EIGHT WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR STROKE RISK -NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE
By d-mars.com
troke is largely preventable. It’s often considered an older person’s illness but, although stroke risk does increase with age, it can happen at any time of life. In fact, stroke incidence is increasing among adults below the age of 55 years.
Regardless of biological or social risk factors, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
ESSENTIAL EIGHT
1. Stop smoking
Smokers are more than twice as likely to have a stroke than non-smokers. Smoking causes damage to blood vessel walls, increases blood pressure, and heart rate but reduces oxygen levels. Smoking also causes blood to become sticky, further increasing the risk of blood clots that can block blood vessels and cause a stroke.
2. Keep blood pressure in check
High blood pressure damages the walls of blood vessels, making them weaker and more prone to rupture or blockage. It can also cause blood clots to form, which can then travel to the brain and block blood flow, leading to a stroke. If you’re over 18 years of age, get your blood pressure checked regularly.
our kidneys – the bean-shaped organs located near the middle of your back on either side of your spine – play a vital role in your overall health.
However, 1 in 7 Americans is living with kidney disease, which occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as well as they should. Additionally, 9 out of 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it because symptoms often don’t appear until the kidneys are badly damaged.
A survey of the public awareness of kidney disease conducted by YouGov on behalf of the American Kidney Fund shows common misconceptions related to kidney disease. Consider these facts from “Know Your Kidneys” as a roadmap toward a better understanding of kidney disease and steps to improve health.
3. Keep an eye on your cholesterol
According to the UK Stroke Association, your risk of a stroke is nearly three and a half times higher if you have both high cholesterol and high blood pressure. To lower cholesterol, aim to keep saturated fat – found in fatty meats, butter, cheese, and full-fat dairy –below 7% of your daily calories, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Watch your blood sugar
High blood glucose levels are linked to an increased risk of stroke. This is because high blood sugar damages blood vessels, which can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain. To reduce blood glucose levels, try to take regular exercise, eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, drink enough water, maintain a healthy weight, and try to manage stress.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for stroke. It is associated with almost one in five strokes and increases your stroke risk by 22%. Being obese raises that risk by 64%. Carrying too much weight increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, which all contribute to higher stroke risk.
6. Follow a Mediterranean diet
One way to eat a fiber-rich balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight is to follow a Mediterranean diet. This has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, especially when supplemented with nuts and olive oil.
7. Sleep well
Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Too little sleep can lead to high blood pressure, one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke. Too much sleep, however, is also associated with increased stroke risk, so try to stay as active as possible so you can sleep as well as possible.
8. Stay active
The NHS recommends that people should avoid prolonged sedentary behavior and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. Exercise should be spread evenly over four to five days a week, or every day.
The good news is that while the effects of stroke can be devastating and life-changing, it is largely preventable. Adopting these eight simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce stroke risk and optimize both heart and brain health.
Source: The Conversation by Siobhan Mclernon (Edited by d-mars.com)
1) KIDNEY DISEASE IMPACTS ALL COMMUNITIES.
It can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status. Among those with some form of kidney disease, 6% are 18-29 years old, 19% are 30-44, 34% are 45-64 and 41% are 65 or older.
2) DIALYSIS CAN BE DONE AT HOME.
Many people are unaware that dialysis can be performed at home. In fact, less than half (45%) who are aware of dialysis believe it can be done at home, according to the survey. Home dialysis offers greater flexibility and can improve quality of life, allowing patients to maintain a more regular lifestyle by reducing required clinic visits.
There are two main types of home dialysis: peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis.
3) DIABETES IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE.
Though only 33% of people surveyed identified the most common cause of kidney disease, diabetes accounts for nearly half of all cases of kidney failure (47%), according to the American Kidney Fund.
High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys over time, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication may help prevent kidney damage.
4) MEDICATIONS CAN HELP MANAGE KIDNEY DISEASE.
While 19% of people surveyed believe diet and exercise are the only ways to manage kidney disease, various medications can, in fact, help manage the condition, stop, or slow its progression and help prevent complications. These include medications to lower blood pressure, control blood sugar levels and treat anemia and bone disease associated with kidney disease.
