It is almost impossible to go on Facebook or Instagram without seeing quotes or comments accompanied with motivational words such as, Look on the bright side, Focus on the good things, or Be positive.

If anything, the pandemic has exacerbated the phenomenon of toxic positivity. In Qubec, the famous catchphrase, Its going to be OK, is undoubtedly one of the best known examples of this.

Though well-intentioned, these phrases can end up creating more distress instead of helping. Why? Because they are examples of toxic positivity, a school of thought that operates on the principle that one should always have a positive attitude, even when things get difficult.

As a doctoral student in psychology, I am interested in internalized symptoms (depression, anxiety and social withdrawal) and externalized symptoms (delinquency, violent, oppositional/defensive, disruptive and impulsive behaviours). I believe it is important to focus on the negative consequences of emotional invalidation and to understand why we need to live with our negative emotions.

When a person talks about what they are feeling, their main goal is usually to validate their emotions, to understand and accept the emotional experience. In contrast, emotional invalidation involves ignoring, denying, criticizing or rejecting another persons feelings.

Several studies have looked at the effects of emotional invalidation. The conclusions are clear: it is very harmful to mental health. People who experience emotional invalidation are more likely to have depressive symptoms.

Emotional invalidation has many negative effects. A person who is regularly invalidated may have difficulty accepting, controlling and understanding their emotions.

Whats more, people who expect their emotions to be invalidated are less likely to exhibit psychological flexibility, which is the ability to tolerate difficult thoughts and emotions and to resist unnecessarily defending oneself.

The more psychological flexibility a person has, the more they are able to live with their emotions and to get through difficult situations. For example, in the aftermath of a breakup, a young man feels anger, sadness and confusion. His friend listens to him and validates him. The man then normalizes his conflicting feelings and understands that the feelings will not last forever.

In contrast, another man going through the same type of breakup doesnt understand his feelings, feels ashamed and fears losing control of his emotions. His friend invalidates him and wont listen to him. The man then tries to suppress his emotions, which creates anxiety and can even lead to depression.

These two examples, drawn from the study Processes underlying depression: Risk aversion, emotional schemas, and psychological flexibility by American psychologists and researchers Robert L. Leahy, Dennis Tirch and Poonam S. Melwani, are neither rare nor harmless. The avoidance reaction, which involved doing everything possible to avoid experiencing negative emotions, is often amplified by the people around us.

Some people are so affected by other peoples unhappiness that just seeing this sadness makes them unhappy. This is why they react by making positive comments. However, the ability to live with our emotions is essential. Suppressing or avoiding them does not solve anything. In fact, trying to avoid negative emotions at all costs does not bring about the desired effect on the contrary, the emotions tend to return more often, and more intensely.

Unfortunately, humans are not designed to be positive all the time. On the contrary, we are more likely to recall bad memories. This probably goes back to a time, ages ago, when our survival depended on our reflex to avoid danger. A person who ignored signs of danger, even once, could end up in a catastrophic or even deadly situation.

Read more: Mindfulness meditation in brief daily doses can reduce negative mental health impact of COVID-19

In this article, Bad is stronger than good, the authors, both psychologists, explain how in evolutionary history the organisms that were better at identifying danger were more likely to survive threats. So the most alert among human beings had a higher probability of passing on their genes. The result is that we are in some ways programmed to pay attention to potential sources of danger.

This phenomenon is known as the negativity bias. Research has identified four manifestations of this bias that allow us to better understand it. One of these manifestations is linked to the vocabulary we use to describe negative events.

In a phenomenon called negative differentiation, it turns out that the vocabulary we have to describe negative events is much richer and more varied than the vocabulary used to describe positive events. In addition, negative stimuli are generally interpreted as more elaborate and differentiated than are positive ones.

The vocabulary used to describe physical pain is also much more complex than that used to describe physical pleasure. Another example: parents find it easier to judge their babies negative emotions than their positive emotions.

Negative emotions are a product of human complexity and are as important as positive ones.

The next time someone confides in you about their emotions, if you dont know what to say, opt for listening and emotional validation. Use expressions like, It looks like you had a hard day, or, It was hard, wasnt it?

Its worth noting that being positive is not always synonymous with toxic positivity the goal of which is to reject and avoid everything negative and only see the positive side of things. An example of positive and validating language is, It is normal to feel the way you do after such a serious event, lets try to make sense of it. Toxic positivity, on the other hand, sounds more like, Stop seeing the negative side, think about the positive things instead.

Finally, if you are unable to validate and listen, refer the person to a mental health professional who will know how to help them.

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'Toxic positivity': Why it is important to live with negative emotions - The Conversation CA

By Topher Gauk-Roger 5:23am PDT, Sep 3, 2021

The 25th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will introduce viewers to a brand new superhero when it hits theaters on Sept. 3, 2021. Simu Liu stars as the titular character, who must confront the past he thought he left behind after hes drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The skilled martial artist is surrounded by an ensemble that includes Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh and Tony Leung. Wonderwall.com rounded up everything you need to know about the latest entry in cinemas biggest franchise.

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RELATED: Stars attend the premiere of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

Shang-Chi is a skilled martial artist who was trained to be an assassin by his father at a young age. He doesnt have a traditional superpower, but he has enough abilities to earn the nickname Master of Kung Fu. The character was inspired by the Chinese American character Kwai Chang Caine from the TV showKung Fu and was originally developed as an unparalleled hand-to-hand fighter who fought his fathers global criminal machinations as part of Britains MI6 intelligence agency. In the comics, Shang-Chi eventually gained the ability to create duplicates of himself and carried various pieces of Tony Stark-built tech. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, director Destin Daniel Cretton described the film version as afish-out-of-water and compared him to the character Will fromGood Will Hunting, whos a mixture of masculinity and vulnerability, noting that both characters had secrets and superpowers they do not understand. Star Simu Liu told Mens Health that Shang-Chis struggles with identity are the core of the character, rather than his martial arts skills.

RELATED: Marvel superheroes, sidekicks, antiheroes and Avengers ranked

Shang-Chi was created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin and debuted inSpecial Marvel Edition #15in December 1973 after Marvel Comics failed to acquire the rights to adapt theKung FuTV show. Up to that point, the comic series had followed Thor and Nick Fury. Shang-Chi was originally modeled after Bruce Lee and, as the martial arts craze swept the U.S. in the 70s, Shang-Chi, from from 1974 to 1983, ran in a solo comic entitled The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu and enjoyed crossovers with other Marvel martial artists like White Tiger, Iron Fist and the Daughters of the Dragon. Hes one of the strongest non-superhumans in Marvel Comics and has been sought out by many other characters including Captain America, Spider-Man and Wolverine to help them strengthen their own hand-to-hand combat skills. The Shang-Chi comic book became massive in the 70s, but the Kung Fu craze died down in the 80s, and so did Shang-Chis popularity eventually relegating the character to occasional guest appearances. He made his way back into the spotlight as part of 2010sSecret Avengers series, eventually making it to the core Avengers team and the newAgents of Atlas. In anticipation of the film, Marvel debuted anew ongoing series in May 2021.

