May 2024 Edition

ENGLISH SPECIAL EDITION - ONLINE DIGITAL - MAY 2024

Spring

A time of renewal

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CICADA: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND SONG

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HOW DOES FINANCIAL WELLNESS AFFECT HEALTH

YOU’RE BLUSHING!

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THOSE ROSY CHEEKS

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Health

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM:

THE BASICS he physical exam is an esTsential part of any doctor's

Contact: Phone: (347) 600-5347

visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical.

cartasaoeditor@aol.com www.omensageiro7.com

A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but they will spend time listening to your concerns and providing counseling for your particular complaints and risk factors.

©2023 by: O Mensageiro7Inc. All Rights Reserved The Newspaper O Mensageiro7 is a monthly publication via ONLINE in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

ANNUAL EXAMS USUALLY CHECK YOUR:

Reproduction in whole or in part of the context of the publication without proper permission is expressly prohibited.

HISTORY This is your chance to mention any complaints or concerns about your health.

O Mensageiro7 Newspaper is not responsible for the insertion of photos, logos, slogans, errors or omissions by advertisers or information provided by third parties, edited in any part of this publication.

Your doctor will also likely quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, sexual health, diet, and exercise.

The doctor will also check on your vaccination status and update your personal and family medical history.

VITAL SIGNS These are some vital signs checked by your doctor: - Blood pressure: Less than 120 over less than 80 is a nor-

The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical.

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Articles, messages, interviews, and studies published in this Newspaper, by each author, do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor.

Each writer is responsible for their own content.

Therefore, each author is available to answer the reader's questions.

Health

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mal blood pressure.

Doctors define high blood pressure (hypertension) as 130 over 80 or higher.

- Heart rate: Values between 60 and 100 are considered normal.

Many healthy people have heart rates slower than 60, however.

- Respiration rate: From 12 to 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult.

Breathing more than 20 times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.

Your doctor can use a range of examination techniques including tapping your abdomen to detect liver size and presence of abdominal fluid.

HEART EXAM

formation about your overall health. Ears, nose, sinuses, Listening to your heart with a eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid, stethoscope, a doctor might and carotid arteries may also detect an irregular heartbeat, be examined. a heart murmur, or other ABDOMINAL EXAM clues to heart disease.

- Temperature: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is the average, LUNG EXAM but healthy people can have resting temperatures slightly Using a stethoscope, a doctor listens for crackles, wheezes, higher or lower. or decreased breath sounds.

GENERAL APPEARANCE These and other sounds are Your doctor gathers a large clues to the presence of heart amount of information about or lung disease. you and your health just by watching and talking to you. Head and Neck Exam. Opening up and saying "ah" shows How is your memory and off your throat and tonsils. mental quickness? Does your skin appear healthy? Can you The quality of your teeth easily stand and walk? and gums also provides in-

Skin and nail findings could indicate a dermatological problem or disease somewhere else in the body.

EXTREMITIES EXAM

Your doctor will look for physYour doctor can use a range ical and sensory changes. of examination techniques Pulses can be checked in your including tapping your abdo- arms and legs. men to detect liver size and Examining joints can assess presence of abdominal fluid, for abnormalities. listening for bowel sounds with a stethoscope, and pal- MALE pating for tenderness.

PHYSICAL EXAM NEUROLOGICAL EXAM

An annual physical exam for men might also include:

Nerves, muscle strength, reflexes, balance, and mental TESTICULAR EXAM state may be assessed.

A doctor can check each tesDERMATOLOGICAL EXAM ticle for lumps, tenderness, or

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Health

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Your doctor will also likely quiz you about lifestyle behaviors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, sexual health, diet, and exercise. changes in size.

infections such as warts or ul- benign breast conditions.

A Pap test and HPV test can cers on the penis.

Most men with testicular canThe doctor will also check the screen for cervical cancer and cer notice a growth before Prostate exam: Inserting a fin- lymph nodes in the under- help assess risk. ◙ seeing a doctor. ger in the rectum lets a doc- arm area and look for visual SOURCE: WEBMD.COM tor feel the prostate for its abnormalities of the breasts HERNIA EXAM size and any suspicious areas. and nipples.

The famous "turn your head FEMALE PELVIC EXAM and cough" checks for a PHYSICAL EXAM weakness in the abdominal The pelvic exam allows examwall between the intestines A woman's annual exam ination of the vulva, vagina, and scrotum. might include: cervix, uterus and ovaries.

