HealthOnTrack

Archive for May, 2011

Europe is battling a selection of imported Spanish vegetables that are infected with potentially fatal bacteria and has caused the death of 14 people. Several countries have banned the diseased Spanish fruits and vegetables, which has led to arguments between diplomats. While officials haven’t determined the source of the outbreak, imported Spanish cucumbers were found containing traces of the bacterium.  Read more... (326 words, 1 image, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

Across the world, toning shoes have become the new phenomenon which has managed to rope in not only the adults of the world, but children as well. Yet doctors are warning that children should perhaps look at investing in working out or basic exercise over purchasing these tiny gym shoes. For tweens especially, these shoes will not fit in with their hectic lifestyles and may actually cause more injury then good. The shoes are advertised on networks such as Nickelodeon and pitched to the ideal audience, yet doctors warn that this idea is not only unhealthy, but unethical.  Read more... (307 words, 1 image, estimated 1:14 mins reading time)

The FIFA 2010 soccer World Cup saw crowds of tourists flock to sunny South Africa to enjoy the best of the “beautiful game”. Despite the all-star teams and celebrity fans, the real star of the show was that notorious noisemaker, the vuvuzela. While everyone from locksmiths in Johannesburg to lawyers in Cape Town will agree that the vuvuzela has the potential to thoroughly annoy even the most passionate soccer fan, a recent medical study shows that it may also pose quite a serious potential health hazard.

The vuvuzela is a plastic horn that produces a loud monotone noise with a sound pressure of around 130 decibels. It is inspired by the use of a traditional African kudu horn, and is used to produce an intense noise expressing everything from celebration to protest. Last year’s soccer World Cup saw the humble vuvuzela rise to international fame – or rather infamy. Despite calls to have the torturous trumpet banned from soccer games, the vuvuzela remained loud and proud, starting with SA’s nation-wide “vuvuzela moment” and continuing long after the end of the World Cup.  Read more... (403 words, 1 image, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Health and beauty go hand-in-hand, but there is a growing concern that the skinny models in the fashion and beauty industry could be affecting the physical and psychological health of women everywhere.

Skinny models became particularly popular during the 60’s when icons like Twiggy rose to prominence; since then the rail-thin look has dominated the fashion world. Whether it’s the latest haute couture or a pair of everyday work trousers, fashion brands market their products by using models considered to meet the ideal standards of modern beauty – which more often than not, translates to tall and impossibly skinny. These models might look picture-perfect, but they’re far from healthy.  Read more... (455 words, 1 image, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

Ugg boots may feel incredibly comfortable, soft and warm in cold weather, but wearing them for long periods of time is actually very harmful to your feet. Despite their very ugg-ly appearance, women wear the suede and sheepskin Ugg boots throughout winter because they feel like you’re wearing a pair of slippers and they are a celebrity favourite. But while you may think that the cozy boots are giving your feet a break, you will be shocked to know that they are actually literally breaking your feet.  Read more... (360 words, 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)

We all know the benefits of bike commuting be it to work, the shops, to see friends or as a summer holiday expedition; it is better for the environment as there is no pollution and better for us as we get exercise and fresh air. However, few people would think that the words “stylish” and bike commuting clothes would ever go together. An innovative collaboration has addressed just this issue.  Read more... (316 words, 1 image, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)

One of the biggest factors of health problems and even deaths is stress. In our busy lives stress has become a major factor contributing in our careers and relationships. Our lives are fast paced, the world is doesn’t stop for anyone and only the fittest survive. We should also remember that stress influences our memory (excuse the pun). Learning why stress can make it more difficult for us to remember things can also help us to be aware of the stress in our lives and even help treat it.  Read more... (358 words, 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)

There are a number of stories going around about reverse osmosis water and whether or not it is healthier to drink that regular tap water. The reverse osmosis water filtration technology is nothing new; it has been around for over 50 years and was developed as a way to desalinate sea water. The process of reverse osmosis filters out 90-99% of the contaminants in the water.  Read more... (325 words, 1 image, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

1.6 billion citizens across the world have breached the threshold of normal weight and spilled over into the obesity; a full fifth of the world’s population are now sadly obese. Overweight people are a new pandemic and they are putting more than their health at risk, they are placing their mental health in jeopardy. According to new test results and medical reports, over seventy percent of middle-aged people who are tipping the scales are more at risk at developing dementia then an adult of a healthy weight. According to the statistics, this is one in every twenty people who are over the age of sixty-five.  Read more... (307 words, 1 image, estimated 1:14 mins reading time)