Patients should work closely with their health care providers to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
5) SPECIFIC TESTS CAN ASSESS KIDNEY FUNCTION.
There are several tests available to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities early on. The most common tests include blood tests to measure creatinine levels and urine tests to check for protein or blood, which can be indicators of kidney problems. Talk to your doctor about these tests and whether they’re right for you.
Regular screening, especially for those at higher risk of kidney disease, including individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Learn how to take care of your kidney health, including taking kidney health quizzes to assess your risk, at KnowYourKidneys.org
Source: Family Features (Edited by d-mars.com)
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haring a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the dinner table.
In the “2025 World Happiness Report,” evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s well-being. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive reciprocity, and less loneliness.
Learn more about how sharing a meal can improve your family’s overall well-being with these insights from the experts at the FMI Foundation and their “2025 Family Meals Barometer survey,” which delivers research, collaboration and education to address food safety, health and nutrition concerns.
CIVIL AND RESPECTFUL INTERACTIONS
S HOW EATING TOGETHER BENEFITS YOUR FAMILY
In a world full of distractions, it may come as no surprise that the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey found poor communication is a leading concern among parents, more worrisome than schoolwork or chores.
More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a belief that civility in America is worse today compared to 10 years ago, but 74% said family meals are a great time to have and teach respectful interactions. Frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues.
BETTER NUTRITION
Numerous studies have shown families who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. Family meals at home typically make it easier to fill plates with food from each food group. What’s more, parents who prepare well-balanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.
IMPROVED FAMILY FUNCTION
In the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey, respondents cited having more time to spend together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones. With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hardpressed to find quality time together without distractions. Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, school and with friends.
BETTER GRADES AT SCHOOL
Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. More nutritious meals play a role in stronger cognitive function. Multiple researchers found that children who are part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.
IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH
Another way family meals benefit students at school and beyond is stronger mental and emotional health. In several independent studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and self-esteem, psychosocial outcomes and other markers of mental health.
Learn how gathering around the dinner table supports your family’s nutritional, social, mental and emotional health at fmi.org/family-meals-movement
Source: Family Features
THE POWER OF RESILIENCE: FINDING GROWTH FROM FAILURE
By d-mars.com News Provider
ailure may be an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t make it any less painful when it does happen. It can be particularly hard facing setbacks in your 20s and 30s, since this is the first time many of us are experiencing major “failures.”
Feeling like a failure can have a major impact on mental health, with research actually linking this feeling to a greater risk of depression. This may, in turn, lead to a negative feedback loop, with people who are depressed more likely to ruminate on their failures and see themselves as a failure.
But it’s impossible to live life without ever failing, which is why resilience is key. Not only will this help you learn to cope and accept these feelings, it may also help you better get past setbacks in the future.
Resilience is the ability to maintain or regain mental wellbeing when facing adversity. Our ability to be resilient stems from three key traits: self-esteem (how we value or perceive ourselves), psychological flexibility (being able to switch our focus from painful feelings to purposeful goals), and emotional regulation (our ability to tolerate and mange upsetting feelings).
HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BUILD YOUR RESILIENCE.
1. Get moving
Oddly enough, physical exercise can actually be really important in helping us build mental resilience.
Research has found that both aerobic and resistance exercise can lead to more positive self-esteem and body image.
Other studies have also shown that walking, running, and cycling outdoors can significantly improve psychological wellbeing and self-esteem. Daily moderate or vigorous exercise seems to have the greatest positive impact on self-esteem.
Even if you don’t like exercising or feel like you don’t have time, something as simple as a brisk walk for a few minutes outside everyday may be enough to improve your self-esteem – and subsequently your resilience.
2. Write it down
Another thing you can try doing is keeping a journal. Research shows that journaling can reduce the impact of stressful life events, as it helps us process painful emotions such as disappointment, anger, sadness, and feelings of failure. It can also help us re-frame these thoughts and feelings.
