ARTICLES ON General Health

Prince Harry mentioned in his memoir Spare that he resorted to psychedelic drugs to deal with the trauma of his mother Princess Diana’s death. A look at how psychedelic drugs can be dangerous. Prince Harry admitted in his book Spare mentioned that he used psychedelic drugs to deal with his mother Lady Diana’s death. Ever since that psychedelic drugs have become a hot topic of discussion. During Harry’s interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, he touches upon a topic from his book about how he used psychedelic drugs to deal with the death of his mother several years later. He mentioned that he had a lot of trouble coping with the loss, even having a hard time believing she was truly dead. Psychedelic drugs come with their own share of effects and adverse effects. Further studies are definitely required to know the long-term side effects due to regular and prolonged use of these drugs. Though many studies have shown that addiction and abuse of psychedelic drugs is not a problem, it is the tolerance part that is a worrying attribute. Dr. Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says “Although most psychedelics have not been directly responsible for causing death, the judgment of users is certainly impaired and can pose a greater risk in an unsupervised setting. The safety concerns with psychedelics are predominantly psychological but studies have shown that pre-existing physical conditions might show exacerbations because of tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and heart rate. One major concern of hallucinogen use is that hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. It is characterized by re-experiencing the perceptual distortions induced by a hallucinogen at some later time. HPPD is composed of afterimages and perceived distortions of movements. These can cause more anxiety, can lead to re-experiencing the same trauma, and worsen depression and PTSD or acute stress. Due to tolerance increased doses of the psychedelics might have to be taken to relieve trauma and these increased doses might not have the same pleasurable effect.” Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/spare-harrys-drug-connection-why-it-is-unsafe-to-use-psychedelic-drug-to-deal-with-trauma-12004132.html

You drink several rounds of booze, get high, enjoy, and what? End up with a hangover? The majority of you must be familiar with this after-effect. Particularly if you drink too much alcohol, this occurs. And those who’ve been through it, know that it can take longer to wear off. However, among all the side effects of alcohol, one is “hangxiety”. Simply put, it occurs when you experience a headache, nausea, and anxiety all at once. Health Shots contacted Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to learn more about this condition and how to get rid of hangxiety. To understand more about this condition and ways to get rid of hangxiety, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. What is Hangxiety? Dr. Anand says, “Hangxiety is not a specific term used in Psychiatry. It is more of a scenario that is experienced after a heavy bout of alcohol consumption. It is the combination of having a hangover and anxiety related to the hangover.” Not only does the person feel physically ill, but they also may have high anxiety caused by erratic behavior and the blackout period of the night before. Hangovers can last anywhere from a few hours after waking up to the entire day. Excessive consumption of alcohol, combining drinking with using recreational substances, or having a low tolerance can all lead to experiencing hangxiety the next day. Symptoms of Hangxiety Feeling irritable, panicked, having a sense of impending doom, feeling your own heartbeat, having increased heartbeats and an increased rate of breathing, sweating, trembling, tummy issues, and difficulty focusing are all common symptoms of hangxiety. What is the Link Between Alcohol and Anxiety? “There is a clear connection between alcohol and anxiety, and some people would undoubtedly have hangxiety, especially in light of the fact that binge drinking raises the heart rate, impairs concentration, and impairs the capacity to make rational decisions, says Dr. Anand. Additionally, drinking alcohol initially reduces your stress and helps you feel more at ease, but after some time you could start to feel restless, and a hangover can make that worse. One of the main causes of hangover anxiety is drinking less water or being dehydrated as well. How to Get Rid of Hangxiety? Curing hangxiety requires resting and rehydrating the body. Plus, follow these 7 tips to deal with hangxiety: 3 Home Remedies to Cure Hangxiety: Though these tips are effective for avoiding hangover anxiety and the after-effects of alcohol, prevention seems to be the best cure for it. So be mindful of the amount of alcohol being consumed and make sure that you are not on an empty stomach before drinking. Dr Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospital, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-hangxiety-or-hangover-anxiety/

