Things you are never told about old age

 (Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

It is the beginning of the golden period of one's life

Old age comes to all. Unlike the cycle of happy days and sad days, old age doesn't have on/ off phases. Once it comes, it stays forever for good. Contrary to what many believe, old age is the beginning of that phase of life where you have already seen everything. It is the beginning of the golden period of one's life where many things have already been known and seen.

​It is the best part

Old age is always associated with diseases, illness, poor health and many other such biological complications. One should never believe in these myths. A human body's susceptibility to diseases depends on its immunity and its agility. Though there are age specific diseases, they can always be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. There are many examples of old people living a life better than most youngsters.

This is not where you need to slow down

Rightly said! If the body keeps going forward, nothing can stop it. Often old people are told to rest or slow down. The physical capacity of a person doesn't depend on the age, it depends on the will power of the person. Do not coerce yourself to just sit down because you have crossed a certain age.

Age does not bring you immobility, it gives you experience to keep going forward.

You can pick a new habit

It is never too late to learn something new. When you reach an age where you feel you have time for yourself, just sit and think about what you missed doing the most during early years. Due to the burden of worldly matters people often skip pursuing their passion, so old age is the right time to do it.

These days, you can learn a gamut of things just by sitting in your living room. Or if you are a social person and love making friends, just step outside, make friends and learn a thing or two.

​Do not fear, fear

Many people restrict themselves from undertaking adventurous pursuits with the fear that old age and old body will not be able to cope with it. While courage and fear both live in the mind, it is how the person deals with them matters the most. Old age does not mean you need to cut off your activity just because some other old fellow could not pursue it. Stand apart, set an example for others.

Challenge your body to something exciting. Remember, if the mind accepts it, nothing can defeat it.

Body may undergo changes

This happens during every passing year. Body grows, and keeps growing as long as we fuel it properly with healthy nutritious foods and drinks. Likewise, old age will also bring in certain changes in the body but that should not be a reason to worry. Proper exercise, good food and sufficient water will help the body recuperate

Rising cases of refractive eye error among students due to

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Rising usage of digital devices for online education among students has led to the increasing prevalence of refractive error among school and college students, as per a survey conducted by New Panvel-based R J Sankara Eye Hospital.
Out of the 247 students screened in the hospital’s OPD (outdoor patient department), 79 students were detected for refractive error, which was 32 percent compared to the normal trend of 10-15 percent, according to doctors at the New Panvel based hospital.

Refractive error leads to vision becoming blurry and hazy on an individual’s eyes and common symptoms includes headache and can further lead to digital eye strain (DES)

 As per another study recently published in Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, out of the 217 students who participated in the survey, 109 students were found to be suffering from DES of which 26 percent were mild 13 percent were moderate and 11 percent were of severe grade with most common symptoms being itching and headaches.

The average time spent using electronic devices had increased to 5 hours a day for 36 percent of students due to online teaching or e-learning introduced during the pandemic after schools were shut.

 The risk of DES is seen rising significantly for those students spending 4-5 hours per day on digital devices, as per several other studies, said Dr. Ankita, Paediatric Ophthalmologist at RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, which is one of the 12 super speciality eye hospitals managed across nine Indian states by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Trust – a social enterprise.

 If detected early, vision therapy can help in preventing progression of symptoms of digital eye strain.

 "Vision therapy includes a series of in-office and home-based exercises administered over a period of weeks or months with the help of special glasses, filters, prisms and computer assisted vision programmes that improve eye focusing, coordination and tracking,” Dr. Ankita said.

 

High Cholesterol signs: These signs in eyes can tell if you have hypercholesterolaemia

 

(Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Know about high cholesterol symptoms in eyes

High cholesterol or hypercholesterolaemia is not unknown to us. It is needless to talk about the havoc this condition wreaks on the human body. Hypercholesterolaemia is the presence of an excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream limiting blood flow and increasing heart attack risk or heart stroke.

Hypercholesterolaemia is also known as lipid disorder or hyperlipidemia.

General symptoms of high cholesterol

Unfortunately, a disturbance in the lipid profile doesn't have any visible symptoms except a few generic warning signs which are not distinct to the condition. The common warning signs of high cholesterol are nausea, numbness, fatigue, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain or angina.

These symptoms are also associated with other medical complications because of which people are not aware of the high cholesterol condition until its late.

High Cholesterol symptoms in eyes

As per reports, due to high cholesterol certain changes are visible in the eyes. Though these symptoms are not specific to high cholesterol but these can guide one to visit a doctor and take timely medical assistance.

Xanthelasmas are the whitish or yellowish plaques that occur on the outer surface of the upper eyelid. Though this condition is also linked with other medical conditions, its association with hyperlipidemia is also commonly suggested. These are usually soft and semi solid.

