ARTICLES ON General Health

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/

Whether you’re dealing with a recent breakout or an old one that you can’t seem to get rid of, here’s how to identify the different causes of acne and pimples, and how to treat each There’s nothing more annoying than a random pimple that shows up when you least expect it. But if you’re slathering on traditional acne medication in the hopes that you can force it to disappear ASAP, you could be doing more harm than good, especially because it might not be regular acne in the first place. We asked two experts to tell us what those offending spots could mean—and what you can do.  Bacterial acne  What it is: “Bacterial acne results in lesions of different sizes, blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, nodules, and cysts,” says Dr. Mhatre. It is caused when excess sebum clogs the hair follicles. When bacteria begin to grow in these follicles, it creates blackheads or whiteheads on the surface of the skin, which can get more infected.  Where you might find it: It is found in areas that are prone to higher sebum production, like the face (particularly the T-zone) and the neck.  What you can do:  The treatment for bacterial acne includes topical application of actives such as retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. The former, retinoids, exfoliate the skin and prevent the hair follicles from being plugged by sebum and skin cell buildup. Benzoyl peroxide kills the p.acnes bacteria on the skin (which prevents any blocked follicles from turning into inflammatory acne), while oil-soluble salicylic acid is able to get into the pores to break down any debris, says Dr. Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. Fungal acne What it is: “Fungal acne is caused by Malassezia, which is the same fungus that causes dandruff. It presents itself as small closed comedones, with whiteheads beneath. They are small tiny bumps of similar size that appear in clusters and not just one or two,” says Dr. Madhulika Mhatre, dermatologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. It is normally associated with itching—a big differentiator from bacterial acne—she says. “Our body keeps Malassezia in balance, but in certain scenarios it is overproduced, such as in humid weather, sweating, low immunity, if you have been sick or been on antibiotics,” says Dr. Mhatre. Where you might find it:  It is more commonly present on the seborrheic areas of the body such as the forehead, back, shoulders, and neck.  What you can do: A pro will prescribe a body wash or shampoo that is anti-fungal. In some cases, a sulfur-rich wash is the first course of action. It can be strong, so contact therapy is usually suggested. “Don’t wear sweaty clothes, change out of your gym clothes as soon as you’re done wash your face, and shower twice to make sure,” says Dr. Mhatre.  You don’t want to slather on anti-bacterial treatments onto fungal acne because they can kill the normal (helpful) bacteria that live on the skin too, causing an environment for the yeast to over-grow all that much more. Instead, products with probiotics can serve to balance the skin’s pH. Folliculitis What it is: Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle. “Waxing and shaving might be the biggest culprits, especially if the former causes ingrowths and the latter are done with an old razor,” says Dr. Kapoor. In this case, the cause is not as specific—yeast or bacteria could take advantage of the inflammation and infect it.  Where you might find it: It appears as a formation of a pus boil around the hair follicle and can appear on any part of the body where there is hair. Most commonly, you’ll find it on the arms, legs, and back.  What you can do: Dermatologists will prescribe antibacterial cleansers and topicals that’ll prevent infection. If waxing and shaving are causing folliculitis, doctors suggest laser hair removal—by shrinking the hair follicles, the density of hair that grows in the area is reduced, which eliminates the possibility of them getting inflamed and infected.  Source: https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/3-of-the-biggest-causes-behind-acne-and-what-you-can-do-for-each

Today, due to changing lifestyles and stressful environment, more and more women are facing the problem of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are tumors formed by the irregular growth of uterine cells, that are commonly seen in fertile women and are also usually caused by genetic factors. The exact cause of fibroids is not yet known, but the most probable cause for the development of fibroids is excess estrogen due to hormonal imbalance. Fibroids comes in a variety of sizes and in very few patients it can turn into a cancerous form. A prolonged and untreated fibroid may convert into the cancerous state in around 1% of patients. It is estimated that one among every eight women in India suffers from fibroids. Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids Let us now look at the symptoms of fibroids, if the size of the fibroid is too small or if the fibroid is outside of the uterus, no symptoms appear. Other women may feel uncomfortable and experience painful symptoms such as; excessive bleeding or severe pain during menstruation, Irregular bleeding during two menstrual periods, severe pain during sexual intercourse, pain in the lower back, frequent urination, frequent miscarriages, constipation, anemia, or menstruation stretched over a week. If any of these symptoms appear, a Gynecologist should be consulted immediately. Diagnose of Uterine Fibroids To diagnose fibroids, the doctor may suggest some blood tests along with Sonography (USG). If the exact position of the fibroids is not known in sonography, MRI, or Hysteroscopy is recommended to examine the uterus through a scope. After a thorough examination, patients are prescribed medication or surgery. Some types of fibroids are relieved by medication, if not, surgery is an option. Uterine fibroids can be removed by myomectomy surgery, if the size of the fibroids is small, this surgery can also be done through a laparoscope. Treatment of Uterine Fibroids When there is a risk of recurrent fibroids in the uterus and doctor feels patients may not get benefit from myomectomy surgery, hysterectomy surgery is the only option in which the uterus is removed, resulting in zero risks of recurrent fibroids, but patient selection is very important for the type of surgery to be done for best results. Regular check-ups by a Gynecologist are recommended to prevent fibroids, give a clear idea of family history of fibroids to your doctor, along with these weights should be kept in control, healthy diet and regular exercise has to be maintained, make positive lifestyle changes, avoid stressful situations and avoid medication without doctor’s advice. Dr. Shraddha SabnisDGO, DNB (OBGY), FMASConsultant – Obstetrics & GynecologyWockhardt Hospitals, NashikFor Appointment, Call : 0253-6624444

You don’t realize but guilt grows on you, and shatters your confidence. You must have heard and felt ‘guilt’ several times in your life. Sometimes, you end up dwelling on this emotion, and then there are times when people invoke this feeling within you. In both cases, it’s you who suffers the most. To be honest, you don’t need this emotion in your life, especially for things that make you happy. If you think that guilt is just another emotion that will come and go, then we must tell you that in some cases, it’s here to stay! It lays a trap in such a way that a person’s mental health goes for a toss. That’s why understanding guilt properly is very important. To dive deep into this emotion, we spoke to Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai and this is what she had to say. Sense of guilt is filled with negativity, says Dr Anand Guilt is a by-product of over thinking. At times you tend to over analyze a situation way too much that you feel burdened after doing it. This is even if it made you happy! “The cognitive theory proposes that guilt stems from thoughts. Thoughts that you have or are going to cause harm to someone, or self lead to the emotion of guilt, though it may not be entirely true,” explains Dr Anand. She adds, “Guilt may prevent us from doing an unacceptable act, and makes us realize that we have to correct our actions. But too much guilt or a condition called ‘pathological guilt’ can have a negative impact on our emotional health. It can totally break the person’s self-confidence, and give rise to thoughts of self-doubt.” Inappropriate guilt often leads to depression, anxiety disorders, and sometimes thoughts of physical harm. Sometimes, we may not be able to judge the circumstances correctly, and guilt can alter our actions, and give rise to defense mechanisms to further avoid guilt. Wallowing in that guilt can lead to a lot of negativity. There could be mistakes you are guilty of having committed. But do you know where the problem lies? It pops up when you start doubting yourself in everything you do. Dr. Anand says that these are a few things one should do guilt-free because that’s what helps them grow. 1. Never feel guilty for saying NO You should never be guilty for being assertive, and saying no. If you feel that you are being taken for granted or if someone is taking undue advantage, you should never feel guilty about saying no. Many mothers feel guilty about saying no to the child. The circumstances should be studied properly, and only goodwill should be used even if it means saying “ no”. 2. Never be guilty for making life choices Choosing your way of living is your birthright, and you should never feel guilty about it. You are the best judge of your own life. No one else can judge your life choices, be it your career goals or choosing a life partner, or even deciding to stay single. 3. Pampering yourself should be first on your list “One should never feel guilty about spending time or money on yourself. You need to keep reinventing yourself and you need a break as well for better outcomes. So, it’s ok to spend it on yourself. Of course, you have to decide according to your budget, but there should be no feeling of guilt involved,” says Dr. Anand. 4. Don’t feel guilty if you are unaware about something If you don’t know anything, that doesn’t mean you know anything. You aren’t Google, right? Therefore, you should never feel guilty about not knowing how to answer a question. Nobody has all the answers, so not knowing an answer is not a serious flaw. It’s ok to say “ I don’t know “ honestly, rather than manipulate the answer. 5. Never feel guilty about letting go “Whether it’s grieving a life partner or getting a divorce, or choosing to end a dysfunctional relationship… it’s ok to let go and move on. There will always be memories and emotions involved, but guilt should not be one of them,” Dr. Anand concludes. So ladies, next time you go on that guilt trip, just check you are not doing it for the above reasons. Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/emotional-health/5-things-you-should-never-feel-guilty-about-whatever-be-the-case/

