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Vitamins and Minerals That Have a Crucial Role in Fertility

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The following is an introduction to the significance of consuming a diet that is abundant in nutrients, as well as some information on particular vitamins and minerals that are essential for fertility. 

In having an effect on fertility, nutrition is an essential component in maintaining general health and wellness. A diet high in nutrients can help to ensure that the body has the nutrients it needs to maintain reproductive health and fertility. This can be accomplished by consuming a diet that is rich in nutrients. Diets that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients are referred to as nutrient-dense diets. Diets that are nutrient-dense also limit the consumption of processed and refined foods. 

It has been demonstrated that a number of vitamins and minerals contribute to fertility, including the following: 

Folate (Vitamin B9): Consuming an adequate amount of folate prior to conception and throughout the early stages of pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of some birth abnormalities. Due to the fact that about half of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned and major birth defects of the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy before most women are aware that they are pregnant, all women of reproductive age should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day. Women who have already experienced a pregnancy impacted by a neural tube defect should speak with their healthcare professional before trying to get pregnant. The CDC advises these women to take 4,000 mcg of folic acid daily during the first three months of pregnancy and one month prior to conception. Folate can be found in foods like citrus fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals. 

Vitamin B12: Studies have indicated that vitamin B12 increases sperm production and quality. Moreover, it might support the endometrial lining during egg fertilization, lowering the risk of miscarriage. According to some research, a B12 shortage can lead to irregular ovulation, stop it altogether in severe cases, and interfere with the implantation of an embryo. Aim for slightly greater amounts than the average population if you want to get pregnant. Hence, 2.6 mg is more accurately the suggested daily consumption for a woman who is attempting to get pregnant.

Iron: Iron is an essential mineral that is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin. It is essential for women to consume an adequate amount of iron in order to keep their ovulation and menstrual periods healthy. An important vitamin for fertility as studies suggest that women at risk for anovulation have insufficient levels of iron in their blood. Low iron levels not only can stop ovulation but can also result in unhealthy eggs, which can severely hinder pregnancy. It is advised that pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant consume 27mg of iron daily. Before taking an iron supplement, it is advised that you consult a doctor since some people store iron in an irregular way that might cause poisoning. Foods that are high in iron content include red meat, chicken, fish, legumes, dark leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. 

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of strong bones and teeth, as well as for the proper functioning of the immune system. A sufficient amount of vitamin D in a woman’s diet has also been demonstrated in studies to boost reproductive outcomes in women. Ovarian stimulation can be aided by vitamin D. Vitamin D is required for the body to produce sex hormones, which affect ovulation and hormonal balance. Studies show that a Dose: of 10 µg/day for women could be recommended. Fatty fish, egg yolks, and foods like milk and cereal that have been fortified with vitamin D are all excellent sources of the vitamin. 

Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3: The necessary fats known as omega-3 fatty acids are known to play an important part in both conception and pregnancy. They have an essential role in the maturation of the fetal brain and neurological system, as well as in the mitigation of inflammatory responses and the maintenance of general reproductive health. In order to get the highest bioavailable omega-3s from a supplement, search for DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (easier for your body to absorb and use). The recommended dose for women is 500–1,000 mg per day. Walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Other good options include fatty fish. 

Zinc: A healthy reproductive system and fertility both require the mineral zinc in order to function properly. Inadequate zinc intake can cause infertility in both men and women because it plays such an important role in the formation of healthy sperm and eggs and because of the role that it plays in the process. Taking zinc during pregnancy helps to slightly reduce preterm births. Zinc is recommended at 8 milligrams per day for adult women and 12 milligrams per day during pregnancy and lactation. Women who are trying to conceive can take the higher dose, but they should exercise caution because too much zinc can interfere with copper absorption and metabolism. Oysters, red meat, chicken, beans, almonds, and whole grains are some examples of foods that are high in zinc content.            

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has been shown to help improve both men’s and women’s health. According to a study published in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, titled “Vitamin E as an Antioxidant in Female Reproductive Health,” vitamin E enhances both egg quality and women’s overall reproductive health. Increasing blood flow to the arteries and thickening the uterine lining with adequate vitamin E intake each day can boost a woman’s fertility. It’s crucial for patients over 35 who are attempting to get pregnant to take vitamin E( suggested dose of 200-400 IU/day). 

Choline is an essential nutrient for the development of the brain in a fetus, and it also has the potential to assist women to boost their fertility. Choline is regarded as an essential nutrient due to the fact that the human body is unable to create sufficient amounts of it on its own and must instead receive it through the diet. . In addition, studies have indicated that women who consume more choline have increased fertility. According to the findings of a study, women who had a greater choline intake had a lower risk of ovulatory infertility when compared to women who had a lower choline intake. Eggs, liver, beef, poultry, fish, peanuts, and soybeans are only a few of the foods that contain choline, however, the nutrient is also available in supplement form. The goal is to get at least 425 mg of choline each day while trying to conceive.

