Health

Find some great and fun health facts all gathered right here under our health category.  Once you have had your fill of fun facts about health head on over to our random fact generator to learn more random factoids!

WTF Fun Fact 13331 – The Midlife Slump

Some people tend to feel a sense of existential dread, sadness, or disappointment in life in their 40s or 50s. But this “midlife slump” is perfectly normal. Just don’t confuse it with the caricature of the midlife crisis where everyone runs out and buys red sports cars or has affairs.

Studying the midlife slump

According to research, people in “middle age” often experience a dip in happiness and life satisfaction between the ages of 40 and 50. One study even pinpointed the most miserable age – 47.2. Of course, that’s just an average, so don’t plan for it. The good news is this dip is usually temporary. In fact, after the slump is over, people tend to become happier as they age.

The midlife dip in happiness is caused by a combination of factors. The reality of an aging body, financial pressure, having to take care of both children and elders and the plain old realization that your life is half over (if you’re lucky). It seems to be all downhill from there.

Bouncing back

However, studies also find that people tend to rebound from the midlife slump with gusto. And they become happier as they age. In fact, one study found that people tend to be happiest in their 70s and 80s! Apparently, a sore body is no match for the satisfaction brought by wisdom. With age comes greater contentment and well-being!

So if you’re feeling a bit blue about hitting the big 4-0 or 5-0, take heart in the fact that the midlife slump is a normal part of the aging process. You can even make it a time for self-reflection and growth rather than drowning in your own misery. Some people use this time to make positive changes in their lives. You might start a new career, pursue a lifelong dream, take stock of your priorities, and begin to surround yourself with the people who matter.

Is a midlife crisis different?

The term “midlife crisis” was first coined in 1965 by psychologist Elliot Jaques. He used it to describe a period of self-doubt and reflection. But it only applied to his male patients. It wasn’t until many decades later that people realized women at this age were also struggling – they just deal with it differently and were more likely to seek help.

The classic “midlife crisis” isn’t a given. But it can be triggered by major life events that typically happen in one’s 40s or 50s. This can include the death of loved ones, divorces, job losses, and a general sense of unfulfillment. People find themselves asking “Is this it”? It’s a bit different from the midlife slump, which is a measure of happiness. And happiness is something internal.

Whatever kind of midlife rut you might find yourself in, take heart in the fact that it may be an opportunity for positive change.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Your happiness is more likely to hit rock bottom at age 47.2—but there’s an upside, says new research” — CNBC

WTF Fun Fact 13327 – Lachanophobia

Lachanophobia is a relatively unknown phobia that affects a small portion of the population. It refers to an irrational fear of vegetables. People who suffer from this phobia experience extreme anxiety and distress at the mere sight, thought, or taste of certain vegetables This can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

What causes lachanophobia?

We don’t yet fully understand the causes of lachanophobia. But some experts suggest that this phobia may develop as a result of negative experiences with vegetables. This can include something like choking or gagging on them in the past. But others believe it’s linked to a general fear of contamination or illness.

Lachanophobia can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. People with this phobia may even avoid restaurants or social events that they believe will serve vegetables. This can lead to isolation and social withdrawal. They may also struggle to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, which can lead to a range of physical health problems over time.

Clearly, this is about a lot more than just disliking your veggies.

Can we treat the fear of vegetables?

Treatment for lachanophobia typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy gradually exposes a person to their fear in a safe and controlled environment. Psychiatrists may also prescribe antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications to help manage symptoms and reduce anxiety.

Lachanophobia is not a modern phenomenon. People have recorded cases of the fear of vegetables throughout history, with many ancient cultures associating certain vegetables with negative or evil spirits. In some cases, these fears have been linked to religious beliefs, such as the belief that certain vegetables are unclean or forbidden.

The fear of vegetables doesn’t have to be all-encompassing. It can involve just one vegetable. You may remember, for example, a 1993 episode of Seinfeld in which the character Kramer has a fear of cucumbers.

