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Healthwatch
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Healthwatch
Counting Steps Is Good Is Combining Steps And Heart Rate Better?
~4.9 mins read
A new way to assess fitness and estimate health risks.
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure (hypertension)
coronary atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart failure
stroke.
Low: 0.0081 or lower
Medium: higher than 0.0081 but lower than 0.0147
High: 0.0147 or higher.
Participants in this study were likely more willing to monitor their activity and health than the average person. And more than 70% of the study subjects were female and more than 80% were white. The results could have been quite different outside of a research setting and if a more diverse group had been included.
The findings were not compared to standard risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as having a strong family history of cardiovascular disease or smoking cigarettes. Nor were DHRPS scores compared with standard risk calculators for cardiovascular disease. So the value of DHRPS compared with other readily available (and free) risk assessments isn't clear.
The exercise stress testing findings were based on only 21 people. That's far too few to make definitive conclusions.
The cost of a device to continuously monitor heart rate and steps can run in the hundreds of dollars; for many this may be prohibitive, especially since the benefits of calculating the DHRPS are unproven.
Have you met your step goals today? If so, well done! Monitoring your step count can inspire you to bump up activity over time.
But when it comes to assessing fitness or cardiovascular disease risk, counting steps might not be enough. Combining steps and average heart rate (as measured by a smart device) could be a better way for you to assess fitness and gain insights into your risk for major illnesses like heart attack or diabetes. Read on to learn how many steps you need for better health, and why tagging on heart rate matters.
Steps alone versus steps plus heart rate
First, how many steps should you aim for daily? There's nothing special about the 10,000-steps number often touted: sure, it sounds impressive, and it's a nice round number that has been linked to certain health benefits. But fewer daily steps — 4,000 to 7,000 — might be enough to help you become healthier. And taking more than 10,000 steps a day might be even better.
Second, people walking briskly up and down hills are getting a lot more exercise than those walking slowly on flat terrain, even if they take the same number of steps.
So, at a time when millions of people are carrying around smartphones or wearing watches that monitor physical activity and body functions, might there be a better way than just a step count to assess our fitness and risk of developing major disease?
According to a new study, the answer is yes.
Get out your calculator: A new measure of health risks and fitness
Researchers publishing in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a simple ratio that includes both heart rate and step count is better than just counting steps. It's called the DHRPS, which stands for daily heart rate per step. To calculate it, take your average daily heart rate and divide it by your average daily step count. Yes, to determine your DHRPS you'll need a way to continuously monitor your heart rate, such as a smartwatch or Fitbit. And you'll need to do some simple math to arrive at your DHRPS ratio, as explained below.
The study enrolled nearly 7,000 people (average age: 55). Each wore a Fitbit, a device that straps onto the wrist and is programmed to monitor steps taken and average heart rate each day. (Fitbits also have other features such as reminders to be active, a tracker of how far you've walked, and sleep quality, but these weren't part of this study.)
Over the five years of the study, volunteers took more than 50 billion steps. When each individual's DHRPS was calculated and compared with their other health information, researchers found that higher scores were linked to an increased risk of
The DHRPS had stronger associations with these diseases than either heart rate or step count alone. In addition, people with higher DHRPS scores were less likely to report good health than those who had the lowest scores. And among the 21 study subjects who had exercise stress testing, those with the highest DHRPS scores had the lowest capacity for exercise.
What counts as a higher score in this study?
In this study, DHRPS scores were divided into three groups:
How to make daily heart rate per step calculations
Here's how it works. Let's say that over a one-month period your average daily heart rate is 80 and your average step count is 4,000. That means your DHRPS equals 80/4,000, or 0.0200. If the next month your average heart rate is still 80 but you take about 6,000 steps a day, your DHRPS is 80/6,000, or 0.0133. Since lower scores are better, this is a positive trend.
Should you start calculating your DHRPS?
Do the results described in this study tempt you to begin monitoring your DHRPS? You may decide to hold off until further research confirms actual health benefits from knowing that ratio.
This study merely explored the relationship between DHRPS and risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease like heart attack or stroke. This type of study can only establish a link between the DHRPS and disease. It can't determine whether a higher score actually causes them.
