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Take my (bad) breath away – causes of halitosis and how to check whether you have it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dan-baumgardt-1451396">Dan Baumgardt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a> In Greek mythology, the many-headed beast <a href="https://mythopedia.com/topics/hydra">Hydra</a> had such severe <a href="https://patient.info/oral-dental-care/bad-breath-halitosis">halitosis</a> that the stench of its breath was deadly to anyone who smelled it. Thankfully, our morning breath might not be that pungent – although eating <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/get-rid-of-garlic-onion-breath">onions or garlic</a> can put some people in competition with the Hydra. Halitosis has many causes (aside from poor oral hygiene) and can indicate problems with the gut, the sinuses and even the bloodstream. In fact, breath samples can even be tested to make formal diagnoses of health conditions. One condition that can affect the smell of breath is <a href="https://www.diabetes.org.uk/">diabetes mellitus</a>. This is a metabolic disorder where sugar (glucose) is unable to access the body’s cells where it is needed to provide energy, and so rises in the bloodstream. In some instances, such as insufficient insulin dosing, or infection, the body’s response is to break down fats into compounds called ketones to act as a rapid form of fuel. This serious condition is called <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/">diabetic ketoacidosis</a>. Ketones have a distinctive scent. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/acetone-properties-and-incident-management/acetone-general-information">Acetone</a>, which is also an ingredient in some nail varnish removers, is one of these ketones and has the smell of pear drops. When ketones build up in the bloodstream they easily <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0967-3334/32/8/N01/pdf">diffuse into the breath</a>, giving it a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319683">fruity odour</a>. It’s not just diabetes that can trigger ketone production. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36033148/">Some diets</a> are based on generating ketones from the breakdown of fats to promote weight loss. These methods, such as the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/atkins-diet-101">Atkins diet</a>, force the body to convert fat into energy by restricting carbohydrates. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5U8IDO1fHlU?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Other diets based on the same principles include the <a href="https://patient.info/healthy-living/weight-loss-weight-reduction/52-diet">5:2</a> intermittent fasting diet. On this diet, followers restrict food intake on two days of the week to significantly reduce calorie consumption – and make the body produce ketones. These diets may help weight loss, but the side-effects can be grim. One of the most notorious side-effects is foul breath, although there are also anecdotal reports of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2019/03/03/is-keto-crotch-really-a-side-effect-of-the-keto-diet/">“keto crotch”</a> where some followers of keto diets complain of strong genital odour. <h2>Bacteria and breath</h2> Another cause of bad breath is an <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1752-7155/4/1/017003/pdf">overgrowth of bacteria</a> that produce foul smells. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in the mouth for bacteria to hide, grow and fester, especially the hard-to-clean areas – in between the teeth, and in and around the gums and tongue – or out-of-reach places, such as right at the back of the mouth and the throat. The throat acts as a passage for food, fluids and air. Some patients can develop a condition called <a href="https://www.entuk.org/patients/conditions/49/pharyngeal_pouch_surgery_new">pharyngeal pouch</a>. This is where a pocket forms at the back of the pharynx (the medical name for the throat) in which food and fluids can accumulate, ferment and give breath a pungent odour. Bacteria can also trigger infections in the mouth, like tonsillitis and tooth abscesses where tissues become inflamed, or develop purulence (production of pus). Pus is a collection of different dead cells, including bacteria, and it too can give off a putrid smell. Also, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25234037/">sinusitis</a> – which is an infection of the air-filled cavities in the skull – can drip foul-smelling infected secretions into the throat, causing bad breath. <h2>Breath tests</h2> Doctors can test breath for bacteria to diagnose some health conditions. For example, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28891138/">Helicobacter pylori</a>, bacteria that can irritate the gut and lead to the development of potentially dangerous ulcers, turns the compound urea into carbon dioxide. To test for H pylori, a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/diagnosis/">diagnostic breath test</a> is performed before and after dosing a patient with urea. If the patient exhales increased levels of carbon dioxide after being dosed with urea, then the test is positive. Breath can also be tested for an overgrowth of bacteria in the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sibo">small intestine</a> (Sibo), which can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. Sibo produces gases like hydrogen and methane that can also be detected with a breath test. If you’re worried about pongy breath and don’t have any medical issues, then you can <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-smell-your-own-breath">test your own breath</a>. The age-old method is to lick the back of your wrist, let it dry and then have a sniff. You can also do the same with a tongue scraper, dental floss or a sample of breath exhaled into a cupped hand. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ak5UEM8FK2s?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Often, we can become used to the smell of our own breath. We might only notice when it becomes really bad, or when there are other symptoms, like a foul taste in the mouth. Or when someone plucks up the courage to finally tell you that you have a case of the breath pongs. Suppose someone has broken the news – what do you do now? <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bad-breath/">Simple measures can work well</a>, including regular fluid intake – <a href="https://www.dentalhealth.org/bad-breath">dry mouth</a> can lead to bad breath so make sure you’re drinking enough water – and good oral hygiene. This involves brushing the teeth, tongue and flossing between your teeth to eliminate any bacterial hot spots, as well as regular checkups at the dentist. Mouthwash can be an effective temporary solution but there’s evidence that a <a href="https://theconversation.com/eating-leafy-greens-could-be-better-for-oral-health-than-using-mouthwash-221181#:%7E:text=But%20research%20has%20indicated%20that,alternative%20for%20treating%20oral%20disease.">diet rich in leafy greens</a> might be even better at countering bad breath. Smoking is another potential underlying <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-cigarette-breath#1-brush-teeth">cause of halitosis</a>. So if you want sweeter breath, pack in the cigarettes – yet another good reason to give up.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/231858/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dan-baumgardt-1451396">Dan Baumgardt</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/take-my-bad-breath-away-causes-of-halitosis-and-how-to-check-whether-you-have-it-231858">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Volcano breath test helps scientists predict deadly eruptions

