Apollo Hospitals Blog – Just another WordPress site

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION SURGERY & RECOVERY TIPS & PREVENTION

LIFE AFTER BYPASS SURGERY

A coronary artery bypass surgery adds more years of happiness and joy to your life, it makes you free and corrected from the life-threatening blockages in your heart arteries thereby improving your cardiovascular health. Getting life back on track after undergoing a bypass surgery is a life changing experience. The roadmap to recovery may be long, because recovery isn’t just physical but also psychological, that helps you gets back to your normal life. Long-term recovery after a bypass surgery will involve managing the various risk factors that contribute towards further cardiovascular problems. Some risk factors can’t be changed such as any family history, but other factors such as dietary and physical activities can be efficiently managed. There are various medical professionals and support groups available to help you make things happen for a sooner recovery. This support can be for a short time, later on it is you who has to be by your side. Read on to know the steps you have to take to improve your heart health after a bypass surgery. Always remember that the disease that caused blockages in your heart was progressive, and so will be the recovery. You will have to follow proper guidelines provided by the medical professionals for returning to your normal life that includes medication, physical activities and other lifestyle changes which you will have to take post surgery. 1) Medication: At the time of discharge, you will be prescribed with various medications that aims to promote sooner recovery and healing from surgery and reducing all the possible risk factors for further disturbances. After a bypass surgery you will probably receive a prescription that includes medication ● To reduce cholesterol ● Antiplatelets and Aspirin to prevent blood clots ● Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure ● Nitrates to control chest pain 2) Smoking Cessation: Smoking causes severe damage to the walls of arteries and contributes directly to creation of many coronary blockages in the arteries. Bypass surgery may have saved your life or lessened or stopped pains, but it did not cure the heart disease process, which is progressive. If you continue smoking, then quitting is essential to slow down further damage to your heart. Various support tools and resources can help you to quit smoke. 3) Eating a Healthy Diet As with smoking, an unhealthy diet will continue to contribute to your cardiovascular disease. Your physician will design a plan for a heart-healthy diet which is low in cholesterol with saturated and trans-fats that can slow or stop the buildup of plaque inside the artery walls. 4) Physical activities: The bone in the middle of your chest (sternum) which was opened during your bypass surgery will usually take about 12 weeks to heal.Your physician will provide some exercise guidelines after the surgery. There are some activities you will need to limit before you heal completely. These include carrying anything heavier, bending or vigorous swimming. Once you are through the initial recovery period, you can get back to all your regular activities. As you return to physical activity, walking is an excellent choice for gradually rebuilding your activity level. 5) Sexual activities: It is obvious to feel shy when asking your doctor regarding sexual activity after bypass surgery. Your doctor’s directions will be tailored to your health and circumstances. But, once you have been cleared by your doctor for physical activity, sexual activity is also approved. It is also essential to note that 50 % to 75 % of patients, experience sexual problems after any heart event due to heart disease, side effects from medications, fear of straining the heart or depression. 6) Diabetes Management Diabetes contributes a major portion of any cardiovascular disease, and bypass surgery is often advised over other alternative treatment for diabetes patients with blockages in multiple arteries. If you are diabetic, managing your diabetes in conjunction with your healthcare providers, plays a significant role in recovery. 7) Stress Management Learning how to manage your stress is part of a heart-healthy lifestyle because stress and heart disease create a vicious cycle. Continuous stress appears to be a risk factor for heart disease, and a diagnosis of heart disease is stressful. In order to manage your stress: ● Make positive face-to-face connection with other people a priority ● Move your body frequently—don't sit for more than an hour ● Reduce your intake of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine ● Do something you enjoy every day ● Get all the restful sleep that you need to feel your best ● When you can't change the stressor, learn to avoid, alter, adapt, or accept ● Learn more by reading the related articles Ongoing Care You will have to visit your doctor frequently after surgery for periodic checkups to track your progress. During the visits, tests may be done to see how your heart is working. The tests may include Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), echocardiography, stress testing, and cardiac CT. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to manage pain during recovery, lower cholesterol and to maintain proper blood pressure, decrease the risk of forming blood clots, manage diabetes or treat depression. Taking medicines on time as prescribed also is an important part of care, after surgery. footer