Here are four other limitations of this research to keep in mind:
The bottom line
Tracking DHRPS or daily activity and other health measures might be a way to improve your health if the results prompt you to make positive changes in behavior, such as becoming more active. Or perhaps DHRPS could one day help your health care provider monitor your fitness, better assess your health risks, and recommend preventive approaches. But we don't yet know if this new measure will actually lead to improved health because the study didn't explore that.
If you already have a device that continuously monitors your daily heart rate and step count, feel free to do the math! Maybe knowing your DHRPS will motivate you to do more to lower your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Or maybe it won't. We need more research and experience with this measure to know whether it can deliver on its potential to improve health.
profile/5170OIG3.jpeg.webp
Healthwatch
Counting Steps Is Good Is Combining Steps And Heart Rate Better?
~4.9 mins read
A new way to assess fitness and estimate health risks.
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure (hypertension)
coronary atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart failure
stroke.
Low: 0.0081 or lower
Medium: higher than 0.0081 but lower than 0.0147
High: 0.0147 or higher.
Participants in this study were likely more willing to monitor their activity and health than the average person. And more than 70% of the study subjects were female and more than 80% were white. The results could have been quite different outside of a research setting and if a more diverse group had been included.
The findings were not compared to standard risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as having a strong family history of cardiovascular disease or smoking cigarettes. Nor were DHRPS scores compared with standard risk calculators for cardiovascular disease. So the value of DHRPS compared with other readily available (and free) risk assessments isn't clear.
The exercise stress testing findings were based on only 21 people. That's far too few to make definitive conclusions.
The cost of a device to continuously monitor heart rate and steps can run in the hundreds of dollars; for many this may be prohibitive, especially since the benefits of calculating the DHRPS are unproven.
Have you met your step goals today? If so, well done! Monitoring your step count can inspire you to bump up activity over time.
But when it comes to assessing fitness or cardiovascular disease risk, counting steps might not be enough. Combining steps and average heart rate (as measured by a smart device) could be a better way for you to assess fitness and gain insights into your risk for major illnesses like heart attack or diabetes. Read on to learn how many steps you need for better health, and why tagging on heart rate matters.
Steps alone versus steps plus heart rate
First, how many steps should you aim for daily? There's nothing special about the 10,000-steps number often touted: sure, it sounds impressive, and it's a nice round number that has been linked to certain health benefits. But fewer daily steps — 4,000 to 7,000 — might be enough to help you become healthier. And taking more than 10,000 steps a day might be even better.
Second, people walking briskly up and down hills are getting a lot more exercise than those walking slowly on flat terrain, even if they take the same number of steps.
So, at a time when millions of people are carrying around smartphones or wearing watches that monitor physical activity and body functions, might there be a better way than just a step count to assess our fitness and risk of developing major disease?
According to a new study, the answer is yes.
Get out your calculator: A new measure of health risks and fitness
Researchers publishing in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a simple ratio that includes both heart rate and step count is better than just counting steps. It's called the DHRPS, which stands for daily heart rate per step. To calculate it, take your average daily heart rate and divide it by your average daily step count. Yes, to determine your DHRPS you'll need a way to continuously monitor your heart rate, such as a smartwatch or Fitbit. And you'll need to do some simple math to arrive at your DHRPS ratio, as explained below.
The study enrolled nearly 7,000 people (average age: 55). Each wore a Fitbit, a device that straps onto the wrist and is programmed to monitor steps taken and average heart rate each day. (Fitbits also have other features such as reminders to be active, a tracker of how far you've walked, and sleep quality, but these weren't part of this study.)
Over the five years of the study, volunteers took more than 50 billion steps. When each individual's DHRPS was calculated and compared with their other health information, researchers found that higher scores were linked to an increased risk of
The DHRPS had stronger associations with these diseases than either heart rate or step count alone. In addition, people with higher DHRPS scores were less likely to report good health than those who had the lowest scores. And among the 21 study subjects who had exercise stress testing, those with the highest DHRPS scores had the lowest capacity for exercise.
What counts as a higher score in this study?