3. Get support from friends and family
Not only are close relationships important for your wellbeing, social connections are also important for emotional regulation which is another one of the building blocks of resilience.
By being able to express emotions openly to a close friend or loved one, it allows for the repair of emotional wounds. Not only that, but speaking with friends and family may also help you get practical advice or guidance with the feelings you have, alongside emotional support with what you’re going through. Being able to express and process emotions has also been linked to better wellbeing and greater resilience.
DAILY MODERATE OR VIGOROUS EXERCISE SEEMS TO HAVE THE GREATEST POSITIVE IMPACT ON SELF-ESTEEM.
If you’re not sure where to start or what to write, try gratitude journaling. This involves writing down the things in your life that bring you joy and happiness.
Studies have also found that simply writing down three things you’re grateful for everyday can have a long-lasting effect on your wellbeing and buffer against stress when you make it a daily habit.
Source: The Conversation (Edited by d-mars.com)
There are plenty of ways to discuss how you feel with friends and family. If you aren’t comfortable doing it face-to-face, you can always try sending a text. But it’s important to get your feelings out rather than keeping it in. Talking through what happened, making sense of it through a friend or family member’s interpretation, and finding some meaning in your failure can be particularly helpful in building resilience and moving forward.
While it’s probably impossible to avoid failure altogether, building mental resilience may help you overcome it more easily the next time you feel like you’ve failed at something. Even trying just one of the techniques here may have a big impact on how you cope the next time you experience failure.
TAKE A REST FROM STRESS
By d-mars.com
tress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day-to-day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety.
Consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.
LEARN YOUR TRIGGERS
Different events and situations cause stress for different people. Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in – mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions, or hectic mornings, for example – can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.
EXERCISE AND EAT RIGHT
Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too. Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that
help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
PRACTICE RELAXATION
Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading, or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expert-recommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music. Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark, and quiet.
CREATE A NETWORK OF SUPPORT
Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.
Source: Family Features
HELPING CHILDREN MANAGE BIG EMOTIONS
emotion, so start with empathy, not discipline, and affirm the feelings. For example, “We all get angry sometimes,” or “It makes sense that you’re feeling this way.”
ittle children experience big emotions. When things don’t go as planned or they feel overstimulated or face new experiences, children may respond with anger and frustration, fueled by feelings of shame, embarrassment or even a sense of injustice.
Because young children often don’t have the language or regulation skills to handle these big feelings, they can result in tantrums, mood swings, rebellion and emotional outbursts, which may trigger feelings of embarrassment and exasperation for parents. Fear not; every parent has been there.
Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice presi dent and chief academic officer at Goddard School, and Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, co-founders of berkins and authors of “All Feelings Welcome,” share guidance to help parents effectively deal with these situations.
MANAGING MELTDOWNS
Parents are most effective when they stay calm, speak quietly and move slowly. Counterbalance your child’s extreme emotion and behavior with the opposite extreme. Take deep breaths and stay near your child while the emotion dissipates.
Scolding only
Help your child label feelings and seek to understand what caused the outburst. Try “sportscasting” – objectively narrating what you see. For example, “I see you taking deep breaths. I see your cheeks are puffed up and your fists are clenched. I know your sister just took your toy and that might make you feel angry. Are you feeling angry?”
This technique can help your child associate physiological feelings with an emotional label.
Once calm, work with your child to repair and reconnect. Share your coping techniques. For example, “I feel angry sometimes. When I get angry, I like to stomp my feet and turn up my music. Do you want to try this with me?”
Model this often, either when you’re upset or as a teaching moment by pretending to feel angry. Real-life examples help normalize feelings and teach emotion regulation skills.
If you acted in a way you regret – yelling, for instance – address it by apologizing and taking responsibility. This grounding can help you and your child move forward.
TAKING PROACTIVE PREVENTATIVE STEPS
While big emotions and
corresponding behaviors are a natural part of early childhood, there are steps you can take to help mitigate future meltdowns.
Develop a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Children thrive with structure; the unexpected or unknown can lead to emotional dysregulation. That said, there will always be disruptions and transitions – some small (such as an out-of-town house guest) and some large (like moving or welcoming a new sibling). Discuss these moments in advance to help your child anticipate and prepare for the change.
