortable place to be. The front seats are pleasantly made, too, and the deep-pile carpets are a high-end touch as well. As we’ve come to expect, the interior of this car is dominated by screens, with a huge central display managing heating and ventilation, while a top-level one handles navigation and speed readouts. In truth, it’s all a bit of a pain to use – particularly when you’re on the move – and even something as simple as adjusting the heated seats is more attention-grabbing than it needs to be. A few physical buttons would help this issue considerably. Boot space stands at a very usable 457 litres and you’ve also got a handy ‘frunk’ which adds 18 litres of cable storage space to that figure. What’s the spec like? Though IM is designed as a more premium offering, its cars are still priced very competitively. The Long Range model – which we feel is the pick of the bunch – brings an exhaustive list of standard equipment. Highlights include electrically adjustable front seats, two-zone climate control and keyless entry. Both front and rear seats are heated, too, helping to make the IM5 more comfortable in winter. Something which boosts the cold-weather performance of the IM5 is a standard-fit heat pump, which isn’t always included as standard by rivals. There is a cheaper Standard Range model, and a pricier range-topping Performance (£39,450 vs £48,495 in the UK, for example). For us, the Long Range feels like the smart choice from the line-up. Verdict The IM5 brings many plus-points. For the price, there are few cars which offer the same level of performance and range, while its charging speed outpaces nearly all other EVs on the road today. It’s also comfortable and would be a good partner on long-distance drives. It just doesn’t feel quite as polished as others in the market, while its screen-heavy layout simply isn’t as intuitive – or as safe – as a setup with more physical controls. It’s not a bad car by a long stretch, but the IM5 lacks the overall finish of some of its more accomplished rivals. Facts at a glance Model as tested: MG IM5 100 Long Range Engine: Single rear electric motor Power: 401bhp Torque: 500Nm Max speed: 220 km/h 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds MPG: NA Emissions: 0g/km Range: 709 km Maximum charge speed: 396kW The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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London (dpa) – "You’ll get used to it in no time." So goes the reassurance given by many a grandparent to a son or daughter wincing at the prospect of that first nappy-change of a newborn. The likelihood is that granny and grandad not only have a strong stomach, but, following years of parenting, have become "inoculated" against the retch-inducing, hold-your-nose aversion that excrement and bodily fluids can prompt in less-experienced guts. Researchers have found that parents – particularly those of experience with at least some children whose nappy days are in the past – are far less likely to get the ick from images of excrement than others. "Repeated, long-term exposure to bodily waste significantly reduces parents’ disgust responses, with effects that persist over time," according to scientists at the University of Bristol, explaining the matter-of-fact resilience that parenting hones. It seems that "prolonged, unavoidable exposure" to nappies results in a desensitization that is not only general but lasts long after early-years parenting. Such resilience could be an asset in other areas and at other stages of life, such as in caregiving, the researchers pointed out. "Parenthood doesn't just change daily routines, it can fundamentally alter how humans experience disgust, with lasting effects that extend beyond childcare itself," said Edwin Dalmaijer, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Bristol. In contrast, people without children "showed strong avoidance of images depicting bodily waste," while those whose children were young enough to be still milk-fed were just as squeamish. Thefindings , published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology in January, suggest that such aversion is possibly rooted in a parent’s protective instincts, which can change into something more like resilience as a child develops and becomes less vulnerable. "Heightened disgust during the milk-feeding stage could help reduce disease risk for young infants, while later desensitisation allows parents to care for their children when they are ill," they suggested. And for those without kids who want to run the other way – say if a pal with a six-month-old jokes about changing a nappy – they too are likely acting out a deep-seated survival instinct. "Disgust occurs in response to stimuli that could carry pathogens, seemingly to help individuals avoid the risk of contamination," the researchers said. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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A pounding head, dry mouth and bone-deep fatigue — the misery of a hangover hits hard because alcohol disrupts fluid balance, sleep, blood sugar and even irritates your stomach and throat. What steps help prevent or ease the next-day suffering? And which are myths? Berlin (dpa) – Last evening you were flying high, but now you've crashed and are burning – or so it can seem with a hangover when your head's pounding, mouth dry, and you're dead tired. Come to think of it, you might be better off simply dead. Two experts discuss why you feel so miserable after excessive alcohol consumption, how to avoid a hangover, and the best breakfast the morning after: 1. What happens in your body if you overindulge in alcohol? Simply put, "alcohol scrambles up a lot," says Tobias Schwarz, deputy head of a department of addiction prevention at a public health institute in Germany and representative of its Know Your Limit campaign. Having one – or more – too many upsets your body's fluid balance. Alcohol is a diuretic, causing you to pee more. In addition to