At some point most of us wonder why we are here, about the overall purpose of our lives and the relevance of our existence. These philosophical and existential ponderings are part of being human. There are no easy answers, but Viktor Frankl’s views about Ultimate Meaning provide a framework that may help guide us to the answers.

Today we have a better understanding of the importance of protein-rich foods on cognitive function. While quality protein and amino acids are crucial during pregnancy and child’s development, they are also important for healthy ageing and brain health. That is why elderly adults over the age of 65 should increase their protein intake to prevent or at least delay cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease.

Short naps have shown to increase the ability to store and recall information, and improve vigour, alertness and cognitive performance. Current studies also suggest that brief daytime napping might have a positive effect on anxiety and depression.

Fat loss requires more than just dieting or doing heavy cardio sessions. Ideally, we should increase our everyday movement, while keeping our cortisol levels low, and also do resistance training to increase lean muscle mass.

Power naps are frequently recommended as a way to improve cognition, focus and reduce tiredness. But what are the physiological effects on the body, and why can longer nap times leave us more groggy and tired than before?

Healing is a process and is often more than skin deep. Many times we can only start to heal once we have gone through far more than we initially thought we could. It is in that darkness that we can distinguish the faint light that leads us forward, and becomes our guide to the new chapter in our lives.

During prenatal development, amino acids are vital for proper growth and formation of the fetus, and contribute to the development of organs, muscles, and the nervous system. They also have a direct impact on other compound molecules such as nitric oxide that supports placental growth and enhances maternal-fetal blood flow, ensuring adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Many of us have at least one older family member or a neighbour who has experienced a serious fall. With falls being a major health risk affecting the quality of life and leading to accidental deaths in the aged population, we should inform ourselves how to prevent them through different exercises and strategies.

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for enhancing brain structure and function. It promotes the release of neurotrophic factors that support neuron survival and the growth of new synapses, improving brain functions and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders globally, and they are on the rise. For us to fully understand anxiety, we also need to better understand specific disorders that can cause anxiety, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

As women get older and enter menopause, certain health factors and lifestyle can impact their weight and their ability to shed the extra kilograms. Since during menopause many metabolic factors are out of balance, sleep, activity, gastrointestinal health, metabolic syndrome and hormonal imbalance play a significant part in maintaining healthy weight levels.

Depression can sneak into our lives and can cause a gradual downshift in many areas that we take for granted. It can slowly sap our energy levels and affect the quality and duration of our sleep, and as it progresses, it can also cause gastrointestinal issues and loss of will and interest.