Latest news with #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder
IOL News
6 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
5 skincare blunders to avoid: your skin will thank you later
Men naturally produce more sebum (oil), especially those with high testosterone levels. It often becomes an innocent casualty of colder air, dry heaters, and a little too much 'I'll deal with it later,' leaving some of us starting to feel (and look) a little … worn down. Winter hits differently. The days get shorter, the mood dips a little lower, and our skin? And in light of Men's Mental Health Month, there's never been a better time to talk about showing up for yourself, from the inside and the outside. Because, as cliché as it sounds, looking good really does help you feel better. And when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) threatens to cloud your glow, paying attention to small daily habits can make all the difference. It's a known fact that there's power in taking care of yourself. And no, we're not talking about doing a 10-step skincare routine or spending a fortune on fancy products. We're talking about ditching the small, everyday habits that secretly sabotage your skin and possibly your self-esteem, too. Because sometimes, nothing beats the blues better than looking good and feeling in control. 1. Skipping SPF: The 'manly' mistake that's hurting your skin We get it. Sunscreen feels like a 'summer thing.' But it's non-negotiable, even in winter. Dr Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist, explained to "Men's Health" that, 'Sunscreen is your ultimate line of defence against UV radiation even when the sun isn't blazing.' And yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 12.3% of men over 18 wear sunscreen when outside for more than an hour. That's shockingly low. UV damage builds up over time, and for South African men, especially those with darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture can creep up silently. And yes, black and brown skin can get sunburnt and skin cancer, too. Pro tip: Look for moisturisers with broad-spectrum SPF 30. Two birds, one product. 2. Sleeping on dirty sheets? Your skin hates you for it Your face spends six to eight hours a night on your pillow. Now, imagine that pillow hasn't been washed in weeks. Men naturally produce more sebum (oil), especially those with high testosterone levels. This oil transfers to pillowcases, mixes with sweat and dead skin, and becomes a breeding ground for breakouts and irritation. Dermatologists warn that this also triggers conditions like eczema and acne mechanica, a form of acne caused by pressure and friction. Pro tip: Wash your pillowcases every three to four days. You'll see the difference. 3. Using body soap on your face? That's a hard no It might be easy, but it's one of the fastest ways to wreck your skin barrier. Body soap is designed for thick, rougher body skin, not your sensitive face. These soaps often contain harsh detergents that strip your skin of its natural oils. What follows? Dryness, flakiness, irritation, and premature ageing. 4. Skipping moisturiser: Oiliness is not the same as hydration If you think your skin is too oily for moisturiser, you're not alone. But it's a myth that needs killing. Green says, 'Dehydrated skin can actually cause your oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to more breakouts and shine.' So by skipping moisturiser, you're setting off a chain reaction that does the opposite of what you want. Experts advise choosing an oil-free or gel-based moisturiser if you're acne-prone or feel greasy easily. 5. Picking at ingrown hairs and pimples? You're making it worse Whether you're dealing with coarse facial hair or the odd breakout, picking is tempting but damaging. Dermatologists explain that digging at ingrown or squeezing pimples spreads bacteria, causes hyperpigmentation, and often leaves behind dark marks and scars. That 'quick fix' actually sets your skin back weeks. Helps to use a warm compress and gentle exfoliation for ingrown hairs, and spot-treat pimples with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Hands off. Skin + self-worth When you look good, you feel good, and while skincare won't cure depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), taking charge of your physical appearance can boost self-esteem, improve mood, and give you small wins that matter. A 2021 study in BMC Public Health found that men who engaged in regular self-care routines reported lower stress and improved emotional well-being. And in winter, when SAD is more common, those routines can become anchors that help you stay daily, even on cloudy days Wash your pillowcases often Use face wash, not body soap Moisturise, even if you're oily Stop picking, treat, don't poke Your skin tells a story of how you care for yourself, what you prioritise, and how you're feeling inside. This winter, and during Men's Mental Health Month, let that story be one of empowerment, self-respect and growth.
