GO HEALTHY FOR GOOD

GO HEALTHY

for good

WITH DR NERIDA MCKIBBEN

GRIM CONSOLE-ATION

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has added “gaming disorder” to its official list of diseases. It’s characterised by at least 12 months of impaired control over video gaming to the detriment of other usual activities such assleeping, eating, school or work. Several young people have died from heart failure brought on by dehydration and exhaustion while bingeing on video games.—Medscape

FRUIT OF THE WOMB

Women who eat more fruit and less fast food conceive quicker and are less likely to experience infertility. A study of Aussie, Kiwi and British women found that those who ate fewer than three fruit portions per month took 20 per cent longer to fall pregnant than women who ate three or more fruit portions per day. Avoiding fast food was linked to quicker conception and less infertility risk.—Human Reproduction

RESTLESS NIGHTS

Nine out of ten Australians experience poor sleepand the problem is more widespread than people realise. More than half of participants in an employment-based survey reported that poor sleep affected their concentration at least twice a week; one in four admitted that it impacted them every day. Respondents felt their workplace performance would increase by almost 50 per cent if they could get a better night’s sleep. And most were interested in engaging in a sleep wellness program. —SeventeenHundred/ REMinder Healthr

DIABETES BRAIN DRAIN

Aussie researchers have identified that the right hippocampus, a region of the brain related tolearning and memory, tends to be smaller in people with Type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant declines in memory, thinking skills and verbal fluency. Longterm high blood sugar levels trigger blood vessel damage in the brain whereas diabetes control that maintains a blood glucose level close to normal, reduces these risks.—diabetes.co.uk

HEALING OR HURTING?

A New Zealand survey of 1800 people on antidepressant medicationsasked if they thought the drugs were addictive. Forty-four per cent had been taking the medications for more than three years. One in four reported some level of addiction and more than half reported withdrawal symptoms, with 25 per cent reporting severe symptoms.—University of Auckland

Dr Nerida McKibben, a New Zealand-born obstetrician and gynecological surgeon, passionately enables people to achieve their greatest health potential. Wanting everyone to live life to the fullest, she integrates wholistic principles into medical treatments and procedures. For more, go to www.hop.ec/gohealthyforgood