United News of Bangladesh

New medical research and innovative therapies are offering fresh hope to millions of people worldwide who suffer from migraine, a severe neurological condition that remains difficult to treat despite its widespread impact. Migraine affects more than one billion people globally and is one of the leading causes of disability. Patients experience intense headaches along with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, visual disturbances known as aura. The condition varies greatly from person to person, making treatment complex and often unpredictable. In the United Kingdom, 35 year old solicitor Megan Daniels uses a small handheld neuromodulation device several times a day to reduce migraine attacks. The device sends mild electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in her neck and face. Daniels says the treatment feels calming and helps prevent attacks as well as reduce their severity. Neurologists say this type of nerve stimulation is part of a growing range of non drug therapies aimed at disrupting pain pathways in the brain. Such devices are especially useful for patients who do not respond well to medication or cannot take certain drugs due to pregnancy or side effects. For decades, migraine treatment relied mainly on painkillers and drugs originally developed for other conditions, including heart disease, depression and epilepsy. While these medicines help some patients, others experience little benefit or suffer strong side effects. Overuse of painkillers can also worsen migraine, turning occasional attacks into chronic ones. A major breakthrough came with the discovery of calcitonin gene related peptide, or CGRP, a small protein involved in pain signaling in the brain. Scientists found that CGRP levels rise during migraine attacks and that blocking this peptide can reduce symptoms. Several CGRP targeting drugs are now available and have significantly expanded treatment options. Studies show that many patients experience fewer attacks over time, and some see major improvements after long term use. However, experts caution that these drugs do not work for everyone and are not a complete cure. Daniels, who suffers from vestibular migraine that affects balance, initially responded well to CGRP blockers. But after several months, her symptoms returned. She described being unable to walk properly, drive or leave her home during severe attacks. Researchers are now exploring other peptides linked to migraine, including PACAP and orexins, which are involved in sleep and brain signaling. New drugs targeting these molecules are currently in clinical trials and may offer additional preventive options. Another effective treatment has come from an unexpected source. Botox, widely used for cosmetic purposes, has been shown to reduce migraine frequency when injected around the head and neck. Doctors later discovered that Botox works by blocking the release of CGRP in sensory nerves rather than relaxing muscles alone. Many chronic migraine patients see their attacks cut by half after regular treatment. In more severe cases, doctors are turning to mechanical therapies. These include wearable devices placed on the neck, forehead, arm or head that deliver electrical or magnetic pulses to calm overactive nerves. Experimental devices are also being developed that use gentle vibrations inside the nose to reduce inflammation linked to migraine pain. Experts stress that no single treatment works for all patients. Instead, migraine care increasingly combines medication, nerve stimulation, lifestyle changes and psychological support. Good sleep habits, diet, exercise, stress management and therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy are now considered important parts of long term care. Neurologists say understanding migraine as a chronic brain condition rather than just a headache is key to improving quality of life. While a complete cure remains elusive, the expanding range of treatments means patients today have more options than ever before to manage this disabling condition.   With inputs from BBC

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has questioned the growing obsession with protein-rich diets, calling it a weight-loss myth that mainly benefits the health and wellness industry rather than consumers. In an interview with The Hindu, Diwekar said there is little scientific basis for the widespread fear of protein deficiency among the urban and middle-class population. She argued that people who have access to basic necessities such as clothing, education and technology are unlikely to be protein-deficient. According to her, true protein deficiency is more common among people living below the poverty line, who lack access to adequate nutrition overall. Why ‘exercise snacking’ could be an easy alternative to the gym Diwekar also warned that spending heavily on protein powders, bars and supplements is often a waste of money and does not necessarily help reduce body fat. She said excessive protein intake can instead cause digestive problems, including acidity, bloating and constipation. Emphasising moderation, she noted that people who eat regular, home-cooked meals are generally not lacking in protein and should focus on maintaining a balanced diet. She further described the protein craze as a smart marketing tactic used by diet and wellness companies. By promoting high-protein consumption, she said, the industry creates demand for additional products such as fibre supplements, prebiotics and probiotics to address the gut issues caused by protein overconsumption. Diwekar advised people to look at the protein trend critically and prioritise a diverse, wholesome diet based on real foods, rather than relying on expensive supplements that may serve commercial interests more than long-term health. #With inputs from NDTV

