Kids Research Express

MANILA, Philippines - A slowing down of the physical or mental functions is usually accepted as the normal course of old age, rather than being diagnosed as an illness or condition that may be treated with proper nutrition, hormones, exercise, or a change of lifestyle. Perhaps one of the under-diagnosed health problems in old age is hypothyroidism, an insufficient production or absorption of the thyroid hormone that won't allow our metabolism to function at its peak efficiency. What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, over the trachea, or windpipe, just below the larynx. The thyroid has tremendous responsibilities, as it is the gland that affects virtually all metabolic processes and is vital for the normal function of every cell in the body. It does this by releasing certain hormones known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which in turn regulate the body's metabolism, temperature, and heart rate. Should it produce to...

Heart disease, any of several abnormalities of the heart and its function in maintaining blood circulation. Among the most common causes of heart disease are degenerative changes in the coronary blood vessels, infectious diseases, and congenital heart disease. Congenital defects result from abnormal development of the fetal heart, commonly in the valves or septa. Such defects can be precipitated by environmental conditions in the uterus, such as the presence of the rubella virus, or they can be inherited. Infectious diseases acquired after birth, such as rheumatic fever, syphilis, and endocarditis, can also damage the valves of the heart. In addition, the heart muscle itself can be affected: hypertensive heart disease (see hypertension) can cause it to enlarge, and it can become inflamed by rheumatic fever. Arteriosclerotic depositions in the coronary arteries result in the narrowing of these vessels, causing insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, a condition known as ...

Staying healthy by working out is good. But doing that while taking care of Mother Earth is another matter altogether. Some people's workout routines use up a lot of energy: driving to the gym, the aircon at the venue, plugged equipment like the treadmill, etcetera. So if you are conscious about keeping your carbon footprint small, consider these workout tips. 1. Consider walking or jogging around the neighborhood. Instead of using fitness equipment that consume energy, you may opt to do some jogging or brisk walking via routes that are scenic and safe. 2. Buy less. Less active wear, expensive running shoes, workout gizmos, and other fitness paraphernalia you can do without. Buy only what you really need and your carbon footprint will be significantly smaller. This means that you will be using less energy, throwing out less junk, and generally be kinder to our planet. 3. Here are light exercise activities you can try: Walk or bike to work; Work in your garden; Do sit-ups, weigh...

This rainy season, boost your immune system by adding these basic nutrients to your daily diet. In this season, where pouring rains force people to come in closer contact with ailing individuals in enclosed spaces such as malls or public vehicles, and airborne viruses and bacteria are having a heyday floating from one victim to another, the key to good health is a good defense. This will come in a healthy body nourished by these 5 important immunity-building nutrients: Vitamin C. This readily-available nutrient has been found to increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies, the primary function of which is to fight off infections. Foods rich in this important vitamin include citrus fruits, papayas, guavas, and tomatoes. Vitamin E. This vitamin has been receiving a lot of attention lately for its antioxidant properties. It stimulates the production of immune cells that produce antibodies which target and destroy bacteria. Vitamin E is present in nuts, seeds, and vegeta...

Do you find yourself fighting off the little bulges? And much as you want to go to the gym to shed off a few pounds, your hectic schedule simply does not permit? Sadly, for some, taking care of one’s body through exercise is always at the bottom of the priority list. Good thing staying fit is not limited to the exercise routines performed inside the gym. Your day-to-day activities can actually count for a true-blue workout! Research suggests that maintaining an active lifestyle is the key to good health and weight management. Here are some simple little workouts that you can do to help keep you fit, trim and healthy! WALKING Walking, according to experts, is an excellent way to burn calories. It also helps improve mood and reduce stress. Take time to have a 30-minute walk. If you think that the place you’re heading to is not that far, instead of riding the car, just walk. All you need to do is to have a comfortable pair of footwear with you always and you’re ready to go! CLIMBING T...

Taking care of our brain’s health is equally important as taking care of our body’s wellbeing. After all, the brain is one powerful organ--- the maximum potential of which is yet to be unlocked by science. Keeping our brains in shape will lead to an invigorated body and a healthy emotional state. Constantly challenging our brain and feeding it a well-balanced diet will help increase its memory capabilities, boost creativity levels, and improve cognitive levels. Start getting this organ in tip-top shape! Below is a list of activities that can help boost brain power! Physical Exercise A healthy body also leads to a healthy mind. Studies have shown that regular exercise affects how the brain functions. It boosts brain power by stimulating the formation of new brain cells, called neurons. Also, researchers found that the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are usually associated with memory and learning. So take time to have a regular exercise routine. It need not be...

Show your heart some love with these easy to follow cardio exercises! Taking care of your heart should not end with just eating a well-balanced diet. It is best that you also complement it with an exercise routine. Researches have shown that regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease and stroke and high blood pressure. Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to enroll yourself in the gym. In fact, you can learn simple exercises that you can conveniently do right in the comforts of your own home! You only need to have the right time and the right attitude to start your daily workout. Exercising should not be treated as one herculean task that one has to conquer. Make it fun by recruiting workout mates, like your friends and family, to join your personal fitness schedule! To get you started, here’s a list of exercises that you can easily follow! THE INVISIBLE JUMP ROPE Jumping rope is one of the most effective and enjoyable exercises one can pursue. It is prove...