RELATED: Avengers stars: How their lives have changed over the years

The Ten Rings were originally established as the once-dormant international terrorist group that kidnaps Tony Stark in the first Iron Man movie in 2008. Tony builds his first Iron Man suit while being held captive by them. Members of the organization include Shang-Chis father, Wenwu (aka The Mandarin). In the films trailer, Wenwu tells his son that throughout my life, the Ten Rings gave our family power, and the rings are shown as physical bracelets with eerie lights and some kind of superpower. The movie seemingly depicts Shang-Chis father as leader of the Ten Rings who attempts to bring his son into the fold. But our hero appears to be a on a journey to free himself from his evil destiny.

It was quite the journey getting Shang-Chi to the big screen, with attempts dating as far back as the 80s. During a 2018 interview with Inverse, former president and CEO ofMarvel Productions Margaret Loesch revealed that Stan Lee considered Bruce Lees son Brandon to play the role and met with the actor and his mother, Linda Lee,to discuss a potential movie or television series starring the character. Stan did believe in the character, Margaret said. He used that as an example of the comic that could transition into the movie and television world. Unfortunately, Brandon tragically passed away in 1993 at 28. Then in 2001, Blade director Stephen Norrington signed on to direct the film The Hands of Shang-Chi but was replaced by famed martials arts choreographer and director Yuen Woo-pingwhen the project moved to DreamWorks a few years later. After getting stuck in development, the rights to the character reverted back to Marvel and it was listed as one of many potential projects inits new film deal with Paramount Pictures. Marvel eventually signed a deal with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures before it could get made, which led to the current release schedule.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gave actor Simu Liu his breakout role. He was raised in Ontario, Canada, and worked as an accountant before eventually getting laid off. Simu then used his background in martial arts such as TaekwondoandWing Chun, as well as gymnastics, to pursue a career as an actor and stuntman. His first role was as an extra in the 2013 blockbusterPacific Rim, which led to small roles on TV shows like Nikita and Beauty and the Beast and a stunt-double gig on Heroes Reborn. He then nabbed lead roles on the acclaimed Canadian programs Blood and Water and Kims Convenience before Marvel gave him the chance of a lifetime in 2019: Simu petitioned for the role of Shang-Chi on Twitter in 2018 when the movie was revealed to be in development and it was announced duringComic-Con 2019 that hed landed the part.

Following her breakout turn in 2018s Crazy Rich Asians and her Golden Globe-winning work in 2019s The Farewell, Awkwafina makes her Marvel debut as Katy. Little is known about the character other than that she works as a hotel valet alongside Shang-Chi and is the heros closest confidant. That said, she doesnt know much about his history or his action-packed world of assassins and kung fu masters. The funnywoman told StyleCaster in 2020 that Katy is thrust into a world where she doesnt really know what to do. At the same time, shes discovering things about herself. Awkwafina also told Entertainment Weekly that the character doesnt do a lot of the heavy lifting. But at the end of the day, she has a real heart, and she has a loyalty and dedication to her friendship with Shang-Chi. Shes super brave. Katy isnt sourced from the comics and, based on her poster image, this original character might just know how to use a bow and arrows.

Michelle Yeoh is best known for her work in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tomorrow Never Dies, Crazy Rich Asians and Star Trek: Discovery. She made her Marvel debut in 2017s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as space pirate Aleta Ogord. Now the Malaysian actress is taking on a new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ying Nan, a guardian of a mythical city. Michelle told Collider that the films other characters come to her to learn how to protect history and to protect not just this world but the worlds that are around us from the demons that are locked away. So its magic, its reality, so many things happening and its a lot of fun.

Tony Leung is considered one of Asias most successful and internationally recognized actors. The Hong Kong-born star, whos best known for his numerous collaborations with legendary director Wong Kar-wai, makes his Marvel debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He stars as Wenwu, Shang-Chis father and the leader of the Ten Rings. Wenwu is a hybrid character for theMarvel Cinematic Universe, replacing Shang-Chis original comic book father, Fu Manchu. The character has many different names including The Mandarin which producer Jonathan Schwartztold Entertainment Weekly was due to audience expectations based on The Mandarins comic book history. He described Wenwu as a more complex and layered character than the comic book version. Director Destin Daniel Cretton explained to the outlet that Tony avoided Asian stereotypes and a one-dimensional portrayal by bringing humanity and love to the role.

Menger Zhang portrays Xialing, Shang-Chis estranged sister and Wenwus daughter. Menger is a relative newcomer and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks her first big screen credit. Xialing is based on the comic book character Fah Lo Suee, who was raised to be The Mandarins right hand, but eventually attempts to subvert her fathers control by leaving the Ten Rings. In the film, Xialing is similarly estranged from her father and partners with her brother to take him down once and for all. Menger told Comic Book Resources that she underwent four months of training before shooting began, explaining, I didnt have any martial arts background. I did muay thai, tai chi and some weapons work. Theyre all hard but so much fun. She also called the role monumental, like a dream come true.

Andy Le has been revealed as the masked actor portraying the villainous Death Dealer. Its a huge moment for the star, who up until this point had worked as a stuntman and acted in small roles in The Paper Tigers and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. In the comics, Death Dealer is an MI6 double agent and one of Shang-Chis closest confidants who also betrays the hero and his sister by teaming up with their dad and becoming one of the Ten Rings deadliest warriors. The stories find the brutal fighter and Shang-Chi fighting to the death, with our hero coming out victorious. The films trailer keeps Death Dealers identity a secret, only showing them clad in a mask with red, black and white face paint. But given their origins, its safe to assume Wenwu will dispatch him to take down his son in a fight for power.

Florian Munteanu is a German Romanian actor, model and former heavyweight boxer whos best known for his role as boxer Viktor Drago, the son ofIvan Drago, in the 2018 sports dramaCreed II. Now hes taking on Shang-Chi as Razor Fist, a skilled martial artist andmercenarywith steel blades for hands. The villain is hired to assassinate Shang-Chi, and in the comics, he has a storied history with the Master of Kung Fu, having fought and been defeated by him multiple times. Razor Fist is also known for having served as a nemesis for numerous other Marvel heroes including Wolverine, Hawkeye and Elektra. The films trailer teases a a massive fight between Shang-Chi and Razor Fist aboard a San Francisco bus.

