New research shows that adults who have low fruit and vegetable intakes have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This finding helps to explain the discovery of an association or correlation between body composition and anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders include social anxiety; generalized anxiety in which a person feels anxious on most days, worrying about lots of different things, for a period of six months or more; some specific phobias; panic disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Canadian researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and discovered that individuals who consume less than 3 sources of fruits and vegetables daily, presented at least at 24 percent higher odds of anxiety disorder diagnosis. The study was led by Dr. Karen Davison, a health science faculty member and nutrition informatics lab director at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in British Columbia.

This may also partly explain the findings associated with body composition measures. As levels of total body fat increased beyond 36 percent, the likelihood of anxiety disorder was increased by more than 70 percent, said co-author Jose Mora-Almanza.

Increased body fat may be linked to greater inflammation. Emerging research suggests that some anxiety disorders can be linked to inflammation, Davison said.

Researchers found that in addition to diet and body composition measures, the prevalence of anxiety disorders differed by gender, marital status, income, immigrant status and several health issues.

Gender also appears to play a role as one in nine women had an anxiety disorder compared to one in fifteen men.

Our findings are in keeping with previous research which has also indicated that women are more vulnerable to anxiety disorders than men, said co-author Dr. Karen Kobayashi, Professor in the Department of Sociology and a Research Affiliate at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health at the University of Victoria.

The prevalence of anxiety disorders among those who had always been single (13.9 percent) was much higher than among those who were living with a partner (7.8 percent). Approximately one in five respondents with household incomes under $20,000 per year had anxiety disorders, more than double the prevalence of their richer peers.

We were not surprised to find that those in poverty had such a high prevalence of anxiety disorders; struggling to afford basics such as food and housing causes relentless stress and is inherently anxiety inducing, says co-author Hongmei Tong, Assistant Professor of Social Work at MacEwan University in Edmonton.

Individuals with three or more health conditions had fivefold the prevalence of anxiety disorders in comparison to those with no chronic conditions (16.4 percent vs 3 percent). Those in chronic pain had double the prevalence of anxiety disorders in comparisons to those who were free of pain.

Chronic pain and multiple health conditions make life very unpredictable and can be anxiety producing. One never knows whether health problems will interfere with work or family responsibilities and many activities become more challenging and time consuming, said co-author Shen (Lamson) Lin, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto.

Perhaps as a surprise, immigrants to Canada had a lower prevalence of anxiety disorders compared to their peers born in Canada (6.4 % vs. 9.3%).

Immigrants may face a myriad of challenges associated with resettling in a new country, including language barriers, poverty, difficulties in getting qualifications recognized, and limited social support, so it seems counterintuitive that they should have a lower likelihood of anxiety disorders than those born in Canada.

It may be that potential immigrants with anxiety disorders would find the challenges of relocation too anxiety-inducing and would therefore not choose to immigrate, so there is a self-selection for those with lower anxiety, said senior author Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, a professor at FIFSW and director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging.

The longitudinal study on aging included 26,991 men and women between the ages of 45 and 85. Findings appear in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Researchers note that an important limitation of the study was that the assessment of anxiety disorders was based upon self-reporting of a medical diagnosis.

To adjust for this, authors conducted multivariate analyses taking into account the use of a family physician in the past year to address the possibility of under-reporting of anxiety disorders among those who rarely visited health professionals.

This adjustment was not found to substantially change the associations discussed above.

It is estimated that 10 percent of the global population will suffer from anxiety disorders which are a leading cause of disability, said Davison.

Our findings suggest that comprehensive approaches that target health behaviors, including diet, as well as social factors, such as economic status, may help to minimize the burden of anxiety disorders among middle-aged and older adults, including immigrants.

Source: University of Toronto/EurekAlert

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Read more:
Unhealthy Diet Linked to Anxiety Disorders - PsychCentral.com

Experiencing weightlessness, gazing back at the Earth as a pale blue dot and the adrenaline rush of being propelled into orbit at 20,000mph: life as an astronaut has various unique attractions.

