Often vilified for its impact on mental health among young teens, new research suggests that social media could actually have positive effects on motivating young people when it comes to their fitness routines. Depending on how you build it, your Instagram feed could give you a chance to find a feeling of connection with other fitness-conscious individuals.

What Did The Study Show?

A recent study published in the International Journal of Information Management aimed to understand the effectiveness of various types of social media content in promoting physical activity. It took a look at how users interact with social media, their perceptions of fitness content, and their intentions regarding their own exercise after viewing such content.

The study was divided into two parts. The first part analysed exercise participation as a result of fitness content on social media, based on existing online content and trust in information published on social media. The second part took a look at how content published on social media can generate a greater impact on promoting physical activity and motivating individuals to improve their current fitness levels.

The results were insightful. It was found that social media users engaged more with fitness content when it featured actual people who deviated from conventional perceptions of thinness and muscularity. Content that highlighted the intrinsic benefits of sports and fitness practices, like how training makes us feel, resonated particularly positively with the participants. What’s more is that aligning individuals with content from those of the same gender was found to be much more useful for building engagement.

How Can You Benefit From Your Instagram Feed?

These findings provide valuable guidance for tailoring content to maximize its impact on users and enhance their motivation to get fitter. It also offers insight into what type of social media content is likely to give your motivation the biggest boost.

The study concluded that users engaging with social media content focused on physical activity had the potential to increase intentions to improve their physical fitness.

The study suggests that more intrinsically focused content, like how training feels rather than how it makes us look, is more likely to get us moving. This sentiment is echoed in several other studies from the past examining the value of intrinsic motivators versus extrinsic ones for exercise adherence.

The findings offer valuable advice for tailoring our Instagram feed to maximize its impact on our engagement and also encourage the likelihood of us participating in exercise. We can do this by specifically following positive Instagram accounts that we relate to, focusing on the health benefits of exercise rather than just the looks of it. Don't forget that following a diverse range of different body types from different demographics also helps you understand what a healthy body image should look like.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have just released their first major update to blood pressure management guidelines since 2017. These new recommendations go beyond simply telling you what numbers to aim for, they focus on prevention, early intervention, and more personalized care across your entire lifespan.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, the world’s leading cause of death, as well as kidney disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia. With nearly half of all U.S. adults having higher-than-normal blood pressure, these new guidelines are significant for millions of people.

Blood Pressure Targets Remain the Same

One thing that hasn’t changed in 8 years, is how high blood pressure is defined. The cutoff points are still the same as they were in 2017:

• Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120–129 mm Hg systolic and under 80 mm Hg diastolic
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 mm Hg systolic or 80–89 mm Hg diastolic
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 mm Hg or higher systolic, or 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic

Your blood pressure reading has two numbers:

The top number (systolic) measures the pressure when your heart pumps, while the bottom number (diastolic) measures it when your heart is at rest.

More Aggressive Early Intervention

While the numbers haven’t changed, how doctors treat them has. The new guidelines recommend starting with healthy lifestyle changes, like eating better, exercising, and reducing salt, for anyone with readings in the 130–139 range. If those changes don’t work after three to six months, medication may be prescribed earlier than before.

This shift is meant to prevent complications before they start. “We’re aiming to help more people get their blood pressure under control earlier to prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney problems, and even dementia,” said Dr. Daniel W. Jones, chair of the writing committee for the new guidelines.

ALSO READ: The 'Three S' That Are Worsening Your Blood Pressure Levels

A Bigger Focus on Weight Loss and GLP-1 Medications

One of the most notable updates involves the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have become popular for weight loss. The guidelines now say that patients who have high blood pressure and are overweight should discuss these medications with their healthcare provider, as losing weight can dramatically improve blood pressure control.

For people with severe obesity, surgery may even be recommended if lifestyle changes and medications are not enough.

New Pregnancy and Postpartum Recommendations

High blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous, leading to complications such as preeclampsia, which can threaten both the parent and baby. The new guidelines recommend that pregnant and postpartum individuals with stage 2 hypertension start on certain medications to lower the risk of complications. This is an important shift, as research shows pregnancy-related hypertension can have lasting effects on cardiovascular health.

The Brain Connection: Dementia Risk

Another significant addition to the 2025 guidelines is the acknowledgment of the link between high blood pressure and cognitive decline. New research shows that hypertension can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to memory issues and an increased risk of dementia. By controlling blood pressure early, the hope is to preserve cognitive function later in life.

The PREVENT Risk Calculator

Doctors are now encouraged to use a new tool, called PREVENT, to estimate a patient’s risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 and 30 years. This calculator considers multiple factors: age, sex, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and more, to create a personalized risk profile and guide treatment decisions.

Alcohol Guidance Tightened

In a change that may surprise many, the updated guidelines now recommend avoiding alcohol entirely if possible. Previous advice allowed for one drink per day for women and two for men, but growing evidence shows even moderate alcohol intake can raise blood pressure. For those who still choose to drink, the AHA now advises staying under those older limits.

Lifestyle Changes Are Still the Foundation

Despite all the new tools and treatments, the cornerstone of blood pressure management remains the same: a healthy lifestyle. The updated recommendations reinforce:

• Following a heart-healthy diet like the DASH plan, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, beans, and nuts
• Reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally aiming for 1,500 mg
• Exercising regularly, with at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly plus resistance training
• Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques
• Maintaining a healthy weight, losing at least 5% of body weight if overweight

Why This Matters

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms but can do significant damage over time. By encouraging earlier treatment, recognizing new links to conditions like dementia, and providing tools like the PREVENT calculator, the 2025 guidelines aim to help people live longer, healthier lives.