You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the ‘eight glasses a day rule. Your body is mostly made up of water. Water is the primary chemical component that accounts for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of your body weight – the fluid you cannot live without. Water is required for the proper functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Water flushes wastes from your body via urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. Dehydration can occur when your body does not have enough water to carry out normal functions. You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. That equates to half a gallon of water (about 2 liters). This claim is widely accepted as fact, and it is simple to remember. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the “eight glasses a day” rule. Drinking 8 Glasses of Water in a Day: Fact or Myth? There has been an ongoing debate regarding how much water one should drink. As per experts, it will be a good idea to at least drink 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. But, according to a finding of the new study, it is okay and not necessary to drink 8 glasses of water. So, it is fine, if you don’t drink water unless you feel thirsty. Do not drink water when it is not required. One needs to seriously monitor his/her water intake. You need to see how much water you are having. Dr Bipin Jibhkate, Consultant critical care medicine, and ICU director of  Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road says ‘It will be essential for one to calculate the amount of water received from food and other beverages like coffee and tea. You need to know that there is no standard quantity or one-size-fits-all measure for people. The water requirement will differ from person-to-person. The factors taken into consideration are one’s age, sex, size, physical activity levels, and the climate of the area that one lives in. Drinking a lot of water means you will make continuous trips to the loo. As that can be a huge disturbance during the nighttime. It is better to speak to the doctor about how much water you should drink and then accordingly decide what you need to do.’ Remember that not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, and dry skin and you will not be able to flush out toxins from the body. Did you know? Men have larger bodies and less body fat than women, and they end up drinking more water. It is better to drink water when thirsty and also have fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups that contain enough amount of water. The main motto should be to stay hydrated and healthy. Avoid going overboard on water. Stick to the instructions given by the expert only. Suggestion: If you want to keep things simple, just listen to your body and follow your thirst. When you’re thirsty, drink some water. Stop when you’re no longer thirsty. Drink more fluids during hot weather and exercise to compensate for fluid loss. Dr. Bipin JibhkateConsultant Critical Care Medicine & ICU DirectorWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/drinking-8-glasses-of-water-in-a-day-fact-or-myth-expert-answers-2-5801451/

When you are on a weight loss journey, the shedding of every inch and kilo must be celebrated as it comes with a lot of effort. But if you are losing weight unintentionally and without any effort, along with experiencing a series of worrisome symptoms, you must investigate the reasons behind it, as it could indicate a disease that may be ruining your physical or mental health. Sudden weight loss of this kind is very different from planned weight loss, and it deserves a closer look. Put simply, sudden weight loss is a symptom to investigate, not a result of weight loss supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing more than 5% of weight in the span of 6-12 months without doing any exercise or following a diet, especially, should be a cause of concern and may indicate a problem. Experts say unintentional weight loss is something that happens when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine and could indicate stress or a serious disease. In such cases, reaching for weight loss supplements is never the right response; the goal is to find the cause, not mask it. What is Unexplained Weight Loss?“While typical weight loss is due to a change in lifestyle habits, decreased caloric intake, or an increase in physical activity, unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for concern. It might indicate an underlying medical or disease. That is why one should take unexplained weight loss seriously,” says Deepti Khatuja, Head – Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. “Many a time, a patient is brought into the hospital with a symptom of weight loss, which appears to be of great concern to the patient or his or her accompanying relatives. Unintentional weight loss is when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness. Weight loss can occur in patients with normal appetites or decreased appetites. This is why sudden weight loss should never be brushed aside as a good thing.” When Should You See a Doctor?“A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you have lost a significant amount, more than 5 percent of your weight, within 6 to 12 months. Numerous medical conditions cause sudden, unexplained weight loss,” says Dr. Hyacinth Peninnah Paljor. It can be tempting to explain the change away or to try weight loss pills, but sudden weight loss needs a proper diagnosis, not a quick fix. Self-medicating can delay the treatment that actually matters. What are the Common Reasons for Unexpected Weight LossSome of the common reasons for unintentional weight loss are: Diabetes One of the major causes of unwanted weight loss is Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), although it may also happen in Type 2. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for energy. This results in high blood glucose. Our kidneys remove unused glucose through urine.  