Name: Contraceptive earrings to prevent pregnancy?
Uploaded: 2019-03-28T11:25:14.0+05:30
Duration: T00M43S
Channel: editorji

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed 'contraceptive earrings' which could protect against pregnancy. These 'adhesive patches' can be stuck t

Contraceptive earrings to prevent pregnancy?

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed 'contraceptive earrings' which could protect against pregnancy. These 'adhesive patches' can be stuck to your jewellery. The drug is then absorbed into the skin. These patches could also be attached to watches, necklaces and rings over the coming years. The contraceptive patch needs to be changed periodically, approximately once a week. While the patch has only been tested on pigs ears and hairless rats currently, it might be able to deliver sufficiently on humans. Tests revealed that the patch could produce the necessary amounts of the hormone.

According to NASA’s an asteroid, named ‘2008 GO20,’ sized about 220 metres in diameter, will zoom past Earth on July 25. It will cross our planet

An asteroid thrice the size of the Taj Mahal will pass close to Earth and according to NASA, it will reach its closest approach Sunday.

Asteroid 3 times the size of Taj Mahal will zoom past the Earth on July 25

An asteroid thrice the size of the Taj Mahal will pass close to the earth on July 25
According to NASA&rsquo;s&nbsp;an asteroid, named &lsquo;2008 GO20,&rsquo; sized about 220 metres in diameter, will cross our planet at a distance of 4.7 million kilometres at 3 am IST.
The asteroid is moving towards Earth at a speed of 29,000 kilometre per hour.
Though the asteroid is hoped to safely pass by the earth&rsquo;s orbit,&nbsp;NASA has flagged it as a potentially hazardous object, given it is more than 150 metres in diameter.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Running is incredibly beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. Even short runs can leave you feeling more energised and focused.

When you become a runner, it changes your life. But you may not know how much it improves your overall health. Here are some amazing benefits of running.

Amazing benefits of running that will make you want to log extra miles

Running is a popular form of physical activity. It doesn&rsquo;t need much equipment and you can do it just about anywhere or at anytime that is convenient for you. It's also an activity that spans across ages as it's never too late to take up running.
Running is one of the most effective ways to burn calories and build cardiovascular endurance. It helps to increase your mental strength and if you run outdoors, you benefit from exposure to nature. It can also reduce stress, relieve anxiety and boost your mood. A beginner to exercise should start with brisk walking, progress to jogging and work up to running.
Whether it's your favorite part of the day or something you have to push yourself through, the benefits are undeniable. Here are some amazing benefits of running, as suggested by the US, National Institute of Health (NIH).
Better long term health
Running even five to 10 minutes a day, at slow speeds is associated with a drastically reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Runners enjoy an overall improved quality of life. A consistent running habit can add extra time on the clock for you and save you from heart diseases as well.
Improves Immunity
The pulmonary benefits of running are incredible, each stride of our run forces our lungs to clear out most airborne bacteria. Running elevates body temperature while also improving the overall circulation in our bodies, thus helping build a robust immune system.
Better sleep
Quality sleep is essential for your health. Your body repairs itself when you're asleep, which is why you wake up feeling refreshed. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has found that regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and help you sleep through the night. But try to avoid running too late in the day. This can interfere with how well you sleep at night.
Strengthens knees
No, running doesn&rsquo;t wreck your knees, it does the exact opposite. Research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that running decreases the risk of arthritis. That may be because it increases the flow of nutrients to the cartilage in your knee while also strengthening the ligaments around the joint.
Improves memory
If you find that you have problems with your memory, start running. It affects your brain in the short and long term. Aerobic exercise gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. This can boost the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

According to a new study, just one night of sleeplessness can affect your well-being.

If you are under the impression that your weekly sleep requirement can be covered up over the&nbsp;weekend, then here&rsquo;s a study to prove you wrong. According to researchers at Annals of Behavioral Medicine, it takes only one night of sleep loss to affect your physical and mental health. The study included 2000 middle-aged adults who were relatively healthy and well educated.&nbsp;Researchers observed the result of sleeping less than six hours for eight consecutive nights.
Soomi Lee, Assistant Professor at University of Florida and lead author of the paper said that as per the results, one night of sleep loss significantly impairs daily functioning. When observed further, by day three, mental and physical problems steadily peaked and by day six, participants reported that the severity of physical symptoms was at its worst. There was reportedly, a pile-up of anger, nervousness, loneliness, irritability and frustrating feelings as a result of sleep loss. They also experienced more physical symptoms, such as upper respiratory issues, aches and gastrointestinal problems.
In order to avoid these, Lee said that&nbsp;the best way to maintain a strong daily performance is to set aside more than six hours to sleep every night.

