Latest news with #MohamedNajjar
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Hay fever sufferers urged to do one simple thing to beat grim symptoms
For hay fever sufferers, warm months can mean misery, but the latest gadgets could be your new best friend in the fight against allergies and it's often a satisfying solution that's overlooked Hay fever season is in full swing, with more than 10 million people across the UK suffering from the pesky pollen allergy. Symptoms vary from a runny or blocked nose to itchy, red or watery eyes, fatigue and frequent sneezing. Symptoms are often worse from late March to September, particularly during warm, humid and windy conditions when the pollen count is at its peak. There is no cure for hay fever, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and there's one must-do that can help and it's over overlooked. Electronic devices such as air purifiers, fans and even vacuum cleaners, can help to manage hay fever from the comfort of your home. Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group explains, 'There are a number of ways that technology can help. For example, air purifiers can help reduce airborne particles, providing some relief. 'There are also devices called air quality monitors. While they don't clean the air, they alert you to problems, such as local pollen data, and some are available on smartphone apps. These indicate the levels of different types of pollen in the area by giving them a score. Some people find this useful in helping to identify the type of pollen they are allergic to.' Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at says, 'Pollen is a nuisance for anyone with hay fever, but simple steps can be taken to reduce its impact. Home comfort can be improved significantly simply by cleaning and ventilating your house to remove any unwanted particles. 'On humid days, the air can feel thicker and bring on worse hay fever symptoms. Humidity can also form mould, which makes the allergy worse. Investing in a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in the air, meaning the air feels fresher inside your home.' We take a closer look at the ways tech can help you combat summer sniffling. Air purifier with HEPA filter Alex Hudson, environmental care engineer at Dyson, advises using an air purifier, such as the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1. He says, 'Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen allergens from the air, reducing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.' Antihistamines and nasal sprays Professor John Dickinson, head of the Exercise Respiratory Clinic, University of Kent, advises that over-the-counter remedies ought to be your first stop in tackling hay fever symptoms. He says, 'Antihistamines and nasal sprays directly target allergic inflammation and are clinically proven to relieve symptoms.' An Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device can also help remove mucus from the airway. Filtered hoover Your vacuum can help combat symptoms, too. Alex says, 'The Dyson Gen5 Detect features whole-machine HEPA filtration that captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. This means allergens that are picked up stay locked inside the vacuum and are not released back into the air.' POWERbreathe Hay fever can cause inflammation in your airways, making breathing more difficult, particularly if you also suffer from asthma or a mild respiratory condition. However, John says that using resistance based apparatus can make a difference. 'Devices like POWERbreathe, which are popular among athletes and elite footballers, can help strengthen your breathing muscles and reduce breathlessness during flare-ups, even if you have asthma,' he says. Multitasking fan Staying cool at night with a fan is a priority for a restful night's sleep in the summer, but it can also help with hay fever symptoms. The Midea AMS150-PBW Air Purifier Bladeless Fan ( can cool your home while removing up to 99.97% of allergens and germs. It also acts as an air purifier, and is described as 'silent yet powerful."
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Four simple ways to improve your heart health, as study finds it can lower dementia risk
With dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, rising from 55 million today to 139 million by 2050, scientists are increasingly focused on finding ways to slow cognitive decline. While you've probably read all about the benefits of daily brain training puzzles for sharpening your ticker, new research suggests that switching your attention to heart health could similarly preserve memory and thinking skills later in life. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that older adults who maintain good cardiovascular health tend to show fewer signs of brain degeneration, suggesting a powerful link between cognitive decline and heart health. The study authors analysed the brain proteins of 5,470 participants aged over 65, finding that those with better heart health had lower levels of the proteins 'neurofilament light chain' and 'total tau' - two key biomarkers for the detection of Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, there's been an increasing shift towards the association between cardiovascular disease and dementia, with an earlier study suggesting that adopting better heart habits could slash the risk of dementia by up to 60%. And while no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, future-proofing your brain with healthy habits is a sensible way to set yourself up for cognitive longevity. We asked a GP to share their straightforward, science-backed ways to keep your ticker in top shape, so you can protect your grey matter in the process. In recent years, more of us have gravitated towards the weights room to reap the impressive benefits of strength training, which include better muscular strength and improved bone density. But if you're keen to keep your memory sharp over the decades, cardio should still retain a firm place in your weekly training routine. In fact, The British Heart Foundation recommends a mix of both aerobic exercise (think, jogging, swimming and cycling) as well as resistance training for optimal heart health. "Exercise really is the key to improving heart health," agrees Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group. "Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, improving its ability to pull oxygen from the blood. iIt also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can strain the heart, reducing your overall risk of a heart attack." Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are a hot topic in the world of nutrition right now. Estimated to account for roughly 57% of the daily calories we consume in the UK, they're typically foods that have gone through multiple rounds of processing and include hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Good examples include biscuits, crisps and sweets, as well as certain types of meat products like sausages. "Limiting the amount of ultra-processed meats you eat is a good idea, as they tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat," explains Najjar. "Instead, try to focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein, and opt for choices low in sugar, salt and processing to manage risk factors like cholesterol and high blood pressure - both of which are major contributors to heart disease." Whether it's too many work deadlines or the juggle of parenting, chronic stress can raise blood pressure and negatively impact heart health. One way to find relief is to try transcendental meditation, a mindfulness technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that involves repeating a mantra silently in your head. Studies have found that transcendental meditation can shift the brain into a state of restful awareness, with one 2017 analysis concluding that practising it regularly could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a similar rate as other healthy lifestyle changes, such diet and exercise. 