Humanity has a long history of living in the shadows of active volcanoes. Prized for their rich, fertile soils – ideal for cultivating crops – and their local topography, it isn’t hard to see why living in active volcanic regions remains a worthwhile gamble. Volcanic eruptions, however, are notoriously difficult to predict but improving our diagnostic abilities is crucial for developing early warning procedures and evading disaster. External indicators such as earthquakes and deformation of the Earth’s crust are traditional methods of identifying an imminent eruption, however, not all eruptions give these early warning signs. But now a research team from the University of Tokyo has gained better insight into the relationship between changes in the magma composition and eruption, by studying the ratio of specific chemical isotopes in gas and steam emitted from fumaroles — holes and cracks in the earth’s surface. “When you compare a volcano with a human body, the conventional geophysical methods represented by observations of earthquakes and crustal deformation are similar to listening to the chest and taking body size measurements”, said Professor Hirochika Sumino from the Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology, who led the study. “In these cases, it is difficult to know what health problem causes some noise in your chest or a sudden increase in your weight, without a detailed medical check. On the other hand, analysing the chemical and isotope composition of elements in fumarolic gases is like a breath or blood test. This means we are looking at actual material directly derived from magma to know precisely what is going on with the magma.” Previous research on gas associated with an eruption from a volcano in the Canary Islands in 2011 showed an increase in the ratio of heavier helium isotopes which are typical of mantle material. “We knew that the helium isotope ratio occasionally changes from a low value, similar to the helium found in the Earth’s crust, to a high value, like that in the Earth’s mantle, when the activity of magma increases,” said Sumino. “But we didn’t know why we had more mantle-derived helium during magmatic unrest.” Sumino and team sought the answers in fumerole gas around Kusatsu-Shirane, an active volcano 150 km northwest of Tokyo. Taking samples of the gas back to the lab every few months between 2014 and 2021, the researchers were able to ascertain precise measurements of the isotopic components, discovering a relationship between the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 ( a ‘high value’ isotope of helium) and magmatic unrest. “Using computer models, we revealed that the ratio reflects how much the magma underground is foaming, making bubbles of volcanic gases which separate from the liquid magma,” explained Sumino. The extent to which the magma is foaming “controls how much magmatic gas is provided to the hydrothermal system beneath a volcano and how buoyant the magma is. The former is related to a risk of phreatic eruption, in which an increase in water pressure in the hydrothermal system causes the eruption. The latter would increase the rate of magma ascent, resulting in a magmatic eruption.” The research collaboration is now developing a portable type of mass spectrometer which could be used in the field for real time analysis, reducing the need to constantly collect and transport samples back to the lab – a challenging a time-consuming process. “Our next step is to establish a noble gas analysis protocol with this new instrument, to make it a reality that all active volcanoes — at least those which have the potential to cause disaster to local residents — are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Sumino. This article originally appeared on cosmosmagazine.com and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/volcano-breath-test-predict-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clare Kenyon</a>. Image: Getty

Travel Trouble

The “unlikely culprit” worsening lung disease unequally

Bronchiectasis (bron-kee-ek-tah-sis) is a chronic lung disease caused by widening of the airways in the lungs. As well as making breathing more difficult and coughing more common, it can lead to repeated flare-ups of lung infections. An international team of researchers based in Singapore has identified a bacteria, previously thought harmless in the lungs, that can be responsible for bronchiectasis flare-ups. According to their paper in Cell Host & Microbe, Neisseria bacteria, and specifically the species Neisseria subflava, worsens bronchiectasis. Neisseria are known to cause meningitis and gonorrhoea, but while they’d been found in lungs, they’ve previously not been thought to cause infections. “This discovery is significant because it can change how we treat our bronchiectasis patients with this bacterium,” says senior author Professor Sanjay Chotirmall, a researcher from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technical University, Singapore. “Doctors will now need to think about Neisseria as a potential ‘culprit’ in patients who are worsening despite treatment, and to conduct tests to identify those who may be harbouring this type of bacteria in their lungs.” While it affects people of every age and ethnicity, bronchiectasis prevalence increases as age does, and it’s up to four times more common among Asian people than white or black people. “We hope that early identification will lead to personalised therapy, and consequently, better disease outcomes for Asian patients with this devastating disease,” Chotirmall says. The researchers examined the lung microbiomes of 225 bronchiectasis patients from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dundee, in Scotland. They found that Neisseria subflava “dominated” the microbiome of Asian patients with worsening conditions. They then tested this bacteria in cell cultures and mice, showing that it caused cell disruption and thus inflammation and immune disfunction in lungs. “It is encouraging to see that we have made headway in identifying the Neisseria bacteria species as the cause of worsening bronchiectasis, the unlikely culprit that was originally not considered to be a threat,” says co-author Professor Wang De Yun, from the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. “This comes as a strong reminder that we should not be too complacent when it comes to doing research and exercise more proactiveness in exploring various possibilities, as every seemingly innocent element could be a source of threat to our bodies and overall health.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/bronchiectasis-lung-disease-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Ellen Phiddian. Image: Shutterstock

Body

Real reason boy struggled to breathe for over half his life

A young boy who from the age of two began to struggle with his breathing must now undergo major surgery after being misdiagnosed by doctors. Marley was just two years old and had a lingering cough, which his parents didn’t think much of until a few years later when it got considerably worse. The young boy was eventually diagnosed with asthma, the treatment for which was expected to help him breathe. Unfortunately, Marley’s condition kept getting worse and his father Jay Enjakovic wanted to get to the bottom of it. Mr Enjakovic explained that his son was playing football and basketball and his health “went downhill pretty quick”. “He couldn’t run out his games, coughing a lot more, bringing a lot of food up, bringing water up every time he ate,” the worried father said on The Today Show. Then, together with his wife Skye, the pair were determined to find out what was wrong with their son, who was struggling for more than half his life. The now eight-year-old was in and out of hospitals when his condition turned critical in December 2021. X-rays of Marley’s oesophagus and trachea were done and it was there the family were shocked to be told that their son possibly had tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheoesophageal fistula is when the oesophagus is connected to the trachea which makes food, drink and saliva enter from the trachea. Doctors were ready to do a surgery on Marley but were unable to due to the inflammation. They then decided to do another X-ray, which is when they were even MORE shocked to see that something was in fact lodged in the young boy’s throat. “A few hours later I received a phone call to meet his surgeon at recovery where they pulled a piece of plastic, an arts and craft plastic flower, from his airway,” Ms Enjakovic said. “I honestly couldn’t believe it! This was the whole cause of everything! I was relieved I finally had an answer. “We are unsure how long this price of plastic was lodged in his airway, but my guess is at least five years as that’s when we started noticing small issues, which became worse over time.” The flower has since been removed and Marley is due to undergo further surgery to help repair the airway and oesophagus. Images: The Today Show