A new study by researchers shows that antibody levels remain high nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.

A new study led by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Padua shows that antibody levels remain high nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether the person was symptomatic or asymptomatic. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Communications.
For the study, the team tested more than 85 percent of the 3,000 residents of Vo' in Italy in February/March 2020 for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They then tested them again in May and November 2020 for antibodies against the virus. Antibody levels were tracked using three assays; tests that detect different types of antibodies which respond to different parts of the virus.
As per the findings, 98.8 percent of people infected in February/March showed detectable levels of antibodies in November. The results also showed that there was no difference between people who had suffered symptoms of COVID-19 and those that had been symptom-free.
The team also investigated the infection status of household members, to estimate how likely an infected member is to pass on the infection within the household. Their modelling suggests that there was a probability of about 1 in 4 that a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 passes the infection to a family member and that most transmission is caused by 20 percent of infections.

Paleo Diet aims to include unprocessed animal and plant-based foods with enough physical activity for a healthier lifestyle.

If the food is made in a factory and is full of preservatives, do not eat it! This is the basic principle of the paleo diet which is designed to resemble what humans must have eaten in the Paleolithic&nbsp;era or during the stone-age. Paleo diet aims to include unprocessed animal and plant-based foods along with propagating enough&nbsp;physical activity in order to lead a healthier life. According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, paleo diet reduces systolic blood pressure, lowers insulin sensitivity and improves cholesterol balance.
What to eat?
Modern-day food is heavily processed and modified using preservatives and other chemicals. In paleo diet, the essential premise is to eat simple, unprocessed and fresh food. All kinds of plant and animal based whole foods like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, fruits, healthy fats and oils can be consumed. While water should be the main source of hydration, beverages like black tea and coffee are not entirely prohibited. And for some cheat day indulgence, small amounts of red wine and dark chocolate are also allowed from time to time.
What to avoid?&nbsp;
All things processed or preserved must be avoided at all costs. Packaged food, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, processed dairy products like cheese and butter, legumes and vegetable oils must also be avoided in the paleo diet.
While there is no specific way to follow the paleo diet, the main idea is to avoid processed foods and focus on healthy, whole foods to live a longer and fuller life. It is also advisable to consult a professional dietician&nbsp;before making any dietary changes.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/flexitarian-diet-all-you-need-to-know-about-this-new-diet-trend-1624607482560">Flexitarian Diet: All you need to know about this new diet trend</a>
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/high-blood-pressure-got-you-worried-try-dash-diet-1625299060537">High blood pressure got you worried? Try Dash Diet!</a>

Stanford researchers have revealed that fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi and cottage cheese can reduce chronic inflammation in the body

A new study by researchers at Stanford School of Medicine says that fermented foods in the diet can help lower inflammation in the body. Fermented foods improve overall microbial diversity, thereby lowering inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural healing process in the body. Whenever there is physical stress like infection or injury to the body, the immune system releases antibodies and proteins as a biological response. Blood flow also naturally increases around the area to help in the healing process.
However, there are times when the body mistakenly perceives its own cells or tissues as harmful. This causes collateral damage and can lead to auto-immune diseases. And while inflammation is a natural response, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of various diseases, like type 2 diabetes, asthma and tuberculosis.
In the study, 36 healthy adults were observed for a period of 10 days. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir&nbsp;(a fermented milk-based drink), kimchi and cottage cheese were incorporated into their diet. Alcoholic drinks were not included in the diet plan for the subjects. After 10 days, four types of immune cells showed less activation in the subjects. This proved that fermented foods decreased the activation of immune cells that are involved in chronic inflammation. Larger servings of these foods showed stronger effects.

Detox Diets that are known to detoxify, remove waste, improve digestion and regulate body weight may not be as beneficial.