For people who dislike the gym or struggle to find time for structured workouts, short bursts of physical activity woven into daily life may offer a practical path to better health, according to researchers. The approach, often referred to as “exercise snacking,” focuses on adding brief moments of higher-effort movement into everyday routines rather than relying on long gym sessions. Researchers say even small amounts of intense activity can deliver meaningful health benefits. Jo Blodgett, a senior research fellow at University College London’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, said high-intensity exercise that raises the heart rate and breathing is important, but it does not need to happen in a gym or during long workouts. Instead, she promotes what researchers call “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity,” or VILPA, which involves briefly increasing effort during routine tasks. Blodgett said simple actions such as climbing a few flights of stairs before taking a lift, walking briskly for part of a commute, or speeding up for short stretches during a regular walk can help improve heart health. For people who are mostly inactive, just three or four short bursts of intense movement lasting one or two minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve life expectancy, she said. She also warned against relying solely on occasional gym visits. Even people who exercise once or twice a week can still face health risks if they spend most of the day sitting. Blodgett described many such individuals as “active couch potatoes.” “Thirty minutes of exercise is only a small part of the day,” she said, stressing that long periods of sitting can undermine the benefits of workouts. To counter this, she recommends standing up regularly during work, taking short walks during breaks and holding walking meetings where possible. Research suggests breaking up sitting time every 15 to 30 minutes is better for overall health. Blodgett also encouraged people to focus less on meeting strict exercise targets and more on reducing total time spent inactive. Some countries, including Canada and Australia, now advise that at least half of waking hours should involve some form of movement. Everyday activities such as household chores, carrying groceries or gardening also count, she said, helping to improve strength, balance and overall fitness. While higher-intensity exercise still provides the greatest health gains, Blodgett said the key message is simple: move more, sit less and look for small opportunities throughout the day to be active.   With inputs from BBC

Brief, high-intensity bursts of everyday activity, such as running up stairs, power walking around the house, or playing actively with children and pets, can deliver substantial health benefits and may even extend lifespan, according to recent research. Known as vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) or “exercise snacking,” this approach is gaining attention as an accessible alternative to conventional exercise routines. Experts say it allows people to achieve health gains without spending hours at the gym or meeting the traditional 10,000-steps-a-day target. Mark Hamer, professor of sport and exercise medicine at University College London, explained that VILPA was inspired by studies tracking people who did not perform structured exercise but still accumulated significant movement in short bursts during daily life. “Much of this movement was accrued in very short chunks,” Hamer said, noting the term “microbursts” to describe such activity. Research involving over 25,000 participants in the UK revealed that just three to four one-minute VILPA sessions per day can lower the risk of premature death by 40% and cardiovascular-related death by nearly 50%, compared with sedentary individuals. Even four minutes of daily microbursts can offset some risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Matthew Ahmadi, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sydney, emphasized that VILPA not only improves heart health but also helps prevent frailty in older adults. Amanda Daley, professor of behavioural medicine at Loughborough University, highlighted the approach’s accessibility, noting it requires only a few minutes multiple times a day, making it suitable for busy adults. Simple examples of VILPA include carrying shopping bags with added effort, briskly climbing stairs, or performing household chores with more energy. Research indicates that even small daily bursts of activity can reduce cancer risk by 17–18% and stimulate beneficial physiological processes affecting metabolism and cardiovascular health. Experts stress that VILPA aligns with a broader public health message: any movement is better than none. While global inactivity remains a concern, microbursts of activity provide a practical way for individuals to improve fitness and reduce chronic disease risk, even if they cannot commit to structured exercise sessions. Hamer added that promoting short, frequent bursts of activity could help people gradually build towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, reinforcing a culture of daily movement. In practice, VILPA encourages simple lifestyle adjustments: taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking faster while running errands, or engaging in high-energy play with children or pets, all of which can contribute to a healthier, longer life.   With inputs from BBC

