Berlin (dpa) – Masturbation doesn't just feel good – it's also healthy, health experts overwhelmingly agree. For one thing, it releases sexual tension. And it helps you to understand your body better
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London (PA Media/dpa) – A new study will investigate whether noise levels in nurseries affect the language development of babies. Researchers at the University of East London said nearly 2 million children in the UK are affected by early language delays, with rates around double among those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They want to find out whether background noise in nurseries affects early language development and what action could be taken. Evidence suggests children who struggle to talk and understand words can be affected throughout their lives. They are six times more likely to be behind in English at age 11, and 11 times more likely to be behind in maths, according to Speech and Language UK. They also have more mental health problems and are twice as likely to be unemployed as an adult. The research will be carried out by the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London, supported by the Nuffield Foundation. Dr Gemma Goldenberg, lead researcher for the project, told the Press Association that nurseries are “multi-talker environments with a lot of children and adults present in one room”. She added: “We know that young children find it particularly hard to hear well in these environments as the ability to pick out one speech stream, within background noise of other speakers, develops slowly and doesn’t fully develop until children are around 13 years of age. “So even though we can hear one person easily in a multi-talker environment (eg when we are in a pub or restaurant), we forget that children struggle with this.” She said many children spend the majority of their waking hours in a nursery environment, including due to government expansion of funding for childcare. “This means more children than ever before will be spending time in nurseries during the period of time when they are developing their early language skills. “What’s special about this study is it won’t artificially create different levels of noise and study its impact in a laboratory, with children coming into the room one at a time and completing tasks. “Instead, it will study children and noise levels in real nursery environments and use the latest cutting-edge technology and machine learning to track how moment-by-moment fluctuations in noise affect children’s language and communication in real time, as well as looking at the effects over hours and days as well.” The study will involve 250 children aged 12 to 24 months across 10 nurseries in disadvantaged regions. Researchers will use wearable microphones, cameras and monitors to investigate how environmental factors and how clearly people speak and communicate influence the development of language. Solutions will be tested such as low-cost noise soundproofing as well as training staff to improve the clarity of communication. This might include looking at the rhythm of speech, facial visibility and use of gestures when communicating with children. Researchers hope the study, which includes a partnership with the Early Years Alliance, could inform national policy. Dr Goldenberg said: “We hope the research will draw attention to the powerful impact of noise and will encourage policymakers to think about acoustic standards for early years settings, and about the lack of ‘maximum numbers’ in early years settings. “At the moment there are rules about adult to child ratio but no maximum number of children per room, so you could have 30 babies in one room, as long as you had enough adults to meet the ratio. “This means those young children are in very noisy environments as one of those babies is probably crying at every moment of the day.” She said the study is “about giving every child the best possible start in life, particularly those facing the greatest disadvantage”. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw
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London (PA Media/dpa) – Most side-effects linked to statins are not caused by the drugs, a new study suggests. After a comprehensive review of side-effects linked to the cholesterol-busting drugs, academics from the University of Oxford have called for patient information leaflets to be updated. Statins are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs, with millions around the world people taking them to lower bad cholesterol levels, in turn cutting their chance of heart attack and stroke. But experts said there is “ongoing confusion and concern” about side-effects linked to the drugs, as they highlighted how millions more people who could benefit from the drugs are not taking them. After the new review, academics said that for “most people, the risk of side-effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins”. The new study, published in The Lancet, looked at data from 123,940 people who took part in 19 clinical trials comparing the effects of statins to a placebo, also known as a dummy drug. These people were followed up for an average of 4.5 years after initiating treatment. Researchers found that there was no significant excess risk with statins for almost all of the conditions listed in the package leaflets as potential side-effects. This includes no increased risk in memory loss; depression; sleep problems; erectile dysfunction; weight gain nausea; fatigue or headache. Lead author of the paper, Christina