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Whether you brush your teeth to prevent bad breath or cavities, a shiny, clean smile is a social need. Despite this, many people do not brush their teeth twice a day as prescribed, and a small percentage fail to brush at all. The obvious results include missing teeth and unpleasant dental visits. What about cancer, though? CANCER, yes! Dental hygiene is critical to our general well-being. It’s no secret that a careless approach to dental care leads to gum diseases and cavities, however, a study suggests it could also lead to cancer. Dental Plaque Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial mixture that occurs on the teeth’s surfaces and around the gum line. If the plaque is not dissolved by cleaning, the bacteria present develop mucopolysaccharides, an adhesive chemical. This develops into a biofilm, a clear layer on the teeth where bacteria can survive. This plaque bacteria releases an acid that harms the tooth enamel. Caption: Lingual incisor photo of Tartar. Credits: Common Wikimedia Over time, this plaque hardens and becomes tartar. Not flossing and brushing the teeth regularly are the two main causes of tartar and dental plaque. Plaque growth is a typical sign of poor oral hygiene. Dental Plaque and Cancer Dental plaque can lead to systemic health problems. According to a report, a person with permanent plaque has a 79 percent greater chance of dying from cancer than someone who maintains proper dental hygiene. Researchers wanted to find out if infection and inflammation of the teeth and gums can lead to early death from cancer. They followed the wellbeing of nearly 1,400 Swedish adults in Stockholm for 24 years . At the start of the surveillance process, they were all in their 30s and 40s. Participants were assessed for factors likely to boost their cancer risk, like smoking. Other potential risk factors associated with premature death, included frequency of dental visits, lower educational attainment, and lower-income. Age almost doubled the chance of cancer-related mortality among all risk factors. In fact, in male participants, the odds increased by 90%. Participant’s dental hygiene was also evaluated to determine the levels of gum disease, dental plaque, tooth loss and tartar they had. They didn’t have oral disease, but they did have a lot of plaque on the top of their teeth. At the end of the study, 58 people had died of cancer. Females made up over a third of the respondents. The estimated age of mortality for men was 60, and for women it was 61. The men would have been expected to live nearly 8.5 years longer, and the women an additional 13 years, so their deaths were considered premature. Breast cancer was the leading cause of death for women, while a variety of cancers claimed the lives of men. Dental plaque levels of 0.84 to 0.91 were seen among those that had died, suggesting that the gum region of the teeth had been coated with substantial dental plaque. Those that had made it were more likely to have higher values. The rating ranged from 0.66 to 0.67 among the casualties, suggesting that the gums were still partly coated in dental plaque. Dental plaque was associated with a significantly increased (79%) risk of cancer-related death. How to Prevent Dental Plaque Buildup The mouth’s mixture of chewed food and saliva provides an area where bacteria can expand on the teeth and gum line. Consuming sugary and starchy foods increases the quantity of dental plaque. Follow these simple tips to help avoid the accumulation of dental plaque: ⦁ Brush your teeth at least twice a day ⦁ Floss after meals to remove food particles stuck in between your teeth ⦁ Swish with mouthwash ⦁ Avoid eating sugary and starchy foods. Gum Disease and Cancer Another long-term health study provides additional indication for a link between individuals with advanced gum disease and cancer. Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease. It is caused by a bacterial formation that damages your bone and soft tissue that support the teeth. Researchers used data from extensive dental exams conducted for 7,466 individuals. The participants were followed from the late 1990s until 2012. 1,648 new cancer cases were diagnosed during the follow-up period. Chewing betel nuts can cause Periodontitis      Credits: Commons wikimedia Among participants with severe periodontitis, a 24 per cent increase in the relative risk of developing cancer was found, compared to those with mild to no periodontitis. The most risk was found in cases of lung cancer, trailed by colorectal cancer. Researchers noted an increase in risk of developing cancer by 28 per cent amongst patients who had no teeth, which is a sign of severe periodontitis or previous periodontal treatment. These patients also had an 80 per cent increase in risk of developing colon cancer. The bacteria that lead to periodontal gum disease directly go from the mouth into the lungs, or from the mouth to the colon. If an inflammatory response is caused, that could increase the risk of cancer. A small increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer in individuals with severe periodontitis was also found. #CancerfromBadTeeth

Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. 70-80% of healing happens when we are asleep. Several different hormones are released, the blood pressure drops for the heart to take rest, your muscles relax. This is why, when you sleep well you are more active mentally and physically. A good sleep schedule is very important for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, the lockdown has disrupted the circadian rhythm of a lot of people. Many of us are falling asleep 2-3 hours after our usual bedtime, while others are simply not getting their usual 8 hours. If you identify with the latter, you may be looking for answers to the question ‘How to sleep 8 hours in 4 hours’ If you can increase the quality of your sleep then you can reduce the amount of time you spend sleeping and still be fresh. Regardless of whether you want to focus on the quality or quality of your sleep, here are some handy tips: Limit Screen Time Before Sleep: Your brain cannot differentiate between the blue lights emitted from the phone and computer and natural light, which tricks it into believing it to be the daytime. The nighttime is for yellow/red light or no lights at all. The lighting in our house plays an important role, every cell responds to light and tells the brain to stay awake or decompress. Reduce Caffeine Intake: Consumption of caffeine can interfere with your sleep schedule, cause restless sleep and daytime drowsiness if you drink it close to your bedtime. The half-life of caffeine is 5-6 hours, so limit your caffeine consumption only to the morning hours. Reduce caffeine intake if you have problems in sleeping.              Credits: Pixabay Get Your Movement In: Working out and daily exercises are great ways to improve your sleep. Exercise increases your body temperature and this post-exercise temperature rise helps you fall asleep quickly and promotes better sleep. Yoga, light stretching, and meditation is a gentle and great way to induce better sleep. A national survey found that more than 55% of people who did yoga found that it helped them attain a night of better sleep. Yoga for a sleep disorder is suggested by many experts. Yoga can be a helpful tool in improving your sleep cycle.        