Body

Patti Newton just missed Bert’s last breath

Patti Newton has spoken of her family’s devastation following the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather over the weekend. “It’s very, very devastating,” she <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-was-his-love-patti-speaks-after-berts-death/news-story/b1a21134c2ba1a1a3686ece5b2e6d1a8" target="_blank">said</a> through tears, with granddaughters Eva and Lola by her side. “All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man.” The trio appeared outside their Melbourne home, with Patti saying her husband was at peace. After she left the hospital at 7.10pm on Saturday night, Patti said she received a call telling her that her husband took his final breath just 12 minutes later. “So I missed him, but maybe he didn’t want me to be there for his last breath,” she said. “He had such a fabulous attitude. And he gave us so much joy right up to the end.” She said Bert had a tough year battling his health troubles but “just couldn’t do it anymore”. “His year was not only tough health-wise, but mentally he had a lot to cope with,” Patti said. The TV star had his right leg <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shocking-health-news-for-bert-newton" target="_blank">amputated in May</a> following a life-threatening toe infection, and remained in hospital after suffering complications. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZSUz4JOVU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZSUz4JOVU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Patti Newton (@pattinewtonofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> Patti said her husband of 46 years continued to make her smile right until the end. “All he could talk about was things that he had in mind,” she said. “I’d be good at that, I wonder how I’d go at doing Eddie’s show if he ever wants a break. And I used to laugh, because I’d think you’re 83, you’ve got one leg, how would you go up and down stairs? “But I love that attitude of his, he was never going to give up and that’s what we have to take with us, don’t we girls? “We have to just make sure that the love he gave us stays with us forever.” Patti said 12-year-old Eva, nine-year-old Lola, and all of his grandchildren were the “loves of his life”, and that the family needed “a bit of moral support” while grieving. “It’s hard. It’s hard for this age group. (Our daughter) Lauren and Eva were out to dinner last night, just having a quick little girls’ meal. And I rang and poor Eva had to come, she didn’t go in, we felt that was too much for her,” Patti said. “I can’t get that out of my mind, really, but I have to think that he’s at peace and he’s not in pain. Eva and Lola, both the loves of his life. “A bit of moral support, that’s what we need.” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-bert-newton" target="_blank">Tributes</a> have poured in for the Australian entertainment icon since the news of his passing broke, with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews describing him as an “icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer”. The premier also told Patti he would offer to hold a state funeral for her husband, which she said Bert “would love”. “I said yes to a state funeral because as I said, a little boy from North Fitzroy and having success in show business and having all these wonderful accolades go his way,’’ Patti said. “And then a state funeral — Bert would love it. His mum and his sister, they would be so thrilled — and I’m thrilled for him. “It’ll be very nice and it’s a wonderful gesture because he’s very Melbourne, Bert. Even though he’s worked in all different states, Melbourne was his state and his love so that was a very nice thing.” Image: @pattinewtonofficial / Instagram

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Surviving winter with steam breathing

The WellO2 breathing exercise device is a non-medical device, brand new to Australia! Cold weather can be tough on all of us, but if you have asthma, winter can literally take your breath away. Asthma causes the airways to swell and narrow. When people with asthma are exposed to triggers — which make asthma symptoms worse — they might cough, wheeze or have trouble breathing. For many people, cold air is a common asthma trigger. For many people, asthma is harder to control during winter months, for a few reasons. First, the cold, dry air can irritate your airways and cause the muscles inside to spasm. Then there’s all those cold and flu viruses going around. A cold or respiratory tract infection can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Steam has been used to loosen tight phlegm from the airways for years – anyone who has been told to breathe over a bowl of warm water- or sit in a sauna – will know that steam is helpful in alleviating congestion. Steam plus RMT has been shown to help improve respiratory fitness and overall health and wellbeing. Start training with your WellO2 device today. Many people report seeing the benefit of using their WellO2 in two to four weeks! <img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842666/rd_2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cf8fc5e57fb6450f930588ab05253074" /> 5 Ways to get lung fit! <ol> <li>Stay hydrated – It might seem simple but keeping well hydrated helps maintain the health of the mucosal lining in the lungs.</li> <li>Slow relaxed breaths -Deep breathing helps you to expand and allow your lungs to reach their full capacity.</li> <li>Nasal Breathing – Our nose is an important part of the respiratory system. It warms and humidifies the air we breathe and helps protect the airways from allergens, pollutants, and pathogens.</li> <li>Sit straight, stand tall and breathe with the diaphragm – Our lungs are soft structures, so making room for them to expand and contract as we breathe is incredibly important. Breathing patterns become abnormal with excessive use of the upper rib cage, which leads to insufficient use of the diaphragm while breathing.</li> <li>Invest in a WellO2 – Breathing exercise devices, such as WellO2 are beneficial not only for those experiencing ongoing respiratory concerns, but for individuals looking to engage in conscious breathing for everyday general wellness.</li> </ol> Hear from some of our very happy customers, WellO2 really can change lives! “I have been using the Well02 for just over two weeks now and I’m starting to see a real improvement with my Asthma, which is always at its worst in Spring. For the first week, I used the breathing device for 5 minutes in the morning then 5 mins at night. I must say, it was a very strange feeling when I first started using the device and I did notice that it would make me cough, which I understand is normal. Due to the coughing, I did take a few free breaths between each inhalation which helped. By the second week I was using the device 10 minutes x 2 a day. I am no longer coughing and have adapted very well. I found the set up of the device very easy but I did watch the YouTube video to make sure I was doing it correctly. I am pleased to say, since using the device, my use of ventolin has decreased. This alone is a huge advantage. I have also noticed I’m not as “puffed” out as I usually am on my nightly walks. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued benefits.” – Melissa H, NSW “I suffer from asthma and chronic bronchitis resulting in difficulty breathing and regularly coughing up thick mucus. The mucus is hard to cough up at times and makes it hard to breathe so I was expecting big things on my first use. It was much gentler than I imagined and although I felt slightly dizzy using it I did cough up a bit of mucus, my initial thoughts were I wanted it hotter and harder but I felt a bit more free in my chest after the first few days. After the first week I was really feeling it under my lower ribs like “real” exercise. I’m not sure if I am doing it too hard as sometimes it makes a whistling noise and I can’t find anywhere in the instructions or online if this is a good or bad thing. I’ve now upped it to level 2 and things are going well – this level seems better suited to me for some reason although I did miss a few days which resulted in an itchy throat feeling like I was getting a cold. The one thing I find difficult is finding the time to fill it, clean it and use it. I would prefer it just sat in the room and I could breathe it in as it did the work and I could do other things without having to hold it. I do love how small it is though – you can just store it away out of sight. Overall I highly recommend it as I’ve had some relief from my chronic symptoms – my chest and nose feel clearer, and breathing easier. I’m also not as affected by pollution and smokers as I was before.” – Rachel K “I am into my third week of using Wello2. My Asthma is Bronchial and generally comes on with the dampness or cold weather (particularly night air). Given my location in Qld, there are not too many very cold nights at this time of the year (October) although the humidity can also play a part at times, it isn’t too late. I have found the Well02 to be more beneficial to me now at night prior to going to bed, I think it helps open the airways and helps me relax a little more going to sleep. I did get up one night with a breathing problem and used the Wello2 at 3am to assist with breathing and I did find the steam did help and also helped me relax to return to sleep., I also find dismantling the parts for cleaning is much easier now than it was in the beginning, they were very stiff to move initially. I would certainly say that the device has been useful to me during the period I have been using it.” – Glenys Davison. <img style="width: 500px; height:324.67532467532465px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842665/rd_3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/59a1c231b898475495bade4760bcb51e" /> For a limited time, we are offering a discount of A$100 to Over60 readers for the WellO2 steam breathing device (normally RRP A$399) or the Travel Pack (normally A$450). We offer a 60-day money back guarantee and ongoing support for your breathing journey with our Breathing Club. Simply enter code ‘Over60’ at checkout. If you would like any further information on WellO2, simply head to our website <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">www.wello2.com.au</a> or contact us at hello@wello2.com.au <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7-JL_06cL0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://wello2.com.au/" target="_blank">Well02</a>.

