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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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London (PA Media/dpa) – A simple neck scan could help to pick up early warning signs of heart failure in men, a study suggests. The method – similar to ultrasounds offered during pregnancy – is “safe, cheap and painless”, and is something GPs could consider offering patients over 60, researchers said. The scan, known as a carotid ultrasound, takes between 15 and 30 minutes and is performed using a small handheld device that is moved gently over the neck. It allows medics to look at the flexibility of the carotid arteries, the main vessels that supply blood to the brain, face and neck. The large arteries in the body are elastic, but can stiffen with certain diseases and age, leading to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, led by University College London (UCL), included 1,631 men aged 71 to 92. A quarter of those with the least flexible arteries included in the analysis were 2.5 times more likely to develop heart failure compared to those with the most flexible arteries. Researchers used data from the British Regional Heart Study, which started in the 1970s, and more research is needed to determine if the method works on women. Dr Atinuke Akinmolayan, a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) academic clinical fellow who led the research from UCL and is now a GP, said: “The carotid ultrasound is a safe, cheap and painless investigation, and our findings suggest it may be able to provide an early warning sign for heart failure. “More research is needed, especially to see if this works for women, but this is something GPs could look at offering to people over the age of 60, where possible and believed needed. “A patient who gets an ultrasound result indicating they may be at higher risk of future heart failure could have an important conversation with their doctor about lifestyle changes they could make to lower that risk.” Cardiovascular diseases are the source of around a third of all global deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The British Heart Foundation (BHF), which part-funded the research, estimates that around 920,000 people in the UK are living with heart failure. Experts say heart failure is a rapidly growing public health issue with an estimated prevalence of 64 million people globally. Elsewhere, the study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, looked at the thickness of carotid arteries. Researchers found that men with thicker vessels were more likely to have a heart attack. For every 0.16 millimetre increase in thickness, heart attack risk increased by about 29%, the study suggests. Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the BHF, said: “The findings of this study are interesting and show that stiffening of arteries is associated with increased risk of heart failure, most likely due to the heart having to work harder against the resistance caused by these stiffer arteries. “It is an important signal that whenever we detect such changes in the carotid arteries, we should also be thinking of the potential impact on the heart and an increased risk of heart failure, which we have treatment strategies to prevent.” A separate study, also led by UCL, suggests a 10-minute scan could help millions of people with hard-to-treat high blood pressure. It targets those who have a problem with their adrenal glands producing too much of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates levels of salt in the body. This issue is estimated to affect about a quarter of people with high blood pressure. The scan, developed by UCL, is designed to detect overactivity in the adrenal glands that might be missed by traditional tests. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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London (PA Media/dpa) – People with chronic insomnia could benefit from tai chi as an alternative to talking therapies, a study has suggested. Researchers writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) said their study “supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults”. Guidelines for doctors to treat people with insomnia often include managing issues such as anxiety, as well as short-term courses of sleeping pills and cognitive behavioural talking therapy (CBT) for more severe cases. In the new study, 200 people aged 50 and older with chronic insomnia were split into two groups to either undertake tai chi or have CBT. All of the people in the study were free of other chronic conditions that may affect sleep, were not taking part in regular aerobic or mind-body exercise, had not received previous CBT treatment and were not working shifts. They either did tai chi or CBT for one-hour sessions twice a week, for a total of 24 sessions. People scored their symptoms such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep, and impact on daily life. After the three-month period was up, the CBT group had better scores on improvements to their insomnia than those undertaking tai chi. However, in the longer-term, 15 months after the start of the study, tai chi seemed to match CBT and even slightly outperformed it. Tai chi and CBT were found to also have comparable benefits in areas such as quality of life, mental health and physical activity level. The authors, from the University of Hong Kong, acknowledged some people in the study may have continued tai chi after the three-month period, which may have skewed the results. But they said: “Our findings suggest that tai chi can lead to substantial improvements in insomnia severity after a three-month intervention while the long-term efficacy of tai chi is non-inferior to that of CBT, the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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