You may have heard of hernias many times, but even today, not everyone is fully aware of them. In simple terms, a hernia occurs when an organ or part of an organ protrudes through a weak point in the body.  Weakened abdominal muscles can allow the intestines to move into this weak point, forming a swollen area inside the abdomen. Normally, a hernia appears as a swelling that may be small or large. Why Does Hernia Occur? Common causes of hernia include a combination of muscle weakness and strain. A hernia can develop quickly or over a long time depending upon its cause. Read the types below and see which one matches what you’re experiencing. Below are different types of hernia. Types of Hernia Based on the location and severity of the condition, a hernia can be classified into different types.  Inguinal Hernia An inguinal hernia is found as a protrusion in the inner groin area. This type of hernia is more common in men because they have weaker muscles around the groin. An inguinal hernia disappears when a person sleeps and moves in and out of the abdominal wall. Type of Inguinal Hernia Description Direct inguinal hernia Protrudes directly through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. Indirect inguinal hernia Occurs when the abdominal contents pass through the deep inguinal ring alongside the spermatic cord. Ventral Hernia A ventral hernia is a protrusion of tissue in the weak abdominal wall. Pain, swelling, and a feeling of fullness are some symptoms of ventral hernias. The symptoms may fade away with a change in position.  Ventral hernias can be acquired or congenital. Most of the ventral hernias are called incisional hernias, as they form at the healed site of past surgical incisions. The more complex form of ventral hernia is seen in people who are obese and have comorbidities, and they require extensive treatment. Umbilical Hernia An umbilical hernia occurs near the belly button. It results when a part of fatty tissue or small bowel pushes through the abdominal wall near the navel or the belly button.  Some factors involved in umbilical hernia include high intra-abdominal pressure due to factors like obesity, pregnancy, abdominal tumors, and others. Umbilical hernia mostly affects babies and women who give birth to several babies. Epigastric Hernia Epigastric hernias have been there since birth and do not cause pain until later stages. But in the end, it becomes a reason for pain and injury to the tissues because of herniation. This type of hernia results from fat and tissue being trapped inside the opening of the hernia.  It is located between the navel and the sternum. Epigastric hernias are congenital and have no symptoms at all during their early stages. However, over time, the bulge increases and causes pain and injury to tissues. Spigelian Hernia It is a type of ventral hernia characterized by a protrusion in the abdominal wall due to the accumulation of preperitoneal fat, omentum, bowel, or an organ. Spigelian hernia is found in the weak space between the stomach muscles near the semilunar line of the transversus abdominis muscle.  These are rare and complex hernias, which makes them difficult to diagnose, and only localized pain in the area can help with diagnosis. Flank/ Back Hernia Flank hernias, also known as lumbar hernias, are located in the side or back of the abdominal wall. They develop following an injury in the flank area or due to defects in the posterolateral abdominal wall.  The defect may cause the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude out, resulting in pain. Flank/back hernia may also occur as a result of kidney surgery or due to traumatic injury to the back or the side of the abdominal wall. Femoral Hernia Femoral hernia is an unusual form of hernia constituting only 3% of all forms of hernia. A femoral hernia develops in the area right beneath the inguinal canal. Things like heavy lifting, an ongoing cough, and obesity can all put pressure on the groin and lead to a femoral hernia. When one becomes incarcerated in the femoral canal, it’s a situation that calls for immediate care. Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernia refers to the projection of the diaphragm muscle wall. This condition develops because the upper part of the stomach enters through the large muscle that divides the stomach and the body into the chest cavity.  