Month: November 2023

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

How can high air pollution levels harm your heart? Understanding the risks and prevention

How can high air pollution levels harm your heart? Understanding the risks and prevention

In this pollution season why you need to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, highlights Dr Nishith Chandra Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi

In our rapidly urbanizing world, pollution has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. While we often associate pollution with respiratory issues, its impact on the heart is equally concerning. Air pollution poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health.

However, by understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their susceptibility to pollution-related heart problems.

Air Pollution and Heart Disease

Studies have shown a direct connection between exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of heart disease. Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), can infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress in the arteries. This, in turn, contributes to atherosclerosis, a major precursor to heart attacks and strokes.

Preventing Pollution-Related Heart Issues

1) Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

To promote healthier living in areas with elevated air pollution, it’s advisable to minimize outdoor activities on days when pollution levels are high. Furthermore, ensuring clean indoor air quality can be achieved by employing air purifiers at home. Additionally, it’s important to advocate for and actively support policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating emissions from both vehicles and industrial sources

Most importantly, improve indoor air quality. To enhance indoor air quality, it is essential to prioritize proper ventilation in both your home and workplace. You can also consider incorporating indoor plants to aid in air purification, while refraining from smoking indoors to minimize the substantial contribution it makes to indoor air pollution.

2) Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Choices in a Polluted World

1. Diet and Nutrition: To maintain a heart-healthy diet, prioritize foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. High pollution levels introduce free radicals into your body, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage, accelerating the aging process. Vitamins C and E act as powerful antioxidants, shielding your body from these harmful free radicals. Hence, it’s wise to include antioxidants like vitamins C and E in your diet to counteract the oxidative stress caused by pollution. For instance, almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, while avocados offer a dual advantage, providing both Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves cardiovascular health and can counteract some of the negative effects of pollution. If possible, exercise in green spaces with lower pollution levels.

3. Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate the harmful effects of pollution on the heart. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.

4. Medication and Medical Check-Ups: If you have pre-existing heart conditions, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate medications and regular check-ups to monitor your heart health.

visit – www.kisansabha.in now !!!

Categories
Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

​Side effects of taking too many paracetamol​

​Side effects of taking too many paracetamol​

​Do you self–prescribe paracetamol?​

Taking too many paracetamol can have serious health consequences as it is available over the counter even without prescriptions. Although it is a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to several harmful side effects.

​Overdose of paracetamol can affect liver function​

First and important, an overdose of paracetamol can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process the drug, leading to potential liver damage. This is because paracetamol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and excessive consumption can cause a build-up of toxic by-products that damage liver cells. Symptoms of liver damage may not appear immediately, which can make early detection challenging.

​Side effects of taking too many paracetamol​

​Paracetamol poisoning​

Additionally, an overdose of paracetamol can lead to ‘Paracetamol Poisoning’ with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, delaying the recognition of the overdose.

Paracetamol overdose can cause acute liver failure, and very long use may lead to even irreversible liver injury requiring liver transplantation. which is a life-threatening condition. It can result in jaundice, confusion, and even coma. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Sometimes it may lead to kidney injury also.

To prevent these harmful effects, it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the medication’s label and seek medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Prompt treatment can help mitigate the damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

visit – https://shorturl.at/ixHJN

 

Categories
Medical Updates

​Having just a spoonful of these foods can help meet your daily requirement of magnesium​

​Having just a spoonful of these foods can help meet your daily requirement of magnesium​

​Why is Magnesium essential?​

Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of our bodies. It is involved in over 300 biochemical processes, from muscle and nerve function to bone health and energy production. Meeting your daily magnesium requirement is essential for maintaining overall well-being. The human body needs 310 to 420 mg of magnesium in a day. While it’s always best to get your nutrients from a balanced diet, there are certain foods where just a spoonful can provide a significant portion of your daily magnesium needs.

​Having just a spoonful of these foods can help meet your daily requirement of magnesium​

​Quinoa​

A tablespoon of cooked quinoa contains approximately 15 milligrams of magnesium. This versatile grain is not only a good source of magnesium but also offers a complete protein profile.

​Dark chocolate​

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s good news. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains approximately 25 milligrams of magnesium per tablespoon. However, be mindful of portion control due to its calorie content.

​Sunflower seed

Just one tablespoon of sunflower seeds contains about 11 milligrams of magnesium. They are also a source of vitamin E and other antioxidants.