Balancing on a single leg may seem simple, but it can be surprisingly difficult as we age. Practicing this exercise, however, can improve strength, enhance memory, and support brain health. While flamingos might do it naturally, most people spend little time poised on one leg. Balance is usually effortless in childhood, with abilities maturing around ages nine to 10, peaking in the late 30s, and gradually declining after that. For those over 50, being able to balance on one leg for more than a few seconds can reveal much about overall health and aging. There are several reasons to practice standing on one leg. It can reduce fall risk, build leg and hip strength, and improve memory. "If you find that it's not easy, it's time to start training your balance," says Tracy Espiritu McKay, a rehabilitation medicine specialist for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Why balance matters Doctors often use single-leg balance tests as indicators of health because they are linked to age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia. Muscle mass declines by up to 8% per decade after age 30, and research suggests that by their 80s, up to half of older adults may experience clinical sarcopenia. This affects blood sugar control, immunity, and muscle strength, all of which are reflected in balance ability. Regular one-legged exercises help maintain leg and hip muscles, reducing vulnerability to sarcopenia later in life. "The ability to stand on one leg diminishes [with age]," says Kenton Kaufman, director of the motion analysis laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "People are over 50 or 60 when they start to experience it and then it increases quite a bit with each decade of life after that." Balance is not only a physical measure but also a sign of brain health. Standing on one leg requires the brain to integrate information from the eyes, the vestibular system in the inner ear, and the somatosensory system, which senses body position and ground contact. "All of these systems degrade with age at different rates," says Kaufman. Read More: 80% of strokes preventable through lifestyle modification: Experts Espiritu McKay adds that balance ability can reveal the state of key brain regions, including those involved in reaction speed, daily task performance, and sensory integration. Brain atrophy occurs naturally with age, but rapid decline can limit independence and increase fall risk. CDC data shows that unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans over 65. Practicing single-leg exercises can reduce this risk. "These single leg training exercises really improve the balance control and actually change how the brain is structured," says Espiritu McKay. According to Kaufman, falls often result from slower reaction times rather than a lack of strength. "Imagine you're walking along, and you trip over a crack in the sidewalk. Most often, whether you fall or not isn't a strength issue, but it's whether you can move your leg fast enough, and get it to where it needs to be, to arrest your fall." Single-leg balance can even reflect short-term mortality risk. A 2022 study found people unable to maintain a single-leg stance for 10 seconds in mid-later life were 84% more likely to die within seven years. Another study of 2,760 adults in their 50s showed that the single-leg stance test was the most informative predictor of disease risk: participants who could balance for two seconds or less were three times more likely to die over 13 years than those who could maintain 10 seconds or more. "In Alzheimer's patients, researchers are actually finding that if they're unable to stand on one leg for five seconds, it usually predicts a faster cognitive decline," says Espiritu McKay. Training your balance Read More: Homeowners embrace no-mow lifestyle year-round Fortunately, research shows age-related decline can be slowed by practising single-leg exercises. These workouts strengthen the core, hips, and legs, while also benefiting brain health. "Our brains aren't fixed," says Espiritu McKay. "They're pretty malleable. These single leg training exercises really improve the balance control and actually change how the brain is structured, especially in regions that are involved in sensory motor integration and your spatial awareness." Balancing on one leg also activates the prefrontal cortex, improving cognitive performance during tasks and boosting working memory in healthy adults. Espiritu McKay recommends people over 65 practise single-leg exercises at least three times a week to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk, ideally incorporating them into daily routines. Starting earlier may offer greater benefits. Claudio Gil Araújo, an exercise medicine researcher at Clinimex in Rio de Janeiro, suggests those over 50 self-assess by standing on one leg for 10 seconds. "This can be easily incorporated into your daily activities," he says, suggesting exercises barefoot and with shoes. Daily activities like brushing teeth or standing at the sink can be used to train balance for just 10 minutes a day. Smooth hip strengthening exercises with gentle resistance, known as isokinetic exercise, can also improve one-legged stability. Source: BBC