fluid, you lose electrolytes – minerals key to many bodily functions. Dehydration symptoms hit the following morning. "You feel limp, unable to do much," says Dr Gerd-Wilm Schute, chief physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Helios Hospital in the German city of Lutherstadt Eisleben. "Depending on the severity of dehydration, you may also experience a headache, dizziness, dry mouth and fatigue." What's more, a toxic byproduct of the liver's breakdown of alcohol is the organic chemical compound acetaldehyde, which contributes to hangover symptoms. Incidentally, darker alcohols – such as red wine, whisky, brandy and dark rum – cause worse hangovers, says Schute, since they contain higher concentrations of minor compounds called congeners that occur naturally in fermentation and distillation processes, such as tannins in red wine. There are several reasons for hangover fatigue, notes Schwarz: "Intoxicated sleep isn't as restorative as you'd like, and it's shorter too," as well as generally more fitful. While alcohol's sedative effect may help you to fall asleep faster, it impairs sleep quality. In addition, Schwarz points out, alcohol lowers your blood sugar level. Your liver is busy breaking it down, inhibiting the organ's release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream to power your body. This is one of the reasons you feel so lethargic after overindulging. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes of your throat, oesophagus and stomach, which can lead to nausea, heartburn or an upset stomach. 2. Can you prevent a hangover? Like it or not, the best way is simply not to drink alcohol. But if you do, Schwarz says you should do so responsibly. This means, for instance, deciding in advance what your limit will be, and not drinking any further. Admittedly, it's not always easy. After all, alcohol weakens your self-control. It relaxes inhibitions and can make you drink more than you planned on. The internet abounds with tips on what you can do – both before you tip an elbow and while you're doing it repeatedly – to prevent a hangover. They include drinking an electrolyte-rich powder mixed with water in advance, and alternating alcoholic drinks with water. "I naturally wouldn't recommend anything enabling you to drink more alcohol, but rather that you drink less," Schwarz says. He adds, however, that it does make sense to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones, since they provide fluid and minerals your body needs. Consuming an electrolyte drink before alcohol, on the other hand, is largely ineffective, according to Schute, as excess electrolytes are quickly excreted by the body. Better preparation for a booze-fuelled party, he says, is to eat a solid meal with protein and some fat. Conversely, it's unwise to drink alcohol on an empty stomach, which accelerates its absorption into the bloodstream. When the party's over and before you go to bed, you should drink a glass or two of water to make up for your fluid loss. 3. Ugh, you're hungover. How can you ease the suffering? As grand as it would be, "no matter what you do, you can't speed up the breakdown of alcohol," says Schwarz. Taking a cold shower won't help, and neither will drinking strong coffee. The speed depends on your liver's capacity, he says, which is about 0.01 to 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) per hour. A good breakfast, however, can help your body replenish what it's short of after an all-too-merry evening. Its components should include fluids, minerals and carbohydrates that supply energy. "Two glasses of mineral water, vegetable juice or vegetable broth will do it," says Schute. To go with this, he suggests muesli with yoghurt, a banana and some honey, or scrambled eggs with an avocado and a pinch of salt. You should avoid carbonated drinks and strongly acidic juices, warns Schwarz. Physical exertion should also be avoided, Schwarz says. "It's better to rest or take a leisurely walk." If you have a bad headache and want to take a pain reliever, steer clear of paracetamol. As Schute explains, it puts strain on the liver, which is busy breaking down the alcohol you've drunk. Both experts advise against "hair of the dog (that bit you)," i.e. taking an alcoholic drink to counteract your hangover. "You definitely shouldn't do this, because it puts additional stress on your body," Schwarz says. Alcohol-free beer is fine though: An isotonic drink, it can help replace lost electrolytes. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn elh yyzz a3 bzl rid nhr ob

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Many parents are unsure when and how to address the subject of sex with their children. Don't put it off for too long, say specialists who offer a range of approaches to broaching the topic. Berlin (dpa) – When David was seven years old, he asked, "How do babies get into tummies?" His mother was a bit stressed at the time as she was getting out of the car and dashing to an appointment. "We'll talk about it tonight," she said, though they didn't manage after all. "To be honest, we didn't bring up the subject again because, of course, we were also unsure about it," she says. Like Anja Maier (not her real name) from Stuttgart, many parents face questions such as, "How do I communicate this in a child-friendly way? How much detail should I go into? How matter-of-fact should I be? Am I overwhelming my child?" Mothers and fathers are often unsure about when and how to educate their children, say specialists. Mums more likely than dads to tell kids A relatively large proportion of parents ultimately play no major role in educating their own children. Some 40% of girls say that their mother contributed significantly or very significantly to their sex education, according to Heinz-Jürgen Voss, professor of sexology and sex education at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Among boys, the figure is only 20% – and even lower for fathers, at 15% to 20%. These