The 2-second at-home test that can reveal your risk of 8 nasty conditions – including killer stroke and Alzheimer's
Do you have difficulty picking up an object weighing 5 kilograms after a certain age?
Advertisement
1
Declining muscle strength is linked to a higher risk of dementia or stroke
Credit: Getty
If so, you run the risk of developing conditions such as chronic lung disease, arthritis, stroke and Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
As we get older, our muscles naturally weaken.
Muscle and
But the current tools used by doctors can be expensive, meaning only clinics can afford them.
Advertisement
Read more on Alzheimer's
Researchers set out find a simpler and more accessible method of assessing muscle strength without the use of specialised tools - finding that objects lying around at home can also be reliable indicators.
Professor Rizwan Qaisar, the study's first author, said: "Imagine you're at home, and you pick up a bag of groceries, maybe something that weighs about 5 kg - like a big bag of sugar or a small kitchen appliance.
"If you find yourself struggling with that, it might seem like a small thing, but our research shows it could be a really important clue about your health."
Scientists conducted their investigation using data from 51,536 adults from 15 countries who were aged 50 and older.
Advertisement
Most read in Health
"We tracked them over time to see if their ability to lift 5 kg was connected to developing various health conditions in the
future
. What we found was quite significant," Prof Qaisar said.
"People who reported difficulty lifting 5 kg had a significantly higher risk of experiencing a lower quality of life, higher rates of depression, chronic lung diseases, hip fractures, joint disorders,
10 second one leg stand test
"Interestingly, this connection held regardless of their age or gender.
"Our findings strongly suggest that this simple, everyday test could be a valuable early indicator of overall health and potential future health challenges."
Advertisement
Researchers conducted their study over a five year period.
Participants were asked to report if they had any difficulty doing various everyday activities at the outset of the study, as well their age, gender and country of residence.
Those who had one of the diseases in question at the start of the study were excluded from analysis.
One of the activities was 'lifting or carrying weights over 5 kilos', which became the central point of the researchers' analysis.
Advertisement
"The 5kg threshold was selected due to its relevance to everyday household objects, such as a standard bag of sugar or all-purpose flour, an average house cat, an air fryer, a portable slow cooker, and the cast iron Dutch oven," they wrote.
"Thus, the study provides a practical and accessible measure of muscle strength and overall health within the domestic environment."
Ways to improve your strength
A strength exercise is any activity that makes your muscles work harder than usual.
This increases your muscles' strength, size, power and endurance.
The activities involve using your body weight or working against a resistance.
You should try to do two sessions or more of muscle strengthening exercises a week.
Examples of muscle-strengthening activities include:
Lifting weights
Working with resistance bands
Heavy gardening, such as digging and shovelling
Climbing stairs
Hill walking
Cycling
Dance
Push-ups, sit-ups and squats
Yoga
Source:
Study participants were also asked to fill out a quality of life questionnaire - which included such as 'how often do you think your age prevents you from doing the things you would like to do?' - and had symptoms of depression assessed too.
From the 51,536 respondents, 10,025 (19.5 per cent) had difficulty lifting 5kg at the start of the study.
Advertisement
Over the follow-up period, researchers found that people who had difficulty picking up 5kg objects had a higher risk of reporting a low quality of life (9 per cent), depression (8 per cent) and osteoarthritis (7 per cent).
They also had a mild to moderate risks of having "rheumatoid arthritis, heart attack, diabetes mellitus,
Study authors found that women had a higher risk of various diseases than men.
They said muscle weakness could be indicative of several things.
Advertisement
"First, muscle weakness in these participants suggests a sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity, which are risk factors for several diseases reported here.
"For example, a sedentary lifestyle is associated with higher risks of depression, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurological deficits.
"Participants with difficulty lifting 5kg will likely exhibit muscle wasting," they went on.
"Muscle mass is a significant protein reserve that protects against organ degeneration due to trauma, diseases, and/or ageing. Thus, a low muscle mass in the participants with difficulty lifting 5kg of weight can predispose them to develop chronic diseases."
Advertisement
Finally, muscle weakness could be connected to inflammation.