With so many diets taking the rounds, it is but natural to get confused about which one to follow. Amongst the several known diets, there is the infamous Detox diet.
Detox Diets are short-term diets that can vary from one day to almost a month. According to the British Dietetic Association, these diets may include, fasting for short periods of time, consuming only fruits and vegetables, cutting out wheat and dairy foods, consuming a limited range of foods, or avoiding caffeine and alcohol. This diet is known to detoxify, remove waste, improve digestion and regulate body weight.
But is this diet worth your time and effort? As per experts and dieticians from BDA, the Detox diet is not as beneficial as people think it to be. They highlighted that the human body has its own &ldquo;built-in ability&rdquo; to help detoxify and remove waste, and thus people&nbsp;need not be dependant on a specific diet to do so.&nbsp;
A lot of people who follow this diet claim to feel a lot better when they follow a focused eating or fasting plan. They don&rsquo;t realise that eating less or fasting more can leave you feeling more weak than healthy. People also forget that it is actually the elimination of unhealthy food items like alcohol and other processed food that makes you feel better and not the diet in itself.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/detox-water-facts-and-myths-1598924450763" target="_blank">Detox water: facts and myths</a>

Coconut water has many health benefits. Coconut water contains natural enzymes, nutrients and minerals, making it an important summer refreshment.

Coconut water is a refreshing tropical drink that many fitness enthusiasts swear by! Its natural electrolytes make it a great energy drink that can be safely consumed on the regular. Coconut water is the juice found in the centre of a young, green coconut. As the coconut ripens and its&nbsp;colour changes to dark brown, some of the&nbsp;coconut water solidifies to form the soft white coconut meat.&nbsp;
The tropical drink contains many natural enzymes, nutrients and minerals like potassium and magnesium, making it a lot healthier than aerated energy drinks. Apart from quenching your thirst during the hot summer months, coconut water additionally comes with a plethora of health benefits.
Helps prevent kidney stones
Kidney stones form when calcium,&nbsp;oxalate and other compounds combine to form crystals in the urine. Researchers at National Center for Biotechnology Institute in the United States suggest that coconut water&nbsp;may prevent kidney stones by reducing crystal formation.
Improves digestion
Coconut water is rich in fibre and magnesium content, both of which are essential for bowel movement. Fibre in the diet is crucial for healthy digestion as it aids the movement of water through the system. And magnesium relaxes the body muscles to relieve constipation.
Antioxidant properties
Coconut water contains antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the atoms in the body&rsquo;s cells that are unstable and share electrons with other atoms. When there are too many free radicals, the body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk.
Benefits against diabetes
Researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Institute of the United States of America&nbsp;conducted a study on diabetic rats by giving them coconut water. This study suggested that coconut water may help to improve blood sugar levels as the subjects showed long-term blood sugar control. It is also a good source of magnesium which can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. &nbsp;
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A study published in The Lancet Oncology journal reveals that alcohol consumption was linked to 62,100 or 5% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in India in 2020.

Here&rsquo;s another reason to think harder before pouring your next drink!&nbsp;A large-scale study published in The Lancet Oncology journal has revealed that alcohol consumption was linked to 62,100 or five per cent of all newly diagnosed&nbsp;cancer&nbsp;cases in India&nbsp;in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Globally, 740,000 or four per cent of new&nbsp;cancer cases&nbsp;in 2020 were attributed to alcohol by the research team. Of this, men accounted for 77&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the alcohol-associated cancer cases compared to women at 23 per&nbsp;cent.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/trying-to-get-pregnant-but-no-luck-alcohol-might-be-to-blame-1625640668352">Trying to get pregnant, but no luck? Alcohol might be to blame&nbsp;</a>
Even relatively low levels of drinking contributed to DNA damage&nbsp;and caused hormonal imbalances in people.&nbsp;Alcohol even&nbsp;worsens the cancer-causing effects of other substances, such as tobacco, noted the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cancers of the oesophagus, liver and breast accounted for the largest number of cases.&nbsp;These cancers have well-established causal links to alcohol consumption, and the estimates of the direct associations with alcohol in the recent peer-reviewed study are the first of their kind for 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The study also demonstrates how alcohol consumption is decreasing in many European nations but is steadily rising&nbsp;in Asian countries like China and India, and in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;The&nbsp;International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also says that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a spike in drinking rates in some countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While the study highlights the rise in alcohol-linked&nbsp;cancer rates, it also suggests that even small changes&nbsp;to public drinking behaviour may improve the situation. Suggestions included&nbsp;reduced alcohol availability, labelling alcohol products with a health warning, and marketing bans to reduce the rates of alcohol-driven cancer.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/why-overweight-people-should-be-extra-cautious-with-alcohol-1623063527211">Why overweight people should be extra cautious with alcohol</a>

Meditation is a process of training the mind to focus and lower stress. If you feel sleepy while meditating, your tired body and lack of sleep is the reason behind it.

