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Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

Evidence indicates that excessive screen time is harmful both to neurological development and socialisation.

The effects of prolonged screen use during childhood have been extensively studied in recent years. Evidence indicates that excessive screen time is harmful both to neurological development and socialisation. This is because, among other things, they cause us to disconnect from our surroundings, leading to very real addictions that often require intervention from a mental health professional.

Additionally, screen use can cause neurocognitive learning disorders at the early stages of personality formation in childhood.

But above all, excessive time spent in front of televisions, video games, mobile phones and tablets during childhood and adolescence leads to a sedentary lifestyle.

In fact, there is already a proven link between overuse of screens and the increase in sedentary lifestyles among children.

Now, a new dimension can be added to all these reasons for limiting the time children spend in front of televisions, video games and mobile phones.

According to a new study, led by Andrew Agbaje at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023, sedentary children are at increased risk of heart damage in early adulthood.

Heart damage: Another reason to cut down on children’s screen time

In other words, inactivity during infancy may well set the stage for heart attacks and strokes later in life, even if weight and blood pressure are within the normal ranges.

Excessive screen time increases heart weight

The research analysed the cumulative effects of sedentary time on the heart, drawing data from Children of the 90s, a landmark multigenerational study that is unique in its breadth and depth of scope.

It tracked the health and lifestyles of 14,500 babies born in 1990 and 1991 into their adult lives.

Of the children included in the study, 766 –55 per cent of them girls and 45 per cent boys– were asked at age 11 to wear a smart watch that monitored their activity for seven days.

At age 15 they were asked to repeat this, and then again at 24. In parallel, an echocardiographical analysis was taken of each subject’s left ventricle at ages 17 and 24, which was then adjusted for height, sex, blood pressure, body fat, tobacco use, physical activity and socioeconomic status.

The results indicated that at age 11 the subjects were sedentary for an average of 362 minutes per day.

In adolescence (age 15) this increased to 474 minutes per day, and then went up to 531 minutes per day in adulthood (age 24).

Sedentary time increased by an average of 2.8 hours per day over the 13 years of the study.

A large amount of this sedentary time was spent in front of screens. `Most seriously, the echocardiography registered an increase in heart weight among young people that correlated directly to time spent being sedentary.

Once they entered adulthood, this increased the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

This direct relation between accumulated inactive time and heart damage was independent of body weight and blood pressure.

Tell me how much you moved as a child…

By now it is common knowledge that sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of metabolic conditions (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes), neurodegenerative disease and cardiovascular disease in adults.

The new study shows that sedentary behaviour at a very early age –especially unrestricted screen time– may lead to an earlier onset of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that parents encourage children and adolescents to move around more, and limit the time they spend watching television, or using social media and videogames.

As we have already suggested with regard to premature birth, the list of known, conventional cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, etc.) should be revised and updated as a result of the study to include the cumulative time spent engaging in sedentary behaviour in childhood.

We should all, from an early age, heed the words of Martin Luther King when he said “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.”

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety
  • A good mental health not just requires rest, rejuvenation and de-stressing, but also nutrition. If you are suffering from anxiety, here are nutrients to add.

Your diet can be a secret weapon for mental well-being. Nutrients play a pivotal role in promoting good mental health and reducing anxiety,” says Nutritionist Lovneet Batra in her recent Instagram post.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and neurotrophic properties and may affect the brain tissues involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety.

NAC: The anti-inflammatory activity of NAC is protective against chronic inflammation, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders. NAC can influence the balance of a neurotransmitter called glutamate in the brain. Imbalances in glutamate are associated with anxiety disorders, and NAC may help restore this balance.

5 nutrients that can help reduce anxiety

Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in regulating neurotransmitters and the function of the central nervous system. It helps balance the excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, potentially reducing anxiety symptoms. Magnesium may stimulate the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain.

Probiotics: Probiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the treatment and prevention of anxiety. They can play a key role in mood regulation by helping to reduce inflammation in your body, produce feel-good neurotransmitters, and affect your stress response.

Probiotics: Probiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the treatment and prevention of anxiety. They can play a key role in mood regulation by helping to reduce inflammation in your body, produce feel-good neurotransmitters, and affect your stress response.

