Latest news with #RDC
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to Know if You Have High Cortisol Levels, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDCortisol helps regulate stress, sleep and metabolism—but chronic elevation can harm long-term health. Signs of high cortisol include poor sleep, visceral fat gain and feeling mentally alert but physically tired. Managing stress, sleep, blood sugar and gut health can help reduce cortisol and chronic you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen cortisol blamed for everything from visceral fat to burnout and sleepless nights. While it's true that this stress hormone plays a role in how you feel, cortisol is essential for many everyday functions. 'It helps regulate your body's stress response, blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation and even your sleep-wake cycle,' says Erica Armstrong, M.D., IFMCP. The key is to keep cortisol in a healthy range, which healthy adrenal glands manage all on their own. If cortisol levels become too high for too long, you may start to notice some unpleasant side effects, and your health could be at risk. To untangle fact from fiction when it comes to cortisol, we spoke with physicians to understand what this stress hormone does, how to spot when it might be out of balance and steps you can take to manage inflammation and feel your best. 'Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that plays an essential role in your health,' says Armstrong. This hormone naturally follows a 24-hour cycle, peaking 30 minutes after waking up, and declining during the day, with the lowest levels occurring during the early phases of sleep. As a stress hormone, cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) and surges during times of high stress. A burst of cortisol leads to high amounts of sugar released into the bloodstream for extra energy, vasoconstriction and increased heart rate to get your body ready for the 'fight or flight' response. This response is useful in a situation when you need to move or act quickly, but can create problems when it occurs too frequently, and without the follow-up of physical action. Most cells in the body have cortisol receptors, meaning that this stress hormone impacts everything from your heart to your brain, metabolism, immune system and more. Chronically high cortisol levels are a biomarker for a number of diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Some of the most common causes for elevated cortisol include chronic stress, insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases and Cushing's syndrome, explains Armstrong. The only way to know if you have high cortisol levels is to see a medical professional. 'We always combine symptoms with lab testing (like a 4-point saliva cortisol test) and a full clinical picture before concluding whether cortisol is truly out of balance,' says Armstrong. That said, these are some of the most common signs of high cortisol: If you have trouble falling asleep at night or tend to wake up in the middle of the night and can't fall back asleep, it could have something to do with your stress hormones. 'Cortisol should be low at night, but if it's spiking due to stress or blood sugar dips, it can wake you up in the middle of the night,' says Armstrong. One study of healthy individuals found that higher pre-sleep cortisol levels were associated with shorter and poorer sleep quality than lower pre-sleep cortisol levels. A similar connection was also found among people with type 2 diabetes. Left unaddressed, poor sleep quality and short duration can lead to a number of health concerns, including an increased risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality. If you find yourself holding on to extra weight around your midsection, despite no changes in your diet or exercise routines, it could be a sign of high cortisol levels. In one study of middle-aged and older adults, those with higher levels of hair cortisol were more likely to have a higher body weight and waist circumference than those with lower levels. 'Cortisol promotes fat storage, especially around the midsection, as a survival mechanism,' says Armstrong. While the chances of elevated cortisol are higher in those with abdominal obesity, many people who may fall on the obesity scale do not have elevated cortisol. As a stress hormone, cortisol helps your brain stay ready for impending danger, which can feel downright exhausting when you're stuck in that state for too long. 'Elevated cortisol can make you feel mentally alert even when you're physically exhausted,' says Armstrong. However, even if you're feeling mentally wired, chances are your brain isn't operating at its best. High levels of cortisol, maintained over long periods, are associated with reduced cognitive function and impaired sleep, which can further impair mental functions such as memory and attention. Working to lower elevated cortisol levels can help reduce chronic inflammation and the risk of inflammatory diseases. Here are other expert-approved ways to manage inflammation: Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables and fiber-rich legumes can help support your body's natural ability to regulate inflammation and stress. Work to balance your blood sugar levels: 'Stabilizing blood sugar through regular meals with protein, fat and fiber can calm both inflammation and cortisol spikes,' says Armstrong. Focus on stress management: Managing your mental, emotional and physical stress with adequate rest and prioritizing mental health and self-care activities can help reduce stress and inflammation. Research supports the use of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation interventions as effective ways to manage and lower cortisol levels. Prioritize sleep: 'Even one night of poor sleep can elevate inflammatory markers,' says Armstrong. As inconsistent sleep is highly associated with inflammation, creating and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and routine should be a top priority in your inflammation management plan. Take care of your gut health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating your immune system and controlling inflammation. 