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Arthritis is a condition in which joints are inflamed which leads to pain and stiffness. It is a very common condition. Some studies estimate that more than 20% of Indian adults suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that does not have a cure and the treatment focuses on managing the disease by making lifestyle changes and using medication. The symptoms of arthritis include: Joint Pain Stiffness Reduced body movement Swelling Redness Arthritis makes it difficult to move your body parts. Image Credits: Needpix If you are suffering from arthritis your doctor will ask you to make some lifestyle changes. One of the most important changes is to perform specific hand exercises that can help you in managing pain due to arthritis. The following hand exercises for Arthritis are helpful: Make a Fist This exercise is very easy to do. Start by using one hand. Hold your arm out with your fingers stretched and pointing outwards. Slowly move your fingers inward and make a fist. Hold this fist position for 5 seconds. Do this with both hands. Do each hand 10 times. This exercise stretches your joints and provides relief. You can perform this exercise at any time during the day. Related: Surgical Options For Arthritis Making an O with Your Hand To do this exercise, hold out your arm and relax your hand. Curve your fingers inward towards your palm until your hand makes the shape of the letter O. Hold this position for a few seconds and then relax your hand again. Repeat this exercise with each hand. Do not overstress your hands. This helps in strengthening your hand. Finger and Thumb Bend The starting position is the same as the previous exercises. Hold your hand with your fingers pointing outwards. Start by bending each finger inside individually. It is important to bend only one finger at once. After bending the finger inside, hold it for 2 seconds then move on to the next finger. Do the same with each finger and thumb. This exercise also helps in building strength. Lifting your finger This exercise is a very good test of strength for your hand. Start by placing your hand palm down a table or other smooth surface. Your goal is to lift a finger upward one by one without lifting your whole hand. This exercise checks how much strength you have in your hand and helps in building strength. Start by lifting each finger 10 times for a period of 2 seconds each. Thumbs Up Bend or Table Bend An illustration of the table bend exercise. Image Credits: Pxhere To do this exercise, place your hand on the table in such a way that the pinky finger side of the hand is touching the table while your thumb is pointing upwards in a thumbs-up position. Bend your fingers inwards to make a fist while keeping your thumb in the same thumbs-up position. This exercise helps in stretching the joints. Wrist Stretching Wrist stretching relieves pain, Image Credits: publicdomainpictures Reducing pain in your wrist can be very helpful for arthritis. To stretch your wrist, hold your hand outward. The goal is to bend the wrist upward and downward so that it gets stretched.  Use your other hand which you are not exercising to carry out this motion. Do not jerk your wrist. Follow a smooth motion to stretch it. Squeezing Using stress balls increases hand strength. Image Credits:  Flickr Squeezing a stress ball can be an effective exercise to build strength. There are various kinds of stress balls available in the market. Get a ball which fits your hand. Hold it in your palm and squeeze the ball. This exercise can be done at any time during the day. What else can be done to help? These exercises are very effective but in case you require more help you can visit a doctor. There are many different kinds of therapies available to treat arthritis. Some of the common therapies include physiotherapy, yoga and acupuncture. Takeaway These exercises are helpful for treating arthritis and should be tried. Along with these exercises, you should also focus on the lifestyle changes suggested by your doctor. Arthritis is a lifelong condition which often becomes worse with age but it can be managed effectively by doing such hand exercises and using other techniques. #HandExercisesforArthritis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a type of brain disorder comprising of two parts: Obsession – Where certain things which are unwanted can hamper your life adversely and make you lose focus on other things Compulsions – it is a result of obsession where you feel you have to work in a specific way to fulfil your obsession There are numerous types of OCD and certainly goes far beyond normal understanding. It is a type of disorder that causes considerable suffering and impairment. Some of these OCD types are listed below: #1 Investigating/Checking Individuals suffering from this type of OCD usually experience images that are intrusive, fears, and impulses related to the chance of harming themselves or someone else unintentionally by means of carelessness or negligence. Here the obsession is fear of damage, fire, leaks or harm, whereas, the compulsion is the need to check. Common checking obsessive worries and compulsions include: Checking door locks and/or windows multiple times due to a ‘feeling’ of certainty that they’re secure. Checking gas knobs or stoves physically to ensure it is in zero/off position or constantly staring at the knobs until there is a ‘feeling’ of certainty that it is safely off. #2 Contamination This type of OCD involves obsession as the fear of being dirty and contaminated which might cause harm to one’s self or a loved one. The common compulsions might be to wash or clean or avoid. Some examples include: Not using or avoiding public toilets due to fear of getting contaminated with germs Avoiding going into crowded places due to a fear of catching an infection. #3 Mental Contamination Feelings of mental contamination can become an obsession at times. This develops when a person is badly treated or made them feel physically or mentally disgusted about themselves through critical or verbally abusive remarks. This can create a feeling of internal uncleanliness. Symptoms include: Individuals may end up in repetitive and compulsive attempts to clean off the dirt away by showering and washing. #4 Hoarding Hoarding type of OCD is a type in which a person keeps useless or worn out possessions, and is unable to discard them. Examples