All of us have faced unbearable situations in life related to work, finances, marriage, and health. These situations have made us tensed or emotionally strained. This feeling of not being able to cope with the rising pressure of overwhelming problems is known as stress. Life is full of unpredictable situations and surprises. So being stressed naturally means that your alive and fully involved in your life. However, problems begin when we always feel anxious, tense, or strained. This chronic stress makes us vulnerable to various types of stress related disorders. One of the most common and widely diagnosed stress related disorders is diabetes. The situation gets pretty tricky here. Stress not only worsens your diabetes but can also cause you to have diabetes. Let’s find out how. The Link between Diabetes and Stress Man feeling stressed, Credit: Pixabay Chronic stress causes a person to follow an unhealthy lifestyle behavior. It includes eating high sugar and high-fat food, not exercising at all, increasing alcohol consumption, and smoking. Stress raises the cortisol level in your body. It stimulates the production of glucose and raises your blood sugar levels. A raised blood sugar level is one of the first symptoms of diabetes. On the other hand, if you’re diagnosed with diabetes, the constant need to regulate your blood sugar levels and plan your meals can leave you frustrated and stressed. Hence, stress is linked in two ways with diabetes. Let’s see how stress can affect your diabetes in various ways. Ways in Which Stress Affects Diabetes Activation of fat cells Greater insulin resistance Disturbed sleep High blood sugar levels 1.  Activation of Fat Cells Fat cells illustration, Credit: Pixabay High-stress levels lead to the production of more cortisol in the body. Cortisol causes an enzyme to reassign fat from its current position in your body to the fat cells in your abdomen area. It leads to an accumulation of belly fat. Prolonged stress increases the amount of your abdominal fat and leaves you prone to diabetes and other heart diseases. Moreover, cortisol increases the amount of your food cravings, which makes it even more challenging to manage your diabetes. 2. Greater Insulin Resistance insulin injection, Credit: Pixabay Your pancreas is unable to secrete insulin when cortisol levels are high. Insulin is crucial to use blood sugar for energy and for stabilizing your blood glucose levels. When the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, glucose levels stay high, leading to insulin resistance. It worsens the condition of diabetes. 3. Disturbed Sleep a person on bed, Credit: Pixabay Those who don’t get enough sleep suffer from weakened glucose tolerance. Being sleepless makes you feel tired, and you search for food sources of energy. Eventually, you end up consuming high sugar foods that spike your blood sugar levels. It directly leads to the onset of or worsening of type 2 diabetes. 4. High Blood Sugar Levels Blood sugarmonitor, Credit: Pixabay When your tensed, your blood sugar rises. It is because the stress hormone cortisol speeds up your heart rate and breathing. When this happens, it causes a rise in glucose levels as your body prepares for a stressful situation to give you energy. All of this eventually results in high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are directly linked to diabetes. How to De-stress and Manage Diabetes Exercise regularly. Practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Eat a well-balanced diet. Manage your anger. Avoid consuming excessive caffeine and alcohol. 1.  Exercise Regularly Regularly engaging in physical activity is the best way to manage blood sugar levels and defeat diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. It also boosts your confidence, enhances sleep quality, and protects you against other cognitive conditions. 2. Practice Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga Mindfulness means being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. It is practiced during meditation. As you focus on your breaths, you become more aware of yourself. It alleviates stress and gives you greater and peace. Yoga consists of postures and movements, combined with meditation and breathing techniques. It is greatly beneficial to reduce anxiety and depression, enhance energy levels, and improve digestion. Yoga will provide you an overall feeling of well-being. 3. Eat a Well Balanced Diet What you eat directly impacts your blood sugar levels. The more junk you’ll eat, the more is the likelihood of you feeling hungry again and reaching out for more. Eating a well-balanced diet comprising of complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, brown bread, and plenty of citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables will go a long way in stabilizing your blood sugar levels and reducing stress. By boosting your energy levels, eating a well-balanced diet will also help prevent other diseases caused by stress. 4. Manage Your Anger Anger is also a significant contributor to elevated stress. You need to find out the reason behind your bouts of anger and rage and address them as soon as possible. Whenever you feel angry, take deep breaths, drink water, sit down, or go for a walk. 5. Avoid Consuming Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol Caffeine and alcohol will not only trigger cortisol in your body but will also make you a victim of developing various other kidney and liver diseases. High amounts of caffeine and alcohol make you experience mood swings. You feel anxious, even for no reason. Excessive levels of alcohol alter your sleep patterns and make you feel stressed the next day. Diabetes is one of the leading stress induced disorders that plague the majority of the population. It can wreak havoc with your blood sugar and blood glucose levels. Contrary to what you might think, it is not difficult to prevent stress and, as a result, diabetes. A healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance in managing both diabetes and stress.

Do you know that no other part of your body is as closely connected with your brain as your stress affect digestion system? The direct relationship between brain and gut means that your emotional or mental health will directly affect your gastrointestinal system. Nobody gives much thought to stress induced disorders because they’re not aware that brains are intricately connected to their gut health. Whenever you feel anxious or tensed, its immediate impact is felt in your stomach in the form of gut discomfort, cramps, and diarrhea. When your stressed or suffering from mood swings, the bacteria in your gut alter, and you face gastrointestinal problems. Thus managing stress is essential to achieving great digestive health. But to know how to do that, you first need to understand how stress affects different parts of your digestive system. How Stress Affects Different Organs of Your Digestive System Stress causes changes in your nervous system, which changes the way your body responds to stress. Stress affects the following organs of your digestive system. Esophagus Stomach Bowel Esophagus Human esophagus, Credits: Pixabay When your stressed, you tend to comfort eat, i.e., eat much more or less than usual. You also rely on alcohol and tobacco to deal with increased cortisol levels. It directly leads to heartburn or acid reflux. High-stress levels can also sometimes cause spasms in your esophagus. They feel exactly like a heart attack. It also makes it difficult for you to swallow food items. Difficulty in swallowing leads to gassiness and burping. Stomach Person feeling unwell, Credits: Pixabay The stomach is a common site for stress affect digestion, disorders. Your appetite may increase or decrease according to your stress levels. It can also make you feel the effects of bloating, nausea, and stomach pain more seriously. Bowel A person feeling stomach pain, Credits: Pixabay Stress affect digestion the speed at which food moves in the body. Stress constricts the flow of blood and oxygen to the stomach area. It can help develop several types of stress related disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastro esophageal reflux, and constipation. Stress can also hinder the absorption of nutrients in the intestine. It enables the gut bacteria to attack the body by weakening the protective barrier that is present in the intestine. Those with existing disorders like irritable or inflammatory bowel diseases may feel the effects of high-stress levels more acutely. How to Manage Stress from Affecting Your Digestive System Don’t get worried about the distressing ways by which stress impacts your digestive health. You can easily prevent various diseases caused by stress by the following stress management techniques. Consume low sugar foods Exercise regularly Practice meditation Develop self-care habits 1.  Consume Low Sugar Foods Healthy fruits and vegetables, Credits: Pixabay If you’re stressed, you will naturally reach out to high fat and high sugar foods. The key to maintaining good gut health is to consume fewer foods, which are high in sugar and fat. The intake of fresh fruits and vegetables will promote your digestive system health and will, in turn, boost your mood. Eat plenty of citrus fruits and foods rich in omega-three fatty acids like peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. 2. Exercise Regularly A woman running, Credits: Pixabay A good workout releases hormones called endorphins that is the feel-good hormones. They help in lowering your stress levels and help you sleep and relax. Thus, engaging in regular physical activities will help you quickly manage stress and consequently improve your digestion. Those suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit a lot by making regular exercise a part of their lifestyle. 3. Practice Meditation A woman meditating, Credits: Pixabay Meditation is perhaps the best way to feel calm and peaceful. Devote some time to meditate by closing your eyes and focussing on your breath. Practicing meditation for just ten minutes every day will give you a clarity of thought and lower your stress. 4. Develop Self Care Habits Girl walking in the midst of nature, Credits: Pixabay Make it a habit to plan and manage your time. Set some time aside to focus on yourself entirely. Go out for a long walk and take deep breaths. Spend some time amid nature to gain more peace of mind. It will instantly alleviate all the mental pain caused due to stress. Stress is not bad. It is essential to make you feel alive. But consistently experiencing it can cause more harm than benefit. It impacts every part of your physical body, the digestive system being the foremost. Take advantage of the above techniques and live life in a stress-free manner.

