book reviews
Book reviews for scholastic growth; read material from the world's top educators with our collection of novels, memoirs, biographies, philosophical texts and textbooks.
Looking back with grandeur: Oasis kick off reunion tour in Cardiff with triumphant, nostalgic gig
Swaggering, cocksure and incredibly loud, Oasis burst back on to the live music scene on Friday night with an accomplished – if ever so slightly distanced – debut gig on their reunion world tour.
By SHYAKA MARSabout a year ago in Education
Text therapy: study finds couples who use emojis in text messages feel closer
Using emojis in text messages enhances connection and fun in close personal relationships, US study finds The secret to a good relationship may be staring smartphone users in the face.
By SHYAKA MARSabout a year ago in Education
Rising Heart Attacks in Young Men: What’s Really Going On?. AI-Generated.
Rising Heart Attacks in Young Men: A Silent Alarm It’s the kind of thing that used to be rare—something you’d hear about happening to someone’s uncle in his 60s or 70s. But today, the story is different. Young men in their 20s and 30s are being rushed to emergency rooms with symptoms of heart attacks. And it’s not just a few isolated cases. It’s becoming a worrying trend all over the world. I still remember when a close friend of mine—just 29—collapsed during a morning jog. Fit, full of life, and with no major health history. That moment changed everything for him… and honestly, for all of us who knew him. It forced us to ask a serious question: how can someone so young have a heart attack? The Shift We Can’t Ignore Heart disease has always been among the top causes of death globally. But for decades, the focus was mostly on older people. Now, that narrative is changing. Health data from multiple countries show a sharp rise in heart attacks among young adults, particularly men. Hospitals are reporting more emergency cases involving men between 25 and 40 years old. In some cases, these men had no family history, no obvious signs of illness, and no reason to expect something so serious. That’s what makes this trend even more alarming. But there’s no mystery here. This rise is being fueled by real-life issues—many of them connected to the way we live today. What’s Causing Heart Attacks in Young Men? Let’s break down the main causes behind this growing health crisis. Some may surprise you, while others might feel uncomfortably familiar. 1. Chronic Stress and Mental Pressure Modern life is stressful—especially for young men. There’s constant pressure to “succeed,” to earn more, to look strong, to act like everything’s fine. Social media only adds fuel to the fire, showing perfect lives and making you feel like you’re falling behind. But stress isn’t just emotional. When it lingers, it affects your physical body. It increases cortisol (the stress hormone), raises your blood pressure, and inflames your blood vessels. Over time, this wears down your heart. I've seen this firsthand. During my university days, I had friends who were working full-time, studying, supporting their families, and trying to stay “strong” for everyone. They rarely talked about stress—but it showed up in the form of constant fatigue, headaches, and even panic attacks. 2. Unhealthy Eating Habits The convenience of fast food has made it a daily choice for many. Burgers, fries, energy drinks, processed snacks—it’s all quick and cheap. But it’s slowly damaging the heart. High intake of trans fats, sugars, and sodium leads to high cholesterol, clogged arteries, and increased blood pressure. These are the perfect conditions for a heart attack. I’ll admit, I’ve had weeks where I barely ate any fresh food. Between deadlines and late nights, junk food was easier. But looking back, I now understand that those choices, if made regularly, can cost you years of your life. 3. Smoking and Vaping It’s not just cigarettes anymore. Vaping and hookahs are trending, especially among young people. While they may look less harmful, the truth is: nicotine in any form damages the heart. It tightens blood vessels, limits oxygen, and increases the risk of clot formation. Even “occasional” use adds up. What’s worse is that many young men think vaping is “safe” or “just a phase.” But the damage doesn’t wait. It builds silently. 4. Lack of Physical Activity Let’s face it—our lives have become more digital and less physical. Most of us spend 8–10 hours a day sitting, whether for work or entertainment. After that, we move from the desk to the couch, often with our phones in hand. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest hidden causes of heart issues. It leads to weight gain, poor blood circulation, weak muscles, and an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension—all of which impact heart health. Just 30 minutes of daily movement—like walking, stretching, or cycling—can improve your heart function drastically. I started a routine of walking after dinner, and not only did it help my body, but it also cleared my mind. 5. Ignoring the Warning Signs Most young men don’t take symptoms seriously. Feeling tired? “Just stress.” A tight chest? “Probably gas.” Shortness of breath? “I’m just out of shape.” But these can be early signs of a heart issue. And ignoring them can be deadly. This mindset—that young people don’t get heart attacks—is dangerous. If you feel unusual fatigue, dizziness, pain in the chest, arm, or jaw, or rapid heartbeat—don’t wait. Get checked. 6. Genetics and Family History Of course, family history matters. If your father or uncle had heart problems early in life, your risk goes up. But genes aren’t fate. They’re just part of the puzzle. Lifestyle choices can either trigger or prevent the worst-case scenario. If you know you have a family history, it’s even more important to make healthier choices early. How Can We Prevent It? The good news? This isn’t hopeless. Most of the factors leading to early heart attacks can be controlled or changed with awareness and effort. Here’s how: ✅ 1. Improve Your Diet Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut down on deep-fried and processed foods. Drink more water. It may sound basic, but it works. Even just swapping soda for water and adding a serving of vegetables a day can start to turn your health around. 🏃 2. Move Daily You don’t need an expensive gym membership. A simple walk, bike ride, or home workout is enough. The goal is to keep your blood flowing and muscles active. 🧘 3. Manage Stress Talk about your feelings. Take breaks. Try breathing exercises or meditation. Mental health is real, and ignoring it can damage your physical health too. 🛏️ 4. Prioritize Sleep Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep increases blood pressure, weight gain, and inflammation—all harmful to the heart. 🚫 5. Quit Smoking & Limit Vaping It’s never too late to stop. The body starts healing as soon as you quit. Even reducing use can lower your risk significantly. 🩺 6. Get Regular Checkups Even if you feel fine, annual health checks can catch early warning signs before they become serious problems. Final Words: Take Your Heart Seriously Being young doesn’t make you invincible. Your heart doesn’t care if you’re 25 or 45—it reacts to how you treat it. Don’t wait for a scary moment to make a change. Start now. Talk to your friends, your family, your doctor. Share stories, ask questions, and build habits that will protect you for life. Your heart is with you every second of the day. It’s time you gave it the care and attention it truly deserves.
