ARTICLES ON General Health

Are you getting forgetful? Don’t keep in mind the place you stored your pockets, keys, or different essential paperwork? Forgetting issues stored on the range whereas cooking, discovering it troublesome to hold on along with your real-world actions like counting cash? Shedding means again residence and wandering? Then you definitely want fast medical consideration because it may very well be Alzheimer’s illness. Sure, you’ve got to learn it properly! Take your well-being significantly and search for well-timed remedies to forestall your situation from worsening additional. Thousands and thousands of individuals endure Alzheimer’s disease, and lots of circumstances go unreported, making it a worldwide disaster worldwide. In India, it’s estimated that over 5.3 million individuals have dementia (wherein reminiscence, considering, communication, and social talents are likely to deteriorate), of which the most common trigger is Alzheimer’s. This quantity is ready to rise to 7.6 million in 2030, in keeping with the Dementia in India Report 2020 printed by the Alzheimer’s and Associated Problems Society of India (ARDSI). An analysis of this illness is life-changing for the affected person in addition to his/her household and buddies. Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Highway, tells us extra about this illness – remedy, signs, and prevention, in addition to widespread myths that individuals in India proceed to consider. Why or How Alzheimer’s illness Develops? “There are specific circumstances that may flip one’s world upside-down by taking a toll on the mind; Alzheimer’s illness is one in all them. Having this illness can produce a disturbance within the memory and considering a course of. Thus, the affected person will likely be unable to remember conditions or issues. For instance, an affected person won’t keep in mind the time of getting meals, the place he/she lives, the names of their relations, cellphone numbers, and a few essential incidents associated with life, concerning the medical circumstances, and even the passwords,” explains Dr. Pai. He continues, “Alzheimer’s illness is the commonest reason behind dementia. Scientists haven’t but decided precisely why or the way it develops. Nevertheless, they do know that Alzheimer’s illness produces particular changes in the brain. These adjustments embody deposits (plaques) of a protein referred to as “beta-amyloid,” lack of nerve cells (neurons) in essential elements of the mind, and disorganized plenty of protein fibers inside the mind cells (these are often called “neurofibrillary tangles”). Signs of Alzheimer’s illness If signs like confusion, temper swings, anxiousness, social withdrawal, lack of knowledge of issues, lack of ability to pronounce phrases correctly, and lack of ability to do real-world actions, and impaired reasoning come up, then the relations ought to get fast assistance. Keep away from delaying the remedy and search for acceptable care – the knowledgeable says. Challenges in Treating Alzheimer’s illness in India In response to Dr. Pai, the reason why sufferers with Alzheimer’s don’t obtain immediate care is as a result of a lack of know-how concerning the illness. “Not many individuals are conscious that this illness wants fast consideration. Consciousness must be created through drives, camps, or initiatives concerning the administration of the illness,” he suggests. Caregiver burnout is a recognized truth. The caregivers must be totally educated concerning the illness. Poor Alzheimer’s care also can make it troublesome for the sufferers, and challenges come up owing to insufficient remedy, poor data on the part of the caregivers, the mounting value of care, and points in the detection of the illness. It is, without doubt, one of the well-being challenges with important social and financial penalties. There may be a pressing want of motion with the intention to assist these sufferers to lead a wholesome life, the neurologist factors out. Myths about Alzheimer’s illness There are numerous myths concerning this illness: Listed here are some widespread myths that many individuals in India are likely to consider. Fable#1: Solely outdated individuals get Alzheimer’s Truth: Most individuals with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65, however, there are some individuals who get it at the youthful age that’s of their 50s. It is named early-onset Alzheimer’s and might be genetic. Fable #2: Alzheimer’s might be simply handled Truth: There isn’t any remedy to halt the development of this illness, or gradually how briskly it spreads. There are therapies to handle the signs of the illness. Medicines may also help with reminiscence, language expertise, considering, and behavioral issues. Fable #3: Alzheimer’s is in no way critical Truth: This illness could make one neglect to drink and eat and in addition result in dangerous behaviors like wandering right into a life-threatening scenario. It could possibly additionally result in points like swallowing or respiratory issues that may result in pneumonia. Fable #4: These with Alzheimer’s don’t have any hope Truth: Early analysis and medicines might be useful for ones with this illness. The caregiver and individual with Alzheimer’s ought to take the assistance of the help teams and set targets. Present a protracted and care-free setting for those with the illness. How Cognitive Behavioral Remedy Helps Alzheimer’s Sufferers In response to Dr. Pai, treatment and cognitive-behavioral remedies are helpful for sufferers with Alzheimer’s illness. Choosing this remedy may also help these sufferers to know their ideas, understand how they really feel, and get to find out about their behavior. The remedy may even be helpful for these sufferers who’re depressed, anxious, panicky, and even annoyed. It gives a possibility for sufferers to vent out their anger, feelings, and emotions. Whereas there’s at the moment no remedy obtainable to cease the mind harm because of Alzheimer’s illness, a number of medicines can quickly mitigate its signs. Now, the newly USFDA authorized Alzheimer’s drug Aducanumab can decelerate mind degeneration too. Preventive Measures The physician’s recommendation – Give up smoking and alcohol, eat a well-balanced diet jam-packed with contemporary vegetables and fruit, minimize down on junk and processed meals, train each day, managing your diabetes and blood strain and monitor them now and again, play reminiscence video games, remedy puzzles and crosswords.

