Helsinki Times

Comfort eating a notable cause of obesity among the depressed

The use of food to control or compensate for negative emotions is more common among those with weight problems than among those of normal weight. This is one of the findings of a doctoral thesis in the social sciences that was defended last Friday by Hanna Konttinen at the University of Helsinki. The theme of Konttinen’s PhD thesis was the role of the emotions in eating behaviour and weight control.

Read more...

Living yoghurt

Billions of food microbes can help some, not all.

THE PROBIOTICS industry’s health claims for their yoghurt, tablets and fruit drinks fortified with billions of supposedly health-promoting microorganisms have not passed scientific review boards’ muster, but some experts say that certain products still might be worth a try if you’re suffering an upset stomach.

Read more...

Childhood obesity a possible indicator of arterial disease

ACCORDING to a study carried out at the University of Turku, susceptibility to arterial disease may begin in childhood. In particular, obesity, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure in children were found to be likely indicators of artery disease in young adults.

Read more...

More conservative treatment for melanoma

A stricter stand on solarium use.

THE updated Current Care Guideline for melanoma, a type of skin cancer, states that while it always requires an operation, its treatment should be more moderate than at present. The guideline emphasises the prevention of melanoma, which means avoidance of sunburns and excessive sunbathing. It also takes a stricter stance on solarium use.

Read more...

Sweden has priciest medicines in Nordic region

ALONG WITH Norway, Finland offers the cheapest prescription medicines in the Nordic region, according to a study carried out in Sweden. The study, which covered pharmacies’ purchase prices for 2012, found that Denmark had the most expensive prescription medication in the region.

Read more...

A baby shower gift from the state

THERE IS one Finnish institution, run by Kela and the only one of its kind in the world, of which the nation can be truly proud. The maternity package (äitiyspakkaus) has a history going back to the 1930s, and is given to each expectant mother in Finland who is covered by the Finnish social security system.

The maternity package contains clothes for the baby and other useful items. There are an incredible 33 items of clothing: ranging from hats and socks to bodysuits and leggings, and a snowsuit - complete with insulated bootees and mittens.

Read more...

With your finger on the trigger

Trigger Point Therapy can help relieve chronic aches and pains.

STAND UP, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let it out slowly, feeling your body move as the air flows out of your lungs. Raise your hands above your head, reach for the ceiling, and circle them forward and down as you bend over to touch your toes. Then swing your arms back as you return to a standing position.

Read more...

More men having plastic surgery

An increasing number of men are opting for Botox injections and the surgical removal of flab.

WHEN A man goes for plastic surgery, he’s usually there for a bit of fine tuning. Although the most common cosmetic operation for men is removal of moles, a growing number are going in for Botox injections to remove wrinkles.

Read more...