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Long Covid study links lingering virus with bowel-to-brain havoc

Long Covid study links lingering virus with bowel-to-brain havoc

The findings of the study provides an explanation for poor concentration, memory problems and other neurocognitive symptoms in long Covid.

Covid may trigger complex biological reactions from the bowel to the brain, leading to persistent neurological symptoms in some people, according to a study that points the way toward a treatment.

Viral vestiges in the gastrointestinal tracts of a subset of long-Covid patients may drive chronic inflammation that interferes with a key chemical messenger involved in nerve activity, brain function and memory, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania reported Monday in the journal Cell.

The findings provide an explanation for poor concentration, memory problems and other neurocognitive symptoms in long Covid, they said. Importantly, their experiments identified Prozac and other drugs that boost levels of the chemical messenger — serotonin — as promising targets for future study.

More than 200 symptoms have been associated with long Covid, an umbrella term applied to the often debilitating health problems estimated to afflict 10% or more of people who have had Covid-19. The new research suggests some hallmark symptoms “may converge on common pathways,” said co-author Christoph Thaiss, an assistant professor of microbiology at the Penn Institute for Immunology in Philadelphia.

Long Covid study links lingering virus with bowel-to-brain havoc

Further research may determine how many long Covid sufferers are affected by this cascade of reactions and uncover additional potential therapies, he said. The implications of the study may also extend to other post-viral syndromes.

While serotonin is most widely associated with mood and mental health, the researchers had a different focus as they sought to unravel drivers of long Covid. Thaiss and colleagues found that ongoing inflammation in the gut, which they link to a persistent reservoir of the virus, sabotages circulating levels of the neurotransmitter in multiple ways, including through blood clotting abnormalities.

‘Unifying Framework’

“This is as close as I have seen to a unifying framework for long Covid,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, director of the clinical epidemiology center at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System in Missouri, whose research has led to important long Covid findings. “This is a very important advance in the field.”

Cohort studies and lab experiments were used to interpret the cause of serotonin depletion and its downstream effects. The researchers focused on the molecule’s activity on the vagus nerve, which innervates internal organs and is thought to stimulate neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning, memory and cognition.

“The fact that we see serotonin being dysregulated in some individuals with long Covid can potentially explain why there’s such a broad spectrum of symptoms,” spanning brain fog and mood to problems sleeping and gastric upset, Thaiss said.

Low serotonin has been observed across several long-Covid studies, including patients with different but over-lapping symptoms, he said.

“The sicker the person is in terms of the number of symptoms they present with, the lower their serotonin,” Thaiss said.

No Silver Bullet

A single biological pathway isn’t likely to explain all long Covid cases, said Akiko Iwasaki, a professor of immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, who also studies the condition. Other proposed drivers of neurologic symptoms include persistent neuroinflammation, possibly from a deficient immune response that allows the virus to linger in the brain.

“But still, it’s a very important mechanism that deserves a lot of attention,” Iwasaki said in an interview. Serotonin might help gauge the effects of treatments in studies, including a trial of Pfizer Inc.’s antiviral Paxlovid that she is working on.

“If serotonin is really the key marker, we definitely should be including that,” Iwasaki said.

Not all scientists are convinced that low serotonin is playing a key role or acting in isolation in long Covid. Also many sufferers have taken the medicines without benefit.

Avindra Nath, clinical director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland, praised the study for its extensive body of research, but said that except in some rare disorders or micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies, it’s unlikely alterations in levels of a single molecule can be blamed for starting a disease process, especially one triggered by an infection.

Targeted Studies

Strategies aimed at increasing serotonin levels or targeting its signaling should be examined in randomized, controlled trials of patients most likely to benefit from the approach, said Liam O’Mahony, a professor of immunology at University College Cork, whose own research found serotonin depletion in long Covid patients.

Prozac, Luvox and other antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin in the brain have been studied during the pandemic to both prevent and treat Covid due to their potential to disrupt the biological processes of infection, but results have been mixed. People taking them when they caught Covid had about a 25% lower risk of developing long Covid, scientists at the National Institutes of Health found in a retrospective study released in November before peer-review and publication.