Reith, associate professor at Oxford Population Health, said: “What we were able to show reliably was that statins did not make these commonly experienced events occur more often. “So for example, the percentage of people suffering memory loss per year was similar to those taking statin therapy as those not, equally. “The percentage of people suffering sleep problems per year was similar to those taking statin therapy as for those not. “This means that we now have really good evidence that although these things may well happen to people while they take statins, that statins are not the cause of these problems.” She added: “Our study provides reassurance that, for most people, the risk of side-effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins. “What we hope to see happen is that statin drug labels are revised alongside related information to enable doctors and patients to make better informed decisions going forward.” Previous work has identified a 1% increase in muscle symptoms among people taking statins, usually in the first year of treatment. And statins can lead to a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that some people at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner. On top of these known side-effects, researchers found that only four of 66 “undesirable outcomes” previously linked to statins were actually associated with the drug. This included a small increased risk of around 0.1% of abnormal liver blood tests. But there was no increased risk of serious liver disease, they said. They also found an increased risk in swollen legs, ankles and feet, also known as oedema, and changes to urine. Researchers also examined data on 30,724 people taking part in four trials comparing more intensive versus less intensive statin therapy. This part of the study only identified a small risk of abnormal liver blood tests, with no increased urinary risks or odds of oedema. Professor Sir Rory Collins, emeritus professor of medicine and epidemiology at Oxford Population Health and senior author of the paper, added: “Now that we know that statins do not cause the majority of side-effects listed in package leaflets, statin information requires rapid revision to help patients and doctors make better-informed health decisions.” Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the study, said: “The data would suggest that around about seven to eight million are currently taking statins (in the UK) – in England it’s around five million. “The prediction, based on the evidence and looking at the risk of the population, would be that at optimal treatment levels, it would be around 15 million. “So there’s probably a shortfall close to half – 50% of patients who would benefit from these extraordinary drugs are not receiving them for whatever reason.” He added: “Statins are life-saving drugs, which have been proven to protect against heart attacks and strokes. “This evidence is a much-needed counter to the misinformation around statins and should help prevent unnecessary deaths from cardiovascular disease.” Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the UK's Royal College of GPs, said: “Those considering taking statins should be reassured by this comprehensive study which shows that while statins, like any medication, have potential side-effects, the risk for most people is low.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh
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Yoga helps you care for your body – but how best to care for your yoga mat? Consider carefully as they can be damaged by the wrong cleaner. Start by checking what your mat is made from. Berlin (dpa) – Sweat and bare feet: Yoga mats often come into contact with these. And those who practise outdoors may also expose their mats to dirt and moisture. That's why the DIY Academy in Cologne recommends wiping the mat down after each session "with a mild cleaner or a damp cloth." Then leave the mat to dry completely in a well-ventilated room before rolling it up loosely and storing it horizontally in a dry place. Avoid direct sunlight on the mat, as this can cause the material to fade or deform. Which cleaner is suitable for which material? Cleaning agents can damage the mat in the long term – in the worst case, you will have to replace it. The best cleaning agent for your yoga mat depends on the material it is made of. Manufacturers often provide detailed information on this. Anyone who uses cleaning or care methods that contradict the instructions does so at their own risk, according to Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW). It is therefore important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. But sometimes you may have misplaced the instruction leaflet or not kept the mat's packaging. Here is a rough overview of how to get your mat clean again:Polyethylene mats can be cleaned with all-purpose cleaner or hand dishwashing detergent – preferably diluted with water. For stubborn stains, use the concentrate, says Glassl. TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomers. Among other things, this material provides rubber with its elasticity. According to the DIY Academy, these mats are best maintained by cleaning them with warm soapy water and a soft brush. As the material is sensitive to abrasion, it is best not to use scouring pads. Mats made of PVC plastic are usually durable and inexpensive. According to the DIY Academy, they can also be cleaned with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth. Their closed cell structure makes them water-repellent, which