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  • NATO is deploying eyes in the sky and on the Baltic Sea to protect vital cables. Here’s why and how

    NATO is deploying eyes in the sky and on the Baltic Sea to protect vital cables. Here’s why and how

    ABOARD A FRENCH NAVY FLIGHT OVER THE BALTIC SEA — With its powerful camera, the French Navy surveillance plane scouring the Baltic Sea zoomed in on a cargo ship plowing the waters below — closer, closer and closer still until the camera operator could make out details on the vessel’s front deck and smoke pouring from its chimney.

    The long-range Atlantique 2 aircraft on a new mission for NATO then shifted its high-tech gaze onto another target, and another after that until, after more than five hours on patrol, the plane’s array of sensors had scoped out the bulk of the Baltic — from Germany in the west to Estonia in the northeast, bordering Russia.

    The flight’s mere presence in the skies above the strategic sea last week, combined with military ships patrolling on the waters, also sent an unmistakable message: The NATO alliance is ratcheting up its guard against suspected attempts to sabotage underwater energy and data cables and pipelines that crisscross the Baltic, prompted by a growing catalogue of incidents that have damaged them.

    “We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. And our adversaries should know this,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said this month in announcing a new alliance mission, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” to protect the underwater infrastructure vital to the economic well-being of Baltic-region nations.

    Power and communications cables and gas pipelines stitch together the nine countries with shores on the Baltic, a relatively shallow and nearly landlocked sea. A few examples are the 152-kilometer (94-mile) Balticconnector pipeline that carries gas between Finland and Estonia, the high-voltage Baltic Cable connecting the power grids of Sweden and Germany, and the 1,173-kilometer (729-mile) C-Lion1 telecommunications cable between Finland and Germany.

    Undersea pipes and cables help power economies, keep houses warm and connect billions of people. More than 1.3 million kilometers (807,800 miles) of fiber optic cables — more than enough to stretch to the moon and back — span the world’s oceans and seas, according to TeleGeography, which tracks and maps the vital communication networks. The cables are typically the width of a garden hose. But 97% of the world’s communications, including trillions of dollars of financial transactions, pass through them each day.

    “In the last two months alone, we have seen damage to a cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden, another connecting Germany and Finland, and most recently, a number of cables linking Estonia and Finland. Investigations of all of these cases are still ongoing. But there is reason for grave concern,” Rutte said on Jan. 14.

    At least 11 Baltic cables have been damaged since October 2023 — the most recent being a fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland, reported to have ruptured on Sunday. Although cable operators note that subsea cable damage is commonplace, the frequency and concentration of incidents in the Baltic heightened suspicions that damage might have been deliberate.

    There also are fears that Russia could target cables as part of a wider campaign of so-called “hybrid warfare” to destabilize European nations helping Ukraine defend itself against the full-scale invasion that Moscow has been pursuing since 2022.

    Without specifically blaming Russia, Rutte said: “Hybrid means sabotage. Hybrid means cyber-attacks. Hybrid means sometimes even assassination attacks, attempts, and in this case, it means hitting on our critical undersea infrastructure.”

    Finnish police suspect that the Eagle S, an oil tanker that damaged the Estlink 2 power cable and two other communications cables linking Finland and Estonia on Dec. 25th, is part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” used to avoid war-related sanctions on Russian oil exports.

    Finnish authorities seized the tanker shortly after it left a Russian port and apparently cut the cables by dragging its anchor. Finnish investigators allege the ship left an almost 100-kilometer (62-mile) long anchor trail on the seabed.

    Several Western intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of their work, told The Associated Press that recent damage was most likely accidental, seemingly caused by anchors being dragged by ships that were poorly maintained and poorly crewed.

    One senior intelligence official told AP that ships’ logs and mechanical failures with ships’ anchors were among “multiple indications” pointing away from Russian sabotage. The official said Russian cables were also severed. Another Western official, also speaking anonymously to discuss intelligence matters, said Russia sent an intelligence-gathering vessel to the site of one cable rupture to investigate the damage.

    The Washington Post first reported on the emerging consensus among U.S. and European security services that maritime accidents likely caused recent damage.

    The European Subsea Cables Association, representing cable owners and operators, noted in November after faults were reported on two Baltic links that, on average, a subsea cable is damaged somewhere in the world every three days. In northern European waters, the main causes of damage are commercial fishing or ship anchors, it said.

    In the fiber-optic cable rupture on Sunday connecting Latvia and Sweden, Swedish authorities detained a Maltese-flagged ship bound for South America with a cargo of fertilizer.