All of us have experienced stress induced disorders at some point in our lives. And why not? Life itself is filled with uncertainties. Experiencing stress from time to time isn’t bad. It is crucial for your survival. Things get worse only when you continue to feel stressed for long periods of time. You might think that stress only messes up with your mental and emotional health. In reality, it might wreak havoc with your physical health too! Stress induced disorders are more common than you think. Take a look at just what stress can do to you in the form of the following diseases. Types of Stress Related Disorders Stress can worsen any existing health condition that you might be suffering from. Unrelenting stress induced disorders can weaken your immune system and put you at risk of developing a host of diseases. The most common diseases caused by stress are: Depression, anxiety, and headaches Viral infections like the common cold Indigestion Diabetes Obesity Heart diseases Cancer Premature aging Insomnia 1.  Depression, Anxiety, and Headaches A stressed woman, Credit: Pixabay Increased stress related to different aspects of life like work, relationships, or personal issues can make you highly prone to mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Chronic stress profoundly impacts the condition of our body and mind. Your attention, memory, and the ability to manage negative emotions is severely affected. It leads one to spiral into mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Prolonged stress also contributes to frequent headaches and migraines. Treat it! Begin by searching the cause behind your stress. Stop ignoring your stress. Dont be in a state of denial. Instead of losing hope, find out how you can overcome the challenges you are faced with. If you find that you cannot deal with the situation, always reach out for help. 2. Viral Infections Like Common Cold Woman suffering from cold, Credit: Pixabay You might feel like you are catching an infection every few weeks. Some days you suffer from a bad cough, other days, you have a stuffy nose that won’t let you breathe. If so, then you might want to sit back and find out if your stressed or not. Stress alters your immune system’s functioning so much so that even if you’re eating a healthy diet, you won’t feel its benefits. Treat it! Keep eating healthily, get adequate rest, and take care of your body. You will find yourself getting a lot stronger by merely relaxing and getting rid of that unwanted stress. 3. Indigestion Man experiencing discomfort, Credit: Pixabay Do you always feel bloated, have stomach cramps, and experience frequent loss of appetite? Stress can increase the levels of acid in your stomach, make you feel nauseous, and give you constipation. It decreases the oxygen and blood flow to the stomach, leading to conditions like diarrhea, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Treat it! Involve yourself in physical activities that release the hormone endorphins, which help in relieving tension and stress. Eat stress-busting foods like fruits and vegetables, chia seeds, and nut butter. Practice some meditation, which calms your heightened state of awareness due to stress. 4. Diabetes A blood glucose monitor, Credit: Pixabay Diabetes is one of the most common stress related disorders. You will get frequent urges to reach out for high sugar or high-fat snacks when you’re stressed. Increased stress releases a hormone called cortisol. Lack of physical activity and high cortisol levels may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Treat it! Check your blood sugar levels under control by eating a diet consisting of high protein and complex carbohydrates. Engage in regular physical activities and take your medications regularly. 5. Obesity obese people, Credit: Pixabay Stress can ruin your attempts at successfully losing weight. A high level of cortisol, the stress hormone, leads to ‘comfort eating’. It refers to eating more high fat and high sugar food items in large amounts. Increased stress slows your metabolism’s speed, which is essential if you’re trying to lose weight. Thus, you burn fewer calories and gain weight quickly. Treat it! Be mindful of what you’re eating. Pay attention to the portion sizes of your food. Drink more water, and prioritize a regular exercise regime. Just a 15-minute walk is enough to lower your stress levels and prevent you from overeating. 6. Heart Diseases Food for a healthy heart, Credit: Pixabay Stress accelerates your heart rate and blood flow in your body, consequently raising your blood pressure. High-stress levels raise your blood cholesterol levels. Emotional stress can trigger heart attacks and other cardiac issues. Managing stress is especially important for those people who suffer from chronic heart conditions. Treat it! Find out the reason behind your elevated stress. Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Consult a doctor if you find it hard to manage your blood pressure and need guidance on managing it. 7. Cancer Doctor with patient, redit: Pixabay Recent researches have linked stress with cancer. Chronic stress has the potential to completely shut down the body’s immune system, thus making it susceptible to a host of dangerous diseases. Long term stress causes inflammation in your body and makes you vulnerable to cancer. Higher workplace stress has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. The unhealthy behavior associated with tension and stress like smoking and drinking can also make you a victim of many diseases. Treat it! Assess the reasons behind your stress. Specific treatments like musical therapy, relaxation therapy can help alleviate excessive amounts of stress. Many treatments can help you lower your stress levels, but it all starts with admitting that your stressed and reaching out for help. 8. Premature Aging woman feeling stressed, Credit: Pixabay You can add ten more years to your appearance by being chronically stressed. The cells of your immune system age rapidly if you are stressed. On the other hand, stress-free individuals who always have a positive outlook of life age a lot slower than those who dont. Treat it! Keep yourself active and consume a well-balanced diet. Never lose hope whenever your faced with uncertain situations and always stay connected to your family and friends. You will instantly look and feel more youthful than before. 9. Insomnia Women in bed, Credit: Pixabay Sleeplessness is commonly associated with high-stress levels. Constantly feeling anxious about different aspects of your life can hamper your sleeping cycle. Chronic stress makes it difficult for you to benefit from a sound sleep. You spend hours worrying about all that’s bothering you instead of taking adequate rest. Insomnia can greatly interrupt your daily functioning and make you prone to more illnesses. Treat it! Stop thinking of troubling issues before your bedtime. Meditate before you sleep or read a book. Avoid caffeine; instead, drink a glass of milk to induce sleep. Make sure that you’re not engaging in a strenuous physical activity 3-4 hours before your bedtime. As you can see, stress induced disorders can give rise to a host of health conditions which you can easily avoid. Managing stress in the earlier stages is essential to prevent yourself from falling victim to the conditions mentioned above.