Acetyl L-carnitine Acetyl L-carnitine has benefits for women since it includes antioxidants that support a healthy female reproductive system. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is a kind of the amino acid L-carnitine (LC), which naturally occurs in the body and aids in converting fat into energy. It is believed to aid in slowing the reproductive system’s aging process. Acetyl L-carnitine has more potent antioxidant capabilities than LC, which are especially beneficial for female fertility. Nevertheless, combining (ALC) and (LC) can benefit PCOS, endometriosis, and irregular periods (amenorrhea). Dose: For both men and women, it is between one and three grams per day. 

Vitamin C can support healthy reproductive systems and is a potent antioxidant. Vitamin C can lessen the harmful effects of free radicals on women, which will lessen cellular damage in the body. It may also encourage healthy ovulation and assist in controlling a person’s menstrual cycle. Suggested amount:  500 to 1000 mg daily Vitamin C – helps improve pregnancy rates for women. 

Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties and participates in a crucial cell pathway that produces energy. As you age, your CoQ10 levels decline. Blood and tissue CoQ10 levels can rise by taking CoQ10 supplements. Supplementing with CoQ10 has been demonstrated to increase pregnancy rates and egg quality. The best outcomes come from using CoQ10 and other reproductive supplements for at least 90 days, according to fertility doctors. There is disagreement about the best CoQ10 dose for various medical conditions. CoQ10 is commonly administered at a daily dose of 100 mg to 300 mg. There is some evidence from studies that at a dose of up to 1200 mg per day, it is safe.

Selenium. According to studies, selenium can support the development and release of eggs from healthy follicles in the ovaries. Moreover, this antioxidant can guard against miscarriages and birth abnormalities brought on by DNA damage.

Eating foods that are rich in vitamins can help to maintain reproductive health and improve fertility. Folate is a B vitamin that helps convert food into energy. Zinc, iron, and vitamin E are essential minerals. It is critical that you discuss your issues with a qualified medical expert so that you can receive direction and assistance in resolving them.  

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New Study Reveals Majority of UK’s Young People Unaware of Careers Advice on Offer

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Jack Parsons

3rd July 2023, London, United Kingdom:

  • A new study from Youth Group finds three fifths (63%) of 18–25-year-olds are unaware of the current career advice available to them.
  • Just under half (48%) feel they are limited when it came to accessing vital career guidance.
  • Findings revealed to coincide with the anticipated launch of Season 3 of ‘My Duvet Flip: The careers show for young people’ fronted by UK’s Chief Youth Officer Jack Parsons.
  • The latest season of My Duvet Flip is backed by returning Season Two partners Aviva & EY, who are now joined leading UK jobs platform Totaljobs.
  • Season 3 is available to watch on LinkedIn, Youth Space, TikTok, and YouTube, starting from July 1, 2023.

Youth Group, the nation’s leading youth employment company with over 1.7 million members, have published new figures underlining the extent to which young people are being left without the necessary access support and guidance needed to successfully start their careers and navigate the UK’s turbulent job market.

Figures released by Youth Group reveal a clear gap between the guidance currently provided and the needs of young job seekers. The majority of young people (16–24-year-olds) are simply unaware of the available career advice resources on offer. A further 48% also found that when trying to access these resources they have felt restricted in terms of the advice they were able to access.

It is response to clear gap in careers guidance that ‘My Duvet Flip: The Careers Show for Young People’ is returns this July for its highly anticipated third season.

Backed by returning Season 2 partners Aviva & EY, season three also introduces a brand new partnership with leading UK recruitment solutions provider Totaljobs, part of global digital recruitment platform, The StepStone Group.

Totaljobs is well-aware of the considerable challenges being faced by young people in the UK. Their own report in the nation’s future talent, released in October 2022 found that half (48%) of 16-18 year olds in the UK believed they were receiving a lack of career advice at school.

Totaljobs has over 20 years’ experience helping individuals find the best job that suits their life circumstances. Whether it’s the first step in their career or a job to cover their expenses, together, this partnership seeks the best guest line-ups, whilst providing educational and job advice to instil confidence in young people across the UK to achieve their employment goals.

By joining forces with ‘My Duvet Flip‘ Totaljobs aims to empower and inspire the youth of the UK. Season Three, presented UK’s Chief Youth Officer, Jack Parsons will continue to engage in up-front, candid conversations with global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and politicians. The show explores their career journeys and seeks to extract valuable tips and advice for viewers from their own experiences. The series also offers insights into what motivates these leaders to succeed and what inspires them to start their day with a positive mindset.

