-
Changes in the musculoskeletal system occur during the aging process that affect muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and result in a decrease in motor skills. The loss of skeletal muscle mass leads to an impairment of physical functionality and quality of life. This degenerative age-related degradation of skeletal muscle mass is also known as sarcopenia and affects between 10% and 40% of people over the age of 60, depending on the definition used.
-
It is unclear to many women whether they can exercise during pregnancy without taking unnecessary risks for themselves and their unborn child.
A recent study by Washington State University suggests that exercise during pregnancy is not only good for the mother, it can also safeguard against obesity developing in the baby after birth.
-
“Muscle” stems from the Latin word musculus which translates as “tiny mouse” and alludes to the similarity of how a contracting muscle looks like a tiny mouse moving under the skin. A person would be unable to move or even stand up straight if they didn’t have any muscles. The heart would not be able to beat and the digestive tract could not do its job.
-
Coffee is highly prized for its stimulating effect on increasing the metabolic rate, and is an integral part of many people’s daily diet. Recent studies now reveal that caffeine raises the consumption of energy in the human body.
-
Temperatures are hitting record highs all around the world, which not only put a strain on the body but can be life-threatening too. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives during heatwaves. Very young people, older people and those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk. There is, however, another factor that has a major impact on heat intolerance – obesity.
-
As far as nutrition goes, salt does not fare very well. Consuming excess amounts of salt is associated first and foremost with the development of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In spite of these fears, the daily salt intake of 5 grams recommended by WHO is exceeded by many people. Two simulated space missions (2009 and 2011) provided a surprising insight into how the body deals with high doses of salt.
-
Water does not only fulfil life-critical functions, it is by far the most frequent link within the human body. Depending on age, gender and physical condition, body weight is made up of roughly 55% to 65% of total body water (TBW). This can then be subdivided into intracellular and extracellular water. Intracellular water (ICW) is the main component of the cell interior or cytoplasm and accounts for around 60% of TBW. The rest of the water fraction comprises extracellular water (ECW). As the basis of all bodily fluids, it is found as intravascular water in the blood and lymphatic vessels. and as interstitial water in intercellular spaces.