Credits: Pixabay Get Comfortable: Make your surroundings comfortable. Dim the lights or light an aromatic candle, aromatherapy helps you relax and induce sleep. You can use supportive props like cushions, pillows, blankets, or a soft mattress. This especially holds true for women. A lot of women suggest that sleeping without a bra helps them sleep better as they impact the blood flow, the underwires may compress the muscles around the breast area and affect the circulation and the nervous system or the other types of bra which might be too tight and uncomfortable may hurt the breast. There is no definitive answer to the question is it better to sleep with or without a bra. Whichever way makes you feel more comfortable should be followed. Sleeping Direction: It has been theorised by ancient systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Feng Shui that sleeping direction plays a role in the quality of sleep. According to ayurveda the ideal position to sleep is south-north that is the head points towards south. Of course, there is no clinical evidence to support their suggestions but it may still be worth a shot! Magnesium Supplements or Magnesium Rich Food: Magnesium content in the body affects your sleep schedule quite a lot. People who are deficient in it suffer from sleep issues and disorders. Taking magnesium supplements or food rich in magnesium like Green leafy vegetables, nuts, bananas, etc can improve sleep quality. Magnesium increases the GABA, a neurotransmitter that encourages relaxation and better sleep. Bananas are rich in magnesium.        Credits: Pixabay Set Your Body Clock: Make a specific schedule for your sleep time and waking uptime. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. The routine will help your brain and body get used to it. Keep your alarm clock away from your reach, preferably at a height. This will make sure you do not snooze and will make you get off the bed and stretch to reach the clock. Eat Right at Night: Avoid heavy meals or big meals during the night time. Eat something light, the heavy food overloads your digestive system and makes it difficult to fall asleep or how well you sleep. Eat your dinner at least an hour before your bedtime, you may even take a walk. This will help you to get a night of better sleep. Free Your Mind:It will be very difficult for you to sleep if you are stressed out or are constantly thinking about your work or any decisions. You need to relax before you sleep, for this, you can read a book before your bedtime, listen to soft music, meditate a little by breathing in and out for at least ten minutes. Avoid Sleeping During The Day: If you sleep in the afternoon, you will find it very difficult to fall asleep at night. But if you have to snooze at noon you can take a power nap and limit it to 15-20 minutes and then wake up, drink a glass of ice water, take a walk, and continue with the day. #Whichdirectiondoyousleepbetter #Isitbettertosleep #Sleepdisordertest #Howtosleep8hoursin4hours #Yogaforsleepdisorder

An office worker might attribute his back pain to his uncomfortable chair. A construction worker might blame his jackhammer for back pain. However, if either of them happens to be a smoker, there just might be a contrasting explanation for their back pain. You probably know that smoking causes lung cancer. But did you know that smoking also causes back pain and other spinal problems? The same goes for using any nicotine-containing product, like cigars, tobacco, and nicotine gum and patches. Cigarette smoking prevents new bone growth, decreases calcium absorption, and slows down the spine’s healing process. Coughing because of heavy smoking may also cause increased intra-abdominal pressures which further adds to the back pain. Let’s look at a few reasons why smoking causes back pain. Disc Degeneration and Reduced Blood Flow to the Discs Irregularities in the vertebra affects blood flow            Credits: Commons wikimedia The discs present in the spine are gel-like cushions composed of 70 percent water. The musculoskeletal system needs blood flow, nutrients, oxygen, just like any other organ of the body. Smoking generates friction between the vertebrae. This affects blood circulation by decreasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the back joints and discs. Nicotine in tobacco causes atherosclerosis, a plaque in the arteries. This narrows the arteries. Narrowed arteries block blood circulation through the body, including disks and joints in the spine. As a result, the spinal discs become hard, brittle and less elastic leading to disc degeneration. Restricted blood flow further accelerates this process. When they wear out, these disks herniate or rupture. The soft gel-like core of the disk cracks through the disk’s outer layer. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves, leading to back pain. When you smoke, you damage your blood vessels, which accelerates the degeneration of your disks, leading to disk herniation and back pain. The Weakening of Bones, Muscles and Immunity Nicotine in tobacco triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical which deceives our body into reducing stress and thus feeling good. As a result, smoking becomes addictive. But the same tobacco decreases the oxygen-rich blood circulation to the tissues and bones, leading to initial signs of degeneration which may further cause impaired bone and wound healing. Smoking also boosts the risk for osteoporosis, a bone weakening illness that causes back pain and increases the risk of hip and other bone fractures. Nicotine slows the healing of these bone fractures. This is why patients who require fusion surgery of the spine are asked to stop smoking at least a month before surgery. Caption: Osteoporosis locations in the back.        Credits: Commons wikimedia The failure rate of fusion surgery is twice as big for smokers than non-smokers because of nicotine’s degrading effects on bone growth. Modified Perception of Pain Smoking changes the way you perceive pain. Nicotine in tobacco affects the functioning of the brain and increases a person’s reaction to pain. When the network between the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens changes, it makes a person less resilient to back pain. Nicotine plays an analgesic effect on the cardiovascular system. A study suggests that smoking increases blood pressure, which is linked to reduced pain sensitivity. A decrease in cardiovascular capacity and fatigue also weakens the muscles, making it difficult for them to support the spine and back. Why Should You Stop Smoking? A study by researchers shows that people who smoke are more likely to develop chronic back pain than those who don’t smoke. The researchers assessed 160 people who had lately developed sub-acute back pain, or back pain lasting 4 to 12 weeks. They also analyzed 32 people with chronic back pain, or back pain for 5 years or more and 35 people with no back pain. Over one year, participants completed questionnaires to gain information about their smoking habits and other health conditions. They also underwent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) brain scans. Researchers say that the brain scans were used to analyze activity between two brain regions, the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. The medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens in the brain      Credits: Commons Wikimedia Smoking boosts brain activity that decreases resilience to chronic back pain. The connection between these two brain regions plays an important role in chronic back pain development. The stronger the connection between them, the less resilient a person is to chronic pain. It was found that compared to non-smoking participants, those who smoked had a stronger connection between the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. This increased their risk of chronic back pain. It was also determined that compared to non-smokers, smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain. There was also a dramatic drop in this region’s activity in smokers who quit smoking. So, when they stopped smoking, their susceptibility to chronic back pain also reduced. This was also attributed to corticostriatal circuitry involved in addictive behaviour towards smoking. The study concluded that smoking increases the risk of developing back pain. Quitting smokes is not easy, nevertheless, it is not impossible. You should quit smoking gradually as the body can react adversely should you stop smoking all of a sudden. One can use nicotine replacement products such as nicotine patches and gum. Seek support from friends and family, exercise more often and be well prepared for the challenges.