Ronny Chiengis a senior correspondent onThe Daily Show and creator and star of the sitcomRonny Chieng: International Student. The Malaysian comedianandactor had a breakout feature role as the over-ambitious Eddie Cheng in2018s Crazy Rich Asians before nabbing the part of Jon Jon in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Not much is known about the character other than that hes a close friend of both Shang-Chi and Katy. Well have to wait until the films release to find out if there is more to Jon Jon or if hell act as the storys comic relief.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The Hawaiian-born filmmaker worked at a group home for at-risk teenagers while attending film school. He then used both of those experiences to create the 2009 short film Short Term 12, which received acclaim when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It wasnt long before he moved into feature-length films, writing and directing the indie dramas I Am Not a Hipster and the theatrical adaptation of Short Term 12, which was nominated for multipleIndependent Spirit Awards and served as a breakout for Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson. Destin then directed the major studio films The Glass Castle and Just Mercy, both of which reunited him with Brie and received critical raves. In 2019, Marvel announced he would be helming his first blockbuster. He told The Hollywood Reporter in 2020 that he wanted the departure to create a hero he could identify with. I grew up without a superhero to look up to, he told the outlet. I gravitated toSpider-Manwhen I was a kid, primarily because he had a mask covering his face and I could imagine myself under that mask. I would love to give my son a superhero to look up to. I feel very privileged to be a part of telling that story.

While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the title characters debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, elements of the story do have connections to previous films. Shang-Chis father in the movie is The Mandarin, a villain long teased in the Iron Man film series. He surfaced in 2013s Iron Man 3 as the leader of the Ten Rings before eventually being unmasked as a struggling British actor, played by Ben Kingsley, who was hired to play the villain in order to cover up the storys true antagonist, Aldrich Killian. As mentioned, the Ten Rings have also played a part in the Iron Man movies, starting with overseeing Tony Starks capturing in the first film, which prompted him to create the first Iron Man suit. He then spends much of that movie dismantling the organizations operations in the Middle East. The Ten Rings also appeared in the Marvel One-Shot shortAll Hail the Kingon theThor: The Dark WorldBlu-ray and in adeleted scenefromAnt-Man.

One of the biggest changes in the Shang-Chi film is an update to his famous parentage. In the comics, hes the secret son of the villainous Dr. Fu Manchu, a character whos also been steeped in racial stereotypes. Marvel Studios doesnt have the film rights for that character and its doubtful it wanted to unearth that problematic elements of the comics. Hence the character has been reconceived as known Marvel supervillain The Mandarin in the movie. The version of The Mandarin portrayed in Iron Man 3 was essentially a parody version of Fu Manchu, intact with all the same racist tropes. But Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige described Tony Leungs casting in 2019 as a chance for him to play the real Mandarin. As director Destin Daniel Crettontold Observer that same year,We are not looking to contribute anymore to the Asian stereotypes that we have seen both in cinema and pop culture. Were hoping to just show some different sides to both Asian Americans and Chinese Americans and Mainland Chinese characters. Tommy is such an incredible actor and Im excited to have him help us break some of those stereotypes because that villain could easily become a punchline.

Production on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings wasnt without its complications. Filming began in February 2020 but was put on hold in March due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. Work building sets for the film resumed at the end of July 2020, and by the next month, all cast and crew members had arrived in Sydney to begin shooting. Any cast and crew members returning to Australia from outside the country had to be quarantined for two weeks upon arrival before returning to work, according toAustralias guidelines. Shooting then moved to San Francisco and wrapped by October 2020. As a result of the pandemic, the films release date shifted multiple times, originally going from February 2021 to May to July and, ultimately, September. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universes previous entry, Julys Black Widow, Shang-Chi wont be released simultaneouslyin theaters and on Disney+. Instead, it will be in theaters exclusively for 45 days before being added to the streaming platform.

Following the success of 2018s Black Panther as well as repeated calls for more diversity and less Chris in Marvel movies, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is helping expand the scope of the Marvel Cinematic Universe while also breaking ground for Asian representation on a blockbuster scale. Star Simu Liu discussed the films significance with Entertainment Weekly, calling it a celebration of our culture while also pointing out that this is just one step in the battle forvisibility in media. Just because theres one Asian American superhero in the MCU, it does not by any means imply that our fight is finished right there, he told the outlet.When we dont have to celebrate every single win, I think well be a little bit closer to our goal, but until then, theres just so much left to do. Im ready to be in a position where I can effect real change, amplify voices and put people in positions to get stories told that wouldnt ordinarily get that opportunity. So, yes, all of that stuff Im ready for. It couldnt come fast enough, actually.

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If you travel with your stomach first, add these cities to your bucket list.

BuzzFeed Staff

Traveling to Mexico City is an exercise in stamina for your stomach. Everywhere you go, the city wafts with the smells of flame-grilled meats and blue corn masa tortillas sizzling on the griddle, and just about every other block is lined with street carts and vendors dishing out everything from tlacoyos and tacos to tamales.

Seek outJenni's Street Quesadillasin the Roma Norte neighborhood for famous fresh blue corn tortillas smothered in melted cheese and squash blossoms (it'll only set you back about $1). And for the best esquites you've ever tasted, look for a nondescript little stand on a street corner by Reforma 222 shopping mall. There, you can fill up on a heaping cup of corn tossed with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chipotle pepper for less than 50 cents.

While you're in CDMX, make sure to sample al pastor tacos, thinly sliced marinated pork shaved from a spit and served with white onion, pineapple, and cilantro. While it's hard to go wrong at any taqueira, El Vilsito (Colonia Narvarte), Taqueria el Greco (Condesa), and El Turix (Polanco) are three top spots for pork-filled tacos.

Singapore is like two sides of a coin: on the one hand it's glitzy and pristine. but on the other it's chaotic and dazzling just look at the busy night markets filled with hawker stalls like the Chinatown Street Market. Singaporean cuisine is a blend of flavors and dishes from other countries: China, India, Malaysia, even Europe.

Prepare to eat lots and lots of rice, noodles, and seafood, but whatever you do, don't missHainanese chicken rice, char kway teow (stir fried, flat rice noodles),roti prata (a flaky fried bread served with butter) and laksa (noodles in creamy coconut broth).

At first glance, Paris might not be an obvious top street food city, but if you know where to look, the city offers everything from crpe stands to open air markets like the March des Enfants Rouges. In the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, LAs du Falafel doles out pita sandwiches stuffed to the brim with crispy falafel, fried eggplant and pickled vegetables, all smothered in tahini and spicy sauce.

Over in the 11th arrondissement, Chez Aline is home to some of the best sandwiches in the city simple combinations like jambon, feta, and pesto on freshly baked baguette. And in the Latin Quarter, you'll find life-changing savory and sweet crepes (around $5 a piece) from the tiny shop, Au P'tit Grec. And of course, a flaky croissant or freshly baked baguette from one of the city's many boulangeries is just as delicious as any fancy meal on earth, but if there's one spot to seek out it's Du Pain et des Ides located by Canal St Martin.

If you walk through Djema al Fna, Marrakesh's main square, around sundown, you'll be intoxicated by sights, sounds, and smells. There are snake charmers and monkeys, henna tattoo artists, storytellers, and stalls upon stalls of food selling fragrant spices, bowls of snail soup, fresh squeezed orange juice, and pyramids of sweet nuts coated in honey.

Other dishes includeharira, a traditional tomato and chickpea soupand tagine, a slow cooked stew of couscous, vegetables, and meat. But the crown jewel of Marrakesh's street food scene can be found inMechoui Alley where lamb is slow cooked underground for days at a time in clay ovens until it's tender, sprinkled withcumin and salt, and served with pita.

