Scientists from NYU have revealed that stress is the real culprit behind grey hairs.

The study, carried out on lab mice, suggest that constant worrying affects melanocyte stem cells, which produce the melanin pigment that is responsible for the colour of hair and skin, the Daily Express reported.

The examination explains that when the skin is damaged, these cells travel from their usual position, in a bulge at the base of the hair follicle, to carry out whatever repairs have to be done.

The researcher also revealed that stress causes the same migration and prevents cells from returning, thus turning hair white.

The author of the study, Dr Mayumi Ito, said that stress hormones promote melanocyte migration from hair follicles to damaged skin.

It asserted that excessive stress might mean fewer cells would be preserved within the follicle.

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Adding stress to our lives seems easy enough. It’s getting rid of it and managing it that’s the tough part. We have a magic word for you that’s bound to reduce some of that stress. Read on for more.

The big S word: STRESS

Stress has become a malady spanning individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. We live in an ‘instant ‘ time where everyone wants something instantly. Too many expectations from us and the tension of living up to them takes a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Do you remember the last time you went for a relaxing walk or just stood in your balcony watching the world go by? Do you keep reminding yourself about that one day you will pick up the paintbrush to paint or start swimming? Our guess is… NO. That world ceases to exist.

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Increasing use of hair extensions among young women is leading to hair loss at an earlier age, according to UK’s biggest provider of cosmetic surgery.

The pull from hair extensions can lead to ‘alopecia traction,’ which causes the hair to eventually fall out as it has undergone increased tension, according to experts at cosmetic specialist company Transform.

The company also noted that more women are losing than ever and at a younger age, the Daily Express reported.

It revealed that it has had a 41 per cent increase in female hair loss enquiries in the past year, and a 24 per cent increase in female hair transplants.

The average age of female hair loss patients is down from 51 years in 2010 to 34 years in 2013, it added.

According to Transform hair surgeon Mabroor Bhatty, hair loss and its treatment is now becoming less taboo and he asserted that those who are bold enough to speak out about it should be commended.

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An afternoon nap is always frowned upon. We’ve always been told that it makes you hazy, lazy and disoriented. However, research suggests that a quick mid-day nap or ‘power nap’ can make you alert, reduce stress, improve your cognitive functioning, refresh and stimulate you!

What is power napping?

Power nap is a short 20-minute period of sleep, usually during the day. These naps are said to provide energy and boost your right-brain activity.

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Want to lead a healthier life? Then take these vows this Independence Day, and get on the path to a healthier and happier you!

Think of these vows as the 10 commandments of healthy living

1. I vow to make exercise a part of my daily life. I will not make excuses and instead exercise in whichever way I can, at whatever time of the day is suitable for me.
2. I vow to start eating healthy from today. Healthy food is tasty food. I will do my best to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and lean meats in my diet and enjoy the food and it’s health benefits.
3. I vow to sleep 6 to 8 hours every night. Surviving on less sleep does not make a hero. Instead, it makes me less productive, overweight and unhealthy.
4. I vow to quit smoking. Smoking is bad for me in every possible way. It can lead to lung disease, a variety of cancers and also makes my skin look terrible.
5. I vow to avoid stress. Deep breath! Next time I begin to lose my cool, I’ll ask myself, “Is it really worth it?” Stress is one of the biggest causes of disease today and I will not let myself fall victim to it. Instead, I will finds ways to release the stress constructively!
6. I vow to say no to substance abuse. I will avoid drugs and consume alcohol only in moderation. I’m smart and educated enough to know they’re not good for me and will not make bad choices.
7. I vow to take care of my teeth. Healthcare involves oral care and I will not forget that! I’ll brush my teeth twice a day and floss if required.
8. I vow to get regular health checks. I understand that many diseases often don’t show symptoms until it’s too late. Which is why I will get periodic health checks as advised by the doctor.
9. I vow to be environmentally conscious. My health goes beyond just my personal hygiene and health. I know that when I litter or pollute or waste natural resources, I’m affecting my and my family’s health.
10. I vow to practice safe sex.  I will be responsible for my own as well as my partner’s health. I will get tested, use contraceptives and not leave anything to chance.

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Stress affects everyone, but the way we handle it can differ depending on our gender. Read about stress and how it affects men and women differently.

What is stress?

Stress is defined as the body’s response to anything we perceive as dangerous, demanding or demoralising. Generally, stress is caused by an abnormal demand on our ability to adapt. Stressful situations cause mental, physical and behavioural symptoms that are detrimental in the short and long term.

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Why pop a pill, when you can kill the pain naturally? Read on to find out more about a handful of gems in the treasure of herbs.

The best herbs for your health

St John’s Wort: One of the best herbs, used extensively for the treatment of different mental disorders, St John’s Wort has earned the reputation of acting as a good replacement for Prozac. Now that’s definitely something!

Echinacea: Used as an immune boosting herb by well-known herbal medicine practitioners, Echinacea is thought to work by stimulating the body’s production of interferons (type of proteins produced in the body), which increase the body’s natural resistance against diseases and infections. People suffering from auto immune diseases should consider making Echinacea as a part of their food intake.

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People with job stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are at higher risk of coronary artery disease than people who have job stress but lead healthy lifestyles, a new study has found.

To determine whether a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the effects of job stress on coronary artery disease, researchers looked at 7 cohort studies from a large European initiative that included 102 128 people who were disease-free during the 15-year study period (1985-2000).

Participants, ranging in age from 17-70 (mean 44.3) years were from the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Sweden and Finland. More than half (52 percent) were women.

Of the total participants, 15 986 (16 percent) reported job stress, which was determined from specific job-related questions in the studies.

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In today’s rushed world with its many stresses and challenges, meditation becomes a powerful tool of coping.

To say that our lives are rushed and stressful will be stating the obvious. As our ambitions grow, so will life’s trials and tribulations. The question then becomes not of how to slow-things down but of how to deal with the challenges that life throws at us. And time and again, meditation has proven to be a powerful tool in reining in the daily drama.

Meditation – The awareness of ‘Now’

Meditation is the art of bringing your mind to a state of ‘stillness’ or ‘emptiness’ – free of all thoughts, emotions, events to just experiencing the ‘now’ moment.

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Work conditions can predict development of diabetes in healthy employees, a new study has found.

Cases of type 2 diabetes continue to rise in the US. And while the development of the disease is more commonly associated with risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity, research has shown that stress can also have a significant impact.

Now Dr. Sharon Toker of Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Management has found that low levels of social support and high levels of stress in the workplace can accurately predict the development of diabetes over the long term – even in employees who appear to be healthy otherwise.

The study contributes to an ongoing body of research linking work conditions to physical and mental health.

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