553

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION TIPS & PREVENTION

The Role of the Body Clock in Maintaining Good Health

Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? There may be many factors that influence your sleep and one among them could be your body’s biological “clock”.Yes!! You heard it right “Biological clock”. Each of us has a built-in clock that controls our circadian rhythms, or the normal 24-hour sleep and awake cycles in a day. Also, our body clock helps in maintaining good health; including body temperature, fluid balances, and normal functions like appetite, alertness, energy levels and ageing. Our body clock is regulated by a natural hormone called melatonin. Clinical studies have found that melatonin production is affected by your daily exposure to light and dark, and further if the light is artificial as opposed to natural sunlight. Working at night, and sleeping during the day can also alter a person’s circadian rhythms. The main problem you may experience when your body clock is off a bit would be due to lack of sleep. If it persists, your overall health might also be impacted. Your Body Clock and Health May be Affected by These Factors Consult a doctor to know what factors may be impacting your body clock, and what to expect. Clinical evidence supports the fact that the following lifestyle changes can alter melatonin levels in your body, and cause body clock disruptions: Like

As mentioned above, a disruption in your body clock can lead to other health maintenance issues; including alterations in body temperature, fatigued , and changes in appetite. If your body clock seems “out-of-sorts”, it is best to consult a doctor. Potential Treatments to Get Your Body Clock Health Back When you seek doctor’s advice, they will probably recommend one or more of these treatments to get your body clock back in order; while maintaining your overall health: Medications Change in your sleeping environment: Some examples of this would be darkening your room more effectively to block sunlight (If you work the night shift), or wearing ear plugs to cut down on external noise. Avoid consumption of caffeinated drinks (coffee, pop, tea) or alcoholic beverages just before bedtime. Dietary supplements Melatonin supplements Limit Evening Tech: Bright lights during the evening hours can confuse your brain, thinking it’s still daytime and can disturb your body clock. Artificial blue light emission (such as laptops, tablets and cell phones) is the worst culprit, therefore try avoiding use of such devices at least two to three hours before bed.

325

HEALTH CARE HEALTHY HABITS MEDICAL INFORMATION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY TIPS & PREVENTION

How To Run – A Beginners Guide

If you’ve decided it’s time to begin an exercise program, running is one of the human body’s most natural ways to do so. In fact, studies have found that running promotes a person’s overall well-being of body, mind and soul. Running boosts one’s self-confidence, relieves stress, and helps you lose those unwanted pounds; while also toning your muscles and increasing physical endurance. And, running has further been medically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer! More positives related to running include the fact it can be done virtually anywhere, anytime, and that it is a relatively inexpensive form of exercise. As a beginner, doctors recommend several important steps to follow when getting started, and as you gradually increase your running distance over time. A Beginner’s Running Program Starts with the Shoes

Artboard 1ad Starting a new running habit doesn't have to be hard. This guide makes it easy to get started, get inspired and stay on track. When you consult a doctor, they will inform that running comfort starts with a good pair of shoes. Make sure that they are specified for running, and that the shoes are not too loose or tight. Ideally, they need to be a little larger than your dress or casual pairs, so that they don’t “heel slip”, and fit securely and comfortably in the midfoot area.

Alright, now you’ve got your shoes, and you are ready to begin running. Here are some other recommendations when starting a running program, and as you progress over days, weeks, and months:

It is important that you stay hydrated before and after running, and the best source of hydration is regular water. Right after running, water should be the only beverage that you drink, and make a conscious effort to increase your daily water intake in relation to how far, and how often, you run.

