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Cities with the worst air pollution in 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes unclean air, and air pollution causes seven million premature deaths a year. Indeed, air pollution remains a prevalent health crisis around the world. PM2.5 concentration (measured as micrograms per cubic meter, or µg/m3), which refers to inhalable particulate matter with a diameter equal to or less than 2.5 micrometers, poses the greatest health threat and is often used as a metric in legal air quality standards. WHO sets a recommended annual limit of 5µg/m3 as an indicator of clean air. However, many cities are recording dangerous levels of air pollution, in some cases 15 times above safe levels! Using average PM2.5 levels, the Air Quality Index (AQI) project has recently put together the 2024 updated ranking of the 25 cities with the worst air pollution in the world. As a general guide, air quality with a PM2.5 (μg/m3) of between 0-12.0 is considered good; 12.1-35.4 is moderate; 35.5-55.5 is unhealthy for sensitive groups; 55.6-150.4 is unhealthy; PM2.5 150.5-250.4 is very unhealthy; and 250.5 or greater is hazardous. Are you holding your breath? Click through and discover the world’s most polluted cities.

What you can eat and drink to combat stress, anxiety, and depression

Symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as high levels of stress, are common in people all over the world. Not only do these afflictions take a great mental toll, they can also manifest themselves physically—in weight gain. Unfortunately, stress-induced weight gain is a very real thing. When your body is under a high amount of stress, it releases the hormone cortisol, which leads to a rise in appetite. How does this happen exactly? Essentially a higher cortisol level creates higher insulin levels in your body and a drop in blood sugar, which is the perfect combination for junk food cravings to ensue. Anxious people are often not getting an adequate amount of sleep. A lack of sleep, like stress, contributes to your body producing more cortisol. Let the snacking begin... People who are stressed out are also more likely to emotionally eat and skip out on regular exercise. Not to mention forgetting to eat when you’re busy at work, which slows your metabolism and makes it more likely for you to binge later on in the day. While these are all difficult cravings to overcome, what if you could use food to help you minimize some of your symptoms and improve your mood? Instead of going for comforting junk food, try to grab one of these healthier options. You never knew food could have this much of an impact! Click through this gallery and find out how to use the power of these foods to improve your day-to-day life!

Bird flu ‘likely spreading in cows since last year’ as concern grows over US virus detection systems

There is a “strong possibility” that bird flu has been spreading in US cattle farms since last year, new analysis suggests, prompting questions about America’s pathogen surveillance capabilities. Last month, the H5N1 strain was spotted in cows for the first time, shortly before a human case was detected in Texas. The virus, which has killed tens of...

Man, 80, is one of six people alive to finished EVERY London Marathon

A veteran ultra-runner, 80, ran his forty-fourth London Marathon on Sunday making him one of only six people alive to finish the race since it began.

America's fight to save handwriting from extinction as IQs slowly fall

Handwriting is less prevalent than it once was, with a third of Americans reporting that they haven't written a personal letter or note in more than five years. Experts warn that history could be lost.

Pro Tip: LED Face Masks Are *Way* Cheaper Than A Bougie Spa Facial

Derms say some work better, too.

Is it possible to improve your sense of direction?

Some people can navigate a place they've never been, with little more than their senses. The rest of us need a little more help. Many arguments between friends, family, and romantic partners begin when we can't agree on directions. Whether it's exploring a new city, finding a location tied to work, or attending an important event, there's no way around using our navigation skills repeatedly throughout our lifetime. But if your sense of direction is a little lacking, can you really improve it? Click on to find out.

45 Sweet and Thoughtful Gifts for Moms That Will Mean SO Much to Her

Warning: These presents may cause tears of joy.

Blow for Putin and Russia as key warlord ally ‘has incurable pancreatic disease’

‘Nothing is going to stop me’: Celine Dion details life with stiff person syndrome

Celine Dion has opened up about life with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a debilitating condition that she was diagnosed with in 2022. SPS, an extremely rare autoimmune neurological disorder affecting an estimated 8,000 people worldwide, causes muscle spasms and stiffness and can cause a loss of mobility. In Dion’s case, she has previously said that the illness is “causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing...

First Comprehensive Map of Protein Movement in Yeast Cell Cycle Revealed

An international team led by researchers at the University of Toronto has mapped the movement of proteins encoded by the yeast genome throughout its cell cycle.

The healthiest midnight snacks around

Eating at midnight isn't ideal. However, sometimes people get post-dinner cravings that are hard to resist! And because you're very tired, you often go for the easiest option: junk food. This is an especially bad choice at this time of night. So scrap this behavior, and take a look through the following gallery to discover the healthiest midnight snacks around.

