Eating disorders in children and preventive meausres

Eating disorders are more common in young children and can be seen in any age group. Eating disorders mean problems with the way a child eats. It can be stressful for the parents to deal with the child having an eating disorder as it can impact them mentally and physically children with eating disorders tend to experience adverse effects on nearly every organ in the body thus, timely treatment is key to helping children with eating disorders. 

[Image showing Eating disorders]

According to Dr. Vrushali Bichkar, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune's Lullanagar, there are many types of eating disorders that have been seen in children; however, the common and main eating disorders are under  

1. Anorexia Nervosa - This is an eating disorder wherein the weight of the child is below average for their age and height. Children with anorexia have a fear of getting fat or gaining weight. They tend to have a distorted body image, calling themselves “fat” even when very thin. Those with this issue tend to have mental health problems like mood disorders, depression, or anxiety disorders. Symptoms-  Bluish discoloration of the fingers due to a lack of oxygen, hair fall, fatigue, insomnia, fainting, and the absence of menstruation in teenage girls.

2. Bulimia Nervosa - Here, a child engages in episodes of bingeing during which he or she eats too much food and then purges, or tries to get rid of the extra calories. This means self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, such as running on a treadmill for hours. Those suffering from it have anxiety and self-injurious behaviors. Symptoms-  Stained teeth, calluses on the backs of the hands or knuckles from self-induced vomiting, frequent weight fluctuations, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

3. Restrictive food intake disorder - If a child has this disorder then he/she is unable to or refuses to eat certain foods based on texture, color, taste, temperature, or even the aroma. Symptoms- The child may have weight loss problems, inadequate growth, and nutritional deficiencies. Here, a child may consume only a very narrow range of foods and refuse even those foods if they appear new or different.

4. Binge eating disorder - Having a binge eating disorder means the children will eat large amounts of food but do not attempt to get rid of calories once the food is consumed. Such children can be obese or overweight. 

Symptoms- They tend to have trouble coping with anger, sadness, worry, and stress. They will always feel guilty for eating a lot and not exercising. Causes: According to Dr. Vrushali Bichkar, genetics, stress and pre-existing psychiatric disorders can make a child prone to having an eating disorder. 

Treatment: “Psychotherapy, nutrition education, medical monitoring, and medications in some cases can help children with eating disorders,” suggested Dr. Vrushali Bichkar. 

Preventive measure - Dr. Vrushali Bichkar advised, “As parents, you need to speak to your child about unhealthy eating habits, encourage the child to eat healthy foods, maintain an optimum weight, exercise daily, sleep well and stay stress-free. Try to help your child to build a healthy body image, do not body shame the child. Do not diet around the child as he/she will feel that it is alright to skip healthy foods or even starve. So, make sure that your child gets all the essential nutrients from the diet.”

Make your children healthy and stay safe...

 

Healthy cardiovascular lifestyle may reduce risk of stroke- Recent Medical Outcome

As we know Genes and lifestyle factors together play a role in stroke risk. According to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. "People at high risk for stroke, adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle may significantly lower the risk of stroke in their lifetime" According to Senior study author Myriam Fornage, Ph.D., FAHA, professor of molecular medicine and human genetics at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas, Health Science Center, Houston, a well-managed, modifiable risk factors, especially the treatment of hypertension, can noticeably lower an individual's risk of stroke,"     

"He confirmed that they may be able to mitigate the lifetime risk of stroke by modifying other risk factors and that regardless of genetics—whether you have a high polygenic risk score or low polygenic risk score—maintaining good cardiovascular health decreases the lifetime risk of stroke. So, modifiable risk factors are crucial in preventing stroke." For the study, researchers reviewed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, a community-based study of more than 11,500 white and Black adults over the age of 45, who had no history of stroke at enrollment. Study participants were followed for 28 years; 45% were men, and 55% were women.         

Researchers estimated the lifetime risk of a first stroke according to levels of genetic risk based on a stroke polygenic risk score. Polygenic risk scores were derived from over 3 million genetic variants, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, across the whole genome. Participants were categorized as having either low, intermediate, or high genetic risk based on an analysis of how many stroke-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms they had.  

The researchers investigated the potential impact of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7.  Life's Simple 7 scores are a composite measure of seven modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors: smoking status, physical activity, healthy diet, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Cardiovascular health is categorized as optimal, average, or inadequate based on each participant's total score of ideal cardiovascular health components according to Life's Simple 7. For this analysis, Life's Simple 7 scores were combined with the polygenic risk score to estimate lifetime stroke risk.     