286

HEALTH CARE HEALTHY HABITS MEDICAL INFORMATION SURGERY & RECOVERY TIPS & PREVENTION

6 Mouth-Watering Healthy Salads You Can Make at Home

Ask a doctor and he'll tell you that the secret to living a healthy life is regular exercise, healthy meals, and lots of smiles. Eating salads is one of the easiest ways to get the required serving of nutritious vegetables and fruits. Salads are served at virtually all restaurants and made at home. Salads can be customised to suit your palate by simply incorporating vegetables and fruits you enjoy most. Reasons Why You Should Eat Salads

● Salads are rich in fibre and thus aid digestion, lower cholesterol and kerb the appetite.
● The essential minerals and vitamins our body needs are supplied in a bowl of salad. Depending on the kind of vegetable and fruits used to make your salad, your body can gain essential vitamins and minerals that include vitamin C, beta-carotene, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, folate, and other necessary vitamins.
● Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil found in salad dressing have nutritional benefits; Vitamins A, E, and K are absorbed in the presence of these fats.

If you are looking for healthy and tasty homemade salads, try these six awesome simple salad recipes today.

Tasty Fruit Salad

Fruit salads are ideal for summer, especially when refrigerated before consumption. This recipe is quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious!

Ingredients

● 2 green apples, peeled and chopped.
● 16 ounce of nonfat yogurt.
● 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
● 4 stalks of chopped celery.
● 2 sliced nectarine.
● 1 cup of dried cranberries.

Preparation

● Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl.
● Add the nonfat yoghurt or any other yoghurt of your choice.
● Place in the refrigerator to cool for some time.
● Serve chilled.

Apple Coleslaw Salad

This apple coleslaw salad is the perfect accompaniment for burgers. A mixture of fruits, vegetables, and tasty salad dressing. For the ultimate experience, serve when chilled.

Ingredients

● 2 cups of chopped cabbage.
● 2 grated carrots.
● 1 chopped red apple.
● 1 finely chopped green onions.
● ¼ cup chopped red bell peppers.
● 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
● 1/3 cup of mayonnaise.
● Sugar (optional).

Preparation

● In a clean salad bowl, mix cabbage, apples, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions together.
● In another bowl, prepare the salad dressing by combining mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon together.
● Drizzle the mixture over the combined fruit and vegetable mix.
● Serve immediately or refrigerate first.

Carrot Salad

● Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. This simple, healthy salad is not just attractive and tasty but improves eyesight, skin texture, and reverses the negative effect of sun damage.

Ingredients

● 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
● 1 tablespoon olive oil.
● 1/ 4 cup of water.
● Salt to taste.
● 4 grated carrots.
● Chopped garlic.
● 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
● Parsley.

Preparation

● Add grated carrots, garlic, and water in a clean bowl.
● Microwave the mixture for a few minutes.
● Drain the excess water from the carrot and garlic mix.
● Add olive oil, pepper flakes, parsley and salt.
● Serve immediately.

Note—consumption of pepper is proven to worsen certain illnesses. Speak to your doctor before consuming spicy foods if you suffer from any medical condition.

Tomato and Peach Salad

Tomato and peach may seem like an odd combination till you try this recipe. Simple and quick to make, this salad offers many positive antioxidants and healthy fats.

Ingredients

● 3 sliced plum tomatoes.
● 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
● Salt.
● Pepper.
● Thin slices of red onions (as desired).
● Peach wedges.
●1 teaspoon of olive oil.

Preparation

● Combine sliced tomatoes, peach wedges, and red onion slices in a bowl.
● Drizzle vinegar and olive oil over the mixture.
● Add salt and pepper and taste for the desired flavour.
● Serve immediately or keep refrigerated.

Mango Chicken Salad

Get your daily dose of protein by following this simple recipe. Mango and chicken salad is the perfect side for some lightly air fried chips. The chicken in the salad makes it a rich protein packed dish that can be eaten as a main meal.

Ingredients

● 1 tablespoon lemon.
● 1 tablespoon honey.
● Grated ginger.
● 1/4 olive oil.
● Grilled chicken.
● Diced mango (as desired).
● Chopped red and green bell peppers.

Preparation

● Combine grilled chicken, red and green bell peppers, and mango in one bowl.
● In another bowl, mix honey, olive oil, lemon, and grated ginger.
● Toss the vegetables with the mixed salad dressing and serve immediately.