In this study, DHRPS scores were divided into three groups:
How to make daily heart rate per step calculations
Here's how it works. Let's say that over a one-month period your average daily heart rate is 80 and your average step count is 4,000. That means your DHRPS equals 80/4,000, or 0.0200. If the next month your average heart rate is still 80 but you take about 6,000 steps a day, your DHRPS is 80/6,000, or 0.0133. Since lower scores are better, this is a positive trend.
Should you start calculating your DHRPS?
Do the results described in this study tempt you to begin monitoring your DHRPS? You may decide to hold off until further research confirms actual health benefits from knowing that ratio.
This study merely explored the relationship between DHRPS and risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease like heart attack or stroke. This type of study can only establish a link between the DHRPS and disease. It can't determine whether a higher score actually causes them.
Here are four other limitations of this research to keep in mind:
The bottom line
Tracking DHRPS or daily activity and other health measures might be a way to improve your health if the results prompt you to make positive changes in behavior, such as becoming more active. Or perhaps DHRPS could one day help your health care provider monitor your fitness, better assess your health risks, and recommend preventive approaches. But we don't yet know if this new measure will actually lead to improved health because the study didn't explore that.
If you already have a device that continuously monitors your daily heart rate and step count, feel free to do the math! Maybe knowing your DHRPS will motivate you to do more to lower your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Or maybe it won't. We need more research and experience with this measure to know whether it can deliver on its potential to improve health.
News_Naija
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News_Naija
Male Infertility: Confronting Stereotypes And Finding Support
~3.3 mins read
Infertility can be a heavy burden for men, affecting them both emotionally and socially. It often feels like a hidden weight, shrouded in silence and shame. Societal stereotypes make it worse by suggesting that men should always appear strong and unaffected. However, ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear. By challenging the stigma, we can empower men to confront infertility with courage and seek the support they need. Understanding male infertility is essential, its facts, causes, and the myths surrounding it. Male infertility occurs when a man is unable to impregnate a woman despite having regular unprotected sex. It affects millions of individuals worldwide. The most common diagnostic tool is semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, shape, and motility. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward treatment, and understanding the condition is key to achieving a solution. Causes of male infertility Numerous factors can contribute to infertility. These include genetic issues such as chromosomal abnormalities or missing segments of the Y chromosome, which determines male characteristics. Hormonal imbalances, like low testosterone levels, can affect sperm production, as can physical conditions like varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) and various infections. Lifestyle choices also play a major role. Stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can all reduce fertility. Previous injuries or trauma may also affect sperm quality. Debunking myths and misconceptions There are many myths about male infertility. One common myth is that men cannot be infertile and that infertility is solely a woman’s issue. Others believe that men are less emotional or less affected by infertility, which is false. Men experience shame, frustration, and sadness, just like women do. Some associate infertility with weakness or failure. But infertility is a medical condition, often influenced by factors beyond one’s control. Recognising this truth is crucial in dismantling the stigma. The emotional toll on men Infertility can be emotionally devastating for men. They often feel inadequate or ashamed of being unable to father a child. These feelings can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The experience is made even more isolating by the tendency of men to remain silent, fearing judgment or appearing “less masculine.” One persistent myth stems from traditional roles that pressure men to appear strong and capable at all times. Admitting to fertility struggles can feel like a loss of identity. Many men fear being judged by their families or peers, reinforcing their silence. The power of shared stories Some brave men have broken this silence by sharing their experiences. Public figures from various fields have opened up about their infertility struggles, encouraging others and proving that infertility does not diminish one’s masculinity or worth. However, more voices are needed to normalise these conversations. Seeking support: Medical and emotional Men dealing with infertility should seek both medical and psychological support. Early diagnosis increases treatment options and improves outcomes. Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, and counselling can be a lifeline, reducing distress, improving mental health, and offering coping strategies. Contrary to popular belief, seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it is a courageous step forward. Barriers to help Many men remain silent due to stigma or shame. Others don’t know where to find help or fear being judged. Additionally, limited access to male-focused fertility clinics and services compounds the problem. When men feel safe and understood, they’re more likely to seek the care they need. Healthcare providers play a vital role in this by offering clear, respectful information about male fertility and creating an environment of trust. The role of families and communities Friends and family can help by encouraging open, compassionate conversations. Challenging stereotypes about masculinity, strength, and success helps dismantle shame. Fertility experts recommend early testing and comprehensive care, while mental health professionals highlight the importance of expressing emotions to aid healing and reduce anxiety. Breaking the stigma Dismantling the stigma around male infertility enables men to seek help, receive timely diagnoses, and increase their chances of becoming fathers. Compassion and understanding can turn silence into support, and shame into strength. Everyone benefits when men are empowered to care for both their reproductive and emotional well-being. If conception hasn’t occurred after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, it’s advisable to see a doctor. Symptoms like testicular pain or swelling, or low libido, may also indicate a fertility issue and should not be ignored. Early action matters Taking early action leads to better results and reduced emotional strain. If you’re facing fertility challenges, don’t hesitate, ask questions, seek answers, and take charge of your health. Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a family and live with confidence. Together, we can change perceptions and create a society where men no longer suffer in silence.
