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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Heart attack cases not rising due to Covid vaccine, but stress and other traditional factors, says cardiologist

10 things you can do for your mental health every day

Dr Mohit Gupta from GB Pant Hospital who was part of a new study published in the journal PLOS One, says Covid vaccine is in fact providing protection to heart.

The administration of Covid vaccines to a wide population across the globe has helped bring Coronavirus threat in control. While the virus continues to evolve and new variants are emerging, the symptoms are milder than early pandemic years. Irrespective of the role Covid vaccines played in controlling the spread of the virus, the reports of its side effects, especially its role in triggering heart attack is often debated by common people. A new observational study published in the journal PLOS One, determines the impact of Covid-19 vaccination on mortality following heart attack or acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

The study concludes that Covid vaccines Covishield and Covaxin do not pose as a risk factor for a heart attack and in fact have a protective effect on heart.

“The retrospective study used data from 1,578 people admitted to G B Pant hospital in Delhi between August 2021 and August 2022. As many as 1,086 (68.8 per cent) were vaccinated against COVID-19 while 492 (31.2 per cent) were unvaccinated,” reported PTI.

Among the vaccinated group, 1,047 (96 per cent) had received two doses of the vaccine while 39 (4 per cent) had received only a single dose.

Heart attack cases not rising due to Covid vaccine, but stress and other traditional factors, says cardiologist

“We analysed patients detected with heart attack in our set up. Many of them were vaccinated and some of them were not so retrospectively, we started analysing them and what we saw was very surprising. When these patients were taken for vaccination, the vaccine administration was absolutely safe, they didn’t have any significant side effects that could be linked to heart attack. It was concluded that there was no association between vaccine administration and occurrence of heart attack,” says Dr Mohit Gupta, Interventional Cardiologist and Professor of cardiology, who led the study, from G B Pant Hospital.

Dr Mohit added that they found that people who were vaccinated had lesser risk of heart attack compared to unvaccinated lot which means the vaccine in fact had a protective effect for cardiovascular health.

“This study conclusively point out that what we are using is safe and if one gets vaccinated it will give protection. Covid vaccination will be like influenza vaccine which would be given every year. With new variants, vaccines will be updated,” says Dr Mohit.

While the study rules out Covid vaccine’s role in triggering heart attack, the cases are on rise after pandemic.

“India is evolving into a world capital of heart attack because of many factors and traditional factors like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking are always there. Patterns and prevalence of these diseases are changing due to genetics also. Indians are more prone to heart attack than earlier. Second, factors like psychosocial stress, like anger, they are now having third highest predictive value of heart attacks. Our own analysis of 1700 patients showed 95% of population is suffering from severe to moderate stress in some way or the other. We are still bind-folded and not accepting this risk factor. 25% of heart attack population is between 18 to 35 years of age. They study telomere length or genetic length. You would be surprised that without any risk factor, their body age was 25 to 30 years, but their genetic age was 60 to 90 years. This is happening because their telomere length was completely destroyed,” says Dr Mohit Gupta.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/mGMS3

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COVID-19 Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Nipah virus suspected behind ‘unnatural’ deaths in India: Causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment

Nipah virus suspected behind ‘unnatural’ deaths in India: Causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment

Nipah virus outbreak has raised health alert in Kerala after 2 ‘unnatural’ deaths were reported in Kozhikode. Know its causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment

The Kerala Health Department has issued a health alert in Kozhikode district after two “unnatural” deaths by suspected Nipah virus infection were reported on August 30 and September 11. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that has been responsible for outbreaks of severe respiratory and neurological disease in humans where the risk factors and causes of Nipah virus transmission are primarily linked to its origin in fruit bats and subsequent spillover into other animals and humans.

Risk Factors of Nipah Virus:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai’s Mira Road, listed the causes as –

1. Fruit Bat Reservoir: Fruit bats, particularly the Pteropus genus, are natural hosts of Nipah virus. Their excretions and saliva may contain the virus, and direct contact with these bats or consumption of fruits contaminated by their saliva can lead to transmission.

2. Intermediate Hosts: The virus can be transmitted to humans via intermediate hosts such as pigs. Close contact with infected pigs or their contaminated tissues can result in human infection.

3. Human-to-Human Transmission: In some cases, Nipah virus can spread from person to person through close contact, especially within healthcare settings. This mode of transmission poses a significant risk during outbreaks.