    Navibulgar, a Bulgarian company that owns the Vezhen, said any damage was unintentional and that the ship’s crew discovered while navigating in extremely bad weather that its left anchor appeared to have dragged on the seabed.

    The alliance is deploying warships, maritime patrol aircraft and naval drones for the mission to provide “enhanced surveillance and deterrence.”

    Aboard the French Navy surveillance flight, the 14-member crew cross-checked ships they spotted from the air against lists of vessels they had been ordered to watch for.

    “If we witness some suspicious activities from ships as sea – for example, ships at very low speed or at anchorage in a position that they shouldn’t be at this time – so this is something we can see,” said the flight commander, Lt. Alban, whose surname was withheld by the French military for security reasons.

    “We can have a very close look with our sensors to see what is happening.”

    ___

    Burrows reported from London. AP journalists Jill Lawless in London, David Klepper in Washington and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, contributed to this report.

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  • 5 Simple Ways To Protect Your Childs Liver Health: Expert Tips To Prevent NAFLD

    5 Simple Ways To Protect Your Childs Liver Health: Expert Tips To Prevent NAFLD

    Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern among children, and nutritionist Neha Sahaya is here to help with practical advice to safeguard your child’s liver. With lifestyle changes, NAFLD can be prevented, and children can enjoy a healthier future. In a recent Instagram post, Neha highlighted five essential steps for parents to protect their kids’ liver health.

    Also Read: 6 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Lunch Box for Kids

    Here Are 5 Tips To Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver In Kids:

    1. Encourage a Balanced Diet

    Neha emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-rich diet for preventing NAFLD. Focus on including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your child’s meals. These foods support overall health and liver function. However, it’s crucial to limit sugary beverages and processed high-fat foods. Sugary sodas, chips, and fast foods can overwhelm the liver, leading to fat buildup. Encourage water, homemade fruit smoothies, and nutritious snacks instead. Small changes like these for balanced nutrition can make a big difference in your child’s liver health.

    2. Promote Physical Activity

    Physical activity is another key factor in preventing NAFLD. Neha suggests aiming for at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Fun activities like cycling, running, swimming, or playing sports are great ways to keep your child active. Exercise helps burn excess fat, improve metabolism, and maintain a healthy weight – all crucial elements in preventing liver fat accumulation. Not only does physical activity benefit the liver, but it also supports your child’s overall development and well-being.

    3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

    Obesity is a significant risk factor for NAFLD, which makes weight management vital. Neha advises monitoring your child’s weight and addressing any concerns with the help of a healthcare professional. A combination of a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. If your child is struggling with obesity, seeking professional guidance from a nutritionist or paediatrician can ensure they get the right support to manage their weight effectively.

    Also Read: 5 Quick And Healthy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids

    4. Educate on Healthy Habits

    One of Neha’s most important tips is educating both children and families on the importance of nutrition and exercise for liver health. Teaching kids about the impact of food and physical activity on their bodies fosters healthier habits that can last a lifetime. Encourage your child to make informed decisions about what they eat and how they stay active. The more they understand, the more likely they are to make choices that benefit their liver and overall health.

    5. Limit Fructose Intake

    Lastly, Neha advises limiting fructose intake, particularly from high-fructose snacks like sodas, candies, and processed foods. Excess fructose can contribute to fat buildup in the liver. Instead, focus on providing whole fruits, which offer natural sugars and fibre, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

    By following these tips, you can take charge of your child’s liver health and ensure a brighter, healthier future for them!
     



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  • One Tech Tip: How to protect your communications through encryption

    One Tech Tip: How to protect your communications through encryption

    LONDON — After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications.

    To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.”

    End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key.

    Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won’t be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over.

    Here’s a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption:

    Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims.

    If you’re an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages.

    The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on.

    But there’s a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards.

    Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.”

    Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.”

    To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps.

    Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent, or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.”

    Signal’s encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms.

    Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels” but contrary to popular perception, it doesn’t turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats.

    Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France.

    Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages.

    There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted.

    The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed.

    WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed.

    ___

    Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.

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  • Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House

    Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House

    LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Democrats are pushing this month to pass legislation they say will improve reproductive health care, in particular the safety of digital health data, ahead of Republicans taking over the state House in 2025.

    Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is backing a bill designed to protect reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps. Similar legislation that has passed in other states is aimed at keeping the data from being used to target people seeking abortions.

    “This feels like a very urgent need for us to get this done while we have a window in Michigan with the Democratic majority for the next few weeks,” said state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, sponsor of the digital privacy bill.