"It is also established that chronic low-grade inflammation can cause and/or exacerbate various cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders reported in this study," researchers stated.
Study co-author Dr Fabio Franzese from SHARE Berlin Institute in Germany, said: "Muscle weakness isn't just a sign of ageing; it's a profound warning for future disease."
That's why the "simple act" of trying pick up 5kg with "no fancy equipment" can be "a powerful health predictor".
Advertisement
"Our findings put early health assessment in everyone's hands," he said.
Prof Qaisar added:
"Before major illness, there's often a subtle struggle. This test offers a crucial window for intervention.
"
The test empowers people to seek early medical advice, motivates healthier lifestyle choices, and offers
health care providers
a valuable preliminary screening tool to identify at-risk individuals, ultimately improving preventive care and public health outreach for older populations."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Forget rosemary oil, RED ONION's the secret to stopping hair loss, Dr claims – how to use it for new growth in 6 weeks
IF you're battling with hair loss, fear not, you've come to the right place. And especially if you can't afford to break the bank on expensive shampoos and posh haircare treatments, don't worry, we've got just the thing for you. 4 A doctor has revealed why those suffering with hair loss should use a red onion on their scalp Credit: Getty A doctor has revealed the secret to combating hair loss - and you may be surprised to know that the key isn't a high-street supplement or oil. In fact, according to this pro, a red onion will help to fix your Not only this, but it will also protect against fungus, mould and In a recent video that was posted on YouTube, Read more hair stories These pungent vegetables also boast "the highest amount of quercetin," which helps combat some of the root causes of hair loss. The health expert acknowledged: "Quercitin helps increase the growth hormones of the hair follicle. 'It is also a powerful antimicrobial, protecting your scalp from overgrowth of yeast, fungus, mould, and dandruff." The remedy involves a simple red onion as it "has the most quercetin" - but instead of eating it, Dr Berg explained how a homemade onion 'shampoo' could be an incredibly effective treatment. Most read in Fabulous To prepare the solution, simply chop and blend a red onion before straining the mixture through cheesecloth to fully separate the liquid from any remaining chunks. Once the preparation is done, while in the shower, massage the onion juice through damp hair and into the roots for a few minutes. Kyle Richards' daughter Sophia, 25, reveals her hair is falling out after taking weight loss drug saying 'I'm gonna be bald!' But don't rinse it off immediately - instead, Dr Berg advised Then, jump back into the shower and "shampoo your hair twice" to wash away any lingering onion smells. If the smell persists, you can add a dash of lemon juice or some rose water to your hair. Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. Backed by scientific evidence While this may seem like an online beauty fad, it has been supported by scientific evidence. Compared to tap water, people who used this raw onion juice treatment for This research involved participants suffering from It is also a powerful antimicrobial, protecting your scalp from overgrowth of yeast, fungus, mould, and dandruff Dr Eric Berg DC The researchers identified that hair growth commenced after just two weeks of applying onion juice to the scalp twice daily. Not only this, but nearly 74% of the participants witnessed some Both men and women participated in the study, with men demonstrating a higher rate of hair regrowth. Won't break the bank And fortunately, those strapped for cash will be pleased to know that this In fact, it's super affordable and great for those on a budget, as a pack of three red onions can be purchased from Aldi for just 95p, which works out at only 32p per onion. According to Dr Berg, applying onion juice twice a week for about six weeks is sufficient to ensure While it may take some time to notice results, most people report seeing hair growth after the third or fourth week. To enhance the onion juice treatment, Dr Berg recommended adding five drops of He also suggested fermenting the treatment for up to 72 hours before use, which "enhances the quercetin" and increases the acidity, making it "very therapeutic for your scalp." Dr Berg recognised that this solution is not a 'miracle cure' and that alongside this, proper nutrition, including consuming enough vitamin D and a balanced diet, is essential for supporting Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 4 Dr Eric Berg DC recognised that this affordable treatment can also help to protect against fungus, mould and dandruff too Credit: Youtube/Dr. Eric Berg DC 4 Dr Berg explained how a homemade onion 'shampoo' could be an incredibly effective DIY remedy Credit: Getty - Contributor 4 These pungent vegetables boast "the highest amount of quercetin," which helps combat some of the root causes of hair loss Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The 6 facts every woman should know about their body – and it could save your life