Nipah virus suspected behind ‘unnatural’ deaths in India: Causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment

Symptoms of Nipah Virus:

Dr Aniket Mule revealed, “The symptoms of Nipah virus infection can vary from mild to severe and may include fever, headache, dizziness, cough, and in severe cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) leading to altered consciousness, seizures, and coma. Respiratory symptoms can also occur.”

Treatment for Nipah Virus:

According to Dr Aniket Mule, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus infection. He said, “Supportive care is essential, including maintaining respiratory function, managing fever and pain, and providing intravenous fluids. Experimental treatments and antiviral drugs have been explored in some cases, but their efficacy remains uncertain. Given the serious nature of Nipah virus and the potential for outbreaks, it is crucial to follow guidelines and recommendations from public health authorities and seek immediate medical attention if suspected cases arise. Additionally, research and surveillance efforts continue to deepen our understanding of this virus and may lead to improved treatment options in the future.”

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/iwNU0
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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

Chickenpox strain Clade 9 which is usually common in countries like UK and US is detected in India. Know its common symptoms.

A new variant of chickenpox namely Clade 9 has been detected in the country. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has found the presence of Clade 9 variant of chickenpox-causing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) for the first time in India; the said variant is more common in countries like Germany, UK and US. Varicella-zoster virus is one of the nine herpes viruses and causes chickenpox in children, teens and shingles in adults. In India, so far Clade 1 and Clade 5 have been found, but Clade 9 has been detected for the first time.

What is Clade 9?

Clade 9 is a variant of varicella zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness, says Dr Vineeta Taneja – Director – Internal Medicine – Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

Common strains of Varicella zoster in India

“Varicella zoster is a virus which causes chickenpox in younger population and shingles in adults. Clade 1 and 5 were the variants of varicella zoster known to cause infection in Indian population. But in a recent survey, it was found that Clade 9 which is the dominant strain in western countries, has been found in circulation in the Indian subcontinent too,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant- Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

What are its symptoms?

Some of the symptoms of Clade 9 includes rash, fever, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue and an overall sense of ill health, adds Dr Taneja.

The chicken pox rash appears 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Prior to appearance of rash, patient develops fever, body ache and headache. The rash appears in form of bumps called papules followed by small fluid-filled blisters called vesicles which eventually heal with formation of scabs. The fever settles 1-2 days after the appearance of rash. The entire process happens over a period of 2 weeks and the person is infective to others 2 days prior to onset of rash and the infectivity continue till scab formation,” says Dr Tayal.

Is clade 9 more severe than previous variants?

“Presently there is no difference in the severity of infection with Clade 9 as compared to the previous variants,” adds Dr Tayal.

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

Prevention tips

Dr Vineeta Taneja says the most effective way to prevent chickenpox is getting vaccinated. One should also practice good hygiene and regular handwashing can also help.

“In many countries, including the United States and several European countries, the Varicella vaccine is routinely administered to children as part of the immunization schedule. If you’re in a region where this vaccine is available, make sure you and your children are up-to-date with their vaccinations,” says Dr Taneja.

“Practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of VZV transmission. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching the face. Avoid close contact with individuals who have chickenpox or shingles,” she adds.

Here are other prevention tips to follow:

Isolation: If someone in your household has chickenpox, try to isolate them from others, especially individuals who are at high risk of severe complications, such as pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Cover coughs and sneezes: Teach proper cough and sneeze etiquette to minimize the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Avoid sharing personal items: Refrain from sharing personal items like towels, clothing, and utensils with someone who has chickenpox until they are no longer contagious.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system can help prevent infections. Ensure you and your family members maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Seek medical advice: If you or your child is exposed to chickenpox or develops symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. There may be specific recommendations from healthcare professionals to manage the situation, especially if you or your child are at higher risk of complications.

Post-exposure prophylaxis: In some cases, post-exposure prophylaxis with Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) may be recommended for individuals at high risk of severe disease after exposure to chickenpox. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Treatment

Antiviral medications: Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, are commonly prescribed to manage VZV infections. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications. Treatment should ideally start within 72 hours of the rash onset for maximal effectiveness.

Pain management: Pain, itching, and discomfort are common symptoms of VZV infections. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate these symptoms.