The food is not among them, with space travellers over the years enduring delicacies such as freeze-dried ice-cream, liquid salt and pepper, and dehydrated prawn cocktail. However, the menu is now set to be expanded, with the first space-grown lettuce having been found to be as safe, nutritious and palatable as the Earth-grown variety.

Gioia Massa of Nasa Kennedy Space Center, the lead scientist on the lettuce-growing project, said that growing food in space could be crucial for astronauts on long-duration missions such as Artemis III, scheduled to land humans on the lunar south pole by 2024, and Nasas first crewed mission to Mars, planned for the late 2020s.

If you store packaged food for a long duration the quality, flavour and nutritional quality decrease, the vitamins degrade, she said. We cant guarantee that theyre going to get enough nutrition right now.

She added: There may also be psychological benefits of growing plants and looking after plants.

Space food is said to have improved in recent years anything sent to the International Space Station (ISS) has to score a six or above on a one-to-nine taste scale where one is the worst thing youve ever tasted. But even so, astronauts can grow fatigued of eating the same old vacuum-packed meals.

Theres some weight loss in many of the astronauts, said Massa.

Lettuce was grown in batches onboard the ISS between 2014-16. The vegetable production system known as Veggie comprised of plant pillows (sealed units containing ceramic soil), LED lighting and a watering system that involved astronauts injecting water through a tube.

The lettuce crops grew undisturbed for 33 to 56 days before being harvested and eaten, or deep-frozen and returned to Earth for chemical and biological analysis. Astronauts rubbed the leaves with sanitised wipes before eating. We dont want to get anyone sick. Thats why were doing all this, said Massa.

The space-grown lettuce was similar in composition to Earth-grown controls, and some plants were even richer in elements such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc. They had higher levels of bacteria, possibly due to their growing in a warmer, more humid and closed-air system, but were not found to carry any dangerous bacteria such as coliform E coli or salmonella. The findings of the project are published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science.

Nasa is now expanding the range of produce grown onboard the ISS, with plans for pak choi, dragoon lettuce, wasabi mustard and red Russian kale to be grown later this year, as well as tomatoes and peppers. It will be longer before these can be transformed into a stir fry, however. We have nowhere to cook up there so were looking at things that taste good fresh, said Massa.

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Space-grown lettuce to give astronauts a more varied diet - The Guardian

This is what we expected Moyo to do when we showed him a target buoy for the first time. When he touched it with his nose to sniff it, we used our bridge (the clicker) and gave him a reward. Timing is the most important part of capturing a behavior, so you can communicate to an animal exactly what they did to earn a reward and what they can do to earn it in the future. With a few repetitions, Moyo quickly learned that touching his nose to the target buoy each time its placed on the fence will earn him a treat.

Targeting is a great tool that we can use to train other behaviors, too. Weight can be an indicator of an animals health and body condition, but you cant just pick up a zebra and place him on a scale. Moyo has to put himself on the scale, and just as important, he has to want to. Stepping onto a platform that feels and sounds unfamiliar was not something Moyo initially wanted to do. When asking an animal to do something that scares them, it is important to slowly build their confidence and keep the experience positive. Its also important that the animal has a well-established relationship with their keeper. That trust allows them to feel safer.

Because Moyo has such a positive relationship with his main keeper, Deb Grupenhoff, she was able to build his confidence over time. He first learned to follow his target around the scale, and then onto it. Finally, he learned to stop with all four feet placed on the scale. Eventually, Moyo learned that the scale is not dangerous, and he is rewarded with treats each time he is weighed. He does noteven need his target anymore.

See the original post:
How Do You Train a Zebra? - Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Dog training is more than just suggesting to your dog that he should stop doing what he is doing. Dog training is confidence; you teach him how to feel safe and know you're going to take care of him. It's also not generally a complicated process, but it's a process that requires a lot of patience, and the ability to interpret the types of training techniques are most appropriate for the particular dog you're training. This specific training is a practice we engage with our dog and not to our dogs. For every dog or puppy, we want to train, the most important thing is to get started today because it is a journey of a process.

