Articles from ‘elocal magazine’ in ‘Health’

Some observers will inevitably ask whether New Zealand could be experiencing similar trends beneath the surface. While no direct comparison has been established, the question is likely to gain traction given New Zealand followed a broadly similar vaccination timeline and public health approach. If comparable data patterns were emerging locally, it would raise serious questions about monitoring, transparency, and whether long-term outcomes are…

Frequent sexual fantasies are linked with neuroticism – a personality trait that could put you at risk of a range of physical and mental health problems – according to a study from Michigan State University, US. Credit: Getty images · Researchers surveyed more than 5,000 US adults about their sexual fantasies and personality traits. · The scientists used the Big Five framework, which is widely used in psychology to measure open-mindedness,…

A large portion of our personal and the nation’s healthcare expenditures occurs during hospitalization. For our senior citizens, each hospitalization generally means a decrement in health status without a return to baseline. So it should be a goal for all of our seniors to avoid the hospital altogether in 2026. AlterAI assisted with this review. By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH · Practical Strategies for Seniors to Avoid Hospitalization in 2026…

Every January, many of us unwittingly follow a familiar pattern. We enter the month convinced we will stick to our most hardcore resolutions, such as those concerning a specific diet or workout plan. But by “Quitters Day” – the second Friday of January and the point at which most people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions – our commitment to four workouts a week has dwindled to one at best, while the hardcore keto diet has incorporated…

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances on the planet, yet despite more than two billion cups being drunk each day, its impact on heart health remains surprisingly complex – and often misunderstood. It's been blamed for heart palpitations, anxiety and poor sleep, while at the same time praised for helping to deliver focus, better moods and lower chronic disease risk. In 2025, a handful of new studies helped us cut…

Resveratrol is a compound found in red wine that was once touted as a longevity miracle. What does current research say about its ability to extend human life? What about other health benefits, like reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cognitive decline? Can you get it from food without consuming wine, and are supplements worth it? By Ocean Robbins · In 1981, a trio of French scientists coined the term “French Paradox” to describe…

Christmas is upon us and most have opened stockings hoping for little bit of chocolate. Should we feel guilty indulging over the holidays? This review was assisted by AlterAI. The Top Five Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa and Higher) — A Christmas Delight By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH · Few foods carry as much paradoxical charm as dark chocolate. On one hand, it’s indulgent—a symbol of sweetness, comfort, and festivity. On the…

Adding to the growing body of research that proves our microbiome is a powerful ally in fighting disease, scientists have found that an easy-to-get nutrient in our food causes our guts to produce powerful insulin-regulating compounds. For decades, medical science has been focused on developing treatments that are administered to patients from outside their own bodies. Now, however, more and more research is being focused on ways to marshal the…

By around the age of 65, things start to shift. That’s often when people begin thinking about retirement, or at least stepping back a bit. You’re in your comfort zone at work – not pushing yourself as much, not learning new things – and that lack of challenge accelerates ageing. But far from being too late, your sixties might actually be the perfect time to consider your health. · 63-year-old GP and longevity expert Dr Sabine Donnai explains…

Despite the advice of two of the most successful pop anthems of the last two decades, when it comes to depression, no one can just “shake it off” or “let it go.” If we jump back to 1988, we’ll find the advice “don’t worry, be happy” to be just as worthless. People can’t simply “think their way” out of depression, and hectoring them to do so probably makes them feel worse, which can lead to terrible results. That’s because depression isn’t…