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Introduction Right from the beginning, every parent would want their children to be brainy, crafty, confident, sharp, and be able to overcome any hurdles they ever come across. To secure their child’s future and make sure they get the best education, parents invest a lot of their money and time. Teaching them to be strong, mentally, and emotionally, fight against all odds, and face real world problems beyond their textbooks. It has always been believed that having a good Intelligence Quotient is the way to success. But this isn’t a true fact. A combination of all, Intelligence Quotient, Emotional quotient, Social Quotient and Adversity Quotient are required for the success of an individual in the long run. One of the most important among these being the Adversity Quotient (AQ). Having a good AQ plays an important role in a person’s future as they face more people. Thus, it is necessary for parents to build this in kids from a young age, because in the end it is more important than having a good IQ level also. What is Adversity Quotient? Adversity Quotient, also known as AQ, is a means to learn how an individual would react or behave when faced by different adversities in everyday life. What we need to teach our kids from a young age are essential life skills, like how to cope with such adversities and be resilient always. This is important for well-being and to avoid any sort of mental problems during any phase of their lives. There are studies that show increase in productivity, capacity, innovation, and performance can be due to better AQ in the person. A good AQ leads to greater productivity in an individual., Image Credits: Picpedia Why is a Strong AQ Necessary? AQ is irrelevant to the age factor. It is a must to make sure that kids know how to face a tough situation, and are open to getting feedback, even though you cannot push children to challenging measures. Studies say that this is important to get them ready for future circumstances. At the way life throws sudden situations and responsibilities, a good way for them to battle these phases in their life is by staying strong. Children who are strong emotionally and resilient tend to have a much better grip at dealing with trauma and are likely to suffer less from such burdens as they grow up. Adversities can never end. Parents play an important role in building AQ in their child. Image Credits: Pxfuel Based on a study on human behaviour, kids with a high adversity quotient possessed the following characteristics: Are active learners and open to solving problems faced every day in life. Follow systematic approaches to handle the problem. Do not believe in giving up in any circumstance. Have a forever positive attitude and are open minded. Can You Raise AQ? It is generally good to start on the development of AQ from a small age as the process is gradual. But just like IQ, yes AQ can be increased in an individual. Self-awareness, being open to all kinds of feedback and realising their weak areas and improvising are a few ways to help young people increase their AQ. This is how they will learn to improve upon themselves. It can be anything like a quiz, or a life skill. Parents have a big role to play in improving their kids AQ. When kids see their parents upset, weak or anxious it tends to get into them as well. Thus, it is necessary to be supportive, value their decisions as well as guide them. Having a strong emotional bond within the family can do very good to a child. Teach them to stand up for themselves and take smart decisions. #AdversityQuotient

Stress has become a major problem in today’s world. It is a condition in which a person suffers from mental strain due to difficult circumstances. There are many factors which can cause stress. Some of the most common ones include loss of loved ones, high pressure working environments and traumatic experiences. Stress has a negative impact on our lives and we need to do some things that help us manage it. There are various techniques which can help in reducing stress. One of these which can be very effective is eating foods that decrease stress. Here are 7 food items which can help you deal with stress: #1 Warm Milk Calcium present in milk helps in decreasing stress, Image Credits: Pixabay Drinking warm milk has many benefits and one of these is its ability to reduce stress levels. Recent research suggests that calcium has the ability to decrease stress in the body and milk is rich in calcium. There are studies which show that psychological benefits of drinking warm milk include a relaxing effect on the body and also help in achieving a better sleeping cycle. Developing a habit of drinking warm milk before sleeping can indicate to the body that it’s time to sleep. Try having a glass of warm milk before bed to manage stress. #2 Herbal Tea Herbal tea provides a soothing and relaxing action. Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures Herbal teas have various benefits which can help in reducing stress. Ingesting warm beverages has a soothing effect on the body. Herbal teas have an added benefit to normal warm liquids. They include ingredients such as chamomile which have a relaxing action and boost feelings of friendliness and warmth. This combination can be very effective in battling stress. You can start by consuming one cup of herbal tea of the flavour of your choice. #3 Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C levels. Some experts have linked Vitamin C to stress levels. Recent studies show that an increase in Vitamin C levels can decrease the stress an individual has. The best intake mode of Vitamin C is consuming citrus fruits. They are easy to ingest and provide a wide variety to choose from. Some common citrus fruits include oranges and lemons. #4 Whole Grains Whole grains have many health benefits. They are rich in carbohydrates and contain other essential nutrients such as fibre. Carbohydrates are known to temporarily increase the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin increase has a positive action on the brain and can help in improving mood and decreasing stress. #5 Dark Chocolate Presence of antioxidants makes dark chocolate better than normal chocolate at relieving stress. Image Credits: Pixabay Eating chocolate in itself can provide a feel-good factor to many individuals. Experts believe that chocolate can improve mood because of its psychological action. Dark chocolate goes a step further than that. Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants. These can decrease the stress hormones which are present in the body. A study which was conducted to understand the impact of dark chocolate on stress levels shows that it has a beneficial action. Be sure not to eat too much. The recommended intake is one-quarter of a regular-sized chocolate bar every day. #6 Dried Fruits or Nuts B Vitamins in pistachios help in reducing stress, Image Credits: Pixabay Dried fruits are food items which lose their water content either naturally or artificially before they are ingested. These are rich in nutrients which can help reduce stress. Most nuts have a high concentration of B Vitamins which have been linked with stress reduction. Ensure that you only eat a handful of nuts during the day. Dried fruits which are considered best to deal with stress are pistachios, walnuts and almonds. Spinach has a high magnesium content.Image Credits: Public Domain Pictures Spinach is a green vegetable which is rich in magnesium which is a necessary nutrient for the body. Low magnesium levels have been linked with an increase in stress. Experts believe that the majority of our population is deficient in magnesium. An increase in stress reduces the amount of magnesium present in the body making it ever so important to eat spinach to maintain magnesium levels. Takeaway Stress management is a difficult task but it can be done. These foods will help in reducing your stress levels but you should combine their intake with other stress-relieving activities. Be careful with the quantities of these foods. Overeating them will not increase their action. If you still feel stressed after doing these activities, then you should consult a therapist or a doctor to manage your stress level better. #Foods #Stress

What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a condition in which the one or more joints in your body gets inflamed. There are two types of arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition and is triggered by genetics. Osteoarthritis: A condition where the articular cartilage gets destroyed but is triggered by physical factors and old age. This condition causes destruction of the bone cartilages, joint fluid, and loss of bone mass due to friction. This is followed by excruciating pain and lots of discomforts. However, living with arthritis doesn’t always have to be painful as there are many ways to prevent, improve, or manage the pain felt by the patient. Air conditioning is one of the many factors that have clinical relevance to arthritis pain. Joint pain Image Credit: needpix Effects of Air Conditioning on Arthritis Pain Arthritis pain can be increased in any condition of extreme temperatures. This means that a cold chilly region will have the same dramatic effects on arthritis pain as a hot summer day. In addition to that, the pain can also significantly increase if one goes from an extreme weather condition to the other, like entering a cold air-conditioned room after you have been out in the afternoon sun. Thus, this is why air conditioners could greatly affect patients suffering from arthritis. 1. Negative Effects Air conditioners are one of the major factors that contribute to increased joint pain in both types of Arthritis. This unnatural and extreme temperature in interiors can increase barometric pressure which will assist in further deterioration of the joint and synovial meniscus. Thus, the gap separating the two bones at the joint decreases  and the person will feel more pain due to the damage of bones by friction and pressing of nerves. Moreover, it is a fact that warm humid conditions are known to relieve joint pain. Air conditioners effectively decrease the humidity levels in the room and blow dry air. As a result in decreased humidity, patients tend to feel more pain, especially the ones suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This is why people suffering from arthritis feel very uncomfortable sitting in cold rooms or on long car rides with air conditioning. Continuous use of air conditioning could also increase the toxicity in the room and could make the person prone to airborne infections or other immune diseases and cause restless sleep and increase climate sensitivity. These complications could result in joint deterioration and increased pain as a side effect. Lastly, in general, extremely low temperatures can cause muscle contractions and aches which could result in joint and muscle pain over time by increasing stiffness and swelling. Extreme conditions are bad are arthritis pain, Image Credit: libre shot 2. Positive Effects Although extreme cold conditions cause the most damage to arthritis pain, one must not disregard the harmful effects of an arthritis patient who is surrounded by extremely high temperatures. Extreme conditions of temperature and humidity levels on their end of the scale can cause damage. Thus, air conditioners could be used to obtain a moderate temperature in your interior for the benefit of arthritis patients as long as it is done in moderation in areas where it is extremely hot. Conclusion Arthritis is not caused by temperature but the pain experienced by arthritis patients can be controlled by moderate conditions of temperature and humidity. With that being said, there is no foolproof condition that can make a person ” symptom-free or pain- free” from arthritis, it will only help improve the pain. Extreme climates are one of the major factors that increase arthritis pain, thus air conditioners utilized to obtain extremely low temperatures indoors, are bad for the patients but could be used as a moderator when it’s too hot outside to obtain a reasonable and comfortable temperature. #Arthritis #Arthritispain