Season Two saw an incredible line-up of guests, such as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Debbie Hewitt, FA Chairman, Sebastian Dettmers, Chief Executive Officer, of The Stepstone Group, and President of Google Europe; Matt Brittin.

The second season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ attracted an impressive 9 million views and generated over eight times more engagements compared to the previous season.

Jack Parsons, CEO of Youth Group and the UK’s Chief Youth Officer says:

“I’m excited to present the third season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ and share the motivational and honest conversations I’ve had the privilege to experience with some of Britain’s most successful business leaders, including Sebastian from The Stepstone Group,” shared Parsons. “The podcast is all about supporting the millions of young people across the UK and empowering them to achieve their goals.”

Sebastian Dettmers, Chief Executive Officer of The Stephone Group said:

“I am proud that Totaljobs will now be a partner of ‘The Duvet Flip’ for the 3rd season. Earlier this year, I guested on ‘My Duvet Flip’ and met Jack in person and was very excited by his mission: to be an inspiration and support to young people in the world of work. This fits very well with what we do at The Stepstone Group and at Totaljobs where we help to help find the right job for everyone.”

Jack Parsons, has already earned multiple accolades, including being recognised as LinkedIn’s ‘Top Voice for Young People’ and ‘Top 15 Young Entrepreneurs to Watch,’ hopes that the second season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ will inspire young individuals across the UK to realize and fulfil their potential.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Survey conducted by Youth Group between February to April 2023. The total survey sample was 15,847 young people between the ages of 18-25.

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Brayan Jimenez talks about Maximizing Business Growth: Unleashing the Power of a Strategic Financial Controller in Fintech and Business Improvement

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Fintech

In the fast-paced world of business and fintech, organizations face unique challenges that demand a strategic approach to financial management and operational enhancement. A skilled and experienced strategic financial controller proficient in implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and optimizing processes is the catalyst for unlocking growth potential and mitigating risks.

This article delves into the significance of having a strategic financial controller, the risks associated with neglecting one, and the exceptional value they bring to businesses in the fintech sector.

What is a Strategic Financial Controller?

A strategic financial controller is a highly skilled professional who plays a crucial role in managing an organization’s financial operations and driving its financial success. They possess a deep understanding of financial management, accounting principles, and business analytics, allowing them to provide strategic insights and guidance. Unlike traditional financial controllers, they take a proactive and forward-thinking approach, aligning financial strategies with the organization’s overall objectives.

They work closely with key stakeholders to develop and execute financial plans, optimize profitability, and mitigate risks. A strategic financial controller also excels in identifying opportunities for operational improvement, implementing efficient processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Their expertise in ERP systems and data analysis enables them to provide accurate financial insights for informed decision-making. Overall, a strategic financial controller is an invaluable asset in driving financial stability, growth, and long-term success for businesses.

The Value a Strategic Financial Controller Brings to Businesses

A strategic financial controller brings immense value to fintech businesses, mitigating risks and driving growth through their expertise in various key areas.

  • Financial Strategy and Planning: A strategic financial controller aligns financial strategies with business objectives, providing guidance on capital allocation, funding strategies, and financial forecasting. This ensures businesses are well-positioned for growth and financial stability.
  • Operational Efficiency: By implementing ERP systems and optimizing business processes, a strategic financial controller enhances operational efficiency, minimizes costs, and maximizes resource allocation. This leads to improved productivity, reduced inefficiencies, and increased profitability.
  • Risk Management and Compliance: In the fintech sector, compliance with regulatory requirements is paramount. A strategic financial controller helps navigate complex regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal and reputational risks. They also establish robust risk management frameworks, safeguarding against potential threats and strengthening data security measures.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A strategic financial controller has extensive knowledge of financial management and data analysis. They empower executives to make informed decisions, spot market trends, and spur innovation by converting complex financial data into usable insights. This gives companies a competitive edge and encourages long-term growth.

The Risks of Ignoring the Role of a Strategic Financial Controller

Failure to employ a strategic financial controller exposes businesses in the fintech sector to numerous difficulties and risks. Without their expertise, organizations may encounter:

  • Inefficient Financial Operations: Inadequate streamlining of financial processes leads to errors, delays, and subpar financial reporting, hampering decision-making and compliance efforts.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: The highly regulated fintech landscape requires meticulous adherence to complex regulatory requirements. Without a strategic financial controller’s guidance, organizations may struggle to navigate these regulations, resulting in legal and reputational risks.
  • Inadequate Risk Management: Fintech companies handle sensitive financial data and are prone to cybersecurity threats. The absence of a strategic financial controller increases vulnerability to data breaches and financial fraud.
  • Missed Growth Opportunities: Absence of a dedicated professional overseeing financial strategies may result in missed growth opportunities, failure to optimize revenue streams, and suboptimal investment decisions.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of business and fintech, the role of a strategic financial controller is pivotal. Neglecting to employ one exposes businesses to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and missed growth opportunities. However, by harnessing the expertise of a strategic financial controller in ERP systems, financial management, and operational enhancement, fintech organizations can thrive, outpace their competitors, and achieve sustainable growth. Investing in a strategic financial controller is a strategic decision that ensures financial stability, streamlines operations, and propels businesses towards unprecedented success.