When it comes to travel, the first idea that would normally strike a person is fun and enjoyment. Sometimes, it could even be something less amusing like business trips and emergencies. However, for women of menstrual age, the period cycle comes to mind and they begin to mentally calculate and compare their period due dates with the duration of their travel time. Thus, most vacations, especially camping trips and beach visits are planned around their due dates. women on holiday How Flying Affects Your Period The worst thing that could happen is getting your period mid-flight and not having supplies. Unfortunately, most airlines do not stock-up on feminine products and it is always better to take matters into your own hand. Moreover, when you’re on an aircraft, your menstrual flow will be very light due to the high pressure in the sky. So don’t be alarmed! Wear light and comfortable clothes while travelling and make sure your outfit makes it convenient to change your sanitary pad or tampon in the washroom mid-flight. Remember, those washrooms are usually tiny cubicles and you don’t want to be trying to undress your extra skinny fit jeans in that small space. Credits: Pexel Caption: Travelling during your periods Most women would be happy and perhaps surprised to know that menstrual discharge does stop when you are in water. Although the menstrual flow doesn’t stop, the high pressure of the water helps the discharge stay inside the vagina. Women can wear tampons or menstrual cups as an extra precaution as they aren’t visible in swimwear. As an additional precaution, you could wear dark swimwear. Beach holidays during your periods                Credits: Pexel Untold Menstrual Problems Although this problem isn’t always openly discussed in a society like India, handling your periods during long distance trips are actually a large concern for women. This is because it creates a lot of restrictions that usually go unnoticed until it’s pointed out – like swimming, finding convenient ways to dispose of sanitary products, using public toilets or even finding restrooms to change your sanitary pads or tampons. Keep in mind some women who have erratic cycles and have to always be prepared at any given point in time. Cleanliness and hygiene is top priority during your periods but it can never be guaranteed when you’re travelling to a new or unknown place. To add to this problem, periods are accompanied with a lot of pain and discomfort. You could be looking at the Eiffel Tower or The Statue of Liberty and still be distracted by that pinching sensation in your stomach. When the hormones are all over the place, it changes our mindset entirely! Essential Period Travel Kit All that being said, it is empowering to be a woman and to overcome these problems. With the right amount of essentials, it is more than possible to ensure a stress-free and comfortable travel experience during your periods. Making Travel Possible            Credits: pexel Here’s a list of some of the most essential products you must add to your period travel kit: ⦁ Sanitary products There are many sanitary products. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. Credits: pexel Caption: Sanitary Products ⦁ Tampons, sanitary pads and liners: Most women prefer tampons while travelling as they are very effective and can be worn for a longer period than sanitary napkins. Moreover, this sanitary product can be worn under swimwear and you can enjoy that sunbathe without anyone ever noticing. On the other hand, Pads are more convenient to sleep in when compared to tampons as it reduces the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Once used, they are easy to dispose of and replace. Lastly, liners can be used during light flow or even when you don’t have your periods while travelling. It will give you a sense of security and calmness as you’d be prepared for it. Credits: Pixabay Alt tag : Menstrual Cup ⦁ Menstrual Cups: The problems with tampons, pads and liners is that they occupy space in your luggage and we all know how precious luggage space is while travelling, especially on airplanes. It is also difficult to replenish these products while you are travelling due to lack of availability. Moreover, the maximum period they can be worn for is about 6-8 hours. The Menstrual cup solves all these problems as they all need to be changed 3 times a day. Besides, who would want the constant mental reminder to change your tampons or pads when exploring a beautiful city or camping in the middle of the forest. Since they are reusable, they also offer more luggage space as one would not require to stock up on them. Moreover, they can simply be washed and then reworn, making them so much more convenient. ⦁ Hygiene products To prevent infection and problems, a woman should always be maintaining top notch hygiene. ⦁ Femini wipes and unscented soaps: As mentioned before, cleanliness and hygiene can’t really be guaranteed when one travels to unknown places. Thus, unscented soaps always come in handy in any circumstances. They serve as a genital cleanser and can also be used to clean menstrual cups. Lastly, feminine wipes also serve the same purpose but offer an advantage if there is a lack of water source. Unscented soap        Credits: Unsplash ⦁ Disposable and toilet paper They come in handy more than you would realize and therefore should always be carried. The paper could be used to clean the public toilet seats, wraps around disposable sanitary products or even used to clean menstrual cups. Besides feminine hygiene, they are very essential to a traveler in general. ⦁ Medications and Pain Control Products The last thing you want is for your menstrual cramps to stop you from enjoying the holiday of your dream or nail that interview you’ve been working so hard on. Pain control products really come handy in situations like these. Pain reliever tablets are very effective in controlling cramps and abdomen pain. If you have time to spare in your hotel room you can also place a hot water bag or a heating pad on your stomach, while sipping on a glass of herbal tea. It would do wonders to ease or even get rid of the pain in no time. Another alternative is the use of creams that ease out the cramps. Herbal supplements to ease period pain            Credits : pexel Bottom Line woman travelling on her periods.            Credits : pexels In conclusion, it is more than possible to travel just about anywhere while you are on your periods and have the same amount of enjoyment as you usually would. The key is to always be prepared and plan ahead of time and rule out all possibilities of an inconvenience.