Dealing with someone who has schizophrenia can be hard but it’s not impossible. Follow these expert-recommended tips to feel a little more confident. A person struggling with their mental health needs special attention and care. The support of their family as well as their caretaker can make a huge difference to their health and well-being. In fact, there have been several cases, where this strategy has helped mental health patients to lead a healthy and happy life.  Schizophrenia is one such mental health condition, in which a patient needs way more supervision than normal. There are many do’s and don’ts that must be kept in mind to keep the illness in check. And that’s why it is essential to know some tips to deal with someone who’s living with schizophrenia. But before we reveal it all, it’s important to understand all about the condition first. What is Schizophrenia? According to Dr. Sonal Anand, a psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain that causes difficulties in interpreting reality. It affects the person’s ability to think and behave rationally, impacting his daily life. It is not a split personality or multiple personality issues. It is present in 1 percent of the world’s population. Causes of Schizophrenia “The exact cause is still not known. It is mostly a combination of genetics and the environment. Having a family member with schizophrenia is a risk factor, and having even one parent affected with schizophrenia increases the risk even further,” says Dr Anand. She adds, “Life stressors may play a role in the formation of initial symptoms.” According to a study published in the journal Psychological Medicine, it has been found that smokers have nearly double the risk of developing schizophrenia in comparison to those who don’t? That means our lifestyle also has a role to play. Symptoms of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions or hallucinations as well as abnormal speech/behavior/ emotions. Sometimes, all these symptoms could be there together. Delusions are a disorder of thought. Paranoid delusions are most common, where a person feels that someone is plotting against him/ her or trying to kill him/ her or the family.  Hallucinations are a disorder of perception, where the affected person can hear various voices in his/her ears, as if someone is talking. But in reality, no one is there. There can be visual, tactile and gustatory hallucinations. “Muttering to self, smiling inappropriately, and reduced self-care could be some of the problems. The inability to express one’s emotions may make the patient cut off from the outside world. He/ she may seem self-absorbed. Aggression may also be seen in some schizophrenics,” suggests Dr Anand. Tips that will Help you Deal with Schizophrenia Patients Source: https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/family-care/11-ways-to-deal-with-someone-who-is-living-with-schizophrenia/

Bilateral pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space — the space between the lungs and the chest wall, said doctors Reports of veteran actor Dilip Kumar’s health have been making news, and according to the latest update given by his family and his doctor Jalil Parkar — who is monitoring his condition — the actor has been diagnosed with “bilateral pleural effusion”, but his condition is currently stable. To understand more about bilateral pleural effusion and what it does to the body, we reached out to doctors, and here is what they said. “In simple terms, it means the collection of fluids around the lungs. It is very common in our country, seen in any age group. There, however, could be many causes leading to this fluid collection,” said Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, chest physician at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai. He said that for younger individuals, inflammation or infection can cause the fluid to collect, mostly seen during pneumonia or tuberculosis. “As the age advances, the weakening of the heart can cause this — when the pumping is weak, the fluid tends to collect around the lungs. Sometimes, even problems in the kidney can lead to it,” Dr. Ladhani said, adding that any form of cancer, when it reaches the last stage, can lead to chronic fluid collection. Signs and symptoms The common symptoms usually are breathlessness, persistent dry cough, and if there is an element of infection, there may be fever. “Initially, the breathlessness occurs when there is exertion, but if the fluid increases, the person may feel breathless even while resting,” Dr. Ladhani said. “Bilateral pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space — the space between the lungs and the chest wall,” Dr. Preyas Vaidya, consultant-pulmonologist and sleep medicine expert, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi — A Fortis Network Hospital, told this outlet. While its risk factors include uncontrolled hypertension, left heart dysfunction, valvular disease, renal failure, low proteins due to chronic disease, and general debility, the disease can be diagnosed through X-ray and CT scan of the chest, the doctor added. “Bilateral pleural effusion usually involves treatment of the underlying systemic cause. A commonly used group of drugs are diuretics, which increase urination and reduce the fluid amount in the body. Very rarely fluid drainage is required,” Dr. Vaidya explained. Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/bilateral-pleural-effusion-symptoms-causes-treatment-dilip-kumar-health-7348110/

When all’s not well, surgeons often rely on voices in their head, where ideas and uplifting thoughts are sometimes replaced with self-questioning Wake up, Elizabeth, your operation is over; everything went off very well. Now, open your eyes,” I heard the anesthetist bellow as they went through the routine of reversing the anesthesia to awaken the patient and remove the breathing tube. It was an operation to clip an unruptured aneurysm arising from the bifurcation of the right internal carotid artery. I sat in one corner of the operating room writing down the post-op orders, feeling a kind of inner joy as I typed out my notes for having performed a masterful surgery. After I finished, I made a quick dash with my team to check on our admitted patients. When I returned to the ICU an hour later, I was informed that Elizabeth hadn’t been shifted yet. “That’s strange,” I said to myself, swiftly climbing the stairs that led to the operating room to hear four words from the anesthetist that no surgeon wants to ever hear: “She’s not waking up.” The anesthetist peered right into my eyes. “The muscle relaxant has been reversed, blood gas analysis is fine, but she’s just not opening her eyes,” she finished, looked at me with the finality of not having a plausible explanation for this from her end. This was also her polite way of saying, you’ve done something wrong inside, now fix it. I went through the steps of surgery in my mind, running my hands through my scanty hair. Could it be because we buzzed a surface vein? Have I taken a perforating artery supplying the hypothalamus in the clip? Did we retract the brain too much? Is the main artery kinked by the clip? The self-introspection then made way for chatter. Should I have operated on her in the first place? I should have just asked the interventional radiologist to coil the aneurysm. She’s a mother of two, have I destroyed her family? Do I really think I have the skill to do these complex cases? Who am I trying to impress? And at whose expense? Better do something before it’s too late. Or, is the damage already done? It’s a sickening feeling when someone you’ve operated on doesn’t wake up the way you expect them to. It is literally gut-wrenching; your intestines feel as though they are physically being squeezed. I looked at the numbers on the monitor and then at the anesthetist repeating the same words, over and over: “Wake up, Elizabeth, wake up—your surgery is over.” “Raise the blood pressure to 170-180,” I ordered, thinking that some crucial vessel might be in spasm. She transiently opened her eyes, but within a few seconds went back into a deep slumber. We got an urgent MRI done, but that was clean; no area of ischemia or infarction. No blood clots as well. The clip was positioned perfectly, and we ruled out her having subclinical seizures, too. We shifted her to the ICU on the breathing tube as my gaze vacillated between the monitor and her body lying motionless when it should have been sitting up in bed and talking to me instead. The chatter turned to a full-blown tirade. Am I missing something here? Should I call someone and ask for help? Should I just give this sometime? What would I do if someone else operated on this patient and I was called to opine on how to proceed? I use this last analogy a lot when I’m in distress. I try and distance myself from the problem at hand, and adopt the fly-on-the-wall approach. It’s easier said than done, of course, but all you have to do is zoom out. I remember reading somewhere, “The only people who see the whole picture, are the ones who step out of the frame.” There is a Chinese proverb that says, “He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived.” I was halfway there. The countless permutations and combinations of the infinite possibilities of things that could have gone wrong kept buzzing in my head. We all have a voice in our heads. We tune into its incessant chatter to look for ideas, guidance, and wisdom.  