Health – Pathway International

12th World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress 2019 (WMTC2019)

Pathway International — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:25:10 +0000

Pathway International is at the forefront in transforming the business of Health Care, networking with other healthcare experts to seek more choices and information to provide the best Global healthcare solutions possible.

Our Group CEO is attending this year’s World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress® which presents industry stakeholders and key leaders with an exclusive opportunity for one-on-one networking with the industry’s largest buyers in a business-development-inspired event. Infused with the most current case studies and buyer-focused educational summits and sessions, the 2019 World Medical Tourism Congress® seeks to transform the business of healthcare and medical tourism. Conference dates: October 15-17, 2019.

To learn more on the conference please visit https://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/

The post 12th World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress 2019 (WMTC2019) appeared first on Pathway International.

Health & Tourism in Kenya 2019

Pathway International — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 08:06:37 +0000

Pathway International Group CEO Simon Karo and Kenya Tourism Federation CEO Susan Ongalo share an Expert Panel on Health & Tourism Outlook in Kenya 2019.

The post Health & Tourism in Kenya 2019 appeared first on Pathway International.

Not exercising worse for your health than smoking, diabetes and heart disease, study reveals

Pathway International — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:33:38 +0000

We’ve all heard exercise helps you live longer. But a new study goes one step further, finding that a sedentary lifestyle is worse for your health than smoking, diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Wael Jaber, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and senior author of the study, called the results “extremely surprising.”

“Being unfit on a treadmill or in an exercise stress test has a worse prognosis, as far as death, than being hypertensive, being diabetic or being a current smoker,” Jaber told CNN. “We’ve never seen something as pronounced as this and as objective as this.”

Jaber said researchers must now convey the risks to the general population that “being unfit should be considered as strong of a risk factor as hypertension, diabetes and smoking — if not stronger than all of them.”

“It should be treated almost as a disease that has a prescription, which is called exercise,” he said.

Researchers retrospectively studied 122,007 patients who underwent exercise treadmill testing at Cleveland Clinic between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2014 to measure all-cause mortality relating to the benefits of exercise and fitness. Those with the lowest exercise rate accounted for 12% of the participants.

The study was published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open.

“Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are the most expensive diseases in the United States. We spend more than $200 billion per year treating these diseases and their complications. Rather than pay huge sums for disease treatment, we should be encouraging our patients and communities to be active and exercise daily,” said Dr. Jordan Metzl, sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery and author of the book “The Exercise Cure.”

Jaber said the other big revelation from the research is that fitness leads to longer life, with no limit to the benefit of aerobic exercise. Researchers have always been concerned that “ultra” exercisers might be at a higher risk of death, but the study found that not to be the case.

“There is no level of exercise or fitness that exposes you to risk,” he said. “We can see from the study that the ultra-fit still have lower mortality.”

“In this study, the most fit individuals did the best,” said Metzl, who was not involved in the study. “Once cleared by their physicians, patients shouldn’t be afraid of exercise intensity.”

The benefits of exercise were seen across all ages and in both men and women, “probably a little more pronounced in females,” Jaber said. “Whether you’re in your 40s or your 80s, you will benefit in the same way.”

The risks, he said, became more shocking when comparing those who don’t exercise much. “We all know that a sedentary lifestyle or being unfit has some risk. But I’m surprised they overwhelm even the risk factors as strong as smoking, diabetes or even end-stage disease.”

“People who do not perform very well on a treadmill test,” Jaber said, “have almost double the risk of people with kidney failure on dialysis.”

Exercise is good for your body and your mind, study says.

What made the study so unique, beyond the sheer number of people studied, he said was that researchers weren’t

relying on patients self-reporting their exercise. “This is not the patients telling us what they do,” Jaber said. “This is us testing them and figuring out objectively the real measure of what they do.”

Comparing those with a sedentary lifestyle to the top exercise performers, he said, the risk associated with death is “500% higher.”

“If you compare the risk of sitting versus the highest performing on the exercise test, the risk is about three times higher than smoking,” Jaber explained.

Comparing somebody who doesn’t exercise much to somebody who exercises regularly, he said, still showed a risk 390% higher. “There actually is no ceiling for the benefit of exercise,” he said. “”There’s no age limit that doesn’t benefit from being physically fit.”

Dr. Satjit Bhusri, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, who was not involved in the study, said this reinforces what we know. “Sedentary, Western lifestyles have lead to a higher incidence in heart disease and this shows that it’s modifiable. It’s reversible,” he explained, adding that doctors are really good at treating patients who have had cardiovascular events but they can be prevented. “We’re meant to walk, run, exercise. It’s all about getting up and moving.”

For patients, especially those who live a sedentary lifestyle, Jaber said, “You should demand a prescription from your doctor for exercise.”