Between getting gadgets, clothes, and gym membership, working out at the gym can get seriously expensive. Fortunately, you don’t require any of that stuff to start leading a more active life. Your home is filled with free workout equipment if you know where to find and how to use them. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to involve in a solid workout session. There are several items you’ve already got lying around that can make up as workout equipment. To help spark some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of the common household objects that can double as workout equipment. Caption: A towel can be used for abs workout like side plank. A towel can replace the traditional workout mat. It may not feel as thick as a mat, so you can double up for extra padding. You can also use two small hand towels. On a tiled or wood floor, place these towels under your feet or hands to boost the challenge of abs workouts like knee tucks, mountain climbers, and pikes. It can also help with stretching or for an intense arm workout. Looking for the best thigh workout? Assume the plank position on a smooth floor. Place a small towel under each of your feet. In a slow and controlled manner, glide your legs apart and then back together. Feel the heat! A chair can be used for arm workouts like triceps dips A sturdy chair is an excellent addition to your workout sessions. It can help you practice some leg raises or perfect your squats to ace your thigh workouts. For some arm workout, practice some triceps dips using a chair. For a greater challenge, check out this 5-5-5 Chair workout that blends cardio, strength, and flexibility. For chest workout, do incline push ups or step-up exercises. A chair can also support you in case of balance issues while doing lunges. Stairs are great for walking or jogging at home. Why buy a treadmill when you’ve got a perfect staircase at home? Running or walking the stairs is an effective way to get your glutes burning without spending a rupee. According to a study, regularly walking 33 flights or nearly 400 steps during a session can considerably enhance your endurance, giving you a 17 per cent increase in oxygen. This is the maximum amount of oxygen you can take in during workouts. Additionally, a set of stairs is the perfect place for a quick cardio session. Paper Plates Paper plates can be for thigh workouts at home If you’re working out on a smooth surface, and want to increase your muscle engagement while practising bodyweight exercises, grab some paper plates. For example, you can make lunges (thigh workout) more efficient by placing your foot on a paper plate and then practising it. The paper plate decreases friction between your foot and the floor. Thus, instead of stepping forward, you can slide the paper plate forward before sliding it back as you return to the initial position. Water Bottles Heavy water bottles can be used for bicep curls Two gallons of water roughly weighs sixteen pounds on hand. For arm and chest workouts, you can simply substitute them for classic dumbbell workouts. Water bottles provide a nice grip and are easy to curl and swing. Beer Bottles Beer bottles can be used for cable curls Full beer bottles have the perfect shape and size to be used instead of lightweight dumbbells called for in barre workouts. Most full beer bottles weigh 0.6 kgs, and the narrow bottle provides a nice grip too. Pillows Pillows and couch cushions are nice and squishy, making them the perfect substitute for expensive balance tools. They’re tough to stand and perform exercises on as your body has to work harder to maintain stability on top of the foam surface. Pillows can be used for stability workouts like plank For chest and arms workout try doing pushups on top of the cushion, or for thigh workout, practice split squats with one foot on the cushion, and another on the floor. Backpack The classic weighted vest was a backpack, the 15 pounds of books we used to carry as kids. Stuff a backpack with canned foods or books, strap it on your back, and wear it at your home, while doing daily chores. You can also wear it to add weight to bodyweight exercises, like lunges, squats, and pushups. Backpacks can be used with squats Backpack straps can be used to perform shoulder presses, curls, or makeshift kettlebell swings. ​ Heavy Books A heavy book can substitute almost any exercise you do while holding a weight plate or a medicine ball. For example, substitute the medicine ball for a heavy book while doing weighted sit-ups, weighted oblique twists or cross-body wood chops. Heavy books being used for sit-ups Mops Holding a mop overhead when practising abs workout like standing bicycle crunches or standing oblique side crunches helps build a tight and functional core. Also, while sweeping, a mop can give your hips, core and glutes a workout. You can also add some oblique twists or hip hinges to your usual routine. Mop the floor for a great bicep workout Rope You can use a rope for suspension training. Take about ten feet of rope. Tie a knot at both ends, find a sturdy door loop, and put one end of the rope through it. Then, use the rope to practice inverted rows or squats. Make two loops at the ends and place your feet in for TRX-style lunges or planks. TRX-style lunges for thigh workout Solid workouts don’t need expensive or fancy equipment. All they require is an eagerness to put in some sweat equity, by finding creative equipment solutions. Go ahead and take a lap around your home to see what workout equipment you can uncover. They’re probably in plain sight as simple, everyday tools. #armsworkoutathome #bestthighworkouthome #chestworkoutathome #Workoutequipmentforhome

Scientists and researchers believe that the wisdom tooth, the third vestigial molar that emerges around the ages of 18-25 is proof of the theory of evolution. It is believed that our ancestors required their wisdom teeth in order to survive. This goes back to a time before man discovered fire. During that time, their diet consisted of coarse, chewy and uncooked food and nuts. Thus, early man needed his third molar to efficiently crush and breakdown his food. According to the theory of evolution, after man got wiser, he discovered fire and learnt how to make tools and cooking utensils. As a result, man had the ability to soften food and make it edible. Due to this, the use of the third molar lessened and soon was not a requirement at all. This was when the head and the jaw structure began to change due to the cultural shift and became smaller. The problem with wisdom teeth in the present population arises when it starts teething. For some people, the tooth will emerge with no problems except teething pain but for many, the jaw is unable to accommodate this tooth. When this happens, the wisdom tooth is known as the impacted tooth and causes great discomfort. Impacted Wisdom Tooth: When Extraction Is Necessary When the person is teething and the jaw does not have sufficient space, the tooth will start to grow at an abnormal angle. This can be harmful to oral health and hygiene as it traps and accumulates food which causes bacterial growth, infection, plaque and eventually leads to swelling, tenderness and other gum problems. When a tooth grows at the wrong angle it could possibly disrupt the alignment of your teeth or even result in the removal of the second molar. In addition, a partially emerged tooth can also rub the adjacent gums and inner cheek continuously, preventing the area to heal. Once the tooth becomes impacted, the person will have no choice but to surgically remove it. However, when the wisdom is teething, the person will experience symptoms that are similar to when a baby is teething. These include diarrhea, low grade fever and eruption pain. It is worth pointing out that these symptoms should not be confused for an impacted tooth as long as they grow in the correct angle. Credit: pexel Caption : Extraction procedure Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Types and Procedure According to the type and nature eruption, tooth extraction can be classified into the following: ⦁ General extraction This is when the crown of the impacted tooth has emerged above the gum. Here the tooth can be easily removed by simply pulling it out under local anaesthesia. ⦁ “Flap” method extraction In this method the gum has to be used out like a flap in order to expose the tooth that is covered by gum tissues. After