As sugar leaves your body, so do calories, says Deepti Khatuja. “Symptoms associated are frequent urination, dehydration, fatigue, blurry vision, excessive thirst, excessive hunger. Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus includes insulin, blood sugar monitoring, diet, and exercise,” says Dr. Paljor. Here, sudden weight loss is a warning sign of uncontrolled blood sugar, not something to treat with weight loss pills. Cancer Cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to quickly divide and spread. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. “This is common with cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus.  Cancer increases inflammation. This promotes muscle wasting and disrupts appetite-regulating hormones. A growing tumor may also increase your resting energy expenditure (REE), or how much energy your body burns at rest. Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome that is linked to many cancers.  It’s most common in gastric and pancreatic cancers, as well as some lung, head and neck, and colorectal cancers in their later stages,” says Khatuja. “Early symptoms may be fever, fatigue, bleeding from any site, changes in moles, a lump in the breast, hoarseness of voice, or there may be no symptoms other than weight loss.  Treatment depends on the type of cancer. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy,” says Dr Paljor. In these cases, sudden weight loss can be the earliest clue, which is why it should never be dismissed or hidden behind weight loss supplements. Tuberculosis Another cause of unexplained weight loss is tuberculosis (TB), a contagious condition that usually affects the lungs, says Khatuja. “It’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Weight loss and decreased appetite are some of the common symptoms of TB.  Although TB can affect different organs of the body, like abdominal TB, etc and unexpected weight loss is quite common,” adds the Fortis expert. TB is life-threatening and requires timely intervention. One is detected with TB while having symptoms such as constant cough, chest pain, and even unintentional weight loss. So, don’t forget to take charge of your health, says Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. Hyperthyroidism “As the thyroid oversees your metabolism, it’s understandable that thyroid problems could lead to weight gain. While having a fast metabolism can help you lose weight, having one that is too fast can be harmful.  Rapid weight loss and sometimes additional complications, such as a raised heart rate, more anxiety, jitters, tremors, or insomnia, are all symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),” says Khatuja.  “When the thyroid gland starts releasing an excess of its hormones, which can be due to either its hyperfunctioning state or thyroid gland damage due to infections or antibodies. Diagnosed by a simple thyroid function test,” says Dr. Johann Varghese. People sometimes mistake this sudden weight loss for a welcome change and even reach for weight loss pills, when the real fix is treating the thyroid.

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. It generally affects younger & unvaccinated kids. Once quite common, but now measles can be prevented with a vaccine. Also called rubeola, measles spreads fast and can be serious and even deadly for small children. While casualty rates have been falling internationally as more children receive the measles vaccine. Still, from time to time, there are small pockets of epidemic occurrence throughout India mostly because of poor vaccination schedule adherence by parents. The current ones are in Mumbai & Maharashtra.  Measles signs and symptoms occur around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It circulates via respiratory droplets & close contact. Signs and symptoms of measles generally include: Small white areas with bluish-white centers on a red background are based inside the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik’s spots A skin rash is large, flat patches that frequently run into one another The infection occurs in stages over 2 to 3 weeks. Infection and incubation. For the first 10 to 14 days after infection, the measles virus spreads in the body. There are no signs or symptoms of measles during this time. Nonspecific signs and symptoms. Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often with a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), and a sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last 2 to 3 days. Acute illness and rash. The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a blotchy red appearance. The rash starts from behind the ears & spreads to the whole body. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C). Treatment is mainly symptomatic while actively looking for complications like pneumonia, ear infections, or other possible secondary bacterial infection. The focus should be on maintaining hydration & energy levels by offering lots of liquid & healthy food. The rash may last about seven days. The rash gradually fades from the face and from the thighs and feet. As other symptoms of the illness go away, the cough and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was may stay for about 10 days. A child can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the inflammation has been present for four days. Review your child’s vaccination records with your Pediatrician, especially before your children start daycare, school, or college. According to the IAP recommendation, a child should complete 3 doses of the MMR vaccine at the age of 9 months, 15 months & 5 years. If your child gets contact with measles or develops symptoms contact to Pediatrician urgently & keep the child quarantined for at least 7 days. Dr Vishal ParmarConsultant PaediatricianWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104