Corneal Arcus is also another indicator of high cholesterol. This is a pale white ring around the iris of one's eye. Iris is the colored part of the eye. "If you’re under 50 years old and have corneal arcus, it's a strong sign that you have familial hypercholesterolaemia," experts say.

High cholesterol in India

There are more than 10 million cases of high cholesterol reported per year in India, on an average.

As per a 2017 research study, in India high cholesterol is present in 25–30% of urban and 15–20% rural subjects. This prevalence is lower than high-income countries. The most common dyslipidemia in India are borderline high low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high triglycerides.

​What is the role of cholesterol?

Cholesterol carries some vital functions in the human body. It is used to build the structure of cell membranes, for preparation of hormones like oestrogen, testosterone and adrenal hormones. Cholesterol also boosts the metabolism and it is also essential for the body to produce vitamin D. This fatty substance is produced by the liver. It also comes from food. Most of the cholesterol that comes to the human body is through foods that come from animals.

Cholesterol consists of low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and trigylcerides.

Low-density lipoproteins are called bad cholesterols and the high density lipoproteins are called good cholesterols. Triglycerides are the building blocks of cholesterol.

When does cholesterol become a menace?

When the level of cholesterol crosses the ideal or threshold level, it becomes trouble for the human body.

Cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the human body is considered to be normal. Ideally the good cholesterol or the HDL cholesterol should be above 40 for men and 50 for women while the bad cholesterol or the LDL cholesterol should be less than 100. At normal range, the triglycerides should be less than 149 mg/dL.

 

Get more of Vitamin D while working from office: Here’s how

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Sun is the best source of Vitamin D

All components of food are equally important for our wellbeing. All of them have a different role to play in the functioning of the body and it is important to include all components of food in our everyday diet so that the body doesn’t suffer from any deficiencies or imbalances. Vitamin-D is one such component of food that is found abundantly in our surroundings but seldom in the bodies of individuals. According to studies, Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population.

Sedentary and extremely fast paced lifestyles are responsible for people not going out enough and thereby being deficient in Vitamin D. People who work from offices are especially susceptible to Vitamin D deficiencies because they have to sit indoors for a fixed period of eight hours. Today we bring to you some tips that people working from the office can use to get more sun and Vitamin D!

Exercise outdoors before going to work

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and avoid diseases such as osteoporosis. Exercising outdoors before going to work is a great way to get the much needed dose of sunlight for the bones and joints. Make sure you exercise for at least half an hour in the sun if your work requires you to sit indoors all day. Exercises as simple as brisk walking or jogging can help the body stay fit and get all the sunlight.

Eat your lunch outside

This involves factors such as convenience and choice but going out in the open to eat your lunch can help you get the sunlight that you need. Spending your lunch break outdoors also helps you get access to fresh air which is good for overall health and is thus a great option if your workplace offers any such options and your colleagues agree to it.

Go for lunch walks

In case your workplace does not allow outdoor lunches for any reason, you can finish your lunch and go out for a lunch walk with your colleagues in order to soak in the Sun. Lunch walks can be fun and also help you get a break from sitting all day.

Organize outdoor team meetings

Having team meetings outdoors is another way in which you can increase the time during which you remain outdoors. Since team meetings happen frequently, outdoor team meetings will allow you to step outside for a fair amount of time and get the required sunlight.

Park far away

Parking your car far away from the office premises will allow you to walk a considerable distance. Walking to and from the parking station will allow you more time in the open and expose you to more sunlight. It will also save you from hassles involving parking spaces and spots.

5 early signs of Lung cancer

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Early symptoms of lung cancer

Cancer is of different types depending on the part of the body, the dangerous cancerous cells grow and multiply. Among all, lung cancer is the deadliest one and accounts for about 19 per cent of the total cancer-related deaths every year worldwide. The growth of cancerous cells in the lungs is fairly typical in those who smoke regularly or have a profession where they are exposed to harmful chemicals. In the early stage, it is typically hard to identify the signs of lung cancer as there are few nerve endings in the lungs which makes it easy for the cancer cells to grow without causing any discomfort to the individual. Sometimes they are not even identified till the condition reaches an advanced stage. However, there are a few early noticeable symptoms witnessed in rare cases. Knowing these symptoms is essential for those who are prone to the deadly disease and can help you get the correct treatment at the time.

Persistent cough

One may have a cough due to cold or flu. But in both conditions, the cough does not last for more than ten days. For those suffering from lung cancer, coughing is very regularly seen. They may cough persistently without any reason throughout the year. Though coughing is a way to stop foreign particles from entering your airways and the lungs, chronic coughing is the foremost sign of lung cancer.