People who stay active late at night, often called night owls, may have a higher risk of heart problems, a new study suggests. Researchers say the mismatch between the body’s internal clock and daily routines can affect heart health, but lifestyle changes can reduce the risk. The study, led by Sina Kianersi of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, tracked over 300,000 adults in the UK Biobank for 14 years. About 8% identified as night owls, while a quarter were early birds and the rest had typical sleep patterns. Night owls were found to have a 16% higher risk of a first heart attack or stroke compared to the average population. Women night owls showed especially poorer cardiovascular health. Experts link the risk to behaviors like smoking, poor diet, insufficient sleep, and less physical activity. “Night owls are not doomed. The challenge is living in a morning person’s world,” Kianersi said. The misalignment can affect metabolism, blood pressure, and other heart-related functions. The American Heart Association recommends eight key habits for heart health: regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, getting enough sleep, healthy diet, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. Researchers say night owls can follow these steps to protect their hearts, even if they prefer late-night schedules. Experts also suggest sticking to consistent sleep and wake times and focusing on quitting smoking as a priority. “Focus on the basics, not perfection,” Kianersi said. The study highlights the importance of aligning daily habits with the body’s natural rhythm while maintaining heart-healthy behaviors.

Intermittent fasting has become very popular on social media, with many people trying it to lose weight fast. But while it may work for a short time, a Harvard doctor explains why the lost weight often returns once people stop following the routine. Intermittent fasting is about when you eat, not what you eat. Many plans limit eating to an eight-hour window each day or ask people to fast one or two days a week. Although these methods can help with weight loss at first, sticking to them long-term is not easy. Dr Trisha Pasricha, a doctor at Harvard Medical School professor, recently explained the science in a video shared by ‘The Washington Post’. She said studies show intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss for a few months. However, most people find it hard to maintain, and the weight usually comes back after they stop. She also pointed out that research has not clearly proven that intermittent fasting prevents heart disease, cancer, or helps people live longer. One major problem is that strict eating schedules often clash with work, family time and social events. When a diet feels too restrictive, people are more likely to give up and weight regain becomes common. Instead of strict fasting, Dr Pasricha suggests easier habits that are more realistic. She advises eating breakfast within an hour of waking up and choosing foods high in protein and fibre, such as eggs, fruits or whole grains, rather than sugary cereals or pastries. A good breakfast helps control hunger later in the day. She also recommends finishing meals two to three hours before bedtime. Eating late at night can slow down calorie burning and increase fat storage. More Read: Defying ageism can help you live longer, experts say According to the expert, simple and consistent habits work better than extreme diets for long-term weight control. With inputs from BBC

Research suggests that having a positive view of ageing can help people feel younger, stay healthier and even live longer, highlighting the harmful effects of ageism on physical and mental wellbeing. The World Health Organization says ageism influences how people think, feel and act towards others and themselves based on age, often in damaging ways. Experts argue that challenging these attitudes is essential not only for social equality but also for better health outcomes. Studies show ageism can affect people of all ages, but older adults experience it most frequently. In the UK, one in three people report facing age-based discrimination, while a US study found that more than 90 percent of adults aged between 50 and 80 experienced everyday ageism, often through negative messages they had internalised over time. Researchers say such attitudes often develop early in life, shaped by family beliefs, media portrayals and social norms. According to scientists, negative language around ageing – such as portraying older populations as a burden – can influence how people perceive growing older and how they live their lives. Experts warn that ageism can become a self-fulfilling cycle. Older adults who internalise stereotypes may lose confidence, avoid learning new skills or limit physical activity, even when they are capable. This can lead to poorer mental health, reduced physical performance and social isolation. However, evidence suggests the opposite is also true. People with positive beliefs about ageing tend to feel younger than their actual age and report higher life satisfaction. A long-term study in the United States found that individuals with positive views of ageing lived an average of seven and a half years longer than those with negative perceptions. Researchers also found links between positive ageing attitudes and better brain health, including stronger memory and lower risk indicators associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Experts stress that ageing should not be seen as a decline, but as a success of modern healthcare. While some older people face complex health challenges, the majority remain independent, active and engaged in their communities. Social scientists say tackling ageism requires change at both cultural and personal levels. Encouraging contact between generations, challenging stereotypes in families and media, and promoting diverse representation of older adults can help reduce prejudice. In many cultures, older people are respected as sources of wisdom and experience. Researchers say such values, along with strong social connections and community support, play an important role in healthy ageing. Experts argue that ageing is a privilege, and embracing it with a positive mindset can improve quality of life for individuals and society as a whole.   With inputs from BBC