Meditation is a process of training the mind to focus, redirect thoughts and lower stress and anxiety. It induces a sense of well-being and also improves memory, according to Neurobiologists at UCLA, Los Angeles, United States.
But do you have an urge to pass a yawn or feel sleepy while meditating? Well, there is a reason behind it. According to Neuropsychiatrist Jon Lieff from Harvard Medical School, getting enough sleep is the only way to not feel sleepy while meditating.
During meditation, the high alert and problem-solving brain waves decrease, while relaxing brain waves increase. The brain is right on the edge between focus and relaxation, wakefulness and sleep. In this situation, if the body is already exhausted due to a lack of sleep, drifting towards the 'sleep' direction is more likely while meditating.
So, getting a healthy 8-hour sleep at night is the key to meditate without feeling drowsy. Another important factor is the time when you meditate. It is better to meditate early in the morning with a fresh mind rather than at the end of the day. Also, remember to start small by meditating for about 5 minutes a day and then slowly increasing the duration. This will help your mind and body to acclimatize to meditation.

Senior Oncologist, Dr. Manish Singhal explains the relation between high BP, Cholesterol, and Cancer.

Senior Oncologist, Dr. Manish&nbsp;Singhal&nbsp;explains the relation between high BP, Cholesterol, and Cancer.

To prevent a “collective breakdown” and fight work-related stress companies are giving their working staff a paid week off, known as “burnout breaks.”

Stress and anxiety experienced at work can very often lead to&nbsp;extreme&nbsp;pressure, to a point that workers may begin to feel worn out, empty and exhausted.&nbsp;To tackle exhaustion and to prevent burnout, companies like LinkedIn and Bumble have taken a step towards finding a supposed solution.
In an attempt to avoid a &ldquo;collective breakdown&rdquo; and to fight work-related stress, these organisations have given their working staff a paid week off, known as a &ldquo;burnout break&rdquo;.&nbsp; This break comes as an opportunity to cut off from work and recover from the anxieties and frustration that comes with it. &nbsp;
But will burnout breaks be enough? While some feel that burnout breaks are a decent enough solution, others feel that it is a temporary fix. Because once the break has ended, everything will go back to square one and the endless cycle will begin all over again.&nbsp;
According to Fehmidah Munir, Professor of Health Psychology at Loughborough University, there is a need to come up with a more "systematic and comprehensive approach." The aim is to do away with the problems of extra workload, organise support for the ones who are suffering and also provide rehabilitation for those on long-term leave.
Companies need to look at the bigger and complete picture which includes not just policies but also a comfortable work culture that looks after the well-being of both the employers and the employees.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/toxic-workplaces-can-increase-risk-of-depression-by-300-study-1624964807452" target="_blank">Toxic workplaces can increase risk of depression by 300%: Study</a>

Breastfeeding mothers worry about the side effects of the pills they take. But studies say that most antibiotics are safe for babies.

Breastfeeding mothers&nbsp;often fret about popping pills when they&rsquo;re sick. Will the medicine pass on to the breast milk? Does it have any adverse effects on the baby? These are natural questions that new mothers commonly stress about. So if you are also worried about the same, keep watching to get all the answers!
How medications generally work when you&rsquo;re breastfeeding?
Mayo Clinic, a medicinal research institute in Minnesota, USA explained that if antibiotics are present in the mother&rsquo;s bloodstream, they will also be present in her breast milk. But, its presence is much lower in the milk than in the bloodstream, so most medications pose no real risk to infants.
National Center for Biotechnology Institute of the United States says that common pills like paracetamol&nbsp;and&nbsp;low-dose aspirin are considered compatible with breastfeeding. But it is important to remember that the dose of these antibiotics must be on the lower side.
Are there any alternatives?
Ointments instead of oral medicines
If there is an ointment or lotion available which will also sooth your headache, then avoid the aspirin. By doing so, passing on the medicinal effect to your baby can be avoided.
Maintain gaps
Take the pill right after feeding your child. And try to pump and store some extra for the next feeding session. This way, the medicinal effect in your body will be a lot lower by the time your baby needs food again.
Seek professional advice
Taking advice from doctors, lactation consultants and discussing with breastfeeding peer counselors is always a smart way to clear all your doubts.
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A common household spice, cinnamon is added to foods across the sweet and savoury spectrum. From tea to buns to even biryani, cinnamon can be added to many dishes.