Taiwan is often overlooked, but it's an incredible destination with a sprawling urban city (Taipei) and lots of natural beauty (beaches, hot springs, and mountains, for starters). But if you visit Taiwan for one thing, it should be the food. Eating is a national past time, and you'll see that first hand if you visit one of the 30 night markets in Taipei alone.

Make sure to try Xiao Long Bao (the original Din Tai Fung is in Taipei and 10 plump soup dumplings will set you back about $5), eggs enveloped in scallion pancakes, spicy fried chicken tossed in salt, pepper, and basil leaves, and umami-packed beef noodle soup. If you're not sure where to begin, Nanjichang night market is a local favorite, while Ningxia and Raohe are two of the more manageable options for tourists just dipping their toes into Taiwanese street food culture.

If there's one city that could be crowned street food capital of the world, it might just be Bangkok. There's perhaps no other city where you could eat as well on a tight budget where tiny hawker stalls deserve Michelin stars (and in fact, many have them). But in a city that is home to over half a million street food stalls, it can be tough to choose where to eat.

At the street-side restaurantRaan Jay Fai, the eponymous female chef wears goggles as she cookscrab omelettes, stir-fries, and curries over a blazing flame. Then there'sKuay Jub Mr. Joe, famous for the crispiest pork belly in Bangkok ($4), which can be served over a piping bowl of noodle soup.Chakki, located in Bangkok's Chinatown, is the place to go for deep fried noodles with meat in a thick gravy. And of course there'sThipsamaifor what's commonly lauded as the best pad Thai in the city.

As soon as you touch town in Rio, you'll notice a different kind of energy, and this vibrance also manifests itself in the street food. The cuisine is a blend of African, European, and indigenous cultures, and you can find the iconic dishes at the Sunday markets, hole-in-the-wall shops, and carts along the busy streets to Ipanema and Copacabana.

Fill up on colorful aai bowls made with tropical fruits, po de queijo (a chewy, cheesy bread made of cassava flour), cod dumplings, pastis, and coxinha, deep fried pastries filled with shredded chicken and cheese.

It's easy to associate Berlin street food with dner kebabs and currywurst, but there's so much more to it. An extremely international city, Berlin's cheap eats are inspired by global cuisines and flavors all around the world. Just about every week, you'll find some new pop-up like Bite Club at Badeschiff and Street Food Thursday in Markthalle Neun, where eclectic vendors come together to sell drool-worthy dishes like gourmet burgers, tacos, tapas, and craft beer.

Then there's Thaipark, a decades-old tradition held on weekends during the warm weather months. You'll find over 100 Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and other Asian vendors cooking up food from their home countries like shrimp pad Thai ($6), sticky rice with mango ($2), and chicken satay skiewers ($2). And finally theres' Boxhagener Platz, a flea, farmer's and street food market where you can chow down on things like falafel, charcuterie, bruschetta and more.

When you think of Tokyo, you might be inclined to think of fine dining and expensive restaurants. And while you can easily blow a whole paycheck on an omakase meal, Tokyo is also heaven on earth for affordable, street food. The maze of streets and buildings that make up Tsukiji Market is a feast for all the senses, especially the stomach.

As you get lost in the alleys you'll pass ramen stalls (a heaping bowl will set you back about $5), shelves of fresh onigiri, vendors grilling skewers of chicken yakitori and thinly sliced wagyu beef over a flame, and tiny sushi bars where hungry locals sling back pieces of fatty tuna nigiri for breakfast. This is a microcosm for the whole city. Incredible food is everywhere you look. In fact, 7-Elevens on every street corner serve the best $2 egg salad sandwich you'll ever eat.

Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures and flavors. Here, you can find not only international cuisines, but also regional dishes from Punjab and southern India to Goa. The city also never sleeps, which means delicious street food is available all the time, whether it's a hot cup of chai, crispy, pani puri, or chaat.

Make your way toKhau Galli, Mumbai's biggest and best neighborhood for street food, where every street offers something a bit different. On the block namedMahim Khau Galli there are rows of vendors grilling things likerotis with lamb and chicken tandoori. Nearby, Mohammed Ali Road is known for kebabs and biryani. AlongTardeo Khau Galli you'll findsamosas, vada pav (fried potato dumplings on a bun) and pav bhaji (mashed vegetable stew served on a bun).

Tel Aviv is known for its food, but in addition to great restaurants, you can eat extremely well for cheap in this vibrant beach city on the Mediterranean Sea. Walk through Shuk HaCarmel, the city's largest market where you can buy everything from olives and spices to halva.

Once you've tried a plate of the creamy hummus topped with whole chickpeas and paprika ($6) from Hummus Abu Hassan, you'll never be able to eat the store bought stuff again. At Levinsky Burekas try one of the famous Middle Eastern pastries plucked right from the oven, and of course, you'll want to get a falafel sandwich from HaKosem. Biting into one of the fluffy pitas filled with fried chickpea balls, chopped Israeli salad, and tahini is the true definition of a religious experience.

You can avoid high end restaurants entirely and still eat like a king in Shanghai, China's most populated city. The food stalls along Xiangyang Road are great for a quick breakfast of jianbing (egg crpes filled with veggies) and on South Yunnan Road Food Street you'll find tons of hot pot and noodles.

Huanghe Road is the dumpling capital: try thesmall, gently pan fried soup dumplings atYang's(4 pieces for around $3) and the more traditional, delicate crab xiao long bao atJia Jia Tang Bao.OnQibao Old Street, vendors sell all sorts of steamed buns and dim sum and inTianzifang, snack stalls on every black sell all of the best cheap eats like rice cakes, grilled meat skewers, and egg tarts.

Lagos is the most populated city in Africa. It's a fast-paced, constantly moving commercial hub with a thriving street food scene to match. Grilled spicy beef skewers called suya and akara delightfully greasy and crunchy fritters made from beans can be found on street corners throughout the city.

There's puff puff, a favorite West African snack that are similar to French beignets, and there are plantains that are roasted on hot charcoals and served with nuts. These snacks are even sold on busy roadsides and can be delivered right to your car window during rush hour.

The island of Oahu, home to the capital city of Honolulu, is the cultural hub of Hawaii. The cuisine is influenced by Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Hawaiian culture, and that's most obvious when you look at the affordable eats and snack foods served at roadside shacks and food trucks all across the island. Fuel up for the day on loco moco from Rainbow Drive-In.

For lunch grab a heaping portion of shrimp scampi over rice from Giovanni's Shrimp Truck or pop into Ono Seafood for a giant scoop of the freshest tuna poke you've ever tasted ($13). There's Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken, where huli chicken roasts over coals on in a parking lot. And of course, no trip to Oahu is complete without trying a fried spam musubi, a few aai bowls or a refreshing shaved ice.

