Ronnie Mugizi

Pulse Contributor

Lingo, a biosensor, app, and coaching programme from global healthcare leader Abbott, aims to empower people to monitor their glucose levels and form healthier habits—helping to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Post-meal fatigue, known as postprandial somnolence, is often linked to blood glucose fluctuations. Dr. Amy McKenzie, Director of Clinical Research at Lingo, explains, “When you eat, especially carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. This glucose enters your bloodstream, creating a temporary energy spike. But if that spike is too rapid, your body releases insulin to manage it, which can lead to feelings of fatigue.”

The type of food you consume plays a crucial role. Diets high in processed carbohydrates and sugars cause sudden glucose spikes, making you feel tired shortly after eating. In contrast, balanced meals rich in healthy fats, fibre, and protein promote more stable glucose levels, keeping your energy steady.

Lingo benefits from over two decades of Abbott’s research in continuous glucose monitoring. It provides real-time insights into how foods affect your glucose, enabling you to tailor your eating habits and keep energy levels consistent.

Dr. McKenzie shares some practical tips: “First, choose the right foods—include vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats to maintain stable glucose levels. Second, avoid heavy meals and instead opt for smaller, balanced meals throughout the day.”

She adds that staying hydrated is essential. “Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily helps prevent fatigue caused by high glucose levels.” Moving your body after meals can also boost energy. “A gentle walk post-meal enhances glucose metabolism, reducing tiredness,” Dr. McKenzie advises.

Lastly, she emphasises the importance of meal timing. “Avoid eating too close to bedtime, as it can affect your sleep and energy the next day. Finish your last meal a few hours before going to bed.”

By understanding how your body reacts to different foods and monitoring your glucose levels, you can make smarter dietary choices, staying energised and enhancing your overall wellbeing. “Tools like Lingo help you say goodbye to those pesky ‘food comas’,” Dr. McKenzie concludes.

Over a decade ago, Abbott introduced the FreeStyle Libre, now used by over 6 million people worldwide. Built on this proven technology, Lingo is designed to bring the same benefits to a broader audience.

Avoid eating too close to bedtime, as it can affect your sleep and energy the next day.

Diets high in processed carbohydrates and sugars cause sudden glucose spikes, making you feel tired shortly after eating.

How understanding glucose levels can help prevent post-meal fatigue

<ol><li>Create a Rotating Art Gallery: Dedicate a wall or bulletin board in your home to showcase their artwork. Regularly switch out the pieces to keep the display vibrant and engaging.</li><li>Make a Photo Book: Photograph or scan your children's artwork and compile it into a digital photo book. Many online services offer the option to design and print high-quality books, perfect for long-lasting memories.</li><li>Turn Art into Gifts: Transform your child’s creations into personalised gifts for family and friends. These can include greeting cards, calendars, or custom-printed items like mugs and t-shirts.</li><li>Collage or Quilt: Combine multiple pieces of art to make a large collage or have the designs printed on fabric to create a quilt. This method provides a beautiful and functional way to hold onto those memories.</li><li>Digital Frame: Use a digital photo frame to showcase a slideshow of their artwork. This allows you to enjoy a large collection without taking up any physical space.</li></ol>

These creative methods not only preserve your child’s art but also allow you to celebrate their imagination and creativity in meaningful ways.

By transforming artwork into practical items or treasured keepsakes, you’ll not only reduce clutter but also create lasting memories that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Embrace the blend of tradition and technology to keep your family’s artistic legacy alive and cherished across generations.

Taking these steps ensures that your child’s art doesn’t end up forgotten in a dusty drawer or bin. Instead, their masterpieces become a vibrant part of your home and family life.

Whether you’re gifting personalised items or displaying a digital gallery, these ideas bring joy and sentimentality into your everyday experiences, honouring the unique, creative spirit of your young artist.

Masterpieces become a vibrant part of your home and family life.

Combine multiple pieces of art to make a large collage or have the designs printed on fabric to create a quilt.

