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The eternal question from time immemorial : Is crying good for health? Well, firstly we will put the facts forward as they are, and later discuss its effects on health. WHAT IS CRYING Crying is an intricate secretomotor phenomenon which involves the shedding of tears from the lacrimal organ. It involves a variety of facial expressions due to stimulation of the facial muscles and also includes distinct sounds and respiratory gasps that are made. Crying and its effects can be broadly classified into 2 categories- Effects within the individual- The effects of crying on the individual per se are primarily of relief from stress and anxiety along with mood enhancement in most cases. Effects in society- The effects of crying on the society is an appeal seen for presence and attachment needs from the caregiver. Some theories are there which show crying promoting empathy and bonding behavior and reducing inter-personal animosity. CRYING AND SELF-SOOTHING BEHAVIOR Self-soothing is a form of emotion regulation that has external and internal factors aimed at evaluating and changing emotional reactions to calm the individual in distress. It can be categorized as response-focused emotion regulation which refers to dealing with one’s emotion after the onset of a situation so that the negative feelings/emotions attached to the situation are modulated. In simple terms, self-soothing is multiple responses of the individual to relieve him from recently received stress. The responses can be with individuals trying to keep themselves busy, engaging in physical activity, talking it out with friends and family, or even the use of drugs and alcohol as a mode of escapism. Such behaviors are seen not only in later life but since birth such as when the infant is stressed (absence of mother). It resorts to behaviors like thumb sucking, twirling hair. Another important concept linked with self-soothing is catharsis which is an experience of relief when the individual resorts to swearing, crying or aggressive acts in response to the stress. This is an integral concept of modern psychodynamic theories which claim that the expression of emotions, in general, brings relief (catharsis) vs inhibition of expression which may cause the development of various kind of somatic and mental health problems. CRYING AND MOOD IMPROVEMENT There are physiological and chemical parameters which confirm the correlation between crying and mood improvement. It includes the following: Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS system) – activation of PNS accompanies states of rest and restoration. Some theories point towards stressful events resulting in deactivation of the PNS system resulting in crying followed by an increase in the PNS system post tearful crying. Blood clearance and detoxification – It was claimed that crying influences well being through elimination via tears of stress hormones like cortisol. It was later indeed confirmed when levels of cortisol in women sharply decreased post a crying episode. Opioid release –  Endogenous opioids or endorphins are natural painkillers released by the body post an episode of crying and cause a sense of numbing helping to endure the stress. Oxytocin – In humans, oxytocin is known to decrease the amygdala(emotional center) activity in response to threatening social stimuli, increase calmness and general well-being, and to decrease anxiety and cortisol levels during socially stressful events. Nerve growth factor release(NGF) – NGF, a protein responsible for the restoration of neural cells is found in the lacrimal glands, has shown to have mood-elevating effects in mammals and hypothesis of its effects on the trigeminal nerves via passing through nasal cavity from lacrimal gland during crying has been postulated. Changes in cerebral blood supply – It postulates that negative emotions like crying lead to a decrease in cerebral blood flow leading to low emotional states. Stereotypical behaviors – In humans, stereotypical movements such as body rocking or head bobbing seem to numb/distract the individual from a constant stimulus such as pain, helping achieve calmness. CRYING AND OTHER ASSOCIATED BENEFITS Helps in sleep – It has been proven that crying helps babies to sleep better. In the case of adults, it is hypothesized that the calming, mood-enhancing, and pain-relieving effects of crying may help them fall asleep faster. Antibacterial property – Tears contain fluid called lysozyme which is a very powerful antimicrobial and has proven efficacy over even anthrax. Improve vision – Basal tears, which are released every time a person blinks, help to keep the eyes moist, and crying completely cleanses the eyes as well as the eyelids. So next time you are about to swell up with emotions due to that fight you had, or a sad movie you watched, go ahead and let go of the tears and let your emotions out because crying is good not only for the soul but also for the body and you would also have a scientific basis for that.