“It may be a combination of therapies that ends up being the most effective for patients and not one drug in isolation,” said study co-author Benjamin Abramoff, director of Penn Medicine’s Post-Covid Assessment and Recovery Clinic.

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

7 signs of poor mental health you shouldn’t ignore

7 signs of poor mental health you shouldn't ignore

Poor mental health can take a heavy toll on physical health and may even lead to serious ailments and chronic health issues.

Poor mental health can directly affect your productivity, moods and relationships. If not addressed, it can put one at risk of mental health disorders. Unlike other illnesses, signs of mental health issues are not clear but some of the early signs of poor mental health are disrupted sleep, sullen mood and irritable behavior. Poor mental health can take a heavy toll on physical health and may even lead to serious ailments and chronic health issues. Like other aspects of health, our mental health also requires attention. If you are finding it difficult to focus, facing sleep issues, suffering from aches and pains or isolating yourself, you must consult a mental health expert to get into the root of your problems.

“Mental health encompasses an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, shaping their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant for signs that could indicate a decline in their mental well-being. Some of these signs include lack of proper refreshing sleep, sustained mood change, significant changes in energy levels, losing interest, feeling quite insecure, odd experiences of hearing or seeing things that others cannot, thinking of harming self, and losing the meaning of life, sometimes accompanied by aggression,” says Dr Sameer Malhotra, Director and Head – Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Max Super Specialist Hospital, Saket.

7 signs of poor mental health you shouldn't ignore

“Our mental health is as important as physical health, and recognizing the signs of struggling mental well-being is crucial for early intervention and support,” says Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali

Here are 7 poor mental health signs shares by Dr Jyoti Kapoor that one should never ignore:

1. Persistent mood swings: Feeling consistently sad, hopeless, or experiencing drastic mood swings that interfere with daily life can be a sign of depression or other mood disorders.

2. Social withdrawal: If you start isolating yourself, avoiding friends and family, it may indicate emotional distress or social anxiety.

3. Irregular sleeping patterns: Insomnia, oversleeping, or disrupted sleep can be linked to mental health issues.

4. Appetite and weight changes: Significant changes in appetite, whether overeating or undereating, can be indicative of emotional distress.

5. Difficulty in concentrating: Struggling to focus, making decisions, or complete tasks may be a sign of underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or attention disorders.

6. Constant aches: Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained aches and pains can sometimes be manifestations of emotional distress.

7. Increased substance use: Escalating or excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism can be a red flag for mental health problems.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, please reach out to a mental health professional or a counsellor.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/aTXZ6

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

10 things you can do for your mental health every day

10 things you can do for your mental health every day

Just as you prioritize physical fitness, it’s crucial to incorporate daily practices to nurture your mental health. Here are 10 daily habits to follow.

Unlike physical, signs of mental health issues are difficult to spot or not visible at first glimpse. However, a sound mental health is crucial for our overall well-being and can contribute greatly in helping us lead a happy, stress-free and disease-free life. While there are some mental health disorders that may be genetic, many others stem from lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep, exercise, sunlight, and self care. One may take immediate measures for physical health conditions like fever, headache and muscle pain, but steps related to mental health are rarely taken. Like brushing teeth, taking a bath, and having a meal, there are things that people should do every day for a sound mental health.

On World Mental Health Day, Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali shares 10 everyday habits that can boost mental health.

10 things you can do for your mental health every day

TIPS TO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH

Taking care of your mental health is essential for overall well-being. Just as you prioritize physical fitness, it’s crucial to incorporate daily practices to nurture your mental health. Here are ten things you can do every day to promote emotional resilience and mental wellness.

1. Practice mindfulness meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindful meditation. It can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness.

2. Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a full workout. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost your mood.

3. Prioritize sleep: Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle daily stressors.

4. Connect with loved ones: Foster relationships with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones provides emotional support and strengthens your social connections.

5. Control screen time: Set boundaries on screen time, especially on social media and news consumption. Overexposure to negative information can contribute to anxiety.

6. Practice gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This practice promotes a positive mindset.

7. Learn something new: Stimulate your mind by acquiring new skills or knowledge. It can boost confidence and keep your brain active.

8. Establish a routine: Create a daily schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, and self-care. A routine provides structure and reduces uncertainty.