PENIS EXAM BREAST EXAM Routine checks for sexually A doctor might notice evi- Feeling for abnormal lumps transmitted infections are ofdence of sexually transmitted may detect breast cancer or ten done.

Nature

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CICADA: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND SONG

amily of more than 3,000 Fspecies of sound-producing

dia (M), medial (m), radius (R), radial sector (Rs), anal (An), mediocubital (m-cu), costa (C), and subcosta (Sc). (more)

insects.

Cicadas are found in tropical and temperate areas worldwide and occur in deserts, grasslands, and forests.

Cicadas are medium to large insects, ranging in size from 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches).

Cicadas have long been used in folk medicines, as religious and monetary symbols, and as an important source of food for humans and many other organisms.

The cicada appears in the mythology, literature, and music of many cultures, including those of some Indigenous peoples in the Americas, and the males of certain Asian species have even been kept in cages for their melodious songs.

EXTERNAL FEATURES OF THE CICADA The wing veins shown (with their abbreviations in parentheses) are cubitus (Cu), me-

They characteristically have short antennae, two pairs of transparent membranous wings, prominent compound eyes, and three simple eyes (ocelli) that form a triangle between the compound eyes.

The insects do not bite or sting.

Cicadas are found in tropical and temperate areas worldwide and occur in deserts, grasslands, and forests.

Major species are generally easily recognized by differences in songs, behavior, and morphology.

The shrill thorntree cicada (Brevisana brevis), found in Africa, is thought to be the loudest insect in the world.

Exceeding 106 decibels, the males’ songs are nearly as loud as a chainsaw (110 deciCONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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Nature

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 5

All cicada species have a life cycle that consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

bels).

Adult female cicadas usually known cicadas. lay their eggs in woody plant The genus contains seven Male cicadas produce loud tissues.

North American species of noises by vibrating membranes (tymbals) near the Newly hatched nymphs bur- 17-year cicadas (often errow into the ground where roneously called 17-year lobase of the abdomen. they suck juices from roots of custs) and13-year cicadas.

Males of each species typical- perennial plants.

In what are among the lonly have three distinct sound Nymphs usually undergo five gest life cycles of any insects, responses: molts during the year or more periodical cicadas emerge A congregational song that required to reach maturity. in spring only every 13 or 17 is regulated by daily weathyears, with millions of insects er fluctuations and by songs When prompted to emerge— materializing from the soil in the biology of which is not produced by other males; well understood for long-lived a matter of weeks and dying A courtship song, usually pro- species—mature nymphs of- shortly thereafter.

ten appear aboveground en These species occur in chronmasse and undergo their final ologically and geographically A disturbance squawk, pro- molt on nearby trees. isolated broods. duced by individuals captured, held, or disturbed into The winged adults live for A dog-day, or green, cicaonly a few weeks, just long da (Neotibicen canicularis) flight. enough to find a mate and lay emerging from a molt.

Most North American cica- eggs. das produce rhythmical ticks, To distinguish them from the Although not ordinarily conbuzzes, whines, or screams, periodical cicadas, a number sidered a pest, the females, although in some species of North American species if numerous, may damage the song is musical. Females are known as annual cicadas. young saplings during their lack tymbals, though some These are seen every sumspecies use their wings to egg laying. mer, though their life cycles produce clicking or snapping MAJOR GENERA typically span 2–5 years. sounds, often in response to AND SPECIES the songs of the males.

Annual cicadas include the A large and diverse group, the LIFE CYCLE cicada family comprises more dog-day cicadas (genus Neothan 500 genera worldwide. tibicen), scrub cicadas (genus All cicada species have a life Diceroprocta), several specycle that consists of three The periodical cicadas cies of the genus Neocicada, stages: egg, nymph, and (Magicicada) are among the and members of the genus adult. most fascinating and best- Okanagana. duced prior to copulation;

The nearly 60 species of the genus Cicada are found in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

The common, or ash, cicada (Cicada orni) is one of the most familiar species in Europe. The New Forest cicada (Cicadetta montana) is the only cicada native to the United Kingdom, where it is considered an endangered species.

The largest cicadas in the world are found in Asia.

Members of the genus Megapomponia are large-bodied insects native to Southeast Asia.

Included is the empress cicada (Megapomponia imperatoria), the most massive of all known cicada species, with a superlative body length of about 7 cm (2.8 inches).

The only member of its genus, Tacua speciosa can reach more than 5.5 cm (2 inches) in length.