Ozempic Foods to Avoid: 7 Things You Can't Eat on Weight-Loss Drugs

Medical professionals share the foods you should avoid on Ozempic, from high-fat and high-roughage foods to sweets and more.

15 differences between food poisoning and the stomach flu

Food poisoning and the stomach flu (or viral gastroenteritis) are two common illnesses that often lead to similar symptoms, making it a challenge to distinguish between them. Understanding their differences is crucial for proper treatment and prevention. Here are 15 ways to figure out which bug is bothering your belly. If you have any concerns, please seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

How long might your dog live?

A recent study commissioned by the Dogs Trust in the United Kingdom and published in the journal Scientific Reports explores the reasons why some dog breeds live longer than others. The paper reveals some astonishing facts regarding canine longevity. For example, did you know that the life span of some dogs depends on the length of their noses? If you're a dog owner curious to find out how long you can expect your furry friend to be by your side, this is a report you need to read! Click through and find out more about the study's key findings, and learn of the warnings issued regarding certain dog breeds and their life expectancy.

Discover how your blood type can influence your health

Dr. Karl Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his development of the ABO blood group system, a method used to classify blood types. Having knowledge about your blood type is crucial when donating or receiving blood, as a mismatch can lead to immune system reactions resulting in various complications, including kidney failure, blood clotting, and, in severe cases, even death. Fortunately, advances in testing techniques have minimized these occurrences in recent years. However, research indicates that there may be connections between blood type and a range of diseases. Being aware of your blood type may serve as an indicator of specific health risks, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes. To learn more about your blood type and the potential health implications it could have, explore this gallery.

London Marathon runner ‘honoured’ after wine challenge goes viral

London Marathon runner ‘honoured’ after wine challenge goes viral - Tom Gilbey sipped a glass of wine after completing each mile of the London Marathon.

The 22 Best Gym Shorts for Men

Don't make the workout harder than it needs to be by riding up, sliding down, or bunching.

Why autoimmune diseases are on the rise

Autoimmune diseases, in which the body's defense mechanisms get confused and attack their own healthy cells, have been around since day one. There are many types of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, and they really are nothing new. What is new, however, is the number of people suffering from them. For decades now, the incidence of autoimmune diseases has been on the rise, and scientists are trying to work out why. Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.

I'm a Health Editor who's tried 100's of shoes - these are officially the best gym trainers you can buy

For running, weight training, walking, and more.

Which hormonal body type are you?

Bodies come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. But did you know that each shape tells us something about the body's hormonal health? If you've been following the "eat less, move more" adage without noticing a difference on the scale, the root issue could be hormonal. In fact, some hormonal profiles don't do well at all with strenuous exercise, or strict diets—so your efforts might be doing more harm than good. Intrigued? Click on to learn about what the shape of your body tells you about your hormonal health.

The countries with the best healthcare in the world

How is healthcare defined? Generally, we understand it as a set of systems we depend on, that help us maintain our personal health through prevention or treatment of illness, disease, injury, or another kind of mental or physical impairment. Many governments provide nationwide healthcare to their citizens; however, the standard and quality of care ultimately received by the patient differs from country to country, and there are several reasons for this. Ranking the world's countries in order of the best healthcare services is no small task, and to do so several factors were taken into consideration. 1. The Legatum Prosperity Index measures the extent to which people are healthy and have access to the necessary services to maintain good health, including health outcomes, health systems, illness and risk factors, and mortality rates. 2. CEOWORLD Magazine's Health Care Index "is a statistical analysis of the overall quality of the health care system, including health care infrastructure; health care professionals (doctors, nursing staff, and other health workers) competencies; cost (USD p.a.per capita); quality medicine availability, and government readiness." Under this index, each country is scored out of a total of 100. 3. U.S. News & World Report is a valuable resource with a suite of health-focused rankings. Since 1990, the publication has compiled Best Hospital rankings. Taking these three metrics into account, countries were ranked for their healthcare system's performance. Intrigued? Click on to learn where in the world you'll receive the best healthcare.

Woman given suspended sentence for neglect of daughter hospitalised twice due to severe head lice

The Dublin woman took off to the UK for a period of time, leaving her then 15-year-old daughter home alone with €100 for food.

If you can hear these sounds, you're superhuman

The Best Dog Food of 2024

Vet-recommended healthy and nutritious dog food for canines of every size, age and stage

40 Things to NEVER Buy at a Thrift Store

Unless you want lead poisoning...

UHL was 'not a safe environment' for patients on the night Aoife Johnston died, inquest hears

Dr Leandri Card said she was left to manage 191 patients in the emergency department by herself.

These Are the 20 Best Bath & Body Works Scents of All Time

Our love for Warm Vanilla Sugar will never die.

What is zombie deer disease?

