During holidays and special occasions, when tables are overflowing with heavy meals and alcohol consumption is higher than usual, there is a hidden heart health risk that is often overlooked.

Doctors call this phenomenon "holiday heart syndrome"; the term is often associated with heart rhythm disorders, but according to experts, holiday heart attacks can manifest in different ways and are more common than previously thought, wrote ABC7.

Mario Castro, 57, has a healthy heart and lungs today. However, he was at serious risk during the 2022 New Year's holiday period.

"I was under a lot of stress and felt extremely tired," he said.

However, Castro explained that he went to work but couldn't ignore an unusual feeling.

"I started to feel a slight pressure on my arm, like someone was measuring my blood pressure," he recalled.
Castro works as an ultrasound technician and happened to be near his cardiologist's office.

Dr. Kevin Ariani of Dignity Health Northridge found that two of the patient's arteries were blocked.

It was a full-blown heart attack, and according to doctors, these types of cases are very common during holiday periods.

Ariani said, "We see about a 30 to 40 percent increase in heart attack cases on Christmas Eve," adding that this number also increases by 15 to 20 percent around New Year's.

He explained that this could be due to people consuming heavier and saltier foods while celebrating.

In addition, many people are postponing doctor visits, exercising less, sleeping less, drinking more alcohol, and experiencing more anxiety.

Ariani said, "People should be happy, but for a variety of reasons they are often more stressed."
Holiday periods can also bring feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation, which can lead to depression, and depression is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

"According to our observations, people over 70 or 75 years old experience heart attacks more frequently during this period," the doctor emphasized.

To reduce the risk, the doctor's advice is simple: Do the exact opposite of what people usually do during holidays.

"Be mindful of alcohol consumption, limit heavy and salty foods, and get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and don't postpone your visits until after the holidays," he said.

According to Mario Castro, managing stress is key to good health.

"I exercise at least three times a week, I meditate, and that has helped me cope with daily stress. We all experience stress," she said.

The fact that he experienced symptoms near the doctor's office proved crucial. Doctors managed to open the blocked arteries within 30 minutes.

Castro is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family and friends this Christmas.

"I even got permission from my doctor to eat a delicious steak during the holidays," he said, laughing.

 Studies warn that even the smallest changes in dietary habits can influence the appearance of depression symptoms in young people.  

According to experts, nutrition is a significant risk factor for the development of depression, especially during adolescence and early adulthood, when the risk of mental health disorders is considerably higher.

This period, during which young people form the dietary habits they will maintain throughout their lives, is considered a critical phase of life.

As part of the study, Australian experts included 76 people aged 17 to 35 who showed symptoms of depression ranging from mild to severe. 

Most of them consumed high amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods. 

Participants were divided into two groups: The first group received information about the importance of healthy eating and were given shopping vouchers, while the second group continued with the same diet program they had been following previously.

According to Agroweb, results obtained after three weeks showed that the group adopting healthy eating showed significant improvement in levels of depression, stress, and anxiety.

Three months after the study, experts found that only seven people were able to maintain their dietary changes and consequently feel significantly better.

Researchers concluded that increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil positively impacts the mental health of young people. 

It is widely accepted that brain health is closely related to digestive system health; fast and processed foods tend to worsen not only mood but also brain function.

Tea is a plant-based beverage whose consumption offers many health benefits.
Both hot and cold tea contain polyphenols, antioxidants that make tea a good medicine. 

The Mayo Clinic has found that polyphenols play a role in preventing or delaying cell damage and protecting cells from carcinogens.

Regardless of the type of tea—green, black, or any other kind—people who drink tea every day have better mental health.

Nutritionist Vicki Shanta Retelny said, "These people have very good cognitive abilities."
EveryDayHealth has compiled a list of the best teas recommended to be drunk daily.

Green tea  reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and supports heart health.
White, green, and black teas all belong to the green tea family. They differ according to their fermentation levels.

Black tea  helps the nervous system, aids cognitive abilities, and reduces inflammation. In addition, black tea has other health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar and helping with dementia. Retelny stated, "Potentially, black tea reduces the risk of cancer."

Chamomile tea  helps promote good sleep and supports immunity. Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea is best consumed before bedtime. It has many healing properties. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and lowers blood pressure. This tea also helps with pain during the menstrual cycle.

Ginger tea  helps with nausea and vomiting. Ginger root, also known as ginger, helps with throat ailments and reduces the pain of vomiting. Pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy can also drink this tea.