include: Holding on things like school books, or clothes, and maybe a gift which is broken and not useful. Holding onto specific obsessive worries/fears. Buying things at the store often in unique numbers like 3 apples, 2 bananas and considering them as magic numbers. #5 Rumination In this type of OCD the individual develops intrusive thoughts or a deep consideration about something. Example include: A person may ruminate about things which would happen to them after death. They go deep into thinking and also visualise scenes of death, heaven, or hell. #6 Intrusive Thoughts In this type of OCD, a person may undergo thoughts that are horrifying, repulsive, and disgusting and often repetitive in nature. Examples include: Thinking about causing harm to their loved ones which can be sexual harm or violence. Repetitive thoughts about the suitability of a relationship, one’s partner, or one’s own sexuality. Fearing being sexually attracted to children or one’s own family member #7  Symmetry And Orderliness People with this of OCD are extremely obsessive on keeping things arranged in a particular manner, excessive arranging, or organizing. Obsessed with buying things, or throwing away things to make it look just right A habit of symmetrically arranging things like shoes in a closet, utensils on a rack, or repeatedly rearranging clothes by colour or alphabetical order. #8 Pre-natal or Postnatal OCD This type of OCD develops during pregnancy and after delivery where mums find themselves so distressed, worried and develop a fear that they may hurt their baby. The obsession reaches a level where the mother will take measures to manage their anxiety or prevent their fears coming true. Examples include: She may start reading various content on google or book an appointment with a doctor or even spend large amounts of time cleaning and washing in a fear that the baby may get affected. #9 Homosexual OCD The term may not be right but it’s meant to refer to a person who is not gay but develops a fear of being gay. Similarly, the exact same type of OCD may also impact gay people where they suffer from obsessional fears of not being gay. #10 Ritual It is a specific type of compulsive behaviour where an individual follows a set of patterns of behaviours with clearly defined starting and end points. Example include: Washing your face from the left side and then right side, followed by cleaning your forehead, and if interrupted then the sufferer starts the whole process as a ritual from the very beginning. #OCDTypes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder experienced by women of reproductive age. It is characterized by polycystic ovaries with small cysts on the outer edge. It is a heterogeneous disorder identified by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. Symptoms of this disorder include hirsutism, menstrual cycle irregularities, hypothyroidism, and obesity. The pathophysiology behind PCOS is very complex. PCOS is a multifactorial disorder which involves the pituitary, hypothalamus, ovary, adrenal, and peripheral adipose tissues, all of which are simultaneously involved in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. What is the Pathophysiology Behind PCOS? Several theories have been proposed recently to explain the pathophysiology behind the PCOS. Some of which include Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance which results due to the defects in insulin action and its secretion. Neuroendocrine factors which may alter the release of luteinizing hormone, its pulse, frequency and amplitude. Increase in androgen levels due to possible defect in the synthesis of androgens. Altered cortisol levels due to altered metabolism which in turn promotes excessive adrenal androgen production. Let’s learn how these theories can give rise to PCOS: Insulin Resistance and T2DM Around 50-70% of women with PCOS exhibit metabolic abnormalities like diabetes, insulin resistance, poor glucose tolerance, CVD and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin resistance is an impaired action of insulin in the uptake and metabolism of glucose. This can decrease the synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) proteins which usually binds to androgen. Hyperinsulinaemia augments androgen production in PCOS by stimulating ovarian receptors of insulin and insulin-like growth factors and directly augmenting gonadotrophin LH activity. Also, excessive levels of insulin can indirectly enhance the amplitude of serum LH pulses and lead to PCOS. Neuroendocrine Abnormalities PCOS symptoms include lower levels of the progesterone hormone for a long period of time. This may decrease the normal ovulatory movements and stimulate the hypothalamus to increase the pulsatility of the luteinizing hormone (LH). Women with PCOS are observed with neuroendocrine abnormalities which lead to the enhanced pulse, frequency and amplitude of the luteinizing hormone. The ration of LH/FSH is also found to be elevated in women with PCOS. This elevation may contribute to the ovarian excess of androgens when compared to estrogens. Hyperandrogenism PCOS is characterized by excessive adrenal androgen secretion. Altered steroidogenesis and factors like hyperinsulinemia may contribute to the excessive ovarian androgen production. The “cysts” in polycystic ovaries are due to the arrested development of ovaries which are accumulated to form cysts. This arrest in the development occurs when the granulosa cells of the ovaries begin to produce estrogen, and androgens in the ovaries inhibit the action of aromatase, therefore, reducing estradiol synthesis, which is required for further maturation of ovaries. This results in abnormal development of ovaries and formation of polycystic ovaries. Altered Sympathetic Nerve Activity Women with PCOS experience increased sympathetic activity which is further accompanied by elevated intra-ovarian synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF)  which leads to the development of polycystic ovaries. Genetics Recent family studies suggest that hyperandrogenaemia and familial clustering of PCOS have been associated with genetic factors which can cause the development of the syndrome. However, a more clear pattern needs to be exhibited on this. #PCOS #Polycysticovarysyndrome