There are various symptoms of hiatal hernia, such as acid reflux, heartburn, and insomnia. Parastomal Hernia Parastomal Hernia occurs due to protrusion of abdominal organs through the stoma. A stoma is an opening in the abdomen that enables excreting waste by-passing the natural excretion process. A small pouch covers it and is usually painless. A stoma may weaken the abdominal wall, increasing the risk of a parastomal hernia. Obturator Hernia It is a rare type of hernia, where the contents of the abdomen protrude through the obturator foramen of the pelvic floor. They are predominantly found in women due to some anatomical differences. Obturator hernias are generally caused by issues such as poor nutrition, old age, and comorbidities. What are The Various Symptoms of Hernia? Some of the common symptoms that are experienced include: Pain while coughing, sneezing, or lifting  A burning sensation in the lump. A lump in the groin or abdominal area Swallowing difficulty Vomiting and nausea Some of the symptoms that are severe and require urgent medical attention are: Constipation Obstructed bowel movement Acid reflux combined with chest pain Strangulation happens when a section of the stomach slips into the chest and becomes trapped, choking off its blood supply and causing the tissue to die. Look out for nausea, vomiting, fever, and a hernia that darkens in color. When acid reflux irritates the throat, it can trigger a constant cough, a hoarse voice, or, in some cases, pneumonia. What Are the Causes of Hernia The type and location of the hernia can indicate why it occurred. Abdominal surgery and older age increase the risk of hernia, especially in men

It is important to keep your parents mentally and physically charged for the sake of their well-being. Read on to know more. Staying engaged is not just important for the younger lot, but even older adults. It not just keeps them physically fit, but also keeps a tab on their mental and emotional quotient. . In cases where parents live away from their children, it becomes all the more important for them to engage in productive activities that can help them pass their time. This will definitely help them divert their attention from things that keep them worried all the time. Experts have also analyzed that those elderly adults who are active and enjoy their retirement time are healthier, and have better mental health than those who have nothing to do. According to Dr Rahul Khemani, consultant psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, when older adults are engaged and active, they tend to be happier. They tend to experience more satisfaction and contentment in their lives. As senior members of our society suffer from isolation and feelings of loneliness, a lack of support system can lead to increased anxiety and depression. It can even exacerbate dementia in some older people. That’s why it is important to consider physical and mental activities for these older adults. It is also beneficial to incorporate these into their daily routines, especially in the long run. Dr Khemani recommends these six activities to keep older people engaged: 1. Outdoor walks Outdoor walks are not just great for your parents’ physical health, but it also gives them an opportunity to interact with fellow mates. During covid time, it’s better to stay at home, but to break the monotony, they can totally wear proper masks, maintain social distancing, and enjoy a walk once in a blue moon. “Do you know, being in nature can become a natural soothing agent?” says Dr Khemani. 2. Senior exercise programs “Many parks have come up with community-based exercise programs. This increases the sense of bonding between older adults, provides companionship, and also fosters physical activity,” he recommends. 3. Arranging coffee dates Being old doesn’t mean you can’t do all the stuff that you used to when you were young. It is a great mental booster to spend quality time with your partner or friends. Going often on coffee or lunch dates can totally help in breaking the monotony. “Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges faced by our grandparents. Seeking out the company of friends on a regular basis can alleviate the feeling of being alone. It also provides a sense of comfort, especially for those who have lost their spouse,” he says. 4. Learning new technology With everything going online, they can also try and learn things like how to make a video call, use Facebook, or watch a movie on Netflix. It can be a great way to boost their confidence and bring some change to their otherwise routine lives. This will also make them feel accomplished, and gives them a sense of confidence,” suggests Dr. Khemani. 5. Pick a volunteer job If your parents are hale and hearty and want to spend some time working then, there is no harm trying to help them with a volunteer job. Of course, their job doesn’t have to be hectic like before, but this will just help them pass their time. Joining an NGO or an organization that helps others is a great way to satisfy yourself, and feel good. 6. Take up hobbies “Retirement is a good opportunity to take up hobbies that you might have given up a long time back. Being engaged in a hobby is perfect to be creative, productive, and happy,” he concludes. So, give your parents the gift of life and make them realize that this is their time to have fun, and do what they always wanted to. Trust us, over a period of time, you will see them much happier and healthier!

