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"It was a relief": Rebecca Gibney opens up on mental health struggles

Rebecca Gibney has revealed what a "relief" it was to finally open up about the mental health struggles she faced from 14 to 30-years-old. The New Zealand actress, 58, said she spent a lot of that time "pretending" she was okay despite growing up around domestic violence, as her mother suffered from abuse in the hands of Gibney's late father, Austin. In an interview with Stellar on Saturday, the Packed to the Rafters star shared that she is "loving" how mental health is now being framed. “When I started talking about my mental health struggles and anxiety ... it was a relief,” she told the publication. “I could drop the mask of pretending that I was OK. What I’m loving seeing is that more and more people are now going, ‘I’m not OK’”. Gibney first opened up about her struggles in 2017, when she opened up about the abuse her mother faced and how she was “beaten so badly she had bruises for six months on her legs. “She’d always shut the doors ... you’d hear the yelling and the shouting and the slapping, but you’d never actually see it," she told Women's Day, at the time. After Gibney's father died in 1982, the actress began seeing a therapist, but was "on Valium and in a dark place for quite a while”. In her latest interview with Stellar, Gibney also added that more needed to be done to prevent domestic violence and help survivors. “We still don’t want to talk about it. We need to really drill down (and question), ‘Why is this happening?’ We need more education, more centres," she said. “We need people to be able to get the help they need.” Images: Instagram

Mind

Women get far more migraines than men – a neurologist explains why, and what brings relief

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-wilhour-1337610">Danielle Wilhour</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-colorado-anschutz-medical-campus-4838">University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</a> A migraine is far <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-migraine/">more than just a headache</a> – it’s a debilitating disorder of the nervous system. People who have migraines experience severe throbbing or pulsating pain, typically on one side of the head. The pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and <a href="https://theconversation.com/migraine-sufferers-have-treatment-choices-a-neurologist-explains-options-beyond-just-pain-medication-181348">extreme sensitivity to light or sound</a>. An attack may last for hours or days, and to ease the suffering, some people spend time isolated in dark, quiet rooms. About 800 million people worldwide <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.21857">get migraine headaches</a>; in the U.S. alone, <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-migraine/">about 39 million</a>, or approximately 12% of the population, have them regularly. And most of these people are women. More than <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/04/16/150525391/why-women-suffer-more-migraines-than-men">three times as many women</a> as compared to men get migraines. For women ages 18 to 49, migraine is the leading <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01208-0">cause of disability throughout the world</a>. What’s more, research shows that women’s migraines are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04643-8">more frequent, more disabling and longer-lasting</a> than men’s. Women are more likely than men to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2156-7">seek medical care and prescription drugs</a> for migraines. And women who have migraines <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-021-01281-z">tend to have more mental health issues</a>, including anxiety and depression. <a href="https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29586">As a board-certified neurologist</a> who specializes in headache medicine, I find the gender differences in migraines to be fascinating. And some of the reasons why these differences exist may surprise you. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lorXYK2OtAA?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>A variety of medications and therapies offer relief for migraines.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Migraines and hormones</h2> There are several factors behind why men and women experience migraine attacks differently. These include hormones, genetics, how certain genes are activated or deactivated – an <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/epigenetics">area of study called epigenetics</a> – and the environment. All of these factors play a role in shaping the structure, function and adaptability of the brain when it comes to migraines. The hormones <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/estrogen-vs-progesterone#functions">estrogen and progesterone</a>, through different mechanisms, play a role in regulating many biological functions. They affect various chemicals in the brain and may contribute to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/aws175">functional and structural differences</a> in specific brain regions that are involved in the development of migraines. Additionally, sex hormones can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04643-8">quickly change the size of blood vessels</a>, which can predispose people to migraine attacks. During childhood, both boys and girls have an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102409355601">equal chance of experiencing migraines</a>. It’s estimated that about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557813/">10% of all children will have them</a> at some point. But when girls reach puberty, their likelihood of getting migraines increases. That’s due to the <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2018.00073">fluctuating levels of sex hormones</a>, primarily <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body">estrogen</a>, associated with puberty – although other hormones, including <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24562-progesterone">progesterone</a>, may be involved too. Some girls have their first migraine around the time <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23903">of their first menstrual cycle</a>. But migraines are often most common and intense <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136%2Fbmj.39559.675891.AD">during a woman’s reproductive and child-bearing years</a>. Researchers estimate about 50% to 60% of women with migraines <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/menstrual-migraine-treatment-and-prevention/">experience menstrual migraines</a>. These migraines typically occur in the days leading up to menstruation or during menstruation itself, when the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-012-0424-y">drop in estrogen levels can trigger migraines</a>. Menstrual migraines can be more severe and last longer than migraines at other times of the month. A class of medicines that came out in the 1990’s – <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/triptan-migraine#side-effects">triptans</a> – are commonly used to treat migraines; certain triptans can be used specifically for menstrual migraines. Another category of medications, called <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs</a>, have also been effective at lessening the discomfort and length of menstrual migraines. So can a variety of birth control methods, which help by keeping hormone levels steady. <h2>Migraine with aura</h2> But women who have <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352072">migraine with aura</a>, which is a distinct type of migraine, should generally avoid using estrogen containing hormonal contraceptives. The combination can increase the risk of stroke because estrogen can promote <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2020.05.008">the risk of blood clot formation</a>. Birth control options for women with auras include progesterone-only birth control pills, the Depo-Provera shot, and intrauterine devices. Auras affect about 20% of the people who have migraines. Typically, prior to the migraine, the person most commonly begins to see dark spots and zigzag lines. Less often, about 10% of the time, an inability to speak clearly, or tingling or weakness on one side of the body, also occurs. These symptoms slowly build up, generally last less than an hour before disappearing, and are commonly followed by head pain. Although these symptoms resemble what happens during a stroke, an aura tends to occur slowly, over minutes – while strokes usually happen instantaneously. That said, it may be difficult and dangerous for a nonmedical person to try to discern the difference between the two conditions, particularly in the midst of an attack, and determine whether it’s migraine with aura or a stroke. If there is any uncertainty as to what’s wrong, a call to 911 is most prudent. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tn91p-PY2h8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>If you’re a woman and your migraines happen at the same time every month, it might be menstrual migraines.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Migraines during pregnancy, menopause</h2> For women who are pregnant, migraines can be particularly <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=headaches-in-early-pregnancy-134-3">debilitating during the first trimester</a>, a time when morning sickness is common, making it difficult to eat, sleep or hydrate. Even worse, missing or skipping any of these things can make migraines more likely. The good news is that migraines generally tend to lessen in severity and frequency throughout pregnancy. For some women, they disappear, especially as the pregnancy progresses. But then, for those who experienced them during pregnancy, migraines tend <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/postpartum-headache/">to increase after delivery</a>. This can be due to the decreasing hormone levels, as well as sleep deprivation, stress, dehydration and other environmental factors related to caring for an infant. Migraine attacks can also increase during <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause">perimenopause</a>, a woman’s transitional phase to menopause. Again, fluctuating hormone levels, <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/perimenopause-and-migraines-4009311">particularly estrogen, trigger them</a>, along with the chronic pain, depression and sleep disturbances that can occur during this time. But as menopause progresses, migraines generally decline. In some cases, they completely go away. In the meantime, there are treatments that can help lessen both the frequency and severity of migraines throughout menopause, including <a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-hormone-therapy">hormone replacement therapy</a>. Hormone replacement therapy contains female hormones and is used to replace those that your body makes less of leading up to or after menopause. <h2>Men’s migraines</h2> The frequency and severity of migraines slightly increase for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102409355601">men in their early 20s</a>. They tend to slow down, peak again around age 50, then slow down or stop altogether. Why this happens is not well understood, although a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices may contribute to the rise. Medical researchers still have more to learn about why women and men get migraines. Bridging the gender gap in migraine research not only empowers women, but it also advances understanding of the condition as a whole and creates a future where migraines are better managed.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207606/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-wilhour-1337610">Danielle Wilhour</a>, Assistant Professor of Neurology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-colorado-anschutz-medical-campus-4838">University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/women-get-far-more-migraines-than-men-a-neurologist-explains-why-and-what-brings-relief-207606">original article</a>.