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”— Willie Nelson. Comparing ourselves with others is a natural thing. We all do it sometimes, but doing that too often can make us unhappy and lead to negative consequences. Comparing your life to others can lead to unhappiness, negativity, loss of energy and also makes us a bad person. It causes you to regret what you aren’t rather than allowing you to enjoy your life as who you already are. When we constantly equate ourselves with others, we spend our precious time and resources on the lives of others, not on our own. The Effects of Social Comparisons Looking at the qualities of someone and compare them with your weakness is an unfair comparison. It can naturally make you feel bad and incompetent. You may get irritated, nervous, and paralyzed when moving further in comparison with others. The comparison of your strengths to others will also not take you up the ladder of accomplishments in your life. Since there will still be great people and bad people. While comparing yourself to others, even if you do well, you may attain happiness but only for a short period. It is basically an ego boost that is short-lived if you succeed. You can begin to blame someone for doing good without knowing the individual very well. You may start boasting about yourself unnecessarily to satisfy yourself. Also Read: Bad Habits That Can Actually Be Good For You These aren’t good things, as they may not only rob your happiness but also make people around you feel irritated. There are ways that this pattern can be stopped. Let’s focus on them: Stop Comparing, Start Investing: Don’t waste your precious time comparing your path to someone else’s .Instead nurture your own path by investing, creating, and caring for your own life. Accept Yourself the Way You Are: Do not fight over what and where you are and do not feel bad. Try to acknowledge every part of your life and from there, move into the right direction while making the right decisions. Embrace Your Past: Look back into your past, embrace your journey of struggle, fear, mistakes and hard work, all of which, has made you better, wiser and a beautiful person. Be proud of your accomplishments in building a happier life. Start Comparing Yourself With You: Learn new ways to make yourself a better person every day. Instead of pointing at your weaknesses, try working on your strengths. Look for better ways on how you can improve yourself than what you were yesterday. Turn Comparison Into Inspiration: Children take inspiration from someone to become something, and work hard to get to that level. Likewise, allow the triumphs of others to be a motivation for what you can do. You can do it!: Understand that this is not the end of your life, you have got plenty of opportunities. Nothing says where you are now, where you’re going to be in one or three years. Therefore hope for the future and strive for the better. Count Your Blessings : Always appreciate what you have earned and achieved in your present. Count on good things like your family, friends and health. Turn your attention from what you haven’t got to what you have. This brings harmony and joy. Be Ok With Your Imperfections: Accept your flaws, because you will always have someone who’s more wealthy, intelligent and appealing than you are. Fighting to be perfect will get you nowhere. Therefore, accept them entirely, instead of feeling yourself for your flaws. Don’t criticize: In order to make ourselves feel better and happy, we try to criticize others. This can be destructive. Try to support and applaud others in their success which will make you happy and help you make more friends that will eventually lead to more success on your part. #Positivity

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes abnormal hormone levels in the body. As a result, it leads to other side effects and symptoms in the body. There is no one distinct test for detecting C. Doctors and physicians diagnose this condition based on symptoms and abnormal levels in the blood. Clinical Testing for PCOS Clinical Test There numerous tests for PCOS and each detects different symptoms and evidence that are used to diagnose this condition. They include: 1)   Medical history & Physical examination The doctor will review your medical history and physically assess your symptoms like weight, hair growth, acne, etc. If required, a pelvic test can be requested. Here the physicians will examine your reproductive organs. It takes only a few minutes and is painless. Be prepared for questions like: What symptoms do you experience and how often? When did the symptoms begin? When was your last period? What is your family history with PCOS? Have you recently gained weight? 2)   Blood tests A sample of your blood will be taken to assess the levels of hormones like androgen in it, check high blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure. 3)   Ultrasound An ultrasound is performed in order to internally assess any abnormal growth in your uterus, ovaries, or pelvic by imagery. A woman with PCOS will usually have cysts on her ovaries that are enlarged by twice or thrice their original size. Transvaginal ultrasound A transvaginal ultrasound is carried out if you are sexually active. This procedure is painless and is not harmful as it does not utilize radiations. A pen with a sensor on is the tip is inserted into the vagina and it gives a clear image for the doctor to examine. Abdominal ultrasound This is an external imaging procedure where the ovaries are viewed through the abdominal wall. Online Test Recognizing that one has PCOS is very difficult due to varying and numerous symptoms. In addition, most women do not have typical or even identical symptoms. There are surveys that are quite efficient in giving you a brief idea if you are suffering from PCOS or not. The condition can only be diagnosed, tested and confirmed only by a doctor who will give you further guidance. When to Take the Test Symptoms of PCOS If one is facing any symptoms listed below, it is important to consult a doctor and get tested for PCOS. Irregular or stoppage of periods Abnormal low sex drive Difficulty getting pregnant Excessive hair growth on the face, chest or back Weight gain Thinning hair and hair loss Excessive acne that is unresponsive Sudden mood swings, anxiety or depression Skin darkening in the folds of the neck, upper thigh or below the breasts. Pre-diabetic Testing for PCOS while on Birth Control If you are taking oral contraceptives then the procedure for assessment and examination might be different. This