the tooth has been extracted, the flap is switched back into place. Credit: pexel Caption: Bone Removal method ⦁ Bone removal method This extraction is carried out when the partial exposed or completely encased in the jawbone. In order to completely expose the tooth for extraction, a “flap” is cut and the jaw bone is shaved away. Then the tooth will be cut into pieces and then removed. Generally for flap and bone removal methods, oral surgeons will put the patient under general anesthesia to induce sleep during the procedure and local anesthesia that only numbs that particular place during general extraction. Post-extraction Care The trickiest and least desired part of wisdom extraction is the post-surgery care. It takes people anywhere from 3-10 days to recover from the surgery. Firstly, it is highly advisable to be accompanied by a friend or a family after your tooth extraction. This is because the effects of general anesthesia takes a long time to wear off. The person will not be conscious enough to drive or perform any activity that requires concentration. Speaking of anesthesia, your mouth will feel numb for about 2-5 hours but after that the person will really start to feel the post-surgery pain. Typically, the oral surgeon will prescribe pain killers in the first few days. Incase of general extraction, no stitches are usually required and the bleeding will last for about 24-48 hours which can be controlled by inserting a damped gauze pads and biting it firmly. Eventually a blood clot will be formed. The formation of this blood clot on the removal site is extremely important as it serves as a cushion and protects the exposed bone and underlying nerve and promotes the healing process. Care must be taken to avoid the dislodge of this clot which could lead to a condition known as dry socket. Here, the underlying nerves get exposed and it causes excruciating pain and infections. Credit: public domain pictures Caption : Use ice to reduce swelling Other Precautions and care include: ⦁ Place an ice-pack to reduce swelling. ⦁ Use a dental syringe to flush out food in our around the extraction site. ⦁ The area out the extraction site must be avoided when you brush your teeth. ⦁ Straws or any suction movement must be avoided in order to protect the stitches disruption of the blood clot Diet Where diet is concerned, soft foods with no species are recommended. These include: ⦁ Broths ⦁ Soups ⦁ Mashed potatoes ⦁ Pudding ⦁ Yogurt ⦁ Icecream Avoid food items that include: ⦁ Alcohol ⦁ Nuts ⦁ Rice and quinoa ⦁ Beans ⦁ Beverages like caffeine that will affect your pain medications ⦁ All Spicy food Bottom line Depending on the impact and method of extraction, patients will face different types of experience post-surgery. A lot of people get alarmed when bleeding does stop after 48 hours or when the blood clot does not form but that could be due to the impact of their surgery. This is why it is very important for patients to trust their oral surgeons and follow their instructions in order to avoid any risk or cause of alarm. #Whattodofortoothpain #Wisdomtoothextractioncare #Wisdomtoothextractionpostsurgerycare #Wisdomtoothextractionprocedure

Did you know that food manufacturers have a standard called Bliss Point? There is an optimal concentration for every food item at which sensory pleasure is at its maximum. This bliss point pretty much decides what we eat and drink and how much. So, until the bliss point is reached, the more the salt, the happier we are. For some people, a little salt makes everything better. Except, of course, our health. On average, Indians consume way too much salt. A new study reveals that we’re consuming nearly 50 percent more salt than we should every day. Why Do We Like Salt So Much? Restaurant foods like burgers contain lots of salt            Credits: Needpix We know that salt makes our food compelling, tastier, and leaves us wanting more. Several food items in grocery stores have salt loaded as a core ingredient, like in bread or meats. Sometimes they are loaded as a layered ingredient too. Regularly consuming too much salt can increase blood pressure, leading to diabetes. So, we are often advised to limit our salt intake. However, it can be tough to overcome those salt cravings. Also, salt affects some people more than others. There is a science behind this. Researchers have discovered that specific neurons in the brain control both our urge to eat salt and how our blood pressure changes in response. When we consume food rich in salt, our taste buds in the tongue send a signal to the lower part of our brain. The brain, in turn, stimulates the neurons. The neurons in our brain are part of the endorphins or opioid circuitry. When we eat highly palatable foods, in other words, foods loaded with salt they enable the body to perceive a highly savouring experience. They also found that after several days of taking salt at higher levels, participants developed high blood pressure. Apart from sensory pleasure, our food patterns are also determined by our history of personal experiences. What we ate during our childhood can strongly influence us. If the circumstances around eating a savouring food item are pleasant, it usually becomes an emotional experience which gets stored in our memory. When we recall that food, it stimulates desire. Other causes for salt cravings include lack of sleep, excessive sweating, stress, boredom or premenstrual syndrome. Why is Too Much Salt Bad? Kidneys are important for regulating our blood pressure. They remove water from our blood. However, too much salt in our blood pulls the water back in, making it stay in the blood, thus contributing to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a big risk factor for heart and circulatory conditions like diabetes. Over time our blood vessels have to work harder to confront the increasing pressure. This makes the walls of the vessels thicker, decreasing the amount of space for blood to flow through, further increasing our blood pressure. It can also cause swelling in the feet and other health issues. Caption: Global prevalence of diabetes. Credits: Commons wikimedia If you already have prediabetes or diabetes, the amount of salt you consume can worsen your condition by causing hypertension due to high blood pressure. How Much Salt Should We Consume? Current guidelines say that an individual should eat less than 6 grams of salt or roughly about a teaspoon’s worth per day. This includes the amount of salt we add to our food while cooking and the salt already present in our meals (that we don’t think about), such as in things like sauces and bread. For instance, just 2 slices of bread can equate to 1 gram of salt. An average adult usually consumes about 8 grams per day, which is way too much. Consuming high amounts of salt can increase our blood pressure. So, we must try to control how much is in our diet. Caption: Pepper is a good substitute for salt. . Credits: Commons wikimedia To cut back on salt without losing the flavour, give ingredients like black pepper, garlic, citrus-rich foods and kinds of vinegar a try. #cravingforsalt #saltcraving

Pregnancy is a life-altering journey of a woman filled with joy, excitement, hope, nervousness, and many other feelings. Whether you were actively trying to get pregnant or it came as a surprise, it can be an overwhelming period for you, but in a great way! So now that you are pregnant, welcome to an exciting 9 month long ride! Pregnancy has the potential to create some stress in your life, where your mind may be in a continuous thought process regarding various things which undergo changes during the different stages of pregnancy. This includes pregnancy diet, how to take care of yourself and your baby, etc. We bring to you a month-by-month checklist to help you prepare for your little one’s arrival. Caption: Woman happy to see her pregnancy test positive Credits: pixabay First Trimester Checklist Congratulations! You’re pregnant! The first trimester may seem a little difficult for the mom-to-be, as during this period the body undergoes several changes. It is also considered to be the most critical time of pregnancy where you need to be extra cautious to take care of yourself and your baby. The first trimester of pregnancy begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of week 12. What to do during the first trimester of pregnancy? There’s a long list of things to be done during