Rash refers to a change in the texture and colour of your skin rash causes. It leads to an eruption of numerous bumps or red patches on the surface of the skin. The appearance of red patches on skin or skin rashes that itch varies greatly from person to person. The rash can be concentrated on one corner of the body. It can also spread over a large area. They can be temporary or long-lasting. Some of the rashes can be painful. Others can be painless. No matter how the rash appears, its presence certainly indicates one or the other type of skin diseases. Numerous types of skin diseases begin with a rash on the skin. You need to ascertain the rash’s cause to find out if your suffering from a possible skin condition or any other condition. What Are Common Causes of Skin Rashes? Woman suffering from a skin rash., Credits: Pixabay Bacterial, fungal or viral infection causes a rash. It can also be caused by an underlying disease. On the other hand, some medications and drugs can also make your body react in the form of a red rash. Most commonly, it is associated with an allergic reaction. Scaling, blistering, and formation of ulcers on the skin are often accompanied by rashes. The rash can also be itchy and prickly. Let’s look at the most common causes behind rashes on your skin. Reaction to medication Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections Insect bites Shingles and hives Excema and psoriasis Autoimmune disease like lupus Reaction to Medication packs of medicines, Credits: Pixabay Your body can react to several medications that may cause a rash that resembles a sunburn. Allergic skin reactions to medications usually appear one or two weeks after you start its course. Some medications cause photosensitivity. You develop a susceptibility to sunlight. If you go out in the sun, your skin may develop a rash. Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral Infections Foot with fungal infection, Credits: Pixabay Candidiasis is the most common infection that causes skin rashes that itch. Athlete’s foot and ringworm are other fungal infections that cause skin disorders that may lead one to experience itchy, scaly, and red skin. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that causes the skin of the legs to become painful and red. Herpes is a common viral illness that causes the skin to burn and itching. It is followed by the formation of painful sores on the skin. Insect Bites Woman suffering from a red skin rash, Credits: Pixabay Insects stings or bites can cause redness and rashes on the skin. They are accompanied by pain, itching, and sometimes swelling of the skin. Flee bites can make the skin irritated and red. Shingles and Hives Patient with rashes on a skin part, Credits: Pixabay Skin disease like Shingles is characterized by red patches on skin with small itching bumps on it. The person may experience fatigue and mild fever before the onset of this skin disease. It is common in those people who have had a vaccine for chickenpox. Another disease that causes itchy, rapidly spreading rashes is Hives. It can be caused due to a severe allergic reaction to food or medication. If the rash on the skin is accompanied by breathing difficulties and extremely low blood pressure, a medical practitioner should immediately be consulted. Eczema and Psoriases Doctor holding a hand with a skin rash., Credits: Pixabay Skin rashes and scaly patches on the skin due to eczema are exceedingly common. There are various types of this skin condition. The most chronic and inflammatory type is known as dermatitis. It is characterized by a prominent and intensely itchy red rash, bumps, blisters, and skin swelling. Patches of red and inflamed skin also occur in psoriasis, a common skin condition among people. The skin becomes itchy and painful, and if scratched or rubbed, can even bleed. Many topical treatments like creams and ointments are prescribed by the doctor to reduce the severity of its symptoms. Autoimmune Disease Like Lupus Woman suffering from butterfly rash., Credits: Pixabay Your skin rash can also be the result of an autoimmune disease like lupus erythematosus. This kind of rash is called a butterfly-shaped rash as it spreads across the cheeks and the nose bridge. Red spots and purple rashes also appear on the face, arms, and neck. You can also feel muscle and joint pain. The symptoms of fever and fatigue also accompany its rash. Ways to Manage Skin Rashes Person applying ointment on the affected area, Credits: Pixabay Skin rashes can be very uncomfortable to live with. Not all rashes require extensive medical treatment. You can follow the ways given below to get relief from some kinds of skin rashes. Wash your skin with warm-lukewarm water. Do not use very cold or very hot water. Moisturize your skin if you’re affected by eczema. Make sure the moisturizer is unscented. Apply topical remedies like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, olive oil if you have extremely dry skin from the rash. Don’t use harsh cleansers on your skin. Don’t use excessive chemicals on the skin in the form of cosmetics. Thus, we see that a normal-looking skin rash can be due to any one of the countless causes. It is best not to self-medicate and seek a doctor’s advice if you notice a rash and also if your troubled by severe itching and burning sensation on your skin.

What Is Gamma Knife Surgery? A radiation therapy, Credits: pixabay Gamma knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery. It involves radiation to treat brain disorders and vascular malformations. The blades utilized on the gamma knife are the concentrated gamma ray beams. 192 radiation beams are specifically directed toward the brain injury/target location. Since the beams are extremely focused, the surrounding healthy tissue is far less likely to destroy it. What Are The Advantages Of Gamma Knife Surgery? There are fewer risks and complications of the surgery. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and there is little post-treatment discomfort or pain. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also not required following this surgery. What For Gamma Knife Surgery Is Used For? Brain, Credits: pixabay Gamma knife surgery is used to treat the following conditions as Follows: Acoustic neuroma Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) Brain tumors (both cancer and non-cancer) Tremors due to essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease Trigeminal neuralgia Some types of epilepsy The gamma knife can be a powerful tool for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery due to their conditions and age. Sometimes this procedure is combined with a traditional surgery to prevent tumor regrowth. The outcome of the procedure cannot be expected immediately and this procedure is not recommended for conditions that require immediate treatment. What Happens During The Procedure? Your physician may perform a complete examination and advises for the necessary investigations. You must inform your doctor the medications you are taking for diabetes, and have any implantable devices in your body. You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your procedure. Also Read: 10 Brain Foods That Help Boost Your Productivity Wash your scalp the night before your Gamma Knife®. Wear your hair loose, avoiding the use of clips, pins, or bands. Do not use hair spray or other styling products. Your head will not be shaved. You can use your morning medications, and bring all the prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with you if you have any. A radiation specialist analyzing, Credits: pexels The procedure involved during the radiosurgery is as follows: An IV line is inserted which provides easy access to deliver contrast agents for your computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The IV line provides a little amount of sedation and when necessary patients are put on general anesthesia. A box-shaped frame is attached to your head that is meant to position your head exactly for the focused treatment. Four injections of local anesthetics are given. Special pins are placed to fasten the head frame to your skull. After the head frame is properly positioned, a radiation therapist takes measurements of your head to plan for the treatment. Then, a CT and MRI scan is taken to determine the exact location of the lesion. Then the exact procedure is initiated where your head frame will be attached to a bracket on the Gamma Knife® couch that will hold your head in the precise position for your treatment. The Gamma Knife® couch you lie on will slowly move into the Gamma Knife® machine that delivers the radiation. Most treatments take 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the size, shape, and location of the lesion and number of radiation doses (“shots”). Finally, your head frame will be removed. The pin sites will be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic ointment and bandages will be applied. The IV will be removed. In some instances, treatment may be repeated in a few weeks. Most patients require 1-5 treatment sessions. What Are The Risks Associated With The Procedure? Some of the risks associated with the Gamma Knife procedure include fatigue, dizziness, numbness, seizures, swelling in the brain at or near the treatment site, scalp, and hair problems. Gamma Knife Surgery In India Here is a list of top 10 gamma knife surgery hospitals in India: Fortis Hospital Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore Artemis Hospital, New Delhi Global hospital, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon Indraprastha Apollo hospital, New Delhi Max Super specialty hospital, New Delhi Primus Super specialty hospital, New Delhi BLK Super specialty hospital, New Delhi Paras hospitals, New Delhi Jaypee hospitals, New Delhi