is good for outdoor use as they are less susceptible to dirt and moisture. However, the slightly oily feel can diminish with use and cleaning. And what about mats made of virgin wool, cotton and cork? Glassl advises using wool detergent for mats made of virgin wool. Always pay attention to the textile care symbol, for example the wash tub. The symbol provides information on whether hand or machine washing is appropriate, as well as the washing temperature and programme. You should also pay attention to the care symbol on cotton mats. An empty triangle means that chlorine and oxygen bleach are permitted. If there are two lines in the triangle, only oxygen bleach is permitted, such as heavy-duty detergent in powder, granule or tablet form, but no chlorine bleach. Cotton mats are usually machine washable at 30 degrees Celsius, the association says. Use natural detergents without fabric softener. The mats should not be put in the dryer. It is best to let them air dry – away from direct sunlight to protect the rubber coating. Glassl advises wiping cork mats with a damp cloth, perhaps using diluted cleaner for cork floors or diluted all-purpose cleaner. Consider that you can make two damp cloths by wetting one cloth and wringing it out as well as possible. Glassl suggests you place the well-wrung cloth on top of a dry cloth of the same size, then roll both cloths together and knead them firmly. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn mod xxde mew arw
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Tel Aviv (dpa) – People are twice as likely to inherit their lifespan than was previously thought, according to a team of researchers led by scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel. The "genetic contribution" to how long a person lives is around 50%, the team found, following a trawl of health databases in Denmark and Sweden. Published in the journal Science, the results could “have far-reaching implications for ageing research and public health,” according to the Weizmann Institute, whose scientists teamed up with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Leiden University to conduct the research. For decades, many scientists believed the input of genes and ancestry to longevity to be anything from around 10% to perhaps 25% – underestimations arising from limited historic health and mortality data. "For many years, human lifespan was thought to be shaped almost entirely by non-genetic factors, which led to considerable skepticism about the role of genetics in aging and about the feasibility of identifying genetic determinants of longevity," said Weizimann's Ben Shenhar. Mortality due to war, infectious diseases, the effects of physical or unsafe work, accidents, poor diet, lack of medical care and other such "extrinsic" causes were not always easy to pick out in records. "Environmental forces, such as disease or living conditions, exert a powerful influence on how long someone lives and often obscure or confound potential genetic effects," said the American Association for the Advancement of Science/AAAS, the journal's publisher. Hereditary causes of death – for those who do not get killed first by extrinsic causes – mean "processes originating within the body, including genetic mutations, age-related diseases, and the decline of physiological function with age," the researchers said. "If heritability is high, as we have shown, this creates an incentive to search for gene variants that extend lifespan, in order to understand the biology of aging and, potentially, to address it therapeutically," said Shenar. Other recent research has pointed to a potential role for taurine, an amino acid, in slowing the aging process. Still other scientists have pointed to the 200-year lifespan of the bowhead whale, a longevity that has been put down to the Arctic giant having a protein in its cells that protects from carcinogenic mutations. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh
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A sweeping 43-year study of more than 130,000 people found that moderate coffee and tea drinkers had a noticeably lower risk of dementia. But with researchers stressing that the link isn’t proof of cause and effect, what’s really behind this brain-boosting pattern? London (PA Media/dpa) – Having a brew may be more beneficial than the immediate comfort it offers, experts suggested after a new study linked drinking tea and coffee with a reduced risk of dementia. Those who drink caffeinated versions of these hot drinks also have better mental skills compared to people who do not, the large new study found. Researchers were also able to pinpoint the number of cups each day linked to reduced dementia risk. Experts from Harvard University examined data on 131,000 health workers in the US, who were tracked for an average of 43 years. This included 86,000 female nurses and 45 men working as health professionals in the US. Questionnaires about their diet were completed every two to four years, including questions about caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea consumption. Cognitive tests were also performed. During the follow-up period, 11,033 cases of dementia were identified. Analysis suggested that higher caffeinated coffee intake was significantly associated with lower dementia risk – those who drunk the highest amount of coffee compared to the lowest appeared to have an 18% reduced risk of dementia. People who drank the most tea appeared to have a 16% reduced risk. Those who consumed the most tea and coffee also