the first trimester, but it’s easily manageable! Here’s a list of things to do in the first trimester: Month 1 During the first month of pregnancy, your body develops an amniotic sac to provide cushion for your baby to facilitate its growth, easily, without any jerks. The placenta which provides all the essential nutrition to the fetus also develops during the first month of pregnancy. You may start to experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and tiredness as you progress towards the end of your pregnancy. What to do during the first month of pregnancy? ⦁ Make regular appointments with your OBGYN. ⦁ Do not smoke or consume alcohol. Avoid taking unpasteurized milk products or meat. ⦁ Exercise regularly. Make sure you perform light exercises. ⦁ Begin taking your daily folic acid supplements, Vitamin D, and Calcium, thyroid medications and prenatal- vitamins. These medications can help reduce the risk of birth defects. ⦁ Start eating for two now! Pregnancy diet during each month of pregnancy like foods which are high in protein and necessary carbohydrates, fruits, and nuts should be consumed throughout the pregnancy. ⦁ Figure out your due date by recalling your first day of the last menstrual cycle. ⦁ Your body is going through so much. Take rest as much as you can and sleep. You’ll notice your baby’s size at the end of the first month of your pregnancy to be around 1/4 inch long. Month 2 In the second month of your pregnancy, your baby develops tiny facial features, neural tube, digestive tract, and sensory organs. By the end of the second month, an ultrasound scan can detect your baby’s heartbeat, which is one essential milestone. You may continue to experience symptoms similar to the previous month which include fatigue, dizziness, frequent urination, nausea, food cravings or aversions, and mood swings. Your body produces a hormone called progesterone, essential for your baby’s development, which may also tend to make the intestines less efficient, causing constipation. Your gums will become softer, your immunity strength will be altered and you may experience a stuffy nose. What to do during the second month of pregnancy? ⦁ Schedule your first prenatal appointment. Let your doctor know if you have any health concerns. ⦁ Check for health insurance covers. This can help with a birth plan. ⦁ If you need support from other moms sign up for an online club. ⦁ Morning sickness can be predominant during this time, eat small snacks, anything that contains ginger, hard candies, fruits like oranges to freshen your mood. As you near the end of your second month of pregnancy, you’ll find that your baby has grown about 1 inch long and weighs about 1/30 of an ounce. Month 3 In the third month of your pregnancy, you will begin to notice more physical changes in your body. Symptoms like nausea and fatigue may start to ease but problems like constipation, frequent urination, dizziness could persist. Your uterus is enlarging at a regular rate now and is the size of grapefruit. By the end of the third month, you can find your baby’s organs to be fully formed. What to do during the third month of pregnancy? ⦁ It’s time to let your loved ones know that you are pregnant and surprise them!. ⦁ Make sure to eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and high fiber diets to guard yourself against constipation and hemorrhoids. ⦁ During this month, the doctor will test you for blood pressure, growth of the uterus, the baby’s heartbeat, urine examination, and thyroid test if you have one. ⦁ Start shopping for maternity clothes as you will require them soon. ⦁ If you are a working woman, check if they have a maternity leave policy at your workplace. ⦁ Stop lying flat on your back while sleeping or exercising as it may harm your baby. ⦁ Check with your dentist if you are experiencing inflamed gums and gingivitis. The size of your baby is about 4 inches long by the end of the third month of your pregnancy and weighs about 1 ounce. Second Trimester Checklist Caption: Woman in her second trimester Credits: pixabay You have now completed 13 weeks of your pregnancy period and reached the 14th week which marks the beginning of the second trimester. The second trimester is the easiest of all the three for all you future moms. You may start to feel a bit more stressed but with our checklist, you can keep your stress away. Month 4 In the fourth month of your pregnancy, some of the physical symptoms may persist along with heartburn and constipation. You may also experience changes in your breast like darkening of the areola, soreness, and breast enlargement. Your baby has now developed well-defined eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair. The nervous system has started to function well and the reproductive organs are also fully developed. What to do during the fourth month of pregnancy? ⦁ The chances of miscarriages are more during the first trimester, so rejoice for making it this far. ⦁ Start looking for cute baby names. ⦁ Start massaging your thighs, stomach, and hips with a moisturizing lotion as it helps prevent stretch marks. ⦁ Plan for a pre-baby vacation with your partner. Spend some quality time before the later stages of your pregnancy makes traveling difficult. ⦁ Continue taking care of your body. This includes consuming nutritious food, drinking water, and exercising regularly. By the end of the fourth month, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces. Month 5 Early during the fifth month, you may experience your heart rate to increase in order to provide blood to meet up the oxygen requirements for your baby. Your baby develops skin hair during this month and you may experience fluttering in your tummy. Fluttering/quickening are found often in the evenings as your baby is more active during that time. What to do during the fifth month of pregnancy? ⦁ Sign up for Yoga classes, or child-birth classes. ⦁ Have your ultrasound scan performed to ensure the good health of your unborn baby. ⦁ Buy yourself a maternity/pregnancy pillow that can keep you more comfortable while you’re sleeping. By the end of the fifth month, your baby weighs about 1/2 to 1 pound and is about 10 inches long. Month 6 You will begin to put on weight more consistently as you progress towards the sixth month and may start feeling jerking motions in your tummy due to hiccups experienced by your baby. What to do during the sixth month of pregnancy? ⦁ Stop wearing heels, as you may already be experiencing swollen feet and ankles which may worsen your pain. ⦁ Get yourself checked for gestational diabetes, and take care of yourself to reduce it, if found positive. ⦁ Relax – you are out of the danger zone! Your baby could survive if born early during this month By the end of the sixth month, your baby is about 12 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds. Third Trimester Checklist Caption: Woman in her third trimester Credits: pixabay Now that you have completed 27 weeks of your pregnancy, it may be very easy for you to complete the remaining time. The third trimester can be quite hard for the mother as she suffers from backache, abdominal contractions, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. Month 7 In month 7, your baby starts responding to various stimuli, including sound, pain, and light. Your baby is growing a whole lot larger during this period and weighs about 2 to 4 pounds. By the end of the 7th month, your baby is about 14 inches long. What to do during the seventh month of pregnancy? ⦁ You may start experiencing abdominal pain, fatigue, heartburns, varicose veins, stretch marks from the 7th month of your pregnancy. ⦁ Take rest and stop doing strenuous activity. ⦁ Find a good pediatrician for your baby. As you will have to check with them regularly once your baby has arrived. ⦁ Perform Yoga Asanas that can help you relieve your backache. ⦁ Go for a 30 minutes walk, as your baby may like rolling inside your stomach. Month 8 The eighth month of pregnancy may cause trouble sleeping at night, leg cramps, swollen ankles and feet, backache, and frequent trips to the bathroom. During this month, the baby becomes mature and develops reserves of body fat. Baby’s position changes and assumes a head-down position in the uterus. You may also experience Braxton hick contractions during this month. What to do during the eighth month of pregnancy? ⦁ Plan for a baby shower together with your partner and