Health Archives - The Stars Post

Shirley Eaton health: Bond Girl said arthritis has 'slowed' her down – treatment advice

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 13:43:14 +0000

Eventually, when the cartilage wears down completely, the joint will rub on the bone which is extremely painful.

Shirley, who takes paracetamol for her arthritis, suggested that the only pain she has gone through is from childbirth and that she hasn’t “really had to suffer much pain”.

But this is not the case for a lot of people with arthritis, who are in debilitating pain a lot of the time.

The star also revealed in the Mail Online interview that her “only vice” is smoking ten cigarettes a day–another activity that is bad for arthritis.

A study from 2002 published in Arthritis and Rheumatism found that smoking is likely to lead to genetic events which lead to more severe rheumatoid arthritis.

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Gene Hackman health: Actor retired due to stress – the 'serious' effects of stress on body

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 12:48:27 +0000

One of the systems in the body that can be affected by stress is the respiratory system, which supplies oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide. Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts.

For those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this can cause severe problems. In addition, rapid breathing – or hyperventilation – caused by stress can bring on a panic attack in someone prone to panic disorder.

Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can also contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels within the cardiovascular system. In the short-term when stress strikes, an individual’s heart rate increases and stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol also rise, acting as messengers for these effects.

For those with chronic stress, the consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, and the elevated levels of stress hormones and of blood pressure, can take a toll on the body. This can increase the risk for potentially life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.

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Dennis Quaid health: Actor uses cycling and yoga to stay fit – 'I feel like I’m 12 again!'

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 12:39:19 +0000

Although the star has never been nominated for an Academy Award, he still keeps incredibly busy both on and off screen. Most recently, the star depicts president Ronald Reagan in the upcoming biopic Reagan, which is set for release this year. During a 2018 interview, the actor revealed how he kept busy off screen, some of which involves regular trips to the gym, getting a solid breakfast and getting up early in the morning.

For many years, Quaid admitted that he was “obsessed” about what he was eating, how many calories he was intaking and how much exercise he would have to do, but in the mid-1990s, things took a turn for the worst, when Quaid said he battled anorexia.

After shedding 40Ibs for his role in the film Wyatt Earp, where he was portraying Doc Holiday, a gaunt looking man dying of tuberculosis, Quaid became dangerously skinny, something that he “couldn’t pull [himself] out of.”

Reflecting on his struggle with what he coined “manorexia”, Quaid said: “My arms were so skinny that I couldn’t pull myself out of a pool.

“I wasn’t bulimic, but I could understand what people go through with that. I’d look in the mirror and still see a 180Ib. guy, even though I was 138Ib.”

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Having overcome his eating disorder and remaining a far healthier weight, Quaid said that his fitness mentality has stuck with him, as well as a crucial piece of advice he once got from a fellow gym goer.

“I used to box when I was in my 20s,” Quaid explained.

“There was this guy at the time at the Hollywood Y, who was in incredible shape in his 50s. I asked him that same question. ‘How do you do that?’ He told me, ‘You take care of yourself in your 20s and 30s and the rest will take care of itself.’

“He was right. It doesn’t mean you have to be there every day, but you do have to live your life with that in mind.

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“Because if you let it go, every time it gets a little harder to get back. So I’ve always stayed with it.”

Having maintained a dedication to fitness over the years, Quaid did admit that the types of exercises he prioritises have changed as he naturally ages. After being a runner for about 35 years, the activity became “hard” on his knees and joints, meaning the actor had to find another sport to enjoy.

He said: “I turned to cycling, which I’m currently doing. That and yoga. Along with that, you got to still get into the gym and lift. Do the sit-ups. I genuinely enjoy it. Every time I get on a bike, I feel like I’m 12 years old again.”

As host of his own podcast titled The Dennissance, Quaid also revealed that his love of all things healthy also translates into his diet. The star exclaimed that he “always starts [the day] with a solid breakfast,” before having a nutritious dinner as well.