Sometimes, these conversations uplift us and sometimes they sink us into the deep, dark hole of despair.  Ethan Kross, a renowned experimental psychologist, and neuroscientist, and one of the world’s leading experts on how to control the conscious mind, has written a book called Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness. In that, he states, “In recent years, a robust body of new research has demonstrated that when we experience distress, engaging in introspection often does more harm than good. It undermines our performance at work, interferes with our ability to make good decisions, and negatively influences our relationships.” Instead, he reveals the tools you need, to harness that voice, so that you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. “Chatter doesn’t simply hurt people in an emotional sense, it has physical implications for our body as well, from the way we experience physical pain all the way down, to the way our genes operate in our cell,” he warns.  I hadn’t read the book at the time, and my head was spinning with thoughts as I stood at the edge of her bed for three hours, waiting for her to move just a little. I was following the old age adage of “just give it time” when dealing with this unsettling experience.  After a long, painful wait, Elizabeth moved a little. And then, a lot. She opened her eyes and made chewing movements and brought her arms to the tube as if to denote she wanted it out. We took it out once she was fully awake and briskly obeying commands, indicating to us that she was conscious,

On this occasion of Gudi Padwa, Senior Dietician Swati Awasthi, Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur explains the benefits of eating Neem and Jaggery as Prasad. Unlike most Indian festivals, where Prasad comprises something sweet, Gudi Padwa is one of the few festivals where people are treated to a unique preparation made from neem & jaggery. The significance of this mixture is the basic essence of life itself, which is a combination of bitter & sweet, neem is bitter while jaggery is sweet. So while consuming this mixture, people are reminded that life is a blend of good & bad experiences, both of which must be faced with equal vigor. Helps in Detoxification The enzyme in the neem leaves & jaggery has the power to flush out all the waste & toxins from the body. This mixture works as a natural detox solution for the body. Helps in Protecting Skin Applying a mixture of neem & jaggery on your skin can help improve your complexion as well as protect you from UV rays & other radical damage. Helps in Weight Loss Jaggery & neem mixture gives a boost to your metabolism and helps the body burn fat cells. Helps in Deworming Yes, we all need deworming, i.e., getting rid of the worms in our stomach. Neem leaves have the power to kill microorganisms that harm the human body & destroy the worms in the stomach. Helps in Boosting Immunity Neem is full of antioxidants and jaggery can boost immunity, Together they help strengthen the body and keep it safe from common ailments. Helps in Preventing Ulcers Eating a mix of neem & jaggery has powerful gastroprotective elements. This helps in keeping stomach ulcers at bay. Helps in Healing Wounds Neem & jaggery as a mixture have many anti-inflammatory properties, Therefore, they help wounds heal faster.

How to Use Mustard Oil For Hair: Growing up in Indian homes, we do not have to offer mustard oil, aka Sarson’s Tale. From making our mango pickle to enhancing the taste of our mutton curry and fish fry, mustard oil has given us many memories. Recall those childhood days when your mother used to sit and massage your scalp with oil every Sunday during the winter as you watch your favorite TV show. To protect your body from cold and cough, mustard oil is rich in beneficial properties to enhance immunity and strengthen hair roots and nourish the skin. As we grow older, many of us follow the same Sunday hair care routine our mothers encourage. However, if you feel that city life and hectic schedules, pollution, and lack of proper care have reduced your beloved stress and become lifeless, Femina wellness experts would recommend using mustard oil.  