Curry Tuna Salad

Tuna is rich in protein, selenium, and omega 3 fatty acid. The benefits of tuna include improved heart health, obesity prevention, reduced chances of stroke, and a sound immune system.

Ingredients

● Canned tuna.
● 1 tablespoon curry powder.
● Vegetable oil.
● I tablespoon mayonnaise.
● 1 teaspoon lime juice.
● Salt.
● Pepper.
● Slices of red onions.
● Cilantro.

Preparation

● Heat the curry powder in vegetable oil.
● Mix in the mayonnaise, lime juice, salt and small amount of pepper.
● Toss the mixture with the red onion slices, cilantro, and canned tuna.
● Serve while warm.

It comes to no surprise why salads are an extremely food option for many people. There is enough evidence that suggests eating salads before the main meal reduces the total amount of calories eaten at that meal. To tap into the full health benefits of eating salads, ensure you substitute fatty salad dressings for healthier alternatives and build a salad bowl with enough fresh vegetables.

If you plan on starting a healthy food plan, talk to your dietician to see how you choose healthy meals for you and your family starting today.

Do you like eating salads?

140

HEALTH CARE HEALTHY HABITS MEDICAL INFORMATION TIPS & PREVENTION

6 Fruits to Eat Every Week

A healthy balanced meal is one which contains all six classes of meals in their right proportion. Your diet is not complete without fruits because they provide your body with essential minerals and vitamins to function properly. It is recommended an adult eats at least 2 cups of fruits daily.

But are you eating enough fruits? There are certain types of fruits you should incorporate into your weekly diet. Not only are these fruits packed with powerful antioxidants, but they are also rich in fibre which aids the breakdown of fat.

Here’s a list of six essential fruits you can pick up at your local market to receive your daily dose of vitamins, iron, and other essential minerals.

Blueberries

Blueberries are succulent, fresh, and they can be eaten raw or used in various recipes. These tiny fruits are packed full of essential vitamins and do a lot more for your body than you can imagine.

Health Benefits of Blueberries

● Blueberries are high in fibre and low in cholesterol which makes them ideal for nurturing a healthy heart. Additionally, they are rich in potassium and folate that prevent damage to the blood vessels.
● Looking to ward off cancer? Then you should add blueberries to your diet. They have antioxidant properties that prevent radical damage to cells.
● The fibre content in this fruit makes it useful for weight loss as well.

Apples

Apples are one of the more staple fruits you can get at your local market. Apples are the perfect fruit for those who need to satisfy their sweet craving. Additionally, apples can be added to salads and transformed into delicious apple pies at home.

Health Benefits of Apples

● Apple's lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body while increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
● Eating an apple weekly reduces your chances of getting diabetes.
● Apples are packed with antioxidants and prevent various forms of cancer

Oranges

Who doesn’t love oranges? There are many reasons why you should be eating oranges at least once a week. Orange juice and its pulp are especially good for your body, so if you’re making orange juice, do not throw away the pulp!

Health Benefits of Oranges

● One of the major nutrients in oranges is vitamin C. This nutrient reverses the negative effect of sun damage and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
● They are rich in fibre and aid in the breakdown of fatty foods.
● Contains hesperidin which lowers the level of cholesterol in the body.

Bananas

There’s a reason bananas are one of the most consumed fruits across the world, and it has nothing to do with colour, taste, or shape.

Health Benefits of Banana

● Bananas are rich in fibre and vitamin C which makes them the ideal anticancer super-fruits.
● Bananas are high in potassium and promote healthy functioning of the human heart.
● It is the ideal food for diarrhoea patients who have lost a lot of electrolytes like potassium needed in their body.

Strawberries

Strawberries have been around for a long time. Gone are the day's people ate these fruits just for the taste and fun. Thanks to science, the health benefits of these fruits have been made known, and you should include it in your diet.

Health Benefits of Strawberries

● They are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants which protect the cells in the body from free radical damage.
● They serve as an ideal source of vitamin K and magnesium.
● Strawberries are rich in flavonoids and phytonutrients that protect the heart and prevent cancer.

Papaya

Also called pawpaw or papaw, this tropical fruit can be eaten at any time of the year as they are always available.