Body

11 surprising home remedies for constipation relief

Constipation remedy: Sesame seeds Sesame seeds make great home remedies for constipation, according to a study published in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. The oily composition of sesame seeds works to moisturise the intestines, which can help if dry stools are a problem and provide constipation relief. Add the seeds to cereals or salads for crunch, or pulverise them in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on food like a seasoning. Constipation remedy: Molasses One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses before bed should help ease your constipation by morning. The ingredient was studied by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2019 on paediatric constipation with successful results. Blackstrap molasses is boiled and concentrated three times, so it has significant vitamins and minerals; magnesium, in particular, will help you achieve constipation relief. Constipation remedy: Fibre Fibre acts like a pipe cleaner, scrubbing food and waste particles from your digestive tract and soaking up water. It adds bulk to your stool, giving the muscles of your GI tract something to grab on to, so they can keep food moving along. The Mayo Clinic suggests aiming for 20 to 35 grams of fibre a day to stay regular. Foods particularly high in fibre include bran cereals, beans, lentils, oats, almonds, barley, many vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits. All of these things can be home remedies for constipation. If you’re constipated and taking in additional fibre, be sure to drink more water than usual to keep your stool soft and easy to pass. Constipation remedy: Mint or ginger tea Mint and ginger are both proven home remedies to help alleviate a slew of digestive problems. Peppermint contains menthol, which has an antispasmodic effect that relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Ginger is a ‘warming’ herb that causes the inside of the body to generate more heat; herbalists say this can help speed up sluggish digestion. Dr Stephen Sinatra recommends ginger in either capsule or tea form. In tea, the hot water will also stimulate digestion and provide constipation relief. Dandelion tea is also a gentle laxative and detoxifier. Constipation remedy: Healthy fats Olive oil, nuts and avocados all contain healthy fats, which can help lubricate your intestines and ease constipation, according to the experts at Harvard Medical School. A salad with fibre-rich leafy greens and a simple olive oil dressing, a small handful of nuts, or a tablespoon of natural nut butter on fruit or toast are good options. Even if you’re watching your weight, healthy fats are necessary for basic body functions; they are very satiating to keep you satisfied with less. Constipation remedy: Lemon water The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant to your digestive system and can help flush toxins from your body, providing constipation relief. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of water every morning, or add lemon to tea; you may find that the refreshingly tart water not only acts as a natural remedy to your constipation but also it helps you drink more water each day, which will improve your long-term digestion. And don’t be afraid to warm it up, says the American Cancer Society, sharing that warm or hot fluids can also be a helpful treatment. Constipation remedy: Coffee Coffee can stimulate your colon and speed up your trip to the bathroom. Other hot drinks work as home remedies for constipation too: herbal tea or a cup of hot water with a little lemon juice (a natural laxative) or honey may stimulate your colon as well. Coffee is also a diuretic, however, so make sure to keep drinking water or your constipation could become worse, according to Harvard Medical School experts. Constipation remedy: Raisins High in fibre, raisins also contain tartaric acid, according to Stanford Children’s Health, which has a laxative effect. Cherries and apricots are also rich in fibre and can help kick your constipation. Eat these fruits with a bowl of yoghurt for the added benefits of gut-soothing probiotics. Constipation remedy: Prunes This fibre-rich fruit is a go-to home remedy for getting your digestion back on track. Three prunes have 3 grams of fibre, and contain a phenolic compound that triggers the intestinal contraction that makes you want to go. Another great dried fruit choice is figs, which may not cause as much bloating as prunes. Constipation remedy: Castor oil This home remedy for constipation has been handed down for generations. One of the primary uses for castor oil is as a laxative, according to Cleveland Clinic; take one to two teaspoons on an empty stomach and you should see results in about eight hours. Why? A component in the oil breaks down into a substance that stimulates your large and small intestines. Constipation remedy: Exercise The Mayo Clinic promotes exercise as a way to increase muscle activity in your intestines. Even a daily 15-minute walk can help move food through your bowel more quickly. If you feel sleepy after a heavy meal, try to move around instead of lying down. Jump-starting the digestive process can help you avoid that painfully full feeling that often follows a large meal. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/11-surprising-home-remedies-for-constipation-relief-2?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

