Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease affects memory, thinking and behaviour of a person. It is a type of dementia. Though the symptoms develop at a gradual pace worsening over time, it can slowly develop into a severe problem that interferes with doing your daily tasks. According to the India Ageing Report 2017, more than four million cases of Alzheimer's are reported per year in India. So saying, Alzheimer's isn't a normal part of ageing, as one may confuse it with being. Also, owing to the nature of the disease and its effect on mankind at large, a definitive solution to combat this disease is the need of the hour. The human mind is a fascinating amalgamation of ideas, emotions and functions that empower our body and lives, creating a variety of experiences. It holds the collective sum of whatever we do, building our choices to improve our past, present and future. Hence, it is essential to keep our mind in top shape. However, due to the hustle and bustle of daily life, combined with undue stress, our mind tends to get neglected. Early Symptoms The symptoms can be varied, yet studies have provided a ray of hope in its proper detection and diagnosis the initial signs of Alzheimer's may be depression and irritability. Also, the symptoms occur in three stages with inter-related characteristics that meld into each other. Irritability, depression and night time behaviour changes are said to develop first. Anxiety, appetite changes, agitation and apathy, follow at a successive pace. The third stage has a variety of mixed symptoms elation, mobility disorders, hallucinations, delusions and impulsive, inappropriate behaviour. Causes Along with a host of health-related complications, mental deterioration is something that often takes place. Yet, as mentioned before, Alzheimer's has more to do with the mind than ageing. The cause lies in the gradual degeneration and death of brain cells. The brain connections are lost on the process. Due to this, the critical mental functions and memory is destroyed. For a person suffering from Alzheimer's, the tissue has negligible nerve cell connections, making it impossible to function and retain things. Diagnosis While prevention is better than cure, we need to talk about the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for the same. Certified tests should be involved to diagnose the stage the deterioration has reached. So here's what can help doctors reach a conclusion: • Consulting immediate family to note change of behaviour. • Conducting tests of memory, problem-solving, attention, counting and language. • Brain scans like computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PeT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps in eliminating other causes that trigger the symptoms this needs to be repeated time after time. Coping With Alzheimer's Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the life of the patient, as well as his/her family and caregivers. Keep the following tips in mind as they help in healing and caregiving. • Try to keep things simple, focusing on a single question or activity. • Establish a daily routine to instil faith and semblance. • Create a safe space for the patient to thrive and build a connection. • Shift the focus from words to feeling or intention. • Keep agitation to a minimum level, to keep the energy flow in controlled levels. • Maintain a peaceful and calm demeanour, putting negativity aside. • Enlist the power of humour whenever you can. • Try using music, singing or dancing to empower the person.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking and behaviour of a person. It is a type of dementia. Though…
Are Birth Control Pills Safe?
Birth control pills or oral contraceptive pills are hormonal medications that prevent pregnancy. These may contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. They are one of the methods of birth control and spacing between children. How It Works While the pill obstructs the ovaries from releasing eggs every month (ovulation), it also thickens the mucus inside the neck of the womb. It prevents the sperm from penetrating the womb and reach an egg. It also lessens the lining of the womb so that there is less probability of a fertilised egg infusing into the womb and grow. Safe Or Unsafe? A 39-year-old study following 46,000 women showed that the pill does not raise death risk and might even help women live longer. Therefore, the birth control pill is an accepted and highly effective method of birth control, if taken correctly. Moreover, the tablet has less than one per cent failure rate. For women who miss taking their medicines, the lack of success rate elevates roughly to eight per cent. Otherwise, eight out of a hundred women become pregnant unintentionally. Beginning on the first day of your period: If you start the combined pill on the first day of your period (day one of your menstrual cycle), you will be straight away safeguarded from pregnancy and will not need additional contraception. Beginning on the fifth day of your cycle or before: In case you start the pill on the fifth day of your period or earlier, you will need additional contraception, such as barrier methods until the next cycle. Care Instructions On The Combined Pill In case there are no medical reasons involved, you can take the pill until menopause. However, you should avoid the pill if you are pregnant, are a smoker and aged 35 or more, have stopped smoking less than a year ago, are overweight and take certain medications. Additionally, you should also avoid the pill if you have (or have had): • Thrombosis (a blood clot) in your vein, maybe in your leg or lungs • Anyone in your close family below the age group of 45 with a blood clot • Stroke or any other disease that reduces the functioning of the arteries • Severe migraine, especially with aura (warning symptoms) • Breast cancer • Any disease of the gallbladder or liver • A heart irregularity or heart disease, including high blood pressure • Diabetes with complications or diabetic for the past 20 years Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using Birth Control Pills • You will have lighter periods and also less frequent periods • The birth control pill can reduce heavy bleeding, pain and severity of endometriosis and fibroid tumours • The intake of birth control pills may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer Side Effects • A woman’s general danger of blood clots is approximately one in 10,000. Still, due to the higher risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, estrogen-containing birth control is not advisable if you have the above risk factors • The hormones in the pill can alter the level of your sexual desire • You may also notice spotting or bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills) sore breasts, nausea, or headaches • Acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may also get exacerbated due to birth control pills
Birth control pills or oral contraceptive pills are hormonal medications that prevent pregnancy. These may contain combinations of the hormones…
PCOD – A Battle
Affecting almost seven per cent women, Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine abnormality. Although the exact cause of this syndrome is unknown, some experts believe that it is a bunch of medical ailments put together and can be traced back towards a common etiopathology. It usually starts with some lifestyle issues, which then cause a disturbance in insulin resistance and an imbalance of hormones. PCOD might also lead to stimulation of the thecal cells in the ovaries which then produces hormones in an unusual way which in turn makes a woman get certain androgenic (male) features due to higher levels of androgen (male hormones). The male features include excessive hair on the face, hair fall from the scalp, acne along the jawline, increased body hair and coarser and thicker hair. This disorder may also make it difficult for a woman to lose weight. Early Signs • Irregular periods • Red, painful acne on the jawline • Increased hair fall • Unable to lose/gain weight • Physical Changes • Weight gain • Skin gets darker; especially the underarms, the groin area, all-around the neck, the face and around the nose • Dandruff-like infection around the nose and eyes • Insulin resistance, which is a part of PCOS • Acanthosis nigricans • Small skin growths especially on the neck and face What Can Help • Make sure the acne is under control. Consult a doctor for medication to reduce androgen, which causes issues like acne and hair fall • Some lifestyle modifications and exercising regularly can go a long way • Completely cut down the consumption of sugar and dairy products • Lead a stress-free life • Ensure good sleeping habits • Make sure you have your vitamins and antioxidants • Calm down and take it easy How To Make Your Hair And Skin Healthy • Maintain a healthy diet • Try to replace missing nutrients • Be aware of specific food cravings Dietary Restrictions • Processed foods • Sugary foods • Dairy products • Foods with a high glycemic index What Happens When You Have PCOD? Treatments for PCOD There is no cure for PCOD. But you can manage the symptoms that affect an individual. Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) exhibits a variety of symptoms due to which your health care providers may consider different treatment options for treating this condition and its symptoms. The treatment options suggested by your healthcare provider depending on: • Your symptoms • Other health concerns • Looking to start a family Understand your treatment options at their fullest before deciding on a course of treatment along with their effects on pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to discuss the risks involved in the procedures with your doctor. There is no clear cause for PCOD. However, early detection or diagnosis of PCOD will be constructive in relieving the symptoms as well as to reduce the complications involved. PCOD treatment helps you to manage your concerns, including infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. However, specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication. Preventive Measures • Maintain a good lifestyle • Eat healthy (include dark leafy vegetables) • Sleep well • Do some stress-busting exercises Though PCOD cannot be cured completely, the symptoms can be reduced and kept under control.