Health Benefits of Papaya

● Papaya is rich in papain which is a substance that aids easy digestion of food.
● It is rich in beta-carotene and lowers your chances of asthma. Beta-carotene also protects the body against colon cancer and prostate cancer.
● Strong and healthy bones are guaranteed due to the presence of the vitamin K.

There’s a whole lot of benefit for adding fruits to your weekly diet. Fruit is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and provides a lot of essential nutrients. Although fruits are beneficial and important to the human health, disregarding other food classes and opting for a fruit diet is detrimental to your health.

If you have any medical condition, and you are not sure you should eat any of the listed foods above, speak to a doctor at Apollo Hospitals right away.

127

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY SURGERY & RECOVERY TIPS & PREVENTION

Heart Palpitations: When to Worry

Is your heartbeat rapid? Does it flutter and pound quickly? If yes, then you may be having heart palpitations. Heart palpitations occur mostly in women than men. There are various causes of heart palpitations are triggered by stress, anxiety, panic, exercise, or medication.

On rare occasions, heart palpitation is a symptom of a more serious heart condition known as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a medical condition characterised by an irregular rhythm of the heartbeat. In contrast, if you feel your heartbeat beats too fast, it is called tachycardia, but when the heart beats abnormally slow, it is called bradycardia.

To learn more about the differences between both conditions, you can read more below.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

Some of the most common symptoms of arrhythmia include:

● Chest pain

● Shortness of breath

● Irregular heartbeat

● Profuse sweating

● Dizziness

If you have constant heart palpitations, you should speak to a doctor immediately. Tests can be carried out by your doctor to detect if your heart palpitations are as a result of an arrhythmia. There are various kinds of treatment by the cardiologist that can restore the normal rhythm of the heart. Treatment options vary from the use of certain medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery depending on the severity of your condition.

Signs and Symptoms of HeartPalpitations

It is important to know that heart palpitations are commonly felt in the throat and chest. Heart palpitations can occur in any position: Standing, sitting, or even lying down.

The common signs of heart palpitations include:

● Very fast heartbeat

● Skipping heartbeat
● Fluttering heartbeat

Causes of Heart Palpitations

Stress, anxiety, and panic
● Intense exercise sessions
● Caffeine
● Fever
● Nicotine
● Taking medications that contain pseudoephedrine
● Taking certain types of medication that contain stimulants. Some asthma medications fall into this category

● Risk Factors for Heart Palpitations

There are certain conditions that increase your chances of having heart palpitations. Some of such conditions include:

● Poor stress management
● Anxiety disorder; those with anxiety disorder and people who suffer from panic attack are at great risk of having heart palpitations
● Medications that have stimulants
● Hyperthyroidism

When to Worry

At what point do you fret over your regular heart palpitations? At one point or another, everyone experiences an irregular heartbeat or feel their heart skip a beat. Such situations do not require a doctor’s attention immediately as they are mostly infrequent and irregular. If on the other hand, you have heart palpitations that frequently occur without improving over time, you should book an appointment with a doctor right away.

If you have a history of any heart disease and experience frequent palpitations, you should be concerned. Heart palpitations accompanied by chest pain, light-headedness, and fainting should be treated as a medical emergency.

Complications of Palpitations Caused by Heart Disease

Possible complications that may arise from heart palpitations caused by heart disease include:

● Fainting
● Cardiac arrest
● Stroke
● Heart failure

What to Do in Cases of Severe Heart Palpitations

If you are experiencing frequent heart palpitations accompanied by pains and discomfort, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. When you see the cardiologist, you should relate all the symptoms you are experiencing, medications you are currently taking, your exercise routine, and diet. Write down important questions you want to ask.

Before a doctor’s visit, try to reduce stress as much as you can, reduce strenuous physical activity, and keep off medications that contain stimulants. There are various tests a doctor does to explore the cause of heart palpitations. Some tests include echocardiogram and ECG. Heart palpitations do not require any treatment except it is a symptom of a heart disease.

Making Lifestyle Adjustments

To control heart palpitations, you must be ready to make adjustments in certain areas of your life.

