Photo by Iwaria Inc. on Unsplash Pregnancy is a time filled with joy, and sometimes a lot of confusing advice. With so much information floating around, it's hard to know what’s fact and what’s just speculations. In this article, we debunk common pregnancy myths and share the truths backed by science and expert recommendations, so you can feel confident during this special time. Common Pregnancy Myths Myth 1: Eating for Two Means Doubling Your Calories Your body does need more nutrients during pregnancy, but quality matters more than quantity. Focus on a balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Myth 2: Morning Sickness Predicts Your Baby’s Gender While it can be uncomfortable, morning sickness is a normal part of many pregnancies and isn’t linked to the baby’s gender. It’s your body’s way of adapting to the changes taking place. Myth 3: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Exercise Staying active, with your doctor’s approval, can...

Photo by Quin Stevenson on Unsplash   Sleep functions in more than just helping us to feel relaxed; it's a necessary process for keeping your brain healthy and sharp. Quality sleep is essential for how well your brain performs on a daily basis, from memory enhancement to creativity.   The Role of Sleep in Brain Function During sleep, your brain doesn’t become inactive but, instead goes into a “maintenance mode” where the following activities are carried out: ·        Toxin Removal: The glymphatic system clears waste materials from the brain during sleep. This cleansing action helps to protect your brain cells from the effect of waste materials. ·        Repair & Renewal: Sleeping also allows the brain to repair & renew neural connections and sustain cognitive health. Sleep and Memory Formation Have you ever noticed how learning feels easier after a good night's sleep? That's because sleep play...

  Photo by Aakash Dhage on Unsplash Have you ever seen someone have a seizure and felt unsure about what to do? Many people misunderstand epilepsy, believing myths rather than facts. Read this article as we clear up common myths, explore the causes and triggers, and share essential first aid tips.   Understanding Seizures & Epilepsy What Is a Seizure? A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, causing temporary changes in movement, behaviour, and/or awareness. Seizures vary widely with some causing convulsions, while others might simply cause brief lapses in awareness. What Is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder affecting people of all ages. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they have had two or more unprovoked seizures . Importantly, not every seizure indicates that a person has epilepsy as seizures can occur for a variety of reasons.   Debunking Commo...

  Photo by Bruce Tang on Unsplash A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Recognizing the warning signs and acting fast can prevent severe complications and save lives.   What Is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when your brain does not receive sufficient blood flow. There are two main types of strokes: • Ischaemic stroke: the most frequent type, occurs due to an arterial blockage. • Haemorrhagic stroke: occurs when there is a rupture of a brain artery, resulting in internal bleeding.   Recognizing Stroke Symptoms – The FAST Method One of the easiest ways to remember the warning signs of a stroke is the FAST method: F – Face Drooping: which might present as uneven smiles or one side of the face that doesn’t move when asked to smile. A – Arm Weakness: with one arm drifting downward when the person raises both arms. S – Speech Difficulty: Listen for slurred or strange speech. Ask the...

  Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash Ever had a headache that left you wondering if it was just stress or something more serious? Headaches come in many forms, and knowing the difference can help you decide whether to seek help or simply relax and treat it at home.   Understanding Headaches A headache refers to pain or discomfort in your head or neck area. While almost everyone experiences headaches at some point, they can vary greatly. The types include: Tension Headaches: are the most common type, and often caused by stress or muscle tension. You might feel a steady ache or pressure around your forehead or the back of your head. Migraines: are usually more intense lasting at least 4 hours and can come with other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, or even vision changes. Cluster Headaches: are severe, often occurring on one side of the head, and tend to come in groups over a period of time.   When to Worry: W...

  Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash In many homes, we chalk memory lapses up to aging or ‘just being tired.’ But what if these are early signs of something more serious? This June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re demystifying Alzheimer’s and showing how everyone can protect their brain health.   What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. Unlike normal aging, Alzheimer’s involves buildup of abnormal protein plaques (amyloid) and tangles inside brain cells, leading to cell death and shrinking of key brain regions. Patients may initially struggle with short-term memory but eventually lose the ability to recognize even loved ones. Rising life expectancy and growing elderly populations mean more families will face Alzheimer’s, even if awareness remains low.   Common Myths About Alzheimer’s Myth: “Memory loss is an inevitable par...

  Photo by CDC on Unsplash Did you know that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of illness around the world? This is a lung infection that can strike anyone, from children to the elderly. It has specifically been implicated as the single largest cause of death among children worldwide.   What Is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that affects the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. These air sacs are typically filled with air in a healthy individual but can become fluid or pus filled in pneumonia, making breathing difficult. Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms but most commonly is caused by bacteria.   Risk Factors include: ·        Young children & the elderly as their immune systems are not as strong. ·        People with chronic illnesses like HIV, asthma, and heart disease which make it harder to fight infections. ·        Smokers &...