To train a dog, there is a need for the right equipment and patience to get the job done. Equipment is an essential part of the training, and it has to make the dog feel comfortable. Be sure to check leather dog equipment online with your veterinarian to make sure you make the right choice when purchasing your dog training equipment.

CHECK IT FOR:

Make sure you close the collar and the buckles correctly and securely.

If your dog is a puppy, make sure it fits well and isn't big enough.

Check all for wear and tear, and particularly for chews and rips where the mouth of the dog can touch/reach it.

ESSENTIAL AND SAFETY DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT:

A collar with a clip or buckle attached to it. It should be loose but not too much. It's not supposed to have a choke, remember that your dog is in training and will need some patience and space.

A lead of about four to six feet is perfect for the job. If the lead is too short, the dog will feel uncomfortable and trapped if it is too long, you will find it difficult to control the dog and express your wishes and orders. The leads are made of different types of materials, but the best and easiest to use are canvas, leather, or nylon. Do not use a chain lead when you are exercising your dog.

Also, a poop scoop is required when you go out with your dog. Each time you take your dog out, some sort of poop scoop is also essential. These have many styles and are made of various materials.

EFFECTIVE TIPS ON TRAINING YOUR DOG

Every teaching requires attention if you're teaching humans the attention of the person is needed, but in this case, you're teaching an animal off-which it's attention is required. If your dog doesn't pay attention to you, the training will all be in vain, no matter how many times you show him something or ask him for something. The first trick to teach your dog is to get his attention with a little treat. If he listens to you, you can start with simple commands such as "Sit," "Down," "Roll Over," and "Stay." You should move to the more complex directions like "Fetch" once these are mastered. Consistency is the secret to your dog's training success, but it is also essential to initially restrict your training time to 15 minutes a day.

The training environment must be safe, quiet, and distraction-free so that the attention of your dog stays firmly fixed upon you. Start teaching a new behavior always in an environment of minimal distractions, like your living room. If your dog has learned to behave inside your home, slowly move to places with more distractions-for instance, an exercise in your yard, then on a quiet street, then in a park, later on, a busier street with people walking about, and so forth.

Treat your dog with his favorite food, a hug, or even a stroll as pet masters your commands should be one by one. Reward and positive reinforcement are the keys to get your pet motivated. When he is earning a treat or receiving love, he will want to repeat his acts and follow a particular order. Nonetheless, persevere whether he roams away or refuses any instructions. If your dog is not doing what you are asking him to do, go back to the point where he's been good. He is neither stubborn nor disobedient. Most possibly, he doesn't know what you want him to do. e.g., if your dog knows how to sit and stay for ten seconds, but will not do it for 20 seconds, go back to ten seconds and build on that slowly. Getting going in crawl steps is safer than setting the dog up for failure.

Fully or total patience is required when teaching a dog, and giving up halfway does nothing-for you both. Do not give him what he wants unless he begins to obey your commands. But consistency is the key to your dog's effective training.

If your dog shows any signs of provocation, to prevent escalation, always contact a trainer sooner rather than later. Choose a skilled trainer who uses strength-free, constructive strengthening techniques when you need more assistance in training your dog.

If your dog doesn't feel good, this may affect his behavior, but in this situation, training isn't the answer. To keep your dog safe, feed him on a high-quality diet, provide regular physical activity and play, and encourage socialization, mental stimulation, and enough rest and quiet time. Has your dog tested by a veterinarian regularly? When you note a sudden change in his attitude or any indications that he doesn't feel right, a veterinary examination is required before you adopt a training program. Training the dog has endurance, discipline, and plenty of bonuses to it.

Make the workout enjoyable and optimistic, and he will react the way you want him!

2018 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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How to Effectively and Safely Train Your Dog - Nature World News

If youre forever afflicted by period pain and menstrual cramps, these simple remedies will bring you truckloads of relief!

Women across the world suffer from menstrual cramps before, and during, their period.

