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A new study compares whether duration of exercise versus counting steps is better for weight loss in women age 62 and older.

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It used to be that getting at least 10,000 steps a day was the acceptable goal for exercise, but this four-year study of nearly 15,000 healthy women over the age of 62 suggests the time you spend exercising might be just as effective.

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Researchers at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston asked each participant to wear a fitness tracker and they were given health questionnaires to complete yearly.

Ultimately, the study found those who did between 8,000 to 8,500 steps daily reduced their risk of heart disease by 40% compared to those who did around 3,000 daily steps and the same risk reduction was found in those who exercised for 75 minutes per day.

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The conclusion was there is no magic number for exercise, says Dr. Rikuta Hamaya, the lead study author.

For some, especially for younger individuals, exercise may involve activities like tennis, soccer, walking, or jogging, all of which can be easily tracked with steps, she said.

However, for others, it may consist of bike rides or swimming, where monitoring the duration of exercise is simpler. Thats why its important for physical activity guidelines to offer multiple ways to reach goals. Movement looks different for everyone and nearly all forms of movement are beneficial to our health.

On average, participants engaged in 62 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week and totaled 5,183 steps per day.

The study, published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine, was completed between 2011-2015.

The findings suggest patients can choose between a step or timed goal to lower their risk of death or cardiovascular disease, the researchers wrote.

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Counting steps or timing exercise? Both have benefits for health, study finds - Toronto Sun

By Dean Murray via SWNS

The worlds first head transplant system has been unveiled.

Neuroscience and biomedical engineering startup BrainBridge has announced a mind-bending concept that would allow a head to be grafted onto a donor body.

The futuristic system would offer new hope to patients suffering from untreatable conditions such as stage-4 cancer, paralysis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The whole-body procedure involves transplanting a patient's head onto a healthy, brain-dead donor body, ensuring the preservation of consciousness, memories, and cognitive abilities.

A digital illustration of the BrainBridgehead transplant process. (BrainBridge via SWNS)

BrainBridge says the process aims to be available within 8 years and would integrate advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to carry out the transplantation procedures.

The company adds it will also be able to conduct face and scalp transplantation to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.

BrainBridge is recruiting and has listed roles for experts in several fields including brain-computer interfaces (BCI), as seen in Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip, robotic surgery and neuroscience.

The concept is the brainchild of Dubai-based project lead Hashem Al-Ghaili, a biotechnologist and science communicator.

(BrainBridge via SWNS)

He says: "Every step of the BrainBridge concept has been carefully thought out based on extensive scientific research that has been conducted and published by experts in various fields of science.

"The goal of our technology is to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical science and provide innovative solutions for those battling life-threatening conditions.

"Our technology promises to open doors to lifesaving treatments that were unimaginable just a few years ago."

BrainBridge says: "The process employs advanced high-speed robotic systems to prevent brain cell degradation and ensure seamless compatibility.

"The entire procedure is guided by real-time molecular-level imaging and AI algorithms to facilitate precise reconnection of the spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels."

(BrainBridge via SWNS)

The process would include a comprehensive post-operative care schedule to promote healing and prevent rejection.

BrainBridge says one of the main objectives of presenting and popularising the concept at this early stage of development is "to attract top talent from around the world interested in pushing the boundaries of biomedical science and changing the world for the better."

They say: "In the short term, we expect the project to result in spinal cord reconstruction breakthrough and whole-body transplant but in the long term, the project will expand into areas that will transform healthcare as we know it."

Hashem Al-Ghaili says: "Assuming the team is fully assembled, and the feasibility study shows promising results, the roadmap to conducting the first surgery would be possible within 8 years."

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Company unveils how world's first head transplant would work - themoorecountynews.com

In our quest to stay sharp and enhance our brainpower, we often overlook simple, daily habits that can have a immense impact on our cognitive abilities. Scientific research has shown that adopting certain habits can not only maintain but also boost our intelligence and brainpower. Here are five habits you can add to your life to keep your brain in top shape.

Reading is a powerful tool for enhancing brain function. It stimulates the mind, increases knowledge, and improves vocabulary. According to a study published in the journal Neurology, reading regularly can slow the rate of cognitive decline as we age. Engaging with different genres and challenging texts encourages the brain to think critically and understand complex ideas. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, or journals, reading keeps the brain engaged and active.

A study from the University of Liverpool found that people who read regularly experience improved mental agility. The act of reading requires concentration and imagination, which helps in developing neural connections and enhancing brain plasticity. So, the next time you think about picking up your phone, consider grabbing a book instead.

