Australian children are some of the least active in the world

Australian children

Australian children are some of the least active in the world. University of Newcastle researchers are addressing this head on with a range of innovative school-based programs that are getting our kids moving. For the third time in a row, Australia recorded a D- for overall physical activity among children in a national report commissioned […]

Read More… from Australian children are some of the least active in the world

Are you an active couch potato?

couch potato

‘Active couch potato’ – how sitting all day can erase a workout. New Finnish research published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise suggests that a 30-minute workout, followed by a day of staring at a computer and then the television, could make someone “an active couch potato” – increasing the risk of various […]

Read More… from Are you an active couch potato?

Night owl sleep pattern puts you at risk

Night owl

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Our activity patterns and sleep cycles could influence our risk of diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. New research published in Experimental Physiology found wake/sleep cycles cause metabolic differences and alter our body’s preference for energy sources. The researchers found that those who […]

Read More… from Night owl sleep pattern puts you at risk

How to prepare for surgery

preparing for surgery

How should you to prepare for surgery? Surgery is a medical marvel – one which benefits greatly from modern technology, but which has endured as a fundamental medical practice for hundreds upon hundreds of years. Routine as surgery is – with over six million on the waiting list for elective operations at the moment – […]

Read More… from How to prepare for surgery

Water Safety for Summer

water safety

Water Safety for Summer: During summer more and more people are looking to explore the great outdoors and to visit the seaside with their families and friends. There has been a strong interest in swimming in the sea or open water. Water comes with risks and sadly drowning can happen quickly and quietly. In this […]

Read More… from Water Safety for Summer

Junk food ad restrictions save £200M

Junk food advertising

Junk food advertising restrictions prevent almost 100,000 obesity cases and is expected to save the NHS £200m. Restrictions on advertising of junk food on TfL networks had the biggest health impact on people from deprived areas. Restrictions for junk food advertising on Transport for London (TfL) networks have prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases and is […]

Read More… from Junk food ad restrictions save £200M

Benefits of community health programme

exercise

Published research confirms benefits of community health programme: Research by academics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, has confirmed the health benefits of a strength and balancing programme prescribed for older adults who are at risk of falling and injury. Working in collaboration with Newcastle-based community health charity Healthworks, the research team at Northumbria have just had […]

Read More… from Benefits of community health programme

Today is Playday

Playday is the national day for play, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August. It is the biggest play sector event in the UK, and possibly Europe! As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. Playday is coordinated by […]

Read More… from Today is Playday

Gene C18ORF25 promotes muscle strength during exercise

C18ORF25

Researchers have identified a gene, namely C18ORF25,  that promotes muscle strength when switched on by physical activity, unlocking the potential for the development of therapeutic treatments to mimic some of the benefits of working out. Published in Cell Metabolism, the University of Melbourne-led study showed how different types of exercise change the molecules in our […]

Read More… from Gene C18ORF25 promotes muscle strength during exercise

Can the super-lean really eat what they like?

super-lean

Can some people really eat what they like and not gain weight? Scientists shed light on the diet and lifestyles of the super-lean. An international team of scientists led by the University of Aberdeen and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have for the first time identified what separates heathy, underweight people, also known as ‘super-lean’, […]

Read More… from Can the super-lean really eat what they like?