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Scientifically, they happen because the muscles of the womb contract and relax to help shed the tissues and built-up lining in the uterus. However, the intensity may vary from woman to woman due to certain lifestyle factors.

If youre someone who maintains a healthy diet and exercises regularly, chances are youd experience zero or mild pain at best. Whereas if youre someone who doesnt routinely follow a healthy lifestyle, you may possibly suffer from unbearable period pain.

In both cases, you need some home remedies to help you through the trying time. Read on for super helpful tips on how you can relatively have a painless, cramp-free period cycle:

This hot and cold abdomen pack, made of cotton fabric, is designed to relieve pain in the lower back and abdomen areas by combining hot and cold therapy with aromatherapy. You can heat it or refrigerate it according to your needs and benefit immensely from the aromatic herbs, oils and seeds that are infused into the material. The elastic velcro strap secures it safely into place, allowing you to move freely while applying the pack.

This roll-on is made using five essential oilsrosemary, eucalyptus, methane crystal and lavenderall blended in a composition that helps in reducing menstrual cramps and period pain in women.

The oils are mixed based on traditional Ayurvedic formulas of aromatherapy, that work wonders for you. Just roll it gently on the affected areas, and get instant relief.

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This is an easy-to-apply patch which helps the affected area of discomfort by providing instant relief. Made using menthol and eucalyptus oil that are known to provide relief from pain, inflammation and gastrointestinal difficulties; these patches are recommended for usage on the lower abdomen or lower back during cramps.

Theyre entirely chemical-free and work for 8-12 hours.

Studies show that chamomile tea considerably helps relieve menstrual cramps and bloating. Thats because the tea helps increase glycine in the bodya chemical that relieves muscle spasms and acts as a nerve relaxant. Drinking a cup or two during your period will also ensure you get a good nights sleep.

Both dark chocolates and peanut butter contain magnesium and fibre that ease muscle cramps quicker. Magnesium helps regulate serotonin and also prevents you from bloating. Its wise to choose a chocolate with a greater cocoa content for best results.

Also, remember to keep yourself hydrated. So, water should be your best friend too during that time of the month.

Also Read: 5 Body Oils & Butters That Will Reduce And Smoothen Stretch Marks Naturally

(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Picture Credits: Sanfe Roll-On

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Excerpt from:
Dread Period Pain? 5 Effective Traditional Remedies to Reduce Cramps - The Better India

A trial industrial hemp crop in Western Australia. Image DPIRD.

AUSTRALIAN researchers might know by the end of this year whether industrial hemp has potential or problems as a feed source for sheep.

A new research project backed by the Western Australian McGowan Government will examine the potential for hemp as a feed source for sheep.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the project at the Australian Industrial Hemp Conference in Fremantle late last month.

Ms MacTiernans office said interest is growing in the industrial hemp industry, due to the crops versatility for a range of end products spanning from food and oil, to textiles, paper, building materials and fuel.

The Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, in collaboration with ChemCentre WA and Charles Sturt University, will lead the research project to test the nutritional value of hemp as a summer grazing option for sheep. The trials are planned for WA and New South Wales, and will examine the meat quality of sheep on a hemp diet.

The research aims to enhance understanding around potential transfer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to meat products, to determine if hemp can be safely used as a feed source for food producing animals. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives the high sensation to users. However, industrial hemp varieties contain lower THC levels than cannabis grown to produce marijuana for medical or recreational use. The low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) variety ofCannabis sativa, has been identified as a high-yielding (5-15t biomass/ha, 0.6-1.2t seed/ha).

Meat products supplied for human consumption in WA are not permitted to contain detectable levels of THC, with similar restrictions affecting the use of hemp as feed across Australia and a number of other countries. The project also has funding support from research partners and industry partner St Francis Group.

An industrial hemp crop in Western Australia. Image DPIRD.

Livestock research and development director for WAs Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Dr Bruce Mullan said industrial hemp has been grown around Australia for some time.

But current regulations restrict grazing livestock because of the THC content.