Body

‘Breathing’ mountains could help us understand earthquake risks

As the Earth’s surface shifts over time, oceans have opened and closed while new mountains climb towards the sky. But mountains can also sink back to Earth, usually due to stress caused by the same collisions of tectonic plates that triggers earthquakes. These events happen in cycles, and you could imagine it like the chest of a rocky giant breathing unevenly, explains Luca Dal Zilio, a geophysicist at the California Institute of Technology. The best example of this phenomenon? The 2,200 kilometres of peaks that make up the Himalaya. By understanding the complex forces driving this cycle, the local risk of earthquakes that threaten millions of people living nearby can be more well-understood. Since similar geological ‘breaths’ have been documented worldwide, the review Dal Zilio and colleagues recently <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-021-00143-1">published in Nature Reviews</a> could be the key to understanding the processes behind many of Earth’s mountain ranges - and the risks they might pose. Compiling more than 200 studies of Himalayan geology, the paper looks to lay out the intricate mechanisms behind this ‘breathing’. The lengthy expanse and geologic complexity of the Himalaya make it a terrific natural laboratory, says study co-author Judith Hubbard, a structural geologist at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Inhaling and exhaling over time The Himalaya formed from a tectonic pileup about 50 million years ago, when the Indian continental plate crashed into the Eurasian plate. To this day, India continues moving northward by almost two inches every year. However, the land doesn’t slide under Eurasia, instead causing the Eurasian plate to bulge and bunch and drive the mountains slightly higher in a long inhale. Eventually, this pressure will hit a breaking point, where the land masses will shift in an earthquake in a geologic exhale, or cough. A deadly example of this exhalation came in 2015, when a 7.8-magniture earthquake caused a part of the Himalaya to sink by almost 600 centimetres. Different parts of a mountain range can exhale at different intensities. While some cough violently, others might experience a series of hiccoughs. They might not exhale the exact same way each time either. “Even the same patch can have different behaviours at different times,” says Rebecca Bendick, a geophysicist at the University of Montana. “And pretty much nobody has the foggiest clue why.” Putting the pieces together To understand how this process works, scientists have to piece together mountain-building processes that happen on varying scales of time - from slow moving tectonic plates to near-instantaneous shifts of earthquakes. Since these phenomena are measured differently, looking at the shape of the fracture between the two plates can help scientists bridge the gap. In the Himalaya, the fault spanning 2200 kilometres has several kinks and bends remaining from the original collision that formed the range. These features have continued to slowly evolve and can influence how an earthquake progresses today. In the recent review, Hubbard found a paper suggesting that structures surrounding the fault - such as bends beneath the surface - limited the magnitude of the 2015 quake. Dal Zilio says that other structures that might be present across the rest of the range could similarly limit how far a quake might spread. “The ultimate goal is to know what kinds of earthquakes we can expect and what kinds of damage they will produce,” Hubbard says. “If we’re trying to learn about that exhale or cough process but the earth isn’t exhaling or coughing, it’s really hard to learn about it.” To fill in the gaps, some researchers are looking at the scars left from past earthquakes. But there are many challenges that present major obstacles, especially when the terrain is too difficult to measure using current technology. Shifting forward As the cycle of inhalation and exhalation continues, the system will also change and make understanding it even more difficult. Some of the accumulated stress from every inhale will permanently deform the rock, even after the next exhale, as the release of all of the stress would mean that no mountain would still be standing, Hubbard notes. As India continues to inch closer under Eurasia, other landscape features will also change. Bendick says, “at some point, Nepal will cease to exist”, as the Indian plate’s movement over the next tens of thousands of years will cause the southern border to move ever northward and slowly squeeze Nepal. “At that very long time scale, nothing is fixed,” she says. “‘Set in stone’ is not the right phrase.”

International Travel

"She's not breathing": Family dog kills baby on New Year's Eve

A baby has passed away after it was reported the family dog was lying on top of her. Four-month-old Raelynn Larrison was found dead with the animal lying on her on New Year's Eve in the US. Police revealed that emergency dispatchers were contacted by a man at around 7 pm on Thursday in Montgomery County, Ohio. Dayton Daily News reported that he woke up to find the animal on top of the baby, who was not breathing and unconscious. “She’s not breathing. My baby ain’t breathing,” a man told the dispatcher, according to the outlet. Raelynn was quickly rushed to the local children's hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police are currently investigating the cause of death with an autopsy to take place. A <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/raelynns-fuberal" target="_blank">GoFundMe page</a> has been established in the wake of the child’s death to raise money for her funeral.

Family & Pets

"I can barely breathe": Lisa Curry's heartbreak as daughter Jaimi dies

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Lisa Curry and her ex-husband Grant Kenny have had to say goodbye to their eldest child Jaimi Lee Curry Kenny, 33. The family have confirmed that she passed away following a private battle with a long-term illness, and the family have chosen not to disclose the nature of her illness. Lisa has broken her silence and paid tribute to her "beautiful daughter" in a powerful Instagram post. "Our hearts are completely broken. 💔So loved. So beautiful. So kind to everyone.... So painful. I can barely breathe," the 58-year-old wrote. "Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself. Her love of flowers, cooking, art, decorating, photography, babies, the beach, and helping others will always be remembered." "Our hearts are broken and the pain is unbearable but we cherish every wonderful moment we got to share with our treasured and so loved first child." "We thank all the paramedics, support staff and the incredible team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for their tireless commitment to give us the extra time we were able to spend with Jaimi," the mother-of-three said. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIXFVNjSpc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIXFVNjSpc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lisa Curry AO (@lisacurry)</a> on Sep 14, 2020 at 1:38pm PDT </div> </blockquote> "It goes without saying that this is a very difficult time for our family and all who knew and loved Jaimi so very much." "Rest in peace my beautiful baby. I will miss you every sunrise, I will miss you when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I will miss you when the clouds are dark and stormy and when the rainbow appears. I will miss you when I close my eyes. I will miss you when I open my eyes. I will miss our long hugs and long chats. I will miss watching, feeling and knowing your love for your sister and brother, your little nephew, Cleo, your Ma and dad😞." The heartbreaking message was finished with disbelief that Jaimi was gone. "I just can't believe you're not here anymore. I sit and just shake my head. It doesn't seem real or right. You will forever be with me in my heart Jaimi. I love you so much. 🌸👼💕." Her father Grant Kenny also released a statement, thanking the "incredible team" at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. "Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself," Mr Kenny wrote in the statement. "Our hearts are broken and the pain is immense but we must move forward cherishing every wonderful moment we got to share with our treasured first child. "We thank the incredible team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for their tireless commitment to making her better and giving us as the extra time we were able to spend with her." He has asked for privacy for himself and his family during this time. "It goes without saying that this is a very difficult time for family and friends and we trust we will all be allowed to grieve in privacy," he said. </div> </div> </div>

