May 28, 2024
Air pollution exposure is a known risk factor for stroke risk because inhaled particulates can cause pulmonary blood vessel inflammation. A new study suggests outdoor light pollution at night may also boost stroke risk.
The theory is that too much light at night may interfere with melatonin production and the sound sleep it induces.
When you laugh, your hypothalamus and pituitary gland release endorphins, a hormone that can elevate mood and make you feel happier. Laughter also increases respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, which boosts a sense of well-being, and in one study, it was found to lower overall glucose levels after a meal.
Drug overdose deaths stayed steady in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with 107,941 deaths recorded, slightly higher than the 106,699 in 2021. Most of the deaths were linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Deaths due to heroin, methadone and prescription painkillers have been declining.
Daily doses of baby aspirin are sometimes recommended for adults to help prevent heart attack or stroke. A small study suggests a similar therapy might help reduce liver fat in patients with metabolic-associated liver disease, or MASLD.
MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is widespread. It’s estimated that one in three Americans has a problematic amount of fat in their livers, which can ultimately result in scarring and organ dysfunction.
It’s not known yet how aspirin might decrease liver fat or scarring.
Sternutate — sneeze
Gelotophobia — fear of being laughed at
The Major League Eating speed-eating record for garlicky greens is 7.5 pounds in five minutes, held by Pete Davekos. No one stuck around to congratulate him.
Beondegi is a Korean snack food made with silkworm pupae. (Beondegi means pupa). Boiled or steamed, beondegi is served in paper cups with toothpick skewers at street stalls. It reportedly has a nutty, shrimplike taste with a hint of canned corn.
Doctor: “How much physical activity do you get each day?”
Patient: “I usually sit on a computer for at least 12 hours a day.”
Doctor: “That’s not good for your health.”
Patient: “You’re telling me. I should probably sit on a chair.”
“Dad always thought laughter was the best medicine, which I guess was why several of us died of tuberculosis.”
— American humorist Jack Handey (1949-)
This week in 1884, a patent for “flaked cereal” was applied for by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, who was trying to improve the vegetarian diet of his hospital patients by creating a digestible bread substitute using boiled wheat.
Kellogg accidentally left a pot of boiled wheat to stand and become tempered. When it was put through a rolling process, each grain of wheat emerged as a large, thin flake. When the flakes were baked, they became crisp and light, creating an easy-to-prepare breakfast when milk was added.
His brother Will Keith Kellogg (W.K.) began his cereal-making career in the 1890s when he assisted his brother, saw the commercial potential and created the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Co. (now Kellogg’s).
According to some, drinking four glasses of water at the beginning of each day helps prevent heart attacks and remedies various conditions, including diabetes and tuberculosis. It’s quite popular in some countries.
However, there is no empirical evidence to support the practice.
The only medical condition where research has shown increased fluid intake is helpful is constipation. The additional fluid (water or juices) lowers risk of dehydration and may help soften stools, making them easier to pass. It does not, however, necessarily treat the underlying cause of the constipation.
Sunanda Kumariratana was the queen of Siam (now Thailand) and consort to King Rama V. In 1880, the boat she was riding in on the way to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace capsized, and she was thrown into the water. Dozens of people watched her drown, knowing that touching the queen was a capital offense even if it meant saving her life.
LaFee is vice president of communications for the Sanford Burnham Prebys research institute.
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