enjoy it! ⦁ Connect with your loved ones, Finish setting up the nursery where your baby will sleep. ⦁ Enjoy your baby’s kicks and keep a count on them (should be at least 10 times in two hours) ⦁ Hemorrhoids or constipation can be predominant during your 8th month. Try consuming fiber-rich foods and drink water. Ultrasound scan of 8-month pregnancy shows the size of your baby around 18 inches long and weighs 5 pounds. Month 9 Your baby’s reflexes are coordinated during the 9th month of your pregnancy. Your baby is about 17 to 19 inches long and weighs from 5 ½ to 6 ½ pounds. What to do during the ninth month of pregnancy? ⦁ In the last month of your pregnancy, take a tour of the hospital in which you are planning to give birth. ⦁ Keep things ready in your hospital bag, like clothes, toiletries, snacks, and cell phone chargers. ⦁ In this final month, you could go into labor at any time. Check on your contractions and educate yourself on it. ⦁ Prepare yourself for breastfeeding. Read about how to take care of your sore nipples, and what foods to eat to enhance the flow of breast milk. ⦁ Arrange for a maternity photoshoot or you can also take some beautiful bump shots of your own. ⦁ Instead of getting nervous, keep yourself engaged by learning on topics like what happens after birth? how your body repairs, and try adjusting you to your new role. ⦁ At last, relax and wait for the big day! 9 months of pregnancy can be a roller coaster ride for a woman. There are numerous things for a pregnant woman to do, to prepare for her baby. Take the help of your doctor and your partner to carry out all the necessary things while you are pregnant and welcome your baby happily into this new world. #babysizeduringeachmonthofpregnancy #babyweightduringeachmonthofpregnancy #pregnancydietduringeachmonth #stagesofpregnancyeachmonth

When it comes to diet, some people with large appetites may have a fast metabolism or some with smaller appetites may have a slow metabolism or vice versa. The metabolic rate of an individual is determined by a couple of factors like genetics, diet history, fitness, body size, gender, hormonal function and age. What is Metabolism and Slow Metabolism? Metabolism is a term used to describe a biochemical process in which food is broken down either for the production of energy in the form of ATP or for the reformation of important building blocks like lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. When a person has slow metabolism it means that the body is not able to convert food into useful energy or building blocks as fast or efficiently as it normally would. As a result, fewer calories in your body get burned and the person will show signs of weight gain, sleeplessness, cold hands and feet, dry eyes, tiredness, constipation, hair loss and loss of appetite. Credit: Pixabay Caption : Basal Metabolism : breathing What Does “Boosting Metabolism” Mean? Your body utilizes energy everyday for the functioning of your organs and cells (basal metabolism), to break down food or during physical activities. The rate at which these mechanisms carry out is known as metabolic rate. “Boosting your metabolism” simply means increasing efficiency and rate of these activities so that your body will utilise more energy and thus burn more calories. Most commonly, metabolic rate can be enhanced through your diet when you consume foods which will require larger amounts of energy to be broken down and also affect the basal metabolism. Another way to boost your metabolism is through physical activities and muscle building as muscles are capable of burning calories. Metabolism Boosting Foods A planned and calculated diet consisting of foods that help boost metabolism is one way to fix the issue of slow metabolism and avoid weight gain. Here’s a list of foods that will boost your metabolism: Tea ⦁ Caffeine products : Coffee and Tea Tea and coffee consists of two properties that help boosts metabolism: ⦁ Caffeine: It is capable of stimulating an increase in the production of adrenaline, a hormone. Adrenaline is capable of sending signals to the fat cells to break down fat and release it into the bloodstream. Once fatty acids are released into the blood the person can burn it through exercise. In addition caffeine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a hormone which will increase and enhance physical activity and exercise. ⦁ Antioxidants: They facilitate the breakdown of fats and increase the amount of energy that the body uses by 10%. protein-rich foods ⦁ High protein foods like eggs, meat, fish and nuts Proteins are one of the most efficient metabolism-boosting foods. This is because the compound requires a larger amount of energy to be broken down and digested compared to carbohydrates and fats. The amount of calories required by the body to breakdowns and digest food is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). If TEF increases, the body will force the metabolic activity to increase and as a result, it will boost your metabolism. In addition, proteins reduce the levels of the hunger hormone known as ghrelin. This keeps us from overeating which would consequently lead to excessive weight gain. Caption: spicy foods                    Credit: Pixabay ⦁ Spicy food and species Spicy foods like chilli peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin. It is an appetite suppressant that reduces hunger and increases metabolic activity. It does so by increasing the heart rate and the breakdown of stored fats. Moreover, adrenaline is produced which also stimulates metabolism and increases calorie burn. Capsaicin is also known to prevent ulcers and inhibit bacterias that are found in the stomach. However, excessive consumption of capsaicin causes irritation in the digestive tract which may lead to diarrhea and laxative effects. Similarly, other species like ginger, turmeric, black peppers and cumin are so responsible for raising metabolic rate, enhancing calorie burn and reducing appetite. ⦁ Zinc and selenium-rich foods like brazil nuts, yellow tuna, beef and ham. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is responsible for the secretions of hormones that regulate metabolism. If these essential hormones are low, the person may experiment excessive weight gain due to low metabolic function. Levels of zinc and selenium in the body will determine the amount of hormones released in direct proportionality. Thus, by consuming zinc and selenium rich foods, the secretions of thyroid hormone increases which in turn leads to an increase in metabolic activities. Other zinc and selenium-rich foods include peas, potatoes, yogurt, shellfish and banana. Credit: pixabay Alt tag / caption: Broccoli ⦁ Broccoli It is high in fiber and which helps in gastrointestinal functions like digestion, constipation, low blood sugar and also reduces hunger. It makes it a suitable food product for weight loss. Glucoraphanin is a substance contained in broccoli and helps enhance metabolism by controlling the levels of fats in the blood. Credit: pxhere Caption/alt tag : apple cider vinegar ⦁ Apple cider vinegar It mainly reduces calories intake by acting as an appetite suppressant. It also slows down the rate of transfer of food from the stomach to the intestine and therefore increases digestion. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar also helps dissolve hydrogen and acetate in your body and as a result boosts calorie burn and decreases sugar production. Credit: pixabay Caption/alt tag: Spinach ⦁ Spinach It is rich in vitamin B and iron which helps oxides muscles and build up muscle mass. This is important for metabolism as even though muscles do not burn fat directly, the more muscle mass one has, the more calories they will burn. As a result, the metabolic rate and efficiency increase considerably. #Slowmetabolismsymptoms