​Pumpkin seeds​

A single tablespoon of pumpkin seeds contains approximately 37 milligrams of magnesium, making them a nutritious and convenient magnesium source. These small seeds are also packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

​Spinach​

Dark leafy greens like spinach are a great source of magnesium. A tablespoon of cooked spinach provides roughly 20 milligrams of magnesium. Incorporating more greens into your diet can offer numerous health benefits.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are another magnesium-rich option, offering around 15 milligrams of magnesium per tablespoon. They are also high in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.

​Almonds​

A tablespoon of almonds provides about 12 milligrams of magnesium. Almonds are a tasty and portable snack that can easily contribute to your magnesium intake.

Cashews​

Cashews contain roughly 18 milligrams of magnesium in a single tablespoon. They are not only delicious but also a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Sesame seeds​

Sesame seeds are rich in magnesium, offering around 32 milligrams per tablespoon. They are commonly used in cooking and baking and can be sprinkled on various dishes for added flavour and nutrition.

Health benefits of magnesium​

Magnesium is essential for proper muscle and nerve function. It helps muscles relax and contract, and it supports the functioning of the nervous system. Magnesium plays a role in maintaining a steady heartbeat and may help lower blood pressure. It works in harmony with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones strong. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Magnesium has been linked to improved mood and sleep quality, making it important for overall mental well-being.

Health tips​

The amount of magnesium each of these food items contains might vary depending on the quality and other factors. It is important to check the symptoms of magnesium deficiency and consult a doctor. A health expert can guide you and recommend you the right kind of dosage. While some patients can fill the magnesium deficiency with just foods, some others need supplements.

visit – https://shorturl.at/wyR35

Categories
Uncategorized

7 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Yourself Young

7 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Yourself Young

Aging is a natural part of life, but there are daily habits that can help us maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance as we grow older. These habits go beyond just looking young; they also contribute to overall health and well-being.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, hydration, skincare, quality sleep, stress management, and social engagement can all contribute to maintaining a youthful and vibrant life. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a more youthful appearance and improved overall health as you age gracefully.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to stay youthful. Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. It also promotes the production of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support skin health, boost the immune system, and keep the body functioning optimally. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, spinach, and tomatoes, can help fight the signs of aging by reducing oxidative stress.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining youthful skin and overall health. Water helps flush toxins from the body, keeps skin moisturized, and supports various bodily functions. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and consider adding herbal teas for added hydration and antioxidants.

Skincare Routine

A good skincare routine can help maintain youthful-looking skin. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun are essential steps. Use sunscreen daily to prevent UV damage, and consider incorporating anti-aging products like retinoids or antioxidants for added skin protection.

Quality Sleep

Adequate, quality sleep is essential for the body’s repair and rejuvenation. Lack of sleep can lead to premature aging, increased stress, and a weakened immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help keep stress levels in check. Reducing stress not only promotes a youthful appearance but also supports mental and emotional well-being.

Social Engagement

Maintaining an active social life is linked to longevity and youthfulness. Positive social interactions can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and provide a sense of purpose. Nurture your relationships, make time for friends and family, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

visit – https://shorturl.at/akm28

Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

India’s healthcare ecosystem undergoing change: KPMG India co-head

India's healthcare ecosystem undergoing change: KPMG India co-head
India’s healthcare ecosystem is undergoing a change in terms of connectivity and accessibility to rural and previously untouched areas, Lalit Mistry, partner and co-head, Healthcare Sector, KPMG India said at the FICCI HEAL conference last week.
More than 20 new kinds of healthcare models have emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report on new-age healthcare delivery models in India released by KPMG in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
“The increased awareness of self-care, bolstered by easy access to information technology, lays a foundation for preventive measures and early interventions. This, along with the advent of telemedicine, has provided for a paradigm shift in how the healthcare sector is seen in India,” Mistry said.
The new models include increased use of healthcare aggregators, non-invasive wellness monitoring, and remote health management. Some prominent examples include Tata 1mg, Practo, and calorie counts done by the Fitbit Tracker.
The report also suggests that newer models are appearing in hospital care as well, with small healthcare organisations (SHCO) such as Apollo’s Cradle hospitals and Fortis La Femme being prime examples. These single-speciality hospitals focus on just one segment with more emphasis on personalised services.
According to the study, India is undergoing an epidemiological transition with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD), with the death rate due to NCDs increasing from 35.9 per cent in 1990 to 64.9 per cent in 2019.
The figure is in line with concerns over the rising NCD burden in India, which has led to the renaming of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) to a combined National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) by the central government.
The report also referenced Oxfam’s India Inequality Report, pointing out a rural-urban disparity in accessibility to healthcare. The data suggests that 70 per cent of India’s population is rural, but only 40 per cent of total beds available are present in rural areas.
On the question of tackling this disparity, Mistry said that the gains in telemedicine and connectivity have made it easier for rural health centres to adopt new models of healthcare. Electronic Intensive Care Units (eICU) is one of the ideas that can be used where patient monitoring can be done in both rural and urban areas.
visit – https://shorturl.at/chP36
Categories
Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Joint pains bothering you? This sitting asana, done on a sofa or mat, can help