India Today
25-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Why routine health checks are crucial during the monsoon season
The monsoon season, although providing a much-needed reprieve from the blazing summer heat, also brings a slew of health issues. Increased humidity, stagnant water and variable temperatures promote the spread of different diseases. Routine health check-ups are essential at this time for detecting and avoiding illnesses and ensuring overall spoke with Dr Rashmi Khadapkar, Senior Research Scientist and Senior DGM – R&D Operations at Agilus and Dr Kunal Sharma, Head of Centre of Excellence (COE) and Histopathology at Agilus to get more insights on the Surge in waterborne and vector-borne diseases Waterborne illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera are prevalent during the monsoon season due to contaminated water sources. Stagnant water also serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which increases the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. For instance, Pune reported a significant spike in hepatitis and typhoid infections in May 2025 compared to the previous health screenings aid in the early detection of certain diseases, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of consequences.2. Exacerbation of respiratory and gastrointestinal issuesThe damp and humid conditions during monsoon can aggravate respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Mold growth and increased pollen count further contribute to respiratory distress. Furthermore, fluctuations in temperature can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and food poisoning. For example, Nagpur saw an increase in diarrhoea cases due to shifting weather conditions and poor Monitoring chronic conditionsPatients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis may experience worsening symptoms during the monsoon season. High humidity can affect blood sugar levels and increase joint pain. Routine check-ups assist in closely monitoring these conditions, allowing for timely adjustments in treatment plans.4. Strengthening immunity and nutritional assessmentSudden weather changes can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Regular health checkups provide insights into one's overall health and immune function. Doctors may recommend vitamin supplements and dietary changes to bolster immunity.5. Mental health considerationsThe gloomy and dark monsoon days may have a significant impact on mental health, potentially triggering conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and mood swings. Regular check-ups, including mental health evaluations, can help in diagnosing and managing these disorders, thereby ensuring overall HEALTH CHECK-UPS DURING MONSOONA comprehensive monsoon health check-up typically includes:Complete Blood Count (CBC): To detect infections and assess overall and Kidney Function Tests: To monitor organ health, especially if affected by waterborne and Malaria Tests: Particularly if experiencing fever or flu-like X-ray: For individuals who are prone to respiratory Assessment: To diagnose deficiencies and suggest dietary MEASURES TO COMPLEMENT HEALTH CHECK-UPS Maintain Hygiene: Infections can be avoided by regularly washing your hands and keeping your living space clean and Hydrated: Drink plenty of clean, boiled, or purified water to prevent dehydration and associated a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants to boost the immune Stagnant Water: To avoid mosquito breeding, remove any standing water around the Protection: Mosquito repellents and nets are essential to prevent vector-borne Dry: Change out of wet clothes promptly to prevent skin Safety: Ensure that all food is well-cooked, and avoid eating from street vendors during the monsoon.- Ends
Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Tend to feel sad in winter? It might be in your genes
Feeling sad in the winter could be caused by your genetics, a study suggests. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects around one in 20 people in the UK and leads to low mood and other mental health issues in the colder, darker months. Now researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a gene – SLC20A2 – which makes some people even more susceptible to the condition. The study of more than 3,000 shift workers, who wore Fitbit-style activity trackers, revealed that how well they coped with changes to their daily schedule across the seasons showed correlation with differences in their genes. Dr Ruby Kim, assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Michigan and study author, said: 'Humans really are seasonal, even though we might not want to admit that in our modern context. 'Day length, the amount of sunlight we get, it really influences our physiology. 'The study shows that our biologically hardwired seasonal timing affects how we adjust to changes in our daily schedules.' The finding that circadian rhythm was linked to seasonal mood adds credence to the belief that seasonal depression is, to some extent, hardwired into our DNA. 'For some people they might be able to adapt better, but for other people it could be a whole lot worse,' said Prof Daniel Forger, director of the Michigan Center for Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics. The SLC20A2 gene has been seen in animal studies to be linked to seasonality, and the team is now preparing further investigations into how this gene impacts humans. 'We found significant differences in daily steps, time awake, and heart rate-sleep misalignment throughout the year across different genotypes, grouped by polymorphisms [differing characteristics] of the SLC20A2 gene,' the scientists write in their study. 'We see much larger differences in heart rate-sleep misalignment between the genotype groups in the winter than in the summer. 'Based on these findings, we hypothesise that SLC20A2 influences photoperiodic encoding [reaction to day length] in humans.' The scientists think it is possible this gene 'may be involved in seasonal timing in humans' and could dictate if a person struggles with night shifts or can manage them well. 'We do not think that SLC20A2 alone can explain differences in seasonal behaviours and shift work adaptation, but it may contribute as one of many genetic factors influencing inter-individual variability,' the authors write. Prof Forger added: 'Brain physiology has been at work for millions of years trying to track dusk and dawn. 'Then industrialisation comes along in the blink of evolution's eye and, right now, we're still racing to catch up.'