The insect is unusual in that its wings are opaque instead of transparent like those of other cicada species. ◙ SOURCE: WWW.PESTWORLD.COM

Men's Health

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Clots can form either in the brain's blood vessels, in blood vessels leading to the brain, or even blood vessels elsewhere in the body that travel to the brain.

or thinness in the blood vessel wall.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE? The most common symptoms of a stroke are:

These clots block blood flow to the brain's cells, choking off oxygen to a part of the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells first go into shock and then start dying.

So the longer you go without stroke treatment, the greater the damage to your brain. Ischemic strokes can also happen when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels.

or numb•nessWeakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures.

Loss of speech, difficul•ty talking, or understand-

ing what others are saying severe head•acheSudden, with no known

Loss of balance or •unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE?

HEMORRHAGIC STROKES •happen when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures.

Immediately call 911 if you or someone you know has symptoms of a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase your chances for a full recovery.

The result is blood seeping into the brain, causing damage to brain cells.

While less common, these strokes can be more devastating.

The most common causes of hemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and brain aneurysms. An aneurysm is a weakness

ing) in one or both eyes

cause

These are the most common type of stroke. About 80% of strokes are ischemic.

Although the cause is different from an ischemic stroke, the result is the same: Brain cells can't get the blood they need.

More than 60% of people who have a hemorrhagic stroke die within a year, and those who survive tend to be much more disabled.

or dim•mingLoss(likeof avision curtain fall-

The consequences of a stroke can be devastating.

Not only can a stroke kill you, but nonfatal strokes can leave you severely debilitated, paralyzed, or unable to communicate.

The American Heart Association uses the memory tool known as F.A.S.T. to recognize signs of stroke:

• Facial drooping • Arm weakness • Slurring of speech • Time to call 911

ARE STROKES PREVENTABLE?

About 80% of strokes are preventable. Many risk factors can be controlled before they CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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Men's Health

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half an hour on most days of the week

cause problems.

• Eating right, preferably a diet low in saturated fat (such as that in processed meats) and high in fruits and vegetables

Controllable risk factors Include:

• High blood pressure • Atrial fibrillation • Uncontrolled diabetes • High cholesterol • Smoking • Heavy drinking • Being overweight or coronary • Carotid artery disease

Uncontrollable risk factors include:

•65)Age (People over age Gender (Men have •more strokes; women

Maintaining a healthy •weight

smoking. Smokers •areNot twice as likely to have a stroke.

Hemorrhagic strokes are best prevented by controlling high blood pressure.

have deadlier strokes)

(African-Ameri•canRace people have a higher risk)

Family history of •stroke

Low-dose aspirin can reduce stroke risk, although it may not help younger men already at low risk for stroke. Talk to your doctor before starting aspirin therapy.

Sometimes, people experience warning signs before a stroke occurs.

These are called transient ischemic attacks (also called TIA or "mini-stroke"), brief episodes of the stroke symptoms listed above. A TIA is when a blockage, caused by a clot, is temporary.

These leave no permanent brain damage but do put you at higher risk for a subsequent stroke.

Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control your risk factors.

Some people have no warning signs before a stroke, or symptoms are so mild that they are not noticeable.

Hemorrhagic strokes are best prevented by controlling high blood pressure.

The less pressure there is on the walls of your blood vessels, the less likely they are to burst.

Regular checkups are important in catching problems before they become serious. Report any symptoms or risk factors to your doctor. ◙

The more common ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots - the same villains responsible for heart attacks.

SOURCE: WEBMD.COM

To decrease the risks, you need to keep your arteries clear of plaque - the gunk that builds up in them and leads to clotting.

Ways to do this include:

• Exercising for at least

Regular checkups are important in catching problems before they become serious.

Mind and Body

s most of us know all too A well, when you’re reeling

from love gone wrong.

ADDICTED TO LOVE

from the finale of a romantic relationship that you didn’t want to end, your emotional and bodily reactions are a tangle:

The earliest pairings of brain research and love research, from around 2005, established the baseline that would inform research going forward: what a brain in love looks like.

You’re still in love and want to reconcile, but you’re also angry and confused; simultaneously, you’re jonesing for a “fix” of the person who has abruptly left your life, and you might go to dramatic, even embarrassing, lengths to get it, even though part of you knows better.

In a study led by psychologist Art Aron, neurologist Lucy Brown, and anthropologist Helen Fisher, individuals who were deeply in love viewed images of their beloved and simultaneously had their brains scanned in an fMRI machine, which maps neural activity by measuring changes in blood flow in the brain.

What does our brain look like when we’re in the throes of such agonizing heartbreak?