News

"I can't breathe!": Dramatic tower arrest of man delivering food to Melbourne towers

A man working with a youth charity was arrested outside a locked-down public housing tower in Flemington, Melbourne just before 10 pm on Tuesday night. The man was trying to deliver food to residents and dramatic footage of the arrest shows police swarming the man. He yells "I can't breathe". Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association Youth Connect arrived just after 9 pm with groceries for residents. Volunteers claim that they waited around for about half an hour before deliveries were able to begin and the fight broke out shortly after. Counsellor Tigist Kebede filmed the incident and is heard yelling for the man to be let go as he scuffles with the police. “Please, please don’t choke him, please … he’s just trying to deliver food,” she says. Moments later, three officers appear to tackle him to the ground. At one point in the clip, Tigist approaches the man to check on him. “I’m good,” he says. “These guys are sick bro, I didn’t touch him … why? How?” A Victoria Police spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire said that there were two men involved in the fight on Tuesday night after an unknown man allegedly became verbally aggressive towards police about 9:50 pm. “The unknown man ran off from the scene, while the other man, a 28-year-old from Altona North who was refusing the direction of police, was arrested,” she said. “The Altona North man has been released pending further inquiries with police still to follow up the identity of the unknown man.” Tigist shared the footage to her social media pages, telling followers it was the "scariest thing I've ever seen". “I was so afraid this was going to be another viral black death,” she wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “We were lucky. That’s it.” Tigist said it was only by luck that the man did not die during the argument. “We shouldn’t have to rely on luck,” she said. “What happens when we’re not so fortunate? Does someone die? Does someone get injured? “Why are we exposed to violence and trauma for providing an essential service we were approved to do?” Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/i-cant-breathe-dramatic-tower-arrest-of-man-delivering-food-to-residents-in-lockdown/news-story/d7bccb2b56a7097c0df33a386b7df7a5" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">The Coloured Therapist</a>

News

“I just can’t breathe”: Smoke chokes tennis stars as they slam decision to play Australian Open qualifiers

The tennis world has slammed Australian Open organisers after they chose to proceed with qualifying matches on Tuesday despite Melbourne being covered in hazardous smoke. Due to poor air quality because of bushfires, qualifying matches were forced to be delayed yesterday morning but were later on given the green light to go ahead. But the dangerous conditions affected the players, who came together to condemn the decision to let play unfold. Aussie Bernard Tomic lost in the first round of qualifying for the year’s first grand slam, which begins on Monday, and required medical attention as he struggled to breathe. The former world No. 17 was defeated by American Denis Kudla in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 at Melbourne Park where he slowly lost control after a promising start. Tomic asked to see a doctor at 1-2 in the second set, and said he was having difficulty breathing. The doctor gave him an inhaler and checked his chest with a stethoscope, before allowing him to resume. “I just can’t breathe,” he said. He wasn’t the only one who had difficulty, as Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic fell to the ground on court due to a coughing fit. She was forced to retire from the match which had gone for close to two hours. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Davila Jakupovic retires after suffering a horrendous coughing fit and breathing difficulties in the heavy, polluted air in Melbourne. Awful scenes <a href="https://t.co/EPQUlf9DpF">pic.twitter.com/EPQUlf9DpF</a> — Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonrbriggs/status/1216926145507033093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 January 2020</a></blockquote> Jakupovic criticised Australian Open officials, saying the conditions weren’t safe for matches to go ahead. She told CNN players were “p***ed and disappointed because we thought they would take better care of us”. “I think it was not fair because it’s not healthy for us,” she told reporters. “I was surprised. I thought we would not be playing today but we really don’t have much choice. “If they don’t put us on the court, maybe we get fined – I don’t know. “It would be maybe better to see if tomorrow is better. They still have time. “It was really bad. I never experienced something like this and I was really scared. I was scared that I would collapse. That’s why I went on the floor. Because I couldn’t walk anymore. When I was on the ground it was easier to get some air.” The Slovenian then made an appearance on Channel 9’s Today show and further reinstated that she had never faced conditions like that before. “I have no asthma or breathing problems. I never experienced something like this,” she said. “I mean, it was really scary. I couldn’t breathe. “I didn’t know what to do … I was really scared, I have to say. “I understand no one from us had these kind of conditions before. We’re used to pollution, like we play in China and play in more polluted countries. Smoke is something different. For sure we’re not used to it. “Citizens and everyone were advised to stay inside. We didn’t expect we’d be playing yesterday. “It was a bit shocking.”

Travel Trouble

Walking nightmare: Invasive fish that moves and breathes on land

US wildlife officials have warned the public to kill an invasive fish species that can survive on land upon contact. The warning came after an angler caught the northern snakehead fish this month in a pond in Gwinnett County, the first time the species was found in Georgia waters. “Thanks to the quick report by an angler, our staff was able to investigate and confirm the presence of this species in this water body,” said Matt Thomas, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division. “We are now taking steps to determine if they have spread from this water body and, hopefully, keep it from spreading to other Georgia waters.” Snakeheads are native to Asia. They are long, thin, have a dark brown blotchy appearance and can grow up to a metre in length. They can also breathe air and survive and move on land for <a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/snakehead-fish-survive-on-land/">a few days</a>. The fish is considered invasive in the state as it affects native species by competing for food and habitat. Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources urged fishers and anglers who catch snakeheads in the area to kill it immediately, take pictures of the fish and make note of the location they were caught in, such as the waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates. In some Australian states snakeheads are categorised as <a href="https://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Sustainability-and-Environment/Aquatic-Biosecurity/Translocations-Moving-Live-Fish/Pages/Noxious-Banned-Fish.aspx">noxious</a> fish, which <a href="https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/aquatics/aquatic_pests/search_aquatic_pest_species/snakehead">threatens the natural environment</a> and the <a href="https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1398842/ipa-prohibited-restricted-fish-fact-sheet.pdf">biodiversity and abundance of native species</a>.