This study used the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 metrics, which were established in 2010. On June 29, 2022, the organization expanded and relaunched the recommendations to Life's Essential 8, adding sleep as an additional component of heart health."

This is the first step in using genetic information to identify people who may be at higher risk for stroke, and also in motivating people to make lifestyle changes for cardiovascular disease prevention," Fornage said. "This type of study shows us the possibilities for the future. Polygenic risk scores are not used clinically at this point; however, this may be the first step towards achieving personalized risk information to be used in lifestyle and health change. Having optimal cardiovascular health is crucial in stroke prevention."     

The authors note that one major limitation of the study is that a polygenic risk score is a tool that needs improvement before it can be used broadly. The tool was developed and validated only among people who are white, which means it cannot be used to predict stroke risk accurately in people from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. 

The outcome of the study: 

1. At age 45, study participants with the lowest polygenic risk scores had the lowest lifetime risk of stroke, 9.6%. The lifetime risk of stroke was 13.8% for participants with an intermediate polygenic risk score and 23.2% for participants with a high polygenic risk score. 

2. Those with both high genetic risk for stroke and low cardiovascular health had the highest lifetime risk of stroke score of 24.8%. 

3. Across all polygenic risk score categories (low, intermediate, and high), people with optimal cardiovascular health had the most significant reduction in lifetime risk of stroke. Participants who had a high polygenic risk and optimal cardiovascular health were observed to mitigate their lifetime risk of stroke by up to 43%, compared to those with inadequate cardiovascular health. This translated into about six additional years without a stroke.

Recent study on Covid - 19 patient : Sore throat, dry cough may persist for long time even after recovery...

The campaign for booster doses to prevent from covid - 19 has been speeding up as the omicron virus has become the dominant variant in circulation. It has been seen the infection is very much involved with the upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and irritation. 

The patient is observed to see very normal except for the aforesaid symptoms but after a couple of days of infection, mild fever up to 101 Foernheit has been seen with severe calf muscle pain and body pain. The fever is seen subsidizing within 4 days by using paracetamol tablets under a doctor's prescription along with some other supplementary medicines for boosting the immune. It has also been seen that an affected person with Omicron virus is prone to invite some other seasonal as well as post covid infection.

Dry cough and throat irritation has been seen to persist in the patient suffering from Omicron virus. The upper respiratory tract is very much affected. It has been practically observed to the patient once the fever is subsidized they gradually start coughing with or without sputum. People who are about 40 years of age have been found with severe wheezing complaints along with severe sinusitis. 

As we know that after Covid-19, the immune system of the patient becomes very weak and there are many chances of other diseases in which cold-like symptoms are very common due to the growth of the bacteria in the respiratory tract and around the throat region. 

The persisting cough and growing bacteria may cause disturbance in the regular and routine life, although, this is not taken as important significance among the doctors and left out without considering to give treatment; however, if the cough and wheezing symptoms persist and throat infection or irritation is still there, it would be better to approach a physician, who may give some antibiotics along with immune boosting tablets to stop the growth of the harmful bacteria in the respiratory tract and lungs. 

The long-term cough should not be left untreated, it might convert into some other respiratory diseases, so, be aware, and take care of your health. 

Stay healthy, stay safe...      

Loss of 'Y' Chromosome in Men and Risk of Heart Failure

The Y chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans (the other is the X chromosome). The sex chromosomes form one of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome spans more than 59 million building blocks of DNA (base pairs) and represents almost 2 percent of the total DNA in cells. Geneticists have discovered that all human embryos start life as females, as do all embryos of mammals. About the 2nd month, the fetal tests elaborate enough androgens to offset the maternal estrogens and maleness develops.'Y' Chromosomes are also known as sex determination chromosomes.

[Chromosomes pairs in Female & Male]

According to the results of a study published in Science, it is presumed that the loss of the Y chromosome in white blood cells can cause fibrosis in the heart resulting in impaired heart function and develop severe cardiovascular disease in men; however, the causal relationship with CVD and Y chromosome is still not clearly identified. 

This study established a causal relationship when investigators from Uppsala University used the gene-editing tool, CRISPR, to generate mouse models with mLOY in their white blood cells. They found that mosaic loss of Y (mLOY) caused direct damage to the animals’ organs and that mice with mLOY had shorter survival than mice without mLOY. 