Sneaky reasons you’re bloated all the time

While bloating may be common, it is never enjoyable. Bloating happens when your gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas, and can make you feel overly stuffed. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but you may notice physical signs as well, including a swollen or misshapen belly. The good news? According to Abby Langer, a registered dietitian, not all bloating is bad. “Bloating itself is normal after eating,” she says, noting that it simply means your gut and intestinal bacteria are feasting. “But if it’s accompanied by gas, cramps or gastrointestinal symptoms, then it becomes problematic.” Your stomach should not feel hard, and you should not be experiencing severe pain. If you find yourself bloated all the time, the five factors below may be to blame. <h2>You ate capsicum or broccoli</h2> If you’re bloated all the time, it might be down to that heaping pile of veggies you had for dinner. Capsicum, broccoli, legumes and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in fibre and low in kilojoules, but they’re also big-time gas-producers. That doesn’t mean you should leave the veggies off your plate. “You may want to eat fewer at one time – but definitely don’t stop eating them,” says Langer. “Because, again, bloating can be a good sign that the bugs in our gut are having a party.” You can kerb the worst of your veggie bloating by drinking between six to eight 250mL glasses of water throughout the day and cutting down on any added salt, which causes water retention and will only add to the bloating. <h2>Your skim latte</h2> You don’t need to give up your morning coffee, but if you’re prone to ordering the “skim” version of drinks, or use sugar alcohol-based alternative coffee sweeteners like mannitol or sorbitol, this may be the reason you’re bloated all the time. “Sugar alcohols are very popular in the low-carb community,” Langer says. Unfortunately, sugar alcohols like xylitol, lactitol and isomalt also cause bloating – and may be the reason that you’re starting off mornings filled with air or gas. If you’re insistent on a lower-kilojoule take on coffee, you can always try drinking your coffee black – so long as you’re not typically sensitive to caffeine, of course. (In some studies, drinking coffee has been linked to gastrointestinal issues like bloating. Try keeping a journal of how you feel after your morning cup to see if it’s the culprit.) Switching to tea is also on option, since it’s usually less acidic than coffee and has tons of health benefits. <h2>Too much fibre, too fast</h2> According to Langer, many people experience unexpected bloating when they make healthy changes to their diet, thanks to the sudden influx of fibre. When you start eating more high-fibre fruits like apples, mangoes, bananas and strawberries, that fibre can sit in your colon and ferment, which causes bloating. Just as you shouldn’t cut veggies out of your diet, don’t ditch the fruit – or your quest to increase your fibre intake. (On average, women need 25 grams of fibre per day and men 38 grams, but most of us are only getting half that amount.) Go gradually, try a variety of fibre-rich foods and spread your intake across meals. And remember, drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your bloating in check. <h2>You’re stressed out</h2> Stress and bloating can feel like being stuck in an endless loop. You’re stressed, so you’re bloated… and because you’re bloating, you’re stressed! “When we’re stressed out,” says Langer, “the brain tells the gut to slow down our digestion.” That’s because stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. When that happens, your gut isn’t contracting as often and food isn’t moving through your digestive system because your brain and body are focused on the stressor. Defeating stress can be tricky – especially since we aren’t always outwardly aware we’re feeling that way. Maybe you’re on holiday at a warm, relaxing place, and yet the subconscious stress of travel means you’re both bloated and constipated. Miserable! <h2>You love carbonated water</h2> Many people love sparkling water as an alternative to flat water. In fact, the sparkling water industry is one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverage categories. It can be a much healthier choice than certain indulgences, such as soft drink and alcohol, so it feels like a win. But, “If you consume gas, you’re going to be having gas in your belly,” Langer says. Movement, whether it’s intense or gentle, can help move the gas through your system. Langer suggests getting up and going for a short walk, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/conditions/sneaky-reasons-youre-bloated-all-the-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Images: Getty

Body

8 key steps to healing after loss

Healing may mean different things to different people and may also look different, but it has one common theme: getting better. Healing may seem simple, yet it is a complex process that often involves many intricate aspects and phases coming together in perfect synchronicity. In straightforward terms, healing means finding relief and getting and feeling better, which can be felt physically, emotionally and spiritually. Healing is not an easy process and nobody knows how long it will take for any individual to start feeling better. However, one thing is for sure: healing needs your active participation, and possibly even your complete devotion. It can be hard work and it requires intention, focus, support, faith, understanding, compassion, empathy and a large dose of love. Healing from any type of loss is a lifelong commitment. Although the work of healing yourself is always ongoing, it can be seen as a promise to be restored, a pledge to feel joy again. Through my exploration into healing my own trauma and working with grief I have found eight key elements that are vital in helping to move forward and embrace the joy of living. It can be a tough process but I have learned one simple fact: there is nothing wrong with admitting I am a work in progress and I am not perfect. You are a work in progress and you are not perfect, and that is completely fine. Acceptance of who you have become and who you are at the present moment will bring you inner peace. I hope you will find the eight key elements useful on your healing journey. 1. Make your intention to heal clear to the universe and, more importantly, to yourself. Use the following affirmation: ‘I am ready to heal.’ 2. Focus your attention: do not allow distractions or self-destructive talk. Take a few cleansing breaths to focus your mind and direct your attention on what you need to address in order to ease the healing process. 3. Keep an open heart: always keep your heart open to welcoming love and joy no matter how hard it is. 4. Release everything that does not serve you in your quest for healing. Use the following affirmation: ‘I release any negative energy that is obstructing my healing process. I invite only positive energy to bless my healing process.’ 5. Commit to undertaking the healing work every day. Use the following affirmation: ‘I commit to always do what it takes to heal every single day.’ 6. Have hope: inculcate a desire for change, as it will keep the flame of trust burning. 7. Love: love is our blueprint for life. Always go back to love. 8. Have faith: faith is knowing deep inside you will be all right. You may never be complete, but you will still be doing just fine. Do not fear grief, for it is a natural process and a partner in your healing. Remember: healing is an ongoing process so always be gentle and compassionate with yourself. Edited extract from The Art of Grieving: Gentle self-care practices to heal a broken heart (Rockpool Publishing, $29.95), by Corinne Laan. Now available where all good books are sold and online at <a href="http://www.rockpoolpublishing.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.rockpoolpublishing.co</a> Image: Shutterstock

Relationships

Why do antidepressants help with nerve pain relief?