Chlamydiae are small obligate intracellular(can reproduce only inside the cells) microorganisms that preferentially infect squamocolumnar cells(a type of cells found in the body). They include the genera Chlamydia(Chlamydia trachomatis) and Chlamydophila(Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydophila psittaci). Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for causing multiple infections like- Trachoma- Serious eye disease endemic in Africa and Asia characterized by chronic conjunctivitis which can lead to blindness. Genital tract infections Lymphogranuloma venereum is associated with genital ulcer disease in tropical countries. Chlamydia infects the squamocolumnar junction in the ectocervix found in young sexually active females. It invokes the production of antibodies in the form of IgA, IgM, and IgG. Chlamydiae has a life cycle adaptive to both intracellular and extracellular environments but can reproduce only in the intracellular environment as it requires the energy of the host cell(ATP) to do so. The bacterium usually spreads through the sexual route thus called STD. An infected male has a 25% chance per sexual encounter of transmitting the infection to an uninfected female. The transmission rate from mother to newborn is about 50-60% primarily causing conjunctivitis. The incubation period of the disease is 1-3 weeks. Around 50% of infected males and 80% of infected females are asymptomatic. Among the symptomatic ones most commonly seen include mucopurulent cervicitis in females and urethritis in males and rarely Pelvic inflammatory disease in females and epididymitis in males. The co-infection of chlamydia and gonorrhea is most common. Specific risk factors seen for chlamydial infection include- Multiple sexual partners history Age 15-24 years Poor socioeconomic conditions History of previous STD TREATMENT OF CHLAMYDIA Keys to the management of chlamydial infection include- Arriving at a correct diagnosis Ensuring patient compliance Undiagnosed chlamydia can progress to pelvic inflammatory diseases which may lead to relative or absolute infertility. Many times STDs are misdiagnosed as a case of Urinary tract infection and only later understood therefore safeguarding, and additional testing against this is required. Adolescents are at high risk for non-compliance with treatment especially if the patient is attempting to keep information away from parents. Single-dose, in-office treatment is being used to improve compliance and confidentiality. Partner treatment is crucial for the prevention of reinfection. ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY Chlamydiae are susceptible to antibiotics that interfere with DNA and protein synthesis that include tetracyclines, macrolides, and quinolones. CDC recommends azithromycin and doxycycline as first-line drugs for the treatment of chlamydial infection. Medical treatment with these agents is 95% effective. Alternative agents include erythromycin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Treatment for uncomplicated genital tract infection has been doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. However, high single-dose azithromycin is equally effective, keeping in mind that the FDA had released a warning in 2013 against azithromycin notorious for causing potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore patients with known QT interval abnormality on ECG should take doxycycline instead. Treatment for upper genital tract complications must be vigorously sought out because of potential complications. Inadequately treated PID can lead to sepsis, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. Management of PID should always be three-pronged and directed against C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, and anaerobic bacteria. It is divided into 2 categories Outpatient PID- Initial single-dose intramuscular therapy with a second or third-generation cephalosporin plus 14 days of doxycycline with or without metronidazole twice daily for 14 days Inpatient PID- Iv infused cephalosporin along with a 14-day course of doxycycline. Treatment is also indicated for sexual partners of the index case if the time of the last sexual encounter was within 60 days of onset and it should be considered for longer periods for the last sexual partner. POST THERAPY CARE Follow-up culture is not recommended after azithromycin or doxycycline therapy but retesting is recommended at 3 months after therapy because of the high risk of reinfection in women and men. Patients should abstain from sexual intercourse till completion of their and their partner’s treatment.

Arthritis is a condition which is characterised with inflammation of the joints leading to pain. Unfortunately, the condition does not have a cure but there are many techniques of management which can help you in effectively dealing with the disease. In a disease like arthritis lifestyle changes are a necessity to improve quality of life and decrease the effect of the disease. People with arthritis can be subjected to large amounts of pain but some activities can help decrease it. Diet plays a vital role in managing the disease but today we look at some other lifestyle changes that can help with arthritis. Stress Management There are studies which show that stress levels are directly proportional to the pain caused by arthritis. Heightened stress levels have become a part of life today and a large chunk of the world’s population has stress issues but managing stress becomes important in arthritis. The aim should be to have a lifestyle with a minimum stress level. The following activities can help relieve stress: Meditation Meditation has many positive effects on the body. Image Credis: Freepik It is a technique which focuses on achieving a clear mind and a stable state using tools such as mindfulness. Meditation has been linked to stress management in life as it allows an individual to control their thoughts better. Long term practitioners of meditation also state that it helps in managing chronic pain conditions as well. It is an activity worth trying. Exercises Physical activities are a must for managing stress levels and it is important to include them in your daily life. Arthritis does decrease the number of choices you have but there are still many exercises which can be done depending on your condition. Leisure Activities Playing a musical instrument can be relaxing and relieve stress. Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures Having a feel-good factor in your life greatly decreases the stress you suffer from. Identify the activities that you love and give them time. It could be anything from playing an instrument to watching a movie. Things which provide you leisure have a good effect on stress. Other Activities Many people find their stress-relieving activities. These can be aromatherapy, using stress balls or gardening. The possibilities are endless. Find your own and focus on stress relief. Optimising Your Environment The environment in which you live can have a major impact on arthritis. An effective lifestyle change could be optimising your life in a way where you eliminate pain-causing activities and use devices which can help. The goal of optimisation is to do activities in a way where they cause the least amount of discomfort. Avoiding Painful Tasks Many daily activities such as taking the stairs or routes which involve a lot of walking can cause additional pain. One optimisation technique is to find routes where the walking is minimum and you can avoid the stairs. This may seem like an unnecessary task to some but it