“In the mouse models used in the study, the mouse 'Y ' chromosome was eliminated to mimic the human mLOY condition and had analyzed the direct consequences that this had,” Lars Forsberg, associate professor at the department of immunology, genetics, and pathology at Uppsala University, said in a statement. “Examination of mice with mLOY showed increased scarring of the heart, known as fibrosis. We see that mLOY causes fibrosis which leads to a decline in heart function,” Forsberg said. Investigators also were able to corroborate the causal effect in mice via epidemiological studies in humans. They found that mLOY was a new significant risk factor for death from CVD in men. 

They found that men with mLOY in their blood at the start of the study displayed an approximately 30% increased risk of dying from heart failure and other types of CVD during the 11 years of follow-up. “ It has also been seen that men with a higher proportion of white blood cells with mLOY in the blood have a greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. 

This observation is in line with the results from the mouse model and suggests that mLOY has a direct physiological effect also in humans,” Forsberg said. These studies were performed using data from the United Kingdom Biobank, a database with genomic and health information from half a million normally aging individuals aged 40 to 70 years at the start of the study. 

The study described the mechanism by which mLOY in the blood causes disease in other organs and further identifies a possible treatment. Additionally, mLOY in a certain type of white blood cell in the heart of mice, called cardiac macrophages, stimulates a known signaling pathway that leads to increased fibrosis. When the research blocked the pathway, the pathological changes in the heart could be reversed. 

“The link between mLOY and fibrosis is very interesting, especially given the new treatment strategies for heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and certain cancers that aim to counteract the onset of fibrosis. Men with mLOY could be a patient group that responds particularly well to such treatment,” Forsberg said.

Diabetes patient has more risk to Tuberculosis....

The National Institute of Health has confirmed that a diabetic patient has more risk of tuberculosis than a common person. The NIH Scientist and Scientific Director,  ICER stated that diabetes can increase the risk of TB and vice versa. Both diseases can pace up each other's occurrence, the scientist confirmed. 

They told that diabetes even can worsen the situation while treating TB patients. There is an increased risk of TB replace even after being cured in the presence of diabetes. Diabetics can give the worst effect in treating TB patients said the scientist. 

In Chennai, a pioneer study has been conducted by Professor M. Vishwanathan, Diabetic Research Centre (MVDRC) has shown that over fifty percent of the people with TB are either Diabetics or pre-diabetics. ICER- INDIA, MVDRC, and ICMR-NIRT have also done studies on whether TB can trigger the onset of diabetes in TB patients. Dr. Babu explained, " TB can triger a process called stress-induced hyperglycemia and hence increase diabetes risk n non-diabetic individuals".

He further added that several studies including many of his clinical trials have shown the impact of diabetes on TB. TB may also increase the chances of developing severe complications with diabetics. 

Researchers told that TB is curable but it may take a longer time and more intensive care more than a couple of years even after completing treatment. It is also told by them that the lungs of the TB patient recover more slowly due to expansive damage to the lungs caused by the TB bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis responsible for damaging the lungs. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which either the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or the body organs do not effectively utilize the insulin produced in the body.  

  

Be aware, these drugs may reduce your sex desire…

As we know sex is one of the most beautiful and marvelous gifts that nature has blessed us with. Not only for procreation and increasing pedigree but sex is also considered the best way to feel the extreme ecstasy of the entire being and feel the intimacy with your loved one. 

{Avoiding intimacy}

Have you ever felt suddenly dropped down in the desire for sex with your partner? There are many physical and mental factors involved and among them the major and most common factor is drugs. Doctors always prescribe medicine by taking your clinical history and for certain limits but making a habit of taking medicines on your own as self-medication is very dangerous, it may affect the potency of the sexual organs resulting in disagreement of the sexual desire each other. 

These drugs are- 

Blood Pressure Medications: Blood pressure medications are used to lower the pressure of blood inside blood vessels so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body. While high blood pressure in itself can lead to sexual dysfunction, many drugs used to treat this condition also can increase sexual difficulties. In men, the decreased blood flow can reduce desire and interfere with erections and ejaculation. In women, it can lead to vaginal dryness, a decrease in desire, and difficulties achieving orgasm. 

Birth Control Pills: Condoms for men are considered to be the safest and most effective contraceptives with no side effects. But many men refuse to wear them as it reportedly reduces the pleasure and the feel. Hence, women have to take up the responsibility with oral contraceptives, or birth control pills. These pills can lower levels of sex hormones affecting the libido and desire for sex. 