Travel Trouble

"I couldn't breathe or talk": Natalie Bassingthwaighte opens up on her breakdown

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has opened up about the six-week breakdown she suffered last year and her road to recovery. In a new interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/why-natalie-bassingthwaighte-is-grateful-for-her-breakdown/news-story/87306c5bbb7dcae09b459c7d2291edc5" target="_blank">Stellar Magazine</a>, the actor and singer revealed her epiphany began when she woke up feeling “frozen” in March last year. “I couldn’t breathe or talk,” Bassingthwaighte revealed. The night before, she was speaking to a colleague about their “full-on” work schedules. “We started talking about our kids and she said, ‘My son hates me; I’m always working’. Even though it may have been said in jest, it really hit me,” Bassingthwaighte recalled. “The next morning, I couldn’t breathe. It was terrifying. I was curled up in a ball. That lasted six weeks.” Bassingthwaighte said her breakdown could partially be explained by the precarious nature of her chosen career. Since her breakthrough in 1998 as a cast member of the musical Rent, Bassingthwaighte has continued to explore various paths in the entertainment industry, including acting (Neighbours, The Wrong Girl, Underbelly), music (dance band Rogue Traders) and talent show roles (So You Think You Can Dance Australia, The X Factor). In 2017, she agreed to appear on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! after a long deliberation. At first, she asked casting agents if it would ruin her career: “I thought I might not be taken seriously again.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP14y6ShaTV/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP14y6ShaTV/" target="_blank">A post shared by Natalie bassingthwaighte (@natbassingthwaighte)</a> on Jan 29, 2017 at 12:43am PST </div> </blockquote> She added, “Financially, it had been quiet… In this industry people don’t talk about that enough. I know one high-profile actor who told me he’d been living in his car. Sometimes you only work three months a year, but the perception is you’re rolling in it. “There’s a lot of fear in this industry. There’s always this façade, but everyone feels crap about themselves sometimes. I don’t even think of myself as a celebrity; I’m a person who works in an industry I sometimes love and sometimes hate. I didn’t only do the show for money, but... you have to pay your bills.” She was also affected by a four-year long grief that she buried following the death of her friend and longtime agent Mark Byrne, who passed away from a heart attack in 2014 at the age of 45, as well as another close friend who died by suicide. “After Mark passed, I was always searching: ‘Who am I? What am I good at? What am I supposed to be doing?’ Not having that person to speak to five times a day has been challenging. I was so lost.” In an interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.marieclaire.com.au/natalie-bassingthwaighte-grief-breakdown" target="_blank">Marie Claire</a> earlier in February, Bassingthwaighte described her breakdown as “a very scary and emotional time”. She said, “I didn’t want to see anybody. I took myself off social media and closed down my email. I was broken.” The mother-of-two – daughter Harper, 8, and son, Hendrix, 6 – said she had her “defining moment” when she received an advance copy of a magazine, of which she was on the cover. At that point, she had spent almost six weeks “curled up, crying” and was booked in at an event to deliver a speech. She cried after seeing the cover that she shot three months prior to the breakdown. “I was so joyous and happy on the cover, and now I had tears running down my face,” she admitted. “That was a defining moment for me. So, that’s how I started my speech. I said that we all think life is perfect, and it’s not.” From then, she began building a routine to help her cope, including reiki, acupuncture, counselling, kinesiology and antidepressant medication. “The truth is, I was taking a very small dose of antidepressants and had done for a long time – around 20 years. Every time I tried to come off them, it didn’t work. I would get really panicky,” she said. “I slowly built myself back up. I went back on medication, just a tiny bit, but it’s the thing that worked.” The 43-year-old, who is married to the Rogue Traders' drummer, Cameron McGlinchley, also started dealing with her grief. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx_zYFyHRcs/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx_zYFyHRcs/" target="_blank">A post shared by Natalie bassingthwaighte (@natbassingthwaighte)</a> on May 27, 2019 at 11:55pm PDT </div> </blockquote> “I hadn’t processed it, I didn’t deal with it. So in a crazy way, I’m grateful [the breakdown] happened because I’m in the best place I’ve ever been. I’m more grounded. I feel more together. My priorities are in the right order. I feel like this evolution has happened in me.” She also incorporated pilates, yoga and mediation into her schedule. “I meditate every day,” she said. “It’s changed my life. I’m inspired. I’m a much better mum.” If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites" target="_blank">beyondblue.org.au</a>.