Calamine lotion: Applying calamine lotion to the skin can help relieve itching and discomfort associated with chickenpox or shingles rashes.

Cool baths: Taking cool baths or applying cool, damp compresses to the affected areas may provide relief from itching.

Rest: Rest is important to support the body’s immune response and help with the healing process.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection occurs as a complication of scratching the rash.

Topical antivirals: In some cases, topical antiviral creams or ointments may be used to manage skin lesions, particularly in cases of herpes zoster.

Antiviral prophylaxis: High-risk individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems, may be given antiviral medications as prophylaxis if they are exposed to VZV to prevent severe disease. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Eye care: If the eye is affected by herpes zoster (ophthalmic shingles), consult an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for proper evaluation and treatment.

Pregnant women: Special precautions and management may be required for pregnant women who develop chickenpox or shingles, as these infections can pose risks to the foetus. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

“Treatment of chicken pox is primarily symptomatic. Antivirals may be added for reducing the severity of infection and duration of recovery. Self isolation is extremely important to prevent spread of u infection to unvaccinated population and elderly. Prevention of chicken pox is with help of varicella zoster vaccine which is to be taken in 2 doses 4 months apart,” says Dr Tayal.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/koruL

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines: Study

The study states that headache and discomfort in lower limbs in children are often associated with the risk of migraines.

According to new research published in the journal Headache, discomfort in the lower limbs, which is commonly referred to as “growing pains” by physicians and is sometimes associated with rapid growth, may suggest the presence or risk of migraines in children and teenagers.

The study included 100 children and adolescents born to mothers with migraines seen at a headache clinic, with half of the youth experiencing growing pains.

“In families of children with growing pains, there is an increased prevalence of other pain syndromes, especially migraine among parents,” the authors wrote. “On the other hand, children with migraine have a higher prevalence of growing pains, suggesting a common pathogenesis; therefore, we hypothesized that growing pains in children are a precursor or comorbidity with migraine.”

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines: Study

After 5 years of follow-up, 78 patients completed the study, of which 42 were from the group that experienced growing pains and 36 were from the control group.

Headaches occurred in 76 per cent of participants who had growing pains and in 22 per cent of controls. Growing pains persisted in 14 per cent of participants who had growing pains at the start of the study and appeared in 39 per cent of participants who were previously asymptomatic.

“Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents may reflect a precursor or comorbidity with migraine,” the authors concluded.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/kCFJV

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

From taking a stroll to talking to a family member, here are effective ways to deal with suicidal thoughts.

Our brain works non-stop doing a series of functions which also includes thinking a wide variety of thoughts. Some can pertain to managing daily chores, others can be imaginative, creative, analytical or ruminative. Suicidal thoughts, if fleeting in nature, can occur sometimes and usually are not a cause of any worry. However, frequent suicidal thoughts are not normal and need to be addressed. People with depression, chronic pain or drug addicts may have such thoughts.

“Regardless of age or gender, a passing thought about suicide is something that many may have experienced at some point of time, however, frequent suicidal thoughts are not normal. Before we learn how to deal with them, it is important to understand that having suicidal thoughts does not make a person weak or abnormal and you don’t need to feel guilty or ashamed, no matter your situation,” says Dr Sneha Sharma, Consultant, Psychiatry and Drug Deaddiction, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

Dr Sneha says if suicidal thoughts have been on mind for sometime there are certain steps one can take to stay safe before getting further support.

Speaking with an expert is the effective way to deal with thoughts of suicide. A therapist can provide direction in pinpointing potential triggers, researching available treatments, and formulating a safety plan.

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Dr Sneha shares effective ways to deal with suicidal thoughts:

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

• Speak up

Family members you can trust can listen and provide emotional support. They can also aid in keeping you secure. A crisis counsellor is a good place to start if you’re not sure who to contact. They’ll compassionately listen and give advice on how to reach out.

• Look for a safe haven

A safe, secure and happy place like a friend’s home, library or other public area helps to prevent working on suicide ideas. You may even try a new room in your own home.

• Avoid access to weapons

Safety also includes having no access to drugs, guns, and other potential suicide things and techniques. If you need to continue taking medicine, a friend or family member can stay with you while you remove these things. So that you don’t have access to more tablets, they might provide one dose at a time.