Engage in calming exercises like yoga or meditation to keep anxiety to a minimal.
Keep off nicotine, caffeine, and certain brands of energy drinks that cause an irregular heartbeat.

Treatments for heart palpitations depend solely on the severity. Palpitations caused by one heart defect or another will require the medical attention of a specialist. If you have occasional heart palpitations, there may be no cause for alarm. Frequent heart palpitations accompanied by different degrees of pain or discomfort will require medical assessments. Book an online consultation with a doctor today if you have any questions concerning heart palpitations.

126

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY TIPS & PREVENTION

Feeling Elbow and Forearm Pain? It May be “Selfie Elbow”

“Selfie Elbow” is Rapidly Becoming a Global Healthcare Issue: You’ve probably heard about tennis or golfer’s “elbow”. Baseball and softball pitchers, along with cricket bowlers commonly experience elbow injuries. But today, thousands of people worldwide, perhaps even you, are now visiting doctors and emergency rooms with a non-sports-related arm affliction; one actually caused by technology! This recent elbow and forearm discomfort phenomenon, currently being evaluated and treated by physicians globally, is aptly called “selfie elbow”. Believe it or not, this rapidly spreading health issue is caused by taking too many pictures of oneself with a smartphone. Like most medical conditions, the key to overcoming selfie elbow is early detection combined with a highly-trained doctor’s intervention. Selfie Elbow Symptoms: When a user holds their smartphone up and out from their body to take a “selfie”, they are unnaturally and awkwardly twisting the elbow joint itself. In the process, they are using their arm’s muscles and tendons to grip the device tightly. Doing so repeatedly increases stress on the tendon that anchors a person’s forearm muscle to the bone. After a few days, weeks, or months of “selfie” snapshot taking, a patient might eventually begin experiencing: ● Elbow or Wrist “tendinitis”, or inflammation, in the affected joint(s). ● A persistent aching in your forearm, wrist and/or elbow areas. ● A sharp pain on the outside of your elbow that seems to travel into your forearm and wrist. ● Unexpected muscle weakness when you attempt to pick up or grip items like a pen or coffee mug. Are you, or your loved ones, currently suffering from one or more of these painful, lower-arm symptoms? If so, there are many treatment options available which may include consulting with a physician like a highly-trained orthopaedic specialist or a physiotherapist. Selfie Elbow Treatment Options: ● Relax the affected arm for a few days by refraining from taking selfies. ● Apply ice on the swollen and painful areas frequently. ● Don’t rely on a “selfie stick”; as your arm will still be held out awkwardly. ● If the pain and discomfort persists, an evaluation by a specialist such as an orthopedist is compulsory Selfie elbow is a real and treatable injury that is here to stay. In fact, the likelihood of having this lifestyle-interfering ailment may rise, as more and more people use smartphones and communicate globally via social media. When its paralysing effects strike you, or someone you know, help is just a phone call, or keyboard click, away… To consult a doctor for further professional advice and assistance, click on the link below: www.askapollo.com sel 2