Peppermint tea  helps the digestive system. This tea helps with gastrointestinal problems and aids digestion. Since peppermint tea does not contain caffeine, it is beneficial to drink it before bedtime.

Hibiscus tea  lowers blood pressure. It also regulates sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, reduces excess weight, and increases iron levels.

Fennel tea  alleviates menopausal symptoms. It also aids the digestive system and is rich in antioxidants.

Lastly, nutritionist Retelny recommended using tea when preparing meals.

"You can use the tea in cooking, you can pour it over rice. The rice will absorb the beneficial properties of the tea," said Retelny.

Prolonged sitting has become a part of modern life. It's estimated that young people spend about six hours a day sitting, and this lifestyle is reported to negatively impact the functioning of blood vessels. 

Previous studies have shown that even a mere 1% decrease in vascular function (measured by flow-dependent dilation, FMD) is associated with a 13% increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

In a new study, researchers wanted to find out whether dietary choices, particularly those involving natural foods rich in flavanols, could protect blood vessels from the negative effects of aging.

What are flavanols and why are they important?

Flavanols are plant compounds found in fruits, tea, nuts, and cocoa beans. Previous research suggests they improve heart health and may protect blood vessels during periods of stress.

The new research was published in the Journal of Physiology.

"Whether in the office, in the car, on the train, or at home, we expose our bodies to stress even when just sitting. Finding ways to reduce the impact of prolonged sitting on the vascular system could help us lower our risk of cardiovascular disease," says Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study.

How was the study conducted?

To understand the effects of flavanols, researchers tested their effects in a controlled two-hour sitz bath beforehand.

The study involved 40 young, healthy men, half of whom exercised a lot and the other half exercised less.

Each of them drank one of these beverages:

- high flavanol cocoa drink (695 mg) or

-A cocoa beverage containing very little flavanol (5.6 mg).

Then they sat motionless for two hours.

Women were not included in the study because hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the body's response to flavanols.

The following measurements were taken before and after landing:

- Fibromyalgia (FMD) in the arteries of the arms and legs

- blood circulation

-blood pressure

- oxygenation of leg muscles

Cocoa, which is rich in flavonols, prevents the weakening of blood vessels.

The results showed that participants who consumed the low-flavanol beverage had the following characteristics:

-decreased blood vessel function (FMD),

-increase in diastolic pressure,

-weaker blood circulation,

- Decreased muscle oxygenation.

This occurred in both the group that exercised a lot and the group that exercised less.

However, the group that consumed the high-flavanol beverage showed no decrease in blood vessel function in the arms or legs. This is the first study to show that flavanols may prevent vascular damage caused by prolonged sitting.

"Our experiment shows that high levels of exercise do not protect the body from temporary vascular damage caused by sitting. However, after drinking the high-flavanol beverage, participants' vascular function remained unchanged, regardless of whether they were physically fit or not," said study co-author Sam Lucas.

The results also showed that the positive effects of flavanols were independent of exercise level, meaning they could help almost anyone.

How can we incorporate flavanols into our daily diet?

"Adding flavanol-rich foods to your diet is very easy. There are processed cocoa products that preserve flavanol levels. If you don't like cocoa, fruits like apples, plums, strawberries, nuts, and black or green tea are very common and readily available," says doctoral student Alessio Daniele.

Finally, Rendeiro emphasized that consuming foods and drinks rich in flavanols during sedentary periods is a good way to reduce the effects of inactivity on blood vessels.

"By taking short breaks, going for a short walk, or simply standing, we can significantly improve our long-term health," he said.

A new report by scientists warns that some synthetic chemicals commonly used in the food system are increasing cancer rates, developmental problems in children, and infertility, while also harming the environment and agriculture. 

Scientists say that harmful chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and "PFAS" chemicals could cost healthcare $2.2 trillion annually, according to The Guardian.

The authors point out that ecological damages, such as agricultural losses and water treatment costs, could also lead to an additional cost of $640 billion.

The report warns that if exposure to chemicals that affect the hormonal system continues at current rates, there could be between 200 million and 700 million fewer births by the end of the century.

These chemicals are found in food packaging, plastic gloves, and water-resistant paper.  They are also commonly used in industrial agriculture as oils and pesticides.

According to scientists, these substances cause damage to the hormonal system, cancer, birth defects, mental problems, and obesity.

