The number of vaccine-hesitant people seems to be on the rise, and the debate between people who vaccinate and those who refuse to do so is growing more intense by the day.

Over the last few years, an increasing number of measles outbreaks worldwide have been ascribed to the growing number of “anti-vaxxers”.

Measles is often regarded as a harmless childhood disease, but a new study suggests that the effect of the disease on children’s immune systems is much more serious than previously suspected.

What exactly is meant by by ‘immune amnesia’?

According to the research teams, measles causes something called “immune amnesia”, which means that the virus destroys existing defences against pathogens that the body previously encountered. This means that the body becomes vulnerable to many infections.

Stephen Elledge, professor of genetics and medicine and Harvard Medical School, stated that the evidence that measles destroys the immune system is really strong, making it extremely important to get vaccinated against the disease. 

A news report stated that an analysis of blood from 77 unvaccinated children before and after measles revealed that the virus erased immunity against previous pathogens. Measles eliminated between 11% and 73% of protective antibodies that were built up during previous encounters with viruses.

This research was published 31 October 2019 in the journal Science.

Not just an innocent children’s illness

According to Elledge, measles, apart from being one of the most contagious viruses around. is a lot more harmful than ever suspected,

The measles virus is so contagious that, before the development of he first vaccine in 1963, it affected between three million and four million people per year in the United States alone.

Especially in the poorer parts of South Africa, measles used to take a high toll on children, but vaccination campaigns soon got the problem under control.  

As more and more people were vaccinated, the number of cases of measles plummeted worldwide, but with the growing resistance against vaccination, the disease is on the increase again. 

Serious birth complications

Besides destroying the existing immune system, there are a number of serious complications that can result from measles such as croup; pneumonia; damage to the eyes; seizures caused by high fever; and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

Encephalitis is very rare, but the risk increases as children grow older. It can be fatal and can appear weeks or even months after a bout of measles, especially in immune-compromised people.

When measles leaves the immune system compromised, people in developing countries like South Africa are more susceptible to other highly contagious communicable diseases such as tuberculosis.

And when pregnant women contract measles, it can lead to serious birth complications, and even miscarriage and stillbirth.

Vaccination – the only solution

The only recourse against measles is the vaccine known as MMR. Routine measles vaccination is given at nine and 15 months in South Africa. The vaccination at 15 months is given as a combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and a booster shot helps to give long-term immunity.

Dr Charlie Weller, Head of Vaccines at Wellcome, stated in a news report: “Measles is highly contagious and its potentially devastating consequences are well known. This study finds that measles also has the potential to weaken our body’s existing immune response to other diseases, leaving us vulnerable to infections.

“These findings further strengthen the vital role the MMR vaccine plays in public health and protecting us from deadly disease. It is yet another reminder of how important vaccines are as a vital resource in eliminating infectious disease.”

Elledge has one message he wants people to take away from the latest research: “Vaccinate your kids. Children who skip the measles vaccine and become infected may actually need to be revaccinated against previous diseases.”

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Compiled by Marelize Wilke

Dips stocked by retailers such as Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s have been affected by the recall.

The Scottish government says the cash will ease pressure on the health service in the coming months.

A new, cheaper method easily and effectively separates two types of carbon nanotubes. The process, developed by Nagoya University researchers in Japan, could be up-scaled for manufacturing purified batches of single-wall carbon nanotubes that can be used in high-performance electronic devices. The findings were published in the journal Applied Physics Express.

Breast cancer could be detected up to five years before there are any clinical signs of it, using a blood test that identifies the body’s immune response to substances produced by tumour cells, according to new research presented at the 2019 NCRI Cancer Conference today (Sunday).

“I’d love to exercise more, but I just can’t find the time.”

It’s a common refrain from many but, for most, it might also be untrue, a new survey finds.

Inactive free time

Researchers at the non-profit RAND Corporation polled more than 32 000 Americans over the age of 14.

The survey found that, generally, people have an average of more than five hours of leisure time per day. Men typically had more spare time than women.

On the other hand, not even 7% of that free time was spent doing physical activity, the survey found.

Instead, people appeared to spend most of their free time watching television or using their smartphones or other devices, the findings showed.

The study challenges the notion that “a lack of leisure time is a major reason that Americans do not get enough physical activity,” study co-author Dr Deborah Cohen, a physician researcher at RAND, said in a corporate news release.

“We found no evidence for those beliefs,” she said.

Class makes a difference

For the study, which was conducted between 2014 and 2016, Cohen’s team didn’t include in their free-time calculations activities such as self-care, household activities and family caretaking – things like grooming, shopping and playing with children.

And even with those chores out of the picture, the survey found that, regardless of race/ethnicity or age, no group had less than 4.5 hours of free time per day.

Men typically had over 30 minutes more free time a day than women, according to the study published recently in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

Still, regardless of gender, very little leisure time was spent exercising. Men spent an average of 6.6% of their free time on physical activity, compared with 5% for women.