Being positive all the time is quite difficult. However, you must remember that a day filled with negative energy, less enthusiasm, and low inspiration is a day lost. Unless you enjoy your life and remain positive, anything becomes possible and you can accomplish endless things in your life. Here are 20 inspirational quotes that may help you stay focused and active to start your day. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take this moment and turn it to be positive. Act now. Today is going to be a good day. You have to take up one idea and live with that idea methodically to attain success. Sometimes things may not work the way you planned for. You may fail n number of times, but that does not matter until you are ready to try and try. “Try and fail, but never fail to try”. 4. As we all know that failures are the stepping stones to success, you must cherish your upcoming moments of success and not worry about the fear of losing. You have to come out of your comfort zone to attain success. Take risks, plan better, and accomplish things you wish to do. There is never going to be one fight and one victory. You have to fight endlessly to win every battle of your life. Fears are part of the thought process but do not let your fears ruin your life. Live the life you are dreaming of, do not live with your fears all the time. Motivation can be for a day or two. But if you wish to have a successful life, you must develop organized habits that help you attain your goals. 9. If you wish to be successful, you have to take calculated risks. People who succeeded were the ones who never worried about taking risks in their life. Fear has two meanings, “Face everything and rise” or “Forget Everything and Run”. To live a successful life, you have to put your fears aside, and start living your life enthusiastically. You must accept that you possess the ability to do one task in a great way, not all the tasks. Get the help of someone to do tasks you are unfamiliar with, instead of brooding over things that you cannot do. Remember that if you wish to see extraordinary results in life, you must be willing to do things you have never done before with extraordinary passion and zest. There are definitely going to be obstacles during the journey of your success. Get ready to face the obstacles to taste the sweetness of success. If you fear failure you can never succeed. Remember people who succeeded have crossed several failures. There is no success without failures. If you want to be successful, you have to get ready to face the criticism that others were thrown on you and turn it into a constructive one. You have to live a life that you wish for. Stop discussing people and events that are in no way going to help you do anything. Be ready to do a thing that scares you. If you do it once, you will be able to overcome your fear and get ready to face the upcoming challenges. If you wish to end your day with satisfaction, you have to get up with a sound determination and a strong plan. “Winners do not do different things. They do things differently”. You have to create your path and be willing to go on the less travelled path to attain success. People who wish to travel the extra mile with extreme patience and determination can be successful all the time. Also, people who are willing to take the extra steps are scarce. #dailypositivethoughtsforwork #listofdailypositivethoughts

The importance of the word ‘health’ increases as you healthy habits age. When you reach the third and fourth decades of your life, you begin to feel the impact of unhealthy lifestyle healthy habits choices pretty intensely. No longer can you get away with drinking an extra glass of beer while watching television, neglecting daily movement, or eating more sugar as an extra bite of your favourite dessert like you used to. Being healthy is not only about maintaining a perfect weight and sweating buckets to get rid of that beer belly. It has various other implications. A holistic, healthy lifestyle boosts your energy levels throughout the day, keeps you mentally stimulated, maintains better relationships, and enhances your life’s overall quality. Here are some ways by which those who have reached, or are approaching their 30s, 40s, and 50s can remain in the prime of their health. Why Is Living a Healthy Lifestyle so Important in Middle-Age? As you get older, your body changes. You are more likely to develop different problems of health. You need to adapt your body to its changing requirements. Here are some reasons why you need to embrace healthy habits in your 30s and beyond. Less physical movement and consequently low metabolism makes you prone to weight gain. You are more susceptible to developing health ailments as your immunity levels drop, and you begin to rely more on medications. The digestion of your body slows down, and it becomes difficult for you to absorb various nutrients from food. Problems like constipation, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are prevalent in middle-age. A healthy lifestyle helps you get rid of it. The above points make it clear that you need to follow a healthy diet chart according to age. Before you find a dietician to get a diet plan for yourself, it might be a good idea to read the list of healthy habits given below. You will find that an old age healthy diet chart isn’t filled with complicated meals and strict dietary guidelines. In fact, just following a few healthy habits will prove invaluable in enhancing and preserving your health. Healthy Habits for the Elderly Follow these six golden rules to benefit physically and mentally and live your mid-life with a smile on your face. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Take adequate rest. Supplement your diet with essential vitamins and minerals. Go for regular medical checkups Avoid alcohol and quit smoking 1.  Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables People making food, Credit: Pixabay Always have 2-3 servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, melon, berries, etc. Use more plant-based sources of protein like beans and legumes apart from regular protein sources. Incorporate healthy fats like omega-3 found in flax and chia seeds to protect yourself against various age-related diseases. Dont forget to drink plenty of water each day. 2. Exercise Regularly and Maintain a Healthy Weight Man working out, Credit: Pixabay Physical activity is vital to stay protected from developing any heart ailments. You can vary the intensity of your exercise according to your fitness level. Select exercises that you enjoy. A healthy weight will prevent a host of obesity-related that are common in middle-aged individuals. 3. Take Adequate Rest man sleeping, Credit: Pixabay 6-7 hours of sleep is a must for everyone. When you approach your 30s, you begin to feel the need of sufficient rest. A good night’s sleep will repair your muscles, keep you alert mentally, and boost your energy levels for the next day. It will minimize inflammation in your body and keep all the joint aches and pains at bay. 4. Supplement Your Diet with Important Vitamins and Minerals Supplement tablets, Credit: Pixabay As you age, your body becomes less efficient in synthesizing crucial vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and vitamin D from your diet. Women develop conditions like osteoporosis due to the loss of calcium from their bones. So you must supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals that your body lacks. You can consult your doctor about it. 5. Go for Regular Medical Checkups Doctor with patient, Credit: Pixabay The importance of undergoing regular medical checkups becomes more important in old age. It will enable you to find out if your starting to develop any medical conditions. You will also accordingly be able to make changes in your diet and lifestyle at the earlier stages. 6. Avoid Alcohol and Quit Smoking An empty glass with ice, Credit: Pixabay Do you know that you can add an extra decade to your life by merely avoiding alcohol and giving up the habit of smoking? It will greatly benefit you in long-run. Diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure can be easily controlled by avoiding alcohol. You will also save yourself from developing any debilitating liver disorders. The above mentioned healthy habits will keep you fit and happy as you age. You won’t fall prey to physical and mental conditions that are so common among ageing men and women. Not only you, but a healthy diet chart for indian family becomes necessary to maintain everyone’s overall wellness. Start implementing these habits as soon as you can.