— WTF fun facts

Source:

WTF Fun Fact 13321 – Wealth Psychologists

Have you ever been so rich that you needed a therapist to deal with all of the pressure and anxiety that comes with your wealth? We haven’t either. Sure, we know the old saying “money can’t buy happiness,” but in our experience, it can surely help! Still, for some people, the challenges of wealth are a burden for which they need the assistance of “wealth psychologists.”

The role of wealth psychologists

Immense wealth can come with unexpected challenges and even psychological issues, especially for ultra-rich individuals. For them, the burden and stress of managing their wealth can be overwhelming. So, to help them cope, some banks and financial institutions have started offering the services of wealth psychologists.

Wealth psychologists are trained therapists who specialize in helping wealthy people deal with the psychological and emotional issues that come with their fortunes. They work with clients not only to help manage their money but the family conflicts, guilt, and anxiety it may present.

The concept of wealth psychology is not new. The term was coined in the early 1980s by Dr. Stephen Goldbart and Joan DiFuria, who founded the Money, Meaning, and Choices Institute in California. It was one of the first organizations to offer counseling and therapy services to ultra-wealthy clients.

What do these professionals actually do?

The job description of a wealth psychologist varies depending on the needs of the client. It can be financial planning assistance or more personal. After all, it must be a challenge to manage relationships with family members or even deal with guilt depending on the amount of money you have and its original source.

Wealth psychology encompasses a range of techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. This helps the ultra-rich change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Things like mindfulness-based stress reduction can help the wealthy manage stress and anxiety. Of course, family therapy may also be necessary for clients who have conflicts and communication issues within their families.

The greatest fear of the ultra-rich

One of the biggest challenges ultra-rich people face is the fear of losing their wealth, also known as “affluenza.” This fear can even cause people to make bad financial decisions or take unnecessary risks to protect their wealth.

Wealth psychologists can help address these fears and steer clients towards healthy attitudes towards their money. Another common issue that wealthy individuals face is guilt, particularly when they have inherited it or feel that they have not earned it.

Some critics have argued that wealth psychology is a waste of professional resources and that therapists should focus on helping people struggling with poverty or financial insecurity. But, let’s face it, we all need a little emotional support sometimes. And by helping the ultra-rich manage their wealth, wealth psychologists may even contribute to the common good.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Wealth Psychologists” — Investopedia

WTF Fun Fact 13314 – The First Stoplight

No one really enjoys sititng at stoplights, but we know they’re valuable. But do you know the history of the first stoplight?

The first stoplight

Stoplights, or traffic lights, date back to the mid-19th century. In 1868, the first traffic signal was installed outside the British Houses of Parliament in London. This signal featured a revolving gas lamp with red and green lenses and was manually operated by a police officer. The officer would signal to drivers using an arm.

However, the signals were not very effective, and it was eventually removed after only a month. It wasn’t until the 20th century that traffic signals looked like the modern traffic lights we know today.

The first electric traffic signal was installed in 1912 by a Salt Lake City police officer named Lester Wire. The signal used red and green lights and a buzzer to signal changes in traffic patterns. This device was effective in reducing the number of accidents in Salt Lake City.

The modern traffic light, with its familiar red, yellow, and green lights, was invented in 1920 by a Detroit police officer named William Potts. Potts was inspired to create the new signal after witnessing a terrible accident at an intersection.

He designed the modern three-color light operated by an automatic timer. This allowed for a smoother traffic flow and reduced accidents. Potts’ design quickly became popular, and the lights were soon adopted throughout the United States.

Today, millions of stoplights are installed around the world. Some now use sensors to detect the presence of vehicles and adjust their timing accordingly.

Another fun fact

One interesting feature of traffic lights is their use of the color yellow. While red and green have obvious meanings (stop and go, respectively), the use of yellow is less clear. In the early days of traffic lights, yellow was used to indicate that the signal was about to change.

However, over time, yellow has come to represent caution, with drivers expected to slow down and prepare to stop. Despite their importance, traffic lights can also be a source of frustration for drivers. In fact, traffic lights are one of the most common causes of traffic congestion in urban areas.