Even mustard oil is used in many foods. Its thick consistency and pungent odor outperform some people. However, if you go away from these shortcomings, mustard oil is great for your shiny locks. “These properties of mustard oil make it a trendy and in-demand ingredient in hair care. You can safely use mustard oil on your hair for black hair, fighting dandruff. It can increase. It can help remove and prevent gray hair.’ Benefits Of Mustard Oil For Hair Confronting Child Issues? Then mustard oil is just the nectar you are waiting for. It has many benefits for the health of hair and scalp. “Mustard oil has omega 3 acids,  omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin E and antioxidants, increasing its benefits manifold. Mustard oil is used as a sunscreen, treating chapped lips, a natural stimulant for the body, whitening teeth, fighting colds and flu, and reducing muscle tension, tan and black Removing spots and lightening skin tone, etc. 1. Natural Conditioner Enriched with alpha fatty acids, which help maintain your hair’s moisture, and keep your hair fresh and bouncy, mustard oil is a natural conditioner that makes your hair soft, smooth, silky, and supple. 2. Nourishes Hair Today, many people suffer hair loss and hair thinning, usually when our hair follicles are poorly nourished and not damaged. However, if you regularly massage your hair follicles with mustard oil, you can get your hair’s strength and shine. 3. Full Of Minerals, Vitamins And Antioxidants Do you know that mustard oil is an excellent source of antioxidants and iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins such as A, D, E, and K? This pungent hair oil is also made from the goodness of zinc beta-carotene. , And selenium. Stuffed, which encourages hair growth and helps maintain untimely gray hair. 4. Boosts Blood Circulation Many hair experts claim that the main reason for hair loss and thinning of hair is the nourishment of their roots. If you want your lame to regain life, use mustard oil for hair massage. Dietician and nutritionist Amrin Sheikh of Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central says, “It is a natural stimulant. When massaged on the scalp, it stimulates the circulatory system to improve blood circulation.” The best way to apply it is to heat the oil with some cloves and gently massage your hair using fingers.  5. Promotes Hair Growth Regular massage of hair using mustard oil will make your hair soft, shiny, and healthy. Since it is rich in antioxidants and many other nutrients, mustard oil stimulates rapid hair growth. 6. Anti-Fungal Properties Mustard oil has high uric acid content. It also contains ALA content, which helps cleanse your scalp and eliminate bacteria and fungi that block hair follicles and build upon the scalp. 7. Prevents Dandruff mustard oil has rich in antioxidants and anti-bacterial in nature, beneficial for dandruff Here’s What Mustard Oil Can Prevent How to Use Mustard Oil For Hair 1. Mustard Oil And Yogurt Pack Mix yogurt and mustard oil in a bowl. Apply this mixture to your scalp. Wrap your hair in a hot towel and leave it for about 30-40 minutes. Wash with a mild shampoo. This will soak the scalp and make the hair shiny and soft. 2. Mustard Oil And Aloe Vera Pack In a bowl, mix a little mustard oil and aloe vera. Apply this mixture on hair and scalp. Leave it for an hour and wash with normal shampoo and conditioner. This will prevent hair loss. 3. Mustard Oil And Lemon Juice Pack Take a small amount of mustard oil, lemon juice, and fenugreek powder in a bowl and mix all three well. Mix the same amount and apply it to the hair. Wash after one hour for soft, bouncy, and healthy hair. 4. Mustard Oil And Banana Pack Make a pack of ripe bananas and mustard oil. You can add some yogurt to the mixture to dilute the consistency. Apply it on your scalp to prevent dry hair. What are the precautions one should follow while Using Mustard Oil for Hair? While using mustard oil on the hair regularly has many advantages, one should take the following precautions: FAQs Q. Does mustard oil reduce hair fall? Yes, mustard oil serves as a shield for the hair and prevents problems such as breakage because it has an appropriate ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants. It strengthens your hair from the roots and reduces hair fall and thinning. Q. Can I apply mustard oil at night? Yes, mustard oil can be applied and left on all night. Additionally, after a thorough massage with the oil, its warmth may help in sleeping well. Q. Does mustard oil darken hair? Yes, because of its organic colouring and conditioning characteristics, mustard oil is a natural alternative to conventional hair colours. Regular use of the mixture of henna and mustard oil has components that colour your grey hair without doing any harm.