showed a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who drank the least. Among the nurses, higher caffeinated coffee consumption was also associated with better objective cognitive performance. Higher intake of tea showed similar associations, researchers found. But drinking decaffeinated coffee was not associated with lower dementia risk or better cognitive performance. Overall, the authors found that the most “pronounced association” was among people who drank a “moderate” amount of tea or coffee, with “no additional advantages” among people who consumed more. They estimated that consumption of around two to three cups of caffeinated coffee each day, or one to two cups of tea per day, were linked with the lowest risk of dementia compared to people who did not drink these drinks. “Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive function, with the most pronounced association at moderate intake levels,” they wrote in Jama. Lead author, Yu Zhang from the TH Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, told the Press Association: “Dementia is one of the most important and challenging public health problems worldwide, and there are still very limited effective treatments. “So identifying modifiable lifestyle factors that may be linked to dementia risk is critical. “Coffee and tea are widely consumed globally, so even modest associations could have meaningful population-level implications. “We analysed data from more than 130,000 women and men followed for up to 43 years, with repeated dietary assessments over time. “We found that higher intake of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive performance. “We observed the most favourable associations were at moderate intake levels – the strongest associations were seen at about two to three cups per day of caffeinated coffee and about one to two cups per day of tea. “We didn’t observe additional benefits at higher intake levels.” Commenting on the study, Dr Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This research doesn’t prove that coffee or tea protect the brain. “This study shows an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship. “People who drink coffee or tea may also differ in other ways that affect brain health, even after careful adjustment, and the study relied partly on self-reported diagnoses. “It was also conducted in relatively similar groups of health professionals, which limits how widely the results can be applied.” Professor Tara Spires-Jones, division lead at the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: “This is a well-conducted study that looked at data from a large number of people over many years. “However, the study does have important limitations. “This kind of observational research cannot prove conclusively that caffeine intake was the reason for lower dementia risk, other factors related to coffee and tea-drinking habits could be responsible. “For example, sleep disruption and several cardiovascular health factors are associated with increased risk of dementia and these can affect people’s choices around caffeine intake. “Further, the data on caffeine intake were from self-reported questionnaires administered every two to four years, and if people were in early stages of dementia, they might have difficulty accurately reporting their intake or the early brain changes could affect behaviour including caffeine intake.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh
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Frankfurt (dpa) – We all know what it is like to feel down, with a low mood and listless. But usually, this state of mind passes pretty quickly, often as you know yourself how to handle it. So how does feeling down differ from an actual clinical diagnosis of depression? "Depression is a serious mental illness that alters brain function," says Frankfurt-based professor of psychiatry Ulrich Hegerl. Depression also feels very different from what we experience when we are going through difficult circumstances in life. Four to five symptoms lasting longer than two weeks A depressive phase is present when four to five symptoms are permanently present for longer than two weeks, says Hegerl. These include: Deep feelings of exhaustion accompanied by sleep disorders Appetite disorders, often with weight loss Depressed mood Lack of joy Tendency to brood Exaggerated feelings of guilt Hopelessness Suicidal thoughts. Another typical symptom is a feeling of numbness, or the inability to perceive any feelings, Hegerl says. If left untreated, a phase of illness can last several months. Professional help is necessary Depression often hides behind physical complaints such as tinnitus or gastrointestinal problems. Anyone who sees signs of depression in relatives or friends should not hesitate to gently urge them to see their family doctor for an examination. "Depression is a serious, often life-threatening illness and should be professionally diagnosed and treated as soon as possible," says Hegerl. Your first point of contact if depression or suicidal thoughts are suspected is the family doctor, psychiatrist or psychological psychotherapist. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn eut lue av xxde arw