So get moving.

The post Not exercising worse for your health than smoking, diabetes and heart disease, study reveals appeared first on Pathway International.

Exercise is good for your skin!

Pathway International — Mon, 28 May 2018 06:06:46 +0000

Exercise – whether you are a seasoned marathon runner, or end up jumping into the car or on the bus to travel a mile (we’ve all been there!), there is one thing we can all agree on; with the long evenings and warmer weather, it’s a fabulous time to be outside! And if you can combine your time spent outdoors with a little bit of light exercise, we’re sure you’ll be able to see and feel the results this summer.

Exercise is a great way to help you feel and look better, on the inside as well as the outside! As you exercise, blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin. Exercise can also help to reduce stress – an issue which has been linked to flare-ups of acne, eczema and rosacea. The NHS recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity (i.e. fast walking) per week to help maintain a positive and healthy lifestyle. You’ll be pleased to know that pushing a lawnmower counts as ‘moderate activity’, so just keeping on top of the fast-growing grass at this time of year could all contribute to a healthier and more active lifestyle!

Do you suffer from anxiety or low self-esteem that manifests in feelings of dissatisfaction with your physical appearance or in other aspects of your day-to-day life? If so, exercise has been proven to help improve mood. This is due to the fact that when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which can reduce your perception of pain, trigger positive feelings and can help to improve sleep. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, including depression or anxiety, it is important to seek the advice of your GP prior to embarking on an exercise regime so that they can ensure your condition is being managed appropriately.

The other thing to be aware of if you are planning on getting out and about and active in the lovely weather is to ensure that you are wearing an appropriate SPF, and reapplying it regularly if you are perspiring. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and long sleeved, loose and breathable clothing should also help to protect your skin and keep you cool in the warmer weather. Adequate hydration is also a must, so don’t forget to pack a large water bottle in your sports bag and to stop regularly to take on water!

Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy being out and about and active!

Questions? Call +254 718 994368 / 733 994368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solution.

The post Exercise is good for your skin! appeared first on Pathway International.

Nearly Two-Thirds Of Men Dislike Their Bodies But Many Are Too Embarrassed To Change It

Pathway International — Mon, 28 May 2018 05:53:58 +0000

More than 60% of men admit to being unhappy with their bodies, but many are reluctant to take positive action to address the problem.

An independent survey carried out by body contouring specialists Cynosure asked almost 1,000 UK males: Would you consider a body contouring treatment to make problem areas (stomach, flanks and chin) less flabby?

The survey revealed that only 13.2% of men would consider using non-invasive body cosmetic treatments to shift stubborn fat. Exactly 15% of those surveyed didn’t know what body contouring was.

Fiona Comport marketing communications manager at Cynosure says: “Despite the fact that male grooming is no longer a taboo area and men don’t think twice about popping into a beauty salon for brow shaping, spray tans and facials, many males still perceive body contouring as being predominantly female territory.”

This was reinforced by 8.2% of respondents, who admitted that they would be too embarrassed to consider body contouring. A further 5.8% divulged that they would undergo treatment but wouldn’t tell anyone, this answer was more common amongst the 45-54 age group.

Instead, 26.8% preferred to stick to traditional methods such as diet and exercise to tackle problem areas. Figures released by the NHS, however, highlight that eating disorders among males are rising, suggesting that men aren’t necessarily taking the most sensible approach to addressing stubborn fat. Males in the 65+ age group were most happy with their bodies.

The full report is available at: https://sculpsure.co.uk/news-media/nearly-two-thirds-men-dislike-bodies-many-embarrassed-change/

The data was gathered in January 2018 via an online survey of 961 male respondents.

Questions? Call +254 718 994368 / 733 994368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

The post Nearly Two-Thirds Of Men Dislike Their Bodies But Many Are Too Embarrassed To Change It appeared first on Pathway International.

What are the best work day stretches to keep a healthy back, spine and neck?

Pathway International — Mon, 21 May 2018 08:21:28 +0000

Technology has simplified our lives both in and outside of the office environment. On any given day, it’s not unusual to see co-workers hunched over laptops or cell phones. Others frantically work non-stop at a desk. These gestures each take a toll on our bodies, which was designed to move. A daily routine of stretching in the office can keep the back, spine and neck in good working order. It’s important to maintain the alignment because good posture contributes to good health. It will also prevent serious damage to the nerves and muscles in the area. It’s possible to keep a healthy spine alignment, whether sitting in the office all day or just having a cup of coffee. All it takes is some thought and conditioning.