A common household spice, cinnamon is added to foods across the sweet and savoury spectrum. From tea to buns to even biryani, cinnamon adds&nbsp;its sweet and spicy flavour to a wide range of dishes.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-baker-is-spreading-cheer-one-cinnamon-roll-at-a-time-1588765280455">This baker is spreading cheer one cinnamon roll at a time</a>
Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree called Cinnamomum. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry. Upon drying, it curls up into rolls which are then labeled cinnamon sticks. There are two variants&nbsp;of this spice - Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia is more commonly used and it tastes stronger and hotter than Ceylon.
Apart from adding mouth-watering&nbsp;flavour, cinnamon also has several health benefits which you must know about!
Anti-microbial properties
Cinnamaldehyde&nbsp;is the essential oil that gives a&nbsp;distinctive smell and flavour to cinnamon. This oil can effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. The antimicrobial effect of cinnamon also prevents tooth decay and reduces bad breath.
Prebiotic properties 
According to a study by National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA, cinnamon has prebiotic&nbsp;properties that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppresses the pathogenic bacteria. So, including cinnamon regularly in your diet can help improve gut health.
Anti-diabetic effect
Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can also lower blood sugar. Cinnamon also decreases the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal. Research has confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, indicating that it can lower blood sugar levels by 10&ndash;29%.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/tasty-diabetic-friendly-breakfast-ideas-to-start-your-day-right-1624420149474">Tasty, diabetic-friendly breakfast ideas to start your day right!</a>
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Designed as a low-impact activity, Pilates is a combination of exercises that strengthens the muscles and bones through controlled movements.

If you&rsquo;re tired of your current workout routine or are looking for a new way to get fit this summer, you could try your hand at Pilates. Designed as a low-impact activity, Pilates is a combination of exercises that not only strengthens the muscles and bones through controlled movements but also improves flexibility and builds immunity.
Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercise in the 1920s. It is made up of over 600 exercises and variations and is for everybody regardless of gender, age or fitness levels. Similar to yoga, the Pilates method too encourages deep, conscious breathing.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/walking-after-eating-let-s-discuss-its-health-benefits-1624592616697">Walking after eating: Let&rsquo;s discuss its health benefits</a>
Pilates equipment varies from smaller, portable pieces such as resistance bands, Pilates mats and the magic circle (also known as the Pilates ring) to many large pieces of apparatus such as the Pilates Reformer, Pilates Chair and the Cadillac. Just like many other fitness systems, it should be done for a minimum of 3 times per week. However, to further improve your body's strength, flexibility and endurance you can do up to 4 or 5 Pilates classes a week.
Here's why you should consider adding Pilates to your fitness routine. ​
Maximises core strength
Pilates activates your core muscles (the ones in your back, abdomen and pelvic floor). These muscles are essential for supporting your entire body. A regular Pilates routine can keep your core strong and firm.&nbsp;
Improves flexibility
Like yoga, Pilates incorporates careful stretching and bending. This helps increase your range of motion while keeping your muscles strong. This one-two punch of stretching and strengthening can allow you and your joints to become more flexible as you progress in your Pilates practice.
Improves posture
Poor posture forms as a result of bad habits such as slouching at your desk and chair, which can eventually cause backache, neck ache&nbsp;and&nbsp;headache. The bad habits will result in asymmetrical muscle development, where some muscles become weaker than the others. Pilates can help to strengthen those underdeveloped muscles, and get rid of bad posture.
Addresses muscle imbalance
A muscle imbalance is when certain muscles in the body are stronger or more developed than others. This can happen as a result of bad posture, inactivity, an unbalanced exercise programme or even exercising with improper form, which can lead to certain injuries. Moving incorrectly puts a lot of pressure on some of our muscles. Pilates is proven to help patients recover from injuries and surgery, by strengthening the deepest muscles, optimising alignment and creating correct movement patterns.
Increases energy levels
Pilates is a low-energy exercise that rarely makes you feel burned out or disoriented after your workout. Besides that, it focuses on cardiorespiratory capabilities, which improve blood circulation and oxygen flow. As the blood pumps, your blood glucose increases which boosts the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and boosts energy in the body.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-form-of-yoga-may-help-improve-mental-health-1590556904810">This form of yoga may help improve mental health</a>

A new study from Taiwan links long-term air pollution exposure with a greater risk of painful menstrual cycles.