is because blood tests are usually performed to test the abnormal levels of hormones in your body. However, when you take contraceptive pills, it interferes with the levels of hormones in your body. Thus, checking the levels of hormones in your body will not give an accurate result or conclusion. You must contact your health care advisor who will guide you on the further steps to be taken before getting tested. Women are often advised to quit taking their oral contraceptives for a certain amount of time before they are examined. Birth control pills affect normal hormone levels, Credit: Wikimedia commons What Next? If you are tested positive for PCOS, the doctor will work through a couple of life changes that will have to be made. Luckily, PCOS is highly treatable and with the problem management plans, you could significantly reduce your symptoms and prevent any complications. The main focus of this management is to regulate menstrual periods, increase insulin sensitivity, and control excessive increase in acne, hair growth, and body weight to due abnormal levels of hormones. #ClinicalTestingforPCOS #PCOS #PCOSTest

Diabetes has become a very common condition in India. India has been given a title that we do not want. Recently, many experts have started to refer to India as the diabetic capital of the world. This title is being used for the vast population which is suffering from diabetes as well as the rapidly increasing number. Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s insulin-producing or insulin processing ability gets compromised resulting in a high blood glucose level. At the moment, the condition does not have a cure. It lasts forever and also requires constant treatment making it a dangerous disease. To understand the progress of diabetes endemic in India, let us look at important aspects that will help you understand. India is called the diabetes capital of the world, Credits: Pixabay Prevalence of Cases It is estimated that today India has more than 71 million active cases of diabetes which is the second-highest in the world. In the year 1990, the number was much lower at 26 million. As diabetes is not a communicable disease this number is very alarming. Indian states with the highest number of diabetic patients In descending order are: Tamil Nadu Kerala Delhi The type of region has a significant effect on the number of diabetes cases in India.  In urban areas, the prevalence of diabetes is very high at almost 9% among adults. In rural areas, the prevalence of diabetes In the adult population is much lower at 3%. This massive difference points towards the different lifestyles that people live by in rural and urban India. It also indicates that a healthier lifestyle is a key factor in preventing diabetes. In India, the prevalence of diabetes is much lower in rural areas as compared to urban areas, Credits: Flickr Affected Age Group The diabetes onset age in India is much lower than western countries, Credits: wallpaperflare Most cases of diabetes are observed in adults. The onset of diabetes is usually after the age of 20. A very key fact that studies have shown is that the onset of diabetes in India is 10 years earlier when compared to western countries. This is a very alarming fact because diabetes increases the chances of getting other life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disease which can cause death. The Death Rate India has a very high estimate of diabetes-induced deaths. Some studies have shown that India has 5 lakh to 10 lakh diabetes-related deaths every year. In India, diabetes is one of the top 10 causes of death in the country. The deaths are caused by complications associated with diabetes. Awareness about the disease It is believed that 1 in two people suffering from diabetes is unaware of their condition. Some studies have quoted that 68% had no idea that they were suffering from diabetes. The lack of awareness about the disease has a significant contribution to the increasing number of cases. There are various organizations that are working to increase awareness about diabetes in India. Treatment Some diabetes medications have their price controlled by the government, Credits: Flickr Diabetes requires constant treatment. An estimated 30 million people in India take regular medication for diabetes. One of the most used classes of medications in the country is for diabetes. To ensure access to diabetes medication to everyone, the Indian government has controlled the price of certain medications. Under the Drug Price Control Order, the government of India has assigned a specific price to various medications and diabetic drugs are one of them. An example of such a drug is metformin. Future of Diabetes in India Many experts believe that the graph of diabetes in India is going to increase. It is estimated that India will have more than 100 million cases of diabetes by 2031. It is believed that a variety of lifestyle factors and family diabetes history will play a role in this. At this predicted rate India will be the worst affected country by diabetes in the near future. Takeaway Diabetes is on the rise in India as the cases keep on increasing. Lifestyle changes have shown promise in both managing diabetes as well as preventing it. If you are suffering from diabetes or at risk of it then you should start working on your lifestyle while getting treatment. The current estimates for India’s diabetic future can be decreased if the people of this country are made aware and helped in battling diabetes. #Diabetes #Diabetesfacts #DiabetesfactsinIndia