<div class="copy"> Tricyclic antidepressants have long been known to have more than one purpose: among other things, they can alleviate pain – particularly nerve pain. Recent research has finally established why these tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can help with nerve pain. The discovery could lead to the rapid development of pain relief medications that don’t include the side effects of TCAs. Nerve pain comes from a variety of sources – including cancer, diabetes, trauma, multiple sclerosis, and infections. These treatments could address a range of different types of nerve pain. It turns out the drugs inhibit a key protein in our nerves, called an N-type calcium channel. These N-type calcium channels are shaped like tiny gates, allowing positively charged calcium ions, or Ca2+, through them. This helps with the transmission of pain signals in the body. Researchers have long been keen to find things that “close” the gate of these calcium channels because that’s likely to have analgesic effects. Adjunct Professor Peter Duggan, a researcher with the CSIRO and senior collaborator on the project, says that he and his colleagues initially stumbled across TCAs from a very different direction: they were investigating the toxins of venomous marine cone snails. “A few of the components in that toxin are actually painkillers and they block these calcium ion channels very, very effectively,” says Duggan. The cone snail toxin has the potential to be very dangerous to people, as well as needing to be administered in an impractical way, so the researchers started looking at similar compounds that might have some of the same properties. “What we’ve been doing is designing and making small molecules that mimic the activity of those kinds of toxins,” says Duggan. “One class that we looked at gradually trended towards the same structure as the tricyclic antidepressants.” Once they realised that TCA-like molecules could block these calcium channels, the researchers set out to look at TCAs specifically. Duggan’s collaborators at the University of Queensland set up a lab-based experiment with 11 TCAs and two drugs that are chemically very similar to TCAs. These 13 drugs were administered to in vitro neuroblastoma cells. “They’re (neuroblastoma) a type of brain cancer cell that naturally expresses the channel we’re interested in,” explains Duggan. Analysis of the cells by UQ, CSIRO and Monash University researchers showed that the drugs could all limit the amount of calcium that got transmitted through the cells. This means that these TCAs must alleviate pain by inhibiting the N-type calcium channel. A paper describing the work is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MD00331C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in RSC Medicinal Chemistry. Duggan says that there may be other mechanisms by which TCAs kill pain as well, and they definitely have other biochemical effects in the body. But it’s unlikely that the calcium channel-blocking is helpful in treating depression. TCAs are a very old and well-established form of antidepressant, and for treating depression, they’ve largely been replaced by newer drugs with fewer side effects. “They’re what we call ‘dirty drugs’,” explains Dr Michael Vagg, dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and an associate professor at Deakin University. “They have effects on lots of transmitter systems and receptors in the body. They don’t have just the one straightforward action; they have multiple actions.” This means that TCAs typically have several side effects, including drowsiness, blurred vision and constipation. But because the researchers now have a specific understanding of how they alleviate pain, they can develop new drugs that don’t have these side effects. “The more we understand about how TCAs are causing the painkilling effect, the actual intimate mechanism of how they’re doing it, then there’s more chance of us being able to develop compounds that target that type of activity and not have other side effects or the other antidepressant effects,” says Duggan. Vagg is optimistic that better drugs are on the way. He cites the recent proliferation of new migraine treatments, which arrived less than a decade after researchers <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/migraine-masters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found a similar key mechanism</a> in the brain, as his reasoning for this. He emphasises that it’s not yet a done deal – any new drug based on this research would still need to make it through the development pipeline and clinical trials. “I think because the tricyclic drugs are already widely used, and already seem to have – for most people – an acceptable level of safety, I suspect that means that development will go smoother rather than rougher,” says Vagg. This is good news for the roughly one in 20 Australians who suffer from nerve pain. “Nerve pain is highly disabling and ruins lives. The best current treatments only work to a useful degree on every third or fourth person who receives them,” says Vagg. “We have not had any really effective new treatments for nerve pain for a long time and this work opens up the possibility of designing a new class of drugs with improved safety and effectiveness.” Image credits: Getty Images <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=189966&title=Why+do+antidepressants+help+with+nerve+pain+relief%3F" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /></div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/tricyclic-antidepressants-nerve-pain-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Ellen Phiddian. </div>

Mind

Ed Sheeran joins concert for Ukraine relief

Ed Sheeran is the latest musician added to the lineup of a charity concert to help Ukraine. He joins the likes of Snow Patrol, Camila Cabello, Tom Odell, Becky Hill, Manic Street Preachers, Emeli Sande and many more, who will all be performing the fundraising concert in Birmingham. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee's Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance to refugees in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. "I will be singing to try to help every human being forced to flee their home and in solidarity with those being racially discriminated against even within this humanitarian crisis," Emeli Sande said in a statement. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 💙💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/Camila_Cabello?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Camila_Cabello</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/edsheeran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edsheeran</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/emelisande?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emelisande</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GregoryPorter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregoryPorter</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/snowpatrol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@snowpatrol</a> are the first performers to be announced for Concert for Ukraine, a two hour fundraiser event raising money for the <a href="https://twitter.com/decappeal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@decappeal</a> humanitarian appeal in Ukraine on Tuesday 29 March on ITV 🌻 <a href="https://t.co/TnoBCfWX3f">pic.twitter.com/TnoBCfWX3f</a> — ITV (@ITV) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITV/status/1505822111448842244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2022</a></blockquote> "Nobody should be refused access to relief, aid and the right to cross the border to safety, and I'm pleased for the chance to support the DEC's appeal to help all people whose lives have been affected by the conflict." The concert will be hosted by Spice Girl Emma Bunton, alongside Marvin Humes and Roman Kemp on March 29th at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom. Another fundraiser concert will also be taking place in the UK at west London’s famous Shepherd’s Bush, with big name acts performing at A Night For Ukraine, with 100 percent of profits going towards the Disasters Emergency Committee‘s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