Today, new systems are being developed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “A Brief History of the Stoplight” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13313 – Driving Phobia

For many people, driving is a mundane and necessary part of daily life. But driving phobia affects a small percentage of people, causingf intense anxiety and fear. This condition is known as vehophobia, which is defined as a persistent and irrational fear of driving.

According to Trauma Research UK, vehophobia can have a variety of causes, including a traumatic driving experience, a previous accident, or a fear of losing control. Other common triggers include driving on highways, bridges, or in heavy traffic, and driving at night or in bad weather conditions.

How does driving phobia manifest?

Vehophobia can manifest in a number of ways, including physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and heart palpitations, as well as psychological symptoms such as panic attacks, avoidance behavior, and hypervigilance.

For those who suffer from vehophobia, the impact can be significant. It can limit one’s mobility, interfere with daily activities, and even cause relationship and employment issues.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for vehophobia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that can help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about driving. Exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to driving-related situations in a safe and controlled environment, can also be effective.

In addition to therapy, there are several self-help strategies that can help alleviate symptoms of vehophobia. These include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques. Joining a support group or online community of individuals who share similar fears and experiences can also be helpful.

It is important to note that vehophobia is a real and serious condition that can greatly impact one’s quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with vehophobia, seek help from a qualified mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome this fear and regain confidence behind the wheel.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Vehophobia (Fear of driving)” — Trauma Research UK

WTF Fun Fact 13311 – Lungs As Big As Tennis Court

It sounds pretty impressive to have lungs as big as a tennis court. But it’s true for all of us.

How are lungs as big as a tennis court?

The surface area of the lungs is about 70 to 100 square meters. That’s roughly the size of a tennis court. This is due to the intricate network of tiny air sacs called alveoli found within the lungs. The average adult has a total lung capacity of around 4-6 liters.

The alveoli are incredibly small. In fact, each one measures only about 0.3 millimeters in diameter. However, they are numerous. An estimated 480 million alveoli exist in the lungs of an average adult. These tiny air sacs are the places where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. This is what allows us to breathe and provides our bodies with the oxygen needed to function.

Our amazing lungs

To help with the process of breathing, the lungs are surrounded by a thin layer of muscle called the diaphragm. When the diaphragm contracts, it pulls downward and creates a vacuum that allows air to flow into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, it pushes upward and forces air out of the lungs.

Did you know that lungs are not identical in size or shape? The right lung is larger. It has three lobes, while the left lung is smaller and has only two lobes. This asymmetry allows for space to be made for the heart, which is located on the left side of the body.

The lungs are also the only organ that can float on water. That’s because they’re composed mostly of air, which is less dense.

Lungs even have the ability to regenerate and repair themselves. That’s due to the stem cells in the respiratory system. This regenerative capacity is especially important in combating respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How Your Lungs Get the Job Done” — American Lung Association

WTF Fun Fact 13310 – Fingernail Growth

Fingernail growth is a fascinating topic. For example, have you ever wondered why your toenails seem to grow at a slower rate than your fingernails? Or why nails on one hand seem to grow faster?

The science behind fingernail growth

It’s important to understand the anatomy of nails. Nails are made of layers of a protein called keratin. The area of skin beneath the nail is called the nail bed. Blood vessels and nerves run through the nail bed, providing nourishment to the nail.

Toenails vs fingernails

So why do toenails grow more slowly than fingernails? Well, toenails receive less blood flow than fingernails. The blood vessels that supply the nail bed with nutrients and oxygen are smaller in the feet than in the hands. This means toenails don’t have access to the resources they need to grow as quickly. This is also why toenails are more prone to fungal infections than fingernails. The reduced blood flow makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Growth factors

Another factor that affects the growth rate of nails is the amount of physical activity we engage in. Research has shown that physical activity can increase blood flow to the nail bed. This can lead to faster nail growth. An active person who spends a lot of time on their feet may have toenails that grow faster than someone who spends most of their time sitting.

Age and health also impact nail growth. For example, as we age, our nail growth rate tends to slow down. Certain medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism or psoriasis) can also cause nails to grow more slowly or become brittle and prone to breakage.

