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Who Exercises More males or Females Health and Exercises More males or Females

Experts say mental health advice on social media platforms should be scrutinized carefully. Ivan Pantic/Getty ImagesOnli...
26/10/2023

Experts say mental health advice on social media platforms should be scrutinized carefully. Ivan Pantic/Getty Images
Online social platforms have increased visibility and discussion around mental health topics.
Not all mental health information shared online is necessarily accurate, evidence-based, or even well-intentioned.
Experts say people with mental health issues may be especially vulnerable to this type of messaging.
Anyone can create a TikTok account.

For the purposes of staying connected with friends and family, this can be a simple and effective tool.

However, as you might expect — or may have already experienced firsthand — this also means that not everything shared on TikTok is based in fact.

The same applies to other popular social platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

In a new book edited by Jonathan N. Stea and Stephen Hupp, a panel of psychology professionals examines the potential dangers of seeking mental health advice and treatments online, in particular on social media platforms and celebrity sites.

What are the specific dangers, and what can be done to avert them? Here’s what experts have to say.
Should you talk about your mental health on social media?
“I use TikTok and often witness mental health issues being shared and discussed on the platform,” Andrea Tarantella, LPC, NCC, a counselor with ADHD Advisor who was not involved in the book, told Medical News Today.

“I see anecdotal advice and personal experiences being shared that often oversimplify how complex mental health issues are. Individuals then self-diagnose with conditions such as ADHD and autism in the comments section, simply relying on one personal experience posted by the content creator,” said Tarantella.

While personal anecdotes certainly have the potential to be true, experts say they shouldn’t be applied broadly or mistaken as definitive.

Experts also caution against content that promotes immediate results and in particular, those that point viewers to make a purchase. Marketing videos may be made to resemble typical user-generated content.

“Remember that there is no such thing as a quick fix or miracle cure for the complexity that is mental health, and consider the creator’s motivations. Are they trying to make money off of you by having you download an app or purchase a product?”

— Andrea Tarantella, licensed professional counselor

Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a specialist in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, agreed.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Dimitriu, who also was not involved in the book, told MNT.
What are the risks of online mental health advice?
“Anyone looking for hope is prone to misinformation and this is especially true with mental health,” said Dimitriu.

“Because there are so few tests or objective findings (like blood pressure or cholesterol) in mental health, it truly takes working with a specialist to decide when something is off, what to do about it, and how to measure the outcome,” he added.

Self-diagnosing and deciding on a treatment plan based on anecdotal or predatory online information can delay professional help or even cause harm.

“Online mental health misinformation has the danger of sending people down the wrong treatment path, simply because people do not know their alternatives, or the efficacy of a given treatment,” said Dimitriu.

While misinformation can reach anyone, teens and adolescents may especially be vulnerable to this type of messaging.

“Younger users can be more susceptible to this kind of misinformation, as they are still developing the critical thinking needed to distinguish between credible or oversimplified information,” said Tarantella.

The short format that most social media platforms encourage can also eliminate important nuances related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

“I have seen a complex mental illness reduced to one symptom or solution. Essentially, symptoms like tapping or shaking your legs are put out by a creator who claims to have a diagnosis of autism,” shared Tarantella.

While the content creator in this example may indeed experience this symptom, it’s not enough on its own to make a diagnosis.

Additionally, I have come across ‘mental health hacks.’ I have come across really good tips from licensed professionals who post content on TikTok, but it needs to be said that these ‘hacks’ are just helpful tools and not treatment for a disorder.”

— Andrea Tarantella, licensed professional counselor
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Can social media help with mental health?
Does this mean that there is no place for mental health advice online?

Certainly not, experts say. But a critical eye is always required.

“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” Dimitriu cautioned.

“For all advice and recommendations, look who it is coming from and what their training is. Make sure it’s not well concealed marketing for some product or service,” said Dimitriu.