can have a major impact in decreasing the pain. Using Devices Walking with a cane can reduce pain. Image Credits: Pxfuel Equipment such as a broom which is used to sweep the floor can be replaced with a vacuum cleaner. This will help in reducing strain on your joints. Do not be shy to use medical equipment such as a cane or a walker. Many people have reported that such devices have decreased their pain. Be Comfortable Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes at all times. Wearing wrong shoes can be very painful as they can increase pressure on joints. Weight Loss A higher than optimum weight can have a very bad effect on arthritis. If you are overweight you should focus on reducing it. Although weight loss requires changes to your diet, you should also focus on exercise and physical activity which are essential in reducing weight. Other Lifestyle Changes There are some additions which can be done to your lifestyle to manage arthritis better. These activities can have a direct impact on arthritis. Yoga Yoga helps in decreasing pain due to arthritis. Image Credits: Wallpaper Flare The ancient practice of yoga has many positive effects on the body. It improves overall body functions and its practitioners claim that performing can directly relieve arthritis pain. It improves the functioning of the joints which results in pain reduction. Be careful to try this with an experienced instructor who has been informed of your arthritis. Reduce Smoking and Drinking People diagnosed with arthritis are advised to refrain from smoking and drinking. There are studies which show that smoking can cause severe forms of arthritis. Takeaway It may be a difficult task in the beginning but try making lifestyle changes to deal with arthritis better. The condition can get worse if it is not managed properly. Another important point to understand is that one lifestyle change or one medication is not enough to effectively manage arthritis in most cases. You need to make a combination of healthy changes to keep arthritis at bay. #lifestylechangesforarthritis

Food plays an important role in maintaining the health of an individual. While certain foods can help make you healthy some of them can also build toxic materials in your body. So, it’s important to check your diet and include foods that detoxify and cleanse the body naturally and help cure various disorders that plague the general health of an Individual. Adding natural cleansing foods to your diet can help get rid of toxins naturally, To detoxify the body naturally, consider adding some of these cleansing foods to your diet. #1 Garlic Caption: Garlic, Credits: pixabay Garlic is considered to be one of the healthiest herbs in the world. The herb is rich in vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc are also known to possess antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties. The herb not only detoxifies your body but also strengthens your immunity and protects your body from foreign invaders. Garlic has been found to be beneficial in cases of lead, mercury and aluminium toxicity. It purifies the blood and improves circulation. Add crushed garlic to your food, or saute it with a little oil and use it as a seasoning on your salad. It can add spicy tinge to your food and fetch you with numerous health benefits. #2 Onion Caption: Onion, Credits: pixabay Onions rich in vitamin A, C, phytochemicals, biotin and minerals have shown numerous benefits in fighting various illnesses. The sulfur component in onion is known to detoxify your liver, promotes healthy flow of bile, boosts digestion and helps you get rid of toxic material from your body. Eat it raw in your salad with a spoon full of lemon juice or cook it with your normal curry to prepare a gravy. Onions go with every food and taste delicious! #3 Lemon Caption: Lemon, Credits: pixabay Lemon- the richest source of Vitamin C has long been used for detoxification and cleansing purposes. Filled with natural anti-oxidants, lemons can boost your immunity, prevent your cells from oxidative damage, purify your blood, and give you glowing skin. They help optimize liver function by filtering out the toxins present in the blood. Make lemon juice, with some ginger and mint leaves, or drink it as a mojito. #4 Coconut oil Caption: coconut oil, Credits: pixabay Coconut oil is considered to be a superfood and has many positive health benefits. Coconut oil is a rich source of saturated fat with antibacterial and antiviral properties. The saturated fats of coconut oil, when consumed, go straight into the liver and is utilized as a quick source of energy by the body or is turned into ketones. Ketone bodies, in turn, benefits the brain,  heart and other conditions. It promotes weight loss and helps lose excess abdominal fat. Try sauteing vegetables, meat, eggs, or fish in coconut oil or use it making sauces, salad dressings or you can even consume it just like that, but be careful with the amount. #5 Avocado Caption: Avocado, Credits: pixabay Avocado comes under one of the healthiest fruit. Rich in vitamins E and B5, dietary fibre, folic acid, and flavanones, it can promote the healthy functioning of the liver and eliminate toxins from the body. The flavonol rich fruit can purify the blood from any toxic substances and remove them via urine. Just peel it, remove the seed and eat it with your breakfast, lunch, dinner or during your snacks time. #6 Flax-seed Caption: Flaxseeds,m Credits: pixabay Flaxseed are rich source of omega fatty acids. There are numerous scientific studies conducted that have shown its beneficial role not only as a detoxifying agent but also in various health issues. Flax seeds boost energy, stamina, and promote weight loss. High in fibres it helps reduce cholesterol and fights constipation. The oil obtained from flax seeds has shown cleansing and purifying properties that help cleanse our body and prevents fluid retention. It can be consumed in numerous ways, you can add it in your daily shakes, or make a dessert or cookie or you can even sprinkle it in your porridge. #7 Olive oil Caption: Olive oil, Credits: pixabay Extra virgin olive oil is considered to be a hepatoprotective agent. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against various toxins that cause damage to the liver. Rich in vitamins, oleic acid and polyphenols olive oil is considered to be the perfect detoxifying and cleansing agent. Olive can be used as a seasoning for your detox juices. #8 Beetroots Caption: Beetroots, Credits: pixabay Beetroots are rich in vitamin E, phenolic acids, betalains which help repair and regenerate the cells in the liver by preventing oxidative damage. It’s good to treat anaemia where it helps regulate normal levels of haemoglobin, boosts blood circulation throughout the body and purifies the blood. Make detox beet juice, by adding grapefruit, mint leaves, beets and lemon juice. You can also eat it as a salad. #9 Green tea Green tea contains natural catechins and polyphenols that are rich in natural antioxidants which help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits. Green tea also helps regulate bad cholesterol and facilitate detoxification for your body. #10 Amla or Indian Gooseberry Caption: Amla, redits: pixabay Amla- The powerhouse of Vitamin C is considered to have special properties that rejuvenate and revitalize the entire body systems. It contains vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Make Amla juice and drink every morning to improve your digestion, mix the dried powder with honey and eat it, or you can also make smoothies by mixing vegetables and fruits.