    The rush is a reaction to expectations that it will be harder to pass the reproductive health care policies Democrats favor after Republicans take control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election.

    Republicans have opposed the digital privacy bill over a section they say will stifle anti-abortion advertising.

    Other reproductive health bills to be considered during the December session that began Tuesday include a package on Black maternal health and an expansion of access to birth control.

    After the overturn of Roe v. Wade, some women in states with strict abortion bans began to worry that their health information could be used to track their reproductive status. Apps that track menstrual cycles became a major focus point.

    Abortion is constitutionally protected in Michigan. But McMorrow does not trust President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promise to veto any possible national abortion ban nor his campaign’s efforts to distance itself from Project 2025, which proposed a rollback on abortion and contraception access.

    Period tracking apps allow women to take detailed day-by-day notes about their health, from how heavy their period flow is to additional symptoms such as cramping. They can log pregnancies and miscarriages.

    “These tools are really valuable,” McMorrow said. “I just want to make sure that the guardrails are there when indications from the incoming federal administration is they would potentially weaponize the data in a way that is very dangerous.”

    Federal law bars medical providers from sharing health data without a patient’s consent but doesn’t prevent digital tech companies from tracking menstrual cycles or an individual’s location and selling it to data brokers. Legislation for federal bans have never gained momentum, largely because of opposition from the tech industry.

    How the legislation works varies from state to state. Washington state has digital privacy law that broadly covers all health-related data while Virginia has a law that explicitly prohibits the issuance of search warrants, subpoenas or court orders for electronic or digital menstrual health data.

    Michigan’s proposal would require businesses or organizations to use reproductive health data only for the services it provides, and consumers must be informed of how the data is being used. In order to sell that data, an entity would need explicit, signed consent from the consumer. Consumers would also have the option to opt out from their data being sold at any time.

    It would also regulate retailers, who often compile data to target consumers with advertisements, and the use of geofencing, which allows marketers to target consumers with ads based on their location.

    The bill would prohibit identifying who is receiving reproductive health care by using location information and targeting them with advertisements. This would apply to people visiting fertility or abortion clinics.

    The geofencing provision of the bill has drawn objection from anti-abortion advocates. Genevieve Marnon, legislative director for Right to Life of Michigan, said in committee testimony Tuesday that the bill would prevent women visiting an abortion clinic from being reached by anti-abortion ads.

    “This isn’t safeguarding women’s reproductive health data,” she said. “It is limiting the options presented to women.”

    Republican Sen. John Damoose, who voted against the bill in committee, believes the geofencing provision encroaches on freedom of speech and religion by preventing anti-abortion advertising.

    The bill was voted out of committee Tuesday on party lines and advanced Thursday toward a final vote in the Senate chamber.

    Kimya Forouzan, principal state policy director at the Guttmacher Institute, expects the topic to be taken up by other state legislatures next year. Guttmacher, which supports abortion rights, tracks reproductive health trends.

    Over the past two years, Michigan Democrats have passed bills repealing a number of anti-abortion laws, including the state’s 1931 ban, and adding surrogacy protections to state law. Lawmakers are considering a number of others related to reproductive health this month.

    A group of bills focused on improving maternal health for Black women would create a doula scholarship, among other measures. The Senate voted its package on the topic through to the House on Tuesday.

    Rep. Jaime Churches, a Democrat from the downriver area of Detroit who lost her seat in November, is trying to gain traction for two bills that would require insurance to cover fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination.

    Three bills seeking to expand access to birth control through insurance have passed the state House. McMorrow also introduced a series of bills aimed at providing long-lasting reversible contraception, such an implants or intrauterine devices, to patients who have given birth before they are discharged from a hospital.

    There is competition among Democrats for time during this short, lame duck session. Advocates for economic development, infrastructure and gun control measures are among the many looking to push through bills in the month that is left. Major contention over new paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements is likely to garner attention. Those discussions could reduce the amount of time available to debate reproductive health measures.

    ___

    The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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  • How To Protect Your Kidney When On Painkillers? Nutritionist Luke Coutinho Shares How

    How To Protect Your Kidney When On Painkillers? Nutritionist Luke Coutinho Shares How

    Many people frequently pop painkillers or over-the-counter medicines when having a headache or any kind of body ache. In some cases, you might be sick and would need to consume a dose of doctor-prescribed painkillers. In any case, it is important to note that consuming painkillers may come with certain side effects, which may negatively impact your kidneys. In a recent Instagram video, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho explains that chronic overuse of painkillers can lead to kidney failure or chronic kidney disease.