Anti-depressants:   Anti-depressants provide much relief in the condition of depression but unfortunately can lower the libido. The most common symptoms of anti-depressants related to loss of libido are loss of interest in sex, delayed orgasm, delayed ejaculation or no orgasm, no ejaculation at all, and erectile dysfunction in men. 

Statins and Fibrates: Statins and fibrates are used to treat the condition of high cholesterol. These drugs limit the availability of cholesterol and mostly interfere with the production of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones. Few studies about the side effects of statins and fibrates have concluded that both classes of drugs may cause erectile dysfunction.  

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, commonly known as tranquilizers are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and muscle spasms. The sedative and muscle-relaxant properties of benzodiazepines affect sexual interest, excitement, and sensation. They may also interfere with the production of testosterone. The most common side-effects of benzodiazepines are weakened orgasms, painful sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. 

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are mainly used to control symptoms associated with allergic reactions, such as incessant sneezing and running nose. Antihistamines can cause erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems in men and vaginal dryness in women. 

Proscar: Proscar is used to treat enlarged prostate. The active ingredient in Proscar is finasteride, which prevents testosterone from converting into its active form. Lack of testosterone means a lack of libido. 

PsychiatricMedicinesAntipsychotics: These are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious psychiatric conditions. Antipsychotics block dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates emotional responses and the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. They also increase levels of the hormone prolactin, which can lead to erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and difficulties achieving orgasm. Antipsychotics block the action of acetylcholine, which can lead to problems in all areas of sexual function. 

Stay Healthy, stay safe...

Woman of above age 40 should make MAMMOGRAM- an important part of master health check up...

It has been seen that the ladies especially home maker ladies are not taking care well about their health. The lacunae have been seen from both sides husband and wife. The husband should induce their partner to make a compulsory check-up when a lady is 40 or above the age of 40 as there are many chances of an imbalance of body hormones that directly impact the health of a woman. 

[A technician performing a Mammogram]

Whole-body health check-up is highly recommended for everyone based on age. They are below 40, the master health check can be done every third of the year but after 40 it is yearly recommended. Among the health checkup, mammogram screening nowadays becomes the most important part of the lady after the age of 40. 

Though there are many reasons to develop breast cancer but avoiding breastfeeding the child and untouchability to their mate in order to maintain their physical fitness is most common. Wearing tight bras and chudidar round the clock is also very harmful, especially for working ladies. At least 5-7 hours, of free and loose wear is highly required to maintain the body in natural conditions. The food style is also one of the important reasons to get an issue like breast cancer.    

If you plan to get a master health check-up and you are a lady, also touching age 40 or above, please have a breast screening. The Mammogram is nowadays easy, simple, and takes just a few minutes to give you smily life.

Why it is too important to have Mammogram? 

1. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk by 25-30% or more

2. Self-exams can’t detect early cancer. While you should always conduct regular breast self-exams, a mammogram is still necessary. It can detect cancer up to three years before a lump in the breast can be detected manually.

3. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lives, and about 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history. At this time, routine screening is not done for males, however. If you have a family history, find a lump, or have a concern, consult your doctor.

4. Your risk increases with age. Age is the strongest risk factor. Most women develop breast cancer after 50. As you age, it becomes increasingly more important to have a mammogram each year.

5. Regular mammograms help your doctor monitor your breasts. Changes in breast tissue can alert radiologists to early signs of breast cancer.  

6. It’s a simple procedure. While a mammogram may cause brief discomfort, it’s a very quick procedure. Most women will be in and out of the office in less than an hour. This is a small investment when it comes to saving your life.      

Important precautions are taken before going for a mammogram -

• Don’t use deodorant before your mammogram. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and affect the clarity of the image.
• Be sure to tell your technician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In general, women will not be able to receive a mammogram at this time, but your physician can order an alternate screening method, if necessary.
• Timing if tender: For many women, breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period. Typically, this is not the most comfortable time for a mammogram.
• Dress for success: You will be given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry and clothing from the waist up. To make this easier, wear a two-piece outfit that day.
• Know your history: Be prepared to tell your technician the date of your last menstrual cycle, if you have had previous breast biopsies or surgery or if you are experiencing any problems.
• Choose a certified facility: Choose a facility that is not only certified but one that performs thousands of mammograms each year. Ask if your scan will be read by a board-certified radiologist.

 

IIT Madras developed an AI tool for personalised cancer diagnosis

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for nearly one in six deaths in 2020. 