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a disease which is caused by HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In this condition, the immune system of the body is damaged. Unfortunately, Aids does not have a cure at the moment but the available treatment options at the moment are effective in managing the disease to ensure slower progress and better quality of life. We can better understand the Aids endemic in India by looking at some key facts, stats and trends about specific parameters. Here are some key points regarding Aids: Prevalence of Cases The first known cases of AIDS in India was detected in 1986 in Chennai. This was followed by a rise in the number of cases in different parts of the country. To battle the disease the government of India set up the National Aids Committee in 1986 followed by the National Aids Control Organization in 1992. The organization has been working tirelessly to fight the disease. Today, India has an estimated 2.4 million cases of aids making it the country with the 3rd largest population of AIDs affected individuals. New reported cases of aids to stand at 88000 per year. The prevalence of newer cases declined by more than 25% from the year 2010 which shows that the battle against the disease is progressing. The Death Rate The number of aids-related deaths stands at 69000 every year, a number which is still quite high. However, this too is a sign of progress. In the year 2010, the number of aids-related deaths was 169000. This is a massive decrease of more than 50%. The country still has a long way to go when it comes to decreasing the total number of deaths caused by aids. The Affected Population Aids in India is significantly more prominent in certain sections of the population as compared to others. These can be differentiated as: Prostitution and Sex Work Sex workers are the most affected part of the population by aids. Sex work is not illegal in most parts of India which makes the number of sex workers high. Aids is very common in sex workers with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh reporting 7.4% and 6.3% sex workers to be affected by aids respectively. This percentage is very high as compared to other parts of the population. Homosexual Men Homosexual individuals have a much higher chance of getting aids. Recent studies show that 2.7% of men who are sexually active with other men are affected by Aids. This percentage gets higher in particular areas with studies going as high as 10% in Andhra Pradesh. Transgenders Transgenders are some of the most marginalised people among the Indian population with very limited access to healthcare services. It is estimated that 3.1% of transgenders suffer from aids. Using Injectable Drugs Aids can be spread through the use of common syringes, Credits: pxhere Drug abuse by using injectable methods is very high in certain parts of India. This practice often involves using non sterilised syringes which are used by multiple people. This can transmit HIV from one individual to another. Expert estimates suggest that 2.3% of people who abuse injectable drugs suffer from aids. Awareness and Treatment The treatment for aids is available for free in India, Credits: WikimediaCommons When it comes to aids, awareness of the disease is very important. The overall awareness of the disease stands at 79% among Indians affected with aids. There are various programmes which are run by the government and various other organizations to increase awareness among patients. Targeted awareness programmes have raised the percentage of people who are aware of them being HIV positive has increased to 68% among transgenders. In Indian various programmes are run which offer free antiretroviral treatment for patients suffering from aids. As of 2017 56% of people have been getting treatment. The number does seem less but is a massive rise from 36% in 2013. It is important to increase the number of people getting treatment for aids. Government’s Intervention and Goal 12,600 red ribbon clubs run in India to increase aids awareness, Credits: Pexels The goal of the government of India is to achieve 90-90-90. This refers to 90% of people suffering from aids are: Aware of their diseases Getting Treatment The disease is retrovirally suppressed because of effective treatment. In addition to ramping up awareness programs and providing free treatments, the government of India also focuses on prevention. The prevention is done in the following ways: Free condoms: 86% of cases of aids in India are transmitted due to unprotected sex. To battle this, the government runs ad campaigns to promote the use of condoms and also provides free condoms in high-risk areas. Mother to Child Transmission: In case a pregnant mother is suffering from aids then there is a treatment available to ensure that the foetus does not get aids. There is a program called Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission which began in 2002. Under this programme, 30000 sites are available where suppressive treatment is given to ensure that the child does not get aids. The transmission of aids from mother to child can be prevented, Credits: pxfuel Takeaway Aids is still a major cause of concern in the country. In recent years, the aids situation has become better but there is still a long way to go. We can all be helpful in the fight against this pandemic in two ways. The first one is to ensure that we take protective measures so that we do not contract the disease. The second is to destigmatize this disease so that people who are suffering can get the treatment and help they need.

Picture of female reproductive organ, Credits: Pixabay Menstrual Cycle: What is it? Phases of the menstrual cycle, Credits: Wikimedia.org The menstrual cycle occurs in a woman of reproductive age.  It is a natural change that occurs in the female body every month that makes pregnancy possible. Medically, menstruation is a process where a woman experiences discharge of blood and tissues from the lining of the uterus. This occurs every month, except during pregnancy and the process lasts for about 3-5 days. A typical cycle of menstruation consists of several stages where the female body undergoes various hormonal changes to prepare for the possibility of becoming pregnant each month. Hormone fluctuations are responsible for transitioning the body from one phase to the next. What are the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle? It has been found through various researches that an entire menstrual cycle usually lasts between 24 and 38 days.  