Skin diseases is the largest organ of your body, measuring approximately 2 mm in thickness. Being the most visible organ, it is also the most vulnerable. There are various types of skin diseases factors that influence the condition of your skin. Some of them include climate, geography, food, nutrition, and poor skin hygiene. In a developing country like India, skin conditions are widespread. It is especially so among the older population that falls in the middle age group. Lack of basic amenities, like unadulterated, pure water, overcrowding, and lack of proper knowledge about skin care practices, play a huge role in developing various skin diseases. Almost 60% of the middle-aged Indian population suffers from various types of skin diseases. Most of such skin diseases begin with symptoms like red patches on skin, and skin rashes that itch. Generally, older adults choose to ignore such symptoms until they worsen and become problematic for them. Why Are Indians More Prone to Developing Skin Diseases? woman under the sun, Credit: Pixabay The Indian skin has been rightly called sensitive skin. It is because of the following reasons: Pollution Harsh sunlight Exposure to high temperatures 1.  Pollution India tops among the countries which are most polluted in the world. Pollution is the primary cause of developing allergies and skin conditions like eczema. High levels of pollution erode the protective ozone layer, causing more harsh UV rays to enter the skin. Most of the types of skin diseases skin rashes that itch can be attributed to the problem of rising pollution. 2.  Harsh Sunlight India is an equatorial country and hence is highly susceptible to the damaging effect of sun rays. It leads to conditions like Melasma characterized by pigmented patches on the facial skin. Direct exposure to sunlight also enhances the risk of developing skin cancer in Indians. 3.  Exposure to High Temperatures Rising temperature, heat, and excess sweat can make the skin prone to various diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Heat rash commonly occurs among older Indians because they work during those hours when the temperature is at its peak. Types of Skin Diseases in Middle-Aged Indians The seven most common types of skin diseases that middle-aged Indians face are: Eczema Psoriasis Rosacea Athlete’s foot Shingles Melasma Vitiligo 1.  Eczema Eczema skin condition, Credit: Pixabay A dry skin condition, eczema, is characterized by red and itchy skin.it is also called dermatitis. Although it is commonly observed in children, many people, especially women, are prone to developing this condition later in life. It’s symptoms include: Scaly and dry skin Patches of scaly skin in hands and feet Repeated scratching can make the skin bleed and prone to infection The disease is not contagious. It can be managed with medical treatments or with specific home remedies like applying olive oil and aloe vera on the skin and consuming flax seeds and turmeric to reduce inflammation and replenish the skin’s moisture. 2.  Psoriasis Psoriasis skin condition, Credit: Pixabay It is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to the occurrence of scaly plaques on the skin. In this condition, there is a growth of skin cells that leads to white, patchy, and flaky areas on the skin that do not shed away. Psoriasis is also not an infectious disease. It generally affects people in their 40s. Men are more prone to developing this disease than women. You can seek medical treatment to manage the disease. Apart from that, you can also apply topical solutions like aloe vera, garlic, neem, jasmine flower paste to get relief from it. Consuming a vegan and high protein diet has also been shown to be effective in managing the disease. 3.  Rosacea Rosacea skin condition, Credit: Pixabay The disease is prevalent in both men and women in the 30s age group. Men are more susceptible to reaching the chronic stage of this skin disease as they avoid seeking medical treatment for it. Its symptoms include: Red patches on skin, particularly on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Pimples and bumps on the face. Burning sensation. Swollen and watery eyes. Raised red patches on the skin Skin itchiness, especially on the face It is caused due to severe sunburn, extremely cold weather, exposure to searing temperatures, anxiety, and stress. Oral and topical medications are prescribed by doctors to treat this condition. Antibiotics and skin creams are also administered to the patient. It is advised to seek medical treatment immediately as you experience its symptoms. 4.  Athlete’s Foot Athlete’s foot skin condition, Credit: Pixabay This skin disorder gets triggered quickly during humid and hot weather. It is a fungal infection that needs the immediate attention of a dermatologist as it is highly contagious. Its symptoms include: Burning skin. Inflamed and red skin. Scaly, itchy, and dry skin. Cracked and blistered skin. This condition is known to develop due to excessive moisture and heat in unventilated areas. Apart from seeking a dermatologist’s help, you can also use foot drying powders, antiperspirants, topical and oral antifungal medications to treat it. 5.  Shingles shingles skin condition, Credit: Pixabay Also known as herpes, this skin disorder is caused mainly due to the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (i.e., varicella-zoster). It’s characterized by a painful rash along with blisters on one side of the face or body. This skin disorder is pervasive among people in their 50s. Its symptoms include: Fever, fatigue, and headache. Painful burning sensation in the area affected. Itchy and painful blisters. You should seek medical treatment if you find yourself experiencing its symptoms. Apart from that, you can prevent it by keeping in mind to always cover the rash, and washing your hands. 6.  Melasma Melasma skin condition, Credit: Pixabay It is a chronic skin disorder which is characterized by a pigmented, brown, black skin. It is mainly caused due to sun exposure. Exposure to high temperatures is the leading cause of this disease. It is common in those Indian females aged between 40-65 years who suffer from a thyroid condition. It is commonly observed in people with dark skin. Melasma typically forms on the cheeks, bridge of nose, forearms, and forehead. Treatment procedures of Melasma include chemical peel, laser surgery, and microdermabrasion. 7.  Vitiligo Vitiligo skin condition, Credit: Pixabay Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white spots or patches on the skin. It greatly affects the social and psychological aspects of an individual’s life. It is considered an autoimmune disease and does not currently have a specific cure. Other possible causes have been linked to gene mutation and sunburn. Various surgeries, including skin grafting, tattooing, and laser therapies, are currently being developed to manage this disease. The above-mentioned skin conditions affect the majority of older Indians. It is essential to identify the symptoms at the earliest and seek appropriate medical help. It would stop the disease from progressing further. Maintaining proper skin hygiene is crucial to prevent yourself from various skin diseases.