Exercise can help fight every parameter related to PCOS. It may not cure PCOS but it surely helps handle major complications related to PCOS like obesity, stress, hypothyroidism, anxiety, and depression. Some of the effective best exercise for PCOS that can help address PCOS and its symptoms are listed below: Weight Training Exercises Weight lifting exercise, Credits: Pixabay Weight training or strength training is highly beneficial in PCOS. Start with a medium to a heavy set of dumbbells. Do not carry heavyweights as the muscle build-up is not the main objective. Benefits: Weight training helps lose extra fat. Increase muscle mass, which helps metabolize glucose effectively. High-intensity interval training High-intensity interval training, Credits: Pixabay High-intensity interval training involves short periods of intense anaerobic exercise performed at intervals. It is also performed with less intense exercises as recovery periods. Benefits: Helps manage PCOS symptoms by improving the cardiovascular and metabolic profile of PCOS in women. It prevents insulin resistance and enhances the sensitivity of tissues towards insulin. This exercise is better for stress management in PCOS women. Swimming Woman swimming in a pool, Credits: Pixabay Swimming for at least half-an-hour every day can help burn those extra calories and is found to be beneficial in managing symptoms of PCOS. Swimming is recommended by many doctors for maintaining a healthy weight. Benefits: Swimming helps maintain uterus health Swimming can help lose weight Makes you feel good and rejuvenated Help fight metabolic disorders like CVD and type-2 diabetes. Cycling Women cycling or biking, Credits: Pixabay Cycling in PCOS can help you lose weight and allows you to burn more calories. Benefits: Promotes glucose absorption by tissues. Works on your abdominal muscles, boost circulation and help fight menstrual irregularities Zumba Zumba classes, Credits: Pixabay It is one of the best exercise for PCOS. It is a type of cardio exercise, that boosts your overall health Benefits: Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic factors. Helps reduce metabolic risk factors. It prevents the formation of lumps of fat in the abdominal region. Walking/Jogging Jogging, Credits: Pixabay Walking is also considered to be an effective remedy to fight PCOS. But it should be done regularly or on a daily basis and the intensity should be increased gradually. Benefits: Walking helps calm the mind Balances lipids, fats, and hormonal profile. Promotes weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate. Pilates Pilates, Credits: Pixabay Stress is considered to be a major factor in PCOS. The lining of the uterus in PCOS becomes thickened due to which a woman observes irregular periods. Pilates can help overcome this Benefits: It helps strengthen the uterus, by promoting blood circulation Removes toxins from the body and helps overcome acne formation and hair fall. Yoga Yoga (Bhujangasana), Credits: Pixabay There are numerous poses of Yoga that can benefit your whole body while keeping your mind calm and healthy. Some of these poses include butterfly, Dhanurasana and Bhujangasana. Benefits: It helps to relieve stress It also helps to promote weight loss. Yoga helps to inhibit infertility by maintaining hormonal balance in the brain #Exercises #HIITworkouts #PCOS #Yoga

Numerous people out there have sleeping issues. Would you be surprised if we told you something as simple as a bedtime routine can help? Here’s how: Bedtime Routines: The Quickest Escape from Insomnia A consistent bedtime routine can help you with earlier bedtimes, better sleep outcomes, reduced night waking, shorter sleep onset latency, and increased sleep duration. Sleep problems are one of the most common problems faced by people, which can negatively impact the health of an individual. Inadequate sleep quality and quantity have shown numerous negative consequences, which may include: Cognitive and behavioural deficits that can hamper your daily activities. May give rise to mental consequences like psychiatric disorder, stress and anxiety. Risk individuals to metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes and CVD. Also, it can cause hunger spikes during the night, and lower your immunity while increasing your blood pressure. How Setting up a Bedtime Routine can Help You Sleep Better? Human beings believe in making rules and abide by those rules to live happily. We tend to live better with a habit, and a bedtime routine does the same by promoting health and wellness through structure and organization. Some benefits are mentioned as follows: Helps fight stress – When you set up a routine of sleeping on time, it provides more time to relax. Relaxation improves your mental health by decreasing the levels of cortisol in the brain resulting in less anxiety and stress. Promotes good sleep – Your daily routine influences your sleeping habit and improves your quality of rest. Maintaining a consistent time for waking and going to bed will promote good sleep, mental sharpness, emotional-well being, performance, and energy level. Boosts overall health– “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise”. This quote says it all! If you sleep early, you tend to wake up early and you’ll have time to exercise and eat your breakfast properly, that can fuel up your body and will help you perform better throughout the day How can I Set Up A Bedtime Routine? The important part to remember is to have a fixed time for your routine. This will ensure you sleep on time and help you get your circadian rhythm in order. You may consider making one or more of the following activities part of your routine. Keep all your electronic gadgets aside: Perhaps the most important point on the