Although physical fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and enhancing well-being, a new study appears to bolster the mental health benefits of staying in shape, especially staying strong, among midlife women.
Physical fitness is a well-known predictor of physical and mental health among men and women. Benefits of staying fit include improved cardiovascular health, enhanced cognition, reduced morbidity and a better quality of life.
In the study, researchers from Singapore determined physical performance is linked to mental health and emotions. Specifically, their findings suggest that weak upper and lower body fitness can cause more serious depression and anxiety in midlife women.
Medical Studies
Although several studies have previously linked depression in midlife women with self-reported low physical activity, the new study is unique. The investigation is the first to evaluate objective measures of physical performance (strength, upper/lower body fitness) in relation to depression and anxiety in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.
The study appears online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Depression and anxiety are prevalent symptoms experienced by midlife women. This latest study of more than 1,100 women aged 45 to 69 years found, in fact, that 15 percent of participants, especially those of younger age, reported depression and/or anxiety.
As depression can cause disability, reduced quality of life, mortality, and heart disease, the researchers believed it was important to identify potentially modifiable risk factors that could reduce morbidity and mortality.
The investigators observed significant associations of objective physical performance measures with depression and anxiety.
Specifically, they found that weak upper body strength (hand grip strength) and poor lower body strength (longer duration to complete the repeated chair stand test) were associated with elevated depression and/or anxiety symptoms.
Scientists note that future trials are necessary to determine whether strengthening exercises that improve physical performance might similarly help reduce depression and anxiety in midlife women.
“Strength training has been shown to lead to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms,” said Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director.
“Both strength training and aerobic exercise appear to improve depression, possibly as a result of increased blood flow to the brain or improved coping with stress from the release of endorphins such as norepinephrine and dopamine.”
One of the top contenders in the 2018 season of the highly coveted Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) recently clocked the age of 25 and he shared photos in commemoration. Ex-BBNaija housemate Tobi Bakre, was filled with gratitude to the lord as he shared the news of attaining a new age with fans and followers on photo sharing app, Instagram.
The reality star shared a traditional themed photo in which he was surround by older people who seemed to be passing on their blessings, knowledge and good wishes upon him.
In a long note that accompanied the photo, Bakre noted that the years have been long and challenging, especially as one who is a resident of Nigeria. He particularly expressed gratitude to God, friends, families and other people who have supported his journey.
Depressed poor child sitting on stairs. The boy is crying and hiding his face in hands.
Numerous adverse health outcomes have been linked to childhood maltreatment, including mental illness, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. A new study suggests that childhood abuse (which was found to have occurred in 44% of the sample population) may also cause more hot flashes, especially during sleep. Results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Depressed poor child sitting on stairs. The boy is crying and hiding his face in hands.
Although there have been many studies conducted to determine the various adverse health effects of childhood abuse and neglect, few have fully examined how maltreatment is associated with the menopause transition. Similarly, despite the fact that hot flashes are the most commonly reported symptom of menopause, there are still many unknowns regarding the factors associated with hot flashes.
Health Issues
Numerous adverse health outcomes have been linked to childhood maltreatment, including mental illness, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. A new study suggests that childhood abuse (which was found to have occurred in 44% of the sample population) may also cause more hot flashes, especially during sleep. Results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Although there have been many studies conducted to determine the various adverse health effects of childhood abuse and neglect, few have fully examined how maltreatment is associated with the menopause transition. Similarly, despite the fact that hot flashes are the most commonly reported symptom of menopause, there are still many unknowns regarding the factors associated with hot flashes.
Of the studies that have been conducted linking child abuse or neglect with hot flashes, including the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, none used physiologic monitoring to confirm the existence or frequency of the symptoms.
This latest study involving 295 nonsmoking perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years with hot flashes is the first to examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and physiologically assessed hot flashes. The study yielded a number of noteworthy observations, including the fact that the incidence of childhood maltreatment is higher than originally thought. Although some previous studies have estimated at least one in four US women have experienced childhood abuse or neglect, 44% of this sample population reported some form of abuse.
Nonwhite women were more likely to report being abused or neglected, especially physically. Overall, however, emotional abuse was the most frequently cited type of abuse endured. And, in general, women reporting daily hot flashes were younger, less educated, and more often nonwhite than women not reporting these symptoms
Menopause
With regard to menopause symptoms, the study found that childhood abuse was associated with more frequent physiologically assessed hot flashes during sleep. Because hot flashes are linked with sleep problems and other quality-of-life issues, this study underscores the importance for clinicians to routinely screen for trauma history when considering women’s midlife health.