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells that can occur due to mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes or both. However, not all mutations necessarily result in cancer. Current cancer treatments are known to be detrimental to the overall health of the patient. Knowledge of the genes responsible for the initiation and progression of cancer in patients can help determine the combination of drugs and therapy most suitable for a patient's recovery. The tool, described in a peer-reviewed journal Frontier in Genetics, is based on a machine learning model that classifies genes as tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, or neutral genes. 

According to the researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, an Artificial Intelligence-based tool that can predict cancer-causing genes in an individual has been developed, paving the way for devising personalized cancer treatment strategies. According to researchers of IIT, Madras, it would be a great tool to diagnose severe life-threatening diseases cancerin coming days. 

The tool named 'PIVOT' is designed to predict cancer-causing genes based on a model that utilizes information on mutations, expression of genes, and copy number variation in genes and perturbations in the biological network due to an altered gene expression. The tool, described in a peer-reviewed journal Frontier in Genetics, is based on a machine learning model that classifies genes as tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, or neutral genes. 

Cancer, being a complex disease, cannot be dealt with in a one-treatment-fits-all fashion. As cancer treatment increasingly shifts towards personalized medicine, such models that build toward pinpointing differences between patients can be very useful," said a Doctor, Core Member, RBCDSAI, IIT Madras, in his statement. 

The new tool was able to successfully predict both the existing oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes like TP53, and PIK3CA, among others, and new cancer-related genes such as PRKCA, SOX9, and PSMD4. The researchers built AI prediction models for three different types of cancer including breast invasive carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and lung adenocarcinoma." The research area of precision medicine is still at a nascent stage.

PIVOT helps push these boundaries and presents prospects for experimental research based on the genes identified," informed by a Research Scholar, IIT Madras. The team is planning to extend PIVOT further to many more cancer types. The team is also working on a list of personalized cancer-causing genes that can help in identifying the suitable drug for patients based on their cancer profile.

How people of India in ancient times coped with the diseases?

In India, there were many systems followed in the name of folk or traditional medicines. These are mainly Ayurveda and Siddha. Ayurveda was followed all over India whereas Sidhha specifically was practiced in Tamil Nadu, the South part of great India. Ayurveda is believed to be related to Bhagwan Dhanvantari and Narayan Vishnu the God of Nourishment whereas the Siddha is come into existence through Bhagwan Shiva and then followed by Agastya and other 18 Sddhar. 

Both systems of medicines were in the fame due to their curing methods and uprooting the disease from the body of a patient. But, at those times the Tibetian and Unani medicines were also being practiced in some localized areas in India but the Tibetian medicines got famed in China and Unani medicine in the Greek. The main systems are the Ayurveda and Siddha practiced in India in ancient times. 

Those time might civilization was in the mode of establishment and at the time majority of the population was residing in the jungle. but some of the people come into the community and resided together as villagers and in such a way infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, polio, tuberculosis, dysentery, malaria, typhoid, and leprosy were very common finally the “big two” infectious diseases epidemics namely smallpox and plague; decimated the ancient world. The communicable disease was being treated by separating the patient from the community and providing treatment by maintaining a particular distance in order to avoid spreading. 

The jwara (fever) was being treated by using many types of plant fresh roots and barks, body pain and impotency were treated with ashwagandha roots, and high blood pressure by the powder of sarpagandha. Root bark and stem bark of many plants were taken in utility for treating many types of life-threatening diseases. The lepa prepared by leaves, fruit rind, bark, etc, were taken to heal wounds. 

The doctors were famous in the name of Vaidyas and Siddhar for the system of Ayurveda and Siddha respectively. They were being trained by Rishi and Munis in their Gurukulam and totally sacrificing their lives for the welfare of humankind. 

Vaidya Sushain was the best example in the war between Shri Rama and Ravna when in the war Shri Laxmana was being saved by the Sanjeevani brought y Lord Hanuman Ji with the consultancy of vaidya Sushain.

 

Standard sleep hours of an adult for a healthy brain - New study...

Everyone is now running a competitive robotic life due to their lifestyle and a regular schedule from the day starting. The shift working many multinational companies is also playing important role in disturbing routine activities. 

In the ancient period, it was said as a proverb that “Boycott Nature means the reduction of the life.”  It is very true and we can’t ignore this. Due to activities using digital gadgets including mobile, computers, and other digital media, sound sleep has left away the majority of the people of the world, especially in developing countries. 