Swaddling is nothing but covering your baby in a blanket or sheet so that she will feel extremely safe, comfortable, and secure. Though this is an age-old technique, it is still practiced and has its benefits and risks. Continue reading to know more about swaddling. What Is Swaddling? Wrapping your baby with a thin blanket or sheet is a way to soothe your baby and this will allow them to have a complete sleep. You have to swaddle in such a way that only their head is peeking out. This culture has been in practice for centuries and is becoming more popular in the UK. Swaddling gives a feeling to your baby that she is in your womb. This technique is not compulsory and you can decide whether to opt for it or not. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, practicing swaddling in the right way can be an effective method to promote sleep in infants. How To Swaddle Your Baby Correctly? A mother and baby, Credits: pixabay Correctly swaddling your baby is important. The following procedure is adapted from the “American Academy of Pediatrics” website. The first step is to spread your baby’s blanket on a flat surface, with one corner folded down. Place your baby face-up on the blanket. Her head should be above the folded corner, and her body should extend straight down toward the bottom corner. Straighten her left arm, and wrap the left corner of the blanket over her body and tuck it between her right arm and the right side of her body. Then tuck the right arm down, and fold the right corner of the blanket over her body and under her left side. Fold or twist the bottom of the blanket loosely and tuck it under one side of the baby. Make sure her hips can move and that the blanket is not too tight. “You want to be able to get at least two or three fingers between the baby’s chest and the swaddle”. Swaddling can be done during the night, but you must ensure that it is done properly. What are the Benefits of Swaddling? A baby sleeping, Credits: pixabay The following are the benefits of swaddling. Better sleep Feeling of mother’s womb Help preterm babies Provide warmth Better Sleep Newborns have lots of reflex in their initial few months. One such reflex is the startle reflex, which is nothing but the sudden jerk of her body while sleeping. This reflex is completely normal. This reflex is seen from birth and may last until 12 weeks or six months of age. In some babies, startling reflexes may jolt a baby to wake from sleep. However, swaddling your baby may help prevent these jerks and may induce sound sleep in them. Feeling Of Mother’s Womb Some people believe that swaddling gives a baby a feeling that they are in their mother’s womb and soothe them and also such babies tend to cry less often.  Swaddling can help your baby to have long stretches of sleep. Help Preterm Babies A study published in 2007 states that swaddling can help preterm babies. When swaddled appropriately, their neuromuscular development, motor organization, and feelings of distress tend to improve. Provide Warmth Until your baby’s internal thermostat starts to function, swaddling can help your baby feel the warmth and relaxation. What are the Risks of Swaddling? A tired baby sleeping, Credits: pixabay The following are the risks of swaddling Hip problems SIDS Overheating Respiratory issues Contact inhibition Hip Problems If you swaddle your baby too tightly, it may affect her mobility and development. Tightly wrapping a baby’s legs may lead to problems in the hip like hip dislocation or hip dysplasia. It is important that when you swaddle your baby, you must provide the space to move their legs and feet. SIDS Some believe that swaddling increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, it seems that risk is due to unsafe swaddling and you must ensure that babies always sleep on her back. Sometimes swaddling can decrease sleep arousal which is the main cause of SIDS. Over Heating Using too many blankets may overheat your baby. Respiratory Issues Swaddling too tightly can lead to respiratory issues. When you swaddle your baby too loosely, there are chances that the blanket may cover her face and may make her breathing difficult. Contact Inhibition Swaddling can affect breastfeeding as skin to skin contact is inhibited. Safety Tips It is important to stop swaddling once your baby starts to roll on her side or tummy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, swaddling your baby has to be stopped when she is two months old. If you are planning to swaddle your baby, start doing it from birth. Do not begin to swaddle at two or three months, when the risk of SIDS is higher. It is not advisable to swaddle your baby if you plan to co-sleep with her. Your bedclothes, swaddle blankets altogether can induce too much heat, thereby increasing the risk of SIDS. Always use light and soft blankets to avoid physical discomfort. Always place the crib or bassinet in a smoke-free area. Take-Home Message Swaddling can be an effective method to soothe your baby when done correctly.

The moment you go to a gynecologist for a supplementation during pregnancy test, and when it comes out positive, the first and foremost thing your doctor prescribes is folic acid. Do you know why it is important during pregnancy? Here we are discussing the sources of folic acid and the role of folic acid during pregnancy. What Is Folic Acid? Folic acid is a B9 vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of new cells and the development of a healthy fetus. Folic acid is crucial for neural tube development. During the entire life, folic acid is required for normal growth and development. A deficiency of folate can cause anemia and peripheral neuropathy to the mother and congenital abnormalities to the fetus. What Are The Sources Of Folic Acid? Fortified Foods Green beans, Credits: pexels The following are sources of folic acid Vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, English spinach, green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnip, sweet corn, zucchini) Fruit (avocado, grapefruit, orange) Legumes (chickpeas, soya beans, lima beans, red kidney beans, lentils, haricot beans) Eggs Nuts Juices (many apple and orange juices) Corn masa flour Check the nutrient facts label, and ensure that the product has a 100% folate. Supplementation Many prenatal vitamins contain 600mcg of folic acid. Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy A woman with medicines in her hand,Credits: pexels During the early stages of development, folic acid helps in the formation of the neural tube. Women during their reproductive years require 400 micrograms of folic acid per day because most of the birth defects in the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy (3-4 weeks after conception) before most women know they are pregnant. Why Folic Acid Is Important Supplementation  During Pregnancy? A fetus, Credits: pexels It is estimated that approximately 3,000 babies are born with neural tube defects (NTD) in the United States each year.The prevalence of NTD in India is 4.5 per 1000 total births. A Neural tube is an embryonic structure that is formed early in pregnancy. It is a narrow sheath that closes to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. During the process of embryonic development, the top portion of the neural tube becomes the brain and the remainder becomes the spinal cord.  This process of closure of the neural tube gets over by the 28th day of pregnancy. The problems that happen during this process result in a condition called spina bifida. In this condition, the spine does not close fully and results in damage to the spinal column. In some cases, this defect can be very much visible which can result in an opening in the back. In others, there can be no opening and the defect remains concealed under the skin. Other conditions like Anencephaly (the brain does not develop properly) can also happen if the neural tube does not close properly. Babies born with NTD may need to have surgeries and can have long term disabilities. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Maternal folic acid supplementation is shown to significantly reduce the risks of congenital heart defects. These defects happen when the heart or blood vessels don’t grow normally before birth. Folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy helps prevent cleft lip and cleft palate When Do I Require A Higher Dose Of Folic Acid? During the following conditions, you may require high doses of folic acid. Either you or your baby’s biological father has a neural tube defect. You had a previous pregnancy affected by an_ If there is a family history of NTD You have diabetes You are on medications for epilepsy, asthma, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. If you have kidney disease and on dialysis Have sickle cell disease Liver disease Take-Home Message It is advisable to take folic acid supplementation if you plan to get pregnant as this vitamin is essential to you and your baby.