list, and a rather essential one. Electronic gadgets like computers, tablets, mobiles can distract you from your sleep. Eliminating all such distractions can calm your mind and bring closer to your sleep. A glass of warm milk – Have you ever noticed infants going to sleep as soon as they are fed by their mother? This is because milk contains a natural sleep-inducing hormone called tryptophan. A glass of warm milk before bed can help relax your brain and put you into a good sleep. Meditation- 10-20 minutes of meditation before going to bed can help you sleep better by relaxing your brain and helping your muscles release tension. This way you can have a good night’s sleep. Dim the lights – Dimming the lights 30 minutes before going to bed sets up your circadian clock to produce melatonin. A hormone that induces sleep. Following the same bedtime routine: When you set a specific and consistent bedtime each night, your body will start to adapt to the schedule. Forming a habit can naturally help your body relax and put you to good sleep as your bedtime approaches. To follow your bedtime routine more appropriately you can also set a bedtime alarm. #BedtimeRoutine

Do you refrain from eating your favourite ice-cream? Is tooth sensitivity making it difficult for you to eat hot, cold or sour food? Factors like tooth decay, chipped teeth, excessive brushing or gum diseases can cause tooth erosion and wear of the protective enamel on your teeth. As a result, you may experience teeth sensitivity, dental cavities and toothaches. Any sudden warm or cold food can trigger this discomfort. 10 Home Remedies To Relieve Tooth Sensitivity Naturally There are various home remedies which can help you get rid of your teeth sensitivity fast, some of them are listed below: #1 Rinse with Salt-Water Saltwater, Image Credits: pixabay Salt-water is an alkaline mixture. It helps restore the pH balance in the mouth. It works as an antiseptic, where it kills the bacteria that have caused any inflammation. To prepare the mixture, add half a teaspoon of salt to warm water. Mix it till the salt dissolves. Take a sip of the mixture and rinse your mouth several times before spitting it out. Hold the mixture in the areas of sensitivity for a longer duration. #2 Honey and Water Honey water, Image Credits: pixabay Honey has healing properties and can heal wounds by exerting antibacterial properties. If you rinse your mouth with a mixture containing warm water and a spoonful of honey, you may find relief from the sensitivity, pain, inflammation and swelling in your mouth. #3 Desensitizing Toothpaste Caption: Desensitizing toothpaste, Credits: pixabay There are many desensitizing toothpastes available out there. Using any of these will help reduce teeth sensitivity. Such toothpaste helps block the sensitivity that results due to heat and cold, by blocking the nerve endings which cause pain. #4 Garlic Caption: Garlic, Credits: pixabay The allicin compound in garlic has antibacterial properties. It is traditionally used to treat toothache. Applying a crushed garlic clove on the affected area for 5-10 minutes can reduce the pain. You can also prepare a mixture of crushed garlic, water and table salt which can be used as a mouth-rinse. Also Read: 6 Home Remedies For Teeth Whitening #5 Clove Oil Caption: Clove oil, Credits: pixabay Clove oil is a potent analgesic that helps reduce pain due to teeth sensitivity. It’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties keep gums healthy. You can mix clove oil with warm water and use it as a mouth rinse. You could also use crushed cloves with olive oil and apply on the sensitive teeth. Clove gel can also be used to reduce pain. Dentists often use clove gel to numb an area before anaesthesia. #6 Ice Cubes Caption: Ice cubes, Credits: pixabay The coldness of ice cubes numb the sensitive areas of any pain. Wrap ice cubes in a cloth and apply on your cheeks right outside where the pain is. The ice will also help reduce pain in case there is any inflammation. #7 Turmeric Caption: Turmeric, Credits: pixabay An Ayurvedic treatment that reduces swelling and relieves pain, turmeric contains curcumin that has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Massage ground turmeric on your teeth to reduce pain. You could also make a paste with 1 teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon mustard oil (or only with turmeric and water) to apply on your teeth twice daily. #8 Oil Pulling Caption: Oil pulling, Credits: pixabay 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil swished in your mouth for 20 minutes can activate its antibacterial properties and reduce teeth sensitivity. Spit out the oil after swishing it. Rinse your mouth with warm water and then brush your teeth. Repeating this before eating or brushing will remove impurities and relieve you of pain. #9 Vanilla Extract Caption: Vanilla essence, Credits: pixabay Apply some vanilla extract on the affected areas to reduce pain. It is an easy and soothing way of finding relief from teeth sensitivity. However, do remember to brush later as it is a sweet substance. #10 Guava Leaves Caption: Guava leaves, Credits: pixabay Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce pain, swelling, and redness in the mouth. It is an age-old Ayurvedic medicine. To use this remedy, wash 1-2 guava leaves. Chew them for a couple of minutes before spitting them out. Repeat this procedure thrice a day for maximum effectiveness. In addition to these remedies, you can practice a few basic oral hygiene practices that ensure the well-being of your teeth and gums. Using floss, mouthwash and proper brushing techniques help keep your gums and teeth healthy. Limiting acidic food can also help alleviate teeth pain by decreasing the acidity in your mouth.

