Cancer Related to Biological Age?

Of course, we’d all like to understand why some people develop cancers and others don’t and researchers are working tirelessly to crack these questions in order to find solutions. In one recent development, researchers have uncovered a potential link between accelerated biological aging and an increase in certain types of cancer among younger adults. Biological age, influenced by lifestyle, stress, and genetics, goes beyond chronological age to represent the body’s wear and tear. This concept is gaining recognition as a major risk factor for cancer, traditionally associated with advancing years. The study, with senior author Dr. Yin Cao, an associate professor of surgery at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis was presented recently at the American Association of Cancer Research’s annual conference in San Diego.

The research, notable for its large participant base, offers a snapshot of risk at a single point in time rather than over an extended period. This limitation underscores the complexity of tracking biological aging and its implications for cancer risk. The study’s findings are preliminary and highlight the need for further research across more diverse populations and over longer periods to refine our understanding of these links.

The implications of identifying individuals at higher risk of cancer due to accelerated aging are significant, according to Dr. Anne Blaes of the University of Minnesota. While not involved in this particular study, she explained that

“We’re seeing more and more cancers, especially GI cancers and breast cancers, in younger individuals. And if we had a way of identifying who’s at higher risk for those, then really, you can imagine we’d be recommending screening at a different time.”

Early identification could lead to earlier screening and targeted lifestyle interventions for those at risk, potentially mitigating the impact of accelerated aging on cancer rates among younger adults. Additionally, senolytics, drugs targeting damaged aging cells, are under investigation as a means to slow or reverse the effects of accelerated biological aging, though their application in clinical practice remains to be fully realized. This research paves the way for a better understanding of cancer risks and prevention strategies tailored to the biological realities of individual patients.

Eclipse Prep 101: Safeguard Your Gaze for the Celestial Spectacle!”

It has been seven years since the last solar eclipse in the US, and a total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. Approximately 31 million Americans who live in a specific area from Maine to Texas will be able to view the moon totally block the sun. Others will witness a partial solar eclipse. According to NASA, approximately 99% of US residents will see some form of the eclipse.

It is critical, therefore, to ensure proper eye protection during the eclipse, with certified solar eclipse glasses. Viewing a solar eclipse without the appropriate protection can lead to serious eye damage or even blindness, a condition known as solar retinopathy. Eclipse glasses are specifically designed to block out a significant amount of sunlight, making them crucial for anyone looking directly at the eclipse, except during the brief period of totality when the moon fully covers the sun.

For those unable to obtain eclipse glasses, alternative viewing methods such as pinhole projectors or a camera obscura offer safe ways to enjoy the spectacle. However, it’s vital to avoid using regular sunglasses, telescopes, binoculars, or unfiltered cameras as these do not provide adequate protection.

With the demand for eclipse glasses surging, the risk of counterfeit products looms large. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns of the market flooded with fake glasses that fail to offer the necessary eye protection. To counteract this, the AAS recommends sourcing glasses from reputable vendors listed on their website, cautioning against relying solely on the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard due to the prevalence of fraudulent claims.

In a bid to make the eclipse accessible to all, over 13,000 public libraries across the U.S. are distributing 5 million free eclipse glasses. For those with glasses on hand, verifying their safety involves a simple test: when worn, only the sun or a similarly intense light source should be visible, and any damage or scratches on the glasses render them unsafe for use.

As the eclipse draws near, the excitement is palpable, but so is the need for caution. With the right preparations, everyone can safely enjoy one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays.

Hand it Over: Working with your hands is good for you

Writing, drawing, gardening, and needle-crafts are all great hobbies. But these pastimes can do more for you than just fill a few hours. There are actual cognitive and emotional benefits to gain from using your hands in creative pursuits. Beyond the creation itself, engaging in hands-on activities taps into our innate human need for expression, problem-solving, and sensory exploration. Here are several compelling reasons to use our hands for more than just tapping and typing, scrolling and scanning:

  1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Creative hands-on projects often necessitate thinking “outside the box” to overcome challenges and obstacles. This fosters a mindset of innovation and resourcefulness, leading to improved problem-solving abilities that can be applied to various aspects of life.
  2. Stress Reduction: Immersing oneself in a creative activity has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The focus required to manipulate materials and bring ideas to life serves as a form of mindfulness, allowing individuals to temporarily escape from daily worries and pressures.
  3. Improved Cognitive Function: Working with your hands engages multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for spatial awareness, motor skills, and memory. This cognitive stimulation can help sharpen mental acuity and may even offer protective benefits against age-related cognitive decline.
  4. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence: Successfully completing a hands-on project, whether it’s a piece of artwork, a craft, or a DIY home improvement task, instills a sense of accomplishment and pride. This positive reinforcement can bolster self-esteem and confidence, encouraging individuals to tackle new challenges with greater assurance.
  5. Connection to Heritage and Tradition: Many traditional crafts and artisanal techniques have been passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their cultural heritage and preserving valuable traditions. Engaging in these activities can foster a sense of belonging and continuity with the past.
  6. Social Connection and Community Building: Participating in hands-on creative pursuits often involves joining communities of like-minded individuals who share similar interests. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support can lead to meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging.
  7. Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Creating something with your hands provides an outlet for self-expression and emotional release. Whether channeling joy, sadness, or frustration into your work, the act of creation can serve as a cathartic and therapeutic experience.