Certain situations, such as the grocery store or a public event, may be triggers for children. Avoiding these situations altogether won’t help them learn, so prepare them with social scripting. Tell a story about the situation, discuss what they’ll experience and how they might feel and label the emotions. This talk can reduce anxiety, build confidence and make the situation more manageable.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize a child’s emotional state can be intertwined with yours; if you’re overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, your child may pick up on that and experience some of those same feelings. Likewise, if you’re calm, your child is more likely to be, too.
FINDING HELPFUL RESOURCES
When children are not in a heightened emotional state, reading books about characters and big emotions can be helpful. Pause and ask them what they think the character is feeling and if they ever feel that way. Consider “Hammerhead, Mad’s Not Bad” and “Felix and the Picnic.”
To access a wealth of parenting insights and resources, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com. Visit Slumberkins.com for materials and resources for educators, parents, and children.
Source: Family Features (Edited by d-mars.com)
FIT’S ALMOST FLU SEASON. SHOULD YOU STILL GET A SHOT, AND WILL INSURANCE COVER IT?
By d-mars.com News Provider
or parents of school-aged children, the fall to-do list can seem ever-growing. Buy school supplies. Fill out endless school forms. Block off parent-teacher nights. Do the kids’ tennis shoes still fit?
Somewhere, at some point, you might remember flu shots. Get your flu shot. Get their flu shots. Or should you? Can you? Is that still a thing?
Amid political chatter about vaccines and the government entities that oversee them, it’s understandable to wonder where all this leaves the 2025-26 flu vaccine.
In short: Yes, the flu shot is still a thing. And these four doctors said they recommend you get your flu shot this year.
HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: I heard the Trump administration could be changing vaccine recommendations. Does that apply to the flu vaccine?
There have been no substantial changes to the federal government’s flu vaccine recommendation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still says that people 6 months old and up should get an annual flu vaccine.
That means most insurers will cover it, and it should soon be widely available.
Q: Who should not get the flu shot?
Doctors acknowledged there are always exceptions to broad guidance. For example, people with severe allergies to flu vaccine components should not get vaccines that contain those components.
You should discuss your health situation with your physician for personalized guidance.
Q: Is this season’s flu shot different from last season’s?
Yes. The flu shot was updated for the upcoming flu season, but the changes weren’t drastic. Like last year’s flu shot, this year’s vaccine is known as a three-component or trivalent vaccine that protects against three influenza viruses — two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus.
This season’s vaccine was altered to target a specific strain of the influenza A/H3N2 virus expected to circulate this season, said Ryan Maves, a professor of medicine at Wake Forest University and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Those changes align with what the World Health Organization has recommended.
Q: When is the best time to get vaccinated?
September, October, or early November. This allows your body time to build up its protective antibodies as flu season begins and ensures your protection doesn’t wane before it ends.
In the U.S., influenza infection typically peaks in February, so you want to make sure you’re vaccinated and your protection is still strong through February and into March, said William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Q: Is this season’s flu vaccine guaranteed to protect against the influenza strain that’s circulating?
Guarantee all protection? No.
Reduce risk of death? Yes.
Similar to the covid-19 vaccine, flu vaccines are best at “protecting us from the most severe consequences of influenza,” Schaffner said. That means the flu vaccine is most effective at keeping people out of the hospital or the intensive care unit and keeping people from dying.
“A flu vaccine may not guarantee perfect protection against the flu, but skipping your flu shot simply guarantees you’ll have no protection at all,” said Benjamin Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and an associate professor at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.
Q: Will the flu shot be readily available this year?
All signs point to yes.
The FDA passed its formula recommendations to vaccine manufacturers March 13 — early enough that the agency expected there would be “an adequate and diverse supply.” The people and places that administer flu shots should have them soon, typically beginning in September, said Flor Muñoz, a Baylor College of Medicine associate professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases.
Q: I heard Kennedy canceled $500 million in funding for vaccine development. Could this affect future flu vaccines?