“Also, poke around the internet to review a given treatment or supplement to see if it’s validated and tested,” he added.

It’s important not to use these same social media platforms when seeking out validation but instead use trusted resources, such as the following government agencies:

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source
Food and Drug AdministrationTrusted Source
World Health OrganizationTrusted Source
Tatiana Rivera Cruz, MSW, LCSW, a therapist and clinical social worker with ADHD Advisor who was not involved in the book, told MNT that “the best advice should be to consider professional help. Seeking professional and trustful platforms or in-person services will be the best option.”

“If the symptoms are significant enough to impact your life, your relationships, your ability to sleep or eat or relax, it makes sense to work with a vetted specialist,” Dimitriu agreed.

“If you have questions or concerns about your own mental well-being, it is important to seek out reputable information, reach out to a licensed mental health professional, and utilize your circle of support (friends, family, etc.),” said Tarantella.

Getting help with mental health
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Limitations of the new book
The book itself, Investigating Clinical Psychology: Pseudoscience, Fringe Science, and Controversies, includes contributions from three dozen authors.

It’s recommended as supplemental reading material for clinical psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Some experts declined to be interviewed in connection with a book launch.

They noted that a book is not necessarily subject to the same scientific rigor required of a peer-reviewed journal publication.
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Women tend to experience mood swings during their periods. Go for some mood-boosting essential oils during menstruation....
25/10/2023

Women tend to experience mood swings during their periods. Go for some mood-boosting essential oils during menstruation.
Bloating, abdomen pain, breast tenderness and headaches are just some of the things women experience around their periods. But some people also find themselves waking up in great spirits and then getting irritated or losing their cool just a few hours later for no reason. Mood swings during menstruation are quite common, and you can blame your hormones. Don’t worry, you can boost your mood with essential oils during periods.
There is an interplay of prostaglandins during the menstrual cycle, which are chemicals responsible for mediating pain and can also affect mood, explains Dr Sowparnika S N, Consultant Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Specialist, Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Sarjapura, Bengaluru. There is hormonal fluctuation that can result in feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness, contributing to mood swings.
Essential oils to uplift mood during periods
You may try to use some drops of essential oil to your bath routine to relax for a while. If you pick the right ones, it can be a great mood booster during periods or to beat PMS blues.
1. Lavender oil
For long, lavender oil has been used to enhance mood and relaxation. It can be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and applied to the abdominal area. The massaging not only helps to alleviate period cramps, but also elevates mood, the expert tells Health Shots. A 2019 study in the US National Library of Medicine showed that lavender has anxiety-lowering effects.

2. Clary sage
Clary sage has antispasmodic effects, helps to balance hormones and can mitigate mood swings. It can be blended with coconut oil and applied on the body.

3. Peppermint
Peppermint oil is known for its ability to relieve nausea, bloating and other digestive issues during periods. It can be used in tea, providing a soothing effect and boosting mood. If you are mentally exhausted, all you have to do is smell peppermint, and then let its fresh scent uplift your mood.
4. Eucalyptus
The aroma of eucalyptus oil is invigorating, and it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate pain and uplift your mood during menstruation.
5. Rose and ylang-ylang
These essential oils can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a calming effect during stressful periods. They are very soothing, says Dr Sowparnika.
A 2013 study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that ylang-ylang reduces blood pressure and heart rate. So if you are feeling stressed, it can relax and soothe your mind and body.
Tips to manage mood swings during periods
Essential oils may not be suitable for those who are allergic to them. The application of these oils can exacerbate asthma or allergies in such cases.

If not essential oils, you can to seek solace through exercise. Doing any physical activity can help to lift your mood. Endorphins, which are known as the feel-good brain chemicals, get released when you workout. They may help to counteract some of the hormone changes that cause mood swings. Working out can help you with period cramps, and that in turn may make you feel better.