It is the job and a natural instinct of a mother to provide and attend to all her baby’s emotional and physical needs and ensure complete well-being of the baby. Responsive breast feeding is a measure taken by a mother where she actively breastfeeds her newborn whenever it needs to be fed, while providing physical and emotional comfort during each feeding session. This act creates a close biological and emotional connection between her and her child. Should Breastfeeding Be Regulated? Feeding only should be initiated when the baby is hungry or shows signs of hunger and just be continued until the baby is satisfied. The trick is to master the technique of knowing whenever your baby is hungry to ensure that he or she is not underfed. Imposing a limit or strict schedule is not advisable. Here’s why: When the baby is born, his or her tiny stomach requires a very less amount of milk. However, the baby is continuously growing everyday. This means that his needs and quantity requirements keep changing- In time, the feeds become more frequent and for a longer duration of time. This makes it difficult to determine the right amount of milk or feeding that is needed. Thus, feeding the baby whenever he or she is hungry is a more reliable method to ensure that the right amount of nutrition and nourishment is received at that stage. The mammary glands glands get stimulated and produce milk based on the suckling movements on the nipples. Thus, letting the baby feed at his or her own time will also avoid too much or too little production of breast milk. The amount of milk production is directly proportional to the suckling response – this means that if a baby suckles more, more milk will be produced. Lastly, different babies extract milk from the breast at different rates. In addition to this, the quantity and nutritional content in the milk produced continuously keeps changing. Therefore, it is advisable to allow the newborn to take its own time and decide when it is full. Signs to look out for, Credit: Needpix When to Feed: Signs to Look Out for Every baby reacts differently when he or she is hungry. The mother should always keep a watchful eye and stay observant in order to look for cues. Most mothers claim that they can have a natural instinct that effectively attends to all her baby’s needs. Some of the most common signs includes: Rooting Waving Crying Murmuring Wriggling Constant eye movements Sucking fists Increased alertness Emotional and Biological Benefits ●    For the baby Skin-to-skin contact while responsive breast feeding stimulates feelings and sensations. As a result, the body releases hormones that help regulate body temperature and glucose levels in the blood. It also helps the baby cope with pain or any initial feeling of loneliness by reducing the stress hormone, cortisol. When a mother responds to her baby’s needs and satisfies his hunger, the baby starts to feel a sense of reassurance and comfort. ●    For the mother Breastfeeding has some stress-related benefits for mothers. The release of oxytocin during lactation also has a calming effect. It also helps the uterus to return back to its normal size and reduce excessive postpartum bleeding. Emotional bonding, Credit: Wallpaper flare Alternative: Responsive Bottle Feeding Bottle Feeding is a process in which milk is pumped out from the nipples and into a bottle, is fed to the baby. In order to proper responsive feeding, the same feeding cues should be observed and followed just as breastfeeding. The advantages of bottle feeding include: For working mothers who are not present to feed their baby. An opportunity for the father to feed his infant and form bonds and connections. Avoiding exposure of breast in public areas when the baby is hungry and needs to be fed. Eases out the pain and pressure on the nipples that may have previously been swollen and tender. Allows collection of breast milk for mothers that have problems with effective stimulation and lactation. Allows the parent to sit comfortably in any good and comfortable position. Note: Know when your baby is full- It is important to determine when the baby is full and stop in order to avoid overfeeding and risk the problems that come with it. Bottom Line Responsive breast feeding ensures that the baby receives the necessary quantity of milk, cries less, gets proper nourishment and is significantly happier and satisfied. It also ensures that the mother produces enough milk and prevents the breast from becoming too full. #Breastfeeding

1 in every 8 women are at risk of developing breast cancer. Moreover, the risk further increases for women as they age, especially if they have children later in life. Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy affecting pregnant women and approximately every 1 in 3000 pregnant women are at risk. The term “Pregnancy-associated breast cancer” or PABC is applied to any woman who gets diagnosed with breast cancer during their pregnancy or in the first postpartum year. How Pregnancy Affects Breast Cancer Some researchers believe that the outcome of breast cancer in pregnant women does not differ from non-pregnant women but there are some few contradicting studies that discuss the possibilities of pregnancy slowing down tumor growth and abnormal cell division. The one thing that’s clear is that pregnancy significantly makes the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer more difficult. As of yet, there are no reports that prove that breast cancer can harm the growing fetus. Treatment Treatment is complicated, complex, and highly calculated in order to ensure progress of the mother’s condition while ensuring that the health of the growing fetus is not compromised. The main goal of the treatment is to either cure the condition or control tumor growth. Breast Tumor Removal, Credit: Pixabay Surgery Breast cancer can be safely cured by removing the tumor and the lymph nodes surrounding, without having any negative side-effects on the baby. The surgical procedure can be conducted by the mastectomy, a process of removing the entire breast or by lumpectomy, a process where the breast is conserved and only the cancerous part is removed. The course of the surgical option is decided by the doctor. Axillary lymph nodes in the armpit should also be checked and observed in case the cancer has spread. It can be examined by axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) method. A popular concern among pregnant women is that the anesthetic used during surgery may be harmful to their growing fetus- This is not always true. Sometimes, the anesthetic is harmful but at the earlier stages of pregnancy, the mother can undergo an anesthetic surgery with very low risk. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, and obstetrician work together and determine the best option, technique, and drug choice. Treatment after Surgery In order to lower the risk of the cancer coming back, treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy are conducted. Most of these treatments are performed after childbirth. Chemotherapy, Credit: Wikimedia Common Chemotherapy is generally carried out after surgery and especially cannot be performed during the first three months of pregnancy as it compromises the baby’s growth and risks miscarriages. It is also not recommended within 3 weeks of delivery because it can lower the mother’s blood cell counts. Treatments of radiation therapy must strictly be on hold until childbirth as it may cause miscarriage, birth and growth rate defects, or childhood cancer. Another treatment that must be on hold is hormone therapy as it will interfere with the normal levels of pregnancy hormones in the mother that is required and essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Breastfeeding, Credit: Peakpx Safety: Is Diagnosis and Treatment Safe? Diagnosis Breast cancer is generally diagnosed and detected by mammograms or breast x-rays. This test can still be safely conducted in pregnant women by using a shield to protect the baby from harmful radiations. Treatment Depending on the size, location, rate, and extent of the tumor, your doctors will explore all possibilities and options for treatment. There is always a risk that has to be taken when it comes to situations like these. However, it is generally safe to treat breast cancer during pregnancy. Surgeries are usually performed immediately after detection with necessarily after-surgery-treatments post-childbirth. Limitations: Is Breastfeeding Possible? Breastfeeding is not advised prior to or post-surgery as it interferes with the blood flow in the breast and could also increase the risk of infection. Moreover, treatments like hormone, radiation, and chemotherapy can make your breast milk harmful as the harsh drugs used can possibly enter the breast milk and poison the infant. Conclusion With proper care, treatment, and various options and techniques, breast cancer is manageable and highly treatable during pregnancy.