Age-related mild forgetfulness might be a regular phenomenon. If you have trouble remembering someone’s name but remember it afterward, it’s not a serious memory impairment. However, memory issues might be early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease if they significantly impact your everyday life. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder, many individuals mistakenly think that it is a natural part of aging. Because of this mindset, many of us end up ignoring the early warning signs that our brains might be sending out. Here are seven signs early signs that a prospective Alzheimer’s patient may have that you shouldn’t miss. Consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms and get your physical, as well as mental health, examined. They will review your medical history and conduct a mental status examination to assess your memory, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for simple logic. They might perform blood or brain imaging tests as well. It’s time to consult a doctor if you notice these changes in a loved one or yourself. Have a discussion with them about going to the doctor together. Ask your primary care physician or internal medicine specialist about dementia. Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional Neurologist and Stroke SpecialistWockhardt Hospitals Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/alzheimer-disease-7-warning-signs-and-symptoms-in-elders-that-shouldnt-be-ignore-5667853/

Physical maturity typically occurs with advancing years. But the same doesn’t happen with everyone mentally. Mental maturity is the ability to take responsibility for your actions, to be sensitive and respectful of others, and to adjust and adapt to surroundings as necessary. A person with emotional maturity always adds value to himself and those around them. However, being immature can have a detrimental effect on both your personal and professional life. So, how to become mature? Let’s find out! Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, who listed down a few ways a person can follow to become mature which can help make better decisions in life. Here are 5 tips to become mature, according to Dr. Anand: 1. Gain self-perspective Self-perspective refers to picturing what your thoughts and feelings would be if you were in another person’s shoes. Developing your own perspective helps you become mature. Dr. Anand says, “Observe your thoughts and behaviors so that you can become more objective and make better decisions. By gaining self-awareness you can understand yourself and even others better.” Along with this, start seeking feedback from other individuals to gain a fresh viewpoint. 2. Try to take control of your emotions It can be challenging to keep your emotions to yourself, and even constantly expressing them can cause issues. If you don’t express your feelings, over time, you could come to believe that no one is concerned about your needs and wants. You might feel nervous, depressed, and stressed as a result. However, if you express all of your sentiments, it could put you in a vulnerable place where people might judge you and think you can’t control your emotions. This can take a toll on your mental health. According to Dr. Anand, “One has to learn how to streamline emotions in a way so that balance can be achieved so as to make more rational decisions.” 3. Take charge of your overall health Taking charge of your health by choosing a healthy lifestyle will reduce dissatisfaction. Dr. Anand also says, “Physical and mental health both go hand in hand for a successful and meaningful life. Better health gives motivation and the strength required to see through difficult situations and come up with solutions.” Remember, better health can empower you to make better decisions. 4. Learn how to deal with negativity Being in a negative state of mind or situation can hamper decision-making. If you are feeling overwhelmed with negative feelings, it is important to look after yourself and take some time out to relax or do something you enjoy. “Analyse the situation and look for positive means to deal with negativity,” says Dr. Anand. Practicing meditation, and yoga can help in such situations. Cognitive restructuring is also a better way of changing thoughts to reduce negative thoughts. 5. Practice empathy Emotionally mature individuals approach life by doing as much good as they can and supporting those around them. Developing empathy for others helps in making wiser decisions and gaining mutual respect. Take criticism in a way that can be used for self-development and motivation. “Learn how to forgive yourself as well so that the mind is clear and more capable of better decision-making,” suggests Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/how-to/follow-these-5-tips-to-become-mature/