If you are starting your day with a mug of coffee, stop doing that. Caffeine can make you feel nervous or anxious, so if you stop having coffee days before your periods, it can affect your mood in a good way.
Natalia Ningthoujam(Nutrition, Mental Health, Skin & Hair, Gynaecology, Fitness, Internal Medicine)
Natalia Ningthoujam
Natalia Ningthoujam has written on various subjects – from music to films and fashion to lifestyle- as a journalist in her nearly 13-year long career. After getting stories from the crime scene, police headquarters, and conducting interviews with celebrities, she is now writing on health and wellness which has become her focus area.

You know all too well how low you feel before and during your period. Have you also noticed a burst of energy mid-cycle?...
25/10/2023

You know all too well how low you feel before and during your period. Have you also noticed a burst of energy mid-cycle?

During your menstrual cycle, hormone changes can cause swings in your mood, energy, appetite, creativity and social engagement. Cycle syncing is a way to adapt your lifestyle to these changes to achieve better balance and feel your best.

“The idea that you can and should listen to your body is revolutionary,” says psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD. “Cycle syncing gives you permission to take care of yourself in a different way.”
What is cycle syncing?
Cycle syncing is adjusting your routines around the phases of your menstrual cycle. It recognizes the rise and fall of your s*x hormones that can leave you feeling tired, energetic or somewhere in between.

The concept of cycle syncing came from functional nutritionist Alisa Vitti’s 2014 book, WomanCode. These days, it’s a popular topic on social media. Dr. Albers notes that the cycle syncing program hasn’t been researched in a clinical setting. That said, there’s a lot of research supporting differences in mood and activity levels during each phase of the menstrual cycle.

People often focus on syncing diet and exercise to their cycle. But you can extend the practice to other aspects of your life, such as work and relationships. For example, plan an evening out with friends during the more energetic phase of your cycle, as you may just want to stay home and binge watch TV right before or during your period.
What are the benefits of cycle syncing?
Cycle syncing can put you in tune with the monthly changes in your hormones, says Dr. Albers. This understanding can be especially helpful if you’re trying to become pregnant and need to pinpoint ovulation.

Cycle syncing may also help balance hormone levels in people with polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS).

Tailoring your diet and fitness routine to your menstrual cycle may also:

Decrease period symptoms, such as cramps.
Improve mood.
Lower stress.
Reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Does cycle syncing work if you’re on hormonal birth control?
Hormonal birth control uses synthetic hormones to stop ovulation. Because these hormones override your natural hormones, cycle syncing doesn’t really apply if you’re on birth control.

“However, it’s still important to pay attention to your body even if you’re on birth control,” says Dr. Albers. “You may still have ups and downs in your mood, energy levels and appetite. Syncing your diet and exercise to these changes can be helpful.”

How to cycle sync
The first step is learning about your menstrual cycle, a biological cycle called an infradian rhythm. Many people think of their cycle as being on or off their period, but it’s more complex than that.

What are the menstrual cycle phases?
The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long and has four phases:
Menstrual phase (days 0 to 7): This is when you have your period. The lining of your uterus (endometrium) sheds, causing bleeding. Estrogen is at its lowest point, so your energy levels are low.
Follicular phase (days 8 to 13): A rise in estrogen causes your endometrium to thicken. Your energy levels are increasing.
Ovulation phase (days 14 to 15): Your ovaries release an egg. Estrogen and testosterone levels peak, giving you high energy.
Luteal phase: (days 16 to 28): The sac left behind from the released egg (corpus luteum) produces progesterone, preparing your uterus to receive a fertilized egg. You may experience PMS symptoms toward the end of the luteal phase.
Your cycle is probably not exactly 28 days. Because most people vary, Dr. Albers recommends tracking your cycle using a calendar or app. Pay attention to the signals your body sends you, such as your:

Appetite.
Behavior.
Energy levels.
Mood.
Period and related symptoms.
“It may take several months to figure out your cycle,” she says. “Once you know your phase pattern, you can adjust your diet and exercise accordingly.”