Every month, a woman undergoes a menstrual cycle – a natural change that occurs in the female reproductive organ and which makes pregnancy possible. The menstrual cycle can say a lot about your health, so it’s important to check and keep a track of it. Tracking your menstrual cycle may help you understand what’s normal and what’s not. It can also help you understand when you are ovulating, and any important changes happening like a missed period or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. What’s a Normal Menstrual Cycle? The average length of the menstrual cycle is around 28 days when counting from the first day of one cycle to the first day of the next cycle. The menstrual flow may last around 2-7 days which might occur every 21-35 days. The length of menstrual cycles which is found to be longer for the first few years tends to shorten and become more regular as you age. Most of the time, your menstrual cycle might be regular, but you may also observe some irregularities in your menstrual cycle like painful or pain-free, long or short cycles, and light or heavy periods, all of which can still be considered normal. When you get close to menopause, your cycle might become irregular again. Note that the use of contraceptives such as extended-cycle birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), can alter your menstrual cycle. In such cases, talk to your health care provider. How to Keep a Track On Menstrual Cycle? Keep track of your menstrual cycle by marking them on a calendar. You can begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. What do Menstrual Cycle Irregularities Mean and What Causes Them? Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, which include- You may have become pregnant. A breastfeeding woman may experience a delay in the return of menstruation after pregnancy. Stress, dieting, weight loss and eating disorders, and extreme physical activity may also lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women which may cause infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. It results due to excessive androgen secretion which causes enlarged ovaries containing small collections of fluid called follicles. Premature ovarian failure is a condition where a woman loses the normal function of ovaries before she reaches 40. They may experience irregular or occasional periods for years. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs which can cause irregular menstrual bleeding. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tissue growths of the uterus. They can cause heavy menstrual periods and prolonged menstrual periods. How can you Prevent Menstrual Irregularities? Use of birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles in some women. Treating certain underlying conditions like eating disorder, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory infection can help prevent irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Consult your gynaecologist in case you don’t experience your periods for more than 90 days, and you are not pregnant. In case you are bleeding doesn’t stop even after 7 days or if it is more heavy than usual, speak to your doctor. #Menstrualcycle #MenstrualHealth

A healthy pregnancy and prenatal care equal a healthy baby. This is because the growth and development of a baby solely depend on the mother’s mental and physical health. Here’s a list of some common mistakes to avoid during pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby: Pregnancy mistakes 1)  Too Little or Too Much Sleep A lot of pregnant mothers are expected to work, complete daily chores, or even take care of their older children while trying to remain fit and healthy for their unborn baby. However, it is important for pregnant mothers to understand that they cannot sacrifice their sleep in order to maintain this work-life balance. When the human body is at rest, the maximum amount of healing and growth takes place. This is even more essential when there’s another human body developing inside of you at a high rate. Moreover, hormonal and physical changes that one will experience requires a lot of rest and recovery. A lot of working mothers overwork themselves in offices during their pregnancy as their intention is to have enough spare or free time to take care of their newborns. Although this seems like a logical plan, one must realize that the proper development of your baby is the most important criterion of having a healthy baby. Moreover, oversleeping or lack of sleep can cause changes in your baby’s sleep pattern. Oversleeping could also lead to stillbirth. 2)  Sleeping on your back During your pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, it is very important to sleep on the side of your body and not on the back. This is because as your uterus expands, sleeping on your back can decrease blood supply to your uterus and even make you feel uncomfortable, and hence, one will not get enough rest. Moreover, sleeping on the back can cause backaches, digestive problems, loss of breath, low blood pressure, and poor blood circulation to your growing fetus. Thus, sleeping on your side will help avoid these problems. To be more specific, it is even better to sleep on your left side and it will avoid your heavy and large uterus to apply pressure on your liver that is located on the right side. Excercise, Credit: pexels 3)  Lack of exercise A lot of mothers wrongly assume that they must stay put and be less active during their pregnancy to avoid any cardiac problems or any falls or injuries. This may be true up to a certain extent but staying fit and exercising during your pregnancy is very important. Exercise will help your pregnancy in the following ways: It helps the body overcome hormonal and physical changes. Boosts blood circulation and maintains healthy blood pressure. Most importantly, exercise will help in fetal development, prepare your body for labour, help your body go into labour faster, and also make delivery less painful and fast. On the other hand, no form of exercise or not burning any calories by physical activities can also cause serious complications to the mother’s life, the baby’s life, and the delivery process. Moreover, maintaining a healthy abdominal muscle or core could also protect the fetus during accidents or falls. Some good form of exercise include: Yoga Talking walks Jogging Aerobics Swimming Pelvic tilts and squatting 4)  Overdosing on prenatal Sure, vitamins and other nutrients are good for your body but there is no evidence that indicates overdosing yourself with these pills will do your baby any good. In fact, excess of certain vitamins and minerals can cause serious side effects to the mother’s bones, skins, and organ functions which indirectly affects the health and development of the growing baby. Moreover, overdosing of these pills can cause a chemical imbalance or even interfere with other medications the mother is taking for her health. Thus, it is important to consult and doctor and make sure you are taking the specific amount of prescribed prenatal. Self medication, Credit: Army 5)  Self-medication Majority of over-the-counter drugs and medications always have a disclaimer for pregnant women. They include pain killers, antacids, acne drugs, and even cosmetic pills to improve the quality of your hair or nails. Thus, it is very important for pregnant mothers to not self medicate with such drugs and always consult a doctor if there are any problems before deciding on the next step. Moreover, during the start of your pregnancy, it is also advisable to inform your doctor if you have been taking any such pills in order to ensure the health of your baby. The reason behind this is that some or most medications are capable of passing through the placenta and drug you growing fetus which may cause complications and deformities. 