This isn’t just an academic question. The answer can help us better understand not only what’s going on inside our lovelorn bodies, but why humans may have evolved to feel such visceral pain in the wake of a break-up. In that light, the neuroscience of heartbreak can offer some practical—and provocative— ideas for how we can recover

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What does our brain look like when we’re in the throes of such agonizing heartbreak?

The fMRI’s vivid casts of yellows, greens, and blues—fireworks across gray matter— clearly showed that romantic love activates in the caudate nucleus, via a flood of dopamine.

The caudate nucleus is associated with what psychologists call “motivation and goaloriented behavior,” or “the rewards system.” To many of CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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Emotions

GRIEF HOW THE BODY REACTS TO

hysical symptoms sympP toms are a natural part of the

comes in waves, along with other symptoms.

SLEEP DISTURBANCES: Insomnia is a common symptom of grief. According to a 2020 review, sleep disturbances affect people who have experienced bereavement 20–30% more than those who have not.

grieving process. The symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and tiredness.

People who are grieving may also have a temporarily higher risk of cardiovascular conditions.

People who are grieving may also experience changes in their dreams.

In addition to physical symptoms, people can experience other effects, such as sadness, loneliness, and difficulty concentrating.

C H A N G E S I N A P P E T I T E: Grief can cause a loss of appetite for some. Others may want to eat more than usual when they are grieving.

However, there are coping strategies that may help.

COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF Some common physical effects of grief include: T I R E D N E S S : Grief often makes people feel tired or fatigued.

This typicallyTrusted Source

Physical symptoms are a natural part of the grieving process.

HALLUCINATIONS: Grief hallucinations occur when a person feels they can see, touch, hear, or sense the presence of a deceased person.

These hallucinations are common after a bereavement and can occur unexpectedly when a person is asleep or awake.

While some may find them comforting, a 2018 study sugCONTINUES ON PAGE 11

Emotions

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People who are grieving can also experience changes in their health on a deeper level.

gests they may be more com- CARDIOVASCULAR mon in people experiencing SYSTEM higher levels of psychological A 2014 study Trusted Source distress. involving 30,447 people exPeople can also experience periencing partner bereaveTrusted Source the stress re- ment suggests those in this sponse, which some refer to situation may have a higher as the “fight, flight, or freeze” incidence of a fatal or nonfaresponse, as a result of grief. tal heart attack or stroke in the months after the loss.

This may occur if the person is anxious about losing a loved The study found that the inone, feels afraid of death, or creased risk lasted for 30 if the loss was sudden and days, but the risk of less common heart effects lingered for traumatic.

90 days.

THE STRESS RESPONSE Another cardiovascular comCAUSES: plicationTrusted Source with An increased heart rate fast links to grief is atrial fibrillaor shallow breathing sweat- tion, which is a serious heart ing rhythm disturbance.

HOW DOES GRIEF IMPACT HEALTH?

who are already at risk of cardiovascular disease.

IMMUNE SYSTEM A 2019 review Trusted Source found links between bereavement and impaired immunity against infections. The researchers found that grieving people had: • higher levels of inflammation

In addition to the immediate physical symptoms of grief, people who are grieving can also experience changes in their health on a deeper level. Grief can impact the fol- These conditions may be more likely to occur in people lowing body systems:

• sadness • fear or anxiety • guilt • anger • apathy • loneliness

MENTALLY, THEY MAY EXPERIENCE • lower antibody respons- THE FOLLOWING: es to vaccines

• Maladaptive immune cell gene expression, which is a malfunction in certain genes that influence immunity

OTHER SYMPTOMS It is also possible to develop OF GRIEF takosubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” following a bereavement.

This condition occurs due to severe emotional or physical stress.

rience periods of:

• Grief may affect a person emotionally, socially, spiritually, and cognitively.

• InitiallyTrusted Source, a person may experience shock or denial about the loss. They may later expe-

• thoughts about the person’s death • difficultyTrusted Source concentrating • trouble making decisions • a change in their sense of identity Socially, a person experiencing grief may become irritable, withdrawn, or isolated.

It is important to note that the symptoms of grief can be similar to the symptoms of CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

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Emotions

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depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

is natural during the grieving process. It is best to try to recognize these feelings and allow them to come and go.

People can also have these conditions at the same time as experiencing grief.One of the main differences between mental health conditions and grief is that the symptoms of grief tend to come in waves, coming and going over time.

Celebrating the life of the loved one: This can take various forms, such as holding a memorial, scrapbooking, or planting a garden in the loved one’s memory.

WHAT HELPS WITH GRIEF?

P R AC T I C I N G S E L F-C A R E: Grief can make a person feel uninterested in food, exercise, and other things that can improve health and wellbeing.