You can't talk about Seoul without mentioning street food. A huge part of the culture in this culinary-minded city is the cheap food sold by tiny stalls on busy city streets and in crowded subway stations. The most famous spot for street food is Gwangjang Market, a traditional market where seemingly endless rows of carts sell everything from bindaetteok (mung bean cakes) to pajeon (savory vegetable pancakes) and kimbap (the Korean take on sushi rolls).

Myeongdong Street is the place to go for tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes that bathe in a pool of chili sauce, and there are several markets around the city like Tongin Market, Dongdaemun Night Market and Namdaemun Market where you can taste Seoul's iconic dishes like Korean fried chicken, mandu (dumplings), and small banchan style dishes.

In a country known for delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon) is Vietnam's culinary jewel. In this wonderfully chaotic city where cooking and eating is a way of communicating and connecting, you can never be far from authentic, cheap, and most importantly, spectacular food.

On Vinh Khnh Street (seafood street), there are rows of outdoor grills cooking crabs, cockles, and sizzling seafood hot pot. In district 1, Ch Bn Thnh is an authentic market where you can sample all the classic dishes like spring rolls and banh mi, and more. Nearby, seek outBanh Xeo 46Afor savory egg crpes filled with shrimp and vegetables ($3) andPho Bo Vien, a hole-in-the-wall for quality pho.

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Its one thing to play Superman on screen, but its another thing entirely to walk around looking like a Kryptonian in your everyday life. And the first thing youre likely to notice when staring at Henry Cavill on Zoom are his shouldersnot even his Clark Kent jawline can distract from the small mountain range erupting from his humerus and clavicle. None of this is exactly news, given the multiple high-profile roles in which Cavill has transformed his body forThe DC universe, The Witcher, extremely buff Sherlock in Enola Holmesbut you truly cannot prepare for how mesmerizing those deltoids are.

Which is why Cavills latest role, as an ambassador for the supplement company MuscleTech is perhaps the most natural line on his resume. GQ caught up with the 38-year-old actor to find out how supplements influence his diet, his thoughts on pre-workout, and just how many meals a day you need to eat if you ever want shoulders like his.

GQ: Supplements are such a huge part of the fitness world, but I think something that can often be misunderstood, especially when youre first starting out. What was your journey with using supplements like?

Henry Cavill: It's an interesting thing, because I've been very fortunate over my career to have pros guiding me. As useful as that has been when it comes to physical results and how the body looks when I'm taking my shirt off on camera or whatever the case may be, it does certainly hinder my growth in knowledge. And so over the past couple of years, I've been trying to quiz my trainer, Dave Rienzi, more and more about the why of everything. Why is that going in? Why this rather than that? Aren't they both carbohydrates? Why this protein versus that protein? What does it mean when you do this before or afterwards? And so my journey is still very much in process.

Once you started asking those questions, was there anything that you were surprised to learn?

So I have a protein shake before bed, and there would be times where Id go, you know what, I want to lose a few more pounds, so I'm just going to cut the pre-bed shake out and not tell my trainer Dave. And itll be fine, because I'll be losing a few pounds and then I'll get back to showing progress photos and people will be like, Oh wow, look at the progress you made! But if I took three weeks off, when I would send Dave a progress photo, he would go, Okay, cool. So are you still taking the pre-bed shake? And I go, No, because I wanted to lose a few pounds.

That's when I started asking these questions because he then informed me that the problem with that logic is that, yes, you do have fewer calories going into your body, but you also go into a catabolic state with how hard you're training and how hard you're working. So actually what you're doing is you're losing muscularity while you sleep. So your body won't be looking as good. And almost immediately when I went back to the pre-bed shake, I was like, Yeah, the body looks better already. And for me, that was a massive learning point and a real shock. I thought, I need to start asking more questions and stop thinking that I can pull a fast one and pull the wool over his eyes.

I love that Dave instantly knew, too. Like, Hey, are you skipping that? But I think that's the preconceived notion, right? Don't eat before bed.

Absolutely. The protein shakes before bed, they are a real lifesaver for me. Especially with the amount of work, with the amount of output I have. It's important to make sure that all the right stuff is getting in at the right time so you don't lose anything and you're not wasting any time at the gym.

So youve got the protein shake right before bed, but what does a typical day of eating look like?

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Henry Cavill Is Happy to Eat the Same Thing Every Day - GQ

For those who work out, protein supplements are a part of their life. Protein intake may vary from person to person, but a diet is incomplete without it.

Medical researchers advise against protein supplements for an average person, because the amount of protein every person requires depends on factors like age, sex, health and activity level. Ideally, your daily food should provide you with the required protein, say Dr Sanjay Shah, general physician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund and Shweta Mahadik, clinical nutritionist, Fortis Hospital Kalyan.

But many sports trainers continue to push them on amateur athletes.

The question then arises of whether you need protein when you exercise, particularly when you try to build muscle through weightlifting or other forms of resistance training. The doctors answer in the affirmative. The process of building muscle involves causing damage to muscle filaments and then rebuilding them, and this requires more protein, they say.

Why do we need proteins?

Protein is an essential macronutrient made up of amino acids. These chain-like compounds can be broken apart and put back together in a nearly endless variety of patterns which are used to create different kinds of cells.

Your body can make some of these amino acids on its own, but not all of them. The complete proteins found in animal products are your best sources of the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce.

But keep in mind that you shouldnt consume extra protein. Dairy products are also high in protein, as are certain green leafy vegetables and legumes. Too much protein can put a strain on your kidneys, so if youre using protein supplements to lose or maintain weight without working out, you need to balance your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and 1-2 litres of water per day. Tofu, soya milk, lentils, chickpeas, pinto beans, almond milk, nuts and oil seeds like sunflower, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds etc., are rich sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans, they explain.

Consuming proteins in the right way

A healthy individual needs 1g protein per kg body weight per day. When training, however, they need about a half gram of protein per pound of body weight.

If you want to slim down or need more protein in your diet, feel free to have a protein shake on your off-training days. For example, if you skip breakfast or have a meeting to rush to in the morning, drinking a protein shake can provide you with the energy needed to function optimally. These, however, cannot replace meals; their role is to supplement your diet only, the experts say.

The risk factor is that all food and beverages provide calories. Protein supplements in the form of shakes and bars are no exception. They work best when used as part of a training program since they fuel your muscles into growth and increase fat burning.

Keep in mind

The doctors say that incorporating protein supplements in your diet with no workout at all is not recommended. If you go overboard, you may end up gaining weight especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle. You may also develop hyperaminoacidemia (excess of amino acid in the bloodstream) with nausea and diarrhoea symptoms; other health concerns may include kidney problems. Extra intake will slow down the kidneys metabolism.

If you need to consume more protein, but you do not exercise, it is best to have natural sources of the macronutrient as mentioned above coupled with minimum exercising. Remember to keep the nutrition factor high, and the calorie counts low if you arent exercising to burn off extra calories.