An affliction of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects women more than men. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that is known to affect women more than men. This is mainly due to the presence of female hormones in women. If you find that most women around you seem to have rheumatoid arthritis but not men, then you are not wrong. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint disorder that results in the inflammation of joints and can cause pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease and an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells resulting in inflammation of the affected parts. Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Women? Research shows that rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men with increased intensity. Women seem to report more severe and frequent symptoms. Age and gender play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, women are prone to developing autoimmune disorders more often than men. This is probably because it is likely that the immune system of women is far more reactive and stronger. The main cause behind this disparity is hormones. Women have hormones that increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and cause more flare-ups. The Role of Hormones in Rheumatoid Arthritis While the exact mechanism behind hormones and rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, it has been observed that rheumatoid arthritis affects women when there is a shift in hormonal levels. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women more during hormonal imbalance due to post-pregnancy or pre-menopause. Women who are prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis may develop it during their reproductive years. They may see an improvement in their symptoms during pregnancy. There are chances of flare-ups after having a baby. This suggests that there is a strong link between rheumatoid arthritis and hormones. Breastfeeding for two years or more has been known to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis While gender plays an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, age also seems to have a great impact. Women are more prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis than men and the symptoms usually appear during the third to the fifth decade of their life. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: Here is How Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily diagnosed clinically based on the symptoms and a thorough clinical examination. Laboratory tests and x-rays help confirm the diagnosis. If you happen to observe any of the above symptoms, consult your physician right away. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis early, within the first 6 months from onset of symptoms can help reduce or stop the progression of the disease and will also decrease the chances of complications. Effective and early treatment to suppress and control the inflammatory process will help decrease the harmful effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis affects most parts of your daily routine including work, leisure, and other social activities. The idea is to achieve a good quality of life while living with the disease. Here are a few strategies that you must follow to improve your quality of life with rheumatoid arthritis. 1. Physical activity Staying on the move and keeping yourself active is key to deal with rheumatoid arthritis. Regular physical activity also helps reduce the risk of other chronic ailments like heart disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity. You could go walking or jogging daily or try swimming or biking for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Moderate physical activity for 150 minutes per week is key to maintain flexibility with rheumatoid arthritis. You could also split the 30 minutes into 3 sets of 10 minutes through the day. 2. Mental relaxation All autoimmune disorders are linked to your mental state. The more stressed and anxious you tend to be, the higher the chances of developing autoimmune diseases. Try some relaxation techniques to keep your mind calm and composed. Learn to stay relaxed and go about your day. Try not to stress too which, which can worsen your symptoms. 3. Healthy body weight Maintaining a healthy body weight is the key to managing your rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity is the number one cause of most health problems. Eat good, nutrient-dense healthy food and include basic forms of exercise in your daily routine to maintain your ideal body weight. Rheumatoid arthritis may be common in women, but it need not decrease your enthusiasm. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can live a pain-free healthy life.

Moving on is not a bad thing and if you are unable to break up with a toxic partner, a psychiatrist’s advice might help. Our relationships are primarily based on our emotions. You might, however, come to realize that no matter how much affection or emotional attachment you feel towards your partner, the relationship is simply too toxic and needs to end. At the same time, it isn’t too easy to call it quits when it comes to romantic relationships. Factors such as being too used to your partner, lack of confidence, and the fear of hurting the other person might be forcing you to put up with toxicity. The bottom line, however, is that clinging on to such a relationship will only deteriorate your mental health. We talked to Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, who revealed that not only a toxic relationship but any negative situation can have a significant impact on our mental health and cause a decline in self-confidence. A toxic relationship carries extra baggage which can be difficult to handle.  “It can change you as a person, reduce your creativity, and literally puncture your uniqueness and confidence. Due to pressure, you could be predisposed to adverse effects of stress, both mentally and physically. You could develop a higher risk of depression or chronic anxiety. If things get out of hand, the situation might aggravate any previous physical problems or cause new ones. In addition, a toxic relationship leads to a loss in focus and energy which could have been invested in something more progressive,” said Dr. Anand. Here’s the right time to move on from a relationship Every relationship has good days and bad days but when bad days start outnumbering the good ones, it’s time to move on. A good time to quit is when a relationship is making you question your aims/priorities or forcing you to make adjustments that cause you to compromise on your individuality. Being stressed due to your relationship, the inability to sleep, having frequent headaches, and feeling irritable around your partner are the signs that you should look out for to help you decide whether it is time to move on. Here’s the right way to break up Breaking up with someone can be emotionally daunting for both partners. Hence, it is important that you do it the right way. Here are 3 key tips by Dr Anand:  “It is not advisable to jump into another relationship to avoid the pain of a breakup. Closing a relationship peacefully can help you move ahead with a positive attitude. Give yourself some time to heal,” advise Dr. Anand. So, ladies, if you are also looking for the right way to move on from a relationship then use these tips and do it without hurting yourself or your partner. Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/emotional-health/how-to-get-out-of-a-toxic-relationship/