France’s pledge to Ukrainian artists

In order to help struggling artists in Ukraine who have been impacted by the Russian invasion, the French government has announced a $1.5 million relief fund to help workers in the arts. According to a statement from the French Ministry of Culture, the initiative will also be available to “dissident” Russian artists fleeing the nation’s crackdown on free speech. “The emergency reception program will finance Ukrainian artists and cultural professionals and their families for a period of three months, via the Pause program, [consisting of] residencies within the network of public establishments of the ministry and through the Cité internationale des arts [an artist-in-residence building in Paris],” the ministry’s statement said. Two thirds of the funds will be dedicated to an emergency telephone service offered in both Russian and Ukrainian that will offer support to imperilled artists through networking with regional professionals and studio space opportunities. The remainder of the funds will be directed to help Ukrainian students to enrol at colleges and cultural organisations in France. Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, the French minister of culture, said the ministry “wants Ukrainian artists to be supported so they can continue their creative work in France…This additional support will be in the form of research grants and funding for artistic projects, but also for organising exhibitions.” Russia’s unprompted attack on Ukraine began on February 24th, and has seen at least 2.6 million Ukrainians flee their war-torn home country. According to the French interior minister, Gèrald Darmanin, the French government has pledged to accept around 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Image credits: Getty Images

Art

Promising pain relief

Chronic pain is a global health burden. In Australia, it is estimated that over 3.4 million people suffer from persistent pain. Nonetheless, a lack of therapeutics has led to <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/pain-education-could-end-the-opioid-crisis/" target="_blank">overprescription of opioids</a>, which provide only limited relief in patients with chronic neuropathic pain and can lead to severe adverse effects, <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/opioids-and-overdose-risk/" target="_blank">including addiction and overdose</a>. <div class="copy"> Neuropathic pain is often chronic and occurs when the pain system – brain, nervous and immune system – is not working correctly. When the pain system function well, nerves fire “danger” signals to the brain when a threat is present – when your hand is touching a stove, for example. If the brain perceives the threat as dangerous – the last time you touched the stove, your finger got badly burned – it creates pain to protect the body. An injury, a viral infection, a disease or cancer treatment can damage the pain system leading the nerves to misfire such danger signals and the brain to misinterpret threats. The pain persists because the brain thinks the body needs constant protection. Opioids are the most commonly prescribed painkillers, but while they might be very effective in acute pain episodes, they are ineffective for the long-term treatment of ongoing pain and carry many severe side effects. In a new study <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03897-2" target="_blank">published today</a> in Nature, Monash University researchers reported a new class of molecules that might be a safer and effective alternative to opioids. “The world is in the grip of a global opioid crisis, and there is an urgent need for non-opioid drugs that are both safe and effective,” said Professor Arthur Christopoulos, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University and author of the study. The researchers discovered that these molecules, called positive allosteric modulators (PAM), bind the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), which has long been recognised as a promising therapeutic target for non-opioid drugs to treat neuropathic pain, with high precision in rats. By binding to A1R, the PAM regulates the increased adenosine levels in the spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain. Although non-opioid analgesic agents targeting A1R had been studied before, the development of therapeutics has failed because of a lack of drug-A1R binding selectivity, which led to low efficacy and adverse effects. The Monash researchers used high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to solve the structure of the A1 receptor bound to either its natural activator, adenosine, and an analgesic PAM to the atomic level. That allowed them to zoom in into the mechanism underpinning allosteric drug actions, said Associate Professor Wendy Imlach, head of the Pain Mechanisms lab at Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and an author of the study. Understanding the drug-A1R binding mechanism to the atomic level could help researchers design an allosteric drug that best binds A1R. “This multidisciplinary study now provides a valuable launchpad for the next stage in our drug discovery pipeline, which will leverage structure-based insights for the design of novel non-opioid allosteric drugs to treat chronic pain successfully,” said Professor Christopoulos. While the current best scientific evidence on chronic pain treatment includes a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/australia/pain-and-the-brain-closing-the-gap-between-modern-pain-science-and-clinical-practice/" target="_blank">combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical therapies</a>, the lack of therapeutics has led to a global opioid crisis. If proved safe and effective in humans, this new class of analgesics could offer some relief to the millions who suffer from chronic pain across the world.  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=164905&title=Promising+pain+relief" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> </div> <div id="contributors"> <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/non-opioid-painkillers-are-on-the-way/" target="_blank">This article</a> was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/manuela-callari" target="_blank">Manuela Callari</a>. Dr Manuela Callari is a Sydney-based freelance science writer who specialises in health and medical stories. </div>

Body

Federer and Nadal go above and beyond at Aussie Open's Rally for Relief

The tennis world has dug deep to raise a staggering $4.8 million for bushfire victims in a night of thrilling entertainment at the Rally for Relief which took place at Rod Laver Arena. The man behind the groundbreaking initiative was none other than Aussie’s own Nick Kyrgios, who was completely overcome with emotion after the total figure of $4,826,014 was revealed to him on court. The crowd in Melbourne was thrilled as he went head-to-head with Roger Federer in a one-set finale that was the highlight on the night. “I just got goosebumps when you said that number,” said Kyrgios. “It’s been an emotional couple of weeks. I just wanted to send a message, I just had to do it so I wrote the Tweet. “The whole Aussie team got behind it and I woke up the next day and it exploded, it was so emotional. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> "It's been an emotional couple of weeks," says <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a> To contribute: <a href="https://t.co/a3qgsExZQj">https://t.co/a3qgsExZQj</a> <a href="https://t.co/RKvhFLyscU">pic.twitter.com/RKvhFLyscU</a> — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217393053138288640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote> “Back home at Canberra I couldn’t even go outside (due to the smoke), it was hard and I’m just so happy that we had Roger, Rafa, Novak – some of the greats – to get behind this.” The one-off special event saw some of the biggest names in tennis taking part, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, who donated their time to encourage support for charities helping deal with the bushfire crisis. The night was enjoyed by many, as the atmosphere was lighthearted with 12 players competing in a series of jovial matches and challenges to help raise money for the natural disaster. Spanish favourite Nadal also made a major announcement, revealing that he and Federer had donated a cumulative $250,000 from their own pockets after chatting earlier in the day. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> "Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a> To contribute: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ocdiw8D0if">pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if</a> — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217378578188447745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote> “Talking with Roger a couple of hours ago we decided to give $250,000 Australian dollars to the bushfire relief together,” he said. “Hopefully that can keep inspiring people to support this terrible disaster that we were going through and helps to recover all the things that we need (sic).” Later in the night, a Victorian firefighter had her dreams come true after she was given the chance to play with Nadal himself for an epic doubles match. Deb, a member of the Stuart Mill fire brigade, revealed on air that for the last few weeks she has been involved in battling fires in the crisis gripping the country. She admitted that it had been a very difficult time, as she witnessed neighbourhoods and wildlife being destroyed due to the fires. "We're there trying to make all the farmers feel safe while they go about their business."