It is important to allow oneself to experience and process grief, as experts suggest resisting or trying to ignore it may prolong symptoms.

The American Psychological Association recommends taking the following steps: TALKING ABOUT IT: Talking about the death of a loved one or their life may help someone understand and come to terms with the loss.

ACKNOWLEDGING FEELINGS: An array of emotions

It is important to note that the symptoms of grief can be similar to the symptoms of depression or posttraumatic stress disorder.

However, prioritizing these habits as much as possible may offset the effects that grief may have on health.

HELPING OTHERS: Spending time with other loved ones of the deceased can be mutually beneficial, helping people feel connected and supported. ◙ SOURCE: WWW.BRITANNICA.COM

Parenting

internet is a huge source Tof heinformation and connec-

platform your child is using unless you talk to them about it.

tion opportunities.

Talking about social media and online habits can feel awkward at first, but talking to your child early can get them comfortable sharing this type of important information with you. By starting early, you make these conversations feel natural and unintrusive.

While this can be beneficial, it can also pose dangers to young minds.

Social media can positively or negatively impact young people’s mental health, so regular conversations about good social media usage are important.

WHY TALK ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA? If your child has access to the internet, they have access to social media sites and downloadable materials.

It’s best to have a conversation about the apps on their phones or the websites they visit before a problem occurs.

Keep in mind that young people are often exposed to new platforms before they’re mainstream. This means that you may not be aware of a

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Social media can positively or negatively impact young people’s mental health, so regular conversations about good social media usage are important.

If anything bad or concerning does happen, your child will feel more comfortable coming to you for help if you’ve already established a safe space for that type of dialogue.

Promote positive social media usage. While there are valid concerns about social media, it can be a positive force for connection and social networking. By having open conversations about social media, its benefits, and its risks, you can promote CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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Parenting

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 13

Keep in mind that young people are often exposed to new platforms before they’re mainstream. positive social media usage.

Create a plan to inform them of the benefits of social media and what to be cautious about. This will help your relationship with your child as you manage their social media usage together.

Avoid yelling or emotional language when discussing their social media usage.

Taking a nonjudgmental approach when talking about social media with your child can help create open, trusting relationships, which will help your child feel comfortable talking about their online presence.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA Your kids, and the internet, are constantly evolving and growing.

So it’s important to remember that guidelines can and should change over time, and may vary by child. What works for your youngest child might not for your oldest one.

This also means that you should revisit the conversation about social media as often as feels appropriate.

Here are six key tips to get the conversation going: SET THE TONE. Begin your talk in a calm, neutral way.

Create a plan to inform them of the benefits of social media and what to be cautious about. This will help your relationship with your child as you manage their social media usage together.

ASK BEFORE YOU TELL. Ask your child what apps or platforms they’re using.

Let them teach you how they work. Ask questions to understand the appeal and the way they like to use the platform.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Talk to your child about how you use social media in a healthy way, and let your child know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns.

Being honest and transparent will help them trust you in serious moments.

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Parenting CONTINUING FROM PAGE 14

dren connect to families that aren’t close by.

STAY CALM. If you find out your child has been using a site inappropriately or engaging in behavior you don’t approve of, stay calm. It’s important to gather information and let them know you appreciate them telling you.

They can form relationships that might otherwise not be an option for them.

DEVELOPING INTERESTS. On social media, your kids can find people that like the same things they do or feel the way they do. Having this knowledge that they aren’t alone can boost confidence and overall well-being.

TALK ABOUT PERMANENCE AND PRIVACY. Let them know that what’s posted online is permanent.

DISADVANTAGES AND RISKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE INCLUDE:

Then go through the platform’s privacy settings to make sure their information and activity is secure. Tell them that they should only connect with and talk to people that they know in real life.

CYBERBULLYING. Bullying online can happen to them, or they can be responsible for doing it to others.

DESCRIBE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ONLINE BEHAVIOR. It’s healthy to speak nicely to others online, in a similar way that you’d speak to them in person.

Some children might not know the consequences of mean behavior online. They also might not know how to block someone who is harassing them online and are too embarrassed to seek help.

Depending on your child’s age, you may let them know about cyberbullying and inappropriate messaging. Talk about how to recognize this negative online behavior and what to do if they see it or are the target of it.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL MEDIA There are many types of social media platforms, all with their own pros and cons.

Generally speaking, advantages include: CONNECTION. Social media can let your children make connections all over the world.

They can learn about different cultures and get educated on different people they might not know in person.

