A recent Consumer Reports investigation struck fear into the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere. After testing 28 dark chocolate bars, scientists detected the heavy metals lead and cadmium in all of them. For 23 of the chocolate bars, eating just an ounce would put an adult above the daily upper threshold recommended for heavy metals in food by public-health officials in California, which the authors said they chose because it is the most protective standard available.

Experts say, however, that this report offers just one small window into a larger problem. Heavy metals are detectable in many different foods, and limited testing and a lack of labeling requirements leave consumers in the dark. But there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and protect your family.

What are the risks of eating foods containing heavy metals?

Some metals, like iron, are essential for your health. Others, like lead

Read More

Health equity is defined as the ability to fulfill our human potential in all aspects of health and well-being. It goes beyond access to care. Health equity encompasses clinical, mental, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, and is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors.1

Healthcare organizations have a critical role to play in health equity, as they are not only responsible for delivering care, but can also be advocates for change within the clinician community and the populations in which they serve.

Studies estimate social, economic, and environmental “drivers of health” (also known as social determinants of health) can account for up to 80% of health outcomes, whether positive or negative.2 Discrimination and bias can often cause these drivers to be negative, making it difficult for historically marginalized and low-income groups, or for those with disabilities, to achieve overall well-being.

While poverty and lack of access have

Read More

Singaporean telehealth company Doctor Anywhere has fully acquired Catalist-listed Asian Healthcare Specialists, a multidisciplinary medical care group.

The latter offers a wide range of specialist services, including anaesthesia, dermatology, family medicine, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, otorhinolaryngology, rehabilitation and urology, across 12 clinics in Singapore.

Its 14 medical specialists, one family physician and one physiotherapist will be absorbed into DA’s growing network of 3,000 GPs and specialist doctors.

WHY IT MATTERS

According to DA, its latest acquisition is part of its endeavour to meet the rising demand for specialised treatment across Southeast Asia. It will continue to seek synergistic opportunities and targeted acquisitions of critical healthcare assets across the region to further its work on building a technology-enabled regional healthcare ecosystem. 

This announcement also comes as the startup closed a $38.8 million Series C1 funding round led by Novo Holdings. The proceeds from this extended investing round partly funded the acquisition of

Read More

Lavender field in the dayHumans have been using lavender as a culinary, cosmetic, aromatherapeutic, and hygienic herb for at least several thousands years. In the Bible, Mary uses lavender (“very costly”) to anoint the feet of Jesus. In ancient Egypt, embalmers used lavender in the mummification process. Roman bathhouses often scented the water with lavender petals and women throughout the Mediterranean—where it grows natively—used it in hair oils, perfumes, and makeup. It became so ubiquitous as a fragrance in cleansing agents and bathing that the name “lavender” itself comes from the root Latin word for washing—lavare. 

It turns out that the ancients were right about lavender. It is a valuable herb that you can use to enhance your health, sleep, cooking, baths, and overall quality of life by incorporating it into your daily routines and regimens.

Breathe in the aroma

Crush fresh lavender between your finger and take a big whiff, or

Read More

Nasal polyps are lumps of tissue that grow in your nose. While the polyps themselves are generally harmless, they can cause pain and discomfort – common nasal polyp symptoms include congestion, headaches and drainage.

So, what should you do about these growths? (Hint: you shouldn’t try to remove nasal polyps yourself). Read on to learn how to treat your nasal polyps at home and when to see a doctor.

How do I get rid of nasal polyps?

First of all, you may not need to treat your nasal polyps. If your nasal polyps aren’t causing symptoms, you don’t need to treat them. It’s possible for nasal polyps to shrink naturally and go away on their own.

And secondly, you shouldn’t try to remove nasal polyps yourself since that could cause injury and possibly infection. But the good news is that, if you’re bothered by nasal polyp symptoms, there are things

Read More