Money & Banking

Million dollar men: Elton John and Chris Hemsworth's huge bushfire pledges

Celebrities are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to donating to bushfire relief that’s ravaging Australia. Elton John received a standing ovation at his concert as he pledged to donate $1 million for Australia’s bushfire relief efforts. “There are people out there who have lost their lives trying to save homes. There are people who have lost their lives and their homes,” he said <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/BrittA2211/status/1214516183023542272" target="_blank">to the crowd</a>. “And lastly there’s the plight of the animals. A loss of their habitat that frankly is on a biblical scale, and heart-breaking. Therefore, tonight I will be pledging one million dollars to support the bushfire relief fund.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Elton John just donated one million dollars to the bushfire relief <a href="https://t.co/Ld2i0t9n98">pic.twitter.com/Ld2i0t9n98</a> — Britt (@BrittA2211) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrittA2211/status/1214516183023542272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">7 January 2020</a></blockquote> He matched Marvel star Chris Hemsworth donation of $1 million, as Hemsworth encouraged his 38.9 million followers on Instagram to dig deep and help in any way that they can. “We’re still in the thick of it here with plenty of challenging times ahead and still to come. So, what we need is your support and your donations,” the father of three said in a video. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7AG8XHp-wQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7AG8XHp-wQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a> on Jan 6, 2020 at 6:34pm PST </div> </blockquote> Kylie Minogue made headlines for donating $500,000 to the bushfire relief and said that the devastation in Australia is “heartbreaking”. “As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-EYf-gnCy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-EYf-gnCy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires. With love, The Minogue Family. @redcrossau @nswrfs @cfavic @sa_countryfireservice @wireswildliferescue #Australia</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieminogue/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Kylie Minogue</a> (@kylieminogue) on Jan 5, 2020 at 11:28pm PST </div> </blockquote> Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were one of the first celebrities to donate to bushfire relief, as they donated $500,000 after spending Christmas in Sydney with their daughters. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B66mowFpyI9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B66mowFpyI9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia. We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now.</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolekidman/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Nicole Kidman</a> (@nicolekidman) on Jan 4, 2020 at 3:10pm PST </div> </blockquote> Aussie favourite Pink also donated $500,000 “directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines.” The singer wrote she is “totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz”. However, the campaign that has caught the most attention is run by comedian Celeste Barber, as her campaign has currently raised $45 million for the Trustee for the NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donation Fund. The fund is managed by a group of trustees, according to SBS, who have significant experience with the NSW RFS. "The purpose of the trust is to make available to brigades the ability to accept tax-deductible donations, both in person and online, with as little administrative burden as possible," its <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/95062/NSW-RFS-and-Brigade-Donations-Fund-DGR-Trustees-Annual-Report-2017-2018-....PDF" target="_blank">most recent annual report says</a>. "It was established and is operated solely for the purpose of supporting the volunteer-based fire and emergency service activities of the brigades." The NSW RFS said that they are focusing on the ongoing bush fire emergency before even thinking about spending the money. They said in a statement to SBS: "The NSW RFS is focused on the ongoing bush fire emergency that continues to affect communities across NSW. We are continuing work to slow the spread of fires, establish containment lines, conduct building impact assessments and return residents to their communities as soon as possible," a spokesperson said. "It's important that our members, who know what's best for their brigades and communities, have a say in the use of donated funds." "Once the bush fire emergency eases, the NSW RFS will work with senior volunteers and brigades to ensure donated funds are used for the greatest benefit of our members and their communities." OverSixty, its parent company and its owners are donating a total of $200,000 to the Vinnie’s Bushfire Appeal. We have also pledged an additional $100,000 of product to help all those affected by the bushfire crisis. We would love you to support too! Head to the <a href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw">Vinnie's website</a> to donate!

News

Singing helps relieve stress according to top psychiatrists

One of the UK’s leading psychiatrists has said that people who are feeling stressed should consider joining a choir. Professor Sir Simon Wessely made the announcement in a keynote speech at a recent conference on the subject of mental health among students. “The risk is not just ineffective solutions, but the real possibility that our solutions may actually be contributing to the problem,” he said, according to <a href="https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/feeling-stressed-join-a-choir/">Classic FM.</a> He went on to say: “I would love to see trials of volunteering, peer support, sport, drama, choir and so on – that’s the research I believe we need.” It’s not the first time that he has criticised mental health initiatives that are offered at universities across the country. “There are things that aren’t disorders at all that students habitually get – exam stress, loneliness and so on – all of which can be problematic. But we shouldn’t go round automatically saying ‘Oh you have a psychiatric disorder, you need psychiatric or mental health or professional health,” he said to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2018/06/29/universities-may-fuelling-mental-health-crisis-leading-psychiatrist/">The Telegraph</a>. “Loneliness is a major problem for the current student population,” Prof Wessely said. “There is quite a lot of evidence that says that the solution may not be to see a counsellor, but it may be to join a choir.” “If you’re going to raise awareness in order to encourage people to seek professional help, you have to make bloody sure the services are there to deal with it,” he said . “Otherwise what you do is add to disappointment, frustration and anger of the people with the problems and add to the likely burn out and retirement of people trying to help [such as GPs].”

