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As more Nigerians embrace the benefits of physical activity and fitness regimens, senior healthcare professionals have warned against abusing exercise and overexerting the body. The experts urged fitness enthusiasts to adopt moderate training routines for long-term health and wellness, noting that excessive workouts could lead to severe health complications, including sudden collapse and, in extreme cases, death. They also advised individuals to seek professional guidance to determine appropriate fitness plans instead of self-prescribing intense workout routines. Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor of Physiotherapy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Rufus Adedoyin, said while regular physical activity is essential for optimal health, it must be approached with caution. He noted that overexercising could result in injuries, muscle strains, frustration and, in rare instances, fatalities. “Exercise can be abused just li...

At 48, Monaghan hardly looks a day over 30 - here's what we know about her wellness routine, from her workouts and favourite skincare products to baking as a form of meditation In The White Lotus season three, Kate (played by Leslie Bibb) tells Jaclyn (portrayed by Michelle Monaghan) that she looks "amazing", as she looks her up and down in awe. "You look like you've just been pushed out of a birth canal," the third friend in the group, Laurie, chips in during the scene. And while the interaction may be fictional, viewers who know Monaghan couldn't help but think in that moment - she does look amazing, doesn't she? At 48, the actress hardly looks a day over 30. It's led many netizens to wonder how she's managed to maintain such an incredible physique and flawless complexion despite nearly being in her 50s. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Kno...

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., has officially launched 'Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk: Enhancing Obesity Management through Innovative Collaboration' at the Rattanawithayapat Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. This initiative marks a significant public-private partnership aimed at improving access to reliable obesity information and promoting more effective management through digital engagement. With more than 40% of Thai individuals currently classified as overweight or obese, the economic impact is already estimated at 1.2% of GDP, a figure projected to rise to 4.9% without intervention. The programme underscores the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to address the growing obesity crisis in Thailand. At the heart of the initiative is the launch of the Obesity Connects Line Official Account (LineOA), a two-way communication platform that allows individuals with obesity to connect direct...

People living with a variety of health conditions are being taught techniques used by opera singers in an effort to manage their persistent pain. June Evans, 67, was referred to the Welsh National Opera (WNO) wellness programme due to pain and mobility issues caused by a heart attack, stroke and other illnesses. Ms Evans, from Powys, said the programme improved her physical health and made her "want to live again". The WNO said two-thirds of people who had taken part in the online course had described seeing improvements in their health. The programme, funded by the Welsh government, is a one-year pilot aimed at people living with persistent pain and covers a range of conditions including lower back pain and fibromyalgia. An evaluation found that 67% of participants had experienced reduced pain and improved functionality, as well as emotional and mental benefits. "We're thinking about how we're sitting and it improves the posture. It improves...

By Albert Allotey Accra, April 05, GNA – Mr Labram Musah, the Executive Director of the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) has urged the public to take physical activity seriously to prevent diseases. He said noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers, respiratory diseases were on the rise and the only means of preventing or reducing them was through exercise. Mr Musah gave the advice in an interview after leading some staff members of the Ministry of Health in aerobics as part of the commemoration of the World Physical Activity Day 2025 in Accra on Thursday. He said physical activity was one of the potent medicines that God has given mankind and encouraged everyone, especially offices and establishments to fix some days for exercise to increase the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff. “People of all walks of life, children, old people, young men and women, everyone should get involve in p...

I am turning 48 soon and feel more exhausted than ever. Physical activities leave me breathless, and intense work pressure gives me headaches. Aging only makes it worse. Recently, I have had to cut out sugary drinks, alcohol, and fatty foods. Work stress keeps me up at night, making me realize how much my health is declining. I get sick more often and need medication regularly. I will admit—drinking and smoking are bad habits I have not been able to quit. A tired woman lays on a sofa. Illustration photo by Pexels To improve my health, I have decided to change my lifestyle. I focus on eating better, exercising regularly, and reducing work pressure. I now have dinner at 6:30 p.m., prioritizing vegetables and nutritious foods while avoiding greasy meals. After that, I take time to rest and finish any remaining work. I sleep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. While I do not sleep as much as I did when I was younger, I aim for 7-8 hours. Anything les...

By Albert Allotey Accra, April 04, GNA – The Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) and the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST-Ghana) have called for adequate investment in physical activities to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among the people. This was in a solidarity message read by Mr Labram Musah, the National Coordinator of GhNCDA, and the Executive Director of VAST-Ghana as they joined the Ministry of Health to commemorate the World Physical Day 2025 in Accra on Thursday. This year’s Day was on the theme: “Have a Good Time! Be Active!” which emphasised the importance of physical activity to life. The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the profound benefits of physical activity and to mobilise efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and The New You (TNYOU) Fitness with the launch of “Ghana Walk 2025” as part of their 10th anniversary on the theme, “Active ...