Severe and painful menstrual cramps affect&nbsp;around 16-91 per cent of girls and women of reproductive age, out of which&nbsp;up to 29 per cent of them have had such bad symptoms that they've been unable to carry out daily activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This condition is called dysmenorrhea and for the first time, researchers have proven that long-term air pollution exposure significantly increases your chances of facing painful periods.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/menstrual-hygiene-day-period-poverty-on-the-rise-amid-pandemic-1590674760650">Period poverty on the rise amid the pandemic</a>
The team from Taiwan looked at data on air quality and public health databases over a period of&nbsp;13 years. They discovered that&nbsp;the risk to develop dysmenorrhea&nbsp;was up to 33 times higher amongst Taiwanese women and girls who lived in places with high levels of air pollutants like&nbsp;nitrogen, carbon oxides and fine particulate matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ringing a similar note, a 2018&nbsp;study&nbsp;had found that&nbsp;teen girls were more likely to experience menstrual irregularity if exposed to air pollution&nbsp;and another in 2017 linked pollution exposure with longer menstrual cycles.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Published&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-07/f-sif070621.php">Frontiers in Public Health</a>, the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;study notes&nbsp;that&nbsp;dysmenorrhea can be caused by hormonal imbalances or due to underlying gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis&nbsp;or&nbsp;tumours&nbsp;and the symptoms are often life-long. They may include&nbsp;cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and leg&nbsp;pain, nausea and vomiting,&nbsp;diarrhoea, fainting, fatigue and headaches.&nbsp;
There is no cure for the condition and previous research has linked lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption or obesity with a higher&nbsp;risk of&nbsp;it.&nbsp;But the new study&nbsp;demonstrates&nbsp;the major impact of the quality of air on human health, which now includes menstruation cycles.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/period-tracking-apps-for-your-monthly-needs-1619585696464">Period tracking apps for your monthly needs!</a>

There are some food items that can be consumed even beyond the "best before" date. If they are stored properly, these can be used for years.

Whenever we go out grocery shopping, checking the &ldquo;best before&rdquo; label or expiry date of a product is the accepted norm. It is always wiser to buy products with a longer shelf life in order to avoid wastage. In fact, the lockdown has also made us frugal about our resources so, we try to judiciously consume everything that we stock up in our pantry.
But did you know some food items can be consumed even beyond their expiry date? The items may be past their prime in terms of colour or flavour sometimes, but they are still safe to be eaten, only if they&rsquo;re stored wisely. So let&rsquo;s take a look at what these immortal gems are!
Honey
Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey is a commonly found item in every kitchen. However, if left unused for a long time, it may crystallize and harden. But despite this crystallization, it remains safe for consumption. To de-crystallize the honey, just place the container in warm water and watch it transform back to its original form. Interestingly, archaeologists unearthed some 3,000-year-old pots of honey from Egyptian tombs which are still perfectly edible.
Non-iodized salt
Salt, the must-have-tastemaker&nbsp;has more value than just satiating our taste buds. Salt helps to balance fluids in the blood and maintain healthy blood pressure, and it is also essential for nerve and muscle function. It even dehydrates bacteria, acting as a preservative as well.
White rice
Moisture is the main nemesis of white rice. So if it is stored properly, white rice can last for at least a year without getting spoilt.
Pulses
If pulses are exposed to sunlight from time to time, even they can be used for a long time. In fact, a study by Bringham Young University says that pulses retain their protein content over time, making older varieties just as nutritious as the younger ones.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/powerful-pulses-great-for-your-kitchen-pantry-the-environment-1624522774336">Powerful Pulses: great for your kitchen pantry &amp; the environment</a>
Sugar
Like salt, even sugar works as a preservative and can last for years if stored in a safe and dry container. When sugar is left in the open for too long, it tends to undergo gradual liquefaction by absorbing moisture from the air. So, storing it properly is a must!
Soy sauce
Did you know that soy sauce is actually a fermented product? Its high sodium content prohibits bacteria from ruining it. However, an opened bottle must be stored in the refrigerator to avoid the oxidation process.
Vinegar
Since vinegar is acidic in nature, it is self-preserving. Although the colour might change over time,&nbsp;it does not affect the safe consumption of this acidic product.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/this-is-how-your-body-tells-you-which-nutrients-are-running-low-1625310576104">This is how your body tells you which nutrients are running low</a>

While makeup removal wipes make life a little easy for us, they might be causing unimaginable damage to the environment and your skin.

