Latest news with #MidlandHealth
Wales Online
15-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Doctor says wearing masks at airports is now 'essential'
Doctor says wearing masks at airports is now 'essential' Dr Rupa Parmar has advised holidaymakers to use masks when travelling People should be wearing masks on planes, an expert says A medical director says wearing masks when you travel abroad is now 'essential' and has urged holidaymakers to use medical grade filtering masks at the airport and on planes. Dr Rupa Parmar was speaking as two new Covid variants surge - with spikes in countries including Spain and the USA. The infectious new variants are also now dominant in countries including India and Australia, with reports they could be easier to catch than previous strains and cause unique symptoms - such as a very sore 'razor blade' throat and hoarseness or a scratchy voice. Dr Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, said: "Wearing a mask in the airport and on the plane is a reliable way to avoid falling ill before starting your holiday. On a plane, you're surrounded by germs for a long time, so a medical-grade mask with high filtration levels is essential." Paul Griffin, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at The University of Queensland, said: "Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against Covid and other viral infections." Dr Rupa said there are other ways you can maximise your chances of staying healthy when using planes and airports. She said: "Window seats away from the bathroom are the best for minimising the risk of illness because they're away from high-traffic areas and the aisle. You can also slightly aim the overhead vent towards your face, creating a barrier between you and the germs. Article continues below "Wash your hands regularly with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds. If there are limited accessible handwashing facilities, don't forget to use hand sanitiser. It's also a good idea to pack an antibacterial surface spray, so you can wipe down anywhere you're going to eat or sit." Dr Rupa also advises boosting your health before you head on holiday. She said: "Increase your intake or take supplements of vitamins D and C one to two weeks before your travel day to boost your immune system and fight off illness. Probiotics are also recommended to help your gut health and prevent common gastrointestinal issues, like bloating, while flying." And there is advice for when you are abroad. Dr Rupa said: "Although you may want to make the most of your trip by fully packing your itinerary, having moments for rest and recuperation are crucial, and getting good sleep boosts your body's defences against illness. Once you're back home, give yourself a day or two to recover from the journey to minimise your chances of sickness. Article continues below "Drink at least three litres of water daily while travelling. If you're unsure if tap water is safe to drink, stick to bottled water. Adding electrolytes to your drink can also help combat dehydration, as they include various minerals your body needs. "Travelling with your own medicine is useful, so you're always prepared. It can also save you money and means you don't have to take time out of your holiday to find a pharmacy. Just make sure you follow specific airline and security guidelines." Dr. Rupa Parmar added: 'Nobody wants to be ill on or after their holiday. Remember, prevention is the best way to minimise your chances of a trip ruined by illness. By focusing on hygiene, rest, and hydration, your chances of getting sick will be much lower, leading to peace of mind and a much more enjoyable getaway.'
Buzz Feed
09-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Does Brown Period Blood Signal Hormonal Issues? I Asked A GP
Scrolling through Instagram, a video from holistic nutritionist Rachel Fuller caught my attention. 'The brown blood you get at the start and end of your period... yeah, that's not normal,' the alarming caption read. Though I'd been taught that brown blood was simply older blood that was released later into your cycle, the post claimed that darker stains could come from a progesterone deficit. But is that true? Here's what GP Dr Rupa Parmar, medical director of Midland Health, had to say on the claim. Yes, brown blood can be related to hormones – but it can also be completely normal Dr Parmar explained that blood turns brown as it oxidises, which becomes more likely the longer it's left in your body. At the start and end of your period, your flow is typically slower, so your blood has more time to turn brown. 'This is completely normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern,' Dr Parmar advised. But, the GP continued, sometimes hormones really can play a part. 'If there isn't enough oestrogen circulating in your body, the uterine lining may break down at various points throughout your cycle, resulting in brown spotting or other unusual bleeding,' she told us. That's because the blood takes longer to leave the body, allowing it to oxidise and turn brown. 'On top of this, low estrogen may lead to other symptoms, such as tender breasts, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or even night sweats and insomnia.' You might also notice brown blood when starting new hormonal contraception as your body adjusts to the different levels. It may also appear when you ovulate and can even be a sign of perimenopause. When is brown blood something to worry about? In and of itself, 'Brown blood in your discharge should only be a concern if it lasts for several weeks, has a 'bad' smell, happens commonly after sex, or you're also experiencing intense pain, cramps, or itching,' the GP shared. 'This may indicate an infection and should be discussed with a medical professional.' If you notice menstrual cycle changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flushes, and/or bladder problems, you may be experiencing perimenopause. But when it comes with other symptoms, a lot of brown blood might be a sign of menstrual disorders, the GP said. PCOS, for instance, can also create heavy flows or no period at all, oily acne-prone skin, excess hair, and pain in the pelvis. 'Knowing your cycle and what's normal for you helps you understand when something might be wrong,' Dr Parmar ended. 'It's normal to experience changes during a period. But if there are any sudden and irregular variations in blood colour, flow, or duration, or if you're noticing new symptoms, it's a good idea to speak to your GP.'