Music

Need pain relief? Grab a beer instead of an aspirin

A recent <a href="http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900%2816%2930334-0/fulltext">study</a> from The Journal of Pain found that drinking beer, besides giving you a pleasant buzz, can actually make you feel less physical pain. Study author Trevor Thompson, PhD, told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3440973/two-pints-of-beer-are-better-than-paracetamol-for-beating-pain-and-cut-agony-by-a-quarter-doctors-claim/">The Sun</a> that alcohol could even be “compared to opioid drugs such as codeine,” and that “the effect is more powerful than paracetamol” (comparable to Tylenol). According to their findings, drinking two beers is more effective at relieving pain than taking painkillers. For their research, the scientists—from London’s Greenwich University, conducted a total of 18 experiments in which 404 participants were given either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Next the team administered 13 pain-threshold tests as well as 9 pain intensity ratings. What they found was that alcohol had a significant analgesic effect, meaning it greatly reduced pain. The tipping point was a legal driving blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of .08. Although the effect was clear, the research team couldn’t determine whether the pain relief came from an effect on pain receptors or just maybe a lowering of anxiety, which could lower perception of pain. Regardless of exactly how beer works to ease pain, the researchers did note that people who suffer from chronic pain tend to drink more due to the pain-dulling effect. While a few drinks a day could dull your pain, the study caution that there are numerous unhealthy effects that may not make beer your go-to analgesic (in short: keeping your drinking in check is the way to go). And as with any study, more research is likely needed to confirm the results. Written by Chhaya Nene. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/flu/need-pain-relief-grab-beer-instead-aspirin">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">Here’s our subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

7 signs you have low-grade inflammation – and what you need to do about it

Inflammation is usually picked up on after serious forms of infection or injury. Although low-grade inflammation can be just as dangerous. Identifying small signs of inflammation can help prevent long-term serious effects of this health issue. Author of The Inflammation Solution, Dr William Sears explains the body’s use of inflammation: “The term inflammation comes from the root words meaning ‘on fire’ […] the root cause of inflammation is that your immune system is out of balance and confused.” Inflammation can be a good thing when your body fights infection, injury or disease, although if the signals get crossed you could experience chronic, low-grade inflammation. Health and Wellness expert for Maple Holistics, Caleb Backe, stated, “While you may not have severe inflammation, living in a state where your body is always a little bit inflamed can still have adverse consequences on your long-term health." This highlights that even the small signs of inflammation such as fatigue and vague pain are important to note. According to experts, these are the seven things you should keep an eye out for and pay attention to. 1. Swelling Dr Allen Conrad, doctor of chiropractic and certified strength and conditioning specialist, said,"Low levels of inflammation are dangerous because they are easy to miss. When something is extremely sore or swollen, people are more aware of the symptoms and usually go to the doctor to get it evaluated." Dr Conrad advises to mention even subtle swelling to your doctor. 2. Fatigue Inflammation can be apparent through feeling unnecessary fatigue. If you have no reason to feel tired then something might be wrong. "The effects of low-grade inflammation can mean that you have reduced cellular-energy availability," Backe says. "If you find that you’re constantly fatigued and you’ve ruled out an iron deficiency, then you might be suffering from mild inflammation." If you experience chronic fatigue it’s really important to bring this up with your doctor. 3. Aches and pains An often-overlooked sign of low-grade inflammation includes general aches and pains. "If you feel like you have more than your fair share of aches, then you might be suffering from mild inflammation," Backe says. "When you haven’t put your body under stress and it still hurts, then it’s a sign that there’s something more going on." If you are experiencing intense pain that isn’t related to physical strain, then visit your doctor. 4. Low mood A low mood and depression can be symptoms of many health concerns and inflammation should also be considered. Depression symptoms should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional as it is serious. "Another symptom of low-grade inflammation could be depression," registered dietician Jeanette Kimszal. "Inflammation can affect the way the brain functions and has been thought to be a reason for someone to experience depressive episodes.” 5. Feeling “foggy” Brain fog is a genuine medical condition that occurs in people with chronic health conditions. Brain fog can be caused by inflammation as well. "Low-grade inflammation can also induce neuroinflammation," pharmacist Lindsey Elmore tells <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/7-signs-you-have-low-grade-inflammation-why-you-should-pay-attention-to-it-16102033">Bustle</a>. "This can lead to fever, fatigue, anhedonia (loss of interest in activities and inability to feel pleasure), depression and cognitive impairment. These are collectively known as the 'sickness behavior’." Cognitive issues can be a reason to visit the doctor as inflammation can be to blame. 6. Tender joints Inflammation, even low-grade, can cause damage to the tissues of the body, which has long-term effects. So, feelings or raw or tender joints are a sign to look out for and report to your doctor. "[Low-grade inflammation is] dangerous because the tissues wear and tear," Dr Sears says. "For instance, the joints … will get tender." 7. Stomach problems Inflammation can impact your digestive system as much as your brain, mood and joints, so it’s an important thing to look out for. "Emerging evidence suggests that low-grade inflammation alters gut microbiota, and this can lead to full-blown inflammatory conditions such as Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis," Dr Elmore says. "You may experience constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, bloat or foul-smelling stool. This is because abnormal gut microbiota has been shown to induce human antigens and trigger aberrant immune responses." If you’re experiencing any or all of these symptoms, see your doctor to help manage your symptoms and provide relief.