Affecting almost seven per cent women, Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine…
Why Is My Period Late?
A late or missed period may occur for many reasons other than pregnancy. Natural causes can run from lopsided hormonal characteristics to genuine ailments. Similarly, there may be multiple times in a woman's life when it is typical for her periods to be sporadic: when they initially start and when menopause begins. As your body experiences the change, your cycle can end up unpredictable. A woman's menstrual cycle is generally around 28 days. However, this duration can also range from 21-35 days. If you do not get your periods within this period, it could be due to one of the following reasons. Stress. Women with dietary issues like anorexia nervosa or bulimia may miss their periods. Your body capacities and ovulation can be changed even if you weigh 10 percent beneath what is viewed as a healthy range. An increase in your weight can restore your menstrual cycle. Additionally, women who take an interest in outdoor exercises like long-distance races may miss their periods too. Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOS) PCOS is a condition that makes your body produce a higher amount of androgen, the male hormone. Blisters structure on the ovaries due to this hormonal imbalance which can make ovulation sporadic or stop it altogether. Insulin too can escape balance. This is because of insulin obstruction, which is related to PCOS. Your doctor may recommend conception prevention or other prescription to help regulate your cycle. Contraception. When you go on or off contraception, your period cycle also changes. This is due to the hormone estrogen and progestin in anti-conception medication pills that prevent your ovaries from discharging eggs. It can take as long as half a year for your cycle to regularise again in the wake of ceasing the pill. Different types of contraceptives that are embedded or infused with these hormones can cause missed periods too. When Pregnancy Is Not The Reason. Serious Ailments. Ailments such as diabetes and celiac infection can further influence your menstrual cycle. Changes in glucose are connected to hormonal changes, so even though it is uncommon, ineffectively controlled diabetes could make your period unpredictable. The celiac illness causes irritation that can harm your small intestines, which may keep your body from absorbing essential nutrients leading to late or missed periods. Early Perimenopause. Most women hit menopause between age 45 and 55. Some women who begin to show side effects around age 40 or before are considered to have early perimenopause. It implies that their egg supply is slowing down. Thyroid Issues. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland could also be the reason for late or missed periods. The thyroid gland controls your body's digestion so that hormone levels can be influenced too. However, thyroid issues can be treated with medication, and your period will probably come back to normal after the treatment.
A late or missed period may occur for many reasons other than pregnancy. Natural causes can run from lopsided hormonal…
Say No To Tobacco
Smoking Kills," we already know that, don't we? It's repeated over and over again, it's plastered onto cigarette boxes, and it's a leading cause of cancer. This deadly habit has a chain reaction of damaging results in almost every organ of our body. Some of the effects of this habit can vary from person-to-person and are dependent on factors such as; weight, underlying health conditions and the extent of tobacco use. Let's get this straight first. Tobacco consumption, in any form, is harmful. It is the most preventable cause of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the 20th century, tobacco-caused 100 million deaths. Tobacco kills almost half its user, about eight million each year. Over seven million of these deaths are a result of direct tobacco use. At the same time, more than 1.2 million deaths are the result of people who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Tobacco contains around 7000 chemicals, including arsenic, formaldehyde, cyanide, lead, ammonia, carbon monoxide, acrolein, and other poisonous substances besides nicotine. More than 70 of these chemicals are carcinogenic or cancer forming chemicals. Nicotine in tobacco is one of the most addictive substance around, which may surprise a lot of people. Perhaps as much or more addictive than heroin. When used regularly, nicotine latches on to you like a leech and demands continuous supply, even against your will. Different Forms Of Tobacco Innumerable people are addicted to nicotine (one of the most habit-forming substances known to man) in various forms. Some smoke, others sniff or chew it. Smoking is the most common way in which people indulge and consume nicotine. But there are different forms of tobacco use: • Cigarettes • Cigars and beedi • Electronic cigarettes or vaping • Hookah • Chewing tobacco including gutka, khaini Every different form of tobacco comes with its own set of consequences on our health. Effects Of Tobacco Usage On Our Body Tobacco affects our body in many ways starting from the brain, mouth, heart, lungs, skin and our muscles. Here is how tobacco affects these different parts of our body. Brain Nicotine affects the different regions in our brain, which are responsible for attention, memory, learning and our brain's plasticity. Nicotine can reduce brain activity, affect concentration and memory. Nicotine exposure can harm brain development when exposed during adolescence. Remember, nicotine may give you a sense of relaxation but also escalate anxiety and sleep problems. Using tobacco daily can cause headaches and dizziness. Mouth Nicotine stains the teeth, damage the gums, give you bad breath and ruins the taste buds. Smoking and chewing tobacco cause mouth cancer and throat cancer. Heart Smoking tobacco increases the heart rate and blood pressure and causes heart disease and heart attacks. It reduces cardiac efficiency, thereby making it difficult to engage and keep up with physical activities such as exercise and sports. Lungs Regular smokers lung is progressively damaged, thereby making our breathing inefficient. Consequently, smokers waking moments are more miserable as much as its negative impact of breathing during sleep. If someone has Asthma, it is best not to smoke as it can precipitate asthma attacks. Don't forget the increased likelihood of chest infection across the year. Muscles Tobacco decreases the blood supply and oxygen to the muscles, making exercises more strenuous and tiring. Skin Tobacco causes the skin to become dry, yellow and age faster when compared to a non-smoker. Smokers skin is less perfused with blood; therefore, they appear tired and unhealthy. The smell of the cigarettes also tends to stick to the skin. Diseases Caused By Tobacco Usage • Lung diseases like COPD and bronchitis and Asthma • Lung cancer • Mouth and throat cancer • Colon cancer • Stomach cancer • Pancreatic cancer • Heart disease • Stroke • Reproductive effects • Diabetes • Premature births • Blindness, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration What Is Second-hand Smoke? Second-hand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and one that is exhaled by the person smoking. There is nothing as a risk-free level of second-hand smoke exposure, as even brief exposure is harmful both for a non-smoker as well as smokers. The only way you can protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke is to avoid smoking indoors or in enclosed spaces. Health Risks Of Second-hand Smoke While it is quite apparent that second-hand smoke is still smoke that contains deadly toxins, it is also essential to understand the hazardous effects on health. As per the CDC, second-hand smoke cause health problems in infants and children, including frequent and severe asthma attacks, ear infections, respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Smoking during pregnancy annually results in more than 1,000 infant deaths. Heart ailments and lung cancer are more frequent in adults exposed to second-hand smoke. But there are immediate health effects as well, and that depends on the exposure time. Exposure time to second-hand smoke and effects: • 5 minutes – stiffens the main artery that supplies oxygenated blood • 20-30 minutes – causes blood clotting and the build-up of fat deposits in blood vessels, causing stroke