Pediatrician and public health expert Philip Landrigan described the report as "a warning," emphasizing that chemical pollution is as serious as the climate crisis.

They warned that children's exposure to dangerous chemicals affects their brain development and increases their risk of chronic diseases throughout their lives.

Scientists emphasize that the four groups studied are only "the tip of the iceberg," as hundreds of thousands of other synthetic chemicals are being used without being fully tested for safety, and their effects are largely unknown.

 According to new research, the "gain" of staying up late could cost you years, as insufficient sleep is linked to a lower life expectancy.

The author notes that insufficient sleep has long been linked to health problems and a shorter lifespan, but recent research shows that getting enough sleep is more strongly linked to longevity than diet or exercise, which are often considered key to extending lifespan. ( Science Alert)

Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) analyzed survey data from the United States from 2019 to 2025.

They compared average life expectancy with the amount of sleep participants reported and considered less than seven hours of sleep per night as "insufficient".

Even after accounting for other factors affecting lifespan (such as lack of physical activity, employment status, and education level), the link between sleep deprivation and shorter life expectancy remained strong. The only factor with a greater impact was smoking.

"I didn't expect sleep deprivation to be so strongly linked to longevity. We always knew sleep was important, but this study emphasizes it even more: people should try to get seven to nine hours of sleep if possible," said researcher Andrew McHill.

Because it is an observational study, it cannot prove that insufficient sleep shortens your lifespan by months or years, nor can it unravel the complex interactions between sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. However, the results suggest that the amount of sleep you get each night is an important indicator of long-term health.

Sufficient sleep is essential for almost every aspect of health: even a single night of sleeplessness can affect brain function and the immune system.

Researchers have identified obesity and diabetes as two conditions closely linked to insufficient sleep, which can shorten lifespan.

"It's intuitive and logical, but it was still surprising that it was so clearly seen in all the models. Good sleep not only improves how you feel, but it also increases how long you live," McHill added.

The good news is that we can improve our sleep patterns within the limitations imposed by work and family responsibilities.

Avoiding constant phone calls late into the night or doing some yoga occasionally can be beneficial.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Association recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night; however, some evidence suggests that some of the lost hours can be made up on weekends.

"This study shows that we should prioritize sleep as much as nutrition and exercise. Good sleep not only makes you feel better, but it also helps you live longer," said McHill.

The study was published in the journal Sleep Advances. 

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-A recent study found that adults over 50 who used phones, computers, and tablets had a 42 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment and a 74 percent lower rate of cognitive decline.

-This could be because phones provide a cognitive challenge and social connection.

-This doesn’t mean that all screen use is helpful, and more research is needed to determine the type and duration that's best—and whether this benefit would carry over to younger adults or children, too.

You’ve probably seen the reports that suggest smartphones are not so great for your health. But new research suggests that using your phone can be good for you—after a certain age.

The study, which was published in Nature Human Behavior, found that older adults who regularly use smartphones have a lower rate of cognitive decline than those who use them less often. That challenges the idea that smartphone use drives so-called “digital dementia,” which suggests that long-term tech exposure may worsen cognitive abilities, and also raises questions about whether phone use might boost the cognitive health of younger adults, too. Here’s what you need to know.

Meet the experts: Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. Michael Scullin, PhD, is the study co-author and professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University. Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

What did the study find?
For the study, researchers analyzed data from 57 previously published studies on technology use and cognitive health in more than 400,000 adults over 50 around the world. The average age of study participants was 69 and all of them had undergone a cognitive test or had a dementia diagnosis.

The researchers discovered that there was no evidence to suggest that using phones raises the risk of cognitive decline. But they did find a link between using a computer, phone, or tablet and a lower risk of cognitive impairment.

Specifically, people who used phones, computers, and tablets had a 42 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment and a 74 percent lower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who used them less or not at all.

Why might using phones over 50 be good for you?
The study didn’t dive into that—it simply found a link between phone use in older adults and a lower risk of cognitive issues. But there are a few theories.

“The most likely explanation is that technically challenging tasks require learning,” says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. “One of the most significant strategies to reducing the risk of late life cognitive decline is the robustness of use of the brain in early and midlife.”

Technology also requires using your brain in different ways, points out Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “Using technology requires [the use of multiple senses] from looking at the screen, understanding what is being shown or reading what is on the screen, processing this in your brain and then using eye-hand coordination to respond to what you are watching or doing,” he says. “Using technology is a daily cognitive exercise and losing the ability to use your phone or email is similar to losing the ability to drive or care for your finances.”