Curiosity is the driving force behind learning and innovation. A curious mind is always seeking new information, asking questions, and exploring different perspectives. According to research from the University of California, curiosity prepares the brain for learning, making it easier to retain new information. This research suggests that when you are curious about a topic, your brain is more likely to remember information related to that topic.

Maintaining curiosity can be as simple as trying to learn something new every day, whether it's a new language, a musical instrument, or a hobby. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and introduce you to new ideas. The constant quest for knowledge keeps your brain active and engaged, promoting lifelong learning and mental agility.

Read also: 12 simple habits that will help change your life for the best

Mental challenges are crucial for brain health. Just like muscles, the brain needs to be exercised to stay strong. Engaging in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities can help create new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, games, and learning new skills can delay the onset of cognitive decline.

Whether its solving Sudoku puzzles, playing chess, or learning a new language, challenging your brain keeps it sharp. Another study from Harvard Medical School found that people who engage in mentally stimulating activities are less likely to develop Alzheimers disease. So, dont shy away from difficult tasks; they are your brains best friend.

Read also: Tips to deal with the temperature rise in India and avoid heatstroke

Quality sleep is essential for optimal brain function. During sleep, the brain processes information from the day, consolidates memories, and clears out toxins. A study from Harvard University found that sleep plays a critical role in learning and memory. Without adequate sleep, your brain struggles to perform these functions, leading to cognitive impairments.

Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Consistent sleep schedules and a relaxing bedtime routine can improve sleep quality. Avoiding screens before bed and creating a calm sleep environment can also contribute to better rest. Prioritising sleep is not just about avoiding feeling tired; its about giving your brain the time it needs to repair and rejuvenate.

Read also: this morning habits that help your lose weight

Your overall lifestyle has a significant impact on brain health. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and managing stress are key components of a healthy lifestyle that supports brain function. According to the American Heart Association, physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and encourages the growth of new neurons. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can boost your mood and mental clarity. Nutrition is equally important. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals provide the necessary fuel for brain function. Managing stress through mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can also improve cognitive function. Chronic stress can negatively affect the brain, leading to memory problems and decreased cognitive abilities.

(Images: Canva)

Boosting brain power can be as simple as adding the right foods into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish are essential for cognitive function and memory. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Nuts, especially walnuts, are packed with vitamin E, known to support cognitive health. Whole grains, such as oats and brown rice, provide steady energy, essential for focus and concentration. dark chocolate contains flavonoids that enhance brain function and improve mood.

Practicing yoga can significantly boost your brainpower by enhancing cognitive functions and mental clarity. Specific poses like the Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Eagle Pose (Garudasana), and Lotus Pose (Padmasana) are particularly effective in improving concentration, memory, and focus. The deep breathing techniques and meditation aspects of yoga increase oxygen flow to the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which in turn sharpens mental acuity.

Read also: 10 foods that help lower cortisol level

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5 healthy habits that boost intelligence and brainpower - The Times of India

Here's the TOI health news morning briefing. Australia's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in a child who contrac... Read More Here's the TOI health news morning briefing. Australia's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in a child who contracted the virus in India, detected through Victoria Health Department's enhanced surveillance system. Read Less Australia's first human case of bird flu confirmed in a child who got the infection while in India "This is the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Australia. The case occurred in a child, who acquired the infection in India and was unwell in March 2024. The virus was detected through further testing of positive influenza samples that takes place to detect novel or concerning flu virus strains, as part of Victorias enhanced surveillance system," the Victoria Health Department has said. 5 states including Delhi NCR issued red alert for intense heatwave: Know what precautions you need to take The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a severe heatwave to continue across the plains of northwest India, including north Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, for the next five days. West Rajasthan faces the most intense conditions, significantly impacting east Rajasthan, Gujarat, and west Madhya Pradesh. Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh are also affected. As intense heatwave warning issued in country, here's how to keep blood sugar level under control During an intense heatwave, keep your blood sugar levels under control by staying hydrated with water, avoiding sugary drinks, and monitoring your glucose levels frequently. Store insulin and medications properly, eat balanced meals, and exercise indoors during cooler times. Seek medical advice for any unusual symptoms. Few minutes of Yoga daily can improve heart health, reduce chances of heart attack Practicing yoga for a few minutes daily enhances heart health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation. Consistent yoga practice can also help manage cholesterol levels and weight, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. Its a simple, effective way to support cardiovascular well-being. 7 cooling spices for summer (and how to use them effectively)Spices not only enhance flavor but also offer health benefits, including cooling properties that help maintain body balance during hot summer months. Contrary to the belief that they increase body temperature, here are seven cooling spices particularly effective in summer, along with tips on how to use them. 5 common symptoms of bone cancer Common symptoms of bone cancer include persistent bone pain, swelling or lumps near the affected area, fractures due to weakened bones, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Early detection and consultation with a healthcare professional are crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists... Read More The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience.Read Less