You've probably heard of mad cow disease, but what about zombie deer disease? Officially called chronic wasting disease, this nasty illness causes weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and ultimately death in hoofed ruminant mammals. To date, there is no evidence of this disease passing over to humans, but that doesn't mean scientists aren't concerned. Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.

Chechen strongman leader shares workout video as reports of illness grow

Chechnya’s strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov has shared a workout video in response to claims that he is suffering from a life-threatening health condition. A report citing medical sources by Novaya Gazeta Europe, a Russian opposition media outlet, said Mr Kadyrov, 47, had developed severe kidney failure and fluid build-up in his lungs. The Chechen w...

Research Suggests Link Between Brain Activity and Maintaining a Healthy Diet

'Newsweek' reports that neuroscientists have discovered a link between an individual's dietary choices and specific brain activity patterns.

Health chiefs launch probe into play farm after 20 people fall ill

Visitors, including children aged as young as one, were struck down with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms after a day out at Gannow Farm, in Worcestershire.

Care workers were afraid they would bring coronavirus home, probe hears

The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has been hearing evidence from unions who represented front-line workers during the pandemic.

Grieving teacher devastated by the loss of her baby took her own life

Kath Brace (pictured), 32, and her fiancé Dan Berry were left heartbroken when their son Otis passed away at just a day old following complications in March 2022.

‘Thermonator’ proves that Americans’ idea of self-defence is increasingly unhinged

8 Harmless Things With Chilling Origin Stories

There are parts of our everyday life that we don't question. However, everything has a history, and some origin stories are darker than others.

Recovery Holidays: New trend in short breaks that aims to set you on a new path to health and happiness

Recovery Holidays ... when you fancy more than a few days away, how about a sunny break that can set you on a healthy, happy road for the rest of the year.

These Leg Elevation Pillows Help Relieve Swelling, Back Pain, and Varicose Veins

These expert-recommended, affordable picks work wonders for pain relief.

21 healthy eating myths you should ignore

To help preserve your health, weight and overall wellbeing, we've rounded up a mob of healthy eating myths that need to be put to rest for good.

Is 'chronoworking' the next productivity hack?

Some people are early birds, while others are night owls. It's generally accepted that whether you do your best work first thing in the morning or later on in the day is largely a matter of biology. This genetic component of the circadian rhythm is referred to as a person's chronotype: the body's natural preference for wakefulness and sleep. However, the modern working world is not really set up to reflect this reality. But could that change in the future, as a new productivity hack called "chronoworking" begins to emerge? Intrigued? Click on the following gallery to learn more about this trend.

The Science Behind Teenage Angst

30 White House heavyweights

The average weight of US presidents is 182 lbs, which is a little over 82 kg. Of course, this figure is relative to height and and build, but overall it's a respectable figure. While some White House incumbents were in fact underweight, there are others who did indeed tip the scales in the other direction. And there are a handful who were so heavy that today they'd be diagnosed as clinically obese. So, which presidents maintained an average weight while others made heavy going of their time in office? Click through and weigh in on the issue.

What are the warning signs of prostate cancer?

In their lifetime, one in nine men will develop prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. In addition to following your doctor’s cancer screening recommendations, you should pay special attention to the symptoms discussed in this article. If you have any concerns about your situation, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional.

The Best Frozen Breakfast Foods, Ranked

Tasty options that will energize you for the day ahead.

Bananas will 'last longer' with no brown spots when stored at this exact temperature

Bananas have so much to offer nutritionally but they lack benefits when it comes to their shelf life.

Foods and drinks you never imagined are staining your teeth

There's no doubt that a bright, beaming smile does wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. And a healthy set of pearly whites is what many of us desire. But what if you have a mouthful of stained, discolored teeth? While darkening teeth is a natural part of aging, there are other causes that can tint your gnashers. Most commonly it's because of the staining properties of certain foods and drinks. But which are the biggest teeth-staining culprits, and what can you do to whiten your smile? Click through and find out how our teeth can be sabotaged by what we eat and drink.

The Best Hard-to-Kill Indoor Plants That’ll Liven Up Your Home

Test how green your thumb is with these beginner-friendly plants.

New NHS weight loss scheme has people shedding impressive eight pounds in three months

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme was investigated in a study published in The Obesity Journal, looking at the 63,937 people referred to the scheme in its first year

The Ideal Mix of Freedom and Firmness - Raising Independent and Respectful Children

How Much Strictness Does a Child Need? Psychologist and educator Siegbert Warwitz explains why children need a mixture of freedom and consistent parental behavior – and what the no-gos are in parenting.

20 Cold & Flu Myths Debunked

Discover 20 commonly known cold and flu myths. From avoiding milk and going outside in the winter with wet hair to how a cold is spread and when to see a doctor, find out the truth about cold and flu season, and how to protect yourself.