5 creative ways to preserve and enjoy your kids' art without clutter

Canadian researchers found that individuals who had smoked cannabis before the age of 16 had a thinner cerebral cortex—the brain's outermost layer—compared to those who had not. The cerebral cortex is critical for cognition, memory, and reasoning, making these findings particularly alarming, experts say.

The scientists behind the study argue that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis, could be causing the cerebral cortex to shrink.

This research emerges amid heightened scrutiny over the dangers of cannabis use, with nearly one in ten people in the UK reporting they have used the drug in the past year. Among those aged 16 to 24, this figure increases to 15 per cent.

Earlier this month, US medics reported a surge in serious side-effects related to chronic cannabis use, where the drug has been legalised in 24 states. One such effect is 'scromiting,' a distressing condition involving simultaneous screaming and vomiting.

Previous studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to a higher risk of developing severe psychotic disorders later in life. A 2007 study found that teens who had smoked cannabis at least five times were twice as likely to develop psychosis over the next decade compared to non-users.

The latest research, conducted at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine, further explores cannabis's impact on the brain. Dr Tomas Paus, a psychologist and co-author of the study, warned that cannabis use might impair the brain's ability to learn, interact with others, and handle new experiences.

“In other words,” Dr Paus explained, “it makes the brain more vulnerable to everything that can happen in a young person’s life.”

Amid growing concerns about drug misuse among teenagers, research suggests that smoking cannabis may damage the protective lining of the brain.

Smoking cannabis could damage brain's protective lining

The term 'scromiting' comes from the combination of 'screaming' and 'vomiting,' as sufferers often cry out in agony while seeking medical assistance. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common in emergency rooms, doctors say.

Medically referred to as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), the exact cause remains unknown. The condition, however, can lead to severe consequences, including seizures, kidney failure, and even death. Experts suggest symptoms typically develop after heavy cannabis use over a prolonged period, often a decade or more.

One doctor mentioned that CHS has become a 'bread and butter' diagnosis, with cases occurring 'every week, if not every day.' Symptoms include repeated vomiting, intense abdominal pain, and retching.

Marijuana advocates often argue that cannabis is safe due to its natural origins. However, researchers point out that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

An Ohio doctor described CHS patients as 'writhing around in pain' and looking extremely unwell. A curious aspect of CHS is the temporary relief that hot water provides. Many sufferers spend hours in scalding showers or baths to alleviate their symptoms, sometimes burning themselves in the process.

Despite ongoing research, it remains unclear why CHS affects some individuals and not others, or how long it takes to develop. Symptoms can persist for years before escalating to severe vomiting episodes that may last days. The only proven way to prevent recurrence is to stop using cannabis.

Theories about CHS suggest long-term cannabis use overstimulates certain receptors in the brain, disrupting the vomiting reflex. Cases are more frequently reported in states where cannabis has been legalised. The situation is further complicated by patients who do not disclose their drug use when seeking help.

In a tragic case in Canada, a 22-year-old woman died in June due to a fatal heart rhythm caused by CHS. Having started using cannabis at 14, she experienced severe CHS episodes over three years. After being admitted to hospital, she developed a life-threatening irregular heartbeat, and although doctors restarted her heart, she was declared brain dead four days later.

Another case involves Jennifer Macaluso from Elgin, Illinois. She began using cannabis in her 40s, hoping to manage severe migraines. However, after several months, she experienced stomach aches and, following advice to increase her intake, began daily use. This led to debilitating nausea and vomiting, forcing her to stop working.

In the UK, medical cannabis laws were relaxed six years ago, allowing specialist doctors to prescribe it for epilepsy, cancer-related vomiting, and multiple sclerosis. THC is known to affect areas of the brain linked to mood, memory, and attention, releasing dopamine, the 'pleasure hormone.' While small, infrequent doses are considered relatively safe, long-term use can disrupt these brain signals.