Findings were published in the article “Childhood abuse and vasomotor symptoms among midlife women.”
Each year, tens of thousands of people immigrate to the U.S., hoping for a better future. Robyn Rihanna Fenty’s story started the same way. Over a decade ago, Rihanna left her home country, Barbados, and her abusive addict father behind to launch her music career. Her journey kicked off with the help of fellow musician (and now billionaire) Jay-Z, who heard a demo of one of her songs. Since then, Rihanna has not only rocked the music industry, she’s also become a force in the beauty and fashion industries.
Building on her fame and her experiences as a woman of color, Rihanna launched makeup brand Fenty in partnership with luxury goods group LVMH in late 2017. The Fenty line, which includes shades of makeup for a wide range of skin colors and tones, pulled in an estimated $570 million in sales last year. In 2018, she started the Savage X Fenty lingerie line with Los Angeles-based online fashion firm TechStyle Fashion Group. That was just the first of her forays into clothing design. Last month Rihanna and LVMH announced a new luxury fashion house, Fenty, which will be based in Paris. She becomes the first black woman to lead a major fashion maison.
Primarily thanks to her ventures outside of music, Rihanna is worth an estimated $600 million, according to Forbes. She debuts as one of 19 immigrants on Forbes’ 2019 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, which altogether features 80 women. Two other newcomers to the list were born outside the U.S. as well: Ashley Chen of Taiwan and Neha Narkhede of India. The women immigrants hail from around the globe, from Canada to South Korea, from 14 different countries on four continents; nine moved here from an Asian country. Together this cohort of immigrants, which make up nearly one-fourth of the women in the self-made ranks, is worth an estimated $18.4 billion—23% of the total.
This is the fifth year that Forbes has celebrated the nation’s most successful women. The U.S. continues to serve as a beacon for ambitious women who want to transform industries, be it in retail, defense or other industries. In spite of the federal government’s crackdown on immigration, the nation’s most successful immigrant women continue to embody the power of the American Dream.
Thai Lee, who is the most successful woman immigrant in the country, has lived that dream, working very hard along the way. Lee, who was born in Bangkok, grew up in South Korea but moved to the U.S., where she and her older sister lived with a family friend and attended high school in Amherst, Massachusetts. Lee later attended Amherst College to study economics and biology, and received her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1985. She went on to work at U.S. companies like Procter & Gamble and American Express for four years but in 1989 she and her then husband bought a software reseller for less than $1 million. They renamed it SHI International which now works with customers like Boeing and Johnson & Johnson and reported $10 billion in sales in 2018.
China-native Weili Dai, Panda Express cofounder Peggy Cherng and Turkish-American billionaire Eren Ozmen, who grew up in Diyarbakir—a city in Turkey close to the Syrian border —all similarly moved to the U.S. in pursuit of a better education. Ozmen sold baklava and worked as a janitor at aerospace and defense company Sierra Nevada to support herself while attending business school at the University of Nevada, Reno. Today she is the president and majority owner of Sierra Nevada, which racked up $1.9 billion in sales in 2018 and counts NASA as one of its clients. “Look at the United States and what women can do here, compared to the rest of the world. That is why we feel we have a legacy to leave behind,” Ozmen told Forbes in 2018.
Other women moved here in search of a better life and more opportunities. Makeup mogul Anastasia Soare immigrated from Romania to Los Angeles in 1989 and took a job in a beauty salon. Three years later she quit to start her own business and in 2000 launched her eyebrow products line, Anastasia Beverly Hills, now valued at over $3 billion. Forever 21 cofounder Jin Sook Chang pursued a similar path: She and her husband came to the U.S. from South Korea in 1981. Chang worked as a hairdresser for three years, while her husband worked three jobs. The couple used $11,000 they had saved to open a 900-square-foot clothing store in Los Angeles. Now Forever 21 has over 815 stores and an estimated $3.4 billion in annual revenue.
Another industry where women immigrants make their mark is technology. Twenty women entrepreneurs on Forbes’ list built a fortune in tech, including seven immigrants. One of those is Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz. Originally from Israel, Catz joined the software giant Oracle in 1999. Although Catz is not a founder, she has overseen more than 130 acquisitions worth a total of $60 billion and has become one of the top-paid CEOs in the country. Just in 2017, Oracle paid her $135 million in cash and stock, which helped her join the billionaire ranks in 2019.
Here’s the complete list of immigrants on this year’s list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women:
A recent study in Circulation investigated the mechanisms underlying the negative effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer on heart function.
Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. These complications, including impaired heart function, are thought to be caused, in part, by the anti-cancer therapy.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and heart dysfunction:
For instance, trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent used for breast cancer patients that have the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. Trastuzumab, however, has been reported to have the most frequent occurrences of heart dysfunction in patients. It is important, therefore, to investigate the potential negative heart effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer, as well as the effect of other cancer drugs on overall heart health.
In a recent study, published in Circulation, researchers used heart cells from the stem cells of healthy and breast cancer patients to investigate the mechanisms of trastuzumab-induced heart dysfunction. More precisely, they began by isolating and developing cardiac muscle cells from stem cells of 3 healthy participants and 7 breast cancer patients.
Trastuzumab caused cells to contract less vigorously:
Administration of trastuzumab caused cells from breast cancer patients to contract less vigorously compared to cells derived from healthy participants. No differences were observed in cell death and in the structure of cellular components responsible for heart contraction.
These results are consistent with clinical findings, where HER+ breast cancer patients experience impaired heart contraction following trastuzumab treatment. The authors believe that heart cells derived and developed from stem cells of breast cancer patients can be used as an effective model to study the effects of chemotherapy on heart cells.
The researchers also conducted further studies which found that trastuzumab acts by disrupting the way the cells consume energy. These findings were validated by further experimentation where metformin, an FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes, caused by trastuzumab-weakened cells to contract more vigorously and take up more glucose. In other words, improving the cell’s ability to uptake glucose for energy improved the cell’s contractile force.
Metformin may negate the adverse effects of chemotherapy on the heart:
In summary, the authors believe that the current study provides novel insight into the potential mechanisms by which trastuzumab can induce heart toxicity in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, they demonstrated that the use of metformin might be an effective strategy in negating the adverse effects of chemotherapy on the heart.
Furthers studies needed:
Moving forward, the authors plan to conduct a prospective study in breast cancer patients using trastuzumab to investigate whether those that also take metformin for diabetes have a reduced number of cardiac side effects, compared to those that do not.
If successful, the authors propose that clinicians will be able to isolate cells from breast cancer patients using trastuzumab and determine the likelihood that they will suffer heart dysfunction. These cells can further be used to test whether the patient would benefit from using metformin or other drugs to reduce the heart toxicity of chemotherapeutics.
The Colombian singer Shakira has appeared in a Spanish court to testify over allegations that she avoided paying €14.5m (£13m) in taxes.
The 42-year-old said she was up-to-date with her taxes, had given her full cooperation to the investigation and had no outstanding debts with the tax authorities.
She arrived at the Esplugues de Llobregat court near Barcelona at about 10am, using the court’s car park entrance to avoid the media.
Prosecutors, who accused her of tax evasion in December last year, argue she avoided taxes by claiming to live in the Bahamas when she was resident in Catalonia.
Shakira changed residences in 2015 from the Bahamas to Spain, where she lives with her partner, the Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué, and their two sons.
But prosecutors allege she was already living in the Catalan capital between 2012 and 2014, and should have paid tax in Spain on her worldwide income for those years.
They argue she was resident in Spain for most of the year, only travelling abroad for short periods.
Court Case
In February, the Catalan newspaper El Periódico reported that the singer had paid the Spanish tax authorities €14.5m to settle the debt.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Shakira’s PR company said she had appeared in court to “help clarify the facts over her tax situation in Spain”. It said the singer had always met her tax obligations in every country where she had worked and did not own taxes to the Spanish state.
“As soon as she learned how much she owed the Spanish tax authorities – and before a complaint was filed – Shakira paid the full amount, as well as providing the tax office with exhaustive information. For this reason, there is currently no debt whatsoever.”
Given that there were no more payments to be made, it continued, the only remaining matter for discussion was the interpretation of rules over when Shakira began to be liable to pay taxes as a resident in Spain.
Last month, a Spanish court cleared Shakira and fellow Colombian star Carlos Vives of accusations of plagiarism of part of their Grammy award-winning hit La Bicicleta.
Cuban singer known as Livam, had alleged that the tune copied parts of the melody and lyrics from his song Yo te quiero tanto (I love you so much).
The court ruled that the allegedly shared lyrics – including the line, “I love you so much” – were “common, used in all sorts of songs and lyrics, all through history”, adding that the melody, rhythm and harmony were different.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted to a recent emergence and spread of new strains of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in southern Nigeria and, especially Lagos.