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The protein count: Do you need supplements even if you dont work out? - The Indian Express

Sometimes your body notices things before your mind does: you might think youre so far away from the menopause that a hot flush is just a thing you can fake to get out of a boring situation, but your midriff knows better. Lucinda Meade, 57, is a physiotherapist and personal trainer. She has trained many clients through the menopause and says it tends to start with surreptitious weight gain around the middle, which they then cant shift. It may be accompanied by aches and pains in smaller joints, and an unappetising smrgsbord of mood changes, sleep changes, annoying visits to the GP to be given antidepressants.

All this makes perfect sense from a hormonal perspective, as another trainer, Sarah Overall, 51, describes: Oestrogen governs so many of your bodily processes, and one of the things its involved in is water regulation. Its a lot easier for tendons and ligaments and joints to become dehydrated. And that can also lead to a resurgence of old injuries. Plus, when your female hormones decrease, you go from having a gynoid shape, carrying fat on your hips and thighs, to android obesity, abdominal fat, which is a male shape.

But what are you supposed to do, fitness-wise? Should you power through the aches, pains and lethargy, or just give up on being fit until you are out the other side? Are there adjustments you can make to the way you exercise and eat? Can you make it any better by working up to it beforehand? Finally, are there any upsides to the menopause, or is it just an irksome creep towards death, only ameliorated by the fact that it happens to (half of) everyone?

Arj Thiruchelvam, a personal trainer who coaches elite athletes, says of this power-through or take-a-break dilemma: Always make the decision on a macro, rather than a micro, level. In macro terms, to give up exercise during your menopause would be a disaster as your muscle mass decreases with age at the rate of about 1% a year. For menopausal women, its much more substantial than that. You need muscle mass to protect your bones, not to mention, as Meade says, the fact that it decreases cell death, increases stem cells and decreases fat cells, which are a secretor of inflammatory markers. Ageing is all about chronic, low-level inflammation.

On a micro level, though, Thiruchelvam says, if youve had hot flushes throughout the night and not slept, its probably worth listening to your body and giving yourself a rest. Overall has a 10-minute rule: If I wake up and I dont feel like a workout, I think, Ill do 10 minutes and if I still feel rubbish, Im going to stop. Thats the biggest piece of advice I can give anyone 95% of the time youll feel fine after 10 minutes.

Its also important to have weekly rather than daily goals, and be flexible (mentally as well as physically): use your energy when you have it, rather than beating yourself up about the times you dont. This will mean prioritising yourself and flaking out of other obligations, but thats fine your oestrogens dropping, so hopefully youll be less of a people-pleaser, too.

Now all you have to do is completely change your perception of what kind of exercise you need and enjoy. Meade explains: A lot of women have done a lot of yoga and running and they really need to be coaxed into weight training. This will probably be different once millennials are menopausal, since they have a huge iron woman culture and are all over calisthenics (building strength using your own bodyweight). But women now in their late 40s and 50s will have had their formative years in the 1980s, when exercise was all about looking skinny and weight-training was unpopular. Younger readers may not believe it, but magazines were absolutely full of the perils of muscle-building, and how once youd given yourself huge beefy shoulders, thered be no going back.

But there is more than one way to skin this cat. Dancing, rock climbing, climbing trees, anything: find the thing that works for you, says Meade. But there must be some strength element. Elite athletes, being so body-literate, often notice sooner than the rest of us that something has to change. Jenny Stoute, 56, represented the UK in the Olympics in Seoul and Barcelona, taking bronze in the 4 x 400m relay, before she became Rebel, the Gladiator, in 1996. Her menopause started two years ago, and now she says she cant even jog. If I went out on the road, springing up and down, my hamstrings would be history. I know my lower back doesnt like too much impact. So Ill do weights and body-bearing stuff, go on the rower, go on the cross-trainer. To be fair, I dont really want to run 100 metres. I had my time. All I want to do is look after my body to the best of my abilities.

Its a really good idea to get ahead of this if possible. People go into the menopause like some ghastly blind date where you know its going to happen but you hope its going to be OK, Meade says. Everyone in their 40s should be thinking about getting themselves in tip-top shape so that when it happens, its as fine as it can be. Dont treat it like a lottery and dont wait until youre feeling crap and then try to make decisions in that state.

Besides strength training, what does this actually look like? Work on your diet, so that your blood sugar isnt fluctuating too much: this can stave off the worst of the hot flushes, and will also help with mood swings. Dont try a ketogenic diet but do use a protein calculator, as protein-rich meals can help in maintaining muscle mass. You might want to adjust your portion size to suit your reduced basal metabolic rate (this is the amount of energy you use at rest, doing basic tasks like breathing and keeping warm) or you might think, sod it, one thing at a time. Take vitamin D and calcium supplements, and omega-3s the first two for bone health, since the loss of oestrogen often causes osteoporosis, the third for mood.

Work on the dehydration, not just by gulping water when you remember but by learning to recognise your personal signs of being dehydrated, and figure out when in the day its at its worst. A lot of menopausal women say they suddenly have no tolerance for alcohol and start to see wine, especially, as a kind of kryptonite. But its essentially just that the concentration of alcohol in your blood is higher. Im not saying you have to drink just that, if you stay really well hydrated, maybe you can.

If you havent got a sympathetic GP, see a pelvic health physiotherapist. Your pelvic floor muscles weaken regardless of whether youve had children or not, so bladder control becomes an issue as well, Overall says. Trampolining is a famous no-no for the menopausal, but running can also highlight bladder-control issues. I personally wouldnt sweat it. Youre probably going to have a shower when you get home anyway. And thats not even the worst of it: A lot of women will have had untreated issues from childbirth and then the menopause hits, on top of maybe a tiny little prolapse vaginal atrophy is a nightmare, Meade says. Pilates, generally, and Kegels in particular will help. In addition, its a good idea to find out what your family history is, particularly with osteoporosis. The more likely you are to get it, the more important it is that you do the strength-building work that will protect your bones.

Everybody I speak to is of one mind on HRT: if it works for you, do it, and start as soon as you get symptoms dont wait until they are unbearable. There is a certain reticence about starting HRT, a misplaced stoicism, a sense that you only need it because youre weak. Most of the perceived risks of HRT are historical and have been substantially reduced by developments to the drug regimen; there is a negligible rise in the risk of breast cancer, for instance, with oestrogen-only HRT.

Menopause symptoms interact with one another in unhelpful ways: sleep deprivation because youre too hot doesnt help with the mood swings, and a low mood makes things look worse than they are. So many menopausal people, including fitness experts, take a harsh view of their changing bodies. The bloating is terrible, Overall says. People are looking at me for their fitness and I look like a Michelin man. Stoute says her own athletic past has made her more of a wreck. Anyone who used to be top of the tree in the sporting world is thinking, My whole body feels like its falling apart. Its almost like the fitter you are at your peak, the worse the other end becomes. I look her up on Instagram (@gorgeousfifties), and find she still looks incredible. Be kind to yourself sounds like a cliche, but its worth doing anyway.

And finally, is there anything good to be said for the experience? Meade delivers this rousing statement: Its a wake-up call. Youre likely to live until youre nearly 90. How do you want it to be? How do you want to feel? Make a plan for that. Its a reminder that you can make choices and change your life for the better. Dont be a victim; you can fix it. Im much fitter than I was before.