    “The kidney produces a chemical called prostaglandins which is used to protect the kidney. It is also a hormone that helps you with blood clotting and several other functions. As you use more and more painkillers, these prostaglandins start to reduce and that reduces the protective mechanism of your kidneys, leading to kidney disease,” he explains in the video.

    Also Read: Why Is Chewing Food Thoroughly So Important For Digestion?

    If you need to be on a painkiller because of any pain or treatment you are going through, there are certain things you can do to manage the side effects, as shared by Luke Coutinho.

    Here Are 7 Diet And Lifestyle Changes To Follow While Taking Painkillers:

    1. Increase Your Water Intake

    When you are on painkillers, increasing your water intake can help protect your kidneys. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, unless you have been put on a water restriction by a doctor.

    2. Increase Calcium And Vitamins Intake

    Most painkillers will deplete calcium, magnesium and vitamin D from your body, shares the expert. It is important to get those essential nutrients back into your diet through supplements or food, based on your doctor’s advice. 

    3. No Smoking Or Drinking Alcohol

    It is important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, especially when you are on painkillers, as this can worsen the side effects.

    Also Read: Say Goodbye To Period Bloating! 4 Everyday Foods To Ease Discomfort

    4. Eat Nuts And Veggies

    Consume a diet rich in vegetables, especially green leafy veggies. Eat lots of nuts because the healthy fats will also help protect your kidneys when you are on painkillers.

    5. Moderate Protein Intake

    Make sure you are eating protein-rich foods. However, it is best to consume a moderate amount of protein and not too much, explains Coutinho. Too much protein may put a load on the kidneys. Continue with moderate protein intake when you are continuously on painkillers.

    6. Get Adequate Sleep

    Sleep is essential for recovery from your illness as well as kidney protection. Make sure you are sleeping deeply because it is when we sleep that the body goes through its natural repair and detoxification protocols.

    7. Manage Stress

    Avoid taking stress and try to calm down. If you are feeling stressed, try to relax your mind and body. Your overall relaxation takes the burden off all of your vital organs.

    If you need to be on painkillers, make sure you are eating the right foods and making the right lifestyle changes. Do not misuse painkillers and always take these as per your doctor’s prescription and direction.

    Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.



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  • Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)

    In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:

    1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –

    The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur

    2. Daily exercise –

    Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.

    3. Having a purpose –

    Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.

    4. Socialising –

    Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.

    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)

    Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –

    • Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
    • A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
    • Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
    • Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)

    While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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  • Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)

    In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:

    1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –

    The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur

    2. Daily exercise –

    Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.

    3. Having a purpose –

    Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.

    4. Socialising –

    Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.

    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)

    Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –

    • Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
    • A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
    • Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
    • Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)

    While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

    Source link

  • Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain | Health

    There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.

    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
    Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)

    In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:

    1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –

    The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur

    2. Daily exercise –

    Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.

    3. Having a purpose –

    Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.

    4. Socialising –

    Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.

    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
    People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)

    Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –

    • Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
    • A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
    • Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
    • Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
    Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)

    While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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  • US to tighten restrictions on energy development to protect struggling sage grouse

    US to tighten restrictions on energy development to protect struggling sage grouse

    BILLINGS, Mont. — President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday proposed tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development across more than 6,500 square miles of federal land in the U.S. West to protect a declining bird species.

    However, it is doubtful the changes would survive under President-elect Donald Trump.

    Greater sage grouse — chicken-sized birds known for an elaborate mating ritual— were once found across much of the U.S. West. Their numbers plummeted in recent decades because of energy exploration, wildfires, disease and other pressures.

    A 2015 agreement shepherded by the Obama administration kept the birds off the endangered species list, by imposing limits on where and when development could occur across their 270,000-square mile range.

    Now officials with the Interior Department want to make the protections even stronger. Their plan would eliminate loopholes that allowed development in areas considered crucial to the bird’s long-term survival. New solar and wind projects would be excluded, and oil and gas exploration could only occur from drilling platforms located outside the protected areas.

    Trump has pushed to open more public lands to energy development in line with his mantra to “drill baby drill.” During his first administration, officials attempted to scale back the Obama-era sage grouse protections, but they were blocked in court.

    Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Friday’s proposal would boost sage grouse while allowing development on some government lands to continue. She said the plan was based on the best science to protect the bird.

    “For too long, a false choice has been presented for land management that aims to pit development against conservation,” Haaland said in a statement.