STRONGER FAMILY TIES. Social media can let your chil-

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D E P R E S S I O N. “Facebook depression” can occur when too much time online triggers depression in children and teens.

If you find out your child has been using a site inappropriately or engaging in behavior you don’t approve of, stay calm. It’s important to gather information and let them know you appreciate them telling you.

The comparisons and standards that are shown on social media can increase negative thoughts and negative body image.

MEETING STRANGERS. Your kids might know to be cautious of strangers in person, but they might not be as cautious online.

Your kids can friend anyone online and they can take their conversations to less regulated apps that allow your kid and a stranger to connect.

There’s no way of knowing if someone is who they say they are if you don’t know them in person. ◙ SOURCE: WEDMD.COM

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Psychology

YOU’RE BLUSHING!

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THOSE ROSY CHEEKS

lushing is actually a bit of a B scientific mystery, and one of

the many weird facts about the human body.

While it has been extensively studied, it’s not exactly clear why it happens. Unlike other emotional responses (why do we laugh?), blushing is more varied.

“It’s a very complex reaction,” says Gary Small, MD, chair of psychiatry at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey and leading expert on brain science.

“Blushing doesn’t mean the same thing for every person.

Not everyone blushes at the same rate or has the same propensity to blush.”

WHY DO PEOPLE BLUSH? “If you’re embarrassed or ashamed, that’s when people tend to blush,” says Dr. Small.

It’s an involuntary response to insecurity, embarrassment or simply an awkward social situation.

Charles Darwin called blushing “the most peculiar and most human of all expres-

“Blushing doesn’t mean the same thing for every person.

Not everyone blushes at the same rate or has the same propensity to blush.” sions,” and it’s true that no WHAT CAUSES other animal on earth blush- BLUSHING? es the way we do.

Because it’s a physiologiIt’s a puzzling human charac- cal response (similar to why teristic (unlike the rarest eye we yawn), the physiological color or the rarest hair color, (how) is a bit easier to explain than the psychological (why). which are genetic traits).

You first have to consider And although blushing as a what counts as blushing. form of communication has actually been observed in There are many reasons some other animals (like par- someone might flush or turn rots), it doesn’t work quite red, including exposure to heat or cold, medication side the same way. effects, drinking alcohol or Blushing in humans is really a physical exertion, to name a result of our existence as so- few. But these causes of turncial creatures and our compli- ing red are more physiological than blushing. cated social structures.

Other emotions, such as passion, nervousness or rage can also cause flushing. But true blushing—which is instant and automatic—is generally thought by psychologists to be associated with emotions related to self-consciousness and how we think we appear to others.

These types of emotions involve some of our most complex feelings, which may be why some of us are more affected by blushing than others, Dr. Small says. Triggers for blushing can include the following.

EMBARRASSMENT This is the first emotion people think of when it comes to blushing, of course. If you commit a social faux pas, blushing is a normal response.

Embarrassment stems from a fear that something you’ve done or participated in is going to change how others see you. If you trip and fall walking across the stage at graduation, it’s embarrassing because people you know may now view you as clumsy or unserious.

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Psychology

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be used to disconnect the nerve pathways responsible for turning your face red.

The reasons we blush are highly dependent on how we were raised and the social codes we live by. For example, for someone from a very conservative, religious background, saying or even hearing a curse word may elicit an immediate blush. For someone with a different upbringing, a curse word may be just another part of their vocabulary, Dr. Small says.

But surgery is usually reserved for treating people who flush due to physical disorders, rather than social anxiety or another psychological cause.

HOW TO STOP BLUSHING Once you start blushing, you can’t stop it, Dr. Small says.

It’s an automatic response.

That said, there are things you can do to help yourself recover.

FEELING EXPOSED Blushing tends to happen when everyone is looking.

That’s because one of the main causes is feeling exposed or open to scrutiny.

This can happen when something about you is revealed to the group, especially if it’s something you want to keep private. For example, a group of people just found out you have a crush on someone or that you still sleep with a stuffed animal.

POSITIVE ATTENTION OR PRAISE This is one of the more curious causes of blushing because, of course, praise isn’t a bad thing!

But praise, especially excessive praise, may cause blushing because it opens you to scrutiny. For some people, this can create the same anxiety you may feel when you’ve committed a social faux pas.

Now that you’ve been noticed, you may fear that you’ll mess up.

DO SOME PEOPLE BLUSH MORE THAN OTHERS? Yes, some people seem more prone to blushing than others, and it could be an inherited trait. But why do some people blush at a higher rate?