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TOI Health News Morning Briefing| Australia's first case of bird flu acquired it from India, ed alert iss - The Times of India

Fitness and wellness startup Portl has raised a $3 million funding round led by Bharat Innovation Fund with participation from existing investor Kalaari Capital and new investor T-Hub Foundation, the company announced on Thursday. Portl said it would deploy the capital to accelerate the companys product development, expand into the market, and improve its AI systems.

Established in March 2021 by Indraneel Gupta, Vishal Chandapeta, and Aramaan Kandhari, Portl offers an interactive fitness screen with a high-resolution multi-touch LCD display that enables real-time form correction and customized workouts apart from on-demand and live workouts.

Speaking on the fundraising, Portls Founder and CEO Indraneel Gupta said, By integrating advanced AI and innovative hardware, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their wellness goals seamlessly and effectively, delivering personalized experiences at scale and afford people the opportunity to adopt healthier lifestyles with ease.

The company uses its proprietary AI personalization engine, which provides users with customized workout plans that adapt to their fitness levels, daily performance and preferences in real-time, the company said.

Despite its drop off from the peaks in 2021, the home fitness segment continues to excite us. Portls advanced AI technology provides form feedback across a variety of personalised fitness regimes, including Yoga, HIIT, Dance etc, said Ashwin Raguraman, Founding Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund.

India s health and fitness market is expected to grow from $19.24 million in 2022 to $31.97 million by 2027, at an annual growth rate of 11.57 per cent, as per data from statistics portal Statista.

Vamshi Reddy, Partner at Kalaari Capital, said, We are delighted to announce our involvement in Portls transformative journey, as they harness the power of AI and strength products to enhance their offerings. With their innovative approach and commitment to excellence, we believe Portl is ideally positioned to become a trailblazer and market leader in this exciting and rapidly evolving space.

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Buddhism is most commonly associated with the Chinese population in Singapore, but did you know there are also Sri Lankan Buddhists? Join our writer as she explores the perspective of a highly specific community in Singapore.

Something I think most people dont realise is that all our life experiences are very much our own, and hence special. That song by Taylor Swift that I love could be considered banal and pandering to the next person. From the moment we are born, to our last breath on our death bed, we go through vastly different and infinitely unique experiences.

This is why, personally, I find that learning about peoples experiences to be extremely interesting. With each story retold, I am one step closer to understanding your completely unique experience, and my best friends experience of being a Sinhalese Buddhist was sure to be unique.

You might be wondering, why would I be interested in this? With Vesak Day upon us, I started to think about how Buddhism was mainly associated with people of Chinese ethnicity 98% of Buddhists in Singapore are ethnically Chinese.

Bhanuka and his family are Sinhalese Singaporeans. Sinhalese people make up only 0.3% of the population in Singapore. Apart from being family-oriented, he is a proud Buddhist who was eager to share his experiences with me. I was on the cusp of learning something exciting and personal to a highly specific community. But first, I had to learn a thing or two about Buddhism.

Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle forever. There are three main schools of Buddhism: Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana. Bhanukas family practises the Theravada subset of Buddhism.

Vesak Day is very significant for Buddhists it is the day Buddha is born, enlightened and died. Buddha was, according to legend, a Hindu prince who renounced his status and riches to seek enlightenment. He is attributed to have founded Buddhism in India in the 6th-5th centuries BCE.

In preparation for Vesak Day, it is customary in Sri Lanka to make Vesak lanterns at home. Lanterns are traditionally made of wooden sticks and paper, but the more creative Buddhists will use glue guns to design more complex lanterns.

Vesak Day starts early for Bhanukas family. They get up and eat a traditional Sinhalese breakfast consisting of kiribath (coconut rice), sambol (spicy onions) and kavum (oil cakes). On this day, only vegetarian food can be consumed animal by-products cannot be eaten either e.g. eggs, cheese, milk.

Bringing lotus flowers and bananas bought the previous day and donned in white, they drive to Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple. On arrival, they leave their food offerings with the resident monks and proceed to make their rounds making offerings, relighting candles and offering joss sticks at the various altars. At each of the altars, you will find Buddha statues. A prayer is usually said when making offerings.