The length of the menstrual phase may vary from cycle to cycle, and may also change over the years. The four phases of the menstrual cycle are listed below: The menstrual phase The follicular phase The ovulation phase The luteal phase Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5) The first stage of the menstrual cycle is the menstrual phase where you start noticing your period. During your period, you release a combination of blood, mucus, and soft tissue from your uterus. In this phase, the unfertilized egg from the previous cycle sheds down through your vagina. The uterus lining which is being prepared to support your pregnancy also sheds down. During this phase, you may also experience a drop in estrogen and progesterone hormones. During the menstrual phase, you may experience symptoms like abdominal cramps, tender breasts, bloating, mood swings, backaches, tiredness, headache and irritability. Follicular Phase (Day 1-13) The follicular phase also starts with the menstrual phase and ends with ovulation. This phase usually lasts for 13 days. During the follicular phase, a course of events takes place. The hypothalamus is stimulated to release hormones by the pituitary gland which helps egg cells in the ovaries to grow and develop. The follicle-stimulating hormone released by the pituitary gland stimulates the ovaries to produce around 5-20 follicles containing immature eggs. One of these eggs will mature while the rest may be reabsorbed by your body. In rare cases, two eggs may also mature sometimes. It takes 13 days for the egg cell to reach maturity. While the egg cell matures, the follicle secretes estrogen hormone that stimulates the uterus to develop a lining of blood vessels called the endometrium. Ovulation Phase (Day 14) Estrogen released during the follicular phase triggers the pituitary gland to release another hormone called luteinizing hormone which marks the start of ovulation phase. During the ovulation phase, the ovary releases the matured egg. The released egg cell is swept into the fallopian tube which travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus to be fertilized by the sperm. Ovulation period is the time when a woman can get pregnant. Symptoms like a slight rise in body temperature followed by a thick discharge can be noticed during the ovulation phase. Luteal Phase (Day 15-28) The luteal phase begins after the ovulation phase on the 15th day and lasts until the end of the cycle. During this period the egg cell released during the ovulation phase changes into corpus luteum. This stimulates the release of progesterone and estrogen hormone. These hormones help keep the uterine lining thick and ready for a fertilized egg to implant. The egg remains viable for around 72 hours, and if the egg is not fertilized during this period, the egg cell disintegrates. The corpus luteum will shrink away and be resorbed, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and cause the onset of your period. This causes the menstrual phase of the next cycle to begin. #Menstrualcycle #Menstrualcyclephases

The number of dengue related cases in India have increased alarmingly in the past. The Aedes mosquito sitting on the human skin, Credits: Flickr Introduction Dengue is a mosquito transmitted disease that poses a global danger to public health. In different tropical and subtropical regions, the dengue virus is a major arbovirus. Along with the increase in the number of cases and its severity, there has been a shift in the geographical range of this disease. From only being restricted to urban areas it has now started affecting rural citizens as well. Unorganized urbanization, drastic environmental changes, host–pathogen interactions are few factors that are known to have increased its spread in the country. Inadequate vector control measures can also be blamed for this. Facts Dengue can be fatal if not diagnosed and cared for at the correct time. Here are some interesting facts on dengue fever: Symptoms of dengue fever are those of any other flu Dengue initially causes symptoms just like those of common flu. After 5 to 10 days from the bite of the aedes mosquito, true symptoms occur. No medicine to treat this fever Keeping the body hydrated and getting enough rest are the only known ways to treat yourselves from dengue quickly. A vaccine for dengue fever exists Vaccination for dengue fever is available, Credits: Health.mil To fight dengue antigens, a vaccine named Sanofi Pasteur, developed by an international pharmaceutical company can be used. It is a vector-borne disease The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in the daytime. A bite by this mosquito causes the dengue fever. Its favourite spot being below the elbow and knee. This mosquito breeds in a specific environment The Aedes mosquito is known to breed in tropical and coastal areas that have high moisture content in the air. Dengue fever is not contagious Just the Aedes mosquito bite and not the touch with an infected individual will make it transmit. Dengue can get fatal Dengue can even lead to death if symptoms are not taken care of in time. Mosquitos are attracted to obese people People who are overweight tend to attract more mosquitos as they exhale a lot of carbon-di-oxide. Platelet count in humans is between 150,000- 350,000 Having a good platelet count helps you to recover quicker from injuries and also helps to prevent problems like anaemia. Coconut water is the best way to keep body hydrated when infected with dengue Coconut water helps to replace all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the body that are lost when a person is diagnosed with dengue. Right medication, rest, and a healthy diet help for fast recovery. To increase body strength and immunity a diet with fruits, vegetables is necessary to replace all that has been lost. Consuming coconut water can do great benefits to the body, Credits: Wikipedia Statistics and Trends In 2017, India registered about a decade with the largest number of cases of dengue and deaths. This showed a 300% increase in the number of cases since 2009. India recorded about 60000 dengue cases in the year 2009 and with a hike of 300%, the number of cases in 2017 went up to 188,401. When compared to the numbers in 2013, with a total of around 75,808 cases there existed a spike of more than 250%. The maximum cases have been noted in north-eastern and southern states, where the climate is more humid due to the coast. The most significant percentage jump was observed by Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, with the most southern states shared the greatest burden. Together, these four states have reported approximately 66,057 cases, about 40% of all recorded national cases. Around 1500% to 1700% grew in cases between 2013 and 2017 in North-East states like Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. Delhi, even during this time, our capital city has doubled its dengue cases. Even in 2018, the situation did not become less concerning. As of June, the country recorded 9,143 cases, with three monsoon months yet to hit. In 2019, the southern states again were the worst hit by dengue fever.