Overall agrees: Im not there yet, but friends whove come out the other side say its absolutely brilliant. You dont have to worry about periods any more, you dont have hormonal fluctuations, you feel great. Nobody has ever said to me, This is rubbish. I miss periods.

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Work your muscles and rethink your diet: how fitness can help you through the menopause - The Guardian

Were not kidding about kids and Type 2 diabetes The youngest child ever diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may be a 3-year-old who weighed 77 pounds and had a nutritionally bankrupt diet. Doctors provided nutritional education to the family and prescribed the toddler liquid metformin. The child increased physical activity, decreased caloric consumption and, in six months, had lost 25 percent of her body weight. Her blood glucose levels normalized, and she didnt need diabetes medication anymore.

We hope shes been able to maintain that healthful lifestyle. When kids get Type 2 diabetes, the consequences can be swift and severe.

The TODAY2 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tracked kids with diabetes for 15 years. The researchers found that over time, 67 percent developed high blood pressure; 52 percent had seriously elevated triglycerides and lousy LDL cholesterol levels; 55 percent had diabetes-related kidney disease; 51 percent had eye disease; and 32 percent had nerve disease. After 10 to 12 years of living with diabetes, young adults in their 20s were suffering strokes, kidney failure, heart attacks and amputations.

Dont let this happen to your kids. Find play groups and after-school teams for them to join. Upgrade your familys nutrition eliminate drinks with added sugars or syrups, fruit drinks, simple carbs, processed meats and highly processed or fast foods. Your childrens future is in your hands. Reach out for help if you need a hand. And check out the American Heart Associations Daily Tips to Help Your Family Eat Better at http://www.heart.org and http://www.PTA.org for Family Resources.

Are you a bonehead? Baseball player Fred Merkle was the youngest player in the National League in 1908 when he committed an infamous base-running error. When heading for third, he failed to tag second base and eventually left the field thinking his team, the New York Giants, had won the game. That mistake nullified the victory, and the goof became known as Merkels Boner. The nickname Bonehead stuck with him throughout his 19-year career.

You dont want to be a bonehead. But, according to a new study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, there is a definite association between what goes on in your bones and your head. When 1,741 women ages 65 and older were followed from 1997 to 2013, researchers found that cognitive decline during the first five years of the study was tied to more than a 16 percent increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture over the following decade.

It makes us think perhaps all the smart moves that protect against osteoporosis daily activity with aerobics (especially jumping) and weight-bearing exercise; a diet rich in plant-based calcium; supplemental vitamin D (most people are deficient); and not smoking turn out to be good for your brain health, too. And life habits that protect the brain not smoking, eating a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet, walking 10,000 steps a day well, thats good for the bones.

So, bone up on what you need to do for good nutrition and exercise, and youll have a head start on enduring brain and bone health as you age.

Pasta-picking particulars Carbonara, alfredo, parmigiana the sauces that Americans slather over pasta are most often saturated-fat-laden, cheesy, creamy concoctions. And although we dont come close (no one does) to the 51 pounds of pasta each Italian downs annually, we consume about 20 pounds apiece. Even if every bite were topped with healthful marinara sauce, wed still be taking in more refined white-flour pasta than is good for blood sugar control or weight management.

So whats the smart pasta pick? Theres a whole pantry full to choose from:

Whole-wheat pasta retains most of its bran, which is loaded with thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. This pasta also delivers more than twice the fiber and iron of enriched refined pasta. Two ounces, uncooked (thats one serving) contains 8 grams of protein and 5.5 grams of fiber. Its great with hearty, steamed veggies tossed in garlic and olive oil.

Pasta made from lentils or black soybeans generally delivers a lot more protein than white or whole-wheat pasta. Two uncooked ounces of black soybean pasta has 25 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber. Top with roasted veggies, grated ginger and a touch of toasted sesame oil.

Chickpea and other bean pastas are packed with fiber and delicate enough for refined sauces think Vietnamese and Thai. Chickpea pasta (2 ounces uncooked) contains 6 grams protein, 5 grams fiber.

Tip: Pasta made from corn or rice isnt a step up from refined white flour. Look on the labels for 100 percent whole grains, lentils or beans as the first or only ingredient.

Is chronic pain altering your personality? In 1985, when quarterback Joe Theismann had his fibula and tibia shattered by a tackle, it ended his NFL career a career in which hed suffered seven broken noses, a broken collarbone and broken hands and ribs. People would say that it was a tragedy but it was a blessing, he said. Id become somewhat of a self-absorbed individual and didnt really care much about a lot of things except myself. And ever since that day Ive tried to be a better person.

All that physical pain can make it difficult to be your best self. Thats been confirmed by a study in the European Journal of Pain seems that people with chronic pain have very low levels of the personality-influencing neurotransmitter glutamate in their frontal cortex, triggering emotional dysregulation and increasing anxiety.

If youre one of the 50 million Americans who live with chronic pain and the emotional changes it triggers, the good news is you dont need opioids for relief (whew!).

Non-opioid pain relievers: To handle chronic back pain or osteoarthritis, one study found that nonopioid medications deliver as much relief as opioids. Anti-seizure medications ease fibromyalgia pain; antidepressants can help with migraine; and NSAIDs and topical creams can soothe aching joints, muscles and some nerve pain.

Alternatives to medications: Massage, acupuncture and high-tech radiofrequency ablation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) also ease pain effectively.

Altered pain response: Pain causes tension, and that increases pain. An anti-inflammatory diet, and stress-reducing meditation, deep breathing and visualization, plus plenty of exercise can quiet the brains pain response center.

Enjoying your life-cycle On July 12 of this year, actress Rita Wilson took her husband Tom Hanks out for a bike ride to celebrate his 65th birthday. A great idea for many reasons including one we bet that Hanks, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2013, didnt know about.

It turns out that for folks with diabetes, cycling is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart woes and death. Researchers conducted a multicountry study that looked at almost 7,500 adults who had diabetes. Their study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that doing some cycling is associated with at least a 24 percent lower rate of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, when compared with non-cyclists. And regular cycling (one to five-plus hours a week) over a five-year period is associated with at least a 35 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality when compared with noncyclists. This adds to the findings of an earlier Danish study that found a 40 percent decreased risk of mortality from regularly cycling to work.

There is one hazard associated with cycling that wed like to mention: not wearing a helmet. According to a study in the journal Brain Injury that analyzed 76,032 cycling mishaps from 2002 to 2012, 78 percent of adult cyclists who suffered head and neck injuries were not wearing helmets. So, make sure you have a top-quality helmet and then get out there or get an all-weather stationary bike and, diabetes or not, pedal your way to a longer, healthier life.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of The Dr. Oz Show, and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into The Dr. Oz Show or visit http://www.sharecare.com.