A 21-year-old boy was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai with a history of pain in the abdomen and fever for over 10 days. Blood test reports revealed that he had abnormal liver along with HIV-positive status. Further testing and CT scan showed a large liver abscess or collection of pus in the liver. Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said that the pus collection was due to a fungal infection. They conducted endoscopic drainage was conducted to remove the pus. As they have claimed, this was the first case of a fungal liver abscess drained in HIV-positive patients using endoscopic ultrasound in Maharashtra and Central India. Liver abscess can be fatal The boy, named Harshal Patil, was admitted to the hospital in the first week of July 2022. According to Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, the position and size of the abscess (7cm) were so huge that if it had not been treated early, it could have led to a rupture in the abdomen and resulted in a life-threatening situation. After analyzing the various possible ways to treat the patient and related complications, Dr. Zanwar and his team decided to conduct endoscopic drainage. He said, “Our initial plan was to drain the abscess in the liver by putting a needle and a drainage tube through the skin known as percutaneous drainage as this was a convenient way to operate on the patient. After reassessing the tract to drain this it was found that an unusually long puncture would have to be done, which was technically challenging, and the patient would have had a lot of discomfort post-procedure as it would lead to the inability to sleep or lie down on the right side since the tube would be hanging out for longer time. Thus, endoscopic drainage was explained to the patient and on his agreement, the team of doctors planned the procedure.” How liver abscess endoscopic drainage is performed Using an endoscopic ultra-sound method, the doctors accessed the pus collection through the stomach. Within three days of treatment, the fever and pain subsided and the patient became completely symptom-free. He was discharged five days after the procedure and was on antibiotics for 21 days. Repeat sonography scan at 1 month showed near complete resolution of the pus collection, Dr. Zanwar stated. According to the doctors, draining of liver abscess through endoscopic ultrasound is an unusual procedure and is performed by very few centers in India. They say simple aspiration of pus leaves a scope of incomplete clearance and prolonged time of recovery, while drainage of pus collection with drains helps early recovery. Treatment of various abdominal diseases such as large pus collection around the pancreas blocked bile ducts or pancreatic duct narrowing have now become easier and require no major surgery. Sonography vs endoscopic drainage A liver abscess (pus-filled cavity) need removal, usually it is done using direct sonography and can be painful for some patient as a tube is hanging out from the abdominal wall for a few days. Endoscopic drainage can be done for difficult to access pus collection through the abdominal wall which cannot be done using routine sonography. This avoids major surgery and offers very early patient recovery. Dr. Shankar ZanwarConsultant – GastroenterologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/hiv-positive-patient-develops-liver-abscess-due-to-fungal-infection-endoscopic-drainage-saves-his-life-903872/

If you ever feel a racing heartbeat after climbing a flight of stairs accompanied by chest tightness or sudden breathlessness, then these signs should not be ignored. Before concluding, it’s best to consult a doctor to see how the heart is actually working. A two-dimensional echocardiography test, also known as a ‘2-D echo test ’, can help with the answer. As the test uses sound waves to build a live picture of the beating heart, it helps the cardiologist to watch the muscle, the valves, and the blood flow as they happen. In this guide to the 2D echo test, we’ll understand what it actually is, how it is done, what the results mean, what it costs, and when a person may need one. What Is a 2D Echo Test? A 2D echo test works much like a sonography of the heart. Doctors use it often because it is safe, painless, and carries no risk. The test uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the parts of the heart and turn into waves that show real-time images of the heart on a screen. A cardiologist can then study the heart muscle, the valves, the four chambers, and see how well the heart is pumping blood. Most of the time, the echo scan happens in a clinic on the same day. A full test can take anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes.  In the test, the patient lies down, a technician glides a small probe over the chest, and the heart appears on a monitor. The doctor receives the printed images and a written report of the heart.  Symptoms that point a doctor toward this test include breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, or heavy tiredness. A person with a past heart attack or a blockage may also be asked to take this test.  Heart Conditions a 2D Echo Test Can Find Results of a 2D echo test can point to several problems that can be harmful or weakening for the heart: Atherosclerosis, where clogged arteries lead to blood clots and artery damage. Congenital heart disease, a defect in one or more heart structures that is present from birth. Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart caused by thick or weak heart muscle. Heart failure, when the muscle grows too weak to pump blood well. Old and ongoing heart attacks, with a rough idea of how much of the heart is affected. Pericarditis, an inflammation or infection of the sac around the heart. Pericardial effusion, when fluid or blood fills that sac and puts pressure on the heart muscle. Holes or defects in the heart walls that divide the chambers. Murmurs from valve problems, along with tumors or valve infections. A well-equipped heart care team can guide a person on how the test is required. A cardiologist reads these signs along with the symptoms a patient describes to find exactly what the patient is suffering from.  