Alcoholism has become a pressing health issue. Latest statistics show that the number of deaths caused solely by alcohol in England has surged over the past four years, with government figures showing a troubling 42% rise from 2019 to 2023. More than 8,200 people died due to alcohol-related causes in 2023. As per BBC, alcohol-related deaths primarily affect men under 75, with liver disease being the leading cause. This trend was substantiated by a recent analysis by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, which indicated that the 55-74 age group has become the heaviest-drinking demographic, potentially driving this alarming trend.

Why The Increase?

Experts point to several factors behind the rise in alcohol-related deaths:

Firstly, it is the cost of living. According to the researchers, economic stress triggered this abuse. While some cut back on drinking to save money, others turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress.

Also, there has been a recorded increase in drinking among older age groups. This may also reflect changing social behaviours over time.

What Exactly Is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a chemical compound that typically refers to ethanol, the type found in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast, and when consumed, it acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.

What Does Alcohol Do To Your Brain?

Primarily, alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol can also alter how the brain looks and functions. It disrupts the areas of the brain responsible for balance, memory, speech, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term alcohol consumption can permanently change neural pathways, leading to lasting cognitive and emotional effects.

Moreover, it is a proven fact that alcohol can worsen mood swings. Recent research shows that alcohol may exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder by destabilizing mood, which impacts efficiency at work. Alcohol also affects conditions like depression, and panic disorder, and can trigger impulsive behaviour. Additionally, alcohol has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to get restorative rest.

Alcohol Shrinks Your Brain Too

A study led by Harvard University professor Dr Kenneth J Mukamal found that brain volume shrank in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed, even in light drinkers, compared to teetotalers. Dr Mukamal noted that this shrinkage may not be due to brain cell loss but rather changes in brain fluid levels. "There's a great deal of doubt about whether the atrophy seen on MRI scans is caused by brain cell death or fluid shifts within the brain," he explains. He also points out that the atrophy caused by alcohol consumption shows significant improvement within weeks after an alcoholic stops drinking, suggesting the shrinkage is reversible.

Going through chemotherapy can be very difficult for one’s body. To get better, chemo patients get sick regularly to ensure they get better. The Cleveland Clinic explains that side effects of chemo happen as the medicine used to destroy cancer cells can also often affect healthy cells. People experience extreme fatigue, nausea, hair loss, loss of appetite, weakened immune system etc. One of the reassurances is that normal cells can repair themselves allowing your body time to recover.

Another side effect of the treatment is the ‘brain fog’. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is characterized by trouble thinking and creating memories during and after the treatment. Some other symptoms of brain fog include trouble recalling what you’ve said to others or seen particular images and short-term memory loss issues. Experts do not know the cause of this side effect.

However, a new study revealed that having a loving and devoted partner can drastically improve brain fog symptoms in chemo patients.

A Partner’s Role In Chemo Management

Published in the Psychoneuroendocrinology journal, the research found that patients who reported having a fulfilling and happy intimate relationship were more likely to maintain their cognitive abilities and experience less of the mental fogginess often associated with chemotherapy treatment.

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that therapy focused on strengthening the quality of a patient's relationship with their partner might be a helpful way to improve how well they handle the impact of chemotherapy on their thinking and memory skills.

For the study, researchers followed 48 women with breast cancer who were participating in a larger investigation looking at how chemotherapy affects the gut and brain. These patients underwent tests to assess their verbal skills, attention span, and short-term memory both before and after chemotherapy.

Satisfied Relationship = Preserved Brain Function

The key finding was that the more satisfied patients were with their relationship with their partner, the better their brain function held up while they were undergoing chemotherapy. This suggests a strong protective effect of a positive intimate connection on cognitive abilities during this challenging treatment period.

While general social support from friends and family also seemed to offer some benefit, the researchers noted that the link between a highly satisfying relationship and protected brain function was stronger and more consistent. This led them to believe that the intimate partnership is the most crucial social connection for cognitive well-being during chemotherapy.

Love Can Affect Chemo Treatment

The study also revealed that chemotherapy has an impact on the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." Researchers found that levels of oxytocin in the blood significantly decreased while patients were receiving chemotherapy but returned to normal after the treatment was completed.

This temporary drop in oxytocin levels suggests that chemotherapy might be affecting the hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain responsible for producing this hormone that plays a role in social interactions and various other bodily functions.

Overall, the researchers concluded that supporting the intimate relationships of cancer patients through couples therapy could be just as important as providing other forms of support, such as support groups specifically for chemotherapy patients.

Incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can be a challenge—especially for those with picky palates. Yet, these plant-based foods are nutritional powerhouses, and one often overlooked leafy green in particular may deserve a second look: turnip greens.

A cup of cooked turnip greens contains fewer than 60 calories, but don’t let that fool you. This humble vegetable delivers an impressive 4.87 grams of protein, 5.05 grams of fibre, 39.1 milligrams of magnesium, 209 milligrams of calcium, and 29.7 milligrams of vitamin C. Despite this, its naturally bitter taste can be off-putting for many.

Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching, says preparation is key. “You can toss turnip greens into soups or add them to a grain bowl with a tangy dressing to balance out the bitterness,” she suggests. A little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way in making these greens more palatable—and more beneficial to your health.

Why bother with turnip greens? Beyond their robust nutrient profile, they belong to the Brassicaceae family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. This puts them in the same league as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts when it comes to health benefits. Among the most noteworthy is their potential to prevent cancer.

The cancer-fighting power of turnip greens is attributed to their glucosinolate content—naturally occurring compounds that can interfere with cancer development. A 2023 review in Medical Oncology emphasized their usefulness for both cancer prevention and treatment. Another review published in 2009 in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research noted a decreased cancer risk among people who regularly consumed these sulfur-rich compounds.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The calcium and magnesium in turnip greens support strong bones and play a vital role in maintaining healthy muscles, circulation, and nerve function. A 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that eating cruciferous vegetables like turnip greens may lower the risk of cardiovascular death for both men and women.

Vitamin C, another major nutrient found in turnip greens, is known for boosting immune health and aiding in tissue repair. This makes the vegetable an excellent ally in fighting off illness and helping the body heal from injury.

To make turnip greens more enjoyable, Benson recommends cooking methods that enhance their taste while preserving nutrients. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can "cut the bitterness." Garlic and olive oil not only add flavor but help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A and K. While cooking may slightly reduce the greens’ vitamin C content, Benson has a fix: "Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavor even more and help preserve some of the vitamin C in the dish."

Turnip greens might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind, but with the right preparation, they can be both delicious and incredibly good for your health.

Flying was once a distant dream, but with the invention of aeroplanes, it has become a routine and widely accessible means of travel. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), nearly 100,000 flights take off around the world each day. In 2024 alone, an estimated 4.4 billion passengers flew globally. In the United States, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) recorded a historic peak of 848 million passengers in the same year.

The popularity of air travel has not only grown in volume but also in safety. The IATA reported that the global accident rate in 2023 was just one accident per 1.26 million flights — the safest it has been in decades. Research consistently shows that air travel is statistically safer in terms of fatalities than any other common mode of transport.

Yet for some, flying remains a source of significant distress. Known as aviophobia, the fear of flying is a persistent and intense anxiety that goes far beyond typical nervousness. People with aviophobia often dread flying days or even weeks in advance, and their fear can become overwhelming.

How To Manage Aviophobia

If you suffer from a fear of flying, several techniques may help ease your discomfort.

Stay Centered

Try deep breathing exercises—inhale for four counts, then exhale for six. Repeat a calming mantra, such as reminding yourself that air travel is the safest form of transportation. Reframe your focus by thinking about the excitement awaiting you upon arrival instead of dwelling on your fears.

Find A Focus

Engage in grounding techniques, such as crossing your arms and ankles while breathing deeply. Use your senses: observe five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Hold a comforting item like a stress ball or smooth stone. Listening to calming audio, like music or meditation, and visualizing peaceful places can also help.

Reduce External Stressors

Pull down the window shade to avoid watching the scenery fly by. Use noise-canceling headphones to block out cabin noise, and wear an eye mask to minimize bright lights.

Prepare For Anxiety

Practice mindfulness or meditation for a week or two before your flight. If needed, speak to a therapist before flying. If possible, visit the airport in advance or visualize the process of checking in and boarding to feel more in control.

Distract Yourself

Load your device with movies or shows, bring a book, work on puzzles, journal, listen to a podcast, or play a mobile game to occupy your mind during the flight.

Avoid Added Anxiety Triggers

Steer clear of caffeine, sugary snacks, and energy drinks before flying, as these can increase feelings of anxiety.

Understand Your Specific Fear

Pinpoint what aspect of flying scares you. If it's the fear of losing control, reading about aviation safety might help. For claustrophobia, consider booking an aisle seat or requesting early boarding.