Research links regular cannabis use to severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, insomnia, social anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. A 2019 study from King’s College London revealed that daily use of high-potency cannabis increases the risk of psychosis five-fold.

Despite the risks, cannabis remains the most commonly used drug among 16- to 59-year-olds in England and Wales. Official figures from last year indicate that one in six people aged 20 to 24 used cannabis, and cannabis-related deaths include 32 cases in England and Wales and around 300 in the US.

Experts suggest symptoms typically develop after heavy cannabis use over a prolonged period, often a decade or more.

U.S. medics are reporting a surge in chronic cannabis users suffering from a potentially devastating condition that causes extreme vomiting, known as 'scromiting'.

Epidemic of 'scromiting': Medics warn of severe cannabis reaction

A new study reveals a sharp rise in deaths from the disease since the Covid pandemic, with nearly a 50 per cent increase in cases since 2013. Data from Cancer Research UK shows that head and neck cancer rates have surged by over a third since the early 90s, with women aged 25 to 49 experiencing a 60 per cent increase from 1993 to 2019, and men seeing a 34 per cent rise.

The main causes of these cancers include smoking, alcohol, and the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and the University of Sheffield analysed data, noting that head and neck cancer diagnoses in England rose from 10,735 cases in 2019 to 12,400 cases by 2021. Deaths increased from 3,213 to 3,469 in the same period.

Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue, is a major contributor to the rising numbers, with cases up by 47 per cent since 2013. HPV, often transmitted through oral sex, is responsible for around 70 per cent of throat cancer cases. Dr Hisham Mehanna of the University of Birmingham highlighted that having multiple oral sex partners significantly increases the risk, with research dubbing the situation an "epidemic."

Although HPV is generally harmless and affects eight in ten people at some point, certain strains can cause cancer. The HPV vaccine, available for children aged 11 to 12, has proven over 80 per cent effective at reducing these cancer rates. Yet, vaccination uptake has dropped, with only 67.2 per cent of girls and 62.4 per cent of boys fully vaccinated in 2021/22.

Professor Ali Khurram from the University of Sheffield stressed the devastating impact of head and neck cancer, calling for increased awareness and action to address these alarming trends.

Doctors report a troubling increase in throat cancer cases among younger patients, attributing this trend to the prevalence of oral sex.

Doctors warn of rise in throat cancer cases linked to oral sex

The billionaire SpaceX and Tesla CEO aims to send astronauts to Mars on his colossal Starship rocket by the end of this decade. Eventually, Musk hopes men and women will establish a colony and reproduce to grow the Martian population.

However, scientists warn that the obstacles to having sex on Mars make this vision highly improbable. Bioscientist Kelly Weinersmith, co-author of A City on Mars with her husband Zac, told The Times that people who want to populate Mars "don’t understand how reproduction works." She remarked, "These billionaires think it’s an engineering problem. They think if they get a rocket that’s big enough, biology will take care of itself – but it won’t."

Attempting conception in space could harm unborn babies, whether on Mars or the ISS. Weinersmith’s book addresses the complexities of recreational and procreational sex on Mars, where gravity is just 38% of Earth's. Such a low-gravity environment could hinder sperm movement or embryonic development. Additionally, Mars lacks an atmosphere and ozone layer, exposing the surface to radiation that could damage DNA, causing mutations in the womb.

Even if births were successful, Mars’ harsh conditions make it unsuitable for raising children. Ethical concerns and the need for genetic diversity also pose significant challenges. A founding population would require hundreds of humans, and AI may need to match couples based on genetic compatibility.

David Cullen, a professor of astrobiology at Cranfield University, highlighted the urgent need to address unanswered questions about sex and reproduction in space. He pointed to concerns about the effects of altered gravity on human development, noting the musculoskeletal impact from childhood through adolescence.

While Musk aims to make humans a “multiplanetary” species to mitigate civilization-ending disasters, scientists remain sceptical. Despite SpaceX’s ambitious plans to launch cargo to Mars as early as 2026 and send humans by 2028, the biological challenges remain daunting.