Current regulation in Australia restricts grazing livestock on hemp crops due to lack of data on the accumulation of THC in animal tissues. The research project aims to provide preliminary data on sheep fed industrial hemp biomass at varying doses. Two experiments will measure THC metabolism, excretion, storage and clearance, digestibility, stress response, animal performance and meat quality.

So as a crop it has been grown for other purposes, but there is still an opportunity there for it to be used for livestock.

And if we dont have guidelines then people will start using it without approval probably, so we have got to provide some basic information, Dr Mullan said.

Dr Mullan said the initial trial work will look at the nutrient value of hemp for sheep.

But it will also look at THC excretion and accumulation; is it going just into the fat or is it going into the meat, what is the turnover?

Sheep will be fed pellets with various levels of hemp and then the excretion and accumulation of THC will be measured.

The hemp is being grown now, so it will be harvested in the next month or so and the trial work will happen and be completed by the end of this year.

WAs Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the hemp industry is growing fast in WA, with hemp licences doubling over the past two years.

There are more than 70 commercial crops and seven hemp research plot trials this season, using 22 hemp varieties.

Research, such as the new livestock trials announced today, is vital to help fill information gaps and give growers, processors and innovators the knowledge to take this industry to the next level.

The McGowan Government has provided grants worth more than $400,000 to industry over the past 15 months to support hemp research, development and processing.

Link:
WA and NSW researchers not sheepish on hemp research - Sheep Central

If youve got a little one on the way, or are thinking about adding to your family soon, youre probably already focusing on your babys health and nourishment (#momlife). Which brings the conversation to your own nutrition: What if you are looking to lose weight before getting pregnant and want to try a diet of the moment, such as intermittent fasting (IF)? Or maybe you're curious about it's purported longevity or blood sugar benefits.

Whatever the reason is behind your IF interest, you might be curious about how to maintain those eating patterns during your actual pregnancy. Or, perhaps you just found out youre pregnant and want to know the safest way to continue or wean yourself off of a fasting diet.

Yep, these are questions and concerns that docs and prenatal nutritionists hear from expectant mamas these days, given all the hype surrounding fasting diets right now. So here's the lowdown on intermittent fasting for pregnant womenwith input from Jennifer Wu, MD, an ob-gyn at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and Nicole German Morgan, RDN, LD, CLT, a dietitian with a background in prenatal nutrition.

And, as always, experts advise you to always check in with your health-care provider before making any dietary changes, especially if youre newly pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Generally, fasting isnt recommended for pregnant women. While research shows that intermittent fasting can benefit metabolism, lead to weight loss, and may potentially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it can actually lower a pregnant womans blood sugar too much. Low blood sugar in combination with the natural drop in blood pressure in pregnant women could lead to lightheadedness and fainting, says Dr. Wu.

An older study that focused on religious intermittent fasting in pregnant women (with healthy pregnancies) found that fetal movement was lower when mothers were fasting. This makes sense, because her glucose levels would be low, and fetal movement is tied to how much glucose (aka an energy source for the bod) the fetus is able to get from the mother. That's why most religious fasting gives an exemption to pregnant women, Dr. Wu adds.

So, intense fasting is a no-go for pregnant women (more on that later). But the only type of fasting that may be safe for women who arent too far along in pregnancy is an overnight fast, for about 12 hours maximum. But, even doing a 12-hour fast depends on the trimester, explains Morgan.

During the early stages of the first trimester, its of course essential to focus on consuming enough important prenatal nutrients, but your body may not need that many more additional calories than your normal intake. In the third trimester, and the later stages of the second trimester, intermittent fasting may not be appropriate at allmany women will require an additional evening snack prior to bedtime, or need to eat quickly upon waking, Morgan explains.

You need to make sure that you are getting enough of the essential nutrients as well as calories (many pregnant women are advised to add about 300 extra calories a day), especially if you start out your pregnancy underweight or even at normal weight, so restricting your eating may not be the right solution, she adds.