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Tips for moving safely when there's ice on the pavement range from walk like a pavement to special shoe covers. We took a closer look at what works best to keep you safe in the cold weather. Berlin (dpa) – Walking on pavements these days is not only a slippery business in many places, it can be a dangerous one at that. Lose your footing and fall and you could end up with broken bones in the worst case. To help you get around more safely, there is a device you can put over your shoes, but it's not without its pitfalls: spikes. They provide more grip on ice and snow and, in the best case, prevent you from slipping and falling badly. What do you need to know about spikes? First, the fastening, which is usually made of rubber or plastic, must fit the shoe. The covers are often designed to fit several shoe sizes – for example, from 41 to 43. Ideally, you should have the opportunity to test the fit in the shop. Spikes should be made of stainless steel, says Boris Gnielka from the trade journal‘Outdoor. And, he says, "I would also make sure that they are spikes and not just small pins." Spikes that are 1 to 2 millimetres long are better than nothing on slippery surfaces, but when the ice has shifted and is mixed with snow, longer, jagged shapes up to 1 centimetre in length are better. Anything longer than this would be more suitable for alpine use and are known as crampons or light ice axes. They are not really suitable for walking from your home to the bus stop. Should the covers cover the entire sole? Spikes that only cover part of the shoe are also available in shops, but expert Gnielka is not a fan of these. Often, your heel slips away and then spikes are of little use except on the ball of the foot. "If anything, I would go for models that offer traction across the entire sole." Can I leave them on when walking on cleared paths? Better not. This can make them slippery when the metal slides over paving slabs. What's more, the spikes wear down on stone and asphalt. If you're no longer walking on ice or snow, you should take the spikes off. This is even more important indoors, where the spikes can cause unsightly scratches and holes in the floor. A tip: If you are no longer very mobile, don't underestimate "the fiddling around with taking them off and putting them on," as Gnielka calls it. For example, before getting on a bus or train. If there are no seats available, taking them off can be difficult. Where do the covers go when you don't need them? Depending on how flexible the material is and how big they are, the spike attachments can fit in your jacket pocket. However, especially after use, when they are wet and full of dirt and road salt and will likely leave unsightly stains. It's best to have a bag with you to put them in. What about shoes with fixed spikes in the soles? Gnielka talks about running shoes with integrated spikes that he once had. "They were great for jogging in winter," he says, but when running on paths without ice and snow, they were very uncomfortable. "It's like running with a bunch of stones under your soles. It crunches and cracks" and the soles wear out. This is something to consider when choosing shoes with integrated spikes. What shoes to wear with spikes? In winter conditions, shoes should be comfortable, fit snugly and have a soft, sufficiently slip-resistant professional sole. This was recommended by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health several years ago. Not advisable are hard, rigid soles or shoes with high heels or leather soles. Conclusion: if there is thick ice or snow on paths and roads, spikes improve "slip resistance" and offer safety. But only there: "It should be noted that it can become even more slippery when walking with spikes on cleared surfaces." In that case, you would have to take off your spikes, according to a report, which is still relevant today. How should you walk on slippery surfaces in general? In response to the slippery conditions in the country, the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery recently reiterated the best walking style for slippery paths: the "penguin walk." In other words: take small, slow steps, place your foot down with the entire sole and always keep your centre of gravity over your front leg. If there are handrails within reach, you should use them to hold on to. If you follow this advice, you will usually be able to walk safely even without spikes. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn neb xxde mew arw
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Berlin (dpa) – Many of us keep our medication in sight so we won't forget to take it. But that is not a good idea if you have young children in your household, as accidentally taking medicine poses a health risk to them. Even a single tablet intended for adults can be life-threatening if swallowed by a child, says the Lower Saxony Chamber of Pharmacists in Germany. Why medication can be so dangerous for children: Because children have a lower body weight, medication has a stronger effect on them. Here are three examples of how medication – even in small doses – can affect a child's body: Beta blockers such as metoprolol can cause dangerous irregular heartbeat in children. Painkillers that affect the central nervous system can cause slower and shallower breathing, as well as loss of consciousness and seizures. Medicines for depression and delusions can also cause seizures in children, as well as confusion and disturbances of consciousness. How parents should respond in an emergency: Caught red-handed with the blister pack in their hand? Or has the child confessed that they found and swallowed some “sweets”? Parents, to take a deep breath and stay calm – even if that's difficult. Remove any remaining medication from the child's mouth but don't induce vomiting is taboo, partly because of the risk of suffocation. Instead, call