[Importance of sound sleep]

A new study has just revealed the standard sleep duration for a healthy brain. As we know that sleep is very important for our health. A new study result has been published in the journal Nature Aging just revealed standard sleep time to have probably the healthiest brain. 

To determine the sleep time necessary for a healthy brain, Christelle Langley, from the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge University (United Kingdom) and researchers from Fudan University (China) came to analyze data from the UK Biobank of approx. Five lakhs people aged 38-73. The latter had been questioned about their sleep habits, mental health, and well-being. On top of that, about 40,000 people provided brain imaging data and genetic data. 

The results thus show that after the age of 40, the optimal duration of sleep is 7 hours is highly recommended. We also learn that shorter sleep time was directly associated with impaired cognitive performance, such as information processing speed, memory, problem-solving ability, and visual attention.  Of course, this optimal period of 7 hours of sleep implies sleeping in good conditions. Episodes of awakening during the night can for example impact the optimal efficiency of the brain. 

The researchers further add that the results show the importance of having a regular sleep pattern. The researchers then conclude: “7 hours of sleep per night is the optimal amount to maintain good cognitive performance. Finding ways to improve sleep in the elderly could therefore be crucial in helping them maintain good mental health and avoid cognitive decline, especially for patients with psychiatric disorders and dementias.” According to them, the association between insufficient sleep and cognitive decline is caused by the disturbance of deep sleep.

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Monkeypox virus, symptoms and its safety measures…

It is a viral infection, which is found mainly in Central and West African countries. For the first time in the year 1958, this viral infection was found in monkeys. The disease was first detected in humans in 1970. Nigeria had the largest outbreak of monkeypox in 2017, with 75% of its patients being male. 

[The image shows a baby is affected by Monkeypox virus] 

The virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth after coming out of the patient's wound. Apart from this, monkeypox can also be spread by the biting of animals like monkeys, rats, and squirrels or by touching their blood and body fluids. According to experts, you can also fall prey to this disease by not eating properly cooked meat or eating the meat of an infected animal.  

The symptoms of monkeypox can appear from the 5th day to the 21st day of infection. Initial symptoms are flu-like. These include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, shivering, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. After this, the rash starts to appear on the face, which also spreads to other parts of the body. During infection, this rash goes through many changes. Eventually, they fall off like a scab, just like smallpox. 

Professor Jimmy Whitworth of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in a conversation with the news agency Reuters – International travel was closed for a long time due to the Corona epidemic. Now after the abrupt removal of restrictions, people are moving to and from African countries. Maybe that's why cases of monkeypox are coming to the fore. The world battling the corona epidemic is now increasingly vulnerable to monkeypox. 

The disease has spread to 15 countries within just 15 days. After Belgium on Monday, Britain has also made a 21-day quarantine period compulsory for monkeypox patients. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that even one case of this disease in any country will be considered an outbreak. On the other hand, India has also become alert seeing the rapid spread of monkeypox. 

On Monday, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai prepared a 28-bed isolation ward at Kasturba Hospital for suspected patients of monkeypox. However, not a single case of this disease has been found in the country so far. 

Cases of monkeypox have been reported in the UK, USA, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Israel, Austria, and Switzerland. In just 2 weeks, the number of cases has crossed 100. However, not a single death has been reported from this disease so far. 

The concern of the central government regarding the monkeypox has also increased. In view of the rapidly spreading infection, an alert has been issued to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The Health Ministry has directed the officials of airports and seaports to immediately isolate any sick travelers who have returned after traveling to monkeypox-affected countries and send samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for testing. 

According to the WHO, a rare infection like monkeypox usually gets better on its own, but it can prove to be serious in some people. Such people include young children, pregnant women, and people with very weak immunity. 

Children younger than 5 years are more prone to it. The WHO is also concerned that most people who are confirmed with monkeypox have no connection to African countries. Actually, this virus is mostly found in Central and West African countries. It is common to find cases in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and DR Congo.

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Okara drink- a proven best natural remedy to manage blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity…..

Okara or Bhindi is scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, the family Malvaceae. It is called ladies' fingers in English. This is a well-known plant and its raw fruits are being used as tasty vegetables all over the world. The plant is easily growing in about all the parts of India also. The tender pods are preferred to prepare vegetables. They are eaten boiled or in the form of sliced and fried pieces. In many kitchens, it is utilized for thickening soups and gravies because of their high mucilage content. Many people sliced the raw fruits and sun-dried them to keep for off-season use. Tender fruit slices are used in preparing Okra pickles. The tender and soft leaves are boiled and used like spinach. Many countries use to eat flowers in the soup. The mature and ripe seeds are roasted and used as substitute coffee. They are also used in curries and chutneys because of their high protein value (18-26%). The seed flour of Okra is reported to use in addition to maize flour. 