Body

The revolutionary new therapy for pain relief

A revolutionary new therapy for pain relief is causing a big buzz among chronic pain sufferers – and with good reason, the therapy uses bee venom. All over the world people are benefiting from the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom. The 18 natural substances found in bee venom cannot be chemically reproduced and the most abundant active ingredients – mellitin, adolapin, and apamin – all have naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Researchers also believe the combination of bee venom ingredients help the body release natural healing compounds. Bee venom has been used throughout history for its therapeutic benefits. Bee venom therapy was practised in ancient Egypt and Greece with Hippocrates said to have used it to treat arthritis. There have only been a few scientific studies on the medicinal benefits of bee venom therapy, which is known as apitherapy, but so far the studies show promising results in treating pain and arthritic conditions and may also help treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, tendonitis, high blood pressure, asthma, hearing loss, dissolving scar tissue and even cancer. While more evidence is still needed about the effectiveness of bee venom therapy, with a number of scientific studies underway, personal testimonials from around the world show that many people are feeling the benefits. It’s not just for pain relief, though. Bee venom, which can be found in everything from face masks, lip serums, and skin creams, is also venerated for its skincare attributes. It’s been labelled “nature’s botox” because of its miraculous ability to help tighten the skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines. Celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Victoria Beckham and even the Duchess of Cambridge are reported to be avid users. In 2012, Kate’s beautician told the Daily Mail that Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, had introduced Kate to an organic face mask containing bee venom. Kate’s flawless, glowing complexion on her wedding day was attributed to the bee venom cream. Jude Salisbury, managing director of abeeco, explains how it works, saying, “The venom fools the body into thinking it has been lightly stung, so it responds by sending blood to the affected area, which in turn triggers the production of collagen and elastin.” The Auckland-based company has been working with local beekeepers for years to make natural, high-quality bee-based products. These include bee venom and glucosamine capsules for arthritic pain and bee venom balms for joint pain and muscular aches. It was when customers using the balm said they noticed that the cream improved the appearance of their skin that led abeeco to start looking into bee venom’s skincare properties. “We decided to investigate this further and developed a bee venom skincare range,” says Salisbury. “With the reports of Kate using a bee venom mask made from New Zealand bee venom, suddenly everyone became interested and wanted to give it a try. The popularity of the mask led to us making a range of products; there’s a big demand.” But you can rest assured that no bees are harmed in the making of bee venom products. Salisbury explains that venom is collected with a specially adapted glass pane alongside a hive. A weak electrical current runs through the glass pane, which encourages bees to “sting” it. While a sting is normally fatal for bees, it’s not in this process, as they don’t leave their stingers behind. The bees’ venom is then collected from the surface. Because of the eco-friendly, cruelty-free process of venom collection, bee venom products aren’t cheap. However, New Zealand bee venom is world renowned for its high quality and purity. And don’t be put off by the “venom” – applying bee venom products doesn’t hurt. “Some people notice a tingling sensation; people have different levels of sensitivity so some people may feel it more than others,” says Salisbury. However, one thing is for sure, if you’re looking for a natural alternative that can both lessen your pain or make your skin look better, you need to try bee venom products. For more information on Bee Venom products by Abeeco, phone 0800 370 999. THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH <a href="http://www.abeeco.co.nz/" target="_blank">ABEECO</a>.

Body

6 foods that will help soothe a headache

Nothing throws a spanner into the works of a productive day like a headache, but if you’re clever they can be avoided. Here are six foods to help soothe any headache. This way you’ll never have a day derailed by head pains. 1. Leafy salad Many of the most pounding headaches are caused by dehydration, so a fresh leafy salad is a great way to rehydrate yourself while getting some extra vitamins. Iceberg lettuce is a great source of water, but relatively low in nutrients so try for varieties like butter lettuce, spinach and arugula that have other goodies to help you face the headache. 2. Potato Headaches can also be caused by a lack of electrolytes like potassium, which the humble potato just so happens to have in spades! A baked potato with skin is a great source of potassium (and might be a great way to nurse a self-inflicted headache). 3. Wholegrain toast Now here’s a warning for people adopting a low-carb diet. Opting out of carbohydrates can deplete glycogen stores which are the main source of energy to the brain, increasing fluid losses and in turn triggering dehydration. If you’re starting to feel a headache on the horizon, you can do worse than making yourself a couple of slices of wholegrain toast. 4. Almonds Magnesium is key to protecting your body from the brunt of a headache by helping to relax blood vessels, and a great source of magnesium is the humble almond. Munching on a handful of plain almonds whenever you feel as though a headache is about to occur could be an effective way of alleviating some of the condition’s worst symptoms. 5. Sesame seeds Sesame seeds might be small but they pack a huge nutritional punch. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E which can help prevent migraines and improves circulation which can help prevent headaches. These useful seeds are also rich in magnesium which, as we mentioned before, is quick an effective way to cut down on headaches. 6. Fatty types of fish Asides from being a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty varieties of fish also have many anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the pain of chronic headaches. Now if that’s not a good enough excuse for some smoked salmon we don’t know what is! Have you tried any of these headache soothing foods? Let us know in the comments. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/pains-you-should-never-ignore/">6 pains you should never ignore</a> <a href="/health/body/2015/11/migraine-triggers/">Surprising migraine triggers</a> <a href="/health/eye-care/2015/07/headaches-vision-problem/">Are vision problems the cause of headaches?</a>

Insurance

5 foods that relieve pain naturally

As the years march on it seems that pains – think aching joints, back pain and headaches – seem to creep up more often than before. So what is one to do? Before you head to the medicine cabinet, remember that even over-the-counter pain relief can be detrimental to your health in the long run. If taken in excess, drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol can cause kidney and liver problems and even gastrointestinal bleeding. Dr Ronald McCoy, spokesman for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners explains says, "Painkiller dosages, like all medicine doses, are designed to give the body the ability to rid itself of the medicine, but taking too much doesn't give the body a chance to do this”. To avoid putting up with constant agony, why not consider trying a natural remedy? Food is a great place to start. Here are five foods that fight pain naturally. 1. Basil Basil has historically been used in India for thousands of years to reduce fevers, headaches, joint and arthritis related pain. Eugenol, the oil that gives basil its distinctive aroma, is the active molecule responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect. 2. Chamomile tea Chamomile tea contains compounds that may help fight infections due to colds and even relieve tummy cramps. Research has shown that drinking the herbal remedy results in significantly higher levels of two compounds in the urine – hippurate and glycine – which are linked to antibacterial activity and nerve relaxation. 3. Olive oil This heart-loving oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory benefits as it contains oleocanthal. This enzyme is thought to interfere with the production of chemical messengers that cause pain and swelling. 4. Ginger A 2004 study by the University of Miami concluded that ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic properties. 5. Tumeric Research has identified curcumin as the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin protects cells from the normal, but damaging, process of oxidation by scavenging molecules known as free radicals, which are one of the root causes of aging. What natural pain relief do you have in your kitchen cupboard? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/health/body/2016/07/expert-tips-to-manage-type-2-diabetes/">Expert tips to manage type 2 diabetes</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/7-signs-of-protein-deficiency/">7 signs you’re protein deficient</a> <a href="/%20http:/www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2016/07/reasons-you-get-dull-but-persistent-aches-and-pains/">6 reasons you get dull but persistent aches and pains</a>

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