The Independent
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New research suggests women in midlife can benefit from ‘gym bro' supplement
Until recently, creatine supplements was almost exclusively used by athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance and pack on muscle mass. But now there is a surprising rapidly growing market for it: middle aged women. While Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson still puts in his protein shake to 'put on size,' Ivanka Trump revealed earlier this year she takes a dose with her morning smoothie. From fitness influencers on TikTok to health experts, the chalky powder is now being touted for a range of benefits for women. So, what exactly is creatine and does the science back up the hype? 'Creatine is a natural compound that comes from three amino acids – arginine, glycine, and methionine,' Dr. Rupa Parmar, a physician and Director at Midland Health, tells The Independent. 'It's stored mainly in our muscles to help produce energy.' While small amounts come from foods like red meat and fish, our bodies also make about a gram each day. Most women don't get the recommended three to five grams per day from food, Rupar said, and supplementation may help. 'Women naturally have much lower creatine stores than men and usually eat less of it in their diet, so they may actually benefit more from taking creatine to boost their levels,' he added. Creatine's rise as a go-to supplement can be traced to 1992 when British sprinter Linford Christie and hurdler Sally Gunnell, both vocal about its use, won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. Glossy fitness magazines began branding it a 'breakthrough'; a 1998 article in Fortune magazine called the compound 'nature's steroid'; a Los Angeles Times headline blared, 'Power powder.' While much of its early reputation focused on muscle-building and workout recovery, research suggests creatine's benefits may extend beyond the gym. Creatine has been linked to improved memory, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. 'It can even support brain health, with studies suggesting the substance helps to improve cognitive function and provide some protection as we age,' Rupar said. A preliminary study by the University of Kansas Medical Center on people with Alzheimer's found that creatine supplements may improve memory and executive function. Creatine may also offer benefits tied to hormonal fluctuations. 'Creatine can help ease fatigue during your period by supporting stable energy levels,' Rupar continued, 'especially when you're feeling more tired.' Oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, influence how the body produces and uses creatine, he explained. 'During the menstrual cycle, creatine levels can change, and supplements may help keep energy and muscle function more stable, especially when oestrogen is low,' Rupar said. For women approaching or going through menopause, creatine appears especially promising as it may help counteract declines in muscle mass, strength, and bone density, particularly when combined with resistance training. One 12-month study found that creatine reduced the loss of bone mineral density in 47 postmenopausal women. For all its potential upsides, creatine isn't without drawbacks. One of the most common complaints is bloating: because it saturates the muscles, it may cause water retention, which sometimes leads to a bloated feeling and a few extra pounds on the scale from water weight. Still, studies have repeatedly shown creatine to be safe for most healthy adults when taken at recommended doses. Experts advise consulting a healthcare provider before starting, especially for those with kidney conditions or who are on medication.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The gym bro supplement that may be a game changer for women in midlife
Until recently, creatine supplements was almost exclusively used by athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance and pack on muscle mass. But now there is a surprising rapidly growing market for it: middle aged women. While Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson still puts in his protein shake to 'put on size,' Ivanka Trump revealed earlier this year she takes a dose with her morning smoothie. From fitness influencers on TikTok to health experts, the chalky powder is now being touted for a range of benefits for women. So, what exactly is creatine and does the science back up the hype? 'Creatine is a natural compound that comes from three amino acids – arginine, glycine, and methionine,' Dr. Rupa Parmar, a physician and Director at Midland Health, tells The Independent. 'It's stored mainly in our muscles to help produce energy.' While small amounts come from foods like red meat and fish, our bodies also make about a gram each day. Most women don't get the recommended three to five grams per day from food, Rupar said, and supplementation may help. 'Women naturally have much lower creatine stores than men and usually eat less of it in their diet, so they may actually benefit more from taking creatine to boost their levels,' he added. Creatine's rise as a go-to supplement can be traced to 1992 when British sprinter Linford Christie and hurdler Sally Gunnell, both vocal about its use, won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. Glossy fitness magazines began branding it a 'breakthrough'; a 1998 article in Fortune magazine called the compound 'nature's steroid'; a Los Angeles Times headline blared, 'Power powder.' While much of its early reputation focused on muscle-building and workout recovery, research suggests creatine's benefits may extend beyond the gym. Creatine has been linked to improved memory, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. 