Tjaart Van Der Merwe

List of the best full-body exercises

The best full-body exercises include squats, burpees, lunges, and cycling. People can do these to exercise several muscles at once. Learn more about how to do these exercises here.
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Can scientists 'hack' memory?

Is it possible to manipulate memory formation and consolidation? And why would we want to do it? We explore these questions in this Spotlight feature.
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Poor diet biggest risk factor for early deaths worldwide

A global study links 1 in 5 deaths to poor diet, suggesting that low intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes is a major factor.
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How to begin intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting has many potential benefits, including helping a person to lose weight. Tips to start include having a goal, choosing a suitable method, and creating meal. Learn about possible side effects and who should not fast.
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Signs and symptoms of colon cancer in men

Many symptoms can indicate colon cancer in men, including bowel changes, weight loss, cramps, and bloody stool. However, these symptoms can also be due to other causes. Learn more about colon cancer symptoms and when to see a doctor here.
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Scientists quash claims about single 'depression genes'

After reviewing data on 620,000-plus people, scientists quash claims that a single or handful of genes can have a strong influence on risk of depression.
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Is blue balls a real condition?

Blue balls is the informal term for epididymal hypertension, which causes uncomfortable or aching testicles if a person is aroused but does not ejaculate. Learn more about the myths and facts here.
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What causes a low libido?

It is common for a person's libido to fluctuate throughout their life and according to their mood. However, a significant change in libido may be due to an underlying cause. Learn about low libido causes and how to treat them here.
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Mental health can impact memory decades later

A new longitudinal cohort study has confirmed a link between experiencing mental health problems throughout adulthood and having poorer memory in midlife.
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Can CBD help treat depression?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. It is gaining popularity as a natural treatment for many mental health conditions, including depression. Learn more about CBD for depression here.
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Causes and treatment of finger pain

Finger pain can result from a minor injury and will usually get better with self-care. However, severe, worsening, or recurring pain may indicate a more serious injury or underlying condition. Learn more about the causes and treatment of finger pain here.
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How 1 hour of brisk walking can benefit people with osteoarthritis

A new study investigates the impact of 1 weekly hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on disability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
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What causes bloody urine in men?

Seeing blood in the urine is a symptom of many underlying problems in males, including infections, an enlarged prostate, and kidney stones. Learn about the causes and their treatments here.
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Causes and treatment of foot cramp

There are several possible causes of foot cramps, including overexercising, nutrient deficiencies, and dehydration. In this article, we explore the causes of foot cramps and their treatments.
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Possible reasons weight loss is not working

Efforts to lose weight may not work for a range of reasons. A person may be following an ineffective fad diet, or consuming sugary drinks, or exercising more but making no dietary changes, for example. Learn more here.
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What does science say about the effects of meditation?

In this Spotlight feature, we look at the benefits of practicing meditation or mindfulness, and we weigh up some of the potential unwanted effects.
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Could probiotics evolve in the gut and cause harm?

New research shows how bacteria adapt inside the gastrointestinal tract of mice and suggests that the effectiveness of probiotics might change over time.
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What to know about cupping therapy

Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the body and creating suction. Benefits include pain relief and sports recovery. There are also some potential side effects, such as nausea and headaches. Learn more here.
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Normal sperm count: Everything you need to know

A sperm count is part of a larger test called semen analysis. A doctor may test a person’s sperm count if they have fertility concerns. Learn about average, low, and high sperm counts here.
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Why do I wake up hungry?

A person may wake up hungry because they did not eat enough or exercised heavily the day before. There are several other possible reasons. Here, learn more about waking up hungry and how to prevent it.
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