• Steer clear of alcohol and other drugs

Alcohol and other drugs may seem like a good way to dull unpleasant feelings, but you may find that they make depression and suicidal thoughts worse.

• Try grounding strategies

A few grounding exercises include taking a little stroll, petting a pet, and doing 4-7-8 breathing when you’re feeling very distressed. Not sure where to begin? A crisis counsellor can also walk you through testing them out over the phone or via text.

• Take a break

You might feel calmer and less anxious by enjoying your favourite food or drink, listening to music, or viewing pictures (or videos) of loved ones and animals.

• Prioritize self-care

Taking care of your bodily requirements may not always help to lessen suicidal thoughts. However, if your bodily requirements are being satisfied, you might find it simpler to control them. Try to eat balanced meals, drink enough of water, engage in some physical exercise (even if it’s just moving about the house or stretching), and aim for sufficient hours of sleep each night.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/bvFN9

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

World First Aid Day is being observed on September 9 this year. Here’s a list of items your emergency medical kit should include.

First aid plays a crucial role in emergency medical situations and can prove to be lifesaving in case of heart attacks, seizures, strokes, road accidents etc. It could be a set of life-saving techniques or basic medicines for certain illnesses, bandages, pain killers, or ointments. It is important to have knowledge and awareness about things like CPR, Heimlich manoeuvre, controlling bleeding, use of AED, how to take care of snake bites among others. First aid can be provided by a bystander, a family member or a colleague. In case of a sudden injury or illness, bystanders may play an essential role before the arrival of ambulance or admission to a hospital.

World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of every September to create awareness around the role of first aid in saving lives. This year the day is being celebrated on September 9 and its theme is ‘First Aid in the Digital World’ which promotes utilisation of digital tools and its resources that aid in the provision of first aid education.

One must always be ready to provide this crucial help to anyone who’s in need and thus it is important to keep an emergency medical kit ready.

Dr Kishore Kumar, Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru in an interview with HT Digital shares essentials that help control bleeding or address an injury in case of an accident.

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

An emergency medical kit is crucial for providing immediate care during unexpected situations. Here are some essentials to include:

• Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for covering wounds and minor injuries.

• Sterile gauze and dressings: Used for larger wounds and to control bleeding.

• Adhesive tape: To secure bandages and dressings in place.

• Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.

• Scissors: To cut tape, gauze, clothing, or other materials.

• Thermometer: To monitor body temperature.

• Digital thermometer: Accurate and safe for children

• Cotton balls or swabs: Useful for cleaning or applying ointments.

• Disposable gloves: To protect both the caregiver and patient.

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications.

• CPR face shield or mask: For performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation safely.

• Instant cold packs: To reduce swelling and soothe injuries.

• Burn cream or gel: For treating minor burns.

• Prescription medications: If someone in your family has specific medical conditions, keep their necessary medications on hand.

• Emergency contact numbers: A list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, doctors, and family members.

• Personal information: Copies of identification, medical history, and insurance information.

• Ideally every emergency kit needs to have a defibrillator and every citizen needs to be trained in CPR: In most Scandinavian countries they have defibrillator every few yards to help resuscitation. It is a long shot in India. Ss a first step, let us hope CPR training is made mandatory for all citizens, which can save lots of lives.

• Also, every citizen should carry an ‘alert’ badge in their wallet – listing the medications they are on and the medical conditions they have – which could help in emergencies. Like if someone is diabetic and falls unconscious, the first thing we know we need to correct is his low sugars.

“Remember to regularly check and update your emergency medical kit, ensure that everyone in your household knows where it’s kept, and consider any specific medical needs of your family members when customizing the kit. Additionally, it’s essential to have basic first aid training to effectively use these supplies in emergencies,” says Dr Kumar.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/xDQ56

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Updates

Updated COVID vaccine effective against newer variant, says Moderna

Updated COVID vaccine effective against newer variant, says Moderna

Moderna has said clinical trial data showed its updated COVID-19 vaccine will likely be effective against the highly-mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus that has raised fears of a resurgence of infections.

Moderna has said that the clinical trial data showed its updated COVID-19 vaccine shot generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies in humans against the highly-mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus that has raised fears of a resurgence of infections, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

“We think this is news people will want to hear as they prepare to go out and get their fall boosters,” Reuters quoted Jacqueline Miller head of infectious diseases in Moderna said in an interview, adding that the data should also help reassure regulators.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID or were vaccinated with previous shots.