Mind

How to breathe better

Buteyko breathing dates back to the 1950’s when Konstantin Buteyko, a Russian doctor, developed a breathing technique that helped a variety of health conditions. The premise of the technique is that many conditions are the result of ‘over breathing’. So, how do you know if you are over breathing? If you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, you are over breathing: <ul> <li>Breathing through the mouth</li> <li>Sigh regularly</li> <li>Snoring</li> <li>Wheezing</li> <li>Coughing</li> <li>Yawning</li> <li>Sniffing</li> <li>Holding of breath (apnoea) during day, or sleep apnoea</li> <li>Taking large breaths prior to talking</li> <li>Heavy breathing at night</li> <li>Tight shoulders and neck muscles</li> </ul> Completely at odds to the popular view that taking big deep breaths of air is ‘good’ breathing, the Buteyko way is to minimise intake, reducing and calming the breath towards normal. Not so different to ancient yogic pranayama or Hatha yoga breathing whereby man could breathe one breath per minute for the duration of one hour. Buteyko believed that we need to increase carbon dioxide levels in the body. Carbon dioxide is often thought of as a ‘waste’ gas, but carbon dioxide is vital to life. While it is true that we breathe to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, it is also important that we retain a quotient of this gas. Depending on our genetic predisposition, the habit of breathing too much causes a reduced concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, resulting in narrowing of the airways and blood vessels. Conversely, a slight rise in carbon dioxide towards normal has several beneficial effects in the body including; relaxing smooth muscle, increasing oxygenation, switching on the relaxing nervous system, and increasing the body’s production of nitric oxide. Smooth move Smooth muscle surrounds and lines all hollow structures in the body, including the airways, blood vessels, bowel, bladder and uterus. A slight increase in carbon dioxide serves to relax smooth muscle. In the case of smooth muscle lining the blood vessels, this will dilate or widen the arteries, improving circulation and helping lower blood pressure, and the effect on the blood vessels in the head will reduce the incidence of headaches. For the respiratory system, relaxation of the bronchi and smaller airways, bronchioles, will improve airflow and markedly reduce airway spasms associated with asthma. In the case of the bowel wall, relaxed smooth muscle means relief from symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and reflux. A study on people with asthma, reported in the Medical Journal of Australia showed that after three months people practising the Buteyko technique had decreased their requirement for reliever medication by 90 per cent and the use of inhaled corticosteroids by 49 per cent. Buteyko breathing can have remarkable effects on a variety of conditions as well as helping to prevent a host of others. Oxygen increase It seems counterintuitive that higher carbon dioxide levels will increase oxygenation in the body. Yet it’s true. In fact, the Danish professor of physiology Christian Bohr sussed out how this works in 1904, and the Bohr effect has been named in his honour. As air is inhaled into the lungs, oxygen crosses over the alveolar membrane. Oxygen travels around by ‘sticking’ to haemoglobin molecules, themselves attached to red blood cells. An increase in carbon dioxide ‘tells’ haemoglobin to let go of the oxygen molecules, encouraging the precious oxygen cargo to be delivered to the organs and tissues where it is most needed. The Bohr effect proves that a slight increase in carbon dioxide levels increase oxygenation throughout the body, oxygen needed for muscles to work, energy to be produced, and the brain to function at optimum efficiency. Rest and relax The Autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) fuelled by adrenaline and known as the ‘fight and flight’ response, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which has the opposite effect and has been coined the ‘rest and digest’ response. Most people today have an overabundance of ‘fight and fight’ hormone due to the many stresses of modern life. Increasing carbon dioxide levels helps to dampen down the SNS response and switches on the PNS. Which makes Buteyko breathing perfect for anyone who feels stressed and anxious. In the ‘old days’ a person experiencing a panic attack was advised to breathe into a paper bag. What did this do? Increase carbon dioxide levels, switch on the PNS, and switch off the SNS. Breathing boot camp All breathing exercises taught in Buteyko Breathing have one goal - to decrease breathing volume towards normal, thereby increasing carbon dioxide levels towards normal. As seen previously, reduced breathing volume does not decrease oxygen levels; in fact, it’s the reverse. Individuals who breathe heavily, with noticeable breathing during rest, or who mouth breathe or sigh regularly are usually more tired, stressed and are not as healthy as their nasal and quiet breathing peers. The best results are by enrolling in a course. Find our more here. However, following are two simple suggestions that will help restore better breathing habits and reduce symptoms of over breathing. Always breath through your nose You were given a nose for a very good reason. To breathe. Mouth breathing is the biggest cause of over breathing and is also unattractive. Written by Mim Biem. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/wellbeing/breathing-for-better-health.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Caring

Say goodbye to bad breath

If you suffer from bad breath, there are simple things you can do in addition to regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Don’t forget to brush the top of your tongue with your toothbrush, too, to get rid of food particles and bacteria. 1. Drink plenty of water Coffee, beer, wine and whisky leave residues that infiltrate the digestive system, so that for some time afterwards each breath expels traces of them. 2. Cloves, fennel and anise seeds These are effective breath fresheners. Mix together a small amount of each and carry a small bag of them so you can chew some after meals – if you don’t mind the rather strong taste. 3. Avoid highly spiced foods Foods such as garlic, onions, chillies, salami, strong cheeses and smoked foods recirculate through essential oils left in your mouth. 4. Chew a few sprigs of Mint or parsley The chlorophyll in these green plants neutralises odours. 5. Try gargling lavender Lavender is an effective mouth-freshener. Put a few drops of lavender essential oil in warm water and gargle. 6. Try a sea salt rinse Rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water after flossing. Salt’s mild antiseptic properties help to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath. 7. Brush with tea-tree oil Use a toothpaste that contains tea-tree oil, a natural disinfectant. If you can’t find it in the pharmacy, look for it in health-food shops. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/tips/Say-Goodbye-to-Bad-Breath">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

“I can’t breathe”: Serena Williams forced to retire after terrifying health scare

Serena Williams has been forced to retire from her third-round match at Indian Wells Masters after a frightening health scare that left her with “extreme dizziness". The 23-time Grand Slam Champion won the first three games of her highly anticipated clash with Garbine Muguruza in the California desert. She took the court for the second set, but soon complained of feeling ill as the match continued. She lost the next six games and decided to call it a day when she was trailing 3-6 0-1. Tournament organisers took to Twitter to explain the 37-year-old was suffering from a “viral illness". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Feel better soon! Serena Williams' third round retirement was due to viral illness.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/mpBNT0snHu">pic.twitter.com/mpBNT0snHu</a> — BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1104886929403785216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> “I’ve never seen her like that,” one commentator said. “It’s so, so rare that she ever retires from a tennis match.” The tournament was the sixth time Williams and Muguruza came face-to-face on court. The last two clashes were grand slam finals which saw Williams winning at Wimbledon in 2015 and Muguruza taking home the 2016 French Open crown. "We've played many times and it's always super-tough, super-exciting," said Muguruza, who is a former world number one like Williams. "I wish I'm going to see her soon and [she's] feeling better." Williams explained in a statement, “Before the match, I did not feel great, and then it just got worse with every second; extreme dizziness and extreme fatigue. “By the score, it might have looked like I started well, but I was not feeling at all well physically. “I will focus on getting better and start preparing for Miami.”

Body

Do you breathe through your mouth? It could be seriously affecting your health

If you breathe through your mouth, then chances are your health could be at risk. Sydney-based dentist, Dr Lewis Ehrlich, believes in the holistic approach when treating patients, one that focuses on the link between oral health and their overall well-being. He is also responsible for informing people of the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/dentist-reveals-the-scary-impact-of-one-gin-and-tonic" target="_blank">dangers gin and tonic have on teeth enamel.</a> While it is known that breathing through the mouth can cause damage to teeth enamel and be responsible for tooth decay, the habit can also make you sick. According to Dr Ehrlich, breathing through the mouth causes an influx of bacteria and toxins to enter your body that your nose would usually filter out. “Nose breathing gives us the best possible chance of dealing with this challenge because within the nasal passages there are many filtration mechanisms at play,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health-advice/why-breathing-through-your-mouth-can-make-you-seriously-sick/news-story/66b84012a0eb46e01dd0aed3c2c64a69" target="_blank">Body + Soul</a>. The nasal filtration system is a mechanism that is made up of fine hairs inside the nostril, the adenoids, turbinates (which regulate the airflow in nasal passages) and mucous membranes of the sinuses. Dr Ehrlich says that breathing through the nose instead of the mouth helps “warm, filtrate and humidify” the air. According to him, this will minimise several health risks, such as breathing problems, allergies, hay fever, enlarged tonsils and other chronic respiratory issues. He also emphasises how breathing from the mouth can have a negative effect on the body overall. And breathing from the nose allows for a balanced flow of both oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) and prevents people from over breathing. “When we 'over-breathe', CO2 levels decrease, and it makes it difficult for oxygen to be released from the bloodstream into our tissues for use,” he said. Plus, there are also many psychological benefits of breathing through the nose. Dr Ehrlich says research has proven that feelings of stress and anxiety can be regulated with the use of deep nasal breathing techniques. “This is the basis of many meditation practices, and has been established by numerous studies,” he said. If you struggle with breathing through the nose, elevating your head while you sleep and sleeping on your side or stomach is known to help. Also, removing any allergens present in the house and maintaining a good posture are great ways to get into the habit of breathing through the nose. Do you breathe from your mouth or nose? Let us know in the comments below.