[Okara (Bhindi) - A fruiting branch]

Bhindi or Okara is a fair source of calcium, iron, and vitamins. It is scientifically proven that the raw and tender pods of okara has 84% of edible protein; moisture 89.6; protein 1.9 %, fat 0.2%; fibre 1.2%, carbohydrate 6.4%; minerals 0.7% ; calcium, 66.0;  phosphorus 56.0 and iron 1.5 mg/100 of edible portion. In Okra, the trace elements present are: magnesium, 43.0 %; potassium 103%; sodium 6.9%copper 0.19%sulphur, 30.0 %and chlorine, 41.0/100 g of edible matter, etc. apart from the stated elements, Bhidi contains carotene, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin C and oxalic acids, etc. 

In industry, mucilaginous extract of the green stem of Bhindi is commonly employed in India for clarifying sugarcane juice in Gur or jaggery manufacture. 

As we know bhindi has many useful treasures in its green and tender pods for our health. Apart from the above uses stated above, Bhindi or Okra is also very good in diabetic management and lowering blood cholesterol, also in body weight management.  Now, elevated blood sugar is common even among the young generations due to mismanagement of the lifestyle, food style, etc. Stress and sitting work on the system also boosting to enhance blood sugar. 

So, don’t worry, I have a highly experienced and healthy drink for you. You may say it “Okara drink” for lowering blood sugar, and cholesterol, and reducing body weight. It is working perfectly without side effects. The preparation of Okara drink is very simple, easy, and takes short time rather you can say it will take time equally to prepare a tea on a gas stove. 

Let's tell what you do if have uncontrolled blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and heavy body weight. Involve this drink in your lifestyle and get benefited. This will work definitely but have to take it with the correct methods.

How to prepare Okara drink: (Recipe for one person from age 15 to adult group): 

To prepare an Okara drink for a person as stated above, please take 5 numbers of Raw and tender Bhindi or Okara pods (fruits), make them into two halves each, also cut them at both ends so that mucilage can come out easily (neither crush nor fine slice). Take 300 ml of drinking water in a clean utensil and add the okra pieces to it. Now add one pinch of edible salt, turmeric powder, and peppers, and add a little asafoetida (hing) powder. If you wish to enhance the taste then you may add two-three mint and coriander leaves. Allow to boil it in sim flame and stir it well at regular intervals for about 10 minutes. You may see the tender pieces of Okara will get soft or sometimes easily mashed with fingers. Now, close the utensil with the lid and allow for 5 minutes. Your drink is ready. Now filter it in a tumbler (Optional - add one to two drops of lemon juice) and drink it in hot condition as tea in the morning. This may be taken after food also as a healthy soup. But if you want to manage the diabetics, and cholesterol and reduce your body weight, then, it is advised to take it with an empty stomach in the morning. 

For, a better effect, you may take a few sips of normal hot water before this drink. Please do not eat anything for 45 minutes after this drink is taken. This may continue up to your body requirement. You yourself feel because it will give you full energy and make your body active, reduce the body weight, bad cholesterol, and lowers the blood sugar. 

Caution: This drink should not be taken by a person who already has low blood pressure and low blood sugar.

Disclaimer: This article is written based on practical experiences and awareness of health, however, it would be better to get an opinion from an AYUSH consultant before starting this). 

Stay healthy, stay safe...     

Raw Mango and health benefits…..

Ripe mangoes have their own place in the summer seasons and it is known as the king of the fruits due to their superior taste and health benefits at the same time the raw mangoes (unripened mangoes) have more demand in the summer season. The combination of the summer season and raw mangoes is the best. 

Though mangoes are available in the market throughout the year but the mangoes naturally ripen in the summer seasons has their own values. The majority of the people wait for the summer season only because of mangoes. To introduce more and more about the mangoes is not necessary due to their popularity, so we should come to the point directly. 