The Three Imaging Modes Used in a 2D Echo Test A single echo scan can look at the heart in three ways.  The first is two-dimensional (2D) imaging, which shows the shape and movement of the heart structures.  Then comes M-mode imaging, which records one line of the heart over time, helping the doctor measure the size and motion of the heart.  The third one is Doppler imaging, which tracks the speed and direction of blood flow, so leaks and narrowed valves can be seen clearly. Types of 2D Echo Test Not every heart problem needs the same scan. Doctors can pick from a few forms of the echo test based on what they want to see. Transesophageal Echocardiography A TEE test gives the doctor a closer look at the heart. Doctors may order it to look for blood clots. A small sensor sits on a thin, bendable tube that passes through the mouth and down the food pipe. The sensor stays right behind the heart and sends back a clear picture of it. Stress Echocardiography Test A stress echocardiography test checks the heart when it is beating faster. A patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a cycle, and images are taken before the effort and right after it. Problems like coronary heart disease often show up better when the heart is under load. Fetal Echocardiography Test A fetal echocardiography test looks at the heart of an unborn baby. Doctors do it between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy to confirm whether the baby’s heart is forming well or not. 3D Echocardiography Test A 3D echocardiography test builds a three-dimensional picture of the heart. This version helps the surgeon to plan a valve repair better. Doctors also use it to spot heart issues in children. How a 2D Echo Test Works In a 2D echo test, sound waves do most of the work. A probe sends them into the chest, and they bounce back off the heart walls. A computer turns those echoes into a moving picture. Any damage, blocked flow, and the pace of blood moving through each chamber can be seen through this test.  What to Do Before a 2D Echo Test Little preparation that you can do before going for a standard 2D echo test includes: Eating and drinking as you usually would.  Taking regular medicines on schedule.  Wearing some comfortable clothing. For a stress echo test, you can avoid smoking and other nicotine products as they can impact results.  Skipping coffee, tea, and even decaf drinks as they have caffeine.  The 2D Echo Procedure, Step by Step The echo scan follows a simple order: A patient removes clothing from the waist up and lies down on a table. A special gel is applied to the chest so the probe can glide smoothly and lead to an accurate reading. Then electrodes are attached to the body, which connect to an ECG machine, to record your heartbeat. A technician uses the probe and moves it around the chest to see the beating heart on the screen. How to Read a 2D Echo Test Report One

Balance is the key to perfection – be it diet or workout – and now, a person’s ability to balance the body could also be indicative of longevity. At a time when several people are relying on health check-ups to check for disease risk, experts say that a balance test should also be included in the routine to ascertain how healthy or how long one is likely to live. For this, it is advised to remove the shoes and socks and place the front of the free foot on the back of the opposite lower leg while keeping the arms by the sides and gazing ahead. In the study, 1 in 5 people failed; additionally, 54 percent of 71 to 75-year-olds failed to strike a balance as opposed to 5 percent of 51 to 55-year-olds. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, experts tracked the participants for years and after a seven-year follow-up, they discovered that 7 percent of the participants had died. 17.5 percent of the people who failed the test were part of the group who had failed the test. With this, experts concluded that the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is associated with an 84 percent rise in early death risk. To know more about this link, Times Now Digital connected with Dr. Mohit Kukreja, Consultant Arthroscopy, and Sports Medicine Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals. “This seems to be an observational study with a significant amount of arbitrary correlation and confounding factors involved. So we can’t be sure exactly what could be the reason for their inability to stand for less than 10 seconds. It could probably be poor health but could be some musculoskeletal or proprioceptive issues related to various systems of the body. So this statement cannot be accepted as a dictum and larger, prospective, and randomized studies need to prove this fact,” he said. “Of course, we advise single leg balance exercises to improve steadiness in old age and to improve joint proprioception after sports-related ligament surgeries of the knee. This reduces the risk of a fall in the geriatric population and is a very important milestone to progress post-surgery knee patients to more aggressive rehabilitation exercises respectively,” Dr. Kukreja concluded. Dr. Mohit KukrejaConsultant Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine SpecialistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/can-you-stand-on-one-leg-for-10-seconds-study-reveals-what-it-could-say-about-your-health-article-92408550