Updated COVID vaccine effective against newer variant, says Moderna

The Omicron offshoot carries more than 35 mutations in key portions of the virus compared with XBB.1.5, the dominant variant through most of 2023 and the target of the updated shots.

Moderna said it had shared the new finding on its vaccine with regulators and submitted it for peer review publication.

The retooled Moderna shot is expected to be available later this month or in early October, though it is yet to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Meanwhile, rival COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Novavax and Pfizer with German partner BioNTech have created versions of their shots aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

In August, Moderna and Pfizer each said their new vaccines appeared to be effective against another new subvariant of concern dubbed EG.5 in initial testing

Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved Pfizer/BioNTech shot, but have not make any announcements on Moderna’s updated vaccine.

A WHO official said the BA.2.86 the subvariant of the coronavirus has been detected in Switzerland, South Africa as well as Israel, Denmark, the US and Britain.

According to experts it is important to monitor the variant, but it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/quyUZ

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Covid vaccines used in India and risk of heart attack are not related: Study

Covid vaccines used in India and risk of heart attack are not related:

The study emphasising on the effect of jabs has stated that the risk of heart attacks is not associated with covid vaccines.

There is no association between the Covid-19 vaccines used in India — Covishield and Covaxin — and increase in the risk of heart attacks, according to an observational study which emphasises the protective effect of the jabs.

The research, published recently in the journal PLOS One, determined the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart attack.

The retrospective study used data from 1,578 people admitted to G B Pant hospital in Delhi between August 2021 and August 2022. As many as 1,086 (68.8 per cent) were vaccinated against COVID-19 while 492 (31.2 per cent) were unvaccinated.

Among the vaccinated group, 1,047 (96 per cent) had received two doses of the vaccine while 39 (4 per cent) had received only a single dose.

“Our study found that vaccines used in India are safe. There was no association of vaccination in India with heart attack. In fact, the study found that there were less chances of death after heart attack in vaccinated individuals,” Mohit Gupta, who led the study, from G B Pant Hospital, told PTI.

Covid vaccines used in India and risk of heart attack are not related:

The adverse effects (AEs) of COVID-19 vaccines have mostly been mild, transient and self-limiting. However, concerns have been raised regarding the cardiovascular adverse effects of these vaccines.

Any side effect can have catastrophic effects especially in large densely populated countries such as India, the authors noted.

In all the enrolled patients, data regarding the patient’s vaccination status including details on type of vaccine, date of vaccination and adverse effects were obtained.

The researchers found that the analysis did not show a specific clustering of AMI at any particular time post vaccination, suggesting there was no significant association between COVID-19 jabs and heart attacks.

On 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality occurred in 201 (12.7 per cent) patients with adjusted odds of mortality being significantly lower in the vaccinated group.

Similarly, at six months of follow-up, the vaccinated AMI group had lower odds of mortality as compared to the non-vaccinated group.

COVID-19 vaccines showed a decrease in all-cause mortality at 30 days and six months following AMI, according to the study.

However, increasing age, diabetics and smokers had a higher risk of 30-day mortality, the researchers said.

“Findings of our study showed that the 30-day and six months all-cause mortality risk was significantly lower in the vaccinated subjects as compared to the unvaccinated population,” the authors of the study said.

This study is the first to be conducted among a larger population of AMI patients which has shown COVID-19 vaccine to be not only safe but also have a protective effect in terms of reduction of all-cause mortality both on short term as well as at six months of follow-up, the authors of the study said.

They noted some limitations, saying that this was a single centre retrospective study, and the findings need to be validated in further larger studies from different ethnic groups.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/oxY25

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COVID-19 Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

A recent study in UK suggests how blood clots formed in brain or in the lungs can explain some common symptoms of “long Covid”, including brain fog and fatigue.

The study was carried out on 1,837 patients admitted in the hospital due to Covid-19. Researchers found that two blood proteins point to clots being one cause, reported BBC.

Researchers found that 16% of patients with the clots were having problem in thinking, concentrating or remembering the things for at least six months.

Prof Paul Harrison of Oxford University, the author of the study, said identifying predictors and possible mechanisms was “a key step” in understanding post-Covid brain fog.