6)  Diet mistakes The two most common mistakes women make during their pregnancy include: ●    Eating too much The average and healthy calorie intake for a woman is between 1850 to 1900 calories, so if you think about it the growing fetus that is so much tinier than does not really require or utilize a high amount of calories. Thus, whenever the mother eats double of their usual serving in the name of ” eating for two”, they are essentially just increasing the risk of excessive weight gain or obesity. This could cause serious problems during childbirth and the mother may be forced to undergo a C-section. Cravings, Credit: flickr ●    Avoiding their cravings When the mother tries to limit her intake of unhealthy cravings, it is beneficial to the baby’s growth and development. However, if the craving and hunger pangs extend to a point of desperation and anxiety, then taking a bite of that unhealthy sweetness will prove to be less consequential than affects your baby’s health due to such levels of stress. #physicalhealth #Pregnancy #pregnancymistakes

Most of us relish the idea of going on a vacation. In fact, many people plan their lives in such a way that they can take at least one or two vacations in a year. Have you ever wondered why we like vacations so much and how vacations affect us? Going on a vacation means that we will be exposed to a new environment. An environment which provides comfort, relaxation and a new dynamic experience. These experiences are often defined by people as a life-changing and a must-try for everyone else. Let us understand in what ways vacations affect our minds. Reducing Stress Vacations help in reducing stress, Credits: Pikist The lives of most individuals today have become very stressful. Some attribute this increase in stress to their working environments while others to their personal lives. The bottom line is that our daily lives have become quite stressful. When you are on vacation you do not have to work, you get to indulge in activities that you find fun and most of all you get to relax. The fact that you are away from all the stress-causing things in your life combined with activities that give you pleasure is one of the best stress-reducing combinations in the world. There are studies which show that people who go on vacations are less stressed than those who do not. Increases Mental Sharpness Our daily lives often push us into exhaustion. An exhausted mind becomes less sharp. A vacation allows you to rest your mind and regain your mental sharpness. A study shows that individuals who are 3 days into a vacation show signs of being well-rested and improved mental sharpness. Vacations are recommended after long exhaustive work sessions. Mental Resilience Getting out of your comfort zone makes your mind more resilient, Credits: Wallpaperflare Vacations put individuals in a new environment and give them experiences that they have never had before. This exposure to new surroundings is essential as it builds mental resilience and strength. Going out of your comfort zone to gain new experiences strengthens the mind. Helps with Depression There are many individuals who suffer from depression. Recent studies have shown that taking a vacation can help with depression. These studies suggest that taking a vacation can bring genetic changes which the following impact: Decrease proteins linked with depression Boost the immune system If taking a vacation can help you deal with depression, it is worth a try. Enhances Creativity Vacations can lead you to inspiring places, Credits: Pxhere Being creative is very important to certain people. For some professionals such as writers, it is a requirement. A lack of creativity can be caused by impaired mental health. To enhance your creativity taking a vacation is a very good option. A vacation exposes you to new cultures, new things and gives you a holistic experience. Many people find vacations inspiring. Creativity is often linked with mental health and taking a vacation can help you in enhancing it. Satisfaction Being satisfied is a key component of having a healthy mind. Many experts believe that the lack of satisfaction can lead people to mental health problems. Vacations are one of the most satisfying experiences in the world if done right. There are so many aspects to a vacation that enjoying it in itself becomes very satisfying. Boosts productivity Vacations ensure that you are away from work for some time so that you re-energize yourself. This lack of work can make your mind focus more on it once you are back. Some people have reported having their desire to work boosted after coming back from a vacation. This newly formed frame of mind helps in boosting productivity. Taking a trip can boost productivity, Credits: Pixabay Takeaway Vacations have a heap of positive benefits for us. They act as rejuvenating agents for most of us. There are some experts who believe that the effects of a vacation can last for months after taking it. One of the reasons why most of us love taking vacations is because they help us at a mental level and we can see their effects on us. #mentalhealthproblems #mentalresilienceandstrength #vacations