148

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY TIPS & PREVENTION

Depression – It’s going to be okay, believe it

Depression - It’s going to be okay, believe it- Nearly everyone has felt sad or depressed at times, and it is considered to be a normal reaction to life’s struggles. Depression is different from mood swings.The temporary emotion that human beings respond to on a daily basis does not constitute depression. For example, the feeling of grief due to the loss of the death of a close one is not depression. If a person is in deep emotional pain and he continues to be in that state of mind for too long that’s indicative of depression. So as some people are busy chasing dreams, somewhere behind there is one thing that is constantly pulling them down. Some realise this, while some don’t, and the few in denial fear to accept it. Be whatever it may be; your lifestyle, unhealthy environment, broken dreams, or complexities, depression has become a part of their lives. If you look at it with a bird-eye- view, it’s a chance to understand and accept that you need help. Recognising Depression: The several signs that could be red flags for depression: ● Feeling helpless and hopeless ● Insomnia or difficulty sleeping ● Loss of interest ● Anger management issues ● Appetite and weight changes ● Loss of energy ● Self-criticising ● Trouble concentrating ● Unexplained aches and pains ● Unnecessary guilt ● Irritable and restless What stops a person from seeking help is attributed to the stigma related to depression, and this results in people getting socially ostracised. The society is still not been able to distinguish between mental illness and madness. And this fear of social alienation should not be a hindrance from opening up. Human being tends to face ups and down in life because it is mostly to do with our ability to control our minds. One has to face it and do all that it takes to overcome it. People who have come out of depression are winners because they know where their priority lies. Depression is preventable and requires nothing more than good healthy habits. Like ● Controlling stress to increase resilience. ● Asking for help at the times of crisis ● Learning to stay mentally active ● Taking the time to work out and stay physically active ● Maintain a stable sleep cycle Seek Medical Advice Don’t let depression linger for long, instead, you should meet a doctor. There is no reason why you should avoid meeting experts who will help you get out of depression. Remember you can avoid harming your health by seeking expert advice. There are many effective treatments to treat this condition and for this one should consult the psychologist for further evaluation. dip 2

HEALTH CARE INDIA GENERAL INFORMATION INDIA HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION TIPS & PREVENTION

What causes acne breakouts and how to treat it?

Beauty is skin deep, don’t you agree? We have all faced challenges to possess that beautiful skin. It’s no surprise that 90% of the population has one or the other skin issue. Acne or acne vulgaris, which mainly occurs during adolescence is the most common skin disease. At times it follows midlife where 20% of women develops mild acne. Acne may also occur in newborn babies. Acne at times becomes a long-term skin malady. The projection of acne usually brings anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. People with acne don’t feel snug at any value and strive hard to get rid of it by any means. In this blog, we will discuss some types, causes and treatments of acne. What are the types of acne? Acne may take any of the following forms: ● Blackheads – They are clearly visible, black spots that appear on the skin, usually the area that retails oil. ● Cysts - They are filled with pus and extremely painful, they may go after some days but can leave scars on your skin. ● Nobules – These are bigger pimples and are very painful. ● Papules – These are small pink bumps which are clearly visible. ● Pustules – These are red at the base with pus at the top. ● Whiteheads – these are small and not clearly visible as they are found under the skin. What causes acne? Though there is no certain reason for acne still there are some common conditions that are associated with this problem. ● Puberty ● Oil production ● Dead skin cells ● Clogged pores ● Bacteria ● Dirt ● Climatic changes ● Few medications ● Hormonal changes Diagnosis: To diagnose an acne, a dermatologist will initially examine your skin to make sure if you have an acne. As many other skin conditions resemble acne. If you have acne, the dermatologist will grade the acne. Grade 1 acne is mild. Grade 4 are the severe ones. How to treat an acne? Waiting for the acne to clear on its own can be frustrating. Currently, there are various effective acne treatments, and every acne treatment is different, and the choice of therapy depends on whether the acne is mild, moderate, or severe. The treatment for mild acne includes a use of products that comprises of benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid which can often clear the skin. In case you have severe acne, you need to consult a dermatologist for better evaluation. A Dermatologists offers the following types of treatment:

Topical treatment that involves killing the bacteria while others work on reducing the oil.
In severe conditions where you have red, swollen type of acne, the treatment could include the use of:

● Antibiotics
● Isotretinoin

Other medical procedures to treat acne: ● Your dermatologist may treat the acne with a few standard procedure like ● Lasers and light therapies ● Chemical peels ● Comedone extraction ● Dermabrasion ● Punch grafting ● Intralesional injection ● Collagen injection Recovery period: Despite many claims, an acne treatment does not work overnight. Usually, the treatment requires 4-8 weeks to see improvement in the appearance, after starting therapy. Few Do’s and Dont’s:

● Gentle washing of affected areas once or twice daily
● Avoiding abrasive cleansers
● Shampooing often and wearing hair off the face
● Eat well-balanced diet and avoiding foods that trigger flare-ups
● Abstain picking or squeezing blemishes
● Reduce stress