'Addressing microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities, or underlying infections through personalized protocols can dramatically reduce systemic inflammation,' says Armstrong. When operating correctly, your body has systems in place to regulate cortisol production and release for an appropriate stress response. So while most people do not have to worry about elevated cortisol, chronically high levels can cause unwanted side effects and increase the risk of inflammatory and metabolic health conditions. Difficulty sleeping, abdominal weight gain and feeling mentally wired but physically tired can indicate elevated cortisol levels; however, these symptoms could also be caused by a variety of other health conditions or imbalances. The best way to know for sure is to speak with a healthcare provider. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Women unite their voices to call for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
In Kinshasa, women from across the country are raising their voices to demand an end to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Their plea took the form of a detailed advocacy note, officially submitted to Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. The document is the result of a collective effort by women's associations and human rights groups. Drafted after nine consultation sessions held between February and April 2025, with support from MONUSCO, UN Women, and other UN agencies, the note outlines the critical challenges facing women and communities in conflict zones and offers concrete, realistic proposals for restoring peace. " Children suffer with no future. Women are raped without justice. We just want life to be normal again. Let this note be heard, and acted upon." declared Julienne Lusenge, who presented the document. Well known for her work defending women's rights and fighting sexual violence, Ms. Lusenge continues to champion peace and equality through her organization Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral. She was accompanied by activists from Kinshasa, Goma, Bunia, Beni, and Bukavu, all united in their call for peace. A Strong Call to Action Minister Wagner expressed deep understanding and support for the initiative. "Armed conflict, forced displacement, and sexual violence as a weapon of war are serious violations of human dignity and major barriers to development. When women call for peace, their voices must be heard with respect and urgency," she said. She emphasized the importance of the note, describing it as ' a timely call to action, responsibility, and solidarity, national and international alike. The Ministry will continue to carry this message to regional, continental, and global platforms. ' UN Women and other institutional representatives also praised the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mireille Laurier, Chief of MONUSCO's Gender Section, applauded the determination of Congolese women: " I salute the exceptional courage of these women who, despite adversity, continue their fight for a better future. Their strength deserves full recognition and support." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Juvenile among nine arrested for torturing two dalit men in Odisha's Ganjam district
BERHAMPUR: AMID the nation-wide outrage over brutal torture of two dalit men on cow smuggling suspicion, Dharakote police in Ganjam district on Tuesday said nine persons of Jahada village including a juvenile have been arrested for their involvement in the shocking crime. Ganjam SP Subhendu Patra said Sibasankar Mohanty, Satya Sahu, Bainath Bisoyi, Omm Gouda, Ganapati Palei, Santosh Dakua, Sankar Das, Narayan Dakua and the juvenile were arrested for assaulting and torturing Babuli Naik and Bulu Naik of Singipur village within Gangapur police limits. Patra said Babuli and Bulu filed a complaint in Dharakote police station on Sunday stating they were transporting a cow and two calves to their village on a cargo auto-rickshaw when a group of locals intercepted them at Kharigumma. Accusing them of transporting the cattle illegally, the group snatched their mobile phones and cash and demanded Rs 30,000 to release the animals. Dalit org meets RDC, demands strong action According to the FIR, when the victims refused to comply, the miscreants tied their limbs, thrashed them, partially shaved their heads at a local salon, forced them to crawl for nearly two km to Jahada village. They were also forced to consume grass and drain water at Jahada village chowk in full public glare. Police registered a case on basis of the complaint and during investigation, found involvement of the nine accused persons in the crime. The adult accused were produced in court on the day. Another four to five persons are likely to be arrested in connection with the incident, the SP added. Meanwhile, the Ganjam unit of Dalit Mahasabha along with the two victims met the revenue divisional commissioner (south) besides the Ganjam collector and SP and submitted memorandums addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi requesting an impartial inquiry into the incident and stringent measures to keep a check on such cow vigilantes. On the day, Bhanjanagar subcollector Umasankar Behera handed over Rs 10,000 each to their families and assured them of all assistance.