Breathlessness

When the cancerous cells start multiplying at a rapid speed in the lungs, they block the airways or narrow them, thus reducing the flow of the air into the lungs. This makes it difficult for the person to breathe the required amount of air to transport to all the parts of the body, making the person feel winded or breathless. Even after walking up a flight of stairs, the person may have a hard time catching their breath.

Hoarseness

Lung cancer can also change the voice of the person, making it sound raspy or hoarse. It can happen over time and if you witness any changes in your voice, it is better to consult the doctor at the earliest. However, lung cancer is not the only reason the sound of your voice changes. So, do not panic and get yourself diagnosed for confirmation.

Body pain

Body pain is a general health issue, which we often ignore until it starts affecting our day to day activity. There are many reasons your body might hurt; it can also be after sitting for too long or after a session of heavy exercising. But these are rare cases and all the entire body might be in pain. But those suffering from lung cancer may particularly witness pain in the chest, shoulders, or back. It is a regular health issue for these individuals.

Beat cold waves in these 5 smart ways

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Tips to beat cold waves

Winters are getting harsher every year. Winter chills, cold waves not only disturb normal life, they also have an adverse effect on one's health. In the recent few years, India has been witnessing the disastrous effects of the cold waves. On Tuesday, the IMD has predicted cold wave and cold day conditions are likely in parts of northwest India for the next two to three days.

In view of the rising cold waves, here are a few tips that one should know in order to beat the cold waves.

​Do not drink alcohol

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has asked people to not drink alcohol during cold waves. This, it says, reduces the body temperature which should be avoided during low temperatures. Alcohol relaxes and widens the blood vessels, which in turn facilitates body heat to escape and subsequently lowers the body temperature.

Wear hats or cover head

Hats or caps prevent heat loss from the body through the head during cold waves. In a general way, any part of the body that is exposed will aid in the release of the body temperature. Therefore in order to retain the heat of the body one should get covered as much as possible.

Wear mittens instead of gloves

The NDMA suggests wearing mittens instead of gloves. "Mittens are better than gloves as your fingers can share body heat," the NDMA guidelines read. Mittens are considered to be warmer than gloves as they do not separate the fingers due to which the fingers remain together and also share the overall body heat. Mittens increase the level of warmth in comparison to gloves.

Take hot drinks

Regular intake of hot drinks will help maintain the body temperature. One can consume kadha, or simple ginger tea in small intervals. But along with this, one should also be careful about the sugar intake. Increased consumption of tea and hot beverages will also increase the amount of sugar consumed which can subsequently have an adverse effect. You can take jaggery instead of refined sugar.

Coronavirus: These 4 wonder foods can help prevent long COVID

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

Foods that can help prevent long COVID

The third wave of corona virus induced COVID-19 has set in. Even though symptoms of Omicron are much milder than the delta variant, it can nevertheless lead to severe complications. Long COVID is one such complication. ‘Long haulers’ are people who continue to experience symptoms of the virus long after it leaves their body. Despite testing negative for coronavirus, a lot of people have been complaining of symptoms that have stayed with them.

This is known as long COVID and has affected a large number of people who were infected with the delta variant. A loss of smell and taste, whooping cough, weakness and pain in the joints are some symptoms that continue to linger in people who have tested negative for the disease. Long COVID is exhausting and is a result of weak immunity and now that the third wave has set in, it is important to take all precautionary measures for avoiding such infections. Here are four foods that you should eat to prevent long COVID and maintain a healthy immunity.

Kombucha or fermented tea

Kombucha is lightly effervescent and is a sweetened form of green or black tea that improves digestion and also help regulate blood sugar levels. Other benefits of Kombucha include detoxification and reduction of blood pressure. Since it is fermented, it also helps gut health and is great for people who wish to improve it.

Kefir or fermented milk

Immunity depends largely on gut health. In order to build a strong immune system, it is important for us to maintain good gut health. Feeding the body right things and avoiding any food items that might harm the gut is key to a good immunity. Fermented foods and drinks contain bacteria that are good for the gut and can help strengthen immunity.

Sauerkraut or fermented cabbage

Finely cut raw cabbage is fermented by various lactic acid bacteria and has a sour flavor. Due to the presence of lactic acid, it also has a long shelf life that is an added advantage for those who wish to prepare large amounts of it and store for future consumption. Regular consumption of sauerkraut can also aid weight loss and help the gut immensely.

Kimchi or spicy Korean cabbage

Those who are new to Korean cuisine, should know Kimchi with a Korean dish of which the cabbage is an integral part. It is a dish that is made of fermented vegetables that include napa cabbage or kimchi. In order to maintain good gut health, a serving of kimchi can be consumed every day.