Makeup removing wipes are single-use towelettes&nbsp;that are soaked in cleansing solutions to quickly remove makeup, on the go! They are cheap, convenient and easily available, making them a lifesaver for all those who hate removing their waterproof lipstick or winged liner after a long day.
But, these disposable wipes are not entirely godsent, and here&rsquo;s why you need to stop using them NOW! Makeup removing wipes are made of synthetic materials like rayon and polyester and they take around 100 years to degrade completely. This is why the wipes are an absolute menace to the environment. And that's not all! These wet wipes also damage your skin by leaving behind dirt, grime, and oil, leading to clogged pores, breakouts and even irritated skin.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/rosehip-oil-who-is-this-new-kid-on-the-skincare-block-1625125932493">Rosehip Oil: Who is this new kid on the skincare block?</a>
So, if you want to switch to something more skin-friendly, here are some sustainable alternatives to one-time use, makeup removing wipes
Micellar water: Made of cleaning compounds like purified water, glycerin, and mild surfactants, micellar water not only removes every trace of makeup but the glycerine in it also hydrates the skin.
Cleansing balm: A cleansing balm is an effective option to remove makeup, dirt and oil without drying out the skin. Just slather and massage your face with the balm and allow it to emulsify by adding a couple of drops of water on your face. Simply rinse it off after the emulsification process.&nbsp;
Cleansing oil: These are water-soluble oils that dissolve makeup and dirt off your skin. After applying the oil, just wash your face with clear water to get rid of the remnants and you&rsquo;re good to proceed with other skincare products for the night!
Reusable makeup removing pads: Crafted from organic compounds, these soft washable pads are a great alternative to disposable cotton balls. You simply need to douse them with some makeup remover and clean off your face using the same.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/is-it-okay-to-cover-acne-with-makeup-1560423084052">Is it okay to cover acne with makeup?</a>
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Whether you’re following the 16-8 method or going for the 5:2 diet, there are some mistakes that everyone is prone to making on their fasting journey.

The practise of intermittent fasting has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years. Also&nbsp;known&nbsp;as intermittent energy restriction, the fasting style involves cycling&nbsp;between voluntary fasting and non-fasting over a&nbsp;set&nbsp;period.&nbsp;&nbsp;
From weight loss to the betterment of overall health, several benefits put people on the path of intermittent&nbsp;fasting.&nbsp;But whether you&rsquo;re following the 16-8 method or going for the 5:2 diet, there&nbsp;are some mistakes that&nbsp;everyone is&nbsp;prone to making on their fasting journey.
ALSO WATCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/intermittent-fasting-may-help-you-live-longer-1577511098175">Intermittent fasting may help you live longer</a>
Let&rsquo;s see how you can avoid these intermittent fasting faux pas and increase your chances of weight loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Going too drastic, too quickly&nbsp;</h3>
Adopting a daily fasting practice is a big change from your regular habit of eating every three to four hours. First of all,&nbsp;it's&nbsp;important to check with your doctor if&nbsp;your health allows you to take up&nbsp;intermittent fasting. Secondly, people often switch to a drastic method like 16 hours of fasting overnight which is a recipe for failure.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t shrink your&nbsp;non-fasting&nbsp;period&nbsp;overnight. Try to ease&nbsp;yourself by&nbsp;maybe starting at 10 to&nbsp;12 hours and then extend the period gradually.&nbsp;
<h3>Eating too many calories&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
Just because you&rsquo;re restricting your meals to a certain timeline doesn&rsquo;t mean that you&rsquo;re automatically eating less. If you&nbsp;overconsume before your voluntary fasting hours arrive, you won&rsquo;t achieve the goal of calorie reduction.&nbsp;&nbsp;
To avoid this, find out how many calories you need to consume and track everything you eat so that you&nbsp;maintain a healthy calorie deficit.&nbsp;
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/calorie-calculator-how-many-calories-should-you-eat-per-day-1607933380530">Calorie calculator: how many calories should you eat per day?</a>
<h3>Not eating enough calories&nbsp;</h3>
Conversely, eating too few calories is no good either. If you&rsquo;re&nbsp;starving yourself with an overly low-calorie diet, you will actually sabotage your metabolic rate. Less than optimum nutrition can lead to bone and muscle loss so you might feel like you&rsquo;re losing weight when you&rsquo;re actually&nbsp;losing the good stuff.&nbsp;
It is best to know your limits and stick to them for sustainable and healthy weight loss!
<h3>Your fasting method is&nbsp;not for you&nbsp;</h3>
There are several methods of intermittent fasting to choose from.&nbsp;If you go to the gym 6 days a week, then the 5:2 diet that involves fasting for 2 days may not be for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Make sure that you analyse your lifestyle before choosing a fasting plan that works for you, and not against you.
<h3>Ignoring the nutrient quality of food&nbsp;</h3>
One of the most important things that are oft-forgotten is the nutrient quality of the food you eat when fasting. If you have a non-fasting window of eight hours and all you eat is refined, sugary or processed&nbsp;junk, you will gain almost no health benefits.&nbsp;
Shift the focus from eating less to eating better. Aim to eat nutritious whole foods&nbsp;like fresh fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;Get adequate amounts of good protein (such as from meat, poultry, fish and legumes)&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;nuts and seeds&nbsp;to make sure you&rsquo;re always satiated!&nbsp;&nbsp;