The growth rate of nails can even vary depending on the season. Nail growth is faster in the summer than in the winter. Researchers found that nail growth rates were highest in August and lowest in February. This suggests that sunlight exposure and changes in temperature may play a role.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Why do toenails grow more slowly than fingernails?” — Clinical Correlations

WTF Fun Fact 13306 – Open Air Schools

Open-air schools were first established in the early 20th century as a response to the spread of tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses. By providing students with access to fresh air and natural light, these institutions aimed to improve their health and well-being and protect them from the harmful effects of crowded, poorly-ventilated indoor spaces.

Fresh air for wellbeing

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public health professionals emphasized the importance of fresh air, natural light, and outdoor spaces for promoting health and well-being. This was partly due to the work of Florence Nightingale.

Open-air schools were institutions designed to provide children with an alternative to the cramped, stuffy, and often unsanitary classrooms of the time. They first appeared in Europe in the early 20th century and gained popularity as a way to combat the spread of tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses.

Many of these schools were located in urban areas, where overcrowding, pollution, and poverty made indoor learning environments potentially dangerous.

One of the pioneers of open-air schools was a German doctor named Bernhard Bendix. He founded the Waldschule (Forest School) in Charlottenburg, Germany, in 1904. The school was located in a forested area outside of Berlin. It featured outdoor classrooms, covered porches, and other open-air spaces where students could learn and play.

The Waldschule quickly became a model for other open-air schools in Germany and beyond. By 1914, there were over 40 open-air schools in Germany alone. Soon, the movement spread to other parts of Europe and North America.

US open air schools

In the United States, open-air schools first appeared in the early 20th century. This was a response to the spread of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. One of the earliest examples was the Outdoor School for Crippled Children in Providence, Rhode Island, which opened in 1907.

The school was located on a hilltop overlooking the city. It featured open-air classrooms, outdoor play areas, and a greenhouse where students could grow their own vegetables. Despite some initial skepticism, the Outdoor School was successful in improving the health and wellbeing of its students. As a result, it became a model for other open-air schools in the United States.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the popularity of these schools began to decline. That’s because new treatments for tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses became available. However, the idea of using fresh air and outdoor spaces as a way to promote health and wellbeing continued.

Today, some schools around the world still incorporate outdoor learning environments into their curriculum. Some argue that it can help students to develop a deeper connection to the natural world, improve their physical and mental health, and enhance their academic performance.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “When Tuberculosis Struck the World, Schools Went Outside” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13304 – Duct Tape Splinter Removal

Splinters hurt! But next time you get a splinter, try this duct tape splinter removal trick.

Simply cut a small piece of duct tape and place it over the splinter. Pree down firmly. Then, gently pull the tape off in the opposite direction of the splinter. The tape should pull the splinter out with it, making it easy to remove without using tweezers or other tools.

Try the duct tape splinter removal trick

Removing splinters can be a painful and frustrating experience, especially if they are small or embedded deeply in the skin. Using duct tape to remove a splinter is a quick and easy solution that can save you time and discomfort.

The key to using duct tape to remove a splinter is to make sure that the tape is pressed firmly against the skin. Make sure the adhesive side is facing down over the splinter. Once you apply the tape, leave it in place for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to adhere to the splinter.

After a few minutes, the tape can be gently peeled off in the opposite direction of the splinter. The splinter should come out with the tape. It’s important to pull the tape slowly and gently,. Pulling too quickly or forcefully can cause the splinter to break or remain embedded in the skin.

While this trick is not effective for all types of splinters, it’s a useful tool to have in your arsenal for those times when tweezers or other removal methods are not available or are too painful. Duct tape is inexpensive and widely available, making it an easy solution to try at home.

Other techniques

Other techniques include using tweezers to grip the end of the splinter and gently pull it out in the direction that it entered the skin.

The needle and thread method involves using a needle to gently lift the skin around the splinter while using the thread to pull it out.

You can also use an Epsom salt soak. Soaking the affected area in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help to soften the skin and make it easier to remove the splinter with tweezers or a needle.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Splinter Strategies” — Nexcare