WHO disclosed that there is evidence of missed transmission in Nigeria and Somalia, which suggests that the situation continues to deteriorate.
It said the detection of cVDPV2 strains underscores the importance of maintaining high level of routine polio vaccination at all levels to minimise the risk and consequences of poliovirus circulation.
A statement by the Twenty-first International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee Regarding the International Spread of Poliovirus, released yesterday, noted that the spread of vaccine-derived polio in southern Nigeria was in spite of mass immunisation with Monovalent Oral Poliovirus Type 2 (mOPV2).
Director General of WHO had convened the committee on May 14, 2019 at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland with members, advisers which invited member states attended via teleconference, supported by WHO’s secretariat.
The Committee said: “Insufficient coverage with Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) exacerbates the growing vulnerability on the continent to cVDPV2 transmission.
“Early detection of any international spread from the five currently infected countries and prioritized use of mOPV2 is essential to mitigate further depletion of the limited mOPV2 supply. “Repeatedly, cases have occurred in border districts (in Nigeria, close to Benin, in Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, close to Angola, in Somalia, close to Ethiopia and in Mozambique, close to Malawi).”
Meanwhile, the committee said the multiple cVDPV2 outbreaks on the continent of Africa are as concerning as the Wild Polio Virus type 1 (WPV1) situation in Asia.
It, however, said despite the significant further increase in WPV1 cases globally in 2019, particularly in Pakistan where 15 cases have already been reported, Nigeria has not detected any case for over two and half years and may be certified WPV free by WHO by early 2020.
The certification, according to WHO would happen after careful assessment of the risk of missed transmission in inaccessible areas of Borno, and other countries in the region where there is lack of confidence in surveillance.The committee agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and endorsed extension of temporary recommendations for another three months.
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal on Sunday attended the funeral of 25 persons killed by bandits in a fresh attack which occurred on Saturday in three communities in Rabah local government area of the state.
Tambuwal, together with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and government officials later condoled the families of the victims after the burial held at Gandi town.
The bandits who were in large numbers raided Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages near Gandi and killed the 25 persons.
The attackers were said to have engaged in indiscriminate shooting from around 5pm on Saturday till Sunday morning, after which they carted away hundreds of cows, sheep and other valuables.
Rabah has been experiencing bandits’ attacks in recent time, with people losing their lives while many others who were rendered homeless now taking refuge at an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Gandi.
Tambuwal pledged that the government would take more measures “to end such uncivilized and barbaric attacks”, and urged community members to assist security agencies with useful information to track the bandits.
Speaking to newsmen, Sokoto state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, said four persons including a woman informant who pretended to be a lunatic were arrested.
Kaoje said that a joint security operation was in progress to contain banditry and other crimes in the state.
The state Chairman, IDPs’ Welfare Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki said relief materials had been delivered to the victims.
NAN reports that with the present 25 killed in the latest attack, the total number of persons killed by bandits in Sokoto state has risen to 108 from 2018 to date.
Other places affected by armed bandits’ attacks were Dalijan, Rakkoni and Tabanni communities within the period.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari speaks after British Prime Minister Cameron opened the international anti-corruption summit on May 12, 2016 in London, England. Leaders from many of the worlds nations are gathering in London for the summit, which is aimed at stepping up action to tackle the problem of corruption. (Photo by Dan Kitwood -WPA Pool/Getty Images)
President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, on the appointment of additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The President wrote: ‘‘Pursuant to the provisions of Section 230(2) A&B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to request that you initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as provided by the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution.
‘‘This is in line with the Government’s Agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general and Supreme Court in particular for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlogs of appeals pending at the Supreme Court.
‘‘Please accept, your Lordship, the assurances of my highest regards.’’
Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, effective from May 28, 2019.
The President thanked Justice Onnoghen for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best of retirement life.
There are reports that President Muhammadu Buhari may appoint the General Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as the new Chief of Staff.
This was made known by a highly dependable source, in Aso Rock.
“There is a big battle for the Office of Chief of Staff, which many consider to be the Prime Minister position, if it were a Parliamentary system”, the insider disclosed.
He added: “Those thought to be interested in the position are: Adamu Adamu, a long-time Ally of the President, who served as Education Minister from 2015-2019; Abubakar Malami, who was Attorney-General; as well as Tunde Bakare, Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, who is very close to the President. The President may settle for the Pastor.”
Meanwhile, Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, is also said to be in the mix. He served as Chief of Staff to Buhari, before the 2015 Presidential election, and the Retired Colonel was reluctant to go to Customs, before his Associates prevailed on him.