and heart attack. • 2 hours – increases the chances of developing arrhythmias and can trigger a fatal cardiac arrest. Besides, with longer the exposure, there is a significant and higher risk of the deposit of harmful substances in various organs. This results in an increased risk of developing respiratory disorders similar to a smoker, including the risk of lung and other cancers. How To Quit Smoking And Use Of Tobacco Products? While it is conscious thought of choosing a healthy lifestyle, it could be tough when it comes to the reality of quitting smoking. Nonetheless, 'better late than never', as it's never pleasant being dependent on anything. Nicotine is very addictive; therefore withdrawing from it can be discomforting, including intense craving, restlessness and irritability. Given the addictive nature of nicotine, willpower will play a vital role in deciding to come of this terrible and deadly habit and to choose a healthier lifestyle, but it's not sufficient to stay off it. Apart from professional help and motivational counselling, here are some practical tips: • Remember, change can be hard, and motivation is dynamic and subject to significant fluctuation. So, start with 'one crave at a time' and work your way to 'one day at a time'. Build on successes of the previous day or learning from the lack of it. It is well known that the craving, when unattended, become less intense and fizzles out over time. • Write a smoking diary to identify patterns of smoking, especially the time of "critical" cigarettes (smoked after a meal, etc.). Such a journal will also help identify triggers those powerful urges to smoke. Try and cut down on non-essential cigarettes first before venturing into critical ones. As address the triggers one by one. • Choose a day to quit, and arrange a ceremonial burial of cigarette and paraphernalia. • Admitting your intention to quit in a formal announcement to your friends and family will help by forcing you to stick to it. • Designate someone (ideally spouse or partner) to remind, encourage, support and push you to achieve your goals. • Delay and distract your urges to smoke with juices, healthy snack, mint, etc. Smoker often has difficulties in discerning urge to smoke from hunger. So, consuming a small meal can remedy those rising craves. • Avoid the company of smoker and drinking environment initially. Only after you have better control over the urges, you may attempt exposing yourself to a higher risk situation for further desensitisation from urge to smoke or chew tobacco. • Take up exercise to reap the benefit of more unobstructed breathing in the aftermath of a smoke-free life. • Importantly, consider nicotine substitutes like a patch, chewing gums or e-cigarettes. Be informed that these substitutes are ideally taken under professional guidance and support. Don't just switch from one habit to another. Research suggests that majority who try to quit without specialist advice (including motivational therapy)and nicotine replacement (NRT) relapse to smoking soon afterwards. • Finally, there is medication to reduce craving and associated anxiety. These require a formal script from a practising physician or a psychiatrist. Final points to note Quitting smoking or tobacco may be the best thing you will do in your lifetime. If you don't succeed, then try again and again, do something different each time. Lack of successes in quitting and return to smoking can never be the end of the road. Instead, it must be seen as progress on the cycle of change and towards better health. So, don't quit on quitting!
Smoking Kills,” we already know that, don’t we? It’s repeated over and over again, it’s plastered onto cigarette boxes, and…
Sustainable Shifts UR Workplace Can Make Post COVID-19
At a time when the world is slowly awakening to the idea of healthy living, all thanks to COVID-19. There is a frightening reality that needs to be addressed by us collectively. According to a recent study, 63 per cent of Indian corporate-sector employees are overweight. Promotion of a healthy and balanced diet is vital for the prevention of overweight, obesity and several chronic diseases. The focus has shifted from considering healthy food patterns as a mainly private issue to recognising the responsibility of us as a society, including worksites, in creating healthy environments and conditions that support and promote healthy eating habits at workplaces who are progressively working towards improving their workforce's quality of life and output by promoting and assessing a change in their canteen meal's nutritional profile and sustainability. Besides improving our dietary intake at work, worksite health promotion initiatives may also lead to improvements in the lifestyles of UR employees and their families should also be carried outside of the workplace. While some offices and factories have resumed their services, this gives us the perfect opportunity to assess our canteens to make a sustainable shift. A study conducted in 2019 by HealthifyMe-a health and fitness app, covered the working-class corporates from major Indian cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Kolkata and even the remote areas such as Vapi in Gujrat. The eating habits and activity of about 60,000 Indian workers from various sectors in finance, banking, marketing etc. were analysed. Surprisingly, this year-long study stated that a whopping 63 per cent of corporate employees across India are overweight, and their body mass index (BMI) is above 23! This study was an eye-opener to make changes in the food provided at MNCs and SME canteens. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of a healthy person should range between 18.5 and 24.9; a person with a BMI above 25 is defined as overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered to be obese. How Can Workplaces Be Mindful Of Their Canteens, the Environment & Their Employees' Health? The overall aim of inculcating healthy eating practices has a deeper meaning. Along with health, we must also think about how canteen meals are more sustainable in terms of sourcing our ingredients, teaching healthy food choices, portions, while keeping sustainable living as our priority. Here are a few ways SMEs & MNC's can assess their canteen meals and protocols to become more sustainable collectively. Source locally-sourced foods. This is key to supporting our farmers, our planet, improving our food intakes, adds a range of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains in our diet. Review food safety management system plans such as lab testing reports, training reports, cleaning and sanitation records. Food handlers medical report, raw material log report and kitchen equipment( refrigerator, cutlery, oven, blender, etc.) calibration records to determine whether all the equipment being used is sanitised and maintained properly. Sanitisation and food safety handling training sessions can help in training food handlers in MNC's & SME's by our nutritionists. Understand, study and analyse the nutritional profile of the canteen meals. This can be done with the help of our nutritional experts who can help in determining the ideal ratios and types of ingredients which can be modified according to the health requirements. This can also help employees understand where they can make sustainable shifts in their daily food choices, eating patterns and food portions not just at work, but in their homes as well. Assess which food item is being wasted on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Discontinue the same to avoid food waste. Avoid using one-time-use plastics like plates, glasses, cutlery and plastic bags that increase garbage/waste and end up in our landfills. Use any leftover fruit and vegetable peels to make compost. This can be used to grow UR own produce, eliminating any chances of consuming any contaminated (pesticides-injected) food. Guide UR workforce by setting up nutritionist seminars/virtual conferences, which helps employees become more aware of making healthier food choices. It is more important than ever to build our immune system now to withstand these uncertain times. This type of dietary change program has the potential for considerable access into communities and thereby contribute significantly to larger public health goals in reducing incidences of dietary-related diseases. Did you know that The Pasona Urban Farm in Tokyo is a nine-storey office building which allows employees to grow and harvest their food at work? All of which, is supported and made possible with the help of a team of agriculture experts. In Bangalore, The Manyata Business Park which houses over 90,000 workers across companies such as NVIDIA, Nokia, Cognizant and IBM, have been allotted small patches of land on which they can grow their crops. Now there are also hydroponic kitchen garden setups/startup kits, which give you the free will of growing UR own produce at home, at UR workplace or in your community. This is novel evidence to support further action in worksites in enabling and promoting healthy eating patterns among employees across the contexts of workplaces. Let's all work together to reinforce sustainable practices starting from the grass-root level. If you want to assess your canteen at UR workplace, then you can consult our certified nutritionists to make a sustainable shift at UR workplace and enhance URLife.