3 Top-Rated Streets Around the World

The website TimeOut has recently done a feature on the 30 most interesting streets around the world to visit for food, entertainment and culture. Here is a sneak peek into three of those locations; the full list can be enjoyed and, perhaps, your next trip can be planned with one of these ideas in mind! Here are ideas from Australia, Japan and Los Angeles.

High Street in Melbourne’s inner north emerges as a hot spot, boasting diverse local businesses like Casa Nata for Portuguese tarts, Northside Wines for local vino, and Francesca’s Bar for late-night fun. Its vintage stores, cool cafés, and indie cinema add to the allure, catering to all tastes. Nearby tram access and a vibrant music scene further elevate its appeal.

In Tokyo, Sangenjaya’s Chazawa-dori offers a blend of urban excitement and residential charm. Closed to traffic on Sundays, it invites exploration of friendly restaurants, cozy cafés, and charming bakeries. Sancha Monica serves sushi with wine, Guuutara Coffee offers extravagant cream soda floats, and Carrot Tower provides a free aerial view of Tokyo.

LA’s Arts District on 3rd Street transforms industrial spaces into a walkable haven, featuring Michelin-starred sushi at 715 and pinball stardom at EightyTwo. Camphor draws people in with French bistro dishes, Death & Co crafts top-notch cocktails, and Hauser & Wirth’s former flour mill complex offers a unique gallery experience.

These are just three of the many unique offerings around the world. Happy traveling!

14 Ways to Battle Insomnia

While most of us think that it’s natural to get a good night sleep and to sleep straight through the night, for many people this is not the cause. Insomnia can be a once-in-awhile situation or it can turn into a truly terrible recurring situation. Whether you are battling with these issues all the time, or just once in a while, there really is help out there. Here are 14 suggestions for battling your insomnia and getting yourself back to bed.

  1. Identify the Cause: Understand the root of your insomnia, whether it’s stress, life changes, or a medical condition.
  2. Stick to a Routine: Even if not sleepy, get into bed at your usual time to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
  3. Engage in Relaxing Activities: Listen to classical music or read under soft lighting to encourage sleepiness.
  4. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep and your pre-bedtime activities are calming.
  5. Limit Bed Activities: Keep your bed for sleep only, avoiding activities like watching TV or browsing your phone.
  6. Use Medication Wisely: Consult a doctor about using over-the-counter or prescription medications for tough nights.
  7. Avoid Staying in Bed: If sleep evades you, leave your bed to prevent associating it with stress.
  8. Seek Professional Help: If sleep issues persist, consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
  9. Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to promote better sleep.
  10. Evaluate Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
  11. Address Restless Leg Syndrome: If symptoms appear, get up and stretch or walk to alleviate discomfort.
  12. Monitor Daytime Naps: Limit or avoid naps to ensure you’re tired at bedtime.
  13. Consider Environmental Factors: Adjust your bedroom environment to be dark, quiet, and cool.
  14. Limit Clock-Watching: Avoid looking at the clock if you wake up in the middle of the night to reduce anxiety.

Make Fashion Week Your Own

Watching runway models parade the latest styles in Paris each year, it’s difficult not to eye the outlandish ensembles and wonder, “are these meant for real life?” To the uninitiated, these creations might seem less like wearable attire and more like artifacts from a journey through “Doctor Who’s” Tardis to a fantastical realm.

Fashion designers are artists, and runway shows are their blank canvas. Designers leverage the runway as a singular platform to unleash creativity, unfiltered by external influences like magazine edits or retail constraints. With just 10 minutes to captivate an audience, exaggeration becomes a strategic tool for conveying their vision, a tactic now amplified by the digital age’s demand for instant understanding.

Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons explained in 2014, the thought behind her show was “not making clothes.” This exemplifies the fashion industry’s conceptual side, intended to compel us to explore our own creativity within our wardrobes. Other brands, like Max Mara and Dries Van Noten, are more driven to market their designs directly to consumers.

Whether you prefer to merely be an observer of runway shows or draw inspiration from the outrageous outfits, feel free to take set your inhibitions aside and take a cue from the designers to incorporate the styles into your closet! As the fabulous Iris Apfel said, “When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else.” Embrace the boldness of fashion week and have fun!