KCB Bank Uganda, a leading regional financial institution, is proud to announce its participation as the main sponsor of the Kyambogo Ultra Challenge Run, continuing its commitment to improving the health of Ugandans through sports. This year's event, scheduled for 3rd May 2025, will take place at the Kyambogo University Sports Grounds, starting at 6:00 AM. For years, KCB Bank has been a strong supporter of various sports initiatives in Uganda, including rugby, Volleyball, golf, and motorsports. The Kyambogo Ultra Challenge Run underscores its dedication to fostering a culture of health and wellness among Ugandans. The event offers participants a choice of three challenging distances: 50km, 25km, and 10km, catering to both seasoned athletes and casual runners. Speaking at the announcement, Sheila Awori, Ag. Head of Marketing and Communications emphasized the significance of the event when she said, "Our passion for supporting sports in the country is one o...

READ MORE: Cooking oils used by millions linked to cancer A variety of foods that make up a healthy diet contain compounds that researchers now believe could turbocharge the growth of tumors. Eggs, tofu, seed oils, and nuts contain essential Omega 6 fatty acids that the body cannot make on its own. Maintaining a balance of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3s is crucial for brain development, bone health, metabolism regulation, and other vital bodily processes. The body only needs these heart-healthy fatty acids in small quantities, and doctors recommend taking in more omega-3s in the form of salmon and other oily fish and nuts. Omega-6s, though, generally come in the form of vegetable oils used in cooking, processed foods, and fast food, and Americans consume a lot of them. The Western diet is packed with an omega-6 called linoleic acid, which has been linked to higher levels of inflammation and cancer growth. Now, researchers at Weill...

AN impressive 839 Namibian runners will be participating in the annual Two Oceans Ultra and Half-Marathon, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa this weekend. The event, which attracts athletes from around the world, will see the ultra-marathon held tomorrow, featuring a challenging 56 kilometres (km), while the half marathon will take place on Sunday, over 21 km. According to IOL, the organisers have reported a remarkable turnout, with participants from 98 countries, including Namibia, set to compete across the 5km, 21km, and 56km distances. The Two Oceans Marathon, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful races in the world due to its stunning and scenic coastal route, is a highlight for athletes and spectators alike. Among the Namibian runners gearing up for the event are Mariana Mbako, Lisa Matomola, Ally Uxamb, and Charmaine Kandombo-Shimhopileni, to name just a few. Each of them has their own unique motivation and preparation story, show...

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], April 4 (ANI): Researchers and experts attending the recently-held international conference on "Harmonizing Movement: Integrating Yoga with Sports Science for Peak Performance" in Chandigarh at the NSNIS, Patiala, highlighted why lack of sleep and careless consumption of herbal supplements could be injurious to the wellness of top athletes. For the first time, the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics had doctors who were part of the medical team that managed sleep among athletes who participated in the Summer Olympics according to the Sports Authority of India. Experts highlighted the role of yoga and meditation to keep elite players stress free and perform at peak levels. Satbir Singh Khalsa, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, said yoga helped optimize sleep that in turn control disorders like obesity, diabetes, stroke and hypertension. "Sleep is very important...

Acciaroli, an Italian village, has an impressive number of centenarian residents Find out which healthy ingredient might have contributed to their long life READ MORE: Germans are shocked by one thing Brits and Americans do Acciaroli, an idyllic seaside village in southern Italy , looks like a pretty dreamy place to live. With its pretty stone houses, proximity to beaches and picturesque harbour, the village has plenty of appeal. But there's another reason you might want to consider moving to Acciaroli. Dubbed the 'Land of Eternal Youth', one in 10 residents in the tiny village live to be 100, an impressive statistic that has fascinated scientists. The villagers' remarkable longevity once made them the focus of a six-month research program by Rome's Sapienza University and the San Diego School of Medicine. The scientists discovered that the village's healthy seniors had incredible blood ci...

Say goodbye to germs, fatigue, and stress by plunging your body into (very) cold water; the idea is chilling but tempting. Cold Therapy, or Ice Therapy , involves immersing oneself in an ice bath for a few seconds or minutes for the more courageous. The result? Our nervous system, thus stimulated, releases adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, a bit like during a parachute jump. These hormones help to eliminate stress, anxiety, and fatigue from our bodies. Cold but free! Furthermore, the long-term effects of the practice are said to improve intellectual performance and sleep, while reducing signs of aging. Already celebrated by many athletes, it also allows for better recovery by stimulating blood circulation. Wim Hof was the first to publicly encourage the method, before climbing Mount Everest in… shorts and flip-flops. Resistant to the cold (he’s not nicknamed "The Iceman " for nothing) and capable of great physical feats, the athlete h...

PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 4: Endura Mass, the leading weight gain supplement brand from Cipla Health, has partnered with Lucknow Super Giants - the franchise team of the Indian Premier League as their 'Official Weight Gainer Nutrition partner.' With this strategic partnership , the brand intends to strengthen its connection with the audience as the most trusted weight gainer in the country. As a pioneer in India's weight gain category, Endura Mass has empowered more than 100 million individuals over the last 20 years to achieve their desired weight with a science-backed product. A vegetarian formulation rich in essential nutrients , and available in delicious flavours , it is designed to support holistic well-being. The association with Lucknow Super Giants strengthens the brand play and spreads awareness about the importance of weight gain benefit starting ...

READ MORE: Easy to miss throat cancer signs after Batman star Val Kilmer dies Scientists have established how many times healthy people should be able to swallow in 30 seconds — and those who can't could have a deadly condition. Struggling to swallow, medically known as dysphagia, can be a sign of conditions such as cancer , serious lung disease or dementia. One of the techniques medics use to establish if a patient has dysphagia is called the Repetitive Saliva Swallow Test. During this simple test, which can be performed at home, a patient attempts to swallow — without consuming any food or drink — as many times as possible in half a minute. Now, in the largest study of its kind to date, Israeli medics have established the base number of swallows healthy patients of different age groups should be able to achieve. They found adults aged 20 to 39 should be able to swallow, on average, almost 8.5 times in 30 seconds. Patients in their ...

The centre will focus on five key disease areas. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the National Healthcare Group (NHG) have set up a research centre dedicated to health behavioural sciences. The Asian Centre for Health Behavioural Insights and Interventions (HABITS) will focus on five key disease areas, namely infectious diseases, ageing and palliative care, mental wellness, cancer, and metabolic syndromes, with plans to expand its scope over time. HABITS will examine factors influencing health concerns in Singapore and other Asian populations to impact public health policies and support national programmes such as Healthier SG. The initiative brings together over 30 researchers from NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, along with multidisciplinary clinicians from NHG.

Regular walking can be a powerful tool in reducing belly fat by helping your body burn calories, preserve lean muscle, and manage weight effectively. A person walking. Illustration photo by Pexels According to Healthline , walking is an effective way to target visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdomen and can be harmful to your health. A 2021 review found that walking was successful in reducing visceral fat when done three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can reduce belly fat and enhance your overall health. This is primarily due to walking’s ability to help your body burn calories, a crucial factor in losing belly fat. Physical activity requires energy, and walking increases your calorie expenditure. A 2021 study showed that walking burns about 107 calories per mile (1.6 kilometers), depending on factors like weight, gender, and pace. This calorie burn helps create a calor...

READ MORE: Regular daytime naps slow down brain shrinkage by seven years Taking an afternoon nap during the workday may seem like a forbidden concept but experts say it can do wonders for your brain and overall health. A 'siesta', the Spanish word for nap, is a short snooze that is typically taken in the afternoon, often after lunch, and can last up to an hour . A regular afternoon nap has been a traditional practice in many cultures for centuries and can offer several benefits, including boosting memory, reducing stress and potentially lowering blood pressure. It can also re-energize you and boost productivity in the after-lunch slump period by reducing fatigue and improving your mood. Dr Dylan Petkus, a sleep researcher with Optimal Circadian Health told Yahoo : 'A short nap, around 20 to 30 minutes, can boost acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that controls memory) levels, enhancing alertness and memory consolidation. 'It ...

READ MORE: Taking statins could slash dementia risk - even with low cholesterol The Mediterranean diet is hailed by doctors and scientists for its menu of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains that has been shown to protect from a host of diseases. But now, scientists say a traditional African diet — packed with grains like millet, root vegetables, yams and leafy greens — could be even more effective at warding off  cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. Dutch researchers, who recruited two dozen people to follow the diet, found it dramatically reduced inflammation in the body. Inflammation, which happens when the immune system attacks foreign intruders in the body, is a key risk factor for the UK's biggest killers. The scientists also discovered the diet had a 'long-lasting' effect on helping the body fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially slowing the process of ageing. The findings show that ...

PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 3: With a growing emphasis on health, fitness, and personalized wellness, the use of supportive devices has become a priority. In response to this, a strategic partnership has been announced between Clearcals , a digital health startup, and Garmin India, along with AMIT GPS & Navigation LLP. This collaboration is intended to provide advanced health and fitness tracking for Hint, Clearcals' nutrition app users by integrating Garmin's wearable technology with Hint's nutrition intelligence. People with busy schedules often find it challenging to maintain proper nutrition and fitness. Launched in 2021, Clearcals' Hint is a highly rated calorie counter app in India that offers dietitian consultations and personalized diet plans for weight loss, muscle gain, and managing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, PCOD, and hypothyroidism. The app tracks calorie burn from wo...