Does your stomach often stick out, feel tight, full and filled with gas? Bloating is a very common condition where the stomach feels distended, especially during the day. Women are more prone to bloating than men. A lot of people assume that bloating occurs due to poor food habits like consuming indigestible food, overeating or eating at irregular hours. While all these causes are true, they are not the only cause of bloating. It could be triggered by a number of things, some may be due to the natural process of digestion or sometimes it could be a symptom or side effect of a serious disorder or organ failure. Common Causes of Bloating They include: 1) Constipation When a person is constipated they will usually have fewer bowel movements than usual and a lot of straining is observed during the start or end of bowel movement. Quite a number of people do not even realize when they are constipated as a person could still be constipated and have a healthy bowel movement. Symptoms of constipation could also be irregular stools in the shape of rocks or pebbles and the lingering uncomfortable sensation even after passing it out. When stool gets accumulated in the digestive tract, it gets fermented and bacteria starts to build up in your colon. As a reaction to this invading complication, your stomach starts hurting and the abdomen bloats up. 2) IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) IBS is a condition that affects the large intestine due to complications like abnormal contraction of the muscular layer in the digestive tract, infection, inflammation, food intolerance, stress and hormonal changes. As a result, it causes symptoms like pain, cramping, and gas which leads to the bloating of the stomach. Sudden bloating, Image Credit: Public domain pictures 3) Acid Reflux GERD is a condition, wherein the essential acids produced in the body to digest fats, carbohydrates and protein flow back up the tract and disturb the esophagus. This experience is also known as “acid reflux”. This occurs when the muscular sphincter gardening the acid from backflow starts functioning abnormally. As a result, it causes problems like shortness of breath, chest pain, stomach pain, and bloating. 4) Menstruation During the menstrual and ovulation phase in the menstrual cycle, the hormone levels in the body are continuously changing, especially the level of progesterone and estrogen. Due to these changes, the body’s water and salt retention starts to change, and as a result, cells become swollen with water, and the abdomen will start to bloat. This will quite often be followed by pain. Alarming Causes of Bloating Most of the following causes will trigger a more prolonged, frequent, regular or even painful bloating. Thus one should contact a doctor if they experience such types of problems. They include: Prolonged bloating and pain, Image Credit: pexels 5) Cancer Sometimes, bloating is a symptom of abnormal formation of tumors in some parts of the body. They include: Ovarian cancer Stomach cancer Pancreatic cancer Colon cancer 6) Kidney Failure The nephrons in the kidneys are responsible for filtering out unwanted substances, absorption and reabsorption of essential fluids and ions that the body needs. However, when the kidneys start to fail, the nephrons start functioning abnormally. It is unable to decide how much fluid should be absorbed or excreted by the cell. As a result, they are unable to get rid of the extra fluid in the body which consequently starts to build up and causes the body to swell up or bloat. Bloating due to fluid build up., Image Credit: Flickr 7) SIBO It is also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Our body contains some good bacteria especially in the small intestine that help in digestion. As the name suggests, SIBO is a condition in which there is an excessive growth and accumulation of these bacteria. This causes the stomach to bloat as the overgrowth of bacteria means more bacteria eating and digesting out food and thus producing an excessive amount of undesirable had build up which causes bloating. 8) Gastroparesis Bloating is a common symptom for gastroparesis, a condition where the muscle contractions or peristaltic movement fails to function properly. Due to this, the movement of food or bowel in the digestive tract is reduced to a great extent which could lead to delayed stomach emptying, constipation and thus, bloating. #CausesforBloating

A significant number of people suffer from mental health disorders around the world yet the conditions are still stigmatized. This negative image that is associated with these disorders has affected individuals who need treatment but are not able to get it. The bottom line is that they are diseases and like other diseases they require treatment. There is no place for stigma and ridicule. Angst and the other mental health conditions can affect anyone and to prove that, Here Are 10 Celebrities With A History of Mental Health Disorders: Amitabh Bachan Professional setbacks were the cause of his condition The veteran actor has been in the industry since the year 1969 and is a living legend of the Indian cinema industry. Yet Mr. Bachan was a victim of depression once in his life. After his massive success as an actor, he decided to become a film producer in 1996. During the next four years none of the films that Amitabh Bachan had produced brought in positive results at the box office. This drove him to a major financial crisis and depression. The battle with depression was tough but he lifted himself, got back into acting and is considered a massive success today. Shah Rukh Khan He suffered from depression Shah Rukh Khan has had a long career which has brought him a lot of success. He is a fan favourite and has performed brilliantly throughout his acting career but he too is no stranger to depression. Shah Rukh Khan admits that there was a time when he was depressed. The actor suffered a ligament tear in his shoulder which needed surgery. He has admitted that after the surgery was done, he was in depression. Injuries with long recovery times can induce depression. He believes that the depression is behind him now and he is full of energy to go ahead in life. Anushka Sharma Anushka Sharma undergoes treatment for anxiety The actress suffers from anxiety and also has strong opinions against the stigmatization of the disease. She has admitted that she has an anxiety disorder for which she requires medication while also saying that many people in her life suffer from other mental health conditions as well. She has been vocal about promoting treatment for mental health disorders. The actor went on to compare anxiety disorders with a stomach ache and asked a question If you would treat the stomach ache or not? If you would treat one and why not the other. Tiger Shroff His first bad movie made him depressed Tiger Shroff is a Bollywood star who is known for his action roles. He made a good Bollywood debut with his first two movies doing well but this was followed by his third movie, which turned out to be a disaster. The actor admitted that because it was his first setback, he took