Cycle syncing your diet
Your body’s nutritional needs change across your cycle. Specific foods and nutrients can help support you during these changes.

Eating the right foods at the right time can be a challenge. Dr. Albers recommends creating meal plans and shopping lists for each phase. Also, consider shopping ahead — especially for your menstrual phase, when you may not feel like going to the grocery store.

As you read, keep in mind that these suggestions aren’t tailored to any one individual. It’s important to know yourself and what foods your body responds to.

Nutrition for each phase includes:

Nutrition during the menstrual phase
Cramping, fatigue and irritability are common period symptoms. You may turn to sweets, pizza and chips for comfort. But eating these foods during your period can throw your hormones out of balance and rob you of important nutrients.

Foods to eat during the menstrual phase include:

Iron-rich foods can replace iron lost from bleeding. Examples include green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, lentils and beans.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli and red peppers are good sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin K can reduce heavy bleeding. Choose leafy greens, blueberries, cheese and eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and cramping. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, flaxseed and tree nuts.
Nutrition during the follicular phase
Choose foods to support your increased energy levels. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, brown rice and quinoa, will fuel higher-intensity workouts.

As estrogen levels rise, eat foods to help your body balance estrogen, including:

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale.
Fermented foods, such as kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi.
Healthy fats, such as avocados, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Leafy greens.
Nutrition during the ovulation phase
With estrogen surging, your liver is working hard to break down the excess estrogen. Continue eating estrogen-balancing foods.

Eating an overall healthy diet can also help give you the strength and stamina you need during this high-energy phase.

Nutrition during the luteal phase
The luteal phase can bring on PMS, hunger and cravings. Complex carbohydrates and high-fiber foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens and sweet potatoes, will help curb hunger.
If you’re craving a sweet or salty snack, dark chocolate, fruit, nuts and seeds are good substitutes. Pumpkin seeds, which contain high amounts of magnesium, can also help reduce fluid retention.

And remember to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can reduce bloating, brain fog and PMS.

Cycle syncing exercise
Instead of doing the same workouts week after week, try listening to your body and understanding how it needs to move. Match the intensity of your workouts to your changing energy levels:

Exercising during the menstrual phase
You have less energy, so this is the time for low-intensity activities, such as walking, stretching or Pilates. “You may not feel like exercising at all, and that’s OK,” states Dr. Albers.

Exercising during the follicular phase
As your energy levels increase, start adding in cardio-based workouts. Running, swimming and group fitness classes are great options to get your heart rate up.

Exercising during the ovulation phase
Take advantage of your peak energy levels with high-intensity workouts, such as:

Boot camp.
Kickboxing.
Spinning.
Exercising during the luteal phase
Medium-intensity cardio and strength training are best during this phase. Take things slower as your period approaches.

Do you need to take supplements to cycle sync?
You don’t need supplements to sync your cycle.

“You should get the nutrients you need through your diet,” says Dr. Albers. “Supplements are not always as safe as you might think. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider first.”

The bottom line
Being mindful of your body and its patterns can be a game changer. Cycle syncing is one way to become aware of your needs, and nurture and care for your body.

Scientists conclude it only takes a short while to undo the damage a sedentary lifestyle causes, and increase the chance...
25/10/2023

Scientists conclude it only takes a short while to undo the damage a sedentary lifestyle causes, and increase the chances of living longer.
A 22-minute brisk walk, jog or cycle every day is enough to offset the negative health effects of too much sitting down, research has suggested.

Experts found that people who sit for long periods - such as in an office job or watching TV - are more likely to die earlier, but moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) eliminates this risk.

The study backs up the UK chief medical officers' recommendation that people aim for 150 minutes of MVPA per week - roughly 21 minutes per day.

Examples of moderate activity include very brisk walking (4mph or faster), heavy cleaning such as washing windows or mopping, cycling at 10-12mph, or badminton.