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR MISTAKE

Blushing tends to happen when everyone is looking.

That’s because one of the main causes is feeling exposed or open to scrutiny.

“It’s a combination of genetics and environment,” Dr. Small says. “There may be some genetic link between certain personality traits and blushing. If you have a predisposition toward social anxiety, you may blush more frequently,” he says.

One 2015 study found that “frequent blushers” tended to feel more shame and tended to have fewer dominant behaviors than those who were “infrequent blushers.”

Everyone is going to be different in terms of what triggers a blush.

CAN YOU PREVENT BLUSHING?

“To err is human, as they say,” Dr. Small says. The faster you acknowledge your mistake, the sooner you can resolve the psychological tension that led to the blush in the first place. Remember that the whole point of blushing is to communicate to your peers that you’re sincere and worthy of membership in the group. Just saying you’re sorry can help you feel better and calm the blushing in the process.

SMILE Smiling during stressful events may help tame the stress response and make the responses easier to weather, according to one oft-cited 2012 study. Many of the same mechanisms in the stress response are present when we blush, so smiling through a flush may help resolve it faster.

Blushing is really hard to prevent. That said, because of the psychological components of blushing, mental health therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy may be effective at helping you better manage feelings of TAKE A shame and embarrassment DEEP BREATH or social anxiety that lead to A deep breath (or two or blushing, Dr. Small says. three) may also help calm For people with very severe the stress response activated blushing, there is actually during blushing and restore a surgical technique known equilibrium. ◙ as endoscopic thoracic symSOURCE: WEBMD.COM pathicotomy (ETS) that can

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Spring

Spring

A time of renewal

pring, the season of rebirth.

SA time when nature awakens

to witness.

Spring awakens in the presence of trees. In perfect harmony, bright green leaves unfold as they bask in the sun, teeming with vitality.

They provide much-needed shelter to those seeking refuge from summer’s scorching heat. Once barren and lifeless in winter’s icy embrace, the trees now showcase a vibrant display of life brimming with renewal.

from its wintry slumber and the world celebrates life renewed.

New blooms herald the end of winter’s chill, trees stretch out in verdant growth and creatures emerge from hibernation. As the earth gains warmth, we too are inspired to refresh and renew ourselves.

The blooming of flowers is one of the most significant signs of spring’s renewal in the southern hemisphere.

As buds awaken, dormant flowering plants burst forth with vibrant colours and delicate petals, adorning gardens and parks with breathtaking beauty.

Late spring boasts an array of exquisite flowers like tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms, all showcasing their stunning beauty for all to see.

After months of stillness, this burst of life is truly a wonder

The blooming of flowers is one of the most significant signs of spring’s renewal in the southern hemisphere.

Animals also experience a spring renewal of their own.

Many animals hibernate during the coldest months of winter, slowing their bodily functions to conserve energy. Then, spring begins in the warm air, and they emerge from their slumber, ready to embrace the new season. You might hear birds chirping, bees buzzing, and the sound of animals rustling through leaves as they come out of hiding.

Renewal is not just about nature. It has a significant imCONTINUES ON PAGE 19

Spring

7 19

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Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. pact on mental health as well.

Studies have shown that exposure to nature can improve mood, reduce stress levels, and increase motivation.

So it’s no wonder many people feel renewed and rejuvenated when spring arrives.

Being outside in the sunshine and surrounded by nature clears our minds and lifts our spirits.

Spring symbolizes a season of renewal for both nature and our inner beings. It’s a time to marvel at the beauty of new beginnings, as spring commences and brings with it the promise of fresh plant growth. Take a moment to step outside and appreciate the blooming flowers, trees springing back to life, and the animals that are emerging from hibernation. Allow the beauty of spring to stir a revival within your mind, body, and spirit.

THE POWER OF SUNSHINE Spring brings with it longer days, warmer temperatures and more sunshine, allowing us to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors. But did you know that sunshine can also be a powerful source

of Vitamin D?

two hours.

days, warmer weather, and a burst of new life all around SEEK SHADE: us, there are countless outTake breaks from direct sun- door activities to explore and light and spend time in shad- enjoy these spring months.

Here are just a few examples ed areas. of what the spring season has to offer: STAY HYDRATED:

Vitamin D is essential for our health as it helps our bodies absorb calcium, making our bones stronger and healthier.

