HEALTH

‘Active breaks’ can combat the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle, but what kind of exercise is best? Technological advances and the habits of modern life have drastically reduced levels of physical activity around the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) now warns that inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are one of the main risk factors for health problems and premature death. It is important, however, to draw a distinction between a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity. Inactivity is defined as a level of daily movement below the healthy recommendations (a minimum of 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise). Sedentary refers to the hours of the day when we are sitting or lying down. This includes time spent commuting and at work, or at home reading, using a phone or wat...

Are chemicals to blame for cancer in young people? Here’s what the evidence says. Cancer is traditionally known as a disease affecting mostly older people. But some worrying trends show cancer rates in younger people aged under 50 are on the rise. This week’s ABC 4 Corners suggest chemicals, including plastics, may play a role in rising rates of these early-onset cancers. So what does the evidence say is causing this increase? And what can we do about it? eSIMania.com - Buy eSIM for International Travel Why does cancer mostly affect older people? Each cell in your body contains a copy of your DNA – the instructions needed to keep that cell functioning properly. However, DNA can be damaged or “mutated” in such a way that a cell will no longer do the job it’s supposed to. Some...

How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be? We all like to imagine we’re ageing well. Now a simple blood or saliva test promises to tell us by measuring our “biological age”. And then, as many have done, we can share how “young” we really are on social media, along with our secrets to success. While chronological age is how long you have been alive, measures of biological age aim to indicate how old your body actually is, purporting to measure “wear and tear” at a molecular level. The appeal of these tests is undeniable. Health-conscious consumers may see their results as reinforcing their anti-ageing efforts, or a way to show their journey to better health is paying off. But how good are these tests? Do they actually offer useful insig...

July 2025 Health & Wellness: Your Summer Well-Being Guide July ushers in long days, warm nights and endless opportunities to recharge. From sun-safety observances to cutting-edge wellness trends, here’s how to make the most of your health and happiness this month. ## 1. Key Health Observances to Note • UV Safety Month: A reminder to slather on broad-spectrum SPF, wear UV-blocking sunglasses and seek shade during peak sun hours. • Minority Mental Health Month & Chronic Disease Month: Amplify inclusive mental-health resources and chronic-care support in your community. • National Park and Recreation Month: Download the Park Path App to discover nearby trails, green spaces and free events that inspire movement outdoors. ## 2. Summer Safety & Well-Being Tips • Sun Prot...

The Art of Living Well: A Modern Take on Lifestyle In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of lifestyle has evolved far beyond fashion choices or weekend plans. Lifestyle is the daily expression of our values, choices, habits, and priorities. It influences not only how we live but also how we feel, function, and flourish. What Is Lifestyle? At its core, lifestyle refers to the way a person lives. It includes everything from diet and exercise to social relationships, work-life balance, hobbies, sleep patterns, and even digital habits. A healthy lifestyle promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of purpose. The Pillars of a Balanced Lifestyle 1. Physical Health A healthy lifestyle begins with the body. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate h...

Four lifestyle habits that might just help you live to 100 A 115-year-old Surrey woman named Ethel Caterham has officially been handed the title of the oldest living human alive. Many people reading this news may wonder what Caterham’s secret is. While it isn’t usually a good idea to take health and longevity advice from supercentenarians (as they’re often the exception rather than the rule), there are some lifestyle pointers that we can take from research on groups of long-lived people that might help us increase our chances of living a longer life. 1. Physical activity Physical activity is good for you – who knew? Research shows that people who are more physically active each day tend to live longer, healthier lives. One study found that going from no physical activity to ab...

Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks Tobacco use in a variety of forms is common in adolescent life today, with over 2.25 million youth using. Huge progress has been made over the past few decades in reducing cigarette use among young people. But tobacco use – primarily through e-cigarettes, also known as vapes – remains a complex problem for public health and policy. In 2024, just over 8% of U.S. middle and high school students reported having used a tobacco product. Among tobacco users, nearly 6% used e-cigarettes, more than a quarter of whom used an e-cigarette product daily. We are behavioral health researchers. Our team’s ongoing research examines the factors associated with adolescent tobacco product use ...