Here, I would like to inform some important benefits of the raw mango that are quite helpful to cope with the summer. Apart from getting rid of the heat, the consumption of raw mango in the summer season is very beneficial for health. Mangoes have many properties like anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant which can help in cooling down your body. Some of the main benefits are stated below-

1. Protection from heat (Loo)- Raw mango reduces the effect of heatwave caused by high heat. Raw mangoes are consumed to supply water to the body. This is the best summer refreshment drink after a workout. Everyone is well known for “Kaccha Pana” or Pana readily available with small vendors as well as fruit juice shops, especially in the summer season. Drinking mango Pana is the best option to reduce heat in the summer. It also corrects digestion. Method of preparation of Pana, I have already stated in my blog entitled “Covid XE and immunity booster” 

[Raw mangoes]

2. Immunity builder properties- Mango, the king of fruits, is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K. All these nutrients work to keep infections away and reduce oxidative stress. Raw mango chutney by adding green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves with a pinch of table or rock salt also give a cool effect to ur body in summer. An adequate amount of vitamin C is found in raw mango. Which can help you in making your immunity strong. By consuming it, you can avoid many problems in summer.

3. Mango keeps the heart healthy- Mango contains a unique antioxidant called mangiferin. Mangiferin helps to balance cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acid levels, which reduces the risk of heart diseases. Raw mango is rich in magnesium and potassium, which help in keeping the heart-healthy.

4. Reduces risk of cancer- Raw mangoes are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which reduce the risk of cancer. Raw mango reduces inflammation of the body.

5. Works as skin protector -  Raw mango takes special care of your health as well as your skin. Many problems like pimples, blemishes, and dryness can be overcome by the consumption of raw mango.

6. Maintaining hydration in the body- Lack of water in the body is common in the summer season, but by consuming raw mangoes, you can get rid of this problem. Consumption of raw mangoes keeps our body hydrated. 

Stay healthy, stay safe...

Covid XE and immunity booster…

The summer season is now full-on in many parts of our country.  In the summer season, dehydration of the body is the main causal factor to makes a body sick. Dehydration not only affects our internal body parts but also reduces the immunity that is very much required to fight against viral as well as any microbial diseases. The risk to health has increased amidst the scorching heat and rising Covid cases due to Coronavirus XE. Considering this, now the Government of India has approved booster doses for people of all ages. 

[Ready to cope with Summer ] 

Experts say that the omicron's new strain XE has the ability to infect people rapidly, however, its symptoms are observed mildly, but not much known till now.  At this time, it is very important to make changes in our lifestyle including a balanced diet sleeping time so the body gets proper rest that helps in strengthen our immunity and protects us from diseases, seasonal infections, or heatwaves. 

Our immune system is our body's defense mechanism and tries to kill any foreign antigens. Due to excessive heat, problems like fatigue, weakness, dehydration, and indigestion start, which can also cause weakening of our immunity. 

The following suggested foods and fruits can surely help to keep the body cool, protect against heat exhaustion, and can also boost immunity in the summer. 

1. Hydration: The role of water is most important to remove toxins from the body. At least 3 - 4 liters of water must be drunk every day so that all the organs can do their work properly. Along with this, the body will also stay away from infection and stay hydrated. 

2. Probiotics: Things like curd, buttermilk, lemonade, lassi, etc. work to keep the body's intestine healthy to strengthen the immune system.

3. Mango: Mango, the king of fruits, is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K. All these nutrients work to keep infections away and reduce oxidative stress. Raw mango chutney by adding green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves with a pinch of table or rock salt also give a cool effect to ur body in summer. "Mango Pana" is also the best remedy to cope with summer and to make our body dehydrated. for this, one big size or two medium-sized raw mangoes should be boiled and then most outer rind should be removed. These boiled mangoes then macerate to make a liquid adding black salt, freshly ground coriander, and mint leaves, and maybe drunk instead of plain water especially at noon.

4. Sabja seeds or Basil seeds: According to research, by consuming sabja seeds, we get essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are necessary to strengthen our immunity. These minerals are involved in bone health, muscle function, and red blood cell production. 

5. Watermelons and other melon fruits: Melons are one of the favorite fruits in summer. Fruits like watermelon, melon,  etc all come from the melon family and they work to give a lot of hydration to the body. It not only proves to be light for the stomach but also provides fiber for gut health. Melon, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and B-6, works to fight the virus. Apart from these foods, it is also important to take care of these things to avoid Covid and other infections 

6. Balanced diet: The proper nutrients not only work to strengthen your immunity but also affect the microbiome in your gut. 

7. Physical activity: Yoga, meditation and exercise can help reduce restlessness and stress. It releases the happiness hormone serotonin, which makes you feel better, increases your immune regulation, and also reduces the inflammatory response by flushing out pathogens.

Stay healthy, stay safe...