At a time when the world is slowly awakening to the idea of healthy living, all thanks to COVID-19….
Redefining The Definition Of Celebrity! UR Chance To Become A Celebrity For The Right Cause
When the needs of the present are met without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their requirements, there is sustainable development. Closely related with each other and significant predictors of sustainability are social, economic and environmental development. We need to become more aware and be more active in our life, rather than living passively to protect the environment for future generations. Understanding what we are utilizing and why we are utilizing it is a great way to begin. The way forward is to promote a conscious lifestyle by which we can protect the environment. One of the most powerful ways to attract attention to social problems is celebrity endorsement. There are numerous celebrity activists who stand up for the environment and who have raised awareness about the environment, global issues and climatic change. They not only try to reduce their own carbon footprint but are also involved in many eco-friendly campaigns. Many celebrities are successful in motivating people to care for the planet. A celebrity who observes sustainable practices can be a role model and set an example for others. Be it making compost for the garden, recycling clothes, speaking of energy-saving, promoting organic produce and so on - celebrities can make an impactful difference by endorsing sustainability and the joy associated with it. People may not immediately follow the whole idea of sustainability, but can start practising it in their own small way to do their bit for the environment. What makes you a sustainability celebrity? A good start is to make UR house eco-friendly with solar panels and appliances that conserve energy. You can also go a bit further and include plants that can absorb carbon dioxide. Mentioned below are some more ways to help protect our environment. Adopt vegetarianism and veganism and post your meals on social media. Campaign for animal rights, promote a lifestyle that helps to protect animals, reduce waste, and avoid plastic. Raise awareness about single-use plastics and launch campaigns to cleanse our beaches and oceans from plastics. Use natural and organic ingredients and use products that are vegan and a healthier substitute to other skincare products available. Not only will these products be kind to your skin, but to the environment as well – due to the lack of herbicides or pesticides used. Draw on your status to stand up for indigenous communities, the underprivileged and for those affected by the effects of climatic change. You can offer donations to various environmental organizations and speak about the condition of our planet. Adopt and promote sustainable fashion brands. Inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint by advocating sustainable brands. Show your dedication to the environment by inspiring people to wear clothes made from reusable and recycled materials. Use your popularity to create awareness and provide financial backing to some companies working to save our planet. You can even think about launching eco-friendly and sustainable establishments to ensure future generations will get a thriving and flourishing environment. Sustainable Home Practices • Conserve energy: Our simple product choices like compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) or LEDs over incandescent bulbs conserve about 70% of the energy. Overuse of any renewable energy is the predominant cause of climate changes. Natural disasters in recent years have occurred due to climate changes. So conserving energy by using products and appliances that are energy-efficient has a positive impact on the environment. • Reduce the usage of one-time-use materials: Most of these products are plastic and are harmful to us and the environment too. Disposable products go to the landfills and if not appropriately monitored, these release toxic gases into the atmosphere. By avoiding the use of such products, we reduce landfills and effectively recycle the existing trash. • Recycle things: Instead of disposing of unnecessary things, find a way to recycle them. Try some DIY ideas to give them a new twist! If throwing them away is UR only choice, make sure you are disposing of them in the right way that doesn't end in increasing the landfills which cause water and air pollution. When we reduce waste, we help to conserve our resources. • Buy fairtrade products: In a fairtrade, producers offer a better deal and improved terms of trade. It allows them the opportunity to locally sustain by improving their lives and invest in their future, their environment and their communities. Fairtrade offers consumers a way to ensure environmental sustainability through their buying decisions. When a product carries the Fairtrade Mark, it means it upholds the fairtrade standards. These standards provide balance in trading relationships, stable markets and curb the injustices of conventional trade. Workers also get a stable income and working conditions are improved. Sustainable Office Practices Many offices might not have the funds to install solar panels for clean and sustainable energy. This doesn't mean you cannot help the environment at all. Here are some small things you can do at UR office to encourage and promote sustainability. • Travel co-dependently: Using a car or bike independently to commute increases carbon emission. So it’s best to carpool with your colleagues. Lesser carbon emission transforms in reducing impacts of climate change. You can also make a healthy choice of choosing cycling as your mode of transport. • Maintain digital files and use recycled paper: Whenever and wherever possible, try to avoid using paper. Promote afforestation or at least do not indirectly participate in deforestation by using virgin paper. In this digital age, there are various effective means to store files and prepare presentations that are not on paper. If there is an absolute necessity to use paper, opt for recycled paper. This simple step will help preserve forests, conserve resources and also contribute towards generating less pollution which is required for manufacturing. • Follow the 3Rs: Reduce, reuse and recycle products like printers, papers, stationery and so on, at every chance you get. This is not only cost-effective but also helps in reducing landfills. It decreases the toxin emission into the atmosphere effectively and efficiently. Following the 3Rs also results in innovative ideas that work in favour of sustainability. • Go green: Encourage employees to place indoor plants on their desk. Let it be a gift from the organization or a personal choice. Indoor plants like succulents, Swiss-cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), Mass Cane (Dracaena Massangeana), Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) are fantastic for absorbing pollutants in the air. They also provide a refreshing sight and fresh oxygen. • Choose biodegradable products: While choosing office supplies, pick biodegradable products to help reduce pollution. These products will not harm you and make UR office space safe. Biodegradable materials don’t take years to break down but rather break down quickly and don’t leave back anything harmful. Be a lover for sustainability – help conserve nature by making environmentally-friendly choices because every initiative and action can make a massive difference to our environment and help save our planet.