A new report suggests that eating a Mediterranean diet could help to reduce the frequency of migraines.

According to new research, people who suffer from migraine headaches may be able to reduce the frequency of their migraines by eating a Mediterranean diet that includes lots of oily fish.&nbsp;
A neurological disorder, a migraine is described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head.&nbsp;While people often&nbsp;use painkillers&nbsp;and medication&nbsp;to alleviate their pain,&nbsp;there is currently no cure for the condition.
ALSO WATCH <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/headache-pain-recognise-the-different-kinds-and-their-warning-signs-1625567640936">Headache: Recognise the different kinds and their warning signs!</a>
The research, published in the&nbsp;British Medical Journal, found that&nbsp;Omega 3 fatty acids&nbsp;(found in oily fish and certain nuts and seeds)&nbsp;are a big part of the&nbsp;Mediterranean&nbsp;diet&nbsp;and they&nbsp;offer pain-reducing effects. Whereas compounds in&nbsp;Omega-6 fatty acids&nbsp;(found in refined oils), which are often avoided in this diet, have a pain-amplifying effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The scientists discovered that increasing the levels of pain-reducing&nbsp;Omega 3s in the diet&nbsp;significantly reduced the frequency of people&rsquo;s migraines by 1.3 headache hours a day and two headache days a month.&nbsp;While&nbsp;a diet high in Omega 3s and low in Omega 6&nbsp;further reduced migraines by&nbsp;1.7 headache hours a day and four headache days a month.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The study was conducted on 182 patients, mostly women, so this approach may or may not benefit children and men in the same way. Additionally, the diet did not help cut the severity of the pain but shortened the duration of each episode.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lastly, since the study primarily relied on fatty fish like salmon to increase Omega 3 levels, it remains unclear whether&nbsp;plant-based or any other sources of the micronutrient would offer the same benefits.
WATCH MORE&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/national-migraine-and-headache-awareness-month-2021-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-1624528644938">National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month: here is all you need to know!&nbsp;</a>

According to a study published in Journal of Women and Aging, communicating with female friends decreases stress hormone (cortisol) levels for women.

According to a study published in Journal of Women and Aging, communicating with female friends decreases stress hormone (cortisol) levels for women across their lifespan. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that controls mood, motivation and fear. It is the main stress hormone of the body and is known as nature&rsquo;s built-in alarm system.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/what-is-comfort-food-and-does-it-really-help-deal-with-stress-and-anxiety-1624273305092">What is 'comfort food' and does it really help deal with stress and anxiety?</a>
For the study titled, What are friends for? Researchers tested 32 women aged 18-79. Each participant was either paired with a friend (familiar partner) or a stranger (unfamiliar partner) and was given a series of conversational challenges.
As per the findings, participants communicated more efficiently with their&nbsp;friends (familiar partners) as compared to unfamiliar partners.&nbsp;The team also measured salivary cortisol to quantify and compare participants' stress levels throughout the testing process. Across both age groups, those working with their friends had consistently lower cortisol levels than those working with unfamiliar partners.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/a-walk-in-the-park-may-help-beat-work-related-stress-study-1610540035312">A walk in the park may help beat work-related stress: study&nbsp;</a>

Contraceptive earrings to prevent pregnancy?

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