If your child does this, don't stop them! It's a common behavior seen in all high-IQ children, and experts describe it as the most significant sign of superior intelligence.

For years, child development specialists and psychologists have been researching the behavioral patterns exhibited by gifted children at an early age. Recent studies and comprehensive observations have revealed a single, common behavior present in almost all children with high IQ levels. Often misinterpreted by parents as "mischief," "non-compliance," or a "lack of focus," this habit is, in fact, a clear indicator that the child's brain is operating at a speed well above the average.

THEIR BRAINS WORK SO FAST THAT THEY ARE CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING
According to experts in pedagogy, one common trait among gifted children is their tendency to challenge instructions and rules—rather than accepting them outright—by repeatedly asking "Why?" and attempting to bend the established guidelines. While an average child might simply follow a given task or rule, children with high intellectual potential refuse to accept anything that does not align with their own logic. Driven by a desire to uncover the underlying causality of events, these children feel a need to scrutinize authority or pre-existing information, filtering everything through their own logical framework.

A HIDDEN CAPACITY FOR INQUIRY, MISTAKEN FOR A LACK OF FOCUS
Children who ask unconventional questions in the classroom or at home, challenge the purpose of an assignment, or seek alternative ways to approach an established rule are often perceived as disruptive or uncooperative. Experts, however, point out that this behavior actually stems from a state of intellectual insatiability. Because the brain is not satisfied with superficial information, it seeks to delve deeper; in a child, this manifests as a continuous process of questioning and testing.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PARENTS MAKE
Child development experts point out that suppressing a child’s curiosity and questioning—by labeling it as "talking back," "talking too much," or "disobeying"—causes significant harm to their cognitive development. They emphasize that when children offer an alternative perspective or raise a question about everything, parents should remain patient, provide logical explanations, and offer guidance that nurtures this sense of curiosity.

 🟥 Dish sponges, one of the most frequently used tools in the kitchen, can unknowingly pose a hygiene risk. The fact that sponges remain wet and damp throughout the day creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms.

🟥 Experts point out that bacteria accumulating on the sponge surface can be transferred to countertops, plates, and kitchen utensils via hands. Cleaning areas that come into contact with raw foods with a sponge can increase the risk of cross-contamination.

🟥 Dish brushes, on the other hand, are considered more advantageous in terms of hygiene because they dry faster. While moisture remains in sponges for a longer time, the open structure of brushes allows water to be removed more easily.

🟥 Washing with hot water or briefly microwaving can reduce the amount of bacteria on a sponge; however, these methods do not make the sponge completely safe. The most practical solution is to replace the sponge at regular intervals.

🟥 It is recommended that kitchen sponges and cleaning cloths be changed at least once a week. After cleaning surfaces that come into contact with raw meat, chicken, or fish, it's important to change or thoroughly disinfect the sponge as well.

🟥 A small habit can make a big difference in hygiene: Instead of using a sponge for a long time in the kitchen, changing it regularly and using a dish brush whenever possible can help reduce foodborne risks.

An international study led by the University of Galway in Ireland has revealed that individuals with high vitamin D levels in middle age may have lower levels of tau and amyloid beta proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease, in later years.

An international study led by the University of Galway in Ireland suggests that individuals with high vitamin D levels in middle age may have lower levels of some biological markers associated with Alzheimer's in later years.

The study measured vitamin D levels in the blood of 793 adults with an average age of 39 and no signs of dementia. Participants were followed for approximately 16 years. At the end of this period, brain scans were performed to examine tau and amyloid beta proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The findings revealed that individuals with higher vitamin D levels in middle age may have lower levels of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's in later life.

Martin David Mulligan, one of the study's authors, stated that high vitamin D levels may play a protective role against tau accumulation in the brain.

However, the researchers emphasized that the results only revealed a correlation and did not definitively prove that vitamin D directly lowers tau levels or reduces the risk of dementia.

The details of the study were published in the journal Neurology Open Access.

 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. 

 "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

-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.