From puberty to menopause, and everything in between, women's bodies go through a lot. We might know the fundamentals – what a vagina is, what a vulva does and how babies are made – but with the help of dozens of medical experts, journalist Polly Vernon has created an encyclopaedic deep-dive into female biology, from the very basics to the weird and wonderful. 7 There are glimmers of change that makes it easier for women to know their bodies better in 2025 Credit: Getty - Contributor The truth is, women have been set up to feel like strangers in their own bodies, thanks to a lack of scientific research. 'Women's bodies were excluded from US clinical trials between 1977 and 1993,' Polly explains. 'For years, we were treated as smaller, stranger versions of men.' The consequences of this oversight have sent ripples into the success of diagnoses and treatment. READ MORE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH 'Take 'Or smear tests – surely there's a better option than a speculum?' But there are glimmers of change. A DIY cervical cancer test that only requires women to take a swab at home will finally be rolled out on the NHS from January, and for the first time, there are now more female than male doctors in the UK. 'We're nowhere near where we need to be, but things are moving forward,' Polly agrees. Most read in Health Her book, How The Female Body Works, is a call to action for all women to reclaim, understand and demand better when it comes to our bodies. Here's the stuff you may not know. Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows 7 Women put on a brave face and try to put up with pain instead of trying to treat it Credit: Getty THE PAIN GAME Period cramps, childbirth, endometriosis – we're no strangers to pain. 'I asked if it is feminist folklore that women endure more pain than men,' says Polly, about her interview with Professor Andrew Horne, director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. His answer? 'God, no, every part of your biological existence involves more pain.' But women put on a brave face. The annual Nurofen Gender Pain Index Report highlights that girls come to expect their pain will not be believed, and many disregard it for fear of wasting others' time. 'There are so many things we just put up with because we think we have to,' says Polly. 'We need to get better at going: 'I need this [pain relief], and I deserve it.' It is recognising what isn't acceptable and never believing, 'It's part of being a woman'.' If you have severe Your GP can help with medications or tests to find the cause. 7 There are some steps you can take to limit, if not avoid, the impact of hormones Credit: Getty BLAME THE HORMONES How many times have you blamed your mood on being 'hormonal'? And did you know which hormones, exactly, were to blame? There are more than 50 different kinds in the body, and men and women have the same hormones, just in greater or lesser quantities. Hormonal fluctuations impact your emotional state, but also performance, behaviour, daily activities and even injury risk. 'It can all seem a bit mystical, like it has us in its grip and there's nothing we can do about it,' says Polly. But there are definitely things you can do for better hormonal health. 'Get control of your sleep,' advises Polly. 'Make sure you go to bed at a regular time and don't eat or drink a lot directly before. Exercise, and think about nutrition and stress management. Get those in place first and then look at any medication you need.' See a GP if menopause, for example, is getting you down – they can discuss prescribing HRT. 7 Feel around your breasts regularly to check for any changes in your body Credit: Getty - Contributor FEEL ON THE FIRST Have you ever been told that underwiring, deodorant and even black bras can lead to cancer? 'This is absolutely, categorically not true, just nonsense,' says Polly. But what is important when it comes to cancer is being aware of your own body and any changes. ''Feel it on the first' [of the month] is the best way to remember to check your breasts,' GP Dr Philippa Kaye says. Feel around your breasts, nipples, collarbone and into your armpits. And when you start getting called for mammograms (typically after 50), take up the appointment. 7 Understand your hormonal cycle to get a better connection between your mind and body Credit: Getty SYNC WITH YOUR CYCLES Hormones get a bad rap, but you can harness them positively, too. 'Bang in the middle of your menstrual cycle, just before you're ovulating, your body wants you out there, flirting,' says Polly. 'It drives you to meet people, because it wants you to have sex and get pregnant. It also makes you quite disinhibited and reckless. It's like you're drunk, but on oestrogen.' It's fleeting, though – once ovulation is over, progesterone hits. 