Attempting conception in space could harm unborn babies, whether on Mars or the ISS.

However, scientists warn that the obstacles to having sex on Mars make this vision highly improbable.

The embarrassing setbacks of sex on MARS

Psychologists developed the scale due to concerns that excessive use of adult material can significantly harm health.

The test helps therapists diagnose problematic pornography use (PPU), where someone struggles to control their urge to watch porn, even when it negatively impacts their life.

Doctors insist that porn consumption can be part of a healthy sex life. However, PPU is on the rise and is linked to a range of conditions, including erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms. Nine in ten adults now admit to viewing adult material.

The UK has the second-highest incidence of internet porn searches in the world, with an average of 16.6 million porn searches each month.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of young people now regularly use online pornography, according to Paracelsus Recovery, a leading mental health and addiction clinic.

A quarter of 16 to 21-year-olds first encountered pornography on the internet while still at primary school. By the age of 13, 50 per cent had been exposed to it.

Some research suggests that one in ten adults may now suffer from PPU, with even higher numbers among young people. They may watch porn for up to 12 hours a week.

International experts, including academics from Nottingham Trent University, created the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale by surveying hundreds of porn users of both sexes. Men were found to be more likely to score highly than women, regardless of sexual orientation.

The outcome was an 18-point questionnaire that can be completed at home, which is featured here. The developers claim the result is 98 per cent accurate in determining whether a person suffers from PPU.

Roughly four per cent of participants in the study fell into the 'at risk' category for PPU, the experts reported.

Answer the following questions and rate them by how much you feel they apply to you, from 1 to 7:

1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = occasionally, 4 = sometimes, 5 = often, 6 = very often, 7 = all the time

<ol><li>I felt that porn is an important part of my life.</li><li>I used porn to restore the tranquillity of my feelings.</li><li>I felt porn caused problems in my sexual life.</li><li>I felt that I had to watch more and more porn for satisfaction.</li><li>I unsuccessfully tried to reduce the amount of porn I watch.</li><li>I became stressed when something prevented me from watching porn.</li><li>I thought about how good it would be to watch porn.</li><li>Watching porn got rid of my negative feelings.</li><li>Watching porn prevented me from bringing out the best in myself.</li><li>I felt that I needed more and more porn to satisfy my needs.</li><li>When I vowed not to watch porn anymore, I could only stick to it briefly.</li><li>I became agitated when I was unable to watch porn.</li><li>I continually planned when to watch porn.</li><li>I relieved my tension by watching porn.</li><li>I neglected other leisure activities due to watching porn.</li><li>I gradually watched more 'extreme' porn because what I watched before was less satisfying.</li><li>I resisted watching porn for only a short time before I relapsed.</li><li>I missed porn greatly when I didn’t watch it for a while.</li></ol>

Add up your score. A score of 76 or greater suggests problematic levels of pornography use.

Earlier, MailOnline reported that regular porn users who try to quit abruptly can suffer withdrawal-like symptoms, such as headaches, chills, and nausea.

After reviewing 14 separate studies, they concluded that 72 per cent of people with PPU experience withdrawal.

One study found 57 per cent of participants experienced cravings, while 52 per cent also experienced heightened emotions, difficulties with focus, and nervousness.

A smaller number, about one in 20, reported sleep difficulties, headaches, sweating, chills, and nausea when they tried to quit porn.

Other studies found participants abstaining self-reported symptoms such as depression, brain fog, loneliness, and restlessness.

The review’s authors called for further research to investigate the onset, characteristics, duration, and prevalence of withdrawal-like symptoms.

Psychologists developed the scale due to concerns that excessive use of adult material can significantly harm health.

The test helps therapists diagnose problematic pornography use (PPU), where someone struggles to control their urge to watch porn, even when it negatively impacts their life.