your local emergency services, says Germany's State Chamber of Pharmacists. Or contact your poison emergency centre immediately. Check online to find out what poison emergency numbers to call. Talking to a specialist can help clarify how dangerous the medication is for your child and what is the best course of action. To do this, provide information about which medication is involved and how much you think your kid has taken and when. In some places, you may be able to get help in an emergency from an app so check online. In Germany, for example, there is one for poisoning accidents in children, by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. It is designed for parents to look up exactly what to do with which medications. How parents can prevent poisoning with medicine Ideally, keep blood pressure medication, thyroid tablets and so on out of the hands of children. Pharmacists advise you keep medicines in a lockable cupboard, including herbal preparations and vitamin tablets as these can also harm youngsters, says Germany's State Chamber of Pharmacists. Medicines that need to be stored in the refrigerator are best kept in a container that is difficult to open. Take your medicines out of sight of children to prevent them from imitating the behaviour, says the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG). The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid sw xxde arw
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Could our pee be used to create sustainable alternatives in the building industry? Scientists are testing the possibilities though they need hundreds of litres of urine for their experiments – and are calling on campers in Germany to spend a penny for their efforts. Stuttgart (dpa) – Concrete made from human urine may sound unusual but this is a research project at the University of Stuttgart. Campers at a travel fair have donated litres of their urine in a bid to help build more sustainable structures in future. Researchers at the University of Stuttgart are using their urine to develop a kind of concrete that does not require cement and should be significantly more climate-friendly. Donating not flushing "We build on urine" was what scientists wrote on a display at the CMT travel trade fair to promote donations. They asked campers to pour their urine into collection containers set up by the team led by Professor Lucio Blandini, head of the Institute of Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK). They gathered around 100 litres before the fair ended, says Blandini, thanking in particular some six or seven campers who regularly passed him their urine. Nonetheless, the researchers had hoped for more – as urine is a key ingredient in the production of bioconcrete. Conventional concrete consists mainly of sand, water and cement as a binding agent – an adhesive whose production releases enormous amounts of climate-damaging CO2. Now, researchers in Stuttgart have therefore developed bio-concrete: Without cement, but using bacteria instead, in research backed by Arwinger and Kompotoi, two companies specializing in sustainable toilet systems. To make bioconcrete, you take sand with a bacteria-containing powder, fill it into moulds and rinse it with urine for days. The urea in the urine is converted into calcium carbonate crystals. That means the concrete hardens even faster than conventional cement, the scientists say. Industry has large carbon footprint How to reduce the CO2 footprint of concrete is a major concern for the industry. With a share of around 6% to 7% of global CO2 emissions, the global cement industry must "make its contribution to climate protection," says the German Cement Works Association (VDZ). The concrete industry is also looking at processes that could replace cement, says Ulrich Lotz, Managing Director of Betonverbände Baden-Württemberg. "Ecology only comes into play if it is at least economically equivalent, equally priced and perhaps even advantageous," he adds. Cement is the "cheapest adhesive in the world," he notes but the higher the CO2 tax, the more expensive cement becomes. The "charm" of bioconcrete from Stuttgart is the availability of the basic resources, he says. "They cost nothing in themselves." But "capturing" the urine in such quantities requires some infrastructure that is not in place at present. 26,000 litres of urine for 1 cubic metre The test specimens of the bioconcrete from Stuttgart can withstand a pressure of around 60 megapascals. In theory, this already allows initial applications such as concrete blocks for load-bearing masonry, columns or paving stones. In future, the scientists also want to produce components such as beams. However, in order to produce larger pieces of concrete, they need hundreds of litres of the human waste product. Extrapolated to one cubic metre of bioconcrete, the process requires around 26,000 litres of urine. Seeking new sources To obtain such quantities, the researchers are relying on cooperation partners, weighing Stuttgart Airport and festivals so far. They also want to find out what effect it has if there are also residues of medication, drugs or hormones in people's pee. So far, the tests have only been carried out with the urine of men who have donated wee to the institute. The fair visitors were very interested in the project, Blandini says, noting many grinned initially on hearing the words, "We want to build using urine." The following information is not intended for publication dpa kke ho evy xxde arw
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