9. Express yourself: Find creative outlets like art, writing, or music to express your emotions. It can be therapeutic and help you process feelings.

10. Take Professional help if needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you’re struggling with your mental health. Therapy can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/bX347

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health Uncategorized

Odisha will soon become hub of cancer care in east India: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

Odisha will soon become hub of cancer care in east India: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
Synopsis

Odisha is set to become a hub for cancer care in eastern India, according to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The state has recently inaugurated new facilities at the Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer in Cuttack, including two linear accelerators for radiotherapy and a 30-bed day-care unit. The government’s focus is to develop infrastructure for cancer care in public health institutions and attract private investment in the development of cancer care hospitals. The government is also planning to establish more cancer care institutions in the coming years.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will soon become a hub of cancer care in eastern India, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Friday, inaugurating new facilities at the Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer in Cuttack. Patnaik inaugurated two linear accelerators for radiotherapy and a 30-bed day-care unit. With this, the number of linear accelerators at hospital rose to four.

With the new day-care unit, the number of day-care beds rose to 42. While the state spent Rs 38 crore for the linear accelerators, the new unit cost it Rs 6 crore.

Addressing the function through video conference, Patnaik said Odisha is witnessing a massive transformation in healthcare.

Apart from strengthening the infrastructure of various public health institutions and providing free quality healthcare, the government is now focused on making Odisha a major centre of cancer care in eastern India, he said.

Odisha will soon become hub of cancer care in east India: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

Besides infrastructure development for cancer care in public health institutions, the government is roping in private players for investment in the development of cancer care hospitals, he said.

A new cancer hospital is coming up in Jharsuguda, Patanaik said, maintaining that more such institutions will be developed in the next few years.

The chief minister said that the entire cost of treatment at AHPGIC is borne by the government.

Health Minister Niranjan Pujari said AHPGIC is a centre of excellence in cancer treatment, education and research.

The government is spending Rs 1,046 crore for free chemo-therapy and other facilities across the state, he said.

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

HealthCraze: Showcasing the next chapter in Indian healthcare

HealthCare: Showcasing the next chapter in Indian healthcare

Delhi, 4th Oct, 2023: Following the tremendous success of the first roundtable, Peer Capital, 2070 Health, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) got together for a second edition of ‘HealthCraze’. This initiative brought together entrepreneurs, operators, academics, policymakers, and investors from the healthcare sector in an exclusive, invite-only discussion for another glimpse into the future of health innovation complete with opportunities and challenges.

Set against the backdrop of an accelerating Indian economy, HealthCraze acknowledged the role of startups as the frontrunners of transformation and the latent potential that healthcare innovation harbors for value creation. With this backdrop, the participants started off by discussing AI in healthcare: the many value propositions it holds across patient care, clinical workflows, and clinician augmentation, areas where they are witnessing steady adoption, and finally, methods for balancing its challenges and benefits.

The many use cases of AI in healthcare can be split into low implementation solutions that mainly address administrative functions like insurance verification, coding, note-taking, etc., and high implementation solutions largely used for clinical decision-making. There are early signs of adoption in the former with clinicians and hospital systems addressing staff shortages and optimizing costs with such solutions. For the latter, participants concurred that it was the right time to build such tools but they emphasized the need for vigilance to ensure strong data integrity, guardrails, and accuracy. For instance, AI hallucinations, where large language models generate false information or facts, was a prevalent concern.

HealthCare: Showcasing the next chapter in Indian healthcare

Participants felt that while building the product, Al developers should keep in mind the target audience and the value proposition for them. Pankaj Jethwani, CEO at 2070 Health, said, “It is imperative for AI solutions to demonstrate a return on investment for potential customers. This can be in the form of cost savings due to replacement of outdated systems or enhancement of operational efficiency, or reduction in liabilities by decreasing human errors.” Shifting gears, HealthCraze-II also delved into understanding how the concept of ‘inflection point’ is defined in healthcare and how startups reach it.One way to define inflection point is – it is the pivotal moment in a startup’s growth trajectory when there’s no longer a need to explain the category they belong to. A good measure is the “mummy test” – if you can explain the category to your mother/parents without having to provide an explanation, it means that the category is well understood across age groups!