There are a lot of distractions that pop up on devices, including notifications and advertisements, says Michael Scullin, PhD, study co-author and professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University. “Trying to get rid of those distractions and focus is a cognitive challenge that doesn’t necessarily occur if you’re sitting in a quiet room with a newspaper,” he explains.

There may be a social element here, too, through things like video calls and texting, according to Scullin. “Loneliness and social isolation are predictors of faster cognitive decline in older adults,” he says. “Phones can provide greater social connection and decrease isolation.”

One more thing to consider: Scullin notes that phones can act as “cognitive aids” to help older adults remember things, like doctor’s appointments and birthdays. That can reinforce things like social connections (like when you don’t miss someone’s birthday or event) and support good overall health, all of which can be good for your brain, he says.

But this doesn’t mean that all screen use is helpful. “There is also potential for these devices to be very passive,” Scullin says. “If all you’re doing is binge-watching videos, that might not be a very cognitively stimulating activity.”

Do younger people benefit, too?
Possibly, but that’s still being explored. “It probably depends on how they use their phone,” Scullin says. “Are they watching things or engaging?”

Ultimately, Scullin says that more work is needed to see how adults—especially older adults—may benefit from phone use. "The findings suggest that devices are not always good or bad,” he says.

AOL.

 A new study has found a link between a chemical found in dark chocolate and the slowing of signs of biological aging. This chemical is theobromine, a natural component of cocoa.

A study published Wednesday in the journal Aging suggests that theobromine may have anti-aging effects. EuroNews.

"Our research finds a link between a key component of dark chocolate and staying young longer. We're not saying people should eat more dark chocolate, but it helps us understand how everyday foods can provide clues to a longer, healthier life," said Jordan Bell, lead author of the study.

Researchers analyzed 509 participants in the UK and 1,160 in Germany. They found that people with higher levels of theobromine in their blood had biological ages that were lower than their actual ages.

Biological age indicates the body's true state, that is, how "old" the organism appears relative to its cells, tissues, and organs. This is influenced not only by the passage of years but also by lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors.

Researchers looked at chemical changes in DNA and the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, to calculate biological age. Shorter telomeres are associated with aging and age-related diseases.

The potential benefits of dark chocolate, particularly regarding heart health, have been previously researched.

However, scientists emphasize that more research is needed on the role of theobromine in aging.

Professor Dimitrios Koutoukidis from Oxford University said, "While the study examines an interesting link, it doesn't tell us what it means for theobromine levels to change because we eat more or less chocolate, and how that affects health."

He added that the sugar and fat in chocolate can negate its benefits.

"So, if people enjoy it, let them enjoy it rarely and in small amounts," he said. 

There is much evidence that exercise reduces cancer risk, but what is the connection between the two? 

According to a study on mice, this may be due to a metabolic change that provides muscle cells with more energy to burn fat while "consuming" the energy needed for cancer cells to grow, wrote Science Alert.

In research led by a team from Yale University, the metabolic responses of cancerous mice were analyzed, and the animals were divided into groups based on their diet and level of physical activity.

Researchers used molecular tracers to track where glucose was metabolized in mice and found that physically active mice effectively directed energy to muscles rather than cancer cells.

Four weeks later, the tumors of mice fed a high-fat diet and exercising regularly were significantly smaller than those of mice that ate the same diet but remained sedentary.

"In obese mice that voluntarily exercised after tumor injection, a 60 percent reduction in tumor size was observed," said Brooks Litner, a researcher from Yale University.

The team also identified 417 metabolism-related genes that were expressed differently in active mice compared to sedentary mice.

Overall, the changes in the muscles indicated that the tumors had entered a kind of survival mode under the influence of stress . 

In animal tumors, exercise has been observed to reduce a protein called mTor, which may be important in reducing tumor growth; this finding could provide scientists with information about new treatments.

According to the researchers, the findings indicate that glucose is the main metabolic mediator that leads to the destruction of tumors through the effect of exercise.

However, they also noted that this metabolic relationship and the ability of exercise to reduce tumor growth may depend on the duration of exercise.

Cancer, in all its forms, is a complex disease, and many mechanisms play a role in the growth and stabilization of tumors.