A temple headache is a condition in which there is pain and pressure in the temples and the head. Temple headaches are triggered by different causes. Most people suffer from temple headaches occasionally, however, the repetitive occurrence can be a cause of concern. The treatment of temple headaches is decided on the basis of the cause. The following are causes of temple headaches Migraine A migraine can cause temple headaches. In case of a migraine, the pain which is felt is pulsating and severe. When a migraine attack occurs, the pain is usually felt on one side of the head. However, it can be felt on both sides. Other accompanying symptoms can be: ⦁ Depression ⦁ Fatigue ⦁ Light sensitivity ⦁ Seeing flashing lights ⦁ Eye irritation ⦁ Vomiting ⦁ Nausea ⦁ Irritability Migraine induced temple headaches can last for a long period. In severe cases, they can last up to 24 hours. The treatment is based on the severity of the pain. If you feel that the pain is due to migraine then see a doctor. The common drugs used for treatment include analgesic agents and selective serotonin receptor agonists. Tension Headaches and Stress A tension headache is characterized by a non-throbbing mild pain in the head. It can cause temple headaches. The exact cause of tension headaches is not known. It is widely accepted that tension headaches are triggered due to stress. An increased stress level can cause discomfort which can lead to a temple headache. Stress in itself can cause direct pain and pressure in the temple resulting in a temple headache. Tension headaches have the following symptoms: ⦁ Forehead pain ⦁ Pain in the neck ⦁ Feeling external pressure against your head. Tension headaches usually resolve on their own with the help of rest. Over-the-counter painkillers are also effective. Stress relief can be helpful in reducing these headaches. If these headaches are occurring for more than 15 days then you should consult a doctor. Temporal Arteritis Temporal arteritis is a condition in which the arteries in and around the scalp are inflamed. Temporal arteritis causes temple headaches. The cause of this condition is not known. The pain in this condition feels like a migraine along with tenderness in the temples. Other symptoms include the following: Credits: Pexels Caption: A high fever with a temple headache can be symptoms of temporal arteritis ⦁ Fever ⦁ Reduction in Appetite ⦁ Weight Loss ⦁ Jaw pain ⦁ Tenderness in the temples It is a serious condition which requires immediate medical attention. The arteries carry blood to the brain and eyes. A complete blockage can result in visual impairment and a stroke. Diagnosis and Treatment The diagnosis involves tests. The first one is a blood sedimentation rate test which is used to check whether the artery is inflamed. The second type of test is a biopsy which is used as a confirmatory test. The treatment focuses on using steroids for reducing the inflammation. Eye Strain Eye strain is a condition in which the fatigue of eyes causes discomfort. Eye strain occurs due to overusing of the eyes. Excessive time spent in front of a screen is a common cause of eye strain. Eye strain is accompanied by temple headaches. The other symptoms of eye strain include: ⦁ Itching in eyes ⦁ Redness in eyes ⦁ Sore neck and back ⦁ Difficulty in concentrating ⦁ Blurred vision ⦁ Double vision Eye strain is treated with rest and lifestyle changes which focus on reducing the strain on the eyes. Credits: Pexels Caption: Excessive screen time leads to eye strain which can cause temple headaches. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders It is a condition in which the temporomandibular joint is affected and causes pain. This joint connects the jawbone to the skull. The condition can be caused by arthritis, injury as well as genetic factors. Temple headaches can be caused by these disorders. Other accompanying symptoms are: ⦁ Jaw Pain ⦁ Tenderness in jaw ⦁ Pain in temples ⦁ Difficulty in chewing ⦁ Jaw locking ⦁ Facial Pain Credits: Pexels Caption: Jaw and facial pain can be symptoms of Temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor and a dentist. It usually resolves on its own. In severe cases, the following treatment options can be used: ⦁ Muscle relaxants ⦁ Rehabilitation Therapy ⦁ Corticosteroids ⦁ Arthroscopic Surgery Takeaway The causes of temple headaches range from mild to severe. Treatment options can only be used after the identification of the cause. If the occurrence is rare then you can try and manage them with over-the-counter medication and rest. However, temple headaches are accompanied by other symptoms or occur frequently then consult a doctor immediately.

Have you ever suddenly felt like you’re on a tilt-a-whirl when you’re sitting in your office or walking down the street? If yes, vertigo might be the reason. Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel a sudden sensation that the world around you is spinning or that you are! This feeling can come and go or it can last for hours or even days. With the dizziness, you may also experience vomiting or nausea, headaches, a racing heartbeat or double vision. Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness Dizziness is one of the most common reasons why people go to the emergency room. However, not all of them have vertigo. Caption: Vertigo is a common symptom of dizziness  Credits: Commons wikimedia Vertigo is characterized as an illusion of motion. Most of the time, vertigo implies a spinning sensation. Other illusions of motion such as rising, falling, accelerating in one direction, are also vertigo, but they aren’t usually experienced. Dizziness is more of a relaxed term that includes vertigo. It is a collection of symptoms like vertigo, imbalance, lightheadedness, and a sensation that one might pass out. Dizziness is sometimes a symptom of serious brain conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or bleeding in the brain. Cause The most typical causes of vertigo include diseases of the ear or inner ear infections such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis. BPPV may occur when calcium increases in the canals of the inner ear, leading to brief dizziness that lasts from 20 to 60 seconds. It is generally brought on by moving the head in certain positions or by trauma to the head. Vestibular neuritis is brought on by an inner ear infection that causes inflammation around the nerves that creates a sense of body balance. It leads to a severe bout of vertigo that can last a day or more and at times includes hearing loss. You may feel dizzy for a day or two and then off balance. The Cleveland Clinic says 95 percent of people make a full recovery and never experience it again. Meniere’s disease is caused by the increase in pressure and fluid in the inner ear and can cause dizziness along with hearing loss and ringing in the ears. Less common causes of vertigo are brain or head injuries or migraines. Diagnostic Tools Vertigo is usually diagnosed using the video electronystagmography test (eye movement test), an audiogram (hearing test), and the rotatory chair test in which eye movements are noted when a patient sits in a chair that spins slowly. Treatments Vertigo sometimes is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that comes and goes quickly, and shouldn’t normally be cause for alarm. It just happens. Vertigo that is due to BPPV can be treated using physical therapy where patients learn a series of exercises known as the Canalith repositioning procedure. This involves slow manoeuvres for positioning your head to move particles in the inner ear. Caption: Apple’s maneuver. Credits: Wikipedia A single treatment cures BPPV nearly 75 percent of the time. It is often done the same day the diagnosis is made. However, it does tend to come back with a 30 percent chance of another round within a year from the first time it occurred. Treatment of vertigo due to migraine takes longer. Usually, it starts with lifestyle changes including diet, and if it doesn’t work, more preventive medications such as verapamil, nortriptyline, or topiramate are given. These medications take nearly a month to work. Sometimes one must try multiple types before finding one that works. With vestibular neuritis, generally, the individual is back to their usual activities by two weeks. Treatment is just waiting for it to improve, combined with exercises. If an individual has Meniere’s disease, a doctor might prescribe a diuretic and a low sodium diet to decrease fluid pressure in the inner ear. Few vertigo patients can also be treated using certain prescription medications like calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers. Although it can be disorienting, vertigo is not a critical condition. For those with BPPV, it can become hazardous if the person is working on something like scaffolding where they get a sense of vertigo. If you experience repeated rounds of dizziness and hearing loss, it is advised to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to seek appropriate treatment.