“Inflection points can manifest at the product, geographic or enterprise level, varying with categories. For B2C solutions, organic customer acquisition signifies establishment, while reliance on programs/doctors indicates developmental stages. For B2B players, a key measure is sales cycle contraction – conversion from skeptic to immediate payer i.e. – the day they don’t need a trial and are willing to pay from the first day.” explains Rohit, Managing Partner – Peer Capital.

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

10 ways sitting for 10 hours daily is affecting your brain and raising risk of dementia

10 ways sitting for 10 hours daily is affecting your brain and raising risk of dementia

Long hours of sitting can put you at an increased risk of dementia compared to those who sit less, says a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA. While this has become a norm in modern lifestyle, this can severely impact brain health, as per experts. So far, sedentary lifestyle has been associated with increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even death, however this kind of behaviour can also cause cognitive decline, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and increased stress among other mental health issues.

If your job entails long hours of sitting, one must ensure to keep the brain active and stimulated by playing crosswords and other such activities. It is also advised to take a 2-minute break every 30 minutes or maybe work on a standing desk that’s becoming popular nowadays among professionals.

How sedentary lifestyle can affect brain?

Dr Kunal Bahrani, Director-Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad explains that a sedentary lifestyle, which involves prolonged periods of sitting and little physical activity, can have several negative effects on the brain.

Here are some of the ways in which a sedentary lifestyle can impact brain health:

1. Cognitive decline

Studies have shown that people who lead sedentary lives are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved memory, attention, and cognitive function.

2. Mood

Physical activity is known to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. When you are sitting all the time, the flow of these hormones is restricted, and one ends up feeling low.

3. Mental health

A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Additionally, being inactive can lead to stress and lower overall mental well-being.

4. Reduced blood flow

Physical activity increases blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. When you are sedentary, blood flow to the brain can be compromised, which may lead to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells. This can affect cognitive function and overall brain health.

5. Reduced brain plasticity

Physical activity promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself. This is crucial for learning, memory, and skill development. A sedentary lifestyle can hinder neuroplasticity and make it more difficult for the brain to adapt to new challenges.

6. Obesity and metabolic disorders

Sedentary living is often associated with weight gain and an increased risk of obesity, which can lead to various metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. These conditions can have a negative impact on brain health, including an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

7. Sleep disturbances

Lack of physical activity can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep can impair cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation, leading to various cognitive and mood issues.

8. Increased stress

Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to chronic stress, which has been linked to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in regions associated with memory and emotion regulation.

9. Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

BDNF is a protein that supports the growth, function, and survival of brain cells. Physical activity increases BDNF levels, while a sedentary lifestyle can lead to reduced BDNF production, potentially impacting brain health.

10. Social isolation

Sedentary behaviour often leads to isolation and reduced social interaction. Social engagement is important for brain health as it stimulates cognitive function and emotional well-being.

10 ways sitting for 10 hours daily is affecting your brain and raising risk of dementia

How to protect brain from negative effects of sedentary lifestyle

To mitigate the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on the brain, it is essential to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Even small amounts of exercise, such as walking, can have a positive impact on brain health.

Reducing the risk to brain health involves adopting a holistic approach that incorporates various lifestyle changes and practices, says Dr Bahrani.

Here are lifestyle changes you should consider:

1. Stay physically active: Regular physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to support brain health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, as recommended by health guidelines.

2. Eat a brain-healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for brain health. Minimize processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.

3. Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health. Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress levels.

4. Get adequate sleep: Prioritize quality sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleep environment to improve sleep quality.

5. Limit alcohol and avoid substance abuse: Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, and avoid illicit drug use. Excessive alcohol and drug abuse can have detrimental effects on brain health.

6. Protect your head: Take precautions to prevent head injuries. Wear helmets when engaging in activities that carry a risk of head trauma, such as cycling or playing contact sports.

7. Avoid smoking and tobacco use: Quit smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking and tobacco products can harm blood vessels and brain function.

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

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Increasing daily steps by 3,000 can reduce blood pressure in older adults

Increasing daily steps by 3,000 can reduce blood pressure in older adults

The study explores how 3000 daily steps can help in regulating blood pressure in older adults.