In addition to his diet and exercise, Quaid said that his favourite time of the day is early morning, which he and fiancee Laura Savoie both try to enjoy. “Try to keep an even schedule,” the star added.

“My advice would be to do something every day that is proactive. There’s always something you can do. Be proactive.”

As an older adult, physical activity is one of the most “important” things you can do for your health, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Keeping fit in older age can prevent or delay numerous health problems and keep you more independent.

In line with this, medical advice for those aged 65 and older includes:

At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.

At least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.

Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot about three days a week.

The NHS adds that those who exercise regularly in their older age can reduce their risk of early death by illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 30 percent.

A 2001 article that examined the impact of ageing on eating behaviours and an individual’s health status concluded that people tend to eat less and make different food choices as they get older. Lower food intake among the elderly has been associated with lower intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E, putting them at risk of diet-related illnesses.

Reasons for this vary from physiological changes, socioeconomic status such as altered taste, and diet-related attitudes, so it is crucial that individuals aged 60 and over still get all the vitamins, nutrients and fluids that they need.

Nutritionist Jo Lewin recommends that individuals over the age of 60 make sure their diets consist of the following:

Fibre – Make sure that your diet includes lots of fibre-rich foods such as wholegrains, oats, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils. A small glass of prune juice in the morning may alleviate constipation.

Vitamin B12 – Ensure that you include plenty of foods rich in B12 such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D – Small amounts of vitamin D are found in foods such as eggs and oil-rich fish as well as fortified foods such as spreads. Vitamin D can also be made by the action of sunlight on the skin so when the weather is warm, expose your arms and face to the sun for at least 20 minutes a day. During the autumn and winter months, your diet becomes an important source of vitamin D because the sun isn’t strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. As it is difficult to achieve adequate vitamin D from food, most people would benefit from a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during these months.

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Alec Baldwin said his family ‘live in fear’ after he was ‘attacked’ by Lyme disease

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:40:51 +0000

The actor, who rose to fame through the soap opera Knots Landing, described his home in the Hamptons, New York state as “tick central”. In a recent interview, Baldwin revealed he had the tick-borne disease several times.

“I think twice that I had it, I got bit twice and I probably had it four times over five years where it came back at the exact same time,” Baldwin told Sean Hates and Dr. Priyanka Wali on the podcast Hypochondriactor.

The actor described how in the past he “got just attacked” by a sudden onset of symptoms and ended up bed-ridden for three days.

He said: “August of one summer I was standing on my friend’s porch at night, and it was a cool evening — it wasn’t a hot steamy evening — and I felt literally this wave go over my back and over my shoulders and kind of wrap around me like a chill, and I got just attacked.

“It came like someone snapped their fingers and put a spell on me.”

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to people when they are bitten by ticks–spider-like creatures found in woodland areas.

It’s really no surprise that Baldwin had a tick infestation. In the USA, ticks are common on the East Coast, which includes New York state.

The disease has a wide range of symptoms, including rashes, fever and fatigue, as well as more severe symptoms such as arthritis-like joint pain and neurological issues.

Baldwin, unfortunately, experienced the more severe symptoms.

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“This thing just attacks me and I wound up laying in my bed for three days sweating through my sheets and just this horrible joint pain and soreness and exhaustion.

“I couldn’t even get up for like three days,” he said.

Lyme disease can last a matter of months, and some people have reported experiencing the condition for years.

Baldwin revealed that he experiences “inexplicable” joint pain from time to time, despite his initial symptoms being a while ago; but he is aware that he won’t be able to get a diagnosis for it.

The term ‘chronic Lyme disease’ is sometimes used to describe longer-lasting cases of the condition and non-specific symptoms like fatigue and pain, although this term is only used by some doctors.

Dr Wali on the podcast Hypercondriactor said: “It’s super controversial whether it [chronic lyme disease] actually exists.

“This is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. There’s close to 300,000 people that get this every year and then many of those do not recover. This is a real phenomenon that’s occurring. It sounds like a lot of people have gotten mansplained by the medical system about this.”

In the UK, ticks can be found anywhere but they are more likely to be found in grassy woodland areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands, according to the NHS.