'You wonder why you ever said yes to that party. You're thinking: 'I'm awful', 'I'm ugly', 'I'm socially incompetent'. Your body is working on the presumption you are pregnant, and it wants to keep you tucked away to keep that 'pregnancy' safe,' explains Polly. 7 Your vagina is more than a body part, and it should never be cleaned with soap Credit: Getty PROTECT YOUR BITS Your vagina is more than a body part – it's a marker of your overall health. 'I'd heard loads about gut microbiome, but the vagina is performing a job of equivalent importance, and it needs to be looked after,' says Polly. The vagina microbiome is a delicate balance of bugs, bacteria and fungi, and if disrupted it could lead to infections like thrush, bacterial vaginosis and UTIs. To keep your vagina in harmony, never clean it with soap. Only use a mild, unscented soap and water for the vulva (outside area), or even better, an emollient. 'It makes me angry that we are sold [feminine hygiene] products we don't need,' says Polly. 'Not only is it a financial con, but it's also a health risk, and ties into the idea that vaginas are smelly and dirty.' Your genitals will prefer cotton knickers over synthetic-fibre thongs, and nothing at night. 7 It's never too late to start exercising your pelvic muscles, to help avoid incontinence and infections Credit: Alamy SQUEEZE THOSE MUSCLES Yes, we know you've heard it before, but you really do need to exercise those pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor naturally weakens in pregnancy and childbirth, and then it weakens again in menopause. This can lead to urinary and bowel incontinence. But it's not something to be dismissed as just 'another part of ageing'. 'Incontinence is not just silly and embarrassing, it keeps women from socialising and from doing their jobs,' says Polly. 'That has extraordinary consequences, because we need to engage in the world if we want to protect our brains against Alzheimer's, for example. "One gynaecologist I interviewed said we should teach girls to do pelvic floor exercises at school.' To find your pelvic floor muscles, squeeze as if you are trying to stop yourself peeing or farting. It's not too late to start exercising them to reduce leaks, even if you already have incontinence. Try apps like Squeezy for guidance.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Acupuncture helped me recover from cancer like Kate – it eases the agony I'm left facing and means I can walk
WE are living in what experts are calling a 'golden age' of cancer treatment. New medicines are being developed every year, and half of patients diagnosed now survive for ten years or more — up from 24 per cent in the 1970s. 4 Kate Middleton revealed she had acupuncture as part of her recovery from cancer Credit: Getty 4 Like the Princess of Wales, Paige Nunu turned to acupuncture after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma Credit: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust But cancer remains the UK's biggest killer and researchers are seeking ways to change this. This week, the Princess of Wales revealed she had acupuncture as part of her recovery from cancer. Kate, 43, told patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital she'd tried the traditional Chinese medicine, which uses thin needles inserted into parts of the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Kate said: 'Looking at it from a mind, body and spiritual perspective really matters.' READ MORE ON CANCER Like the Princess of Wales, Paige Nunu turned to acupuncture after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma — a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Nerve pain Administering the treatment herself is not something the 32-year-old ever thought she would do. But Paige, from Stockport, has been taught how to do it at The Christie hospital in Manchester to deal with the severe pain she has been left with after chemotherapy. Diagnosed in 2022 after having symptoms for 12 months, Paige's prognosis meant aggressive treatment was her best option. Most read in Health The pain was so bad some days that even walking was difficult. I was offered medication, but I wanted a more holistic approach Paige 'I was stage four when I was told I had cancer,' the mum-of-one tells Sun on Sunday Health. 'It wasn't put down to cancer for quite a while. It meant I had to have intense chemotherapy that escalated. Every dose was stronger than the last, which came at a cost.' Princess Kate issued a clear warning shot with her cancer comments - it's time people took note Left with nerve pain in her hands and feet, and fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain, Paige turned to acupuncture. She says: 'The pain was so bad some days that even walking was difficult. I was offered medication, but I wanted a more holistic approach. 