The caregivers play an important role to keep depression patients safe. Read on to know more. Understanding mental health conditions is still a task for us.  And if someone known to us is dealing with something, it becomes pretty hard for us to talk to them, especially because we feel unsure of what might offend him or her. That’s why it is critical to know how to deal with someone who is tackling mental health issues like depression. Dr Rahul Khemani, a psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says, “When caregivers of patients dealing with depression come to me, their first and foremost question almost always is “what do we do now?”. Most of them are clueless about how to talk to the concerned person, what to say to them, and what to avoid.”  He adds, “My only reply is, just listen to them, as this is all they want.” People Dealing with Depression are Always Looking for a Safe Space Dr. Khemani suggests that everyone seeks a comfortable space to open up and talk, and so do people who are dealing with depression. He listed down a few things that you need to keep in mind if someone around you is dealing with depression: Don’t judge them: They will only speak to you if they are comfortable to confide in you. Once they feel you’re trustworthy and non-judgmental, they will open up to you easily.  Don’t assume: “I have seen many people not asking the person who is undergoing depression about things, instead they presume everything about their needs.  Not everyone will cheer up by going out or by eating their favorite meal, everyone has different needs and you can only get to know them when you’ll ask them. There  is always a possibility that you might think they need it, but according to them they don’t need it at all.” Don’t use any platitude phrases: This is one of the most common things, and must be strictly avoided. People use phrases like ‘ it’s not a big deal, we all have been through it’ or ‘you need more will power’, etc. without understanding the situation the person is in. They don’t understand that this might bring the person down. Four Phrases that you Can Say to Someone who is Dealing with Depression: 1. I’m sorry you’re going through this This will build a connection between you and the person. 2. Do you want to talk more about this? This phrase will create a feeling of empathy. It will build bonds and create more trust. Also, this gives a window to the person dealing with depression, whether to opt-in or out rather, rather than being forced into a conversation. 3. Whenever you need me, I’m there A friend in need is a friend in deed and this statement actually certifies that you are someone s/he can bank on. “A person dealing with depression is at times hopeless. A statement like this will make him/her feel worthy,” says Dr Khemani. 4. You are not alone in this This statement is again a testament of you being there with a person in their thick and thin. “Be careful when you say you understand their problem. It can act as a double- edged sword. Some people might feel good but some might get offended, and feel that you do not understand their situation. So, one can say I might not understand what you are going through but I’m there for you”, he suggested. The Last Word We need to acknowledge that depression is real, and not just in the mind. It’s not a quick fix, it will take its own time. Your job is not to fix a person; instead, your job is to support them. That will make the person feel reassured. In psychology, there is a concept of expressed emotions that can either be positive or negative. Positive is when you allow the person to heal, and negative is where you are commenting on someone’s behavior without knowing the exact reason. Therefore, talking and hearing the person out is very important, so that you pull them out of depression. So, use these tips and help someone who is in need! Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/happiness-hacks/here-are-4-things-you-can-say-to-soothe-a-depression-patient-according-to-a-psychiatrist/