Kennedy announced the cancellation of funding for mRNA vaccine development. Some companies have been researching combined mRNA flu and covid shots, but there are currently no approved mRNA flu vaccines.
Still, experts said the federal government’s changes — funding cuts, vaccine committee purges, deviations from existing procedures — are increasing uncertainty.
Source: KFF Health News (Edited by d-mars.com)
The Mexican Caribbean is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, and there are even more experiences within its 12 regions that are just as memorable as its shores.
1. DIVE INTO CENOTES AND LAGOONS
Cenotes are natural wells that the Mayans believed were secret portals to the underworld. You can explore the magical waters for yourself by visiting the Cenotes Route of Puerto Morelos.
The Mexican Caribbean is also home to freshwater lagoons. If you’re in Bacalar, make sure to see the beauty of the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Or, in Maya Ka’an, float through the tranquil Muyil canals of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
2. LEARN ABOUT THE MAYAN CULTURE
Visitors can immerse themselves in the long-standing culture at one of the 19 renowned archaeological sites.
Ichkabal - an archaeological site near Bacalar - is the latest site open to the public and also happens to be one of the oldest known Mayan cities. Further south of Bacalar is Chetumal, the capital city which boasts close proximity to some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the south of the state, making it an excellent base for exploring the ancient Mayan world.
For an immersive cultural experience, stay in the Maya Ka’an region, where you can visit the local Mayan communities that preserve their ancestral traditions and customs, such as making the huipil, a traditional garment.
3. SAVOR UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Visitors are invited to witness the exquisite culinary experiences and globally-inspired innovations offered by renowned chefs all around the Mexican Caribbean. For example, you can try regional specialties like lion fish in Cozumel and lobster pizza in Holbox.
Before you book your ticket, take a look at the recently unveiled 2025 Mexico Michelin Guide to find Michelinrecommended and Bib Gourmand restaurants throughout the Mexican Caribbean.
4. EXPLORE NATURAL PARKS AND MUSEUMS
Explore the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean’s natural parks like Punta Sur in Isla Mujeres, which boasts some of the best sunrises in Mexico. In Tulum, afternoons can be spent at the recently
7 Exciting Experiences in the Mexican Caribbean
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opened Jaguar Park, ideal for strolling and discovering some of the region’s incredible flora and fauna.
For the museum lovers in your group, explore the rich Mayan history and heritage at the Mayan Museum of Cancun. You can also stop and admire the pieces at Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) in Isla Mujeres, an innovative underwater museum designed to teach visitors about the region and counteract the effects of climate change on the oceans and reefs.
5. FEEL REJUVENATED WITH WELLNESS DESTINATIONS
Riviera Maya is a renowned wellness destination where you can experience peace and tranquility at a variety of resorts. Take your pick from state-of-the-art wellness facilities, yoga and massage on the sand, and temazcal - traditional Mayan sweat lodges used in ancient spiritual healing rituals.
6. FROM BOUTIQUES TO INTERNATIONAL BRANDS
Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, luxury boutiques, or artisanal wares, you can find shopping experiences that suit your preferences in all 12 regions.
For example, if you’re in Playa del Carmen, stop by Quinta Avenida, the heart of the region’s shopping scene. This must-visit street is lined with shops and art galleries where you’ll find international brands and local boutiques and be sure to visit the nearby Artisanal Market for handmade crafts and local souvenirs. In Tulum, ecochic fashions and art can be found within the destination’s many boutiques. In Grand Costa Maya, Mahahual’s boardwalk offers a relaxed atmosphere with restaurants and small local stops.
7. GET INTO GOLF
Enjoy an unforgettable golf experience in Costa Mujeres, which boasts Playa Mujeres Golf Club to get a swing in.
If you want to hit the links yourself, head to Playa del Carmen and visit El Camaleón Golf Course. This unique golfing experience blends challenging game play with the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings.
ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN?
For more information, visit mexicancaribbean.travel or follow on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Mayan Temple Pyramid of Kukulkan
Ancient Aztec Stone of the Sun
De-Compress in Mexico