However, Prof Chris Brightling of Leicester University said there may still be many different causes of long Covid.

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

“It’s a combination of someone’s health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead on to physical and mental health consequences, ” Prof Brightling said.

Another study in Nature Medicine, blamed higher levels of the protein fibrinogen and protein fragment D-dimer of a covid-19 patient for brain fog.

“Both fibrinogen and D-dimer are involved in blood clotting and so the results support the hypothesis that blood clots are a cause of post-Covid cognitive problems,” reported BBC quoting Dr Max Taquet, from Oxford University.

“Fibrinogen may be directly acting on the brain and its blood vessels, whereas D-dimer often reflects blood clots in the lungs and the problems in the brain might be due to lack of oxygen,” he added.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/nzCI2

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates

Teachers’ Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Teachers' Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Teachers’ Day 2023: Explore some essential mental health tips tailored specifically for teachers who find themselves grappling with the weight of work pressure.

Teachers’ Day, celebrated on the 5th of September, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all teachers and the immense contribution they make to society. Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. The gruelling responsibilities of the job, strict regulations and the duty to nurture young minds can sometimes lead to extreme work pressure. Even when you have a lot on your plate, you should not neglect your mental health. In a recent survey of more than 30,000 educators by the American Federation of Teachers, more than 75% of respondents said they did not have enough staff to do the work, and 78% said they were often physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of the day.

It should be a priority for everyone to take care of their inner and emotional health. It is necessary to engage in activities that calm the mind and soul. It’s not easy to be a teacher, and with all the work that has to be done, the job can sometimes become too demanding and can take a toll on your well-being.

Teachers' Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Mental Health Tips for Teachers Battling Work Pressure

“Teachers must prioritize their mental well-being because it has an impact on their students”, according to Aashmeen Munjal, Ontologist, Mental Health and Relationship Expert. She further shared with HT Lifestyle a few suggestions for coping with work pressure.

1. When work gets wrapped up on time, a huge amount of stress passes away. Teachers need to prioritize duties, develop schedules, and set aside time for breaks. This will help them to have better time management

2. Who says “self-care is unethical, it’s fundamental”? Teachers need to rejuvenate from time to time. They should make the most of their free time by reading, gardening, jogging or relaxing.

3. Integrating mindful meditation and relaxation practices into their daily routine as an educator, increases focus and reduces stress. It can be achieved by engaging in activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even brisk walks. A lot of stress can be relieved by practising the same.

4. To avoid feeling drained, it is advised that teachers maintain an organized workspace and make effective use of planners and digital calendars.

“These are just some of the techniques that can help to improve mental health for teachers in battling work pressure. As long as teachers are willing to learn and flourish professionally, learning never ceases. They ought to never forget the accomplishments they have made. Being in this line of work can occasionally be exhausting. They should always keep their thoughts intact and keep a positive attitude, even when situations are tough. A teacher should always remember that by taking care of her mental health, she will prove herself to be more committed,” says Aashmeen.

Teacher’s Role in Enhancing Student Mental Well-being

“The lives of children seem similar to a spider’s web. Through their orientation and guidance, teachers help students unwind the complicated network. Teachers encourage pupils to develop their emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their academic skills. The widespread use of all facets being digital has certain adverse impacts on students’ mental health. The role of educators in cultivating pupils’ healthy mental health grows. Students’ abilities are enhanced when teachers cultivate a positive attitude towards their charges. Teachers can shape, boost, and nourish the hearts and brains of their students,” says Aashmeen.

She, added, “Students embrace empathy, trust, and positive interaction through fostering strong teacher-student connections, which establishes the foundation for their emotional development and perseverance. A teacher must have faith in their pupils’ knowledge while motivating them to discover their strengths. Such praises support a child’s optimism and stimulate a good sense of dignity. The ability to solve problems helps youngsters retain excellent mental health throughout their lives since life is full of obstacles.”

“Teachers need to practice inclusion and work to mitigate stigma. Respecting cultural diversity in the classroom promotes a healthy mental environment. Instead of being considered a taboo subject, talking about mental health should be encouraged. This promises the pupils that asking for help does not indicate weakness but rather strength. Overall, instructors serve as role models by encouraging students to have ambitions and believe in their abilities. This optimism has a significant bearing on a child’s future achievement and mental health, ” concluded Aashmeen.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/qtzEH