When the needs of the present are met without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their requirements, there…
Laughter Therapy
We've all heard 'Laughter is the best medicine', but have you ever wondered why? You laugh when someone tickles you, or you hear something funny or see something that amuses you. Laughter is the physiological response to humour. We can respond to either spontaneous or stimulated humour. Laughter therapy is all about stimulated humour that is scientifically proven in medical treatments also. Let us understand laughter and explore the impact it has on our overall health. What is laughter therapy? Research states that the more we laugh, the better off we are. When we laugh, our blood pressure rises, and we breathe faster, which sends more oxygen to our body. The effects of exercise and laughter are very similar, and if you combine the two, it can boost your heart rate too! Laughter yoga is an excellent example of how we can accomplish this. It's a technique that uses a combination of fun, stress and tension relieving laughter exercises. With your regular yoga, a gentle breathing and stretching exercise, rhythmic clapping and saying 'hohoho' or 'hаhаhа' in unison imitate laughter, is a part of laughter yoga. As we laugh, we release the feel-good hormones known as Endorphins. For all the sceptical people out there, conduct this small experiment. Whenever you are stressed, anxious or afraid start saying 'ha ha ho ho' for twenty seconds, doing so will definitely put you at ease and clears your head of all those worrisome thoughts. Adapting this technique into your daily routine will put a spring in your step. Ways To Indulge In Laughter Laughter is contagious, and alongside is one of the sweetest antidotes to stress. Also, it is the fastest way to bring the body and mind into balance. Adding humour to life helps in being more grounded, focused and alert. Some ways to indulge in laughter are pranks, practical jokes, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, theatre plays, entertaining movies, sarcasm, short stories, anecdotes and many more. Regardless of whether it improves our health, or boosts our energy levels – laughter can improve our quality of life. Health Benefits Of Laughter Therapy Mental Health Benefits: 1. Add joy and zest to life: Laughing helps to rev up your mood and make you feel relaxed. Due to the endorphins, we quickly lighten up. 2. Eases anxiety, tension and stress: Laughing is an excellent stress buster as they make you feel calmer and therefore, less stressed. 3. Strengthens resilience: Tackle the harsh situation in life with humour often open doors to new perspectives. You feel more secure and can handle tough situations more confidently. 4. Improves mood: The feel-good hormones help to fight depression and reduces panic. If an anxious person even forces a laugh, their level of fear will be decreased almost instantly. Physical health benefits: 1. Boosts immunity: Laughing boosts immunity in the body by increase immune cells and grooming positivity. It fights serious mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. 2. Lowers stress hormones: Endorphins, the feel-good hormones help you to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body, hence promoting overall wellbeing. 3. Decreases pain: When you are in pain, your body automatically produces endorphins to counter it. Laughter further stimulates the production of endorphins, thus reducing any pain your body might be feeling or going through. 4. Relaxes your muscles: Our body language gives away the clue of being under pressure or moody. A hearty laugh relaxes increases circulation and aids in relaxing our muscles. 5. Prevents heart disease: With the overall improvement in blood circulation and heart rate, coupled with lower blood pressure, the health of your heart improves significantly. Social benefits 1. Strengthens relationships: Our sweet memories are often the ones we share a moment filled with laughter with our loved ones. Laughing together creates a certain kind of bond and makes it easier to converse and resolve conflict. 2. Spreads positivity: Laughter is contagious; every time we see people laughing and smiling, we remember our own memories. It gives us hope and positivity. 3. Enhances teamwork: Smiling and laughing makes it easier to blend in and not be offensive or rude. Giving a smile always build up teamwork as communication gets simpler and comfortable. Welcoming new members with a smile will put them at ease and bring out their true potential. 4. Helps defuse conflict: A small laugh opens many doors of effective communication. It acts as a tool to break the awkwardness, builds trust and patiently listens to perspectives. Did you know? • According to the research, a couple that tackles stress with laughter set relationship goals. • Just 10 to 15 minutes of laughing a day can burn up to 40 calories and help in weight loss. • Sense of humour can be a genetic trait. • Science proves that laughter is contagious. • An uncontrollable fit of laughter can cause cardiac arrest or asphyxiation also. Whatever the source may be, right from the funniest to the scariest, if something makes you laugh, and forget your woes, then it's definitely a good sign. So, keep laughing!
We’ve all heard ‘Laughter is the best medicine’, but have you ever wondered why? You laugh when someone tickles you,…
How To Make Compost At Home With Kitchen Waste ?