Vigorous activities include hiking, jogging at 6mph or faster, shovelling, fast cycling, football, basketball or tennis.

UK guidelines say: "For good physical and mental health, adults should aim to be physically active every day. Any activity is better than none, and more is better still."

In the new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, experts examined data for 11,989 people over 50, with a 50/50 split male and female, from Norway, Sweden and the US.
People in the study had worn activity trackers which measured their MPVA.

In all, 5,943 people spent fewer than 10.5 hours sitting down every day while 6,042 spent 10.5 or more hours being sedentary.
Over a five-year follow-up, 6.7% (805) of the people died.

The research showed MPVA for 22 minutes each day offset the negative effects of being sedentary and eliminated the risk of dying early due to prolonged sitting.

Author Edvard Sagelv, from the Arctic University of Norway, said: "In our study, we found that only those people doing more than 12 hours per day sitting had a higher risk of death.

"We are talking about any sitting behaviour - such as being in the office or watching TV for long periods of time.

"In our study, every minute higher MVPA showed a lower risk of death - meaning if people were doing less than 22 minutes (such as 10 minutes) there was still a lower risk of death.

"However, doing 22 minutes eliminated the higher risk of death from sedentary time.

"This means that if doing 22 minutes or more per day, there was no excess risk from sedentary time.

"And, if doing more than 22 minutes per day, there was a lower risk of death overall. Basically, the more the better."

Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo has crossed Rs 450 crore in 5 days, and the film dominated the global box office during the...
25/10/2023

Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo has crossed Rs 450 crore in 5 days, and the film dominated the global box office during the first weekend. Here's the latest update on the box office collection of 'Leo' as the film completes 6 days at the ticket window.
With the Dussehra holidays in India yesterday (Oct 24), the domestic collection of 'Leo' looks solid on day 6, and the film has reportedly earned close to Rs 35 crore in India. Whereas the overseas collection of Vijay's film has fallen hugely due to the working Tuesday. However the film managed to get a good response for the evening and night shows. Therefore the overall box office collection of 'Leo' stands at around Rs 460 crore, making the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial as the fastest Tamil film to reach the 500-crore mark.
'Leo' is already the highest-grossing film of Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj, and the film's box office collection is expected to be less for the next few days. However, the film is estimated to mount again at the box office during the second weekend, and we have to wait to see where the film is going to end its box office run. 'Leo' has already surpassed the lifetime collections of most of the Tamil films, as it entered into the all-time top 5 Tamil films.

Until seven years ago, Pakistan and India’s thriving cultural exchange sustained the hopes of many in art’s propensity f...
25/10/2023

Until seven years ago, Pakistan and India’s thriving cultural exchange sustained the hopes of many in art’s propensity for harmony. From Atif Aslam reaching new heights of fame with his Bollywood portfolio to the legendary Naseeruddin Shah’s role in the 2007 Shoaib Mansoor film Khuda Kay Liye, it was customary to see artists advocate for cordial ties between the neighbouring countries.

Following the 2016 attack on the Indian army base in Uri, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) issued a ban on Pakistani actors and technicians in India, holding Pakistan responsible for the incident, putting an end to many successful partnerships.

Recently, the Bombay High Court dismissed a legal petition urging the Indian government to prohibit any professional associations with artists from Pakistan, according to Livemint. The court's decision emphasized that implementing such a ban would be a regressive step in the promotion of cultural harmony and unity, both within India and in relations with Pakistan.

The ban’s reversal has driven cross-border fans to social media in anticipation of future collaborations between the two countries. Fans of renowned singer Atif Aslam, whose repertoire has too often provided a musical backdrop to Bollywood’s romance and heartbreak, are especially thrilled to see the artist’s return.

“Atif Aslam is coming back?” exclaimed one user on X. “Atif Aslam, come back to Bollywood, the kids miss you!” wrote a fan in all uppercase while another demanded an “Atif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal collab.”

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