it very hard on himself. He suffered from depression. The condition bothered him for a while until he realized that there is more work for him to do that he can enjoy doing. Deepika Padukone She has set up a foundation for mental health Deepika Padukone suffers from depression and has shared her experience of being diagnosed with the disease as well as dealing with it. She went to say that initially, it was difficult for her to identify the condition. Like many others, she believed that what she was feeling was stress and the condition would resolve on its own. It was at this point where she received immense support from her family who helped her and convinced her that she should see a doctor. Since then, she has been doing very well and after her experience, she has gone on to establish a foundation called The Live laugh Love Foundation which is working on issues related to mental health in India. Ranveer Singh A tragic incident was the cause of his depression He is an actor who is known for his intense acting and amazing performances yet the actor witnessed a tragedy which put him into depression. A friend of Ranveer Singh took to social media talking about suicide and before the chance of any intervention, he killed himself. This tragedy caused serious damage to Ranveer Singh. The actor underwent treatment by a therapist. Ileana D’Cruz She suffers from body dysmorphic syndrome Ileana D’Cruz is an Indian celebrity who has worked in many movies. By her admission, the actress suffers from anxiety, depression and body dysmorphic condition. Body dysmorphic condition is a mental health disorder in which the patient obsesses over a perceived flaw in their appearance. Karan Johar Karan Johar had an anxiety attack during a meeting There was a time when the film-maker narrated an interesting incident from his personal life. He said that once during a meeting he started having symptoms which he interpreted as heart problems and rushed himself to a hospital. The doctor informed him that his perceived heart attack was, in fact, an anxiety attack. This is where he was diagnosed with anxiety. He has admitted that he suffered from depression as well and he saw a therapist for treatment. Karan Johar stated that the depressing phase of his life was very difficult to get through but he did get through it. Neha Kakkar She posted on social media that she was suffering from depression She is an Indian singer who primarily works in Hindi and Punjabi music industry. Once upon a time, she took to social media to post that she was suffering from depression. Neha Kakkar did not reveal many details about it afterwards but she did say that she was doing better. Hrithik Roshan Hrithik Roshan believes that stigmatisation is wrong Hrithik Roshan is an advocate for raising awareness about mental health disorders. He believes that these conditions do not deserve the stigma that surrounds them. The actor went to talk about his mental health issues. He said that his life was full of ups and downs and there was a point when he was suffering from depression. He explained that in those difficult situations, treatment is necessary because a third person’s objective view could be enough to solve your problems. His ups and downs may continue but he has certainly put his depressed phase behind him. Takeaway Mental health disorders are serious medical conditions that require treatment. Many celebrities have appealed to people to not stigmatize them. It is important to ensure that they are treated as diseases because only then help will reach those who need it. If you feel someone near you suffers from mental health disorder please consult a doctor. It is a disease and it needs treatment.

Migraine headaches can make it very difficult for you to cope up with your daily activities. It is a complex neurological condition that has shown to affect the health of the individual adversely. It is characterized by recurrent headaches, with pulsating pain on one side of the head followed by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Recent studies have speculated that tragus/Daith piercings can help you find relief from the chronic debilitating migraine pain. But, tragus/Daith piercings for migraine- do they really work? Well, let’s find out how tragus piercings can help in migraine pain. What is Tragus Piercing? Tragus and daith are cartilages of the ear canal. The daith cartilage can be found above the ear canal as folded. Whereas, the tragus cartilage is a triangular piece of cartilage found below daith, to the side of the ear canal opening. A tragus/daith piercing is the perforation of the tragus, commonly liked by people to wear or insert a piece of jewellery. How Does Tragus/Daith Piercing Help in Migraine? Tragus/Daith piercings have become wildly popular not only for aesthetic reasons but as an alternative treatment for migraine. People who have undertaken these piercings claim that their migraine has just vanished. The piercings work similarly to acupuncture, where it modifies pressure points in the body to help relieve from pain. What Does Science Have To Say About it? There are no scientific studies conducted to prove the efficacy behind tragus piercing alleviating migraine headaches. However, it’s believed that tragus piercing stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Vagus nerve is a long nerve that extends into several parts of the outer ear, including the daith and the tragus. Vagus nerve is found to send pain signals throughout your head during a migraine attack. So, stimulating this nerve can help prevent or minimize the pain signals which are sent from the brain. This is the so far speculated theory on how tragus/daith piercing would mitigate chronic or non-chronic migraines. There is still a need to conduct large data trials to convert these speculations into scientific evidence. However, there are clinically proven studies that have suggested vagal stimulation can help aid in treating disorders like depression and anxiety. Some experts say that piercings work similarly to acupuncture technique and help release the pressure and congestion near the nerves. It also stimulates the nerves to release hormones like endorphins which in turn, promote blood circulation, towards the head and help relieve the pain during migraine headaches. Risks Associated with Daith/Tragus Piercings Tragus/Daith piercings may not have any serious risk factors associated with them. Because the piercing is done on cartilage where there are very few nerve endings. However, the area due to the limited blood supply is prone to infections, bleeding, swelling, pain, scarring, damage to the nerve, and may sometimes worsen your migraine symptoms as well. Which Side is Tragus Piercing Recommended? Tragus piercings are usually recommended on the side where you experience the migraine attacks quite often. This is because migraine pain tends to cluster or focus usually on one side of the head. You may probably know which side of your head hurts more when migraine triggers. So, to be sure to pierce on that side to give the piercing the best chance to work. #Migraine #TragusPiercing