There are so many things that we buy and have no clue how to dispose them properly. Taking the pandemic into account, so many people are buying masks right now, but do they know how to dispose a mask properly? Unfortunately no, and all of this is going to end up in our landfills polluting our precious environment. But, what if I told you that you could make a positive impact on the planet simply by learning how to manage waste properly. From making compost from UR kitchen waste to learning how to manage waste, we have it all covered for you. So, let's work together to stop this endless cycle of garbage! The components of waste could be many things starting from dry waste, packaging, bottles, kitchen waste, hazardous waste (like broken bottles) and other plastics. These components of waste are so vast that when all these various forms of unwanted waste/garbage are combined and picked up by the municipality. With the unavailability of waste management facilities or proper protocols, this waste ends up being dumped in a landfill or in water bodies. The way I look at it is that, until we understand what these landfills can do to our environment, we will not take action to contribute to a better future for our planet. How Landfills Affect Our Environment? Compressed garbage mountains in the landfills are considered to be more harmful than carbon dioxide. It was life-changing when I visited a landfill and saw the impact myself. 60 per cent of biodegradable waste is from our kitchen. It is broken down anaerobically in the landfills, as it is constantly being compressed and this process emits methane. This is one of the deadliest gases, and is considered to be 20x worse than carbon dioxide. We contribute to the greenhouse gases once we discharge kitchen waste out of our homes. It could be in a lake, river, ocean or it's in a plastic cover and a cow could be eating it. So, we really don't know where our garbage ends up! Did you know that Bengaluru produces 4,500 tonnes of garbage/waste everyday? My waste is my responsibility. This is why I chose to live sustainably and not be a burden on the planet. I do my bit by making compost, disinfectant, stashing milk packets and much more. And it just doesn't stop here. There is a dark liquid called leachate which runs out of the landfills, contaminates our groundwater and the soil. The three things which we need to sustain on this planet are air to breath, water to drink and soil to grow our food. We have unfortunately contaminated it all by discharging biodegradable waste out of our homes unnecessarily. If you say no to a landfill, what do you do with the waste ? You can first start by understanding the categories of waste your home or household may generate. All the waste from UR kitchen is organic matter, which should essentially go back to the soil by making compost. If you have a composting facility available in your neighbourhood or city, so you can drop off your organic waste for it to be processed. Did you know that 60 per cent of biodegradable waste is from our kitchen? All the waste from your kitchen is organic matter, which should essentially go back into the soil in the form of compost. For example, the USA has many facilities for recycling and managing waste. India, is yet to introduce waste management centres and reduce its carbon footprint. We have a long way to go. Meanwhile, why don't we take the responsibility of learning the categories of waste and making compost at home? Categories Of Waste 1st category Dry waste(recyclable): Packaging, cardboard, newspapers, cinema tickets, plastic, metal cans, bus tickets and every bit of paper that can be recycled. 2nd category Kitchen/food waste: Vegetable peels, fruit peels, coffee or tea powder. 3rd category Sanitary waste: Medical waste, band-aids, sanitary pads, anything which is body contaminated. Hazardous waste: Broken items like bottles etc. In Bangalore, we have a system called 2 bin 1 bag. The green bin is for your kitchen waste and the red bin is for rejects (things which can't be recycled or composted) goes into that bin. And, the third is your bag which you can hang and collect milk sachets without the ends being snipped fully. Every bit of packaging can be collected, sent to the recycling centre or given to your kabadiwala. In Bangalore, we have recycling centres. 198 wards in total and each ward has a DWCC (Dry waste collection centre). This is one of the ways you can dispose UR dry waste correctly. By not mixing dry waste with other types of waste helps us all contribute to a better world that mitigates climate change together. Another way of making a positive impact on the planet is by making compost. Here is how I make my compost from my kitchen waste at home. How To Make Compost At Home With Kitchen Waste Ingredients Greens: Vegetable peels, fruit peels, coffee or tea powder and leftover food bits (organic matter only) - 1 large bowl Browns: Dried leaves, cardboard or sawdust - 2-3 bowls Microbes: Sour buttermilk- 1 tbsp or cow dung - 2-3 tbsp Container: Terracotta pot, a red mud pot with a lid, or a small bucket with holes (for air circulation) and a lid. Preparation Step 1: Drain out excess moisture from the vegetables and fruit peels in a colander. For example; watermelon or papaya need to be drained of moisture. Use a kitchen towel or a paper napkin to remove the moisture. Cut the large pieces of leftover veggies or fruits for them to break down easily. Step 2: Add the dried leaves in a small container or bowl. Crush the leaves and add the vegetable peels, fruit peels, coffee or tea powder. Mix everything. Now, add the buttermilk or cow dung using the mentioned quantities and mix everything well. Step 3: Transfer everything into a bucket, a pot, or a container with small holes and a lid. Repeat the same action every day. Once in 4 to 5 days turn the ingredients in the container to introduce oxygen, as this is anaerobic composting. Add vegetable peels, fruit peels and Brown's until UR container is completely full. It takes 45 days for the ingredients to break down and become compost. You can repeat the same process in another container for your next batch of compost. Note: Always keep the composter (container) away from the rain. You can use this to fertilise your soil to grow veggies at home. This is how I do my bit and so can you to break the cycle of mismanaging waste and being more mindful. For more information on waste management, log onto these websites Swachagraha or 2bin1bag to find out how you can start managing and making the most out of waste.
There are so many things that we buy and have no clue how to dispose them properly. Taking the pandemic…
Experience The Magic Of Using Natural Cleansers At Home