It also plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing the risk of depression.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Unfortunately, research suggests that Vitamin D defi- TIME YOUR ciencies affect over 40% of EXPOSURE: people, so getting enough is crucial for our overall well- Try to get your daily dose of sunshine early in the morning being. or late afternoon when the While there are other sourc- sun is less intense. es of Vitamin D, such as food and supplements, sunshine The power of sunshine and remains one of the most ef- its effect on our health and fective ways to boost our lev- well-being cannot be underels. Just 15 minutes of sun estimated. exposure per day can provide By taking simple steps to enus with all the Vitamin D our joy the sun safely, we can bodies need. reap the benefits of Vitamin It’s important to note that D and make the most of the safe sun exposure is key. Too daylight hours and the beaumuch sun can lead to skin tiful spring weather. So, go damage and increase the risk ahead and step outside. Your of skin cancer. So here are body and mind will thank some tips for enjoying the you! After all, spring is the sunshine safely in early sum- best season. mer:

HIKING: Spring is an ideal time to hit the trails and explore nature on foot. With the snow melting away and the flowers blooming, hiking in the spring provides breathtaking views and a chance to observe wildlife that may have been dormant during the winter.

CYCLING: Is another excellent way to enjoy springtime and get some exercise. Whether you’re taking a leisurely ride through the countryside or hitting the city streets, biking is an eco-friendly way to explore your surroundings and enjoy the sunshine.

PICNICKING:

What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than with a OUTDOOR picnic? Pack a basket full of ADVENTURES WEAR SUNSCREEN: delicious treats and head to Opt for a broad-spectrum Spring is the perfect time to your local park or nature resunscreen with an SPF of at get outside and enjoy the serve to enjoy a meal in the least 30, and reapply every beauty of nature. With longer great outdoors.

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Spring

7

20

Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals is an easy way to improve your health while supporting local farmers. So, head to your local farmer’s market, stock up on some spring produce, and get creative in the kitchen!

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 19

GARDENING: Spring is the perfect time to plant your garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, gardening is a rewarding way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and get some exercise.

There are many parks and nature reserves to explore in every city or town. In addition, local resources such as maps of bike paths, hiking trails, and local events can be found online, allowing everyone to reap the benefits of exploring nature.

Springtime offers many natural events and opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.

Whether you prefer hiking, biking, picnicking, gardening, or trying something new, the season has something to offer everyone. So, take advantage of the beautiful weather and step outside – you never know what you might discover!

SPRINGTIME FOOD AND DRINK Spring is not just a feast for the eyes, it’s also a feast for our taste buds.

The season brings with it a bounty of fresh produce that is both delicious and nutritious. Spring produce can add a pop of colour to any meal, from strawberries to asparagus, peas to rhubarb.

Incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals and drinks is a great way to take advantage of the flavours and benefits of spring produce.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED: 1. Add berries to smoothies: Strawber-

WHY SPRING IS THE BEST SEASON FINAL THOUGHTS… Spring is the season of new beginnings, and it’s no secret why it’s the best season for health and happiness. Here are just a few reasons to embrace the season:

Spring is not just a feast for the eyes, it’s also a feast for our taste buds.

1. Vitamin D: The sun

is finally out, and with it comes the chance to soak up Vitamin D, which can boost your immune system and mood.

2. Mental Health: ries, raspberries, and blueberries are all in season during spring.

Adding them to your morning smoothie is a great way to start your day with a burst of flavour and nutrients.

2. Grill vegetables:

Grilling is a popular cooking method during the warmer months, and vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and eggplant all taste delicious when grilled. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper or a drizzle of olive oil to bring out their natural flavours.

3. M a k e s a l a d s : Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, crisp salads. Mix your favourite leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers, and top with crumbled feta cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Eating seasonal produce has many health benefits. In-season fruits and vegetables are typically fresher and more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts, meaning you get more bang for your buck in vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that spending time in nature can improve mental health and reduce stress levels, which is perfect for those seeking a break from everyday life.

3. E x e r c i s e : W i t h

milder temperatures, spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming.

Additionally, buying local produce supports farmers in your community, and it’s better for the environment since it reduces the carbon foot- So, enjoy spring’s beauty print of transportation. by visiting your local park, beach, or hiking trail. Take One of my favourite springadvantage of the season and time meals is roasted asparamake memories that will last gus with lemon and parme- a lifetime. san. It’s simple to make, and the flavours are bright and As for me, spring means the fresh. I also love spring and start of warmer weather and making strawberry cheese- more time outdoors with cakes, a classic dessert that friends and family. I look forward to the season ahead and never gets old. all the adventures it brings.

Springtime is an excellent So, let’s all take some time opportunity to explore the to appreciate the beauty of flavours and benefits of sea- spring and make the most of sonal produce. this beautiful season. ◙