If youre early on in the pregnancy, doing a modified version of intermittent fasting, by fasting overnight for about 12 hours (as mentioned) would be your only moderately safe option. According to Morgan, this would involve fasting from about 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. at night to 7 p.m. or 8 a.m. the next morning, which might be your normal eating schedule anyway.

But, you dont want to cram too many calories into a short period of time, as that isnt healthy for digestion, or miss out on calories necessary to nourish the baby by spacing out your eating too much, she points out. The other popular versions of IF schedulesthe 16:8 diet (where you eat within an eight-hour window), the 5:2 method, which involves eating normally five days a week and pulling back on calorie intake substantially two days a week, or alternate-day fastingshould all be off-limits, as theyre too extreme for any pregnant women.

Eating schedules are really different for everyone. But Dr. Wu generally recommends eating more frequently when you're pregnant instead, with small meals about every two to three hours, especially during the first trimester, when morning sickness is prevalent and you may not be in the mood to eat a huge meal at one time. This also helps to keep the blood sugar steady in the second and third trimesters, Dr. Wu says.

But for patients who struggle with heartburn during pregnancy, Dr. Wu suggests stopping eating about four hours before going to sleep to allow more time for digestion, since heartburn may be worse once you lie down in bed. If you follow those guidelines, you may not tend to eat until breakfast upon waking up, so it is actually somewhat similar to an IF schedule.

Yep, you want to eat more frequently, without large chunks of time without nutrients. Here's why: Eating more frequently helps keep your blood sugar and blood pressureand the babysstable. To promote more [weight] maintenance and less weight loss, it may be smart to widen your window of eating in order to be able to consume a more balanced diet, Morgan says.

Believe it or not, if youre trying for a baby, IF could help in some circumstances. If patients are overweight or obese, they may have irregular cycles and trouble ovulating, which can make it tough to get pregnant. So following an IF diet (which typically means you'll be restricting your calorie intake) may yield weight loss, and in turn, improve fertility.

For example: Women with polycystic ovary syndromeor PCOS, which often disrupts metabolism, the menstrual cycle, and ovulationmay encounter fertility issues. But, as one study showed, losing weight (by reducing calorie intake generally by 500 to 1,000 calories per day) may help overweight women with PCOS produce luteinizing hormone, and in turn, ovulate more regularly (and therefore get pregnant more easily). Dr. Wu asserts that IF is fine for weight loss, but that you should stop dieting upon finding out that youre pregnant.

On the other end of the spectrum, if youre underweight, continuing to restrict your eating and calorie intake can be detrimental to fertility. In extreme cases, intermittent fasting and losing weight may actually adversely affect fertility as patients may stop menstruating and ovulating, Dr. Wu says. Morgan adds that eating less frequently while practicing IF can put the body under high stress, which is not helpful when it comes to getting pregnant. The most important point for fertility is to nourish the body in a balanced way, and not to let the body feel as if it is under stress, says Morgan.

In short, no. Weight loss is, in general, not a thing you want to focus on at all during pregnancy. So you want to speak to your doctor about potentially terminating a particular diet you're on to make sure you're approaching pregnancy safely for you and the baby.

During pregnancy, it's more about staying at a healthy weight, or not gaining too much weight during the pregnancy if youre overweight. If patients are overweight or obese when they become pregnant, the recommendation is to gain less weight, around 15 to 20 pounds, depending on the weight of the patient, Dr. Wu says.

Eating more frequently helps keep your blood sugar and blood pressureand the babysstable.

But even if the patient is overweight, or develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy, for instance, fasting still isnt the answer, because it could interfere with any blood sugar-regulating medication the patient is on, she notes.

Of course, there are many factors that can impact your weight during pregnancy, and it also depends on the trimester youre in. For example, its normal for women to drop a few pounds during the first trimester from morning sickness, nausea, or even hyperemesis gravidarum. It's not a good idea to lose any weight at all during the second or third trimester, Morgan says. But ultimately the advised amount of weight gain during pregnancy depends on the patient and is something you should discuss at length with your doctor so that you feel informed and comfortable.

