“You’re too young to have bowel cancer.” Unfortunately, many patients heard this when they contacted medical help for their symptoms. That’s what Stephanie Bansemer-Brown was told in 2012 before being diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer. She was 42 at the time, and fits alongside new research finding over 28,000 Australians under the age of...
Magnesium is a mineral essential for many bodily functions. For example, it helps with muscle movement, nerve function, and maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Oral magnesium supplements are commonly used to aid sleep, anxiety, and constipation. It’s also found in foods like seeds, legumes, and vegetables. However, you may have seen magnesium...
Mental health disorders are, unfortunately, common among prostate cancer patients. Although it has high survival rates, prostate cancer involves years of grueling treatments and long-lasting side effects that can contribute to body image issues and lowered self-esteem. And above everything is the fear of death and cancer recurrence. One study involving over 18,000 cases of...
Case studies are detailed reports of a particular person or situation for further analysis. Although no scientific conclusions can be made from one anecdote, these reports can indicate areas in need of further research. They also record fascinating and sometimes terrifying incidences. One case study from 2018 presented a situation where a man woke up...
Cooking in bulk and eating leftovers is convenient, but it comes with a higher risk of food poisoning. Rice in particular has been getting buzz over social media, namely about the dangers of “fried rice syndrome” and “reheat syndrome”. However, the safety concerns don’t refer only to the reheating process. Rather, the main issue lies...
Some bugs make surprisingly good roommates. For example, many species of spiders can work as pest control while keeping to themselves. However, other insects are venomous or enjoy invading food supplies, beds, and house foundations. Phereoeca uterella is a type of moth that lives in tropical climates and eats a wide diet, including household items...
Hollywood’s historical use of chimp “actors” has distorted public perception of these creatures. Make no mistake, chimpanzees are wild animals that should not be underestimated. Over recent years, “domesticated” chimps have made headlines for attacking humans, or for being abused by their handlers. These cases are so horrifically memorable. It’s easy to forget all of...
Smartphones are way more than just phones. They are also calculators, maps, voice recorders, music players, photo albums, and calendars. With additional apps, they can become books, movie screens, bankers, and store shelves with every item. You no longer need a computer to check emails, look at social media, type a document, download PDF files,...
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that is neither fully understood nor easy to diagnose. People with this condition can go undiagnosed for years, seeking one doctor after another for their symptoms. Unfortunately, many finally hear the answer after surgery — one of the most invasive ways to receive a diagnosis. Fortunately, the Royal Australian...
The word “crime” comes with many severe connotations. It draws up images of burglars, drug dealers, embezzlers, carjacking thieves, scam artists, stalkers, and serial killers. But many crimes are much less dramatic and much more common, like underage drinking and distracted driving. Although these are laws people often break, it’s not surprising to receive a...
Food is more than fuel. It’s a form of communication and a holder of memories, including noteworthy meals, locations, people, and conversations. Even just the aroma of a certain dish can bring feelings of excitement and nostalgia. But eating can become difficult in end-of-life care as appetites diminish, palates change, and health issues get in...
With the prevalence of diet culture, carbohydrates have a bad reputation. But while trendy meal plans may allow complex carbs from whole grains, they usually demonize white rice and pasta. After all, they are lower in fiber and protein compared to whole grains. What’s more, the body digests them quickly, which leads to spikes in...