Class seemed to make a slight difference: More affluent men and women spent more of their free time on physical activity and less on screen time, compared to those with lower incomes, the study found.

Fewer hours spent active can take its toll on health. The researchers estimated that low levels of physical activity may account for 8% of deaths in the United States each year.

Get the blood flowing

Dr Sharon Zarabi, an expert in exercise and weight control, wasn’t surprised by the findings. She said, “We all have 24 hours in the day, and how you choose to use it says a lot about what you value.”

Putting a renewed focus on health means finding creative ways to work more activity into your day, said Zarabi, who directs the bariatric programme at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City.

That could mean “taking the stairs more often, getting off a train stop ahead, or parking a distance from your destination,” she noted.

And if you love watching TV or scanning your smartphone, “check your e-mails while cycling on the bike,” Zarabi suggested. Or “devise a 10-minute workout routine in the morning including push-ups, squats, sit-ups, planks – anything that gets the blood flowing.”

That could be a challenge for millions of Americans, however. According to the latest US National Health Interview Survey, only about half get the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate or vigorous activity.

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HealthiDay

Now that the low-fat life is a thing of the past, you’ve probably considered pouring olive oil over your entire life.

Really, though, with about a thousand different types of cooking oils seemingly deemed a-okay now, it’s tricky to tell which are actually healthy — and which to use for different recipes and cooking methods.

Two key factors to keep in mind: saturated fat content and smoke point.

Though the keto diet has made butter and coconut oil (both of which are high in saturated fat) crazy-popular, the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans still recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 10 percent of your daily calories, choosing oils higher in unsaturated fat instead.

Plus, the right smoke point (the temp at which an oil starts burning and breaking down) is also crucial — especially when you’re cooking at high heat, like searing a steak.

Here, dietitians break down seven of the healthiest cooking oils in the game (and three questionable ones), so you can keep your pantry as healthy — and your cooking adventures as catastrophe-free — as possible.

1. Avocado Oil

“This is one of our favourite cooking oils,” say Lyssie Lakatos, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, co-owners of The Nutrition Twins. “The flavour isn’t very strong, so it doesn’t overpower the foods cooked with it.”

Avocado oil contains vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that works as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.

Plus, since avocado oil is high in healthy unsaturated fats, specifically monounsaturated fats, it’s not only good for you, but also has a higher smoke point than oils rich in polyunsaturated fats.

Latakos and Latakos Shames recommend using this one for high-heat cooking methods, like stir-frying, sautéing, and searing.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 124 calories, 14 g fat (1.6 g saturated, 9.9 g monounsaturated, 1.9 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

2. Hazelnut Oil

Although you probably don’t want to use hazelnut oil to cook potatoes or sear meat, its sweet aroma makes it a fun option for fall vegetables like winter squash, carrots, and parsnips.

Thanks to lots of monounsaturated fats, hazelnut oil has a high smoke point and lends itself well to high oven temperatures. Like avocado oil, hazelnut oil also provides the added bonus of some vitamin E.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 120 calories, 13.6 g fat (1 g saturated, 10.6 g monounsaturated, 1.4 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

3. Extra-virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

High in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can cook with Lakatos says.

“Even though it doesn’t have the highest smoke point, its antioxidants resist oxidation,” she says. The result: You reap more of their benefits.

Lakatos recommends using EVOO for roasting or stewing. (Skip it for higher-heat cooking, like pan-frying.)

Nutrition per tablespoon: 120 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated, 10 g monounsaturated, 2 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

4. Regular Olive Oil

Olive oil not labelled “extra-virgin” (sometimes be called “refined olive oil” or “light olive oil”) is another healthy option.

Though the word “refined” doesn’t exactly have a great reputation in the nutrition world, in this case it’s a game-changer, says Lakatos Shames. While refining olive oil strips out some antioxidants, it also raises its smoke point.

Bonus perks: regular ol’ olive oil is less expensive and has a more neutral flavour than EVOO.

Opt for light or refined olive oil for high-heat cooking like pan-frying.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 119 calories, 13.5 g fat (1.9 g saturated, 9.9 g monounsaturated, 1.4 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

5. Peanut Oil

Because it’s pretty much guaranteed to make everything taste like peanuts, peanut oil isn’t the best choice for every kind of cooking.

That said, it works great in any recipe that calls for peanut butter (think cookies, cakes, stews, etc.), or in Asian-inspired recipes, like stir-fries, that could benefit from some extra flavour.

Made up of mostly monounsaturated fats, peanut oil has a high smoke point and can handle whatever type of cooking you want to use it in.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 124 calories, 14 g fat, (2 g saturated, 6.7 g monounsaturated, 4.6 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

6. Algae Oil

“Algae oil contains lots of antioxidants and has a high smoke point,” Lakatos Shames says. Since it also has a neutral flavour, you can use it in just about any kind of cooking.