Simple test reveals if you might be watching too much porn

In response to the growing number of threats faced by individuals worldwide, German sexual health brand BILLY BOY has partnered with agency Innocean Berlin to create a first-of-its-kind digital condom designed to prevent non-consensual recording during sex.

Developers say the CAMDOM app is “as easy to use as a regular condom” and protects users against the stealth recording of photos, audio, and video by locking the cameras and microphones of all devices present in the bedroom.

To activate it, sexual partners place their phones close together and swipe down on a virtual button to lock their devices during intimate moments.

If one person attempts to break the lock prematurely to secretly document the encounter, an alarm will sound to alert others of the potential threat of non-consensual recording.

The button must be pressed simultaneously by all participants to unblock the camera and microphone.

The “digital condom for the digital generation” was developed by Felipe Almeida and can block as many devices as necessary.

Almeida said: “Nowadays, smartphones have become an extension of our bodies, and we store a lot of sensitive data on them.

“To protect against the recording of non-consensual content, we’ve created the first app that can block your camera and mic simply through the use of Bluetooth.”

Brand manager Alexander Strümann explained: “BILLY BOY is a brand known for protecting people in the analogue world. We wanted to take the next step and protect the digital generation from a threat that a regular condom can’t tackle, but a digital one can: namely, the leakage of non-consensual media during sex.”

CAMDOM by BILLY BOY is now available on Android and will be launching soon on iOS.

Revenge porn—the sharing of private, sexual photos or videos of another person—is on the rise in the UK, with reports increasing by 106 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

Digital condom launched to block non-consensual recording during sex

A urinary tract infection, commonly called a UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The infection's specific name varies depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected.

A 2019 study highlighted that the risk of bloodstream infection increases more than seven times for patients who do not receive antibiotics promptly after consulting a doctor for a UTI.

Because leggings fit snugly against the crotch, friction can occur around the urethra during exercise. As sweat builds, this moisture becomes trapped, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Post-workout activewear, often made from synthetic materials like nylon, isn’t breathable, which harbours bacteria that can travel up the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This is especially true if bacteria from the rectum or vagina spread to the urethra's opening. Combined with a damp, sweaty environment and potential dehydration, the risk of bladder infections, such as cystitis, increases.

Cystitis impacts the bladder, while pyelonephritis affects the kidneys, and urethritis impacts the ureter and urethra. Fortunately, this is usually only a problem if you stay in damp gym clothes for too long post-exercise.

Estimates indicate that one in three women will experience cystitis by the age of 24. However, it is more common during pregnancy, in sexually active women, and after menopause.

<h3>Symptoms to watch for</h3>

Symptoms of cystitis include pain, burning, or stinging when urinating; an urgent or frequent need to urinate, sometimes passing little to no urine; cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine; lower abdominal pain; incontinence; a high temperature; and general unwellness.

Doctors recommend that women wash with water post-workout, change into breathable cotton clothes, and avoid bubble baths, talcum powder, and feminine wipes, which can cause irritation.

Mild cases of cystitis usually improve within a few days with plenty of water, avoiding sex, and sometimes a three-day course of antibiotics if symptoms persist. Some women may need long-term treatment if they experience recurrent episodes.

<h3>Prevention tips</h3>

Staying hydrated is essential as it encourages urination, helping to flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of bacterial attachment to the bladder walls. Washing before and after sexual activity, as well as emptying the bladder, is also recommended.

“Aim to drink two litres of water each day, including a large glass last thing before bed, first thing upon waking, and after sex,” doctors advise.

While UTIs rarely lead to severe consequences, untreated infections can cause sepsis—a life-threatening condition where the immune system's response to infection triggers widespread inflammation throughout the body.

In some cases, cystitis can escalate to a kidney infection, so it’s crucial to seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve.

Because leggings fit snugly against the crotch, friction can occur around the urethra during exercise.

Tight shorts and leggings may be perfect for working up a sweat in a spin class or outdoors, but doctors warn they pose a serious risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

How your gym wear could be causing agonising infections

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