Read more stories like this on punchng.com
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Healthwatch
Healthier Planet, Healthier People
~3.3 mins read
Five small steps toward better health for you and planet Earth.
Everything is connected. You've probably heard that before, but it bears repeating. Below are five ways to boost both your individual health and the health of our planet — a combination that environmentalists call co-benefits.
How your health and planetary health intersect
Back in 1970, Earth Day was founded as a day of awareness about environmental issues. Never has awareness of our environment seemed more important than now. The impacts of climate change on Earth — fires, storms, floods, droughts, heat waves, rising sea levels, species extinction, and more — directly or indirectly threaten our well-being, especially for those most vulnerable. For example, air pollution from fossil fuels and wildfires contributes to lung problems and hospitalizations. Geographic and seasonal boundaries for ticks and mosquitoes, which are carriers of infectious diseases, expand as regions warm.
The concept of planetary health acknowledges that the ecosystem and our health are inextricably intertwined. Actions and events have complex downstream effects: some are expected, others are surprising, and many are likely unrecognized. While individual efforts may seem small, collectively they can move the needle — even ever so slightly — in the right direction.
Five ways to improve personal and planetary health
Adopt plant-forward eating.
This means increasing plant-based foods in your diet while minimizing meat. Making these types of choices lowers the risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers. Compared to meat-based meals, plant-based meals also have many beneficial effects for the planet. For example, for the same amount of protein, plant-based meals have a lower carbon footprint and use fewer natural resources like land and water.
Remember, not all plants are equal.
Plant foods also vary greatly, both in terms of their nutritional content and in their environmental impact. Learning to read labels can help you determine the nutritional value of foods. It's a bit harder to learn about the environmental impact of specific foods, since there are regional factors. But to get a general sense, Our World in Data has a collection of eye-opening interactive graphs about various environmental impacts of different foods.
Favor active transportation.
Choose an alternative to driving such as walking, biking, or using public transportation when possible. Current health recommendations encourage adults to get 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity physical activity, and two sessions of muscle strengthening activity. Regular physical activity improves mental health, bone health, and weight management. It also reduces risks of heart disease, some cancers, and falls in older adults. Fewer miles driven in gas-powered vehicles means cleaner air, decreased carbon emissions contributing to climate change, and less air pollution (known to cause asthma exacerbations and many other diseases).
Start where you are and work up to your level of discomfort.
Changes that work for one person may not work for another. Maybe you will pledge to eat one vegan meal each week, or maybe you will pledge to limit beef to once a week. Maybe you will try out taking the bus to work, or maybe you will bike to work when it's not winter. Set goals for yourself that are achievable but are also a challenge.
Talk about it.
It might feel as though these actions are small, and it might feel daunting for any one individual trying to make a difference. Sharing your thoughts about what matters to you and about what you are doing might make you feel less isolated and help build community. Building community contributes to well-being and resilience.
Plus, if you share your pledges and aims with one person, and that person does the same, then your actions are amplified. Who knows, maybe one of those folks along the way might be the employee who decides what our children eat from school menus, or a city planner for pedestrian walkways and bike lanes!
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