“The reality is that the first line of treatment, lifestyle changes, really does work if you commit to it,” Dr. Jones said. “It can be hard in today’s food environment, but the payoff is worth it.”

Russian scientists have unveiled a breakthrough that could transform colon cancer prevention and treatment worldwide. The Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) announced that its researchers have developed a vaccine targeting colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers globally. The vaccine, named Enteromix, is based on mRNA technology, the same method used successfully in COVID-19 vaccines, and is now ready for clinical use.

FMBA head Veronika Skvortsova revealed the development at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, which brought together more than 8,400 participants from over 75 countries. According to Skvortsova, the vaccine has undergone years of research, including three years of preclinical trials, and is showing promising results.

How The Colon Cancer Vaccine Works

Enteromix uses genetic instructions to teach the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells before they form dangerous tumors. Scientists compare it to handing the immune system a “wanted poster” of colorectal cancer cells. If such cells ever appear, the immune system attacks them immediately, preventing the tumor from growing.

This approach was tested in lab mice bred to develop colon cancer, where the vaccine achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in preventing tumor formation. Early human trials have also been completed, with volunteers tolerating the vaccine well and no serious side effects reported.

Promising Results from Preclinical Trials

The preclinical trials revealed more than just prevention. In some test subjects, existing tumors shrank or slowed their growth by 60% to 80%, depending on the cancer type. Researchers also noted improved survival rates, sparking hope that Enteromix could be used both preventively and therapeutically in the future.

Work is already underway to develop similar vaccines for other forms of cancer, including glioblastoma (a highly aggressive brain cancer) and certain types of melanoma, including ocular melanoma, which affects the eye.

Why This Matters Globally

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with rising incidence rates in many developing nations. In countries like Rwanda, cases have risen by more than 70% in the past decade, often affecting young patients who are diagnosed at late stages due to the lack of national screening programs. Late diagnosis makes treatment more difficult and survival rates much lower.

For regions with limited access to screening and treatment facilities, a preventive vaccine could be a public health game-changer. It could help bridge health equity gaps and save countless lives by offering a way to protect vulnerable populations before cancer takes hold.

What Lies Ahead?

Despite the excitement, scientists are cautious. History has shown that promising animal results do not always translate perfectly to humans. Large-scale Phase III clinical trials will be crucial to confirm Enteromix’s effectiveness and safety in diverse populations.

Still, Russia has announced plans to roll out the vaccine in the coming weeks, free of charge, marking an important milestone in global cancer research. If successful, Enteromix could offer hope to millions and usher in a new era where certain cancers can be prevented much like infectious diseases.

Björn Borg, the 11-time Grand Slam champion, a name the world is not unknown from has shocked everyone with his autobiography, where he revealed that he has been living with prostate cancer. His autobiography, Heartbeats is due for release on September 18, however, some of the details from his books were leaked on Thursday.

The details, which has been shared with The Athletic, Borg talks about his life-saving surgery that he had got done a couple years ago. He explained that "there never really was a choice because the cancer turned out to be extremely aggressive".

How Did Borg Find Out About His Prostate Cancer?

He reveals that his cancer was picked up because he would self examine regularly even though he did not have the symptoms. He revealed that the operation was necessary because "it turned out I was in the most advanced stage".

He said: "The fear comes and goes. But that's life, isn't it? You never really know what's coming. You just have to make the most of each day."

Also Read: Joe Biden Is Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: All That You Need To Know

What Is Prostate Cancer?

As per the National Cancer Institute, USA, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, this is why finding it and treating it before symptoms occur could improve men's health.

The National Health Service (NHS), UK, notes that this affects the prostate gland under the bladder and usually is common among men over 50 years old. The prostate is a small, walnut-size gland under the bladder, which produces a thick, white fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.

How aggressive the cancer is depends on if it has spread to other parts of the body. However, early diagnosis could help it treat successfully.

Are There Any Common Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

The NHS, UK notes that prostate cancer usually do not have signs at first, but it could have certain symptoms later on. The best way is to get regular screenings done to identify early, especially if you are in your late 40s.

Also Read: Olympic Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy Shares His Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer From A Common Shoulder Pain

Common Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the symptoms common in prostate cancer. Speak to your doctor if you experience any such symptom:

Difficulty starting urination

Weak or interrupted flow of urine

Urinating often, especially at night

Trouble emptying the bladder completely

Pain or burning during urination

Blood in the urine or semen

Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away

Painful ejaculation

Other Health Issues Borg's Book Covers

Another video interview from a couple days ago shows Borg excited about his book launch that he has written with his wife Patricia. He, in the interview, described many near-death experiences and even talked about his cocaine addiction after his early retirement from tennis in his mid-20s.

Read: Can Omega-3-rich Food Slow Prostate Cancer Growth?

However, he is now focused as he calls himself a "family man". He now lives in Stockholm, and regularly spends time in Ibiza. "I have two beautiful sons, Robin and Leo [a pro tennis player once ranked No. 334]. I have two beautiful grandchildren, aged 12 and 10. And I’m kind of a family man, and I want to spend a lot of time with the family. And that’s important for me. Stay involved with tennis, to travel, to watch tennis, to spend time with my tennis friends, with the people who love tennis, but to be with the family, with the kids, with the grandchildren, that’s very important to me."