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Brayan Jimenez – LinkedIn

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Breast Cancer: Facts, Symptoms, Prevention and Latest Research

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Photo by Leeloo Thefirst: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-brassiere-cutout-on-a-pink-surface-7805693/

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women worldwide. While significant progress has been made in early detection and treatment options, it remains a serious health concern with potential life-altering consequences. This article provides an overview of breast cancer facts and statistics, symptoms to look out for, ways to lower risk factors, screening methods available for early detection, and the latest research developments in finding better prevention measures and treatments.

Facts and Statistics

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide. In the U.S., an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in 2022. About 13% of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

The risk factors for developing breast cancer include being a woman and getting older; however, some genetic mutations can also contribute to its development. While about 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease, Ashkenazi Jewish women have a higher risk due to a higher rate of BRCA mutations.

Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing since 1989 due to treatment advances and earlier detection through screening; however, persistent disparities exist among different racial or ethnic groups. Black women are more likely than any other group to die from breast cancer due partially to high rates of triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any signs or symptoms at all. However, there are warning signs that people should be aware of.

These include the appearance of a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or on the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in this area, nipple discharge other than milk (including blood), and any change in size/shape/pain experienced within any portion(s) of your breasts.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also occur due to non-cancerous conditions; thus it is recommended for an individual with such concerns to seek advice from their healthcare provider as soon as possible so they can determine if further testing is needed.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer

There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but there are steps that can be taken which may help to reduce the risk. Some risk factors are beyond an individual’s control, such as age and gender; however, other factors like body weight and alcohol consumption can be modified.

For all women, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life by balancing food intake with physical activity is crucial in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 150-300 minutes per week (or any combination of these) is also recommended.

Alcohol should either be avoided or limited to one drink per day at most since even small amounts have been linked with an increase in breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding for several months after childbirth might also lower the chances of developing breast cancer while using hormone therapy after menopause can increase the risk. In case hormonal treatment options are required post-menopause, non-hormonal options should be discussed with healthcare providers.

For women who are known to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to certain genetic mutations or family history etc., medical interventions like genetic counseling/testing and prescription medicines like tamoxifen and raloxifene could help lower their chances of getting it. Preventive surgery or close observation for early signs of this disease could also be considered based on individualized assessments made by healthcare professionals.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screening is used to detect the disease before symptoms appear. Tests like mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for screening. The primary goals of breast cancer screening are early detection and reduction or elimination of deaths from the disease. Mammography is currently considered to be the best tool available for breast cancer screening as it has been shown to reduce fatalities resulting from this type of cancer.

While digital mammography may be more effective at identifying cancers in dense breasts, 3D mammograms may improve sensitivity even further by reducing false-positive results that lead to additional testing and anxiety. However, overdiagnosis remains a potential issue with this method.

Other tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs are not routinely recommended unless there is a high risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic mutations or other factors.

The frequency and type of breast cancer screenings recommended depend on individual risk factors, age, health status, etc., so it’s important to discuss options with your doctor. Different organizations have varying recommendations regarding when women should start getting screened for breast cancer as well as how often they should receive these tests.

It’s worth noting that while clinical breast examinations (CBEs) are included in some guidelines along with mammography, others do not recommend them for women who are not at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breast self-examination is also not proven to lower mortality rates but can help people become familiar with their bodies in order to better identify changes that could indicate a problem.

Latest Research on Breast Cancer

Researchers are studying various aspects of early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer to find ways to prevent the disease, provide better care, and improve treatments. This includes identifying causes such as environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and endocrine disruptors. Additionally, they are developing new methods for evaluating genes and proteins in order to determine the best treatment options for each individual patient.

Other areas of research include finding more effective ways to prevent breast cancer or detect it at an earlier stage; determining whether ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) should always be treated with surgery; identifying which molecular subtypes of cancer require chemotherapy; testing new drug therapies for different types of breast cancer; exploring approaches like targeted radiation therapy schedules and reconstructive surgery techniques; improving hormonal therapies for ER-positive breast cancer patients; managing symptoms associated with treatments that affect the quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious disease that affects many women worldwide. While there are steps to reduce risk factors and early detection through screening, ongoing research is necessary to improve treatment options and overall outcomes for patients. Recommendations include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings based on individualized assessments by healthcare professionals, and staying informed about the latest research developments in breast cancer. It’s important for individuals to discuss any concerns or questions with their doctor and follow recommended guidelines for prevention and care.

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