Brainstorm | Opinion, Analysis, Reports, Features

'For desk workers, taking strength breaks has been shown to immediately increase blood flow, improve brain function and reduce the feelings of fatigue.' Photo: Getty Images

Desk jobs can be killers so here's how strength training can help

Physical inactivity comes with negative health effects so strength training in the workplace might be a winner for those with desk jobs

Health • 29 Aug 24

Around half of us now use a wearable device that quantifies some part of our lives. Photo: CrispyPork/Shutterstock

How reliable is your step count? The problem with trackers

That fitness tracker on your phone or watch you use to measure your activity may not be as accurate as you think

Health • 27 Aug 24

Research shows film therapy can be effective at helping people process difficult emotions. Photo: Getty Images

Why watching films could be good for your mental health

Because of the effect that films can have, there's growing interest in using them as a therapeutic tool.

Psychology • 22 Aug 24

'It's probably much easier for women to sit cross-legged – particularly because men have a reduced range of motion at the hip.' Photo: Getty Images

Why sitting with crossed legs could be bad for you

As comfy as it may be to sit with your legs crossed, what effect does it have on your health and posture?

Health • 22 Aug 24

"There's this uncertainty associated with the future and the start of the new school year" Photo: Getty Images

How can parents ease the back to school anxiety?

Here are 6 ways for parents to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty that comes up at the start of the new school year

Back To School • 21 Aug 24

'Our body is biologically prepared to have food during the day.' Photo: Shutterstock

Does it matter what time of day you eat?

Here's what science has to say about improving your health through intermittent fasting and meal scheduling

Health • 20 Aug 24

Don't try to get to the bottom of your inbox on your first day back. Photo: CrizzyStudio/Shutterstock

7 tips to avoid back-to-work stress after your holidays

Here's how to ensure all the rest and relaxation you got from your time off doesn't disappear within hours of returning to the office

Work and careers • 19 Aug 24

'For too long, we have had the wrong idea about what back pain is, and what treatments might help'. Illustration: Getty Images

Why treating back pain might require more coaching & less fixing

Taking a coaching-focussed approach to back pain is effective, saves money and puts the person with pain in charge

Health • 15 Aug 24

Good news: you're not the first one to have problems falling asleep

A short history of our long obsession with sleep

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep has been a common problem and preoccupation down the centuries

Sleep • 15 Aug 24

Some recent TikToks have suggested cold water causes health problems by somehow "contracting blood vessels" and "restricting digestion". Photo: Getty Images

Is cold water bad for you? The facts behind 5 water myths

Conflicting advice and urban myths abound about everything from raw water to drinking from the hot tap or hosepipe

Water • 15 Aug 24

You can't blame the Brussels sprouts for this... Photo: Getty Images

The science of farting

We do it anything from 7 to 25 times a day but what exactly is behind that passing of gas and is it bad for us?

Health • 08 Aug 24

The shape of every ear is unique as a fingerprint and each part has a name. Photo: Getty Images

Why your ears can say a lot about you and your health

The external ear can tell tales about your health, family traits and even whether you play high contact sports

Health • 01 Aug 24

'Playing D&D regularly can support mental health in terms of escapism, self-exploration, creative expression, social support and routine'. Photo: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The many mental health benefits of playing Dungeons and Dragons

Research has found that the game's creative aspects contribute to players' well-being and sense of self

Mental Health • 29 Jul 24

Ireland's Mona Mc Sharry preparing for her heat of the women's 100m breaststroke swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP via Getty Images

How to eat like an Olympic athlete

There is a carefully crafted nutritional plan behind every Olympic champion and competitor

Olympic Games • 29 Jul 24

'If you enjoy manicures then it might be a better idea to forgo the gels and acrylics and concentrate on caring for your natural nails'. Photo: Marigo20/Shutterstock

The ugly health risks of beautiful gel manicures & acrylic nails

Nail fashion is a booming business, but gel manicures and acrylic nails can ruin healthy natural nails and even cause unexpected health issues

Beauty • 24 Jul 24

'The theory behind the olive oil trick is that its high-fat content forms a coating on the stomach lining, slowing down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream'

Can a shot of olive oil really prevent a hangover?

Many cures and remedies like this are hyped and eulogised, but scientific evidence for their effectiveness is lacking

Health • 22 Jul 24

Weightlifting has many benefits. Photo: CCISUL/ Shutterstock

How to start weightlifting

Here are a few things to know if you're keen to start building your strength

Fitness • 18 Jul 24

'Both clinicians and patients have valuable expertise to contribute when choosing the right treatment plan for chronic pain'. Photo: Getty Images

5 qualities a health professional needs for treating chronic pain

Finding the right healthcare professionals is essential when managing chronic pain, so what should you look for in this support team?

Health • 09 Jul 24

'Even if you don't drink coffee or tea, you probably still regularly consume caffeine in everything from fizzy drinks and cold remedies to chocolate.'

Can quitting coffee really benefit your health?

If you're thinking about giving up caffeine and are wondering what benefits it may have, here's what the research says

Coffee • 08 Jul 24

'We are more often ill during summer holiday journeys than during our normal comings and goings.' Photo: Getty Images

Why are so many of us affected by motion sickness?

Nearly a third of us experience motion sickness but we still don't exactly know what causes it

Health • 04 Jul 24

'Our relationships with gardens are deeply multifaceted and personal.' Photo: Mud Island Community Garden Dublin

Why an urban garden is good for you and everyone else

Urban gardens have been shown to improve your wellbeing, increase garden biodiversity and support wildlife

Gardens • 01 Jul 24

Research shows newborns prefer the sound of their mother's voice and more so when that voice is singing. Photo: Getty Images

Why singing and music is good for you and your baby

Research shows singing is good for you during pregnancy and for bonding with your baby

Music Therapy • 27 Jun 24

'You get the same benefits, whether it's walking or jogging, but you have to spend a lot more time walking to get those benefits'. Photo: Getty Images

Is walking better than running for your health?

It's not the type of exercise you do but the fact that you actually do one or the other which leads to health benefits

Health • 27 Jun 24

For about 20% of the population, the fear of needles goes beyond just not liking them. Photo: Getty Images

Are you afraid of needles? Help may be at hand

New needle patches are in development which can safely and efficiently deliver medicine through your skin without any pain

Health • 27 Jun 24

'The integration of metallodrugs with immunotherapy and targeted therapy could lead to more comprehensive and personalised treatment strategies.'

How metallodrugs are fighting cancer in unexpected ways

We can expect to see more sophisticated and targeted metallodrugs designed to minimise side effects and overcome resistance

Chemistry • 24 Jun 24