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia Launches Miri RDC
MIRI, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Ruang Daya Cipta (RDC), an initiative to empower science, technology and innovation (STI) within the community by Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), was launched here today. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, at an event attended by stakeholders, strategic partners, academics and the local community. According to YIM's statement today, the Miri RDC was developed as a result of strategic cooperation between the federal government and the Sarawak government, with YIM as the main implementing agency responsible for providing facilities, training and STI-related programmes. "The RDC serves as a community platform that provides access to facilities, equipment and training related to the STI field. Through the RDC, the local community has the opportunity to develop their creative potential and create relevant and sustainable innovative solutions," the statement said. So far, a total of 23 RDCs have been established nationwide, including four each in Sabah and Johor; two each in Sarawak, Pahang, Kelantan, Selangor and Perak; and one each in Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. The Miri RDC, which was completed in October 2023, is located at the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri, and is equipped with facilities such as computers, 3D printers, and a digital studio to support the development of technological skills and creativity within the community. Through a social innovation approach, the RDC provides direct access to technology and training, thereby enabling rural communities like those in Miri to participate in and benefit from opportunities in the digital economy. "The establishment of this facility is also in line with the implementation of the MOSTI Social Innovation Policy (DIS) which emphasises the creation of an inclusive STI ecosystem that directly benefits the community, especially at the grassroots level," the statement said. The RDC also supports Core 2 of DIS, which focuses on the cultivation and empowerment of creativity, as well as Core 4, which emphasises the development of integrated social innovation infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Empowering youth to love and protect nature
The participants of the Environmental Education Programme at RDC, Sepilok. SANDAKAN (June 22): In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), under the management of the Sabah Forestry Department, organized a one-day Environmental Education Programme on June 21 at RDC, Sepilok. With the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution & Love Our Nature,' the event was to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among youth through immersive, nature-based learning experiences. This programme was organised in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), as part of the nationwide initiative, National Training Week (NTW), from June 14 to 21. A total of 51 students aged between nine and 22 years, along with 16 adult participants, took part in the programme. The participants represented Sepilok Junior Rangers, Al-Yakin Orphanage, St. Mary's Youth Hostel and Sekolah Rendah Islam Ar-Raudhah. Their involvement reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the programme, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to share experience and knowledge in a supportive, nature-based learning environment. The participants joined one of two themed learning tracks: bird watching and craft-making using reused No. 6 plastic, or Junior Entomologist and Eco-Brick making. These interactive sessions were designed to provide exposure to biodiversity and plastic waste issues while allowing participants to gain practical knowledge about birds, insects and sustainable living. In addition to building awareness, the programme also encouraged communication, critical thinking and peer engagement around environmental topics. As part of the initiative, selected members of the Sepilok Junior Rangers went through a Train-the-Trainer exercise, where they will practise leadership and facilitation skills by assisting RDC educators in guiding younger participants. This exercise served to build their confidence and ability to inspire others, nurturing their potential as young environmental ambassadors. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, emphasized that the programme has empowered young people with the knowledge and values to care for the environment. Through meaningful contact with nature and collaborative learning, the initiative fostered a sense of personal responsibility and inspired long-term environmental stewardship among the next generation.