Here are some exercises that work great in the office or at home. The goal is to retain the body’s flexibility because it helps with movement. If you develop these habits of stretching early you’ll reap the benefits as you age. You don’t need a set time at work to stretch; you just need to stretch a couple of times during the day. Most of us do experience back or neck pain from sitting all day. The stretches can actually help to reverse the condition and improve your posture.

Common Causes of Healthy Back, Spine and Neck Problems

Today’s lifestyles and work habits can cause back, spine and neck injuries. The most common cause is strain by lifting heavy objects. So can repetitive actions like sitting in the same position for hours. Stretching routines do help to prevent injury and heal the strains.

Easy Stretch Routines Without Leaving the Office

It’s a fact. Neck, back and shoulder pains are associated with a desk-bound job. At some point we all experience strain or stiffness in our neck or back. Simple stretching exercises can prevent muscle strain and restore the body’s flexibility. It helps to loosen up the muscles, increase blood circulation and improve your moods.

Sit straight up and raise one arm above your head. Looking forward, bend your arm at the elbow with the palm of your hand touching your shoulder blade. Count to 10. Do the other arm. You’ll feel the stretch in your lower back, the shoulder blade and the upper arm.
Sit up straight and bend your head forward. Slowly roll it towards the shoulder, then towards your back and to the opposite shoulder. Finish with a full head roll returning to the starting position. Repeat 5 times. This is a slow movement. Do not pull or strain the neck.
Sit upright and cross your right leg. Slowly turn your torso only to the right. Hold the position for a count of 10. Do the same for the left side. You’ll feel the stretch in the mid-section of your body.
Stand upright and keep the back straight. Clasp your hands behind your back. Push your chest forward raising your chin and slowly bend your head backward looking upward. Slowly raise your hands to a comfortable level. Hold the stance for a count 10.
Sit upright in a chair. Let your head drop forward to stretch the neck. Raise both shoulders with your arms at your side. Hold for a count of 10. Drop your shoulders and repeat 5 times.

Conclusion

Stretching is meant to relax the back areas and improve flexibility. These exercises are simple and should be done in moderation. Always stay in your own comfortable zone.

Questions? Call +254 718 994368 / 733 994368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

The post What are the best work day stretches to keep a healthy back, spine and neck? appeared first on Pathway International.

Can Eating Greens Save Your Memory?

Pathway International — Mon, 21 May 2018 07:47:15 +0000

Is it true that eating lettuce and green vegetables can protect memory as you get older? How much would you have to consume?

New research suggests that eating lettuce and other leafy green vegetables including spinach, collard greens and kale on a daily basis can help slow age-related decline in cognition and memory. A study from Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center found that, even after 10 years of follow-up, people who ate the most of these vegetables daily were cognitively 11 years younger than those who consumed the least.

The average follow-up was almost five years and included 960 people, mostly women, whose average age was 81. Every year during the course of the study the researchers tested the participants’ thinking and memory skills. They determined the amount of greens the participants’ consumed daily via questionnaires. A serving consisted of a half-cup of cooked spinach, collard greens or kale or one cup of raw lettuce. These foods are rich in vitamin K, lutein, nitrate, folate, alpha tocopherol and kaempferol, an antioxidant bioflavonoid. The researchers assessed the association between the individual nutrients and the rate of cognitive decline observed after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, education, smoking history, alcohol consumption, physical activity, participation in cognitive activities, total energy intake and seafood consumption.

They reported that study participants with the highest intake of leafy greens were most likely to be more highly educated, male and to take part more often in cognitive and physical activities than those who consumed the least of the four greens. They also had fewer cardiovascular conditions and depressive symptoms.

The study participants whose consumption of greens was highest averaged 1.3 daily servings compared to the lowest, 0.1 average servings.

The results don’t prove that eating greens caused the cognitive differences the study revealed. They just show an association between diet and brain aging, noted study leader Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D. And because the study focused on older adults, most of them white, the findings may not apply to younger adults and minorities.

What we don’t know is how long you have to be in the habit of consuming the amounts of green vegetables this study focused on to slow the rate at which your brain ages. However, 1.3 daily servings of these greens is not a lot to add to your diet.

The dietary strategy I recommend to slow memory loss focuses on foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables and fruits are the best sources of antioxidants, although you also can get some from tea and dark chocolate. Cold-water fish, freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts provide omega-3s. I also suggest avoiding alcohol because of its damaging effects on brain cells. Bear in mind that a diet heavy in processed foods, sweets and fried and fatty foods doesn’t seem to do the brain any good. Researchers from Columbia University in New York City linked this way of eating to premature signs of brain aging after reviewing MRI brain scans of 330 cognitively normal seniors (average age 80).

Questions? Call +254 718 994368 / 733 994368 or E-mail wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke

Pathway International: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.

The post Can Eating Greens Save Your Memory? appeared first on Pathway International.