'Breathing deeply, or trying a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga, can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and helping to keep it healthy,' adds Najjar. While some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, experts are keen to stress that the key word is just that: 'moderate'. Several reviews have found that people who drink heavily or binge drink are not only more likely to develop heart disease, but they also put themselves at a higher risk of dementia too. In short, it's sensible to avoid overdoing it. "Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for heart health," notes Najjar, "as it's linked to high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle." Generally, the NHS recommends that men and women stick to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, spread across three days or more, with drink-free days sandwiched in between. What that looks like will depend on the type and strength of the drink, but it's roughly around six pints of medium-strength beer or six glasses of wine every seven days. Read more about heart health: 8 Brain And Heart Health Rules For A Longer Life (HuffPost, 2-min read) Heart disease warning as early deaths at highest rate in more than a decade (Sky News, 3-min read) Six exercises to keep your heart healthy after sitting for too long (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Four simple ways to improve your heart health, as study finds it can lower dementia risk
With dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, rising from 55 million today to 139 million by 2050, scientists are increasingly focused on finding ways to slow cognitive decline. While you've probably read all about the benefits of daily brain training puzzles for sharpening your ticker, new research suggests that switching your attention to heart health could similarly preserve memory and thinking skills later in life. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that older adults who maintain good cardiovascular health tend to show fewer signs of brain degeneration, suggesting a powerful link between cognitive decline and heart health. The study authors analysed the brain proteins of 5,470 participants aged over 65, finding that those with better heart health had lower levels of the proteins 'neurofilament light chain' and 'total tau' - two key biomarkers for the detection of Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, there's been an increasing shift towards the association between cardiovascular disease and dementia, with an earlier study suggesting that adopting better heart habits could slash the risk of dementia by up to 60%. And while no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, future-proofing your brain with healthy habits is a sensible way to set yourself up for cognitive longevity. We asked a GP to share their straightforward, science-backed ways to keep your ticker in top shape, so you can protect your grey matter in the process. In recent years, more of us have gravitated towards the weights room to reap the impressive benefits of strength training, which include better muscular strength and improved bone density. But if you're keen to keep your memory sharp over the decades, cardio should still retain a firm place in your weekly training routine. In fact, The British Heart Foundation recommends a mix of both aerobic exercise (think, jogging, swimming and cycling) as well as resistance training for optimal heart health. "Exercise really is the key to improving heart health," agrees Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group. "Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, improving its ability to pull oxygen from the blood. iIt also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can strain the heart, reducing your overall risk of a heart attack." Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are a hot topic in the world of nutrition right now. Estimated to account for roughly 57% of the daily calories we consume in the UK, they're typically foods that have gone through multiple rounds of processing and include hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Good examples include biscuits, crisps and sweets, as well as certain types of meat products like sausages. "Limiting the amount of ultra-processed meats you eat is a good idea, as they tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat," explains Najjar. "Instead, try to focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein, and opt for choices low in sugar, salt and processing to manage risk factors like cholesterol and high blood pressure - both of which are major contributors to heart disease." Whether it's too many work deadlines or the juggle of parenting, chronic stress can raise blood pressure and negatively impact heart health. One way to find relief is to try transcendental meditation, a mindfulness technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that involves repeating a mantra silently in your head. Studies have found that transcendental meditation can shift the brain into a state of restful awareness, with one 2017 analysis concluding that practising it regularly could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a similar rate as other healthy lifestyle changes, such diet and exercise. 'Breathing deeply, or trying a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga, can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and helping to keep it healthy,' adds Najjar. While some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, experts are keen to stress that the key word is just that: 'moderate'. Several reviews have found that people who drink heavily or binge drink are not only more likely to develop heart disease, but they also put themselves at a higher risk of dementia too. In short, it's sensible to avoid overdoing it. "Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for heart health," notes Najjar, "as it's linked to high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle." Generally, the NHS recommends that men and women stick to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, spread across three days or more, with drink-free days sandwiched in between. What that looks like will depend on the type and strength of the drink, but it's roughly around six pints of medium-strength beer or six glasses of wine every seven days. Read more about heart health: 8 Brain And Heart Health Rules For A Longer Life (HuffPost, 2-min read) Heart disease warning as early deaths at highest rate in more than a decade (Sky News, 3-min read) Six exercises to keep your heart healthy after sitting for too long (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