“Prevention is better than cure.” Hence, follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent the stigma of an inferiority complex due to acne. And if it does occur in spite of all discipline, do visit a dermatologist at the first instance. Be healthy feel beautiful! ACNE 2

257

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION TIPS & PREVENTION

Signs of heart problem during exercise

A healthy heart demands a healthy lifestyle. Making your life sedentary is a forward step you are putting towards your contribution to cardiovascular diseases. The recent studies suggest that lack of physical activities can increase the risk of heart disease by 50%. Staying fit and active reduces the chances of pushing your heart towards severe problems and keeps your heart safe and protected. Physical activities that include walking, swimming and aerobic has proven to improve heart health. Besides, it also helps in weight loss and maintaining proper blood pressure levels. Every year nearly 17.3 million people die globally due to heart diseases. Exercise is one way to fight against this statistic, but it’s important to do so under care. However, in few instances exercises can increase the chances of heart problems, in particularly to those who earlier had cardiovascular disease and who don’t follow the physical activities suggested by their physician at the time of discharge. Here are the facts that underlines the signs of heart problems during exercises. Why should precautions be taken? There is a very old saying “Prevention is better than cure,” which means it's better to take prevention rather than finding a cure for it because not all problems have a cure. Though exercise is safe for most of the people and also vital for maintaining good health, precautions should be taken, especially if: ● Your doctor has informed you that you are prone to heart diseases. ● You have recently experienced any heart problem that includes minor heart attack or cardiac arrest. In spite of these precautions, it can be difficult for your physician to predict the possible health issues that you may encounter while exercising. It’s you who know your body better than a doctor. So to be safe, one should be familiar with the symptoms that can, later on, cause complications if left unnoticed. Being aware of warning signs of heart problems could be life-saving. Signs that indicate your heart is in the red-zone: The signs and symptoms of heart problem differ from person to person. Here are some common symptoms that are experienced by people during exercise and if you are encountering any of them, then immediately seek medical help. ● Chest pain: It’s the most common sign of heart danger. During a chest pain one feels mild to severe discomfort, uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest. Some people express their pain comparing it to an elephant sitting on their chest. The pain can be subtle and may come and go, so it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong. In case you encounter such feeling for more than a few minutes then immediately stop exercising and consult a doctor for medical attention. ● Early exhaustion with shortened breath: A lot of things can make you lose your balance or make you faint for a moment. Feeling fatigued or winded, along with unusual breathlessness with chest discomfort during exercise that causes dizziness or lightheadedness is an unhealthy sign and is often a precursor to a heart attack. Take this warning sign seriously and stop exercising right away. ● Vigorous Sweating: Sweating is good during exercising. But breaking out in a cold sweat for no reason could signal a heart attack. ● Abnormal heartbeats: The feeling of your heartbeat skipping, palpitating, or thumping could indicate a heart problem. Seek medical attention if you observe any unusual heart rhythms during your workout. What to do ? When it comes to dealing with a heart problem, time plays a critical role because every second counts. Don’t go with wait-and-see method. Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above. Remember your heart is the most delicate organ and needs intensive care, apart from keeping it healthy, also keep it safe. heart blog footer

274

HEALTH CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION SURGERY & RECOVERY TIPS & PREVENTION

LIFE AFTER BYPASS SURGERY

553

Back

LIFE AFTER BYPASS SURGERY

The Role of the Body Clock in Maintaining Good Health

How To Run - A Beginners Guide

Signs of heart problem during exercise

What causes acne breakouts and how to treat it?

Benefits of Fertility Treatment in India

Medical Treatment Abroad: What to Expect?

Destination India: Redefining Your Medical Treatment Options

The Role of the Body Clock in Maintaining Good Health

How To Run – A Beginners Guide

6 Mouth-Watering Healthy Salads You Can Make at Home

6 Fruits to Eat Every Week

Heart Palpitations: When to Worry

Feeling Elbow and Forearm Pain? It May be “Selfie Elbow”

Depression – It’s going to be okay, believe it

What causes acne breakouts and how to treat it?

Signs of heart problem during exercise

LIFE AFTER BYPASS SURGERY