High-protein diets have become increasingly popular for weight loss and muscle building, but many people experience bloating, fatigue, constipation, or discomfort after upping their protein intake. Experts say the problem usually lies not in protein itself, but in how it is incorporated into the diet. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan recently shared on Instagram the most frequent mistakes people make while following a high-protein diet. Mistake 1: Not drinking enough waterHigh protein increases urea production, which the body needs water to flush out through the kidneys. Without sufficient hydration, symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dark urine, and constipation can occur. “Protein itself does not dehydrate you. Poor hydration does,” Mahajan explained. Mistake 2: Reducing fibre intakeSome people replace meals with protein shakes or cut carbohydrates entirely, which removes fibre from the diet. Protein powders contain almost no fibre, and reducing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can slow digestion, causing bloating and constipation. According to Mahajan, these issues arise from low fibre and inadequate water, not protein. Read More: Nutritionist warns: 5 protein-rich foods that may actually cause weight gain Mistake 3: Cutting down fruits and vegetablesAnimal-heavy high-protein diets can increase the body’s acid load. Potassium, mainly found in fruits and vegetables, helps neutralise this acidity. Eliminating these foods can lead to cramps, bloating, kidney stress, and blood pressure problems. Studies show the risk comes from high protein combined with low potassium intake. Mahajan advised gradually increasing protein while maintaining sufficient water, fibre, and potassium from plant sources. “Protein works best when it is supported, not isolated,” she said. Source: NDTV

Challenging negative stereotypes about ageing is not just about fairness it can also improve health and longevity, experts say. Research shows that having a positive attitude towards ageing can make people feel younger and even live longer. According to the World Health Organization, ageism – the harmful treatment of people based on their age – affects all age groups, though older adults are the most impacted. In the UK, one in three people experience age-based discrimination, while a US study found that 93% of adults aged 50 to 80 reported some form of everyday ageism. “Ageism is personal. Yet many fail to recognise it as such,” said Parminder Raina, scientific director at Canada’s McMaster Institute for Research on Aging. He pointed out that phrases like “grey tsunami” wrongly portray ageing as a societal burden, when in reality, living longer is a public health success. Studies suggest that internalised ageism – when people adopt negative stereotypes about their own age – can reduce self-confidence, discourage learning, and even harm physical and mental health. “Older people are capable, active, and contribute meaningfully to society. There’s no limit to what humans can do,” Raina said. Positive perceptions of ageing can bring real benefits. Becca Levy, professor at Yale School of Public Health, found that people with optimistic views on ageing lived an average of seven and a half years longer than those with negative perceptions. They also showed better memory and lower risks of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Experts emphasise that fighting ageism requires both cultural and individual action. Intergenerational contact, role models of healthy ageing, and community support are key. Hannah Swift, a social psychologist at the University of Kent, said, “We need to change societal norms about what people of different ages should do, wear, or achieve.” Globally, some cultures continue to show respect for older adults. In Japan, Keirō no Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, honours elders, while Native American communities regard older adults as “living libraries” preserving wisdom and traditions. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Levy’s “ABC Method” encourages individuals to recognise ageist beliefs, identify where ageism causes harm, and challenge stereotypes. Research shows that fostering positive views of ageing and creating inclusive, multigenerational communities can help everyone live healthier, more fulfilled lives.  “Ageing is a privilege,” Raina said. “Embracing it, rather than fearing it, benefits us all.”   -Source From BBC