UTI stands for urinary tract infection. It is a condition in which some part of the urinary system is affected by bacteria. The urinary system consists of bladders, ureters, urethra and kidney. For women, UTI is a common condition but in men it is rare. Studies suggest UTIs affect more than 50% of women in their lives but only 3% of men. The size of the urethra is shorter in women than in men which makes them more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Caption: UTIs are infections caused by bacteria. Image Credits: Flickr UTI for men is unlikely but it occurs. Here are 6 things which can cause infections leading to a urinary tract infection in men. Enlarged Prostate Due to Age Old age increases the chances of uti. Image Credits: Pixabay Age significantly increases the chances of developing a Urinary tract infection in men. Men above 50 years of age are likely to develop a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate is enlarged. This enlargement of the prostate chokes the neck of the bladder which results in improper emptying of the bladder. If a small amount of urine is left it can cause a urinary tract infection. Urine contains bacteria which were supposed to flush out but do not and cause UTI. Diabetes If you are suffering from diabetes then you are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. When you are suffering from diabetes, your blood glucose level increases. This increase in the blood glucose level also increases the sugar content of urine. High sugar content in urine promotes bacterial growth causing an infection. A high blood sugar level increases the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection. Kidney Stone Kidney stones are hard deposits that are present inside the kidneys. They are made of minerals and salts. Kidney stones hinder the flow of urine and decrease the flow rate. This leads to the presence of residual urine in the urinary system. The residual urine is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and causes a urinary tract infection. Lack of Fluids Drinking plenty of water is good for health. Among other harmful effects, the lack of fluids can also cause a urinary tract infection. The amount of urine a person produces is affected by their fluid intake. More fluids result in more urine formation. One purpose of urine is to excrete bacteria from the body. The lack of urine leads to less excretion of bacteria which can cause infections. Intercourse Intercourse can cause urinary tract infections. If one partner is suffering from a UTI then they can pass it to the other as well. This transfer is rare but possible. In the case of anal intercourse, the risk of getting a urinary tract infection is much higher as it leads to exposure to a large number of bacteria. Faecal Incontinence It is a condition in which the patient loses control of their bowel movements which results in involuntary bowel movements. Faecal incontinence which is also called bowel incontinence increases the risk of urinary tract infections.  It leads to exposure to large amounts of bacteria which can cause urinary tract infections. If you are suffering from faecal incontinence, you are likely to develop UTIs as well. What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Men? Changes in urination pattern are signs of UTI. Image Credits: Pixabay The following symptoms can be observed: Pain while urinating Increase in frequency of urination Fever Fatigue Chills Difficulty while starting urination Blood in urine Abdomen Pain Treatment Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Image Credits: Flickr The treatment focuses on preventing the spread of the infection and eliminating the current infection. To do this, antibiotics are used. Often doctors use a combination of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. Commonly used medications are nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim. Antipyretic medications such as paracetamol are also prescribed in case of fever. Takeaway Men can suffer from UTIs. The most common symptoms are felt during urination. If you observe any of them then consult a doctor. Urinary tract infections require medical intervention. #UrinaryTractInfectioninMen #UTI

Deep sleep is crucial for restoring the mind’s ability to learn and process things. If the number of hours of a person’s night sleep is less than 7-8 hours, they aren’t sleeping enough to repair their body and mind. The main way to prevent daytime sleepiness is to get adequate sleep at night to maintain a healthy life. People with bad sleep schedules are more prone to problems like obesity, diabetes etc. Here are some points to consider for your excessive daytime sleeping habits. Girl sleeping during the day while doing her work. Image Credits: Pexels 1. Sleep Deprivation How much sleep is enough? Adults require seven to nine hours of good sleep every night. Not getting a good sleep like that, especially for several days in a week, is when a person will most likely begin to suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. The most evident and easiest solution is to get more sleep. 2. Poor Sleep Hygiene Quality sleep is necessary for avoiding sleepiness during the day. Sleep hygiene refers to those habits which affect the quality of one’s sleep. Poor sleep hygiene habits include: Having an irregular sleeping schedule Consuming caffeinated drinks late at night Usage sleeping pills Regular alcohol consumption Using mobile phones, laptops and other devices that emit blue light just before sleeping Taking long afternoon naps Eating just before hitting the bed Working out before bed Blue light emitted from electronics can affect sleep. Image Credits: Jbsa.mil 3. Hypothyroidism The thyroid gland present behind the trachea, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate body metabolism and temperature. Iodine deficiency or an autoimmune disorder may be the cause for hypothyroidism. This is more common among women than in men. Hypothyroidism can make you feel sluggish and sleepy all the time. A person may tend to feel cold even when the others around you may feel warm. Lack of concentration, excessive weight gain and constipation are common symptoms of this condition. Proper medication taken from a doctor can help cure this condition easily. 4. Narcolepsy A person with narcolepsy, tends to abruptly fall asleep at unpredictable times. This could be even during an ongoing conversation. Symptoms of narcolepsy are: Excessive daytime sleepiness Abruptly falling asleep Sleep paralysis Vivid dreams Loss of muscle tone There is no standard cure for narcolepsy, though there exist few medications that can control abrupt sleepiness. Daily physical activity and healthy eating and sleeping habits can help overcome this. 5. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Though most people are unaware, they might be involuntarily moving their arms and legs during their night sleep. The movement is sometimes significant enough to wake the person up. People with this disorder complain of feeling unrested and of daytime sleepiness. Though the cause of PLMD is unknown, studies say it may be related to anaemia or may be genetic. Excessive limb movement can cause bad sleep. Image Credits: Needpix 6. Severe Anaemia Severe anaemia is when the body may need blood transfusion to correct. A person with severe anaemia is known to have constant headaches, feel exhausted and arrhythmic heartbeat which could adversely affect night sleep. For all the young ones,  it may seem as if poor sleep is only impacting your days now and then due to work pressure, but lack of good sleep has its own long-term effects on mental and physical health which can cause serious harm to the body. Getting a good sleep at night is very important to avoid daytime sleepiness. A good 8-10-hour sleep makes the mind fresh and gives it the ability to function properly throughout the day. If a person feels that even after good sleeping habits and good health, they are prone to feeling sleepy during the day, it is advised to visit a doctor and take necessary medications. #excessivedaytimesleepinghabits

The liver is the most vital organ of our body and yet it is given the least respect. Considered one of the largest organs of the body it works as a jack of all trades. Storing, releasing glucose as and when required to fight infections and removing bacteria from the blood are some of the major functions performed by the liver. In the twenty-first century, more and more younger people are being diagnosed and dying from various problems relating to damage of the liver like liver cancer, cirrhosis, or scarring. Pictorial representation of a liver with gallbladder. Image Credits: Medical graphics Symptoms of Liver Disease The early symptoms of liver failure are often like those of liver diseases. Liver failure can thus be difficult to diagnose at first. Early symptoms: Nausea Fatigue Appetite loss Diarrhoea As the condition of the liver deteriorates, the symptoms get serious and need to be attended to quickly. Some of the symptoms include: Jaundice Bleeding Hepatic Encephalopathy Exhaustion Sleepiness Causes 1. Infection Microscopic image of a virus that causes infection. Image Credits: Pixabay Inflammation caused in the stomach due to various bacteria and parasites reduces the functioning capacity of the liver. These viruses are transmitted when an infected person encounters another, via flow of blood, semen, or consumption of contaminated water. Hepatitis viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, and C are popularly known to cause liver diseases. 2. Immune System Abnormality Autoimmune diseases tend to affect the liver majorly. These diseases are when the immune system of the body attacks other parts of the body. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include: Genetics Primary sclerosing cholangitis Autoimmune hepatitis Primary biliary cholangitis When an abnormal gene enters the body from either of the parents, they tend to build various substances in the liver that can cause serious damage. Genetic liver diseases include: Hemochromatosis Wilson’s disease 3. Alcoholism This is the major reason why most millennials are suffering and dying from liver disease. A research analysis revealed that the number of deaths from liver illnesses have increased alarmingly, in young people. Though there could be a number of reasons for this like obesity and other viruses, the reason was increased consumption of alcohol. The rise in alcohol related deaths is due to rising rates of binge drinking for the past decade and more. This can be linked to the global financial crisis. Due to loss of opportunity, and the stress that comes along drives most people to abusive drinking. Your Liver Only Lives Once This biological wonder maintains chemical levels in the blood. It secretes a clear yellow or orange fluid called bile. Bile is required by the body for digestion and absorption. It also breaks down harmful substances, excreted into the bile or blood. Blood that leaves the stomach and intestine passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood to create nutrients for the body to take in.. Conditions that damage the liver result in scarring, which can be life threatening. Millennials And Liver Diseases Americans aged 25 to 34 show the greatest increase in deaths driven by alcohol related liver damage, nearly 11 percent increase per year from 2009 to 2017. Excessive body weight among young people due to unhealthy eating habits may also be a factor in rising liver disease. It is known that obesity compounds the toxicity of alcohol and together they aid to cause fatty liver disease. Liver-related illnesses are becoming increasingly prevalent with almost a 43% rise in liver diseases since 2000. Prevention Drink alcohol in moderation. Get vaccinated for hepatitis. Take prescription and non-prescription drugs only when needed and recommended. Keep your food safe. Washing hands before preparing food is a must. Avoid being in touch with blood of other people or any other body fluid. Protect your skin from UV rays of the sun and other chemicals. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thus, exercising is very important. #Causes #LiverDiseases #SymptomsofLiverDisease

We all want white teeth but at some point in time, most of us end up with yellow teeth. This occurrence of yellow teeth is considered bad both hygienically and aesthetically. The good news is that the yellowing can be reversed with these simple techniques. Let us first understand how teeth become yellow. Teeth are predominantly white because the outer layer of teeth called enamel is white. Over time the outer layer gets thin due to wear and tear. It exposes the layer under it called dentin which is yellow. Teeth also get yellow because of stains of certain food items such as coffee. Non Maintenance of oral hygiene is a major factor in yellowing of teeth. Here are 6 home remedies for teeth whitening #1 Using Fruit Peels The inside of fruit peels is rich in nutrients. The best peels to use are banana and orange. Peel the fruit and use the inside of the peel. Rub the inside on your teeth. Follow the motion you follow while brushing. These peels are rich in magnesium, potassium and manganese. These nutrients act on the enamel and help in rebuilding it. Follow it up brushing