Just note that algae oil is relatively new to the market, so it tends to be a bit more expensive than other neutral oils.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 120 calories, 14 g fat (0.5 g saturated, 13 g monounsaturated, 0.5 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

7. Canola Oil

Maybe because it’s fairly cheap, or because it’s often used in not-so-healthy fried foods, canola oil gets a bad rap.

However, this oil is made up of mostly unsaturated fats and has a high smoke point, making it a versatile choice for cooking, say Lakatos and Lakatos Shames. When you want to treat yourself to something fried, canola oil can take the heat.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 124 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated, 8.9 g monounsaturated, 3.9 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

8. Beware: Vegetable Oils

Steer clear of bottles of oil simply identified as ‘vegetable oil.’ “When the oils aren’t specified and it’s just a mystery blend of oils, you don’t know what you’re getting,” says Lakatos.

Since some of these oils may have a lower smoke point, they’ll burn at a lower temperature, creating carcinogens (which aren’t great for long-term health) as they oxidize.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 122 calories, 13.5 g fat (13.4 g saturated, 0.2 g monounsaturated, 0.4 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

9. Beware: Palm Oil

Many snack foods and peanut butters contain palm oil, because it’s cheap and relatively shelf-stable.

However, while most oils have a relatively low environmental impact, the production of palm oil has been identified as a major contributor to deforestation in Southeast Asia, per the New York Times.

“It’s so environmentally damaging and very high in saturated fat,” Lakatos Shames says. Skip it, both for your health and the planet’s.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 120 calories, 13.6 g fat (6.7 g saturated, 5 g monounsaturated, 1.3 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

10. Proceed With Caution: Coconut Oil

And the ‘Most Controversial Oil of the Year’ award goes to…

Coconut oil is subject to both a lot of praise and a lot of criticism, and both are valid.

Trendy coconut oil is very stable and has a high smoke point, which make it well-suited for high-heat cooking, says Lakatos. Plus, it’s also relatively high in antioxidants.

However, it is high in saturated fat, and though some argue that saturated fat from plants isn’t as harmful as saturated fat from animals, research has yet to confirm the difference.

Still, Lakatos loves the slightly-sweet flavour, and sometimes sprays skillets with coconut oil for stovetop cooking.

While you don’t need need to cut the stuff out completely, don’t make it your go-to oil just yet.

Nutrition per tablespoon: 121 calories, 13.4 g fat (12.2 g saturated, 1 g monounsaturated, 0.2 g polyunsaturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

^{Image credit: iStock}

Christine Byrne

Pushing their bodies to repeat the same yoga positions is leading to a rise in hip problems among teachers, a leading physio warns.

An ICU nurse from Georgia adopted a 27-year-old man just two days after meeting him so he could fulfill the requirements for a life-saving heart transplant.

When Jonathan Pinkard fell ill last year, he was taken to Piedmont Newman Hospital, where doctors discovered he needed a heart transplant. If the news wasn’t scary enough, doctors then told Pinkard — who is on the autism spectrum — that he didn’t meet the requirements for a transplant, since one of the conditions is having a support system in place for post-operation recovery, he explained in a video posted to the hospital’s Facebook page.

“I was born and raised with my grandmother, and she passed away in 2012,” Pinkard said. “My mother, she’s in a rehab facility, and she can’t do much.”

Lori Wood, a nurse in the ICU, was assigned to care for Pinkard during his stay at Piedmont. After observing the obstacles Pinkard was facing, Wood felt compelled to help him during his time of need.

“At some point, you know, God places people in situations in your life and you have a choice to do something about it,” Wood, 57, said in the video. “I guess for me, with this situation, there was no choice.”

That’s when Wood asked Pinkard — just two days after meeting him — if she could become his legal guardian.

“I had a room, I was a nurse, I could take care of him,” she recalled. “It wasn’t really anything I struggled about. It was just something that had to happen. He had to come home with me.”

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“I had to help him. It was a no-brainer,” Wood added to Today. “He would have died without the transplant.”

About 20 people a day die awaiting organ transplants, according to the American Transplant Foundation, and there are over 114,000 people currently on the waiting list to receive a life-saving organ. One donor can save up to eight lives, the foundation says, and can save or enhance the lives of a hundred others.

Pinkard underwent a successful transplant in August, and has since moved in with Wood, who helps him take 34 pills a day, Today reported. She also drives him to doctor’s appointments and is hoping to teach him how to live independently.

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The two have since bonded over watching Family Feud and sports.

“Jonathan has his chair, and I have my chair,” Wood told Today. “We like game shows and high-five back and forth if we get an answer right. He is very loving.”

“She treats me like one of her sons,” Pinkard told Today. “I am truly thank for that.”

“It’s kind of emotional, but at the same time, this has been a life journey for me,” he said in the hospital’s video. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”