There are various schemes offered by the government to support people with disabilities. Who Offers The Schemes For Disabled? The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment facilitates the empowerment of the persons with disabilities. It is estimated that as per Census 2011 there are 2.68 crores and 2.21 percent of disabled people in the total population of the Country. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has launched the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) as a nation-wide Campaign for achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). What Are The Various Forms Of Disabilities? The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is the disability legislation passed by the Indian Parliament to fulfill its obligation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which India ratified in 2007.  As per the “The right of persons with disabilities bill, 2016”, the following are the forms of disabilities. Blindness Low vision Leprosy cured persons Locomotor disability Dwarfism Intellectual disability Mental illness Cerebral palsy Specific learning disabilities Speech and language disability Hearing impairment (deaf and hard of hearing) Muscular dystrophy Acid attack victim Parkinson’s disease Multiple sclerosis Thalassemia Hemophilia Sickle cell disease Autism spectrum disorder Chronic neurological conditions Multiple disabilities including deafblindness Benefits for People with Disabilities The Government of India offers the following benefits to people with disabilities. Tax deduction Educational schemes for persons with disabilities Employment benefits for persons with disabilities 4. Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation Tax Deduction Persons with disabilities are eligible for a tax deduction. The ministry of finance offers an income tax deduction for Persons with disabilities. Notification / Scheme SchemeDeduction under 80UFor persons with disabilities in the range of 40 to 80%, a deduction of Rs 50,000 is provided. For persons with disabilities of more than 80%, a tax deduction of Rs. 1,00,000 is providedDeduction under 80DDLegal guardians of dependant persons with disabilities are eligible for income tax deduction under section 80DD for expenditures incurred on medical care, training, and rehabilitation expenses or annuity paid. Deduction of Rs. 50,000 tax deductioncan be claimed for dependents with 40 percent to 80 percent disability and Rs. 1,00,000 can be claimed for dependants with 80 percent or more disabilities. Educational Schemes for Persons With Disabilities A person drawing, Credits: pexels We are discussing the following educational schemes that are available for people with disabilities. Scheme of National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities. 3% reservation in government-aided institutions Comprehensive Education Scheme for Disabled Children Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship scheme DivyangjanSwavalambanYojana Scheme AICTE: Saksham Scholarship scheme Scheme of National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities What for? For pursuing post-matric / professional/technical courses of duration more than one year. Eligibility criteria If the disability is above 40%, and the total family income is not more than 15,000 per month. For students with autism / cerebral palsy / mental retardation / multiple disabilities, the scholarship is provided from Class 9 onwards. Fees up to Rs. 10,000 are reimbursed every year. Financial assistance is provided for procuring computer with editing software for students with visual impairment/hearing impairment pursuing graduate/post graduate professional courses and support access software for students with cerebral palsy. Issuing authority of this scheme: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment A 3% reservation in seats is allotted in government and government-aided educational institutions for students with disabilities. Issuing authority of this scheme: Ministry of Education Comprehensive Education Scheme for Disabled Children Benefits of this scheme: Uniforms and stationery, specialized learning aids, and scholarships for students with disabilities Extra time in examinations for disabled students, exemption from the third language. Exemption from mathematics and pictorial questions for visually impaired students, use of scribes / readers for students with visual impairment / orthopedic disabilities/learning disabilities. Issuing authority of this scheme: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) Eligibility: Children with disabilities of age above 14, this scheme helps children to complete secondary education in government, local body, and government-aided schools. Persons with disabilities are provided with aids and appliances and access to learning material. Persons with disabilities are provided transport and hostel facilities, scholarships, books, assistive technologies, and provision of scribes and readers. Issuing authority of this scheme: Department of Education Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship Scheme This fellowship is intended to provide scholarships to persons with disabilities to pursue higher education programs like M Phil and PhD. A total of 200 fellowships are provided every year and the maximum duration for this scheme is five years. Students pursuing education in institutions affiliated to university grants commission or any academic institution are eligible to apply for this fellowship. Issuing authority of this scheme: Department of Disability Affairs. The main objective of the Scheme is to assist the needy disabled persons by providing concessional loans for economic and overall empowerment. The scheme offers benefits to pursue higher education, and carry out vocational or skill development (ITI, Diploma any other course leading to enhancement of employment or self-employment). The eligibility criteria is a person should be an Indian citizen, with 40% disability, and age above 18 years. In case of persons with mental retardation, the age limit would be 14 years. 7. AICTE: Saksham Scholarship Scheme Saksham is an MHRD Scheme being implemented by AICTE aimed at providing encouragement and support to specially-abled children to pursue Technical Education. A total of 1000 scholarships are awarded every year. The candidate should be admitted to a Degree or diploma course in AICTE approved institution. The selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination. Reservation-15% for SC, 7.5% for ST and 27% for OBC candidate/applicant. EmploymentBenefits for Persons With Disabilities A disabled person working, Credits: pexels The Indian government has reserved three percent posts in Groups A, B, C, and Group D positions in government services, public sector banks, and government undertakings for persons with disabilities. The reservations are provided as:CategoryReservationVisually impaired1%Hearing-impaired1%Physically disabled1% A roster of 100 points is prescribed for reserving positions for persons with disabilities in government employment. Points on the roster are reserved as given below for every year:CategoryRoster PointVisually Impaired34Hearing Impaired67Physically disabled100 If for any year the vacancies reserved for persons with disabilities are not filled, the vacancies are required to be carried forward for three consecutive years until a suitable candidate is found. If a suitable candidate is not found even after three years, the vacancies may be filled through interchanging between disabilities after which the reservation ceases to exist. People with disabilities are provided an age relaxation of ten years in the upper age limit for recruitment in government institutions. They are exempted from paying application and examination fees. Persons with disabilities are given an age relaxation of up to ten years in the upper age limit for recruitment to government positions. They are also exempted from payment of application fees and examination fees. If the person with disabilities is medically fit and can perform their duties satisfactorily, they are eligible for promotion and are not denied on account of their disability. Persons with disabilities recruited under group C and Group D category are offered postings nearest to their native places within the region. Persons with disabilities are given priority by the government if they receive requisition letters for transfer to their nearest offices. The government has arranged special employment exchanges for persons with disabilities in all state capitals and special employment cells have been set up in all district headquarters for recruitment to government posts reserved for persons with disabilities. People with disabilities can avail of these benefits and register themselves with the special employment exchanges/cells to be eligible for government employment under reservation. The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation provides loans to persons with disabilities for self-employment. The eligibility criteriaare as follows Should have a disability of minimum 40 percent Should be an Indian citizen Hold the required professional/technical qualification for the business undertaken Loans should be repaid by a maximum of 10 years. Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation Health insurance, Credits: pexels The following schemes are discussed in this category The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme Composite Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities (CRCs) District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase /Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme) The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) Indira AwaasYojana Scheme of National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme Central assistance of Rs 300 per month per beneficiary is provided to persons with severe or multiple disabilities in the age group of 18-79 years. This scheme is implemented in eight districts of Manipur and a total of Rs. 13.4 lakhs has been received by the State Government for this scheme in 2010-11. Composite Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities (CRCs) To provide preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation like education, health, employment, and vocational training, research and manpower development, rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, the Ministry has set up composite regional centers at Srinagar, Sundernagar (Himachal Pradesh), Lucknow, Bhopal, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad (No. 6-9/2009-NIs) and Guwahati. District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) With the help of state government, the ministry has set of DDRCs. These centers intend  to provide services for prevention and early detection, referral for medical intervention and surgical correction, fitment of artificial aids and appliances, therapeutical services such as physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, provision of training for acquisition of skills through vocational training, job placement in local industries, etc. at district headquarters as well as through camp approach. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase /Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme) This scheme intends to provide aids and appliances to people with disabilities and promote their physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation. The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) This corporation has been set up by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The NHFDC functions as an Apex institution for channelizing the funds to persons with disabilities through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the State Government(s). The schemes include loans for setting up a small businesses in service/trading/industrial units, for higher studies/professional training, for manufacturing /production of assistive devices for disabled persons, for agricultural activities, for self-employment amongst persons with mental retardation, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) This scheme offers financial assistance through NGOs for providing education, vocational training, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. The maximum level of support could be up to 90% of the eligible amount of grant for the project. Indira AwaasYojana It is a centrally sponsored housing scheme for providing dwelling units free of cost to the rural poor living below the poverty line at a unit cost of Rs. 20,000 in plain areas and Rs. 22,000 in the hill/difficult areas. Three percent of its funds are reserved for the benefit of disabled persons living below the poverty line in rural areas. Scheme of National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities As a mode to encourage the efforts of people with disabilities, awards are presented to the most efficient/outstanding employees with disabilities, best employers, tax deduction best placement agency/officer, outstanding individuals, outstanding institutions, role models, outstanding creative disabled individuals, and for outstanding technological innovation and adaptation of innovation to provide cost-effective technology. Preference is given to the placement of women with disabilities, particularly, from rural areas and self-employed women. Schemes for People with Disabilities People interacting, Credits: pexels The following schemes are available for people with disabilities. Disha Vikaas Samarth GHARAUNDA (Group Home for Adults) Nirmaya Sahyogi Prena Sambhav Disha This scheme aims at setting up Disha Centres for early intervention for Persons with Disability (PwD) in 0-10 years of age covered under the National Trust Act, through therapies, training, and providing support to family members. This scheme is available in the entire country except for Jammu and Kashmir. Vikaas This scheme is intended to enhance interpersonal and vocational skills. The scheme helps in supporting family members of the PwDs to get some time during the day to fulfill other responsibilities. Samarth This scheme aims at setting up Samarth Centres for providing respite and residential care of the specified categories of Persons with Disability (PwD). GHARAUNDA (Group Home for Adults) This scheme aims at setting up GharaundaCentres for life long shelter and care of Persons with Disability (PwD) covered under the National Trust Act. Nirmaya This is a health insurance scheme that provides coverage of up to 1 lakh. Facilities for OPD treatment are also covered under this scheme. This includes medicines, pathology, regular Medical checkup for non-ailing disabled, Dental Preventive Dentistry, Surgery to prevent further aggravation of disability, Non- Surgical/ Hospitalization, corrective Surgeries for existing Disability including congenital disability. Sahyogi This scheme aims Setup Care Associate Cells (CACs). Provide training and create a skilled workforce of care associates to provide adequate and nurturing care for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their families who require it. It also seeks to provide parents an opportunity to get trained in caregiving if they so desire. Provide a choice of training through two levels of courses primary and advanced Prena Prerna is the marketing assistance scheme to create viable and widespread channels for the sale of products and services produced by people with disabilities. This scheme aims at providing funds to participate in events such as exhibitions, melas, fairs, etc. to sell the products made by PwDs. The National Trust shall fund RO participation in national, regional, state and district level events such as fairs, exhibitions, melas etc. for marketing and selling products and services prepared by PwDs. At least 51% of employees of these work centres should be PwDs covered under the National Trust Act. Sambhav This scheme aims to Setup an additional resource centre, in each city of the country. Collate and collect the Aids, software, and other forms of assistive devices developed with a provision of display and demonstration of the devices. Maintaining information, pertaining to aids and assistive devices present at Sambhavcentre, on the National Trust website. Provide information and easy access to devices, appliances, aids, software etc. Display and demonstration of the devices to the concerned stakeholders Take-Home Message The Government of India initiated these schemes to support people with disabilities.

Diabetes that is identified for the first time during pregnancy is termed as “Gestational diabetes (GD)”. The high sugar levels, if not properly managed, can cause complications to the diabetic mother and the baby. Here we are discussing ways to manage gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes in India About 18% of women may experience gestational diabetes while pregnant but only 7% of those pregnancies will have complications. It is estimated that about 4 million women are affected by gestational diabetes in India, at any given time point. Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes There are no noticeable symptoms of gestational diabetes. Excessive thirst, dry mouth, tiredness, and more-frequent urination are the common features noticed. Risk factors of Gestational Diabetes Overweight woman, Credits: pixabay The cause of gestational diabetes is not well established. The following are the risk factors of the disease as follows: Overweight and obesity Lack of physical activity Hormonal imbalances like PCOD Prediabetes Family history of diabetes Previously delivering a baby with a weight more than 4.1 kilograms Race — Women who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. What Are The Complications Of Gestational Diabetes? Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause problems like Need for induced labour or C-section Premature birth Preeclampsia Stillbirth The Baby’s weight may be excess and may develop breathing problems How to Diagnose Gestational Diabetes? Woman checking blood sugar levels, Credits: pixabay Gestational diabetes is identified during the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy through an oral glucose tolerance test or glucose challenge test. The American Diabetes Association has set the following “above-normal” levels Fasting:  At or above 92 mg/dL 1 Hour: At or above 180 mg/dL 2 Hour: At or above 153 mg/dL How to Manage Gestational Diabetes? Managing your sugar levels during pregnancy is crucial to reduce the risk of complications to the mother and the baby. You can try the following if you have GD or at risk of developing GD. Have a Healthy Weight Before Pregnancy If you plan to become pregnant, make sure you have an optimum weight. Losing the extra weight beforehand can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Losing weight during pregnancy is not recommended; hence it is better to plan for weight loss before pregnancy. Choose Healthy Foods Carrots, Credits: pixabay Eat foods rich in fiber and consume vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Watch portion sizes and have a well “balanced diet”. Opt for foods that are high in nutrition and fiber, and low in fat and calories. Limit the intake of sweets and refined carbohydrates. When you follow a healthy eating plan, it is important to remember how much to eat, when to eat, and which foods to eat. If necessary, get the help of a registered dietician or a diabetes educator. They may help you create a plan according to your weight, your blood sugar levels, food preferences, and lifestyle habits. Stay Physically Active A woman walking, Credits: pixabay Stay physically active before and during pregnancy. Involve yourself in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a good way to stay active. Involve in regular housework activities and gardening. Regular exercises not only help manage your sugar levels but help prevent discomfort during pregnancy like back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation, and trouble sleeping. When planning to stay physically active, you must remember the following Not to involve in sports where you could fall or hurt your abdomen like soccer and basketball Avoid brisk exercises during extreme weathers Do not use steam rooms, hot tubs, and saunas Avoid exercises that allow you to lie flat on your back after 12 weeks of your pregnancy. Ideal and Consistent Weight Gain Weight gain during pregnancy is normal. But a sudden increase in weight can be a risk factor for gestational diabetes. Do not cross the recommended levels of weight. Monitor Sugar Levels If you have GD, your doctor advises to check your blood sugar levels frequently, one reading in the morning and one reading after 1 hour of eating, and the second reading after 2 hours of eating. The levels must stay in the recommended range. Medications A doctor holding an injection, Credits: pixabay If your doctor feels that exercise and a healthy diet are not enough to manage your diabetes, he may prescribe insulin injections. Approximately 10 to 20% of women require insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels. Oral drugs are also available to treat GD, but how effective are they is are question of debate. Monitoring Your Baby Your doctor may recommend frequent ultrasounds to check the growth and development of your baby. If you don’t have a labor pain during your due date, a labor pain may be induced as the risk of complications may increase after the due date. Follow up After delivery, your blood sugar levels will be checked in six weeks to twelve weeks. If the levels are normal, there are no issues. However, a periodic checking is necessary every two years. Take-Home Message Gestational diabetes can be well managed with the right diet and the right set of physical activities.