
(Credit-Canva)
With the extra busy schedules people have these days, fitness tracking apps have helped many people time and track their exercise time, calories burnt and the time taken to do so. These apps also remind us to drink water, not exceed our calorie limits for the day, as well as keep exercising. However, sometimes these devices can have an adverse impact on our health. Instead of making us feel better, they can make us feel anxious or stressed. This generally happens when we become too focused on the numbers and start to worry if they aren't perfect. It's important to understand that while these trackers can be helpful, they shouldn't control our mood or make us feel bad about ourselves.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association also found that people with heart problems who used trackers were more worried about their symptoms. With so many people using these devices, it's becoming a common problem. 20% of wearable users felt anxious and always contacted their doctors when they received an irregular rhythm notification. They also found that these devices meant increased monitoring and worrying, higher usage of AFib (atrial fibrillation) specific health care etc. These findings suggest that while wearables can help patients monitor their AFib, they may also lead to increased anxiety and health care use. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of these devices on patients, doctors, and the health care system.
We can become too focused on achieving certain goals, like a certain number of steps or a perfect sleep score. This can lead to stress and anxiety when we don't meet those goals, instead of simply using the information to support a healthy lifestyle.
If your happiness or sadness depends on the numbers your fitness tracker shows, it's a sign you might need a break. Getting a low score can make you feel like you've failed, even if you've been making healthy choices. It's normal to feel a little disappointed when you don't reach a goal, but your overall mood shouldn't be affected. If you notice that your mood changes a lot based on your tracker's data, it might be time to step away from it for a while.
If you find yourself constantly searching online to understand what your tracker's data means, it's a warning sign. Trying to interpret every number can lead to more worry and confusion. You might start to believe you have health problems that don't exist. It's important to remember that these trackers are tools, not medical professionals. Spending too much time trying to decode the data can increase your anxiety instead of helping you.
If you feel nervous or anxious when you forget your tracker or it's not working, you might be too dependent on it. You should be able to feel comfortable and relaxed without constant data. If you feel panicky when you can't see your numbers, it's a sign you need to learn to be okay without them. You should be able to trust your body's signals instead of relying only on the tracker.
If you rely only on your tracker and ignore what your body is telling you, it's a problem. Your body's signals are important. For example, you might feel well-rested, but if your tracker says your sleep quality is low, you might start to doubt yourself. It's important to listen to your body and not just the numbers. Your body knows when it's tired, hungry, or needs rest. The tracker is a tool to support your health, not replace your body’s signals.
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Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. From regulating muscle and nerve function, to supporting a healthy immune system, to building protein, maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and aiding in energy production, magnesium plays an important role in our health.
Importantly, it helps in getting a good night’s sleep by promoting relaxation, calming the nervous system, and helping your body produce melatonin, the so-called sleep hormone. Magnesium supplements are among the most popular dietary supplements in America, the Washington Post reported.
“There’s a lot of interest in magnesium right now — all of my patients are asking me about it,” Bethany Marie Doerfler, a clinical research dietitian at the Northwestern Digestive Health Center, was quoted as saying.
“There’s a lot of insomnia in the United States, and many of my patients are saying, ‘Can I use magnesium, can it be helpful?’”
Studies have proven that high levels of magnesium in the diet can lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. It also increases bone mineral density, protecting against fractures and osteoporosis.
Yet despite its well-documented benefits, researchers have found that a majority of people consume less magnesium than the recommended amounts.
According to the American health officials, women aged between 19 and 30 should consume 310 milligrams of magnesium daily (350 milligrams if they’re pregnant), and 320 milligrams if they are 31 or older.
For men, the recommendation is that they consume 400 milligrams if they’re 19 to 30 years old, and 420 milligrams if they’re 31 or older.
Doerfler noted that one can get plenty of magnesium simply by eating a few daily servings of the right plant foods.
According to the National Institutes of Health some top dietary sources of magnesium, include
Most people get enough magnesium from food, but certain groups are more vulnerable to deficiency. These include people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease, those with type 2 diabetes, people who consume excessive alcohol, and older adults.
If you’re low on magnesium, you might notice symptoms such as muscle twitches, spasms, fatigue, low appetite, nausea, or an irregular heartbeat. However, the only way to confirm a deficiency is through a blood test prescribed by your doctor.
While magnesium deficiency can lead to cramps, most cases of muscle cramps are not due to low magnesium. Research shows limited evidence that supplements prevent cramps, especially in older adults.
The link between magnesium and better sleep is also unclear. Some studies found it helped people fall asleep faster, while others found no significant difference.
When it comes to migraines, evidence is stronger. Studies suggest that taking 122–600 mg of magnesium daily for 4–24 weeks may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people.
In general, magnesium supplements are safe when taken in the recommended amounts. However, too much can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, because magnesium draws water into the intestines.
Taking extremely large doses (around 5,000 mg daily) can cause magnesium toxicity, which is dangerous. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you take other medications.
