In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing a staggering number of spinal cord injuries have been linked to this one. Activity. Next. If you can’t sleep, don’t panic. We’ll highlight some strategies to help. And lastly, something you probably have in your pantry that can help with weight loss. Welcome to the Daily News. First, we all enjoy sports that can help us maintain our fitness and enjoy the great outdoors. But a recent study from the University of British Columbia has highlighted a concern. There’s a significant number of spinal cord injuries associated with mountain biking. In British Columbia. Researchers documented 58 spinal cord injuries between 2008 and 2022. That’s more than those reported in hockey, skiing and snowboarding. Over that same period, researchers found just three similar injuries among hockey players. The researchers also found mountain bike related injuries were seven times higher than for skiing and snowboarding. In recent years, the study found that most injured individuals were healthy at an average age of 35 and 93% were male. Nearly all were wearing helmets at the time of their injury. Most incidents occurred when riders were ejected over their handlebars. The lead researcher emphasized the life altering nature of these injuries telling global news. I’m not sure that everybody really kind of recognized that they could actually suffer a life altering and fairly catastrophic spinal cord injury and be essentially paralyzed from the neck down with really no use of your hands or your legs. The study also suggested that fatigue may have played a role as well as accidents were more common. Later on in the day, we hope that these findings will raise awareness among mountain bikers, encouraging them to take appropriate precautions while enjoying the sport. Next up, everyone can have a bad night’s sleep now and then. But if it happens to you, what can you do about it? Well, according to a recent article in the Times, you don’t have to let a bad night sleep ruin your entire day. Experts have shared science backed strategies to help you cope and even thrive until bedtime. If you’re dragging after a restless night, one of the simplest ways to start the day is by drinking water. According to the article, dehydration is common after poor sleep. Keeping a glass of water by your bedside and drinking it as soon as your alarm goes off can help combat this. Next, get outside for some daylight. Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman emphasizes the importance of morning sunlight. Saying sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is absolutely vital to mental and physical health. He explains that exposure to daylight triggers the release of cortisol, A natural wake up signal and sets your internal clock for better sleep Later. Huberman recommends spending at least 10 minutes outside on sunny mornings or 15 to 20 minutes on cloudy days. Once you’re up and moving, a gentle 30 minute walk can also make a big difference. The article points to research published in the British Medical Journal showing that even light exercise improves cognitive function and can help offset some effects of sleep deprivation when it’s time for breakfast. Opt for a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates. For example, scrambled eggs and toasted rye can provide steady energy and prevent the mood swings and cravings often triggered by poor sleep. And while coffee might seem like an immediate fix, some experts recommend waiting about 90 minutes after waking. At lunchtime, reach for foods rich in omega threes like salmon or avocado, which can support brain health and counter some effects of long-term sleep deprivation. If your bad night’s sleep was a one-off, the article suggests taking a short nap, ideally under 20 minutes and before 3:00 PM to avoid what some call a sleep hangover. So while a bad night’s sleep might leave you feeling groggy, these small but effective strategies can make all the difference. Now lastly, we’re looking at new research linking daily apple cider vinegar consumption to weight loss in younger adults. A study published in British Medical Journal Nutrition Prevention and Health examined 120 Lebanese participants age
12 to 25. The participants were divided into four groups with three consuming different amounts of apple cider vinegar daily, five, 10, or 15 milliliters and one taking a placebo. The participants dropped an average of 15 pounds over a 12 week period. The groups drinking smaller doses also experienced weight loss along with reductions in waist size BMI and improvements in blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. The study’s author explained this age group was selected to address the lack of research on ACVs effects, specifically in younger individuals, and to intervene early in life to potentially prevent long-term health complications associated with obesity. While the findings are promising, experts note the studies limitations. It had a small sample size focused on a single cultural group and only span 12 weeks. Longer term research is needed to confirm the results and assess their sustainability. One nutritionist also highlighted a potential downside. The acidity of apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel if consumed regularly. Diluting it in water is recommended to minimize this effect. Ultimately, while apple cider vinegar may offer some benefits, it’s not a substitute for proven weight loss strategies. A balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a calorie deficit remain the most effective methods for long-term success. Those were our top stories for today. Thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.