normally so that the traces are removed. This method is very effective. Rub your teeth with orange peel. Image Credits: Pixnio #2 Oil Pulling Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique which has been around for a long time. The principle of the technique is to fill your mouth with oil and swirl it around as fast you can and then spit out. This process will remove the bacteria which cause plaque and cause yellowing of teeth. The following oils are believed to be effective: Sesame oil Sunflower oil Coconut oil Use one tablespoon of coconut oil for oil pulling. Image Credits: wikimediacommons Ensure that you use edible oils and that you spit them out without ingesting them. Use one tablespoon at a time. #3 Using Baking Soda Baking soda is an ingredient in many different types of kinds of toothpaste. It is believed that it acts as a whitening agent. Apply baking soda on your toothbrush and brush with it. Baking soda also has an abrasive effect which is helpful in removing stains. The abrasive nature rubs them off. Baking soda is alkaline and creates an alkaline environment in the mouth. An alkaline environment reduces the growth of bacteria which helps in preventing yellow teeth. The use is like that of normal toothpaste and be sure to spit it out after using and rinse your mouth. #4 Apple Cider Vinegar Caption: Apple cider vinegar has a disinfectant and whitening action. Image Credits: Pxhere It is one of the oldest disinfectants in the world. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which has a disinfectant action on teeth and prohibits the growth of bacteria A recent study on animal teeth has also suggested that it has a bleaching action as well. It has been used for centuries and is believed to be one of the most effective ways to get shining white teeth. Rub your teeth with its solution and follow it up by rinsing. Use it for a short period. #5 H202 H202 or hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent which is available in powder form. It can be used by rubbing it on your teeth. It has an effective whitening action. You should brush with it for 1-2 minute daily. Its long term use is not recommended. Although, it is very effective in short term use. Use it for a week and see the result. H2O2 whitens teeth because of its bleaching action. Image Credits: Flickr #6 Changing Your Diet Your diet plays a significant role in the yellowing as well as whitening of your teeth. Their foods that you should eat are crunchy vegetables and fruits. Their crunchy nature will rub against your teeth and help in removing stains. Eating milk and milk-based items helps in remineralising the teeth which result in the rebuilding of the enamel. It is recommended to increase your milk intake. Avoiding certain stain-causing foods will also be helpful in whitening your teeth faster. The following things can stain the teeth and should be avoided: Coffee Soda Tobacco products Citrus fruits Takeaway The most important thing for your teeth is maintaining your oral health. Once you do whiten your teeth, your focus should be on maintaining your oral health properly. Brush twice a day and floss once a week. If you are not satisfied with home remedies for teeth whitening then you can visit a dentist and they can help you whiten your teeth. #HomeRemediesforTeethWhitening #TeethWhitening

A tumour is a growth of abnormal cells that develops when cells reproduce too quickly. Tumours can vary in size, depending on the type. A brain tumour is the most common tumour disease that is steadily rising in India. A brain tumour is a condition where a growth of abnormal cells start forming in the brain. It can either be cancerous or non-cancerous. Primary brain tumours start in the brain when the normal cells undergo genetic mutations. Secondary/metastatic brain tumours are tumours that result from cancer. This type of a tumour starts elsewhere in your body and then spreads to your brain. The cases of brain tumours are increasing more and more each year in our country. A study conducted in 2018 has reported brain tumours to be the 10th most common kind of tumour among Indians. Some Risk Factors That are Associated With Brain Tumours Genetic mutations are considered to be the proven risk factor for brain cancers. Studies have suggested certain occupations like farming which deals with pesticides spray, fire-fighting, metalworking, and people who are working in labs, rubber and petrochemical industries, pathologists and anatomists are at higher risk of getting CNS neoplasm. Numerous research studies have also suggested the role of radio-frequency radiations generated by mobile phones and microwave may also play a significant role in the aetiology of malignant gliomas Nitrates that are added to processed foods as preservatives also play a significant role in brain tumour aetiology. This is due to the N-nitroso compounds which are considered as potent neuro-carcinogens. The treatment of Brain tumour depends on the type/grade of cancer, age and general fitness. The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumour patients is only 36%. Statistics of Brain Tumours The prevalence of brain cancers in India is found to be extremely rare. The data suggest that only two or three out of 1 lakh people are affected in India. This accounts for less than 2% of all malignancies diagnosed. The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reported that each year around 24,000 people die due to brain tumours in India and more than 28,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year Astrocytomas – a primary type of brain tumour accounts for about 38.7% with the majority being high-grade gliomas (59.5%). Other most frequent tumours that affect Indians include benign meningiomas (11.4%), craniopharyngioma (9.7%), ependymal tumours (4.8%), and nerve sheath tumours (4.1%). The incidence of glioblastomas in the elderly population has seen an increase of 1-2% due to the introduction of high-resolution neuroimaging. Brain and central nervous system tumours account for about 26% of childhood cancers making it the second most common cancers in children. Around 2,500 Indian children suffer from a primary brain tumour called medulloblastoma, which spreads through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and metastasize to various locations including brain and spinal cord. Trends on Tumour An appropriate radiological evaluation has helped diagnose patients with suspected CNS tumour in early stages. Recently there have been major advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional imaging techniques. These techniques have led to better anatomical precision and pathological characterization. According to the National Cancer Control Program, tertiary care cancer centres are required to provide optimal cancer care to the patients. Due to the unavailability of radiotherapy machines and geographical inequality of resources, there are delays in treatment.  However, the recently instituted insurance program under Ayushman Bharat is expected to reduce the economic burden of cancer and other diseases by providing treatment facilities. #Facts #Stats #Tumour