are the findings of a study conducted by his university, which surveyed 861 people four years ago. So what do experts recommend when it comes to talking to kids? Don't wait too long with sex education It is crucial that parents start sex education as early as possible, says Voss. "In principle, sexuality, the body and gender are already topics of discussion from birth." It is important that parents do not start to clean the genital area carelessly during otherwise loving personal hygiene, he says. Instead, children should learn from the outset that genitals are also very important. Just because they are touched during cleaning, for example, does not mean that sexuality plays a role. "It is simply a physical characteristic," he says. He also says it is crucial to name the genitals. These can be nicknames or the correct terms penis and vulva or vagina. The main thing is that the terms are named. "So you shouldn't say that some – boys – have something there and others – girls – don't," says Voss. Parents should be who you turn to Maier and her husband always felt it was important to teach their two sons the correct terms for their genitals – also with a view to possible sexual assault. "The point is that the child can then actually name what has happened." Biologist Voß underlines that ultimately, he hopes parents will learn to talk to their children about sexuality as this is important both in terms of positive experiences and with regard to health consequences if something happens. He too is thinking of assault. "Then children also need someone to talk to." Growing through children's questions Katharina Böhmer-Kastens from the Pro Familia counselling centre in Freiburg recommends that parents base their sexual education on the pace and interest of their children. "Growing with the children's questions, so to speak, and taking them by the hand." She says this starts with small children. When children ask questions such as, "How does a baby get into the tummy?" parents need not go into excessive detail. "The recommendation is to always give short and concise answers" and then see if there are any follow-up questions. Give short answers and wait When asked about babies in tummies, you can say to small children, "When two people love each other, a child can be created." That may be enough for some children. Others may want to know more and might say, "But I love my brother too, and no child is created." Then you can go further, explain who can become a couple and say something like, "To make a baby, you need a sperm cell and an egg cell. When they meet, a baby can be made." You can also decide, "I think my child should know a little bit about this now." When the issue is taught varies widely but in Germany, primary school children learn about sex education in the fourth grade. Parents could then say, "Let's talk a little bit about the subject before that." Place articles or books in the bathroom "If you wait to provide sex education, it becomes increasingly difficult because children grow into a sense of shame,’ says Böhmer-Kastens. And then the child thinks, "Mummy is only coming to talk to me about it. I don't want to anymore." With teenagers, parents can talk about topics at the kitchen table in front of their children. "I just read a new study that teenagers watch a lot of porn. Now I asked myself, 'How was it for us back then?'” suggests Böhmer-Kastens. That normalizes talk about sexuality. You can also approach the topic less directly, she says. One way is to put books or articles on the subject in the bathroom. "Everyone sits there for at least five minutes several times a day. Then you pick it up and have a look." Sex education as protection While some fear they may overwhelm youngsters with sex education, Michael Hummert from the Institute for Sex Education in Germany's Witten says, "In most cases, we don't even ask ourselves what makes children feel insecure or not." He says, for example, perhaps the term "Tyrannosaurus rex" is too complicated for children as a Latin technical term for an extinct species. "Clitoris is even easier, and yet we don't say it," he says. Parents often avoid the topic of sexual violence fearing this too could overwhelm children. But Hummert says the key thing is to accompany children in their feelings and thoughts. "This topic is one of the reasons why sex education must be provided as early as possible." The earlier children know what is permissible between children, and between children and adults, the better, says Hummert. Children should learn to set boundaries For mother Maier, 44, from Stuttgart, it is also particularly important in sex education that her boys learn that there are boundaries. That children can then say "stop" and that "you don't have to go along with everything." She has several friends who are pregnant. Maybe this is a reason to revisit the topic with the baby in her womb, she says. "I've already thought about telling our older son a little more." The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn jak cwg amc xxde arw

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Beijing (dpa) – Binge-watching, like the binge-drinking from which it gets its name, has long had a bad reputation, carrying associations of idleness, lack of sleep and being antisocial. For this reason, many fans and streaming company PR departments prefer a different, more athletic term: the "marathon." But the negative health association is warranted, according to researchers at China's Huangshan University, who say binge-watchers are likely suffering from loneliness. "Binge-watching addicts might be engaging both in the avoidance of negative situations as well as seeking to boost positive emotions," the China-based team claimed. The researchers followed up on the isolating effects of Covid-19 lockdowns and found that for 60% of people they surveyed, binge-watching turned out to be a form of escapism and a coping mechanism. Meanwhile, people who did not show signs of addiction