Healthy Living

Sugar substitutes are substances used instead of sugar to provide a sweet taste in food and beverages. Their popularity stems from the desire to reduce calorie intake. Artificial and natural sweeteners allow people to enjoy sweetness without extra calories, which is especially appealing to those managing their weight, following a diet, or monitoring their body’s energy balance.

In addition, sugar substitutes help regulate blood glucose levels. People with diabetes often use them to avoid sharp spikes in blood sugar caused by regular sucrose. Some sweeteners have minimal impact on insulin response, making them a convenient alternative for controlling metabolic processes.

Globalization has changed the world, promising to improve people’s lives and benefit all countries. The idea was that each nation would focus on its greatest potential. For example, the U.S. would develop technology, Canada would extract resources, and China would provide labor. Free trade allowed companies to sell goods worldwide without restrictions, and large corporations found ways to move production to countries with cheap labor. This significantly reduced costs and increased profits. Mass production made goods cheaper, flooding markets with inexpensive products — including food.

Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to gain new life experiences, but it can also pose health risks. When in enclosed spaces such as airplanes, or in crowded places like airports, travelers are more likely to encounter infections that spread from person to person.

The events of recent years, associated with the coronavirus pandemic, have shown how quickly diseases can spread around the world. But viruses are only part of the problem. During travel, one may also encounter bacterial infections, which can be just as dangerous. That’s why it is important not only to understand how infections are transmitted, but also to know how to protect yourself.

The art of tattooing, once associated with subcultures and informal groups, has now firmly entered the daily lives of millions of people. Body artwork has become a vibrant expression of individuality, and social media has turned tattoos into a real trend. However, despite their aesthetic appeal, tattoos carry certain health risks. Heavy metals contained in tattoo inks can accumulate in the body and cause allergic reactions, while non-compliance with sanitary norms during the application of tattoos increases the risk of infectious diseases. Additionally, the long-term effects on the immune and lymphatic systems are still not fully understood.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining nervous system health, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. It is essential for normal brain and nerve function, as well as for energy production in the body. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Adequate intake is vital for normal bodily function, as a deficiency can lead to serious health issues.

In the first part, we discussed the issue of pathogenic biofilms forming on moisture-exposed surfaces in the home: Biofilms in the Home and Their Impact on Human Health. Now we will explore what can be done to reduce this impact on our health, as regular cleaning is only a part of the necessary measures.

In modern homes and apartments, despite visible cleanliness, various microbes, fungi, and bacteria can accumulate, many of which pose serious health risks. Sources of microbial contamination are diverse: they can include human waste products, pets, particles of soil and dust brought in from outside, as well as water and air coming from external sources. Often, microbial contamination goes unnoticed, increasing the risk of developing various diseases.

We’ve talked a lot about mold and how important it is to prevent its spread in the home. Mold is indeed one of the most serious threats to our health, but the problem doesn’t end there. Recent research shows that we shouldn’t only be talking about mold, but about a broader issue — homes affected by water damage.

Rapid changes in the fields of physical activity, sports, and medicine over the past decades have led to an increased interest in medicinal and anabolic steroids. Chemical compounds originally developed for medical purposes have become in demand to increase muscle mass.

However, behind this popularity, there are numerous questions: How do steroids affect the body? What are the medical indications and contraindications for their use? What are the risks associated with their usage?

Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the heart’s arteries, which can lead to a heart attack, heart failure, or even death. It is the second leading cause of death in Canada.

Understanding facts about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and taking measures to reduce the risk, including adopting a healthy lifestyle and early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, are important steps in preventing this problem.

Menopause is a natural physiological process in a woman’s life, characterized by the definitive cessation of menstrual cycles and reproductive function. This is a period when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone decrease.

Menopause officially occurs after a woman has missed menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although the individual onset of menopause can vary. If menstrual periods cease for any other reason (pregnancy or contraceptive use), it is not considered menopause.