No one is perfect, but a person shows their true character when she works on his/her weaknesses, without judging themselves. Each one of us has a weak post, but the magic lies in embracing it and working towards getting better. Unfortunately, some of us take our weaknesses way too seriously, so much so that we go into a shell and just refuse to bounce back. That’s why girls, it’s high time you understand that embracing your weaknesses is the best way to display your strength.  According to Dr. Rahul Khemani, a renowned psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, humans has various layers to their personality. This means that we all have a part that is flawed, imperfect, and fallible. When we accept our imperfections, we open doors to change. And hence, the way to embrace your weakness is to not be blinded by your weakness..  Must be thinking it’s easier said than done? Then, let us tell you how to go about this. How you Can Embrace your Weakness? 1. Recognize it Everyone knows themselves better, and therefore they know their weaknesses too. So, your first and foremost task is to write down all the things that you consider your weakness, and check which one really has an impact on you. The one that rates the highest is the one that you need to work on priority. If you think you won’t be able to put down your weaknesses, take the help of your friends, who understand you best. “Listen to your friends, teachers, mentors with an open mind, when they give you feedback and reflect on it. They might reveal things about you that you might have not noticed. When you accept your flaws, you start to look at them as opportunities for growth,” says Dr. Khemani. 2. Accept your weakness Once you have figured your weak spots, it’s time to accept them. It isn’t necessary that you must agree with your friend if s/he tells you your weakness. For that, you really have to introspect and analyze if your friend is right or not. And if s/he is, then accept your flaws gracefully. 3. Don’t be harsh on yourself Trust us, one can be really harsh on themselves while addressing their own weaknesses. But instead of doing that, you need to chalk out a viable plan that will help you improve. If you are going to be way too harsh, then there will be a time that you won’t even feel like working on yourself. This frustration can break your self-confidence and make you feel distressed. 4. Reward yourself Getting appreciation from others is only temporary, but when you form a habit of rewarding yourself, it has a better impact on you. Not just that, it makes you a positive person and also inculcates a sense of achievement in you. Celebrating yourself in overcoming your weaknesses makes you realize that you have the spirit to achieve the impossible – which in itself is a motivating force. So the next time, when someone addresses your weak points, don’t get scandalized. Instead, work on your issues and move on. Source: https://www.healthshots.com/health-news/poor-quality-carbs-linked-to-heart-failure-stroke-and-death-study/

Planning a vacation to rejuvenate your senses and cure burnout? Well, here’s what a renowned psychiatrist has to say. Ever had a friend, colleague, or even boss tell you that taking a vacation will fix that feeling of constant exhaustion? Well, if the answer is yes and you are looking at taking time off, it is time to reconsider. The truth is that a few days of vacation won’t help with severe burnout. Interesting, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, the vacation relief fades out within a week or two once you are back at work. There is no doubt that you get some relief when you take a break from your routine but many also report feeling stressed while on vacation due to the multiplying workload they’d have to deal with once back. According to experts, you reach the stage of burnout when you are unable to strike a healthy balance between work and personal life. Here’s why taking a vacation won’t help you with burnout  “Taking a vacation is a temporary solution to burnout. Once you come back, the problems are still going to persist unless you address them. Addressing burnout is not straightforward. Exploring the causes and your options can ease the burden. A vacation can, perhaps, offer you a pause and help you analyse what needs to be changed once you get back, but a vacation in itself won’t cure the problem. However, taking a long weekend vacation, or simply putting away work on weekends can help you revitalize,” explains Dr Rahul Khemani, a renowned psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. You need to understand what exactly is a burnout Burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion when the demand for energy surpasses the supply. In most cases, the term ‘burnout’ is used when speaking of work pressure but other consistent stressors can lead to burnout as well. Burnout, most commonly, refers to the pressure that results from an increasingly demanding job but it can also be due to having a rigorous schedule with little or no breaks, dealing with relationship problems that are circular, or even caring for a loved one with a serious or chronic condition. Overall, it can lead to lethargy, stress and depleted levels of energy. If you try to do too much, it can also lead to exhaustion and burnout. Here are some key symptoms of burnout “The obvious impact is that it can negatively affect your work and productivity. It keeps you from enjoying hobbies, family time or relaxing outside of work. It also increases the risk of depression and suicide. In addition, it also causes a rise in the risk of developing physical ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” concluded Dr Khemani. Ladies, you need to find the root cause of your stress and exhaustion before booking that vacation. Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/taking-a-vacation-wont-cure-your-burnout-heres-why/