Because Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with a dose of antibiotics which will be prescribed by your GP if they think you have Lyme disease, states the NHS.

But the ticks can also be removed before they result in an infection using clean, fine tipped tweezers.

If you think you have ticks on you, never crush them with your fingers, make sure you use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

Baldwin said that his wife Hilaria is “pulling ticks off my kids all year long”.

“My wife finds one tick on one of my kids and she’s like, ‘That’s it. Hiking season is over.’ She just terminates hiking season.”

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Clint Eastwood health: Actor's anti-ageing tips – 'Skip beverages loaded with sugar'

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:04:12 +0000

But don’t take Eastwood’s word for it. His doctor has weighed in on the star’s optimal lifestyle.

“He never eats fat, he takes his antioxidants faithfully, works out like a demon, and gets plenty of sleep, which is an area that is often neglected in a fitness program,” said Dr Harry Demopoulos.

Antioxidants are foods that protect your body against cancer-causing free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to smoke.

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Petula Clark health: Star, 89, on her 'difficult' depression and how she overcame it

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 08:06:43 +0000

Joining Alan Titchmarsh on his ITV show Love Your Weekend this morning (Sunday, April 3) to discuss her long career in showbiz, Clark looks back on all her achievements with pride. But back in 2013, the star also opened up about the tougher side to fame. This included her fears that stardom has adversely affected her three children, Barbara, Kate and Patrick and her brief bout of depression which she sought medical help for.

Speaking about trying to juggle being a mother and an actress, Clark said: “Emotionally, it was a real wrench every time I had to leave, and I think the whole sad business of saying goodbye to each other so often stayed with the children for many years.

“I always rushed back home whenever I could and turned down a lot of offers of work so I could be with them, but I still had to make a living.

“Whatever I may have got wrong then, I hope I’ve managed to put right since.”

To Clark’s delight, her children have since spoken out to say how grateful they were for their fortunate upbringing which involved first class travel all over the world and an excellent education.

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One of Clark’s defining moments in her career was her hit-single Downton, which was not only a success in the UK, but was her first of 15 consecutive top-40 hits in America. Her success in America also meant that Clark appeared in numerous chat shows. She even hosted her own NBC special in 1968.

Making it in America sounds amazing on paper, but behind the scenes, Clark struggled with her mental health and went through a tough period of depression.

She added: “I’ve always had ups and downs. There are moments when I feel elated, and others, especially when I look at the world, that I find a bit desperate.

“But I’ve always been like that. I’ve never taken anything for granted.”

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Depression is a common mental health disorder that the World Health Organisation (WHO) states affects around five percent of adults globally.

The condition differs from mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life, especially when recurrent and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) states that to be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. These symptoms can include any of the following:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

Irritability

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy or fatigue

Moving or talking more slowly

Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight changes

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.

Depression can be triggered by life-changing events such as bereavement, losing a job or giving birth. For some, having a family history of depression can also make them more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Like Clark stated, treatments for depression are usually very effective, especially the earlier they are started. The two most common treatments are medication and therapy, or a combination of the two.

The NHS explains that antidepressants are thought to work by increasing levels of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline are linked to both emotion and mood. Neurotransmitters may also affect pain signals sent by nerves, which may explain why some antidepressants can help relieve long-term pain.

Although effective at treating symptoms of depression, they do not always address the causes, so for some medication alone is not an effective long-term solution. This is where therapy, especially talking therapy, helps.

Talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. It aims to provide individuals with depression practical ways in which they can improve their state of mind on a daily basis.

For confidential mental health support contact Samaritans on 116 123, or email: [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours. Alternatively, text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.

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'Common' vitamin C deficiency can increase your risk of 'skin sagging and wrinkles'

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 05:04:24 +0000

According to Karl Kristian, skincare expert and founder of health and beauty brand New Nordic, vitamin C is a “crucial” nutrient, which helps with everything from your immune system to your bones and skin. For people who aren’t getting enough, side effects can range from feeling fatigued in the short term to noticing changes when looking in the mirror over time.