Caring

Police officers in this state faked 258,000 breath tests over five years

An internal report has discovered Victorian police officers faked more than 250,000 random preliminary roadside breath tests (PBTs) over five years. The report found more than 1.5 per cent of 17.7 million tests were falsified by officers. It is believed officers blew into the straw breathalysers themselves to meet quotas or to avoid breath testing motorists. Victoria Police issued a statement on Wednesday night saying they had “let the community down”. The statement admitted the practice involves “an officer either (placing) a finger over the straw entry hole or (blowing) into the straw themselves”. “It is believed the self-testing activity has been largely undertaken by general duties and highway patrol members, with some rural areas over-represented,” the statement said. “It is not a practice found to be performed at supervised drug and alcohol bus testing sites.” The activity was first reported to Victoria Police late last year and an intelligence assessment was ordered assessing five years of data, 1500 PBT devices and more than 17.7 million tests. “Disappointingly (the tests) found 258,463 PBTs or 1.5 per cent of all tests had been falsified,” Professional Standards Command Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said. “This conduct will not be tolerated, any member found engaging in this practice from today has been put on notice they will be investigated. “I had not heard of our members engaging in such a practice, we let ourselves down, we’ve let the community down. It stops now.” Victoria Police will appoint an external investigator to find “the root causes of the behaviour”, “underlying cultural and behavioural issues” and “supervision and management practices that resulted in the behaviour continuing to go unchecked”. “The question we all asked was ‘why?’ There could be a number of reasons but the main rationale I believe is to hide or highlight productivity,” AC Barrett said. “Whatever reason our workforce may come up with, it isn’t acceptable. “As disappointing as this is, it should be noted that, at this stage in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest fraud or any criminality has occurred. Similarly, there is nothing to suggest that any of this activity has impacted on any prosecutions.” Police are looking to see how to future-proof testing devices. “In moving forward we are looking into a number of options for improving and increasing our internal controls and accountability in regard to our testing regime,” AC Barrett said. “We are considering the feasibility of regular audits, the ability for the PBT to include the detail of the operator and quality assurance measures.”

Legal

5 things you didn’t know could cause bad breath

If you’re worried that you have bad breath, or you’ve had the awkward chat where a friend informs you of the fact, it’s fairly mortifying. Nobody wants to be the person that people avoid chatting to, or worse, avoid altogether. Bad breath should not be ignored, and in fact can be a sign of (curable) disease. So be sure to visit the doctor or dentist if you have concerns that any of these factors could be causing your bad breath. 1. You might need to see the dentist Naturally it is expected that you are brushing and flossing regularly, but you still need regular teeth cleaning at the dentist too. They use tools that can between the teeth, where food particles and plaque can hide. These can cause bad breath and you might just find that a simple clean is all you needed to get rid of it. The dentist can also double check that you don’t have any infections or gum disease that could also cause breath issues. 2. You could have tonsillitis Bad breath is often a sign that something is wrong in your mouth or throat – quite often it’s tonsillitis. A quick visit to the doctor will tell you if this is the problem, and you’ll most likely have a sore throat to go with it. This can also occur when you are just recovering from illness. 3. You suffer from dry mouth There are lots of causes of dry mouth, specifically conditions like sleep apnoea or being overweight, and different types of medication. The dryness is caused by a lack of saliva, which is needed to wash away dead cells in the mouth and food particles, which can cause bad breath. 4. You might be eating too much sugar Too much sugar can cause the bacteria in our mouth to grow and multiply. Try to reduce how much sugar you eat as part of a healthy diet anyway, but if you absolutely need some soft drink or gum, ensure it is sugar free. 5. You could be drinking too much alcohol Bad breath can also be a sign of damage to the stomach and digestive system, mouth or oesophagus, which is a common concern for people that drink to excess. Alcohol affects the body in many ways, and if your consumption is causing health issues it is worth addressing sooner rather than later. Have you ever had bad breath for one of these reasons? Did it go away when you treated the cause?

Beauty & Style

"Dead" baby found breathing on way to funeral

Two new parents have been on an emotional roller coaster after they were told both their newborn twins had died – only to discover one of them in fact survived. The boy was pronounced dead mere hours after his stillborn twin sister in New Delhi, India on November 30. Incredibly, while on their way to the crematorium, the parents noticed “some movement” inside one of the bags containing their babies’ bodies. “When we opened the bag, we found the boy breathing,” the baby’s grandfather, Praveen Malik, told <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/02/asia/india-newborn-declared-dead/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>. “I was shocked. I couldn’t believe my eyes.” They rushed the newborn to the closest hospital where they were told their son was still alive. Doctors at Max Hospital, which delivered the twins, claimed in a statement that the child was “handed over without any sign of life” to the parents. As a result of the devastating mix-up, however, the hospital has fired two doctors involved – though they say this is not to be interpreted as an admission of guilt. “We wish to clarify that this action should not presuppose finding of any lapse by the expert group and should not be construed in any way to be anything other than an expression of our continued commitment to providing quality healthcare.” The baby boy is reportedly in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Delhi New Born Centre. “He is on ventilator support, nutrition support and other supports,” the centre’s Dr Sandeep Gupta said. “We are managing to maintain his vitals at the moment but the condition is very serious.” The family remains uncertain as to whether or not their boy will survive, but say they will not be taking him back to Max Hospital for treatment. “We don’t want to keep our baby at Max Hospital," Malik said. “We don’t trust the doctors there. They betrayed us.”

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How to breathe better

Say goodbye to bad breath

“I can’t breathe”: Serena Williams forced to retire after terrifying health scare

Do you breathe through your mouth? It could be seriously affecting your health

Police officers in this state faked 258,000 breath tests over five years

5 things you didn’t know could cause bad breath

"Dead" baby found breathing on way to funeral

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