to TV shows did not report the same feelings of isolation and friendlessness, the team found. While the researchers determined they had found an association between binge-watching and loneliness, they said there was no proof of causation – whether or not loneliness leads to binge-watching. In apaper published in the science journal PLOS One, the team said they did not account for what they termed "other problematic video streaming behaviours" such as via Youtube or Tiktok, the "continuous consumption" of which could constitute a form of binge-watching. The research did not cover whether developing a binge-watching habit could in turn lead to loneliness or isolation. In August last year, a University of Georgia study suggested binge-watching could sharpen memory and enhance the ability to deal with stress. While many shows still release new episodes on a week-by-week basis, many streaming platforms have catered to binge-watching by releasing entire seasons at once, a choice famously made by Netflix in 2013 when launching its first original series, "House of Cards". The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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Geneva (dpa) – Zoos are facing ageing populations that threaten the conservation of endangered species, and targeted culls may be needed to make room for young animals, the team led by Marcus Clauss at the University of Zurich has warned. "If I could constantly build new enclosures, this measure would probably not be necessary," Clauss told dpa. "But if I keep all animals into old age in a world with limited enclosure space, I have no room for the next generation." The researchers examined 774 mammal populations, from hoofed animals to primates and carnivores, in European and North American zoos over 53 years. Across species, they found more populations with older than younger animals. They said the average age has steadily risen. The proportion of species with females still reproducing has fallen to 69% in Europe and 49% in North America. An ageing population is less resilient to, for example, animal diseases, the experts warned. Smaller groups with fewer than 150 animals and little reproduction could disappear entirely in the event of an outbreak. "The danger is not that all zoo animals will be gone in ten years," Clauss said. "But the trend is so striking that you need a new strategy." He said more must be done to make targeted culls socially acceptable for the sake of the next generation. In Germany there were protests in summer 2025 after 12 baboons were killed at Nuremberg Zoo due to lack of space. Zurich Zoo said the first option is always to place older animals elsewhere, but places are limited. "Culls are always carried out in accordance with the law, with animal welfare in mind and after thorough consideration of all options." The following information is not intended for publication dpa oe xxde coh

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Hanover (dpa) – Shampoos and creams promise everything from shiny hair to lasting moisture and smooth, elastic skin. Not so fast. Not all products are equally suitable for everyone, because people have different skin and hair types, says Germany's Lower Saxony Chamber of Pharmacists. Also, some ingredients in lotions and shampoos can do more harm than good to the skin. If you have a chronic illness, are a pregnant woman or senior citizen, you in particular should avoid certain ingredients because your body may be less able to break down harmful substances, the specialists say. The lists of ingredients are often a jungle of technical terms for consumers. So firstly, choose products with short, clear lists of ingredients, according to pharmacists. Secondly, avoid risky additives as much as possible. Pharmacists provide an overview of the most common problematic substances. Sulphates What they are used for: Sulphates are surfactants. They are used in shampoos because they make the product foam and have a degreasing effect. The problem: They can dry out the scalp and cause itching. People with thin, brittle hair are generally more sensitive to surfactants than those with thick hair. People with dry scalps should also opt for milder, moisturising shampoos, such as those containing urea.Typical sulphates: Sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate. Silicones What they are used for: Silicones create a smooth, supple texture and are used in both skin and hair care products. The problem: the smoothing effect is often purely superficial and does not provide any real care. Instead, they seal the skin. Shampoos containing silicone are also unsuitable for people with oily scalps, as the product is too rich. If this is you, you may find a light shampoo containing zinc or salicylic acid is more suitable. Typical silicones: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane. Preservatives What they are for: As the name suggests, these chemicals preserve the product, ensuring that it has a longer shelf life. The problem: preservatives in skin care products can have a hormonal effect and cause allergies on contact. They are also associated with an allergy risk in hair care products and can irritate the scalp. Typical preservatives: parabens (such as propyl and butyl paraben), formaldehyde releasers (such as imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin), methylisothiazolinones and benzyl alcohol. Fragrances What they are used for: Here, too, the name reveals the function. Fragrances make products smell appealing. The problem: Like preservatives, fragrances can trigger allergies. People with sensitive skin and scalps in particular should avoid fragrances and preservatives and look for labels such as "hypoallergenic." People with chronic illnesses are at particularly high risk of contact allergies. Typical fragrances: Limonene, linalool and citral. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn hik amc xxde arw

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