Patients cannot get rid of cancer simply by going to the gym and exercising. However, physical activity can be an important factor in increasing the chances of prevention, particularly regarding disease progression.  

Obese mice that exercised for two weeks before tumor injection had smaller tumors compared to sedentary mice that did not exercise.

"These data underscore the importance of looking at the role of exercise in cancer prevention from a broader perspective," Leitner and her team wrote in their study report.

The study suggests that the benefits of exercise are not limited to a single type of cancer.

Researchers need to conduct further studies to see if the same process works in humans.

They expressed a willingness to continue research on human tumors and to adopt a more structured approach regarding the type and duration of exercise. This would fully reveal how staying active helps fight cancer.

The researchers concluded, "Investigating the role of physical activity and the molecular pathways regulated by exercise could reveal new therapeutic targets in oncology, especially in patients who are unable to exercise."

Psychologist Mark Travers argues that marriage is supposed to be a lifelong commitment, but then cycles of disagreements and unresolved conflicts emerge, and these disagreements can have a devastating effect on overall health.

In an article she wrote for Forbes magazine, she stated that even relationships that begin with love and hope can become harmful if problems are left unresolved.

A bad marriage, marked by frequent conflicts, can become painful in terms of emotional well-being and lead to mental and physical consequences.

According to research, there are three health risks stemming from an unhappy marriage. 

1. Increases the risk of various diseases.
A 2021 study revealed that men who are married but not in a happy marriage have a 94 percent higher risk of having a heart attack and a 21 percent higher risk of dying from any illness compared to those who are happy in their marriages.

This study, which followed participants' lifestyles for thirty years, revealed that the effects of marital unhappiness are long-lasting and affect health.

In addition, chronic stress can lead to the release of stress hormones that increase blood pressure and heart rate, potentially contributing to chronic health problems such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that low-quality marriages are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly for older women. The negative impact of an unhappy marriage on health is more noticeable in women than in men as they age.

The quality of marriage is a strong indicator of both men's and women's health; research has shown that unhappy marriages increase the risk of death over time, as well as the risk of certain diseases.

2. Negative impact on mental health
"For couples who defend themselves during arguments or who talk about the same issue repeatedly without finding a solution, conflict can be quite harmful," said Rosie Shrout of Purdue University.

Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that people who had been in a low-quality marriage for more than 12 years were less happy, had lower self-esteem, and had worse health than those who did not have a happy marriage.

In fact, maintaining a bad marriage can be worse than divorce; because those who left unhappy marriages felt better by remaining single or remarrying, and had greater life satisfaction than those who maintained an unhappy marriage.

Furthermore, an unhappy marriage can lead to changes in brain function, affecting memory, learning, decision-making, and focus. The importance of marital quality influenced men's outcomes but had less of an impact on women. A 2021 study by the University of Michigan revealed that men dissatisfied with the quality of their marriages experienced a faster lag in their cognitive abilities.

3. Obstacles to recovery
The constant stress of an unhappy marriage can weaken the immune system by increasing inflammation and slowing the body's ability to heal, making some individuals more susceptible to infections, chronic illnesses, and delayed recovery from injuries.

A 2023 study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology examined negative communication patterns between couples, such as unresolved conflicts and avoidance of arguments, and the impact of both factors on emotional health.

Researchers found that couples who engaged in more negative arguments had slower wound healing and higher infection rates; a clear explanation of how stress affects the body. These effects were observed more frequently in women than in men.

The research suggested that poor communication in marriage not only harms emotional health but also directly affects physical health, increasing the body's susceptibility to disease and prolonging recovery time.

Study author Shrout said, "What we saw is that chronic daily negativity and acute negativity, as well as a combination of both, experiencing both, is particularly bad for a couple's emotions, relationships, and immune function."

Another study conducted in 2019 revealed that stress and a lack of happiness in marriage can negatively impact gut health. When couples experience stress, the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, leading to health problems such as harmful substances from the stomach passing into the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as overweight, obesity, and heart disease.

Stress and conflict in relationships can also lead to bad health habits, such as eating unhealthy foods, which can accelerate aging and make people even sicker.

A stressful marriage can make both partners unhealthy over time because their bodies are constantly stressed and unbalanced. Being in an unhealthy marriage is bad for your health; it's almost as dangerous as smoking or drinking alcohol.

"This means that efforts to understand and mend a marriage can potentially save lives," said Travers, an American psychologist who regularly writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and the meaning of life.