'It can even support brain health, with studies suggesting the substance helps to improve cognitive function and provide some protection as we age,' Rupar said. A preliminary study by the University of Kansas Medical Center on people with Alzheimer's found that creatine supplements may improve memory and executive function. Creatine may also offer benefits tied to hormonal fluctuations. 'Creatine can help ease fatigue during your period by supporting stable energy levels,' Rupar continued, 'especially when you're feeling more tired.' Oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, influence how the body produces and uses creatine, he explained. 'During the menstrual cycle, creatine levels can change, and supplements may help keep energy and muscle function more stable, especially when oestrogen is low,' Rupar said. For women approaching or going through menopause, creatine appears especially promising as it may help counteract declines in muscle mass, strength, and bone density, particularly when combined with resistance training. One 12-month study found that creatine reduced the loss of bone mineral density in 47 postmenopausal women. For all its potential upsides, creatine isn't without drawbacks. One of the most common complaints is bloating: because it saturates the muscles, it may cause water retention, which sometimes leads to a bloated feeling and a few extra pounds on the scale from water weight. Still, studies have repeatedly shown creatine to be safe for most healthy adults when taken at recommended doses. Experts advise consulting a healthcare provider before starting, especially for those with kidney conditions or who are on medication.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The gym bro supplement that may be a game changer for women in midlife
Until recently, creatine supplements was almost exclusively used by athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance and pack on muscle mass. But now there is a surprising rapidly growing market for it: middle aged women. While Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson still puts in his protein shake to 'put on size,' Ivanka Trump revealed earlier this year she takes a dose with her morning smoothie. From fitness influencers on TikTok to health experts, the chalky powder is now being touted for a range of benefits for women. So, what exactly is creatine and does the science back up the hype? 'Creatine is a natural compound that comes from three amino acids – arginine, glycine, and methionine,' Dr. Rupa Parmar, a physician and Director at Midland Health, tells The Independent. 'It's stored mainly in our muscles to help produce energy.' While small amounts come from foods like red meat and fish, our bodies also make about a gram each day. Most women don't get the recommended three to five grams per day from food, Rupar said, and supplementation may help. 'Women naturally have much lower creatine stores than men and usually eat less of it in their diet, so they may actually benefit more from taking creatine to boost their levels,' he added. Creatine's rise as a go-to supplement can be traced to 1992 when British sprinter Linford Christie and hurdler Sally Gunnell, both vocal about its use, won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. Glossy fitness magazines began branding it a 'breakthrough'; a 1998 article in Fortune magazine called the compound 'nature's steroid'; a Los Angeles Times headline blared, 'Power powder.' While much of its early reputation focused on muscle-building and workout recovery, research suggests creatine's benefits may extend beyond the gym. Creatine has been linked to improved memory, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. 'It can even support brain health, with studies suggesting the substance helps to improve cognitive function and provide some protection as we age,' Rupar said. A preliminary study by the University of Kansas Medical Center on people with Alzheimer's found that creatine supplements may improve memory and executive function. Creatine may also offer benefits tied to hormonal fluctuations. 'Creatine can help ease fatigue during your period by supporting stable energy levels,' Rupar continued, 'especially when you're feeling more tired.' Oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, influence how the body produces and uses creatine, he explained. 'During the menstrual cycle, creatine levels can change, and supplements may help keep energy and muscle function more stable, especially when oestrogen is low,' Rupar said. For women approaching or going through menopause, creatine appears especially promising as it may help counteract declines in muscle mass, strength, and bone density, particularly when combined with resistance training. One 12-month study found that creatine reduced the loss of bone mineral density in 47 postmenopausal women. For all its potential upsides, creatine isn't without drawbacks. One of the most common complaints is bloating: because it saturates the muscles, it may cause water retention, which sometimes leads to a bloated feeling and a few extra pounds on the scale from water weight. Still, studies have repeatedly shown creatine to be safe for most healthy adults when taken at recommended doses. Experts advise consulting a healthcare provider before starting, especially for those with kidney conditions or who are on medication.