By Sherooz khanabout a year ago in Education
The Silent Rise: Understanding the Increasing Rate of Cancer in People. AI-Generated.
Just a few decades ago, cancer was something most people only whispered about. It was rare in our communities and mostly associated with older age. But today, things have changed dramatically. Almost every family has a story—someone’s uncle, cousin, sister, or friend battling cancer. The disease, once distant and mysterious, is now heartbreakingly familiar. As cases rise globally, the question isn’t just why this is happening but also what can we do about it. Cancer is no longer just a health concern. It’s a deeply personal and emotional issue that’s shaping how we live, eat, work, and care for one another. A Modern Disease? Not Quite. But It’s Growing Fast. Cancer isn’t new. It’s been around for centuries. But the rate at which it’s increasing today is alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is now one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It’s expected that by 2040, the number of new cancer cases per year will rise to over 29 million. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, real families, and real pain. So, what’s changed? Why does it feel like more people—especially younger individuals—are being diagnosed than ever before? Our Environment Is Part of the Problem Modern life comes with convenience, but it also brings hidden dangers. Our environment has drastically changed in the last 50 years. We’re exposed to more chemicals, pollutants, and artificial substances than any generation before us. Pesticides in our fruits and vegetables, preservatives in packaged food, air pollution from traffic and factories, and plastic toxins in our water bottles—these aren’t just environmental issues. They’re health issues. Studies have shown strong links between these factors and increased risks of cancers like lung, breast, colon, and skin cancer. I remember once visiting a friend in a small rural village. They lived near a factory that released smoke daily. Over the years, more than a dozen people from their community were diagnosed with cancer. Some were farmers, others were children. It made me realize how deeply our surroundings affect our health—often in ways we don’t fully see until it’s too late. The Lifestyle Link: What We Eat, How We Live Our eating habits have also transformed. Home-cooked meals made with natural ingredients are becoming rare, replaced by processed foods, sugary drinks, and takeaways. These dietary changes are strongly linked to several types of cancer, particularly colon, stomach, and liver cancers. I’ll admit, I was guilty of this too. Fast food was my go-to after work, and I rarely paid attention to labels or ingredients. But when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, everything changed. Her doctors believed her high-sugar, low-fiber diet, combined with stress and lack of exercise, contributed to her condition. It was a wake-up call—not just for her, but for all of us around her. Since then, I’ve made conscious changes. More vegetables, fewer processed items. I started cooking more at home, walking daily, and drinking more water. It wasn’t easy, but I realized prevention isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. The Stress Factor: A Hidden Enemy One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is stress. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, affects sleep, and increases inflammation in the body—all of which can contribute to cancer. We live in a world of deadlines, digital distractions, and constant pressure to do more, be more, and achieve more. But our minds and bodies aren’t designed for nonstop tension. I used to brush off stress as just “part of adult life.” But over time, I saw how it silently affects health. Not just mine, but everyone around me. High blood pressure, anxiety, poor sleep—all signs of a system under strain. Mental health is physical health. And learning to manage stress—whether through prayer, meditation, therapy, or simply spending time in nature—is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Genetics vs. Environment: What Really Causes Cancer? It’s true that genetics play a role in cancer. Some people are more likely to develop certain cancers because of inherited genes. But here’s something important: only about 5–10% of cancers are purely genetic. The rest are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors. That means we can take steps to reduce our risk. We may not control our genes, but we do have a say in how we live our lives. Regular checkups, early screenings, and awareness of family history are important. But so is drinking clean water, avoiding tobacco, using natural products, and getting enough rest. Emotional Impact: What Cancer Does Beyond the Body Cancer isn’t just a physical illness—it’s an emotional journey. The fear, uncertainty, and pain it brings are unimaginable unless you’ve lived it or watched someone you love go through it. I still remember the trembling voice of my cousin when she got her diagnosis. The waiting. The hospital visits. The sleepless nights. But I also remember the strength. The prayers. The small victories. The way everyone rallied around her with meals, hugs, and hope. That’s the other side of cancer—the way it brings people together and reminds us what truly matters. Can We Prevent Cancer? Some, Yes. Others, We Fight Early. Not all cancers are preventable, but many are. According to the American Cancer Society, at least 40% of cancers could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes like: Avoiding tobacco Eating a healthy diet Staying physically active Limiting alcohol Protecting skin from the sun Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals Early detection also saves lives. Many cancers, if caught early, can be treated successfully. That’s why awareness and education are so important. Final Words: What We Can Do Together The rising number of cancer cases isn’t just a statistic. It’s a story unfolding around us—one that involves real people with dreams, families, and futures. We need to speak more openly about it. Share our experiences. Encourage healthier living. Support those in treatment. And demand cleaner, safer environments for ourselves and future generations. If cancer has taught me anything, it’s that life is fragile. Every moment matters. And while we may not be able to stop every case, we can certainly fight for a world where fewer people suffer—and more people survive. Let’s live smarter, love deeper, and take care of ourselves and each other.
By Sherooz khanabout a year ago in Education