    Yet the agency’s attempt to find a middle ground fell flat with environmentalists, industry representatives and Republican elected officials.

    Most of the land at issue — about 4,700 square miles — is in Nevada and California, according to government documents. Affected parcels also are in Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Montana and the Dakotas.

    Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon lamented what he called the administration’s “extreme indifference” to his state. The Republican governor said new layers of federal regulation would hinder practical solutions for the grouse.

    “We have shown how to successfully manage this bird and do so in a way that allows for protection of core habitat alongside responsible development,” Gordon said.

    Environmentalists, meanwhile, said officials had squandered a chance to put in place meaningful protections that could halt the grouse’s slow spiral towards extinction. They noted that loopholes allowing development would remain in place across nearly 50,000 square miles of public lands.

    “It’s death by a thousands cuts,” said Greta Anderson with Western Watersheds Project, an environmental group involved in previous sage grouse lawsuits. “The Biden administration could have stopped the cutting, and it didn’t. The fact that it’s less bad doesn’t mean it’s not bad.”

    Federal officials predicted only minimal economic impacts. They said energy companies already steer clear of sage grouse habitat, where there are limits on when and where work can be done near breeding areas. Those companies can still find opportunities on other public lands, the officials said.

    That was disputed by an energy industry representative. Kathleen Sgamma with the Western Energy Alliance said the Biden administration already had limited leasing in sage grouse habitat.

    “So they’ve denied access and then say companies are avoiding them anyway,” Sgamma said. “That’s disingenuous.”

    The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management will accept protests against Friday’s proposal until Dec. 9. Final decisions on changes to the agency’s land management plans will be made after the protests are resolved.

    A related proposal to help sage grouse would block for 20 years new mining projects on more than 15,625 square miles in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. That proposal was part of the 2015 Obama-era protections. It was canceled under Trump then restored by a court.

    An analysis of the mining ban will be published by the end of the year, according to the Interior Department.

    Greater sage grouse once numbered in the millions across all or portions of 11 Western states. Populations have dropped 65% since 1986, according to government scientists.

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  • Safe Listening Practices: 4 Lifestyle Changes To Protect Your Ears In The Digital Age

    Listening to music for an hour and taking a five-minute break helps the ears reboot.

    Safe Listening Practices: 4 Lifestyle Changes To Protect Your Ears In The Digital Age
    4 Lifestyle Changes To Protect Your Ears In The Digital Age
    VerifiedVERIFIED By: Raja S., Audiologist and Founder Hearzap



    Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : November 8, 2024 1:28 PM IST

    In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine a life without earphones or listening to music playing on speakers. Whether travelling to work, working out, or relaxing at home, our ears are practically subjected to sound all the time. While this is a blessing in today’s digital world, it also comes with a responsibility to protect our hearing or people who work in noisy environments. In modern times, heavy sound and noise are more readily available. If not taken seriously, even young people may face hearing loss. According to the WHO, more than they listen too loudly for longer than the recommended time.

    But here’s the good news: with a few simple lifestyle changes, you can safeguard your hearing for the future:

    1. Turn It Down The 60/60 Rule: Following the 60/60 rule is one of the most effective ear protection alternatives. This rule states that a person should not turn up the volume to more than 60% and should not listen to music continuously for more than 60 minutes. This method helps the ears rest, which is very important to prevent chronic damage to the hearing capacity. Nowadays, many gadgets come with an inbuilt decibel warning when entering a territory with a dangerous volume level do heed these warnings! Listening to sounds at high decibels will cause hearing deterioration, which is irreversible after some time.
    2. Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones: We crank the volume to drown out the background noise. Aeroplane engines, screaming babies, conversations at a coffee shop we have to turn the volume up to defeat the purpose of these sounds. Noise-cancelling headphones make it possible to enjoy good audio quality at a lower and safer volume because most, if not all, of the background noises are removed. You especially notice this in adult and kids’ over-ear headphones since they efficiently insulate sound.
    3. Take Listening Breaks: Following a workout, one might experience muscle fatigue, exceeding within a specific duration. In the same breath, the ears also require some downtime after prolonged exposure to sound. Listening to music for an hour and taking a five-minute break helps the ears reboot. These rest intervals are essential for the ears and may help you enhance your concentration and mental clarity.
    4. Mind the Earbuds Cleanliness and Fit Matter: Earbuds have become many people’s go-to audio accessory. However, poorly fitting or dirty earbuds can cause problems. Earbuds that don’t fit well may cause you to turn up the volume too high, while dirty ones can harbour bacteria that lead to infections.



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