Liquor Impacting Brain Activity (Credit-Freepik)
Many of us believe that we are great drinkers and that alcohol does not affect us as much. People who are able to drink without showing any sign of inebriation are known as social drinkers. In short, they are not addicted to alcohol but will not turn down the opportunity to have a good time! While it may seem like it doesn’t affect you, new studies suggest that it is just an illusion, even if you have high tolerance, alcohol affects your cognitive and motor functions more than you think.
The study reveals the below implications and techniques:
Think of it as the foundation for your brain's performance. When brain conductivity is high, information flows smoothly, and that helps your brain in rapid processing and response. On the other hand, low conductivity can hinder cognitive function, leading to slower thinking, impaired memory, and difficulties with coordination.
A study conducted at the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Science unveiled a startling connection between alcohol consumption and brain conductivity.
While many people brush off the effects of alcohol as temporary changes in behaviour, the reality is much more complex. Beyond the obvious impacts on coordination and judgment, alcohol significantly alters brain function. Alcohol dramatically slowed down brain activity, especially in areas responsible for decision-making, planning, and physical coordination. This decline was so significant that it resembled the brain changes seen in normal ageing. This means even one drink could temporarily accelerate the ageing process of your brain.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. It provides compelling evidence that alcohol consumption has a direct and measurable impact on brain function. The discovery that alcohol can significantly reduce brain conductivity opens new avenues for understanding the neurocognitive effects of alcohol abuse and dependence. While you may not feel like alcohol is affecting you and you have a high tolerance, it most definitely changes and affects your decision-making abilities and impulse control.
Furthermore, the MRI technique employed in the study could be a valuable tool for assessing the impact of other substances on the brain and for developing interventions to mitigate alcohol-related brain damage.
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Barbecues, parades, and extravagant fireworks displays mark the Fourth of July weekend in the US each year. However, weather experts have issued a warning that a heat dome could result in increased temperatures across several parts of the country. Rise in mercury teamed with the nature of festivities is expected to pave the way for several health risks.
Heat domes, a severe weather pattern, refer to the phenomenon when a strong high-pressure traps hot air over a particular region, acting like a huge lid. It causes temperatures to soar for a specific period of time.
This can lead to extremely high daytime temperatures, hotter nights, droughts, higher risks of forest fires, and heat-related illnesses.
According to meteorologists, several parts of the United States could experience extreme heat conditions during the Fourth of July holiday. On Sunday, the National Weather Service said that the record-shattering heat would grip the eastern part of the country.
The heat dome is expected to send the temperatures soaring into triple digits. Parts of Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas are among the most affected. States like Ohio, parts of North Carolina, and Washington, D.C will also see hotter days ahead.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially during outdoor celebrations, can increase health risks like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
An extravagant display of fireworks is one of the important traditions of the holiday. However, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of accidental fires and other dangers of fireworks.
Several traditional Fourth of July activities entail spending long hours outdoors, often during the daytime. This could pose risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms typically include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and weakness.
Hot weather combined with strenuous outdoor activities can cause the body to lose significant amounts of fluids through sweat. This could increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, Fourth of July celebrations may include consuming alcoholic beverages, which can further contribute to dehydration.
Sunburn is also one of the significant health risks. Spending hours outdoors can also increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to painful burns and increase long-term health risks like skin cancer.
Health experts recommend a few simple precautions to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday safely:
Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to fluid loss.
Do not skip sunscreen: Ensure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating and on days with continued sun exposure.
Plan activities according to the weather: Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Take breaks to cool down: Take frequent breaks indoors or in shaded areas. If possible, spend time in air-conditioned spaces.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing that could keep you comfortable and cool throughout the day
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More than one million children in England had active referrals to mental health services last year, with anxiety remaining the leading reason for seeking support, according to a new report.
The annual report by Children's Commissioner Rachel de Souza warns that England is facing a growing children's mental health crisis.
New data for 2024-25 shows that 1,048,965 children had an active referral to Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) — nearly double the number recorded in 2018-19 and almost 10 per cent higher than the previous year.
"The report clearly demonstrates the sheer scale of distress young people are facing today," de Souza said.
Also read: Europe's Heatwave Turns Deadly As It Claims Over 1,300 In A Week, Says WHO
"These are not just numbers, but children whose lives have been put on hold for months and, in some cases, years waiting for support they urgently need," de Souza said.
She urged greater investment in children's mental health and called for stronger support across schools, healthcare and social care.
de Souza stressed the need for "greater focus on services across health, education and social care to ensure children are getting the help they need in schools and the community".
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A stifling heatwave that has several European nations in its chokehold has turned deadly, with more than 1,300 deaths reported within a week by the World Health Organization (WHO). The recent casualties have compelled authorities to adopt emergency measures as temperatures continue to soar to record-breaking levels.
According to the WHO, the deaths were recorded between June 21 and June 28, making it one of the deadliest early Europe has witnessed in recent years. Government and health authorities fear that the toll could surge further as temperatures continue to increase.
In a post on X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO attributed the uncontrolled heatwave to climate change, saying, “We were warned.”
He also said, “Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ – and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.”
The Director-General also said that the WHO is working with its member states to address the emerging health threats posed by extreme heat.
The WHO has repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events globally. Europe, which is warming at nearly twice the global average rate, has become particularly vulnerable to prolonged and severe heatwaves.
Countries like Germany and the Czech Republic recorded nearly 42 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Among the nations in crisis, France has emerged as the worst-hit, as approximately 1,000 excess deaths due to extreme heat were recorded.
Poland and Hungary have also experienced record-breaking heat, with meteorological agencies reporting unusually high temperatures for this time of year.
Public health experts have repeatedly warned that older adults are especially vulnerable during prolonged periods of intense heat.
Officials said many of those who died were elderly individuals, particularly those living by themselves or suffering from chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.
Age-related changes in the body's ability to regulate temperature, combined with pre-existing medical conditions, significantly increase the risk of death due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and other life-threatening complications.
Experts caution that heat-related deaths are often underreported because extreme heat can worsen existing medical conditions rather than being listed as the direct cause of death. Due to this, the real cost of human life due to the heatwave may go underreported.
With meteorologists predicting that hot conditions could persist in several parts of Europe, health authorities remain on high alert. According to the WHO, the recent climate crisis is no longer a seasonal inconvenience, but a growing public health emergency warranting urgent preparedness, appropriate measures, and long-term climate action.
To reduce the health risks associated with extreme temperatures, the WHO suggested to:
Stay hydrated - Drink enough water throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
Watch your urine color - Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough water.
Wear light clothing – Opt for breathable, loose-fitting light-colored clothes and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
Use sunscreen – Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen regularly to protect your skin
Seek shade – Take breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Know the signs of heat illness – Watch for dizziness, nausea, or confusion. Seek medical help if needed.
Cool down – Use wet towels, misting fans, or splash water on your face and arms to enhance thermal comfort.
Stay well – if you have a medical condition or take medicines regularly, check with your doctor.
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