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The height of a childs biological parents can be a good indicator of how tall a child will be, as genetics play a prominent role in determining height. However, this can vary, and siblings with the same parents may all reach different heights. Other factors, such as biological sex, overall health, nutrition, sleep, and exercise, during developmental years all factor into height and growth.

The height a person reaches by adulthood can depend on the genes they inherit from their biological parents, although some factors may mean a child does not reach their full potential height.

Nutrition and overall health during childhood and adolescence also affect human growth and height. Over hundreds of years, the average human height has increased due to improved nourishment in children and a reduction in illness and infections.

This article explores methods people may use to predict height, factors that affect growth in children and adolescents, and when to speak with a doctor if growth becomes a concern.

A combination of genetics and external factors can affect how tall a child will grow.

Health experts believe that 80% of a persons height is genetic. This means the height of biological parents can be an indicator of a childs height, although this is not always a reliable predictor.

Siblings with the same parents can vary in height, and one child in the family may be taller or shorter compared to the rest of the family.

Other factors, such as nutrition, illness, or premature birth, can also play a part in height and growth and may prevent a child from reaching their full potential height.

Learn more about which factors can influence a persons height.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, people may wish to try the following formula for predicting how tall a child will be:

However, note that predictive methods such as these are not concrete, and a childs adult height could change depending on different factors.

Learn how to measure height accurately.

According to the Society for Endocrinology, people can usually expect the following average growth patterns in children and adolescents:

Learn about the signs and stages of puberty.

Most females will have a growth spurt in the year before they start their first menstrual period. Their feet and hands will likely increase in size first, followed by the rest of the body.

Female growth slows down after their first menstrual period, but females will usually still grow 12 in after this time.

According to health experts, males usually have a growth spurt in puberty 2 years after most females. The peak time of growth is before sperm develops, and males will grow about 9 cm a year. Males also usually have longer growth spurts than females.

According to the Society for Endocrinology, there is no set age for when males and females will stop growing. Once a person has gone through all the stages of puberty to reach adult development, their growth will slow down and stop.

Additionally, growth plates in the bones fuse together at this stage, meaning individuals will not grow any taller.

Learn about when male children might stop growing.

Learn about when female children might stop growing.

Adolescents go through puberty at different stages, so variations in growth spurts can be normal. In some cases, going through puberty at a slower rate can be due to an inherited pattern, known as constitutional delay.

If there is too much variation, such as a growth spurt not occurring or females not menstruating by the age of 16 years, then it is important to speak with a doctor for a checkup.

In some cases, unusual growth or development in a young person may be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as:

Treating the underlying condition may help improve growth. In the case of a growth hormone deficiency, people may need treatment with artificial growth hormone.

Although genetics largely determine a persons height, proper nutrition is an important factor in healthy growth and development for children and adolescents.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a balanced and nutritious diet for healthy growth and development includes:

According to a 2018 study, both exercise and good sleep can help increase height, as they elevate the release of growth hormones.

Sometimes, children or adolescents may face peer pressure or bullying for being a different height than those around them. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or depression.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides the following advice for parents and caregivers to help young people deal with peer pressure:

Learn more about teen anxiety and depression.

How tall a child or teenager will grow largely depends on the genes they inherit from their biological parents.

Good nutrition, exercise, and sleep also all play an important role in healthy growth and development. Illness, infection, or premature birth may all affect whether a child reaches their potential full height or not.

In most cases, young people will not be able to have much impact on their height other than living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In some cases, children or adolescents may have a deficiency in growth hormone, which may require medical treatment to resolve.

If a child or adolescent is not growing or developing as expected for their age and biological sex, misses a growth spurt, or females do not have their first period by 16 years, then individuals can consult with their doctor for a checkup.

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How tall will I be? A guide for parents and children - Medical News Today

When it comes to longevity, much of the focus has been on the foods you eat and the best types of exercise. For good reason too - regular exercise and eating well can slash your risk of chronic disease, namely heart disease, which claims millions of lives each year. However, there are other lifestyle habits that contribute to longevity and research suggests they should not be overlooked.

Specifically, the researchers sought to determine the extent to which social relationships influence risk for mortality, which aspects of social relationships are most highly predictive, and which factors may moderate the risk.

Data were extracted on several participant characteristics, including cause of mortality, initial health status, and pre-existing health conditions, as well as on study characteristics, including length of follow-up and type of assessment of social relationships.

Drawing on 148 studies, the researchers put a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships.

This finding remained consistent across age, sex, initial health status, cause of death, and follow-up period.

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Significant differences were found across the type of social dynamic evaluated.

For example, the association was strongest for complex measures of social integration.

In contrast, the outcomes were poorest for those living alone.

The result is not entirely surprising.

Although its hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cite a number of studies found that tie social isolation to poorer health outcomes.

In one study, social isolation significantly increased a persons risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

In another, social isolation was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of dementia.

What's more, poor social relationships (characterised by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke.

Other evidence suggests loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Furthermore, loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly four times increased risk of death, 68 percent increased risk of hospitalisation, and 57 percent increased risk of emergency department visits in one study.

"Your doctor can assess your risk for loneliness and social isolation and get you connected to community resources for help, if needed," notes the CDC.

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The habit that may increase your chances of longevity by 50% - its not exercise or diet - Express

That's even though many cheap and easy treatments exist -- from healthier diet and exercise to pills that safely lower blood pressure using a variety of mechanisms.

"We used data from 1990 to 2019 on people aged 30-79 years from population-representative studies with measurement of blood pressure and data on blood pressure treatment," the global team, led by Majid Ezzati, a global health specialist at Imperial College London, wrote.

"We defined hypertension as having systolic blood pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading) 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a reading) 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking medication for hypertension."

The researchers looked at data covering 184 countries. The number of people with high blood pressure doubled from 648 million in 1990 to nearly 1.3 billion by 2019, they found.

"Policies that enable people in the poorest countries to access healthier foodsparticularly reducing salt intake and making fruit and vegetables more affordable and accessiblealongside improving detection by expanding universal health coverage and primary care, and ensuring uninterrupted access to effective drugs, must be financed and implemented to slow the growing epidemic of high blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries," Ezzati said in a statement.

Many high-income countries, including Canada, Switzerland, the UK and Spain reported their numbers of people with hypertension at all-time lows, but low- and middle-income countries such as Paraguay and central European countries including Hungary, Poland, and Croatia had high rates. Canada and Peru had the lowest rates of high blood pressure. "Hypertension prevalence was highest throughout central and eastern Europe, central Asia, Oceania, southern Africa, and some countries in Latin America and the Caribbean," the team wrote.

Overall, just under a third of men and women globally ages 30 to 79 had high blood pressure, the study found.

"The pandemic of cardiovascular disease has received less attention in the last 18 months but reflects concerning worldwide trends in unhealthy lifestyle choices such as high fat, sugar, salt and alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyles with avoidance of exercise, and smoking, all of which lead to higher blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels that cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the heart and brain," said Robert Storey, a professor of cardiology at the University of Sheffield who was not involved in the study.

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Number of people with high blood pressure has doubled globally, large study finds - CNN