Experience The Magic Of Using Natural Cleansers At Home Vani Murthy Keeping your home germ-free with natural cleaners and disinfectants may seem like an enormous task, but it’s really very easy and simple to achieve. Homemade cleaners are not only good to keep your home spick-and-span but are also a safer and healthier option for not just you and your family but the environment too! What’s amazing is that natural disinfectants are as effective as store-bought cleaners, minus the harsh chemicals. They are also inexpensive to make and offer way more health benefits. Though I’m not backed by studies – I just believe that I don’t have to use chemicals. I don’t discharge chemicals from my home. That’s the only reason why I don’t use any chemicals. This has changed a bit due to the current pandemic that we are facing because we are now using sanitizers that are recommended with alcohol content, but for everything else I use natural cleansers. Though the natural cleaners contain alcohol, I’m not very sure about how effective it is with the virus. There are people who are trying to test it out, so probably we will know how effective this is in future. We cannot take any risks right now. So my family and I have adopted a kind of a balanced approach. If we go out, then we definitely use alcohol sanitizers when we come back. But if we are in the house, we use the natural cleansers, as much as possible. Due to covid-19 we are now very careful so it has not replaced sanitizer for outside use. I’ve stopped using chemicals at home since the last two years and I’m very happy about it. The homemade cleaner I prepare is basically a multipurpose cleaner for the house. You can use it to clean kitchen counters, stoves, tiles and so on. It sanitizes and leaves a sweet-smelling smell. It can also be used to clean the floor. Just put a capful of it in a bucket of water to mop the floor. Or simply put it in spray cans to clean glass things. What’s more, it can even been used as an organic pesticide for UR plants. It’s very simple to make this great concoction. There is a formula that I follow. Firstly, you need to collect the lemon and orange peels that you discard every day. If you don’t have enough, keep them in the refrigerator till you collect enough. I say enough because I mean there is a proportion you need to keep in mind. It is 1:3:10. So you need one part of jaggery, three parts peels and ten parts of water (for one litre). These are the three ingredients that you need from your kitchen to make this super cleaner. If jaggery is one part, you need to take 100 grams jaggery (soak it in the one litre of water) and take 300 grams of the peels and add the one litre of jaggery water to the collected peels. Ensure that the jar or bottle is a glass one. Also ensure there is some space left at the top of the jar as there will be a lot of gas buildup due to the fermentation. In case you want to speed up the process you can use a little bit of dry yeast. Use just a pinch of dry yeast. The whole process occurs in one month’s time. If you don’t use dry yeast – it will take three months. Remember to close the lid of the jar tight. Every morning open it to release the gas for the first one week. One month down the line the liquid becomes clear. The end result is a bio enzyme produced from the citrus peels. You can use orange, lemon or mosambi peels to get the bio enzyme. It is sweet-smelling and very lemony and citrusy. In case you are wondering about the stickiness of jaggery – you needn’t worry because when you get the final product it turns alcohol. Jaggery is the feed for the fermentation. It is the food source for the microbes when they are fermenting. I also make a soap nut liquid with kukurkhai which is the natural soap. I use a little bit of the bio enzyme along with the soap nut liquid to wash my laundry too. This is my way of replacing chemicals in my home. It’s extremely important for us to understand that what we are discharging is harming the environment through the water that is coming out of our home. We don’t know where the water system is ending up. These harmful chemicals that we use are definitely polluting. So as far as possible and as a citizen who cares for this planet I try to keep away these chemicals from my home. For the past two years I haven’t used any cleaners that contain chemicals. The pulp of the peels can be utilized to clean stuff as well. After you drain the excess water save the pulp and put it on your grimy chimney to clean it. Just leave it for 15 minutes and wipe off. Along with this you can add the soap nuts mixture to get that extra soapiness. It can be used as a liquid detergent to wash your crockery and can also be added to your dishwasher. This natural cleanser can be used for multiple things. I’ve gone back to days when grannies used to use shikakai and ash for cleaning. That’s what I’m using now. I also use only natural fibres for cleaning. I don’t use commercially available cleaning pads and sponges as they have plenty of plastic in them which leads to the micro and nanoplastic getting into the water waste. So it’s best to use ash, soap nuts and shikakai – these are all natural materials which are better because the post usage discharge is natural. The use of chemicals harms the environment. Avoiding chemicals and choosing to go the natural way may take a little effort, but considering we now have lots of time on our hands it will probably be easier to do. You can also store the bio enzyme, make it once a month or even once in two months. Many people visit juice shops to collect the leftover lemon and citrus peels to make large quantities which they may sell. The bio enzyme made from citrus fruits is a very good cleaner and doesn’t get spoilt for over a period of time if the proportion is right. But on the other hand, the kukurkhai soap nut mixture has to be made fresh and can’t be kept for long. It starts to smell. So you need to make small batches like every week or so, depending on how much you need. This cleanser is a wonderful way to keep chemicals away and I’m just loving this change! Earlier, I had all kinds of chemicals at home including shampoo, but I stopped using store-bought shampoo too. The kukurkhai (soap nut liquid) is my shampoo and the bio enzyme which has a citrus smell works as my shampoo. The soap nuts can make the hair rough so I use a little of bio enzyme to soften my hair and I’m more than happy with the result. Earlier when I used shampoos available in stores, I experienced a lot of hair fall. So much of hair would fall in the bathroom that I used to think – am I not healthy? Why is my hair falling? But after I stopped using chemical products I don’t have hair fall. It’s very important to use natural products because nowadays the use of chemicals gives rise to skin conditions like psoriasis. The chemicals can also cause dandruff and hair fall. The bio enzyme has a very nice smell but if you want to make it better, you can add some essential oils. Add citronella or lemon essential oil for a nice fragrance. I try to use all things natural, but do I use a natural soap? Yes, my friend makes homemade soaps so I buy it from her. In fact, I stopped buying anything that is packaged and from the store. I’m cutting down and minimizing packaged stuff. I use only used plastic bottles that I collect. I have stopped using Tupperware even in my kitchen. My kitchen is full of glass and stainless steel. There is no plastic in my kitchen. I use Tupperware for storing anything that is not edible. In my house, no water is stored in plastic. I store water only in glass or stainless steel. This transformation came about after I witnessed a friend’s presentation on plastic. It made me realize how much plastic we take in. This is because the chemicals in the plastic leach into the food. Plastic containers are used to store food in the refrigerator, freezer and so on. Some dangerous lifestyle disease may also be avoided if you can bring about small changes in the way you live. Small changes can add to the betterment of your health. With these small changes, we can definitely save our homes and the planet too. This natural cleanser is a good pet wash too. I don’t have pets but my friend uses it as a pet wash and says her pets’ coat is much better after using this. So like I said, it has multiple uses. Dilute it and spray on the plants in your garden and it becomes a pesticide or dilute it and put it in the soil to enhance its fertility. Overall, you can use this natural disinfectant as a shampoo (along with soap nut liquid), a detergent (along with soap nut liquid) to clean surfaces in the kitchen and glass things around the house. All you have to do is dilute it a bit. You can also use it as an organic pesticide and soil enhancer. It replaces many of your cleaners and is very effective. In fact, I’m in love with it – it’s one of the best things I have done.