Credit: Daily Mail
A 31-year-old Brazilian beauty queen, Maiara Cristina de Lima Fiel, has reportedly died after suffering a sudden heart attack.
de Lima Fiel, a young mother, was due to compete in a beauty pageant next week. She reportedly had no major health issues. Paramedics spent more than an hour trying to save her life but she tragically did not recover, The Daily Mail reported.
Her untimely death has sparked grief and shock among her community and followers, and has also reignited concerns over unexpected cardiac events in seemingly healthy individuals.
de Lima Fiel was crowned Miss Londrina last year in a prestigious regional beauty pageant and also came runner-up in the 2025/26 edition of Miss Sarandi, The Daily Mail reported.
"She was such a committed, dedicated young woman," the report quoted Vitor Tavares, organizer of the contest Maiara, as saying. She was due to compete on April 29.
"I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at the end of last year when she confirmed her participation as Miss Londrina. From that moment, it was clear how seriously she took this dream," he added.
While detailed medical circumstances have not been publicly disclosed, such sudden cardiac events in young adults are often linked to underlying, sometimes undiagnosed, heart conditions or acute cardiovascular episodes.
Also read: US Cardiologist Explains Why 2026 AHA Cholesterol Guidelines Recommend Starting Young
Acute coronary syndromes, or heart attacks, are on the rise among young adults.
While there are some genetic predispositions for premature heart attacks, the majority of the risk is attributed to the increased incidence of conventional risk factors in young people, such as
Also read: Ideal Blood Pressure Reading for Older Adults: Harvard Health Experts Have an Answer
Doctors are now seeing them in people as young as their late 30s and early 40s, especially those with high-stress jobs.
“They mistake early signs for lifestyle issues: acidity after a heavy dinner, shoulder pain from sitting at a laptop, or tiredness from long hours," Pankaj Vinod Jariwala, Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals, told HealthandMe.
Dr Krunal Tamakuwala, cardiologist at KD Hospital, Ahmedabad, pointed out that the real danger is not that these heart attacks are completely "symptomless," but that their symptoms are so common that they are easily ignored.
By the time a person finally sees a doctor, their heart may already be seriously damaged.
“Sometimes, it arrives silently, hidden behind complaints we consider minor. That is why doctors urge patients not to ignore symptoms that linger or feel unusual, even if they seem harmless at first,” Dr Tamakuwala told HealthandMe.
The experts shared that to boost heart health, the key is to
Amid the ongoing heatwave, an expert spoke about what body odour indicates about health. (Photo credit: iStock)
Body odour is natural, but sometimes it may signify a health issue. When body odour is persistent, unusual, and/or changes suddenly, it could indicate a possible health problem. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it interacts with bacteria on the skin, it creates the odour that we associate with body odour. Some of the factors that may alter the way the body smells are medications, hormones, and lifestyle choices. Dr Pooja Kanumuru, a dermatologist at Apollo Clinic, Indiranagar, addressed this for Health and Me.
There are medical conditions that can cause body odour to be unusual or excessive: bromhidrosis; bacterial and/or fungal skin infections; and systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. For example, a diabetic with poor management may have a fruity-smelling body odour, whereas an infected person may have a foul body odour due to bacterial activity.
Body odour becomes an issue when there is no improvement despite proper hygiene. If body odour is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and/or abnormal skin changes, these should be addressed to determine the cause and seek appropriate assistance. Medically associated body odour does not decrease with normal methods such as bathing and/or the use of deodorants but tends to persist.
Body odour can also be affected by the following:
Hormonal and metabolic changes during certain periods of life (for example, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause) can change the amount of sweat produced, which can also alter the intensity of its smell.
Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, can sometimes result in increased sweating.
Rare metabolic disorders, such as trimethylaminuria, can result in a strong, fishy-smelling body odour due to the inability to break down certain substances in the body.
It is interesting how certain unusual odours can offer important clinical insights. For example, if a person has a fruity odour, this could indicate difficulties with diabetes control. A fishy smell could be a sign of a metabolic disorder, while an ammonia-like smell may indicate problems with kidney function. Meanwhile, musty or foul odours may suggest an infection or liver dysfunction. While these odours cannot be used as stand-alone diagnoses, they can help guide further medical evaluation.
Diet and lifestyle choices significantly affect body odour. For example, foods such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, red meat, and alcohol can exacerbate body odour, while poor hydration, high stress levels, smoking, and obesity can worsen it further. Additionally, wearing very tight or non-breathable clothing may cause perspiration and bacteria to become trapped, thereby worsening body odour.
Keeping your body clean, applying the right type of antiperspirant, wearing breathable materials, and maintaining a healthy diet can all help in managing body odour. However, if body odour persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor. A prompt medical assessment can identify the cause and allow your physician to discuss possible treatments, including topical medications and procedures that reduce excessive sweating.
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