'I'd had acupuncture before and had always found it really effective so when I was offered it at The Christie, I went for it.' Acupuncture is not the only complementary therapy having a positive effect. A study presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month found exercise reduced the risk of cancer patients dying within eight years by up to a third. Getting the blood pumping could also help to stop tumours returning within five years. The results of the landmark trial across the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada and Israel showed that exercise can be an effective complementary therapy. About 35 per cent of people with cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside traditional treatment plans, according to Cancer Research UK. Several studies have found they reduce adverse symptoms both during and after conventional medical treatment. While Paige is treated at The Christie, Guy's and St Thomas' in London offers aromatherapy in cancer care, University College Hospitals in London offer aromatherapy, massage, reiki and reflexology, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital does reflexology, massage, reiki and the M Technique — a massage suitable for frail patients. Availability on the NHS is limited and dependent on postcode and treatment centres, and is often funded by charities. After giving birth to her daughter Sahara, now 14 months, in 2024, Paige found it difficult to get to acupuncture appointments so her nurse taught her to do it herself. 'I had acupuncture once a week and it really helped with the pain,' she says. 4 Kate said: 'Looking at it from a mind, body and spiritual perspective really matters' Credit: AFP 'I got my mobility back and I could walk properly again. 'At the end of last year, my therapist said she was planning to train some patients to do self-acupuncture so we could do it at home. Regain control 'I jumped at the chance, particularly as I had recently given birth and the juggle of childcare with my weekly appointments was difficult.' The Christie is one of Europe's largest experimental cancer medicine centres, with more than 3,000 patients and around 700 clinical studies taking place at any one time. It is also one of the first to offer self-training for acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside traditional cancer treatments. Eileen Hackman, integrative therapy health and wellbeing lead who taught Paige how to do her own acupuncture, says: 'Research shows that acupuncture benefits cancer patients physically and psychologically. 'Patients describe it as life-changing as it enables them to regain some control. 'Many feel it makes their lives generally easier to cope with.' Putting needles in yourself might sound daunting but it's had such a huge impact Eileen Hackman Paige was taught how to safely insert and remove the needles in her hands and feet. She does it every few weeks and says: 'When Eileen did the acupuncture, it looked easy, but having tried it myself, it can be fiddly. 'I get frustrated if I place them incorrectly and they slip out. The difference is big though — it relieves the pain I'm in by around 60 per cent, which means I can walk and use my hands a lot more comfortably. 'My hands are sometimes so bad I can't pick things up so it makes a huge difference, especially with how much I need to do as a stay-at-home mum. 'Putting needles in yourself might sound daunting but it's had such a huge impact.' Paige, who is now cancer-free, adds: 'Being able to take ownership of my health in this way has been incredible. I hope, in time, the pain will lessen more.' 4 Paige during treatment Credit: Jam Press/Paige Nunu Some complementary therapies may be harmful or interact with other treatments, and Caroline Geraghty, specialist information nurse at Cancer Research UK, says: 'It may be OK to use some complementary treatments along-side treatment prescribed by your doctor. However, the influence of things you see online can be misleading. 'It's important to speak with your cancer doctor, GP or specialist nurse if you're considering using any complementary therapies, as some may affect the way your treatment works." Major medical breakthroughs HERE are some of the big cancer treatment breakthroughs of the last decade. BLOOD TESTING: Super sensitive blood tests can now detect fragments of tumour DNA coming from anywhere in the body with a simple blood sample. Scientists can use the results to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. IMMUNOTHERAPY: Harnessing a patient's own immune system to fight cancer is on the rise as it is more accurate and less toxic than chemotherapy. Drugs can switch off tumour genes that cancer cells use to resist white blood cells. VACCINES: Cancer vaccines are an extension of immunotherapy and work similarly to jabs for bugs like Covid or measles, but mostly treat instead of prevent. Scientists grow or create cells that look like cancer in a lab, then inject them into the body to train the immune system to kill them. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AI is being used to improve cancer detection as it can harvest and analyse data faster than a human. ROBOTIC SURGERY: Surgical robots are used to treat cancer as they can reduce side effects and speed up recovery compared to traditional ops.