Buzz Feed
01-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
"It's Giving Small-Plate, Fusion Wine Bar" At A Tiny Fraction Of The Cost — Our 15 Favorite Recipes To Make Over The Past Month
We left the 'too tired to cook' energy back in March and cooked up an absolute storm this April. Maybe it's the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) finally wearing off, or the fact that spring produce is actually starting to taste like something — either way, the motivation to cook came back with a vengeance. From cozy pastas to sushi bakes, these were the top recipes on our Tasty app this month. And trust me: they're worth adding to your rotation. 1. Korean Banchan Potatoes Tasty Crispy potatoes without turning on the oven (or the air fryer)? YAS. If you never considered tossing potatoes in a soy glaze before, baby, turn on your growth mindset and give it a try. 2. Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake Tasty 3. Lemon Posset Tasty I might not be 100,000% sure what "posset" means, but I am 1,000,000,000% sure I could eat at least 3 of these 4-ingredient custardy desserts. 4. Sushi Bake Tostadas Tasty 5. Classic Carrot Cake Tasty We put pineapple and raisins in ours. People love it, no biggie. If you have a thing against raisins, just leave 'em out. It's still a great cake and perfect for spring. 7. Chicken Caesar Salad Cones Tasty 8. Tasty 9. Gochujang Carbonara Tasty So, yeah, that's the sexiest pile of noodles I've ever seen. And I used to live in Italy. 10. One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Tasty Our one-pan chicken thighs take less than 45 minutes start to finish — faster than ordering takeout most of the time. 11. Dubai Chocolate Baklava Tasty 12. Strawberry Sago 13. 14. Avocado Hashbrown Toast Tasty Technically, the chili oil is optional in this recipe (which happens to be gluten-free). But it's optional in the same way teachers say attendance is optional... pssst... It's not really optional. 15. Harissa Shrimp Quesadillas Tasty I usually save my pre-shredded cheese and tortillas for post-bar, late-night snacking, but some of you clearly had better plans this month. This veggie-packed, harissa shrimp quesadilla was a major hit. Help decide what's most popular next month by downloading the free Tasty app. You'll have access to thousands of recipes fit for your week ahead and be able to see what other Tasty users are cooking up in real-time — no subscription required.
Black America Web
30-04-2025
- Health
- Black America Web
Sun's Out, Still Down? Understanding Seasonal Depression In Spring And Summer
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Inside Creative House / Getty It's finally feeling like spring is in the air! The weather is warming up, the pollen invasion is winding down, and summer is just around the corner. Time to shake off those winter blues, touch some grass, and engage in some much needed summer fun. But what if your mood is still feeling dark and cold despite the sunny weather? Or maybe even because of it? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically impacts people during the winter months. However, studies show that seasonal depression isn't limited to just one time of the year. While it's less common, summertime seasonal depression is very real and thankfully, there are effective ways to ward off summertime SAD and look forward to brighter days ahead. RELATED: Here's How Social Connection Helps Combat Depression Source: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty SAD affects about four to six percent of the population who typically experience an increase in depressive symptoms during the winter months, when days are shorter and colder and people are more isolated. However, about 10 percent of those with SAD experience their symptoms in the summer months. Researchers are still trying to definitively determine what causes SAD but many believe extreme weather to be one of the culprits. Winter weather limits the body's access to Vitamin D from sunlight which can cause a dip in serotonin levels leading to an unhappy mood. However, the excessive heat of the spring and summer months can be equally unbearable and depressing as the winter cold. Trying to beat the heat by staying indoors and remaining isolated can lead to depressive episodes. Symptoms of summer depression are consistent with typical SAD symptoms and include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, depression and anxiety. Source: Drazen Zigic / Getty While for many people, summertime comes with fun in the sun, the warm days can also bring with them new stresses and triggers. Maintaining a routine is important for maintaining good mental health but the spring and summer months often come with multiple changes in personal schedules. Planned summer travel plus prolonged breaks from school for students or parents with children can disrupt sleep, meal times, and other self care habits which can lead to depression. Summer weather also puts body image issues on full display. Studies show that Black women experience higher rates of body dysmorphic disorders (BDD) and as temperatures rise, clothing becomes more revealing and insecurities can be on exposed. Feelings of embarrassment, inadequacy, or over exposure can cause anxiety, body dysmorphia, or isolation from outdoor social activities. Speaking of socializing, the spring and summer months are plentiful/abounding/have no shortage of outdoor activities to get involved in. But that can also create a sense of pressure in some people (or FOMO) to say yes to every plan, draining their bank accounts and their mental battery. If everyone else is having a good time having fun in the sun, why can't you? Experiencing SAD in the spring and summer months can lead to feelings of shame and guilt that only exacerbate depressive symptoms. There is help available for people who struggle with seasonal depression at any time of the year. If you're experiencing what you think may be depression symptoms, consult a physician or therapist right away. You can also preemptively combat summertime SAD by planning ahead for the warmer months. Eating a healthy diet to maintain balanced mood and energy levels, getting enough sleep, and staying as active as possible through exercise and socializing can also help you feel better. A doctor might also describe medication to help offset feelings of depression and anxiety. Most of all, don't get down on yourself if you're not feeling up to fun in the sun this spring and summertime. Everyone is different and enjoys different things. The most important thing you can do any time of year is to take care of yourself in the unique ways that you need. DON'T MISS… Prayer Garden: Why You Need One and How to Create It Let the Sunshine In: Surprising Health Benefits of Sunlight 7 Wellness Spas to Add to Your Bucket List Take the Plunge: Surprising Benefits of Cold Therapy for Your Body, Mind, and Skin SEE ALSO Sun's Out, Still Down? Understanding Seasonal Depression In Spring And Summer was originally published on
