Illustration of a nurse helping an older woman with a cane.
Aging, Brain and Nervous System, Dementia, Diet

Aging with a healthy brain: How lifestyle changes could help prevent up to 40% of dementia cases

By adopting positive lifestyle habits, we could theoretically prevent about 40 per cent of dementias. While there is no guarantee of warding off cognitive decline, people can greatly reduce their risk of dementia by increasing their physical activity levels, ensuring they are mentally active and increasing social contact, while avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

Diet, Nutrition, Weight Loss

Australian study links holiday feasting to yo-yo weight gain

Easter, a time of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, saw a an average gain of about 244g (0.29% of average participant body weight). The Australian summer months associated with Christmas and New Year, feasts and festivities, had an even larger average increase of approximately 546g (0.65% of average participant body weight). We also found a weekly cycle, with weight peaking on the weekend, when many people are likely letting their hair down after a busy work week and may be drinking and eating more.

Diet, Fitness, Nutrition, Weight Loss

It’s time to bust the ‘calories in, calories out’ weight-loss myth

One reason the simple “calories in, calories out” formula is not so simple is our bodies don’t consume every calorie the same way. What’s shown in your calorie counter is not what’s actually absorbed in your body. Different calorie sources also have different effects on our hormones, brain response and energy expenditure, changing how we respond to and manage our food intake.