When a pregnant woman suffers from malaria, it is harmful to both, the mother and the developing fetus with numerous symptomatic complications and even permanent complications in biological health. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of malaria and are three times more likely to suffer from this disease as compared to a non-pregnant woman. Although the reason behind this is not clear, researchers believe that it is due to reduced immune response and action in pregnant women to fight off such infections. This is because during pregnancy, your body in a way tries to suppress the immune system but not in the traditional sense. Changes are made to the mother’s immune system so that her body will be able to support her and the baby. This state makes her more susceptible to pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In fact, pregnant women contribute to a significantly large amount of malaria cases and contribute to 80% of malaria deaths in Africa. Pregnancy Complications Due to Malaria They include: Problems in the newborn/developing fetus: Miscarriage Premature delivery Low birth weight Congenital infection Perinatal death Problems with the mother: Anemia Fever illness Hypoglycemia Pulmonary edema Puerperal sepsis Cerebral malaria In addition to undergoing immunological changes, pregnant women also undergo changes in the level of the hormones in the body. As a result, the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood tends to increase by 8 to 9 times. This is why malaria is one of the major causes of poor birth outcomes. Due to these complications, malaria tends to be more dangerous and fatal in pregnant women with mortality being double compared to the rest of the population. The parasite is capable of attaching itself to the cells of the placenta and interferes with the transmission of oxygen and nutrition to the developing fetus. As a result, the fetus will not receive all the nutrition and oxygen supply that it needs to form a fully healthy baby with no complications. It also causes general hemorrhaging. Treatment The reason why treatment of malaria in pregnant women is difficult is because it includes severe negative side-effects especially in cases of P. falciparum malaria. Moreover, due to the various physiological and biological changes in the body, it is very difficult to effectively manage symptoms and continuously adapt to the hormonal changes while ensuring that the health of the fetus is not compromised at the same time. Generally, there are many antimalarial and antiprotozoal drugs that are safe for the mother and the developing baby. Although they may have some side effects, eventually they are effective and advisable as the benefits outweigh the risks or side effects of prolonged infection. Studying the nature of parasite for treatment, Image Credit: Health mil Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine is a good form of treatment for women diagnosed with malaria caused by P. Vivax, P. Ovale, P. Malaria that causes uncomplicated malaria and no severe symptoms. For uncomplicated malaria caused by parasites that are resistant to the above drugs like chloroquine-resistant P. Falciparum, artemether-lumefantrine is used for the treatment of pregnant women in their second and third trimesters and mefloquine is recommended for all trimesters. Although Doxycycline and tetracycline are not generally used or recommended for pregnant women, it is used in rare cases as a combination drug with quinine to treat patients when the parasite is resistant to other drugs or other treatment options are not available. The treatment for severe malaria is more a complex and complicated process. There is no one single form of treatment and is usually decided by the doctor with thorough examination and analysis. Most of the treatment will greatly affect the health of the fetus. Treatment and prevention, Image Credit: pxfuel Prevention Intermittent preventive treatments can be aimed to prevent or reduce malaria episodes. WHO recommended this treatment as a preventive measure that can be taken as early as possible in the second trimester of pregnancy. A pregnant woman will generally receive at least three doses of this treatment during her entire pregnancy, with each dose received 30-35 days apart. #Malaria #MalariaandPregnancy #Pregnancy #Treatment

Pregnancy is a time in a women’s life which is full of change. The human body goes through a long term process which brings various hormonal and chemical changes. Much like all other aspects of your life, pregnancy alters your sleep cycle as well. Sleep is a very significant aspect of our lives, especially during pregnancy. Being pregnant is exhausting and most women complain of constant fatigue. Sleep becomes even more important at this juncture to ensure that you are well-rested and replenished for the next day. The amount of sleep needed for pregnancy depends on which trimester you are in but most experts believe that a minimum of 7 hours is a must throughout your pregnancy. The First Trimester The early stage of pregnancy leads to several changes in the body of a woman. One of these changes is the increase of a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone can make a woman feel drowsy which helps in sleeping and can also increase the amount of time you sleep for. A majority of women sleep for 9 to 11 hours during their first trimester. It is considered healthy because of the added pressure on the body. Some experts believe that you should increase your sleep time by two hours when you are pregnant as compared. Progesterone also has a negative action on sleep. The level of urination can be increased in women who cannot tend to sleep. The Second Trimester Your sleep period improves during the second trimester. You get used to being pregnant both physically and mentally which makes you more comfortable. Your objective should be to sleep for eight hours a day in the for second trimester. In addition to the 8 hours, you should also try and get naps during the day when you feel tired. These naps will help you with the fatigue. The main antagonists to a good night’s sleep in the second semester are heartburn and leg cramps. Take naps whenever you can. Image Credits: Pxfuel The Third Trimester This period is the most difficult to get quality sleep. Various factors such as hormonal changes, enlarged belly, active foetus and morning sickness affect one’s ability to move. It is also the most exhausting time of the pregnancy. Experts say during the third trimester a woman should get as much rest and sleep whenever possible. You should try and get 7-8 hours of sleep at least. Doctors