When the body experiences stress, our body undergoes a lot of changes to either adapt to the situation or flee from the situation. The body releases stress hormones that will increase blood pressure and heart rate in order to produce energy and strength for the person to deal with the situation. However, there is a downside to this reaction as these hormones are capable of affecting other physiological functions like digestion, in an undesirable manner. Lastly, reaction to stress is also capable of affecting your physical appearance. This usually happens in one of two ways: When you are stressed out, you tend to make facial expressions that can affect the way you look in the long run, especially with prolonged stress. Stress hormones affect other neurotransmitters and hormones that are directly linked to sleep patterns, skin, hair growth, etc – all of which contribute to your physical features. Here are 4 ways stress can significantly affect your physical appearance: 1)  Skin The constant release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can cause negative effects on your skin over time. When the levels of these hormones are disrupted, it leads to skin related problems like: Acne Dermatitis Psoriasis Eczema Rosacea When levels of cortisol rise, the skin starts to undergo a catabolic activity where the rate of breakdown of tissues is far greater than it’s repair and as a result, the production of collagen and elastin is decreased. Since change  hormones level affect other physiological processes like digestion, our body also stops absorbing essential nutrients required for the benefit of skin health Moreover, in times of stress, all the vitamins and minerals that are essential for the maintenance of the skin are all prioritized in the metabolic production of stress hormones and thus the quality of your skin will suffer. Stress hormones released will also prevent your body from getting enough sleep and as a result, one can expect fluid to build up around your lower eyelids area and make your eyes look puffy and baggy. To make matters worse, people who are stressed out tend to subconsciously limit their water intake or drink coffee or soda, leading to dehydration. This eventually affects your skin as, without proper hydration, your skin appears to look dry and flaky. It could also cause redness due to shallow breaths in times of stress. Constantly making facial expressions like arching your browns and lowering your mouth could lead to the formation of wrinkles over time. acne and, Image Credit: pixabayeczema 2)  Hair The growth of your hair can be classified into a cycle: Growth phase (development and growth of your hair) Resting phase (developed hair stops growing) Falling out phase (excess hair starts falling) Prolonged experience of stress can cause complications to disrupt this hair cycle  As a result, your undeveloped hair could be forced into its resting stage and then finally into the falling out stage. This is when you will find bundles of hair strands left behind in your hairbrush by just a few strokes. The reason for the disruption of the cycle is because your immune system starts attacking your hair follicles in times of stress. In addition, stress also causes a reduction in the production of melanin and as a result, your hair starts to turn grey and become thinner. The adrenaline released can also get converted to testosterone which accelerates the hair cycle to enter the falling out phase. Lastly, although your hair has a high tendency to absorb nutrients, its follicle tissues are a very low priority to the body. Thus, in times of stress and abnormal situations, the body will utilize these nutrients in more vital functions. This again shortens the growth phase. Stress causes your hair to fall, Image Credit: public domain pictures 3)  Fingernails An increase in cortisol levels in times of stress has been linked to a decrease in the production of biotin in the body. Biotins is a complex vitamin that is responsible for cell growth and produces protein-building amino acids which are in turn responsible for nail growth. As a result, a lack of biotin could make your nails soft and brittle. Moreover, stress drains out all the nutrients that the nails need to absorb to remain healthy. They include: Vitamins Proteins Zinc Iron Magnesium Silica Lack of these nutrients causes grooves to form on the nail along with pitting and shredding. The physical response to stress can also damage your nail beds  They include rubbing, biting, or chewing of nails. The formation of vertical lines is also common. Although these side effects are harmless to the health of your body, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong and can cause other severe problems to other important functions later. Lines on fingernails, Image Credit: Wikimedia commons 4)  Teeth and Gums Stress can often cause us to form physical reactions in your mouth. They include clenching, grinding, and excessive movement of our teeth. When these movements occur frequently or are prolonged, it eventually results in the damage or fatigue in the joints and muscles, causing pain. As a result, it causes aches in your teeth, neck, and back which could progress to u attractive looking teeth or bad posture. At first, these side effects seem harmless to your general health but it could cause complications like closing off the body’s airway and the overall deterioration of your mouth and jaw. They can often also lead to sleep disorders. Stress also decreases the production of saliva, a natural antibacterial to the mouth and thus you affect your gums, oral health and even cause infections. clenched jaw and grinding teeth, Image Credit: pickpik #effectsofstressonface #StressAffect