The bottom line: Nutrition during pregnancy is highly individualized to the person, how high-risk the pregnancy is, and the prior health conditions of the motherafter all, no one persons body or metabolism is the same. Before trying any new diet or changing your eating habits, its important to check in with your healthcare provider to ensure that its safe and sustainable for you to continue throughout pregnancy.

Read more:
Is Intermittent Fasting While Pregnant Safe? - Everything To Know - Women's Health

Plastic bottles are everywhere. Thats right! Everywhere you go, you see them. They are cheap. You dont have to pay anything to get one with your drink and you dont need a replacement to carry one home. They have made our lives convenient, why lie. There was a time when to buy a bottle of soda you had to go to the shop with a replacement bottle or be prepared to pay extra (deposit). Well, plastic happened and those days are now well tucked away in distant memory. The millennials may not even be aware that we once lived through that era.Plastic, especially the single use variety, revolutionised the packaging industry. Most importantly, it turned our shopping experience on its head. The convenience of plastic, however, came with a price. A steep one, I must add. That is a bit of an oxymoron, quite evidently. How can something so cheap come with a steep price? Here is why.Plastic, as you may have observed, clogs street drains. This is a very common sight in Nairobi and other towns across Kenya. Sometimes we wonder how so many plastic bottles got into storm drainage. Besides being unsightly, they cause flooding during the rainy season. Floods destroy roads and peoples livelihoods. They sweep away houses, cars, trees, animals and people. They generally complicate life in urban neighbourhoods, making it difficult for people to get to their jobs or access their homes.

SEE ALSO :In Norway, bottles made of plastic are still fantastic

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Heart disease is the single biggest killer in Scotland. It acts as a huge burden on the NHS, with someone in Scotland being admitted to hospital due to a heart attack every 50 minutes. It causes daily devastation, with coronary heart disease causing around 18 deaths every day.

New research and innovative technologies are in place and advancing every day to help combat the issue with a strong focus on continuing to build on vital research, preventing heart diseases from developing, and ensuring that those with existing conditions live longer, better lives.

In recent years, significant progress has been made to reduce death rates, thanks to these advances in diagnosis, treatment and care of coronary problems.

Sixty years ago, seven in 10 people who had a heart attack in this country didnt survive. Now, seven in 10 people whove had a heart attack return home to their families.

Those who do safely return can act as ambassadors for the prevention of heart disease.

Known as secondary prevention, those who have suffered a problem a small heart attack for example then use this scare to take action, reassessing their diet and exercise.

The oil and gas industry, particularly those offshore, is made up of an ageing workforce.

Cardiac problems are no stranger to these workers. Although many return to work with a new mindset inspired by secondary prevention a huge number also arent given this second chance at life.

Preventing coronary artery disease is largely about controlling the risk factors.

Ideally, prevention habits start early, but they remain important all through life. Its never too late to change, though the earlier in life you do so, the greater the advantage.Smart steps to take include:

Ditch the cigarettes. Smoking is considered one of the key risk factors in causing heart attacks. It makes the walls of your arteries sticky from the chemicals, so fatty material can stick to them. If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get damaged and clogged, it can lead to a heart attack. Not much better is passive smoking. So whenever possible, steer clear of second-hand smoke.

Eat better. Aim for an eating plan thats low in saturated and trans fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. The fats found in olive oil and fish, those high in fibre (found in plant foods), and treats low in salt and sugar will also keep your heart healthier for longer.

Keep active. A good goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each week. Aim to be active for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Adding in walks over lunch, and opting for the stairs instead of the lift can help promote this. Simple steps, big differences.

Be mindful. Some stress is unavoidable in life but it tends to push us towards the bad stuff that can lead to heart problems (overeating, drinking, lazing too much). Consider your mental health as well as your heart health and your body will thank you for it. Try using exercise or mediation to relax.

Dr Stuart Scott is medical director at Iqarus

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At the heart of the matter - News for the Oil and Gas Sector - Energy Voice