suggest that a pregnant woman in the third trimester should spend 8-9 hours in bed every night and that usually leads to 7 hours of quality sleep. What Can Be Done to Sleep Better During Pregnancy? The following activities can help you in getting better sleep: Monitor Your Fluid Intake: Fluids are important during pregnancy. Have plenty of fluids during the day but cut down on them in the evening. This will help you in decreasing the frequency of urination and not be disturbed while sleeping. Follow a Routine: Having a routine will help your body clock. Try to go to bed at the same time every day. Some people also state that having bedtime rituals such as a hot shower, reading a book or other relaxing activities have helped them in sticking to their routine. Reading a book before bed can help in sleeping. Image Credits: pikrepo Clear Your Mind: Having negative thoughts affects the sleep cycle of all individuals. It is important to have a clear mind. Avoid activities that cause you to stress or make you anxious. You should see a therapist whenever you feel anxious or depressed. Avoid Caffeinated Drinks: Caffeine intake can affect your sleep cycle. Else you can have coffee drinks in the morning or the afternoon. This will increase the time between caffeine intake and sleeping. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Image Credits: Pxhere Physical Activity: There are mild exercises which are done during pregnancy.   Even if you do not indulge in exercise, just move as much as you can. Be careful not to do any exercises which cause you discomfort or have a risk of causing harm. Also, ensure that your doctor has not asked you to be on bed rest before doing physical activity. Be Comfortable: There are studies which show that specific sleeping positions such as sleeping on your left side are helpful. Find a comfortable spot for you and add comfort with soft pillows or other objects. Comfort could be the key to a good night’s sleep. Takeaway The sleep cycle will change during different times of your pregnancy. It should be your priority to sleep as much as possible. In case you are having trouble sleeping, it does not mean that something is wrong but you should inform your gynecologists’ about it. #Pregnancy #Sleep

Breastfeeding is more than feeding your baby! Experts suggest that breastfeeding is not only good for the baby but also helps the mother grow both physically and emotionally. Breastfeeding not only nourishes the body of the infant, but its production and delivery can also help aid the health of the mother. It provides numerous health benefits for mothers who are beyond emotional satisfaction. Let’s find out how breastfeeding benefits the mum! Release of Good Hormones Prolactin: Breastfeeding is associated with the release of high levels of prolactin. Prolactin release helps you bond with your baby by providing a peaceful, nurturing sensation during feeding that allows you to relax and focus on your child. Oxytocin: Breastfeeding sends signals to your brain and stimulates the release of oxytocin. This promotes a strong sense of love and attachment between you and your baby. It also promotes uterus contraction and causes it to shrink quickly after the birth of your baby. Pitocin: Pitocin, a synthetic hormone also causes your uterus to shrink and reduces bleeding after delivery. Studies have suggested that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight than the mothers who formula feed their babies. Thus, reducing the risk of long-term obesity. Aids in Weight Loss: It has been reported that breastfeeding can help the mother lose weight. The fat which is accumulated during pregnancy is utilised to produce milk after the delivery period. Also, mothers tend to lose many calories during lactation, as the body requires energy to produce milk for the baby. Relief from Engorged Breasts: Engorged breasts may cause throbbing pain and swell in the breasts, which sometimes extends as far as your armpit, and could make your breasts feel fairly hot or lumpy. This is because your breasts are constantly producing milk for your newborn baby. The most effective way to treat your breast engorgement symptoms is feeding your hungry baby! To find relief from painful breasts you should try to empty your breasts as much and as often as possible to help keep the milk flowing. So, try feeding your baby on demand at least between eight and 12 times every 24 hours. Provides a Sense of Confidence: Breastfeeding can strengthen the maternal bond between the child and the baby. It provides a sense of confidence to the mother that her baby is getting all the nutrients she needs. Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Breast-feeding provides most of the mothers with a powerful psychological experience. The most common mode of interaction between the baby and mother is via breastfeeding which also enhances the emotional health of the woman resulting in fewer feelings of anxiety and a stronger sense of connection with her baby. Research has also suggested that exclusive breastfeeding may have fewer episodes of post-delivery depression. Reduces the Risk of Breast Cancer and Reproductive Cancer: Research studies have shown that nursing the baby for at least six months or more negates the risks of breast cancer or reproductive cancer. It has also been reported that prolonged nursing suppresses ovulation and lowers a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Heart Disease: The beneficial effects of nursing are also extended to the heart, where nursing has been found to reduce the risk of CVD by exerting a beneficial role in the body’s metabolism of sugar and fats. Breastfeeding may also reduce the visceral deposition of fat around the abdominal region and promote healthier fat storage on the hips and thighs thus reducing the risk of obesity and CVD. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Numerous research studies have reported that nursing can lower the risk of arthritis. This can be attributed to its role in influencing the levels of female sex hormones, like estrogen and certain androgens which can help fight the debilitating condition. This is due to the decrease in humoral immunity and an increase in bone density which is brought by estrogen and androgen levels. There are also other mechanisms which suggest breastfeeding to reduce the risk of arthritis. Diabetes: The latest studies have shown that breastfeeding protects the mother against type 2 diabetes. That’s likely because lactation makes cells more sensitive to the hormone insulin. Also, the amount of insulin that the mother requires after the delivery period is decreased. #BreastfeedingBenefits