Experience The Magic Of Using Natural Cleansers At Home Vani Murthy Keeping your home germ-free with natural cleaners and disinfectants…
The ABC Of Hypertension
You May Develop Hypertension Without Knowing. What Are The signs? Hypertension or High blood pressure occurs when UR blood pressure increases to unhealthy levels. UR blood pressure reading takes into account how much blood is passing through UR blood vessels and the measure of resistance that blood meets while pumping the heart. Hypertension develops for quite a long while. Initially, you don’t notice any symptoms. But even without symptoms, high blood pressure causes damage to UR blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys. Early detection is essential. Signs of Hypertension ● shortness of breath ● nosebleeds ● visual changes ● dizziness ● headaches ● chest pain ● blood in the urine ● flushing What causes high blood pressure? There are two types of hypertension. Primary hypertension Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension. ● Genes: Some individuals are genetically inclined to hypertension. This might be from gene mutations or genetic abnormalities inherited from UR parents. ● Physical changes: If something in UR body transforms, you may begin experiencing issues all through UR body. Hypertension might be one of those issues. For instance, it’s thought that changes in your kidney function due to ageing may upset the body’s balance of salts and fluid. This change may cause UR body’s blood pressure to increase. ● Environment: Over time, unfortunately, lifestyle choices like lack of physical activity and poor diet can take their toll on UR body. Lifestyle choices can lead to weight problems. Being overweight or obese can increase UR risk of hypertension. Secondary hypertension Secondary hypertension usually occurs quickly and can become more severe than primary hypertension. This includes: ● obstructive sleep apnea ● adrenal gland problems ● congenital heart defects ● kidney disease ● use of illegal drugs ● side effects of medications ● problems with UR thyroid ● alcohol abuse or chronic use Diagnosis Diagnosing hypertension is simple as it depends on taking a blood pressure reading. Most doctors’ workplaces check blood pressure as part of a routine visit. If you don’t get a blood pressure reading at UR next appointment, request one. If UR blood pressure remains high, UR doctor will likely conduct more tests to rule out underlying conditions. These tests can include: ● ultrasound of your heart or kidneys ● cholesterol screening and other blood tests ● electrocardiogram (ECG) ● urine test Home remedies for hypertension Healthy lifestyle changes will help you control the risk factors that cause hypertension. Here are some of the common home remedies. ● Increasing physical activity ● Developing a healthy diet ● Managing stress ● A healthy weight ● Adopting a clean lifestyle High blood pressure during pregnancy Women with hypertension may deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be hazardous to both mother and baby if it’s not monitored and managed during the pregnancy. Women with high blood pressure are bound to develop complications. For example, pregnant women with hypertension may encounter decreased kidney function. Babies born to mothers who have hypertension may have a low birth weight or conceived prematurely. Preeclampsia In a few cases, pregnant women with hypertension can develop preeclampsia during their pregnancy. This condition of increased blood pressure which causes kidney and other organ complications. This condition results in high protein levels in the urine, problems with liver function, fluid in the lungs, or visual problems. Monitor UR blood pressure regularly. The best way to avoid complications and problems is to analyze hypertension early. You can go to UR doctor’s office for a blood pressure reading, or you can purchase a blood pressure cuff and take periodical readings at home. Keep a log of UR blood pressure readings and take it to UR regular doctor appointments. This can help UR doctor see any possible problems before the condition advances.
You May Develop Hypertension Without Knowing. What Are The signs? Hypertension or High blood pressure occurs when UR blood pressure…
How Emotions Affect UR Immunity
Our mind and body are eternally interlinked. Ailments of the body can manifest as psychological problems. Likewise, matters of mind like stress and anxiety can affect the functioning of the body and its responses, including immunity. Emotion is derived from the Latin term 'emovere', which means to stir up, to agitate and to excite. Emotions can be broadly grouped into two categories - positive and negative. Extroverts tend to be more socially active and are better at expressing their feelings. On the other hand, introverts tend to be withdrawn; hence, they conceal their emotions. People with good emotional health are aware of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. They have learned to cope with the stress and problems in a healthy way. It is well established that denial or suppression of emotions is not an effective strategy to deal with emotions. Infact it makes it worse. It is therefore essential that we acknowledge our feelings, reflect on its nature, and if unhelpful then put them aside as much as possible. The Covid-19 pandemic has unleashed an epidemic of emotional reactions such as fear, anxiety, sadness and stress. While many will experience transient anxiety, some will be pushed over the cusp, wherein their unremitting concern will turn into an ailment, or medical condition called anxiety disorder. Impact of emotional problems on health During emotional crisis one may ignore self-care, eat unhealthy diet, avoid activities or exercise. They may resort to maladaptive coping with alcohol, tobacco or tranquilising medicine (sleeping/calming pills). This has a negative bearing on general health. And when stress or stressors persist over a prolonged period, our 'fight or flight response' remains activated and that's not good for our health as it releases excessive stress hormones, and can wear us down physically and psychologically. Well established consequences of prolonged or recurring stress include high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach ulcer, as well as psychological problems like anxiety, depression and addiction. Unremitting stress can also over-activate the immune system - worsen arthritis and psoriasis, acne and even trigger asthma attacks. Besides, it can make you vulnerable to infections and allergies. There is evidence that an effectively managed stress and emotions can have a positive impact on the nervous and immune system. For instance, relaxation activities such as massage, humour, listening to music, reading can have a benefit on overall health and reduces stress hormones in the body. Express UR feelings in an appropriate way If feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety are causing problems, keeping these feelings inside can make you feel worse. They say "a problem shared is a problem halved", which means when in difficulty it is useful to talk to someone about it. In doing so, you share the burden, move onto solutions and in the process, learn about yourself. It's is essential to deal with negative feelings, but also focus on the positive things in UR life. It will help if you also find ways to let go of things in UR life that are unhelpful while making time for things you enjoy. So, it's okay to let UR loved ones know when something is bothering you. Moreover, keep in mind that UR family and friends may not always be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, try asking someone outside the situation for help. A professional can provide independent, timely and objective advise/support that might help you bounce back as well as improve your emotional health. Other strategies for a balanced life • Even in difficulties, make an effort to resume and maintain a healthy and active routine with balanced diet and exercise (30 - 45 mins of moderate-intensity for 4-5 days per week) • To manage our reactions, we need to acknowledge, understand and accept our emotions. In doing so, we shall cope better and come out of this crisis being more resourceful, rejuvenated and rested. Meditation is an effective and time tested strategy to bring about emotional awareness and mind-body harmony. • Take care of UR body by having enough sleep - ideally 7-8 hours per night. Sleep is essential for rest and recovery from day to day assaults on our body and mind. • Avoid abuse of alcohol or drugs as they can worsen UR health, UR anxiety and relationship problems. • Remember, to be grateful for what you have, think positive, curb negative thoughts where possible, smile more often, and do things to keep yourself positive and happy. • A consistently balanced life is a healthier life. Developing resilience Resilience is the ability to face stress and challenges and to bounce back and recover. To develop resilience, one ought to take up and face challenges and reflect on the difficulties while finding solutions. In doing so, one learns to improvise and move from problems to a solution orientation. Other methods include mobilising social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective. An emotionally stable person is thus at a much better position to develop resilience. Emotional awareness is not just crucial for a peaceful, calm and healthy life and healthy relationships, but it also has a positive impact on UR immunity. As a lack of it can contribute to building up of stress, which compromises immunity and makes one susceptible to infection and other ailments. Dr Roshan Jain, 16 May 2020
Our mind and body are eternally interlinked. Ailments of the body can manifest as psychological problems. Likewise, matters of mind…