Collagen is the main structural protein found in the cells which make up the body’s various connective tissues.

He explained: “Vitamin C is crucial in helping to protect the body’s cells, keeping them healthy by making antibodies to protect against illness so is an essential nutrient that boosts the immune system.

“Another benefit of vitamin C is helping maintain healthy-looking skin by producing collagen, preventing skin from both sagging and wrinkles.”

The production of the protein collagen is also important for your bones, according to Dr James East, a gastroenterology expert at the Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.

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If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a deficiency, and you are concerned, your GP is the best port of call.

However, early symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency can vary.

Rachel Clarkson, a Doctify dietician and nutritionist, and the founder of The DNA Dietitian explained that some of the early symptoms of a deficiency can include feelings of”tiredness and low energy, weakness or pain in the muscles or joints, and bruising easily.”

According to Dr East, vitamin C body stores can be “exhausted” in eight to 12 weeks if people aren’t getting enough in their diet.

He explained: “Vitamin C deficiency is more likely in people who smoke or are exposed to smoke, have certain gastrointestinal conditions, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain types of cancer, or do not regularly eat fruits and vegetables.”

Though more serious vitamin C deficiencies are rare, they can occur in some patients.

She explained: “Chronic vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition called scurvy, which is very rare in the UK.

“Symptoms of scurvy include jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), general body pain, tooth loss, dental problems and anaemia.”

Ms Clarkson added: “Vitamin C deficiency is usually determined by an assessment of symptoms and current dietary intake. A blood test is rarely used as vitamin C is water-soluble.

“This means that any excess vitamin C consumed is excreted in the urine and levels fluctuate every day, therefore it’s not a reliable measure of vitamin C intake.”

Depending on the severity of your deficiency, you can pack more into your diet simply by increasing certain nutrient-rich foods.

Ms Clarkson said: “Vitamin C is abundant in many fruits and vegetables which means it is easy to get enough from food. Citrus fruit like lemon, lime and oranges are rich in vitamin C, as well as berries and kiwi fruit.

“Bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C, but it is essential to consume them raw for the full benefit of vitamin C, as vitamin C degrades with heat.”

As well as bell peppers, Dr East recommends packing in “potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach”.

However, he adds: “Supplements are an effective way of boosting vitamin C levels, and may be appropriate for those with whose diet is less varied or have conditions which reduce vitamin C absorption.”

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Dementia: Early signs include difficulty remembering times and dates – signs to spot

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 03:51:37 +0000

DEMENTIA can cause a number of changes, and there are a variety of signs to be aware of. Early diagnosis means its progression can be slowed down in some cases, so it is important to spot the signs early.

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Cancer symptoms: Unexplained pain is the ‘earliest symptom’ that gets ‘often mistaken’

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 03:42:25 +0000

Strenuous activity describes the likes of exercise or heavy lifting.

He continued: “If the affected bone happens to be close to a joint, the swelling may make it hard for you to walk, possibly causing you to walk with a limp.

“However, as the cancer progresses, this ache can become chronic and persist even during periods of rest.”

Bone cancer can even result in your bone weakening to “the point where it breaks”. This can occur after an injury that wouldn’t “normally” cause a break.

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'Dangerous': Stopping statins can 'significantly' increase risk of a heart attack – doctor

starspost — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 03:33:18 +0000

Discontinuing statins was associated with a significantly increased risk of hospital admission for heart failure of about 24 percent, other cardiovascular outcomes by 14 percent, and death from any cause by 15 percent.

Study investigators said more attention is needed by all health care providers caring for elderly patients.

“We hope that future studies can shed light on the best way to balance the undeniable benefit of [statins] and the harms, especially among the elderly exposed to polypharmacy,” said lead study author Federico Rea, PhD, a research fellow in the Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy.

He continued: “Older patients have a higher absolute risk of dying, and withdrawing proven therapy shown to reduce risk of coronary/stroke events in randomised controlled trials would be expected to result in more cardiovascular events.”

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