His family typically spends an hour at the temple, but many of the visitors spend their day there, listening to the monks giving their lessons and enjoying the food cooked by volunteers. These volunteers cook traditional Sinhalese food, not unlike the breakfast Bhanuka and his family partake in.

When Bhanuka leaves the temple, he feels a little lighter like the weight of the world has lessened on his shoulders. He feels a little closer to something divine.

What can we learn from Bhanukas experience?

To me, I learnt something new about my friend another significant facet of his identity. I had a vested interest in his story.

But what about you, my reader? Why should you care?

Bhanukas experience is that of a minority in Singapore. Stories like this matter because we live among these minorities, and they are just as much a part of the wider Singaporean community as the majority. And their experiences matter: they are just as important, even if they arent spoken about often.

The question, Does discrimination against minorities still exist in Singapore? remains relevant in the Singaporean context, seeing that our culture is a mishmash of cultures of the different races and religions here. It is my belief that though we have come a long away in terms of racial and religious inclusivity and harmony, there are still ways to go. There is still suffering today among minorities.

By learning about Bhanukas family, and the practices of his religion specific to the Sinhalese culture, we have taken tangible steps to educate ourselves about a minority group. In other words, we are enlightened.

Buddhist beliefs focus on ones own suffering and enlightenment. By achieving enlightenment, one can escape suffering.

This Vesak Day, I invite you to think about the suffering of others, and how they may one day escape it. I believe the enlightenment of the majority is instrumental to this escape of suffering of the minority. By learning, we understand. By understanding, we empathise. Maybe one day, we can be close to something divine: a world where suffering is no more. One day, we will be greater.

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Can We Escape Suffering With Enlightenment? - A Vesak Day Perspective - The Pride by Singapore Kindness Movement

Buddha Purnima 2024: Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. This auspicious day is a time for reflection, compassion, and spreading love. Whether youre seeking heartfelt wishes, inspiring messages, or spiritual quotes to share with loved ones, our article offers a collection to help you honour the teachings of Buddha and spread positivity and peace.

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Buddha Purnima 2024: 45+ Images, Quotes, Wishes, Messages to Share on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram Status and Stories - Jagran Josh

India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Mantras be read on May 14 in Bonneville County Commissioners Board in Idaho Falls (Idaho); containing verses from worlds oldest extant scripture.

Rajan Zed will deliver the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures in Bonneville County Commissioners Board. After Sanskrit delivery, he then will read the English interpretation of the prayers. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and the root language of Indo-European languages.

Zed is the President of Universal Society of Hinduism. He will recite from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use; besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He plans to start and end the prayer with Om, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.

Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he proposes to urge county commissioners and others present to keep the welfare of others always in mind.

He has been panelist for On Faith, a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post; and produces a weekly multi-faith panel Faith Forum in a Gannett publication for over 13 years.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.2 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Bonneville County was established in 1911.

Also Read:Mantras to start Paradise Town Council in CA

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NEW DELHI, INDIA May 19, 2024 (New Indian Express): The situation in Myanmar continues to be grim with increased fighting between the military-led Junta army and the ethnic rebel groups across many parts, especially in Rakhine state. The tensions have taken a communal turn with reports of nearly 5,000 houses belonging to Buddhists and Hindus being gutted in Buthidaung, which is just 15.5 miles away from the Bangladesh border. These 5,000 houses were targeted as they belonged to Buddhists and Hindus. Most people had fled to safer zones so many houses were empty, but those who were left behind were pulled out and their houses looted and burnt in front of their eyes. Conscripts who include young boys from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh are being used for this exercise, according to a source.

These houses were gutted between April 11th and 21st. Buthidaung is now under complete control of the rebel ethnic group Arakan Army. Reports suggest that most of the local Muslims living in Buthidaung and Maungdaw township are not supporting the communal divide and some have sought help from the ethnic rebels to move to safer zones. In the 2018 census there were 3,000 houses in Buthidaung. This number has increased more than threefold to 10,000 as many people fled their homes from other areas to settle here. Over 50 per cent of residents are Muslims while the remaining are ethnic groups (Buddhists, Hindus), according to a source. Thousands of young people from across Myanmar have fled to safer zones, some have even crossed over to other countries to avoid forced conscription. Meanwhile, recently, Bangladeshs Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud said that they were hoping that the Rohingya refugees they are sheltering would return to Myanmar. There are said to be one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2024/May/19/nearly-5000-houses-of-buddhists-hindus-gutted-in-myanmar-as-tensions-simmer

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Nearly 5000 Houses of Buddhists, Hindus Gutted in Myanmar as Tensions Simmer Hindu Press International - Hinduism Today