Sitting asanas done on sofa or mat can help
This exercises every joint, starting from the toes to the neck area. This frees up the joints and removes blockages, says yoga expert Kamini Bobde Winter is around the corner which is a bane for people suffering from all kinds of joint problems. Osteoarthritis, which is caused mainly by the degeneration of the cartilage between the joints, is also impacted by cold weather as it aggravates inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Sitting asanas done on sofa or mat can help One of the main reasons for osteoarthritis is excess body weight, stress, a poor lifestyle and a diet rich in meat, fat and sugar. Any excess or imbalance in daily living impacts the complex systems of our body right down to the cellular level, thus disrupting the auto-immune system and the central nervous system. The simplest but most effective practice to start with for osteoarthritis is Sushma Vyvyan. This exercises every joint of the body, starting from the toes to the neck area. This helps free up the joints, releases excess wind from the joints, removes blockages in the flow of pyranic energy and blood in the whole body. Synchronised with breath awareness, it helps better exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in better oxygenation. All this helps in preserving and reversing the cartilage degeneration. SUKSHMA VYAYAM OR PAWANMUKTASANA SERIES 1: This whole practice can be done in a sitting posture either on the yoga mat, a reasonably stiff sofa or bed. Sit comfortably with legs stretched out in front and palms behind your body with fingers pointing outwards, so that you can rest your back. Toe movement
  • Focus on your toes. With every inhalation, pull the toes of both legs up and with exhalation, bend them towards the floor. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds.
Ankle joint movement
  •  Bringing attention to the ankle joints, inhale and pull them towards yourself and with exhalation, stretch and bend them away from yourself. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds.
Knee joint movement Inhale, then squeeze and tighten your knee joint with the kneecap automatically moving upwards. Exhale and relax the knee joint. This is one round. Do five to 10 rounds. Hip joint movement
  • Fold your right leg and place your right foot on your left thigh. Place your right hand on the right knee and left hand on your right toes. Rotate the hip joint by moving the leg in circular motion, drawing an invisible circle with your right knee. Inhale as the knee moves down and exhale as you pull your knee up. A clockwise rotation makes one round. Do five rounds in clockwise and five rounds in anti-clockwise direction.
  • Do the same with the left hip joint.
Finger joints movement
  • Sitting with legs stretched out, stretch your arms out in front of you along your shoulder with palms facing each other. Inhale, stretch all your fingers out maximum. Exhale and relax all finger joints. This is one round. Do at least 10 rounds.
  • Wrist joint movement
  • Then make a fist with your arms still stretched out and rotate the wrist joint for five rounds in the clockwise direction and five rounds in an anti-clockwise direction.
Elbow joint movement
  • Cup your right elbow joint in your left palm. Then rotate the forearm in clockwise then anticlockwise direction for five to 10 times.
  • Do the same for the left elbow joint.
Shoulder joint movement
  • Fold both arms and place the tip of your right hand fingers on the right shoulder and the left hand fingers on the left shoulder. Join the elbows in front of the chest. Breathe in, pull both arms behind, then bring them back together in the front, thus completing one full rotation of both arms in the clockwise direction. Do five to 10 rounds.
Neck movement
  • Inhale, throw your head at the back and look up. Exhale and lower your chin to the chest in slow, smooth movements. This is one round. Do five rounds.
  • Sideways bending movement of the neck is done by inhaling when your head is straight. As you exhale, bend your head towards the right shoulder. Then inhale as you look straight and with exhalation bend the head to the left. Do five rounds.
  •  Keep your head straight and inhale. As you exhale, turn and twist your neck to the right looking as far back as possible. Repeat on the left side and do five rounds each.
  • Sitting upright, rotate your neck area first in a clockwise and then in an anti-clockwise direction. Inhale as your head goes back and exhale as your chin moves towards your chest. Do five clockwise and five anticlockwise rotations.
Practise five minutes of Shraavana daily. visit – https://shorturl.at/notvw