AMA Recognizes Obesity as Disease, Shifts Perspective
In 2013, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease, a move that started changing perceptions from blaming individuals for their obesity to understanding it as a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Despite controversy and resistance, this shift highlights the complexity of obesity, involving genetics and health risks.
International Students Struggle Amidst Soaring Costs in Canada
International students are facing perilous conditions due to rising living expenses in Canada, which are made worse by difficulties in securing jobs. With over 900,000 international students in 2023—thirty times as many as ten years ago—universities are under fire for depending too much on tuition revenue, while students deal with issues like subpar accommodation and food banks.
Caffeine Overdose: Know the Signs and Stay Safe
Overindulging in coffee might cause jitters and fast heartbeat. This can worsen into caffeine intoxication, which is characterized by severe symptoms like seizures and breathing problems and, in rare cases, can even be fatal. Preventing such incidents requires an awareness of the warning signs and risk factors. Consume alcohol sensibly to prevent caffeine overuse.
Sleep Deprivation Linked to Diabetes Risk
A study in JAMA Network Open reveals that sleeping less than six hours per night significantly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to those who get seven to eight hours, highlighting the severe health risks of insufficient sleep.
Health Alert: Sugary and Artificial Drinks Linked to Increased Heart Risks
Consuming two liters of artificially sweetened drinks weekly, similar to a daily medium diet soda, increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib)—an irregular heartbeat—by 20%. Added-sugar beverages pose a 10% higher risk, whereas pure juices like orange or vegetable reduce it by 8%.
Warmer Winters in Canada Prompt Early Allergy Season, Climate Change to Blame
Because of a milder winter and an early thaw, allergy season in Canada is predicted to begin early. Dr. Melissa Lem explains that this is due to climate change, citing possible mold growth from flooding and an increase in pollen. According to research, the pollen season in North America has gotten longer by three weeks in the past few years.