A new study discovered that increasing exercise by 3,000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older persons.

Pescatello worked in Duck-Chun Lee’s lab at Iowa State University with Elizabeth Lefferts, the paper’s primary author, and others.

The findings were published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease.

“We’ll all get high blood pressure if we live long enough, at least in this country,” Pescatello said. “That’s how prevalent it is.”

Pescatello is an expert on hypertension (the clinical term for high blood pressure) and exercise. Her previous research has demonstrated that exercise can have a significant immediate and long-lasting impact on lowering blood pressure in hypertensive adults.

This study sought to determine if older adults with hypertension could receive these benefits by moderately increasing their daily walking, which is one of the easiest and most popular forms of physical activity for this population.

It’s easy to do, they don’t need any equipment, they can do it anywhere at almost any time,” Lee said.

The study focused on a group of sedentary older adults between ages 68 and 78 who walked an average of about 4,000 steps per day before the study.

After consulting existing studies, Lee determined that 3,000 steps would be a reasonable goal. This would also put most participants at 7,000 daily steps, in line with the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendation.

“3,000 steps is large enough but not too challenging to achieve for health benefits,” Lee said.

The team conducted the study during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant they had to do everything remotely.

The researchers sent participants a kit with pedometers, blood pressure monitors, and step diaries for participants to log how much they were walking each day.

Increasing daily steps by 3,000 can reduce blood pressure in older adults

On average, participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of seven and four points, respectively, after the intervention.

“It’s exciting that a simple lifestyle intervention can be just as effective as structured exercise and some medications,” Lefferts saud.

The findings suggest that the 7,000-step regimen the participants in the study achieved is on-par with reductions seen with anti-hypertensive medications. Eight of the 21 participants were already on anti-hypertensive medications. Those participants still saw improvements in systolic blood pressure from increasing their daily activity.

“In a previous study, we found that when exercise is combined with medication, exercise bolsters the effects of blood pressure medication alone,” Pescatello said. “It just speaks to the value of exercise as anti-hypertensive therapy. It’s not to negate the effects of medication at all, but it’s part of the treatment arsenal.”

The researchers found that walking speed and walking in continuous bouts did not matter as much as simply increasing total steps.

“We saw that the volume of physical activity is what’s really important here, not the intensity,” Pescatello said.

“Using the volume as a target, whatever fits in and whatever works convey health benefits.”

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/ekmF5

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COVID-19 Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Cough sound analysis assists in determining severity of Covid-19 patients

Cough sound analysis assists in determining severity of Covid-19 patients
The study states that assessing the cough sounds can help in detecting the risk of severe pneumonia

While most persons infected with COVID-19 experience minor symptoms and recover in a matter of weeks, the global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a significant health danger.

Some of those infected may develop more severe illness and pneumonia, resulting in a more bleak outlook.

Although techniques for assessing patients’ risk have been created, diagnostic and prognostic tools rely mostly on expensive and less accessible imaging technologies such as radiography, ultrasonography, or computed tomography (CT).

As a result, there is a need for the development of a simpler and more easily accessible prognostic tool that allows healthcare providers to identify individuals who have developed or are at risk of getting severe disease. This would simplify patient triage and allow for earlier intervention, even at home or in primary care settings.

In the early stages of COVID-19, a research team directed by IBEC and Hospital del Mar, with support from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), CIBER-BBN, and CIBERES, conducted a study based on the analysis and interpretation of cough sounds.

Cough sound analysis assists in determining severity of Covid-19 patients

This method is given as a potentially predictive, straightforward, and user-friendly tool for assessing the risk of severe pneumonia.

The study included smartphone recordings of voluntarily coughing sounds from 70 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, all taken within the first 24 hours of their hospitalisation.

IBEC performed an acoustic analysis of these recordings, which revealed significant changes in cough sounds depending on the severity of the respiratory ailment, which had previously been confirmed by imaging tests and the requirement for supplemental oxygen.

According to the findings, this approach might be utilised to classify COVID-19 patients